COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018 1

August 2017

To the Students and Parents of Columbia Middle School: This handbook is designed to provide helpful information, enabling you to make the best of what the school has to offer. Please read it with care; we encourage each family to review it together. Although Columbia Middle School encourages the development of individual talents and respects the rights of every student to his or her own opinion, there must be commonly accepted standards of behavior and communication for our school to function optimally. These standards are published in this handbook. The school assumes that you will read them, understand them, and by your presence in the school, intend to maintain them. We hope that this will be a very positive, productive year for each of you. The faculty and staff are committed to working with you to provide an environment that is conducive to learning and a curriculum which challenges each student to do his/her best. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us at 706-541-1252.

Have a great year!

Sincerely

Elijah Putnam Principal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement and Goals ……………………………………….……… Page 4 School Map(s) ………………………………………………………………………. Page 5 Daily Schedule/Teachers………………………………………………………. Page 7 Attendance Policies …………………………………………………………….. Page 8 General School Procedures and Information ……………………….. Page 10 School Behavior and Discipline ……………………………………………. Page 20 School Dances ……………………………………………………………………… Page 23 Emergency Procedures ………………………………………………………… Page 24 Extra-Curricular Activities ……………………………………………………. Page 24 Grading System/Report Cards …………………………………………….. Page 28 Guidance/Counseling …………………………………………………………. Page 29 Textbooks and Classroom Supplies …………………………………….. Page 30

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MISSION STATEMENT _____________________________________________________________________________

Columbia Middle School’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, academically challenging learning environment where students prepare to become responsible citizens in a culturally diverse society.

Raiders LEAD L – Lifelong Learners E – Exhibit Positive Behavior A – Act Responsibly D – Determined to Succeed

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MIDDLE SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE

Homeroom 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period 5th Period 6th Period Achievement Period

8th

6th

7th

7:30-7:35 7:35-8:20 - Conn. 8:20-9:05 - Conn. 9:05-10:10 10:10 – 11:40 (Lunch) 11:40-12:45 12:45-1:50 1:50-2:35

7:30-7:35 7:35-8:40 8:40-9:45 9:45-10:30 – Conn. 10:30-11:15 – Conn.

7:30-7:35 7:35-8:40 8:40-9:45 9:45-10:50 10:50–12:20 (lunch) 12:20 – 1:05 – Conn. 1:05-1:50 – Conn. 1:50-2:35

11:15-12:45 (Lunch) 12:45-1:50 1:50-2:35

TEACHERS Team 6A

Team 7A

Ms. McNeal-Math

Mr. ThomasMath/Sci Mr. McGillMath/ELA Mr. FergusonMath/Social Studies

Mr. Wilson -Math

Mr. Atkins-PE

Ms. Cohan

Mr. Ringel-ELA

Mr. Walsh-PE

Ms. Jones

Ms. Planz -- Science

Ms. Brodhecker - PE

Ms. Rehder

Team 7B

Mr. Avelar -- SS

Ms. Morris-Art

Ms. Lewis

Ms. Shields- Business

Ms. Cotton

Ms. Dyches - Careers

Ms. Lampkin-Jackson

Ms. Garrison-Tech

Ms. Maggitt

Ms. Bennett-Band

Ms. Barton

Ms. Beemer-ELA Mr. Davis-Science

Ms. Butler-SS

Team 6B

Ms. Zumbro-Math

Team 8A

Team 8B

Connection

Ms. Pennington - Math

Ms. Gaskin-ELA

Ms. Amos-ELA

Mr. McNair-SS

Ms Seabolt-Science

Ms. Cleary-Science

Mr. Hinson – Math/Social Studies Ms. Wheeler – ELA/Sci Mr. Blitch - Science

Ms. Lind-SS

Team 7C

Ms. Waters – SS/ELA

Ms. Dumars-Chorus

Ms. Crouch -- Math

Ms. Rachels -- PE Ms. Frails-I/E

Ms. Blodgett-Math Ms. Strickland-ELA

Team 8C

Ms. Brock-Math Ms. Ferbee-ELA

Ms. Beale-Science

Ms. Johnson-ELA

Ms. Gallo-Science

Ms. Caride-SS

Mr. Widener-Science

Team 6C

Ms. McCook-SS

Special Education

Ms. Seymour-Math

Mr. Foust-SS

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ATTENDANCE POLICIES Promptness and Tardiness Through the daily routine at the middle school, we encourage students to make responsible decisions about their use of time. Students are expected to attend school daily and arrive on time for all classes. Arriving at School Homeroom begins at 7:30 a.m. Students should arrive no later than 7:20 a.m., as we expect students to be on time for all classes. Students arriving late to school must sign in at the main office. Only confirmed medical reasons will be accepted as excused tardies. The consequences for tardiness to school or class per nine weeks are as follows: Tardy to School Homeroom (per 9 weeks) 1st three tardies logged by office 4th offense written warning from office 5th offense office detention 6th offense office detention 7th offense ISS 8th offense suspension

Tardy to Class First – Sixth period: (per 9 weeks) 1st & 2nd offense: written warning from teacher rd th 3 & 4 offense: teacher detention 5th + offense: office referral 7th offense ISS 8th offense suspension

Absences Students are expected to attend school daily. Students must provide the school with written explanations of any absence. Students may be excused from school in the cases of: Excused Absences  personal illness  serious injury or death in the immediate family  special and recognized holidays observed by their faith  mandated order of governmental agencies  absences due to overseas deployment of parents 8

 school team sport competitions  school sponsored field trips Unexcused Absences  truancy  class cuts  unauthorized early departure for or late returns from vacations  official school suspensions  participation in athletic competitions not sponsored by the school Depending on the nature of the unexcused absence, a teacher may be under no obligation to help a student make up missed work. Absences shall not penalize students’ grades provided the following conditions are met: Absences are justified and validated for excusable reasons; Make-up work for excused absences was completed satisfactorily; a grade average of 70 or above has been earned in the course work. A parental or medical excuse will be required within five (5) school days of return to school; otherwise, the absence will not be considered excused and make-up opportunity will not be afforded. Only five excuses written by a parent for student illness will be allowed per semester; after that a valid excuse from a health care professional will be required. It will be the student's responsibility to complete all make-up work upon return to school and to complete all assignments within a reasonable time. Be advised that an accumulation of absences can result in the student and/or parents being referred to juvenile authorities for truancy; refer to the Student Code of Conduct for details of this policy. Students who have emergencies necessitating their absence from school for a portion of the school day must have been present for half of the school day to be counted present. When there is cause necessitating an individual student to be excused from school during the school day, the student shall be released from school only by his or her parent(s) or legal guardian or upon request by letter or telephone from the parent or guardian.

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Homework Assignments and Make-Ups  Students should assume that all work must be made up.  Students should contact other class members or teachers for assignments or class work.  Upon returning from an absence, students must make specific arrangements with each teacher to complete required class work. GENERAL SCHOOL PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS All accidents in the classroom, halls, or school grounds should be reported immediately to a staff member or the main office. A school insurance plan is available to all students at CMS. Students will not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities unless they are covered by insurance or furnish proof that parents will assume responsibility for payment of medical expenses due to injuries. Information concerning this program may be obtained from your homeroom teacher. Any student who becomes ill during the day must go to a teacher or the nurse’s office. Students will not be released from school until a parent has been contacted. An adult must sign the student out at the reception desk in the front office. It is important to notify the office of all names, address, or phone changes in case an emergency situation arises. Also, if parents will be out-of-town for a period of time, it is helpful to leave the name of the adult who will be responsible for their CMS student during their absence.

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BOOK BAGS Book bags can be used to carry books and materials to and from school, but must remain in the student’s locker during the school day. Students may not travel with book bags throughout the school day or take book bags into the classroom. Girl’s hand bags should be small enough to fit under desks or secured in lockers. CAFETERIA RULES AND COURTESY GUIDELINES Columbia County commitment to offering students a superior education extends to the meals that we provide for students. The school aspires to the highest possible quality in its breakfast and lunch programs, and is dedicated to meeting high standards of nutrition, taste, attractiveness, and accurate delivery. All parents/guardians are encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced Priced Meals Application for their student so that payment status can be established. Students may purchase a meal daily, $1.50 for breakfast or $.30 reduced and $2.85 for lunch or $.40 (reduced). Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. If the student wishes to purchase a double lunch - the first lunch is at the student cost, the second lunch is at the adult price of $3.75. Students needing to charge a lunch must see the cafeteria manager. Students may only charge five (5) lunches per each nine weeks, unless approved by the administration or through parental contact. Parents may make breakfast/lunch payments by cash or check directly at the cafeteria. Online payment options will also be available for parents wishing to pay by credit card. Parents are encouraged not to send cash with their student to avoid the risk of loss or theft. Students with an outstanding balance of (10) charged meals will be offered a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a carton of milk until the account is paid in full. The account will be charged $1.50 for each meal. Students are not allowed to take any food or drinks out of the cafeteria. Eating and/or drinking is not allowed in the library, hallways, or gym. 4

Eating and/or drinking is not allowed in the classroom unless a student has permission from a teacher or administrator. Tables must be cleared and trash must be discarded in containers provided for the next classes. CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES Use of electronic communication devices is prohibited during the school day unless prior approval from an administrator or teacher. Devices will remain out of sight and turned off during the school day. The school district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged communication devices. The school day is defined as 7:00 a.m. -2:40 p.m. Personal headphones or earbuds are not allowed at Columbia Middle School. Students who choose to bring them to school must secure them in their lockers during the school day. Students will be provided with headphones when needed for educational purposes. HALL PASSES Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless accompanied by a teacher or in possession of a hall pass from a teacher or staff member. Students must have a pass to see a teacher, counselor, principal, go to the media center, or to use the telephone. HOMEWORK Home study is a necessary part of school. Students will be expected to spend time doing homework in addition to attending their scheduled classes to achieve satisfactory progress. Some assignments are long-range in nature and require planned study time for completion. Students are strongly encouraged to develop good study habits. Study buddies in each class are helpful in order to discuss or retrieve missed work when absent. Homework policies are developed in each class or grade level team to promote the success and learning of all students and deter failing grades. Parents are reminded that daily reading is a part of homework. 5

ISSUES AT SCHOOL The Columbia County School District is committed to the success of every student. It is well understood the best results are achieved when the home and school work in partnership with one another. Although steps are taken to ensure that each student has a positive school experience, issues will sometimes occur. To ensure that issues are handled promptly and effectively, the district has recommended guidelines for seeking solutions to issues: 1. Talk first with the teacher if the issue is related to the classroom. 2. You may contact an assistant principal if you wish to receive assistance in solving issues that are not resolved after talking with the teacher. 3. You may contact the principal if you wish to receive assistance in solving issues that are not resolved after talking with the assistant principal or if they involve a function of the school. Questions related to Special Services will be directed to the Special Education Facilitator. 4. You may contact the assistant superintendent if you wish to receive assistance in solving issues that are not resolved after talking with the principal. Other issues or questions concerning the school district should be directed to the appropriate Central Office Administrator. 5. You may contact the superintendent in writing if you wish to receive assistance in solving issues that are not resolved after talking with the assistant superintendent. IDENTIFICATION CARDS All students will be issued identification cards at the beginning of the school year. These cards will be required for students to purchase lunch, check out books in the media center as well as entrance into school dances. There is a $5.00 fee to replace a lost ID card.

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ITEMS UNNECESSARY FOR SCHOOL Items which are unnecessary for school should be left at home. 1. Fidget Spinners 2. Blankets 3. Non-prescription Glasses 4. Toys 5. Stuffed Animals INTERNET USAGE County policy requires permission forms be filled out and signed by parents allowing students access to the Internet. These forms are kept on file and are checked by teachers before students are allowed to use the Internet. The Internet is used for instructional purposes only. Students who come to the CMS Media Center to use the Internet must have a pass, signed by the teacher, with a specific topic to research. The universal nature of the Internet makes it necessary to use care when identifying students on individual school and system web sites. Unless a parent objects in writing to the principal of the school where the child is enrolled, the Columbia County School System and individual schools may periodically acknowledge student work, activities, and/or achievement on their web sites. Such information about your child will be limited to photographs, student’s first name, school, grade level, and/or student work. Learning Commons The Learning Commons is an information center. The main seating area is used for group work, independent study, and research. The learning commons functions to enrich the curriculum by offering a variety of materials for students and teachers. The Learning Commons operation guidelines, rules and regulations include: 7

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

The learning commons is open one-half hour before and after school, and throughout the school day for book checkout, return and other services. Books are checked out for two weeks and may be renewed on the due date. Reserved books, reference books and magazines may be checked out over night A student ID is required for book checkout. A fine of five cents ($.05) is charged per day for overdue books. When books are lost, the full price of the book must be paid. If a book is damaged, an appropriate fee will be charged.

LOCKERS Each student will be issued his/her own locker at the beginning of the school year. Lockers are assigned through homeroom classes. No student may exchange lockers with another student or move to an empty locker without the permission of his/her teacher or administrator. Students are responsible for the contents and upkeep of both the inside and outside of their lockers. The school has the authority to search lockers if sufficient evidence exists. To ensure that the equipment in our building is treated with care, stickers or taped items may not be used on or inside lockers. Students may go to lockers before school, during supervised locker breaks, and after school. Students cannot go to lockers at any other time. Make sure your lock is properly locked. Turn the dial once you have locked the lock. Protect your property since we are not responsible for valuables or money stolen. LOST AND FOUND Any found articles at school are to be taken to the plastic bin which is located at the beginning of each hallway. It is strongly urged that parents distinctly label all personal possessions that a student may be bringing to school. All unclaimed articles will be donated to a charity at the end of each nine weeks. 8

Students who have lost or had property stolen must immediately report the loss to a teacher or administrator. The student should make a written report on the details of the loss and turn the report in to the main office. Students should not bring valuable items such as cameras, leather coats, radios, expensive jewelry, or large sums of money to school. Trading cards, IPods, MP3 players, cameras, radios, etc... are allowed only with prior permission of a teacher or as part of a rewards program. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action. MAKE-UP WORK Students with excused absences will be given three days for each day absent to make up work. Make-up work will be confined to homework assignments, teacher handouts; textbook pages covered quizzes and scheduled tests. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for any missed assignments. If you are absent for several days, a parent should call the office and request your assignments. Please allow 1 school day for teachers to get assignments ready. These assignments can be picked up from the main office. If absences occur at the end of a grading period, an incomplete may be given on the report card. All complete work must be made up as soon as possible. “Incomplete” will be removed after ten days to reflect the grade achieved. MEDICATION AND MEDICAL INFORMATION All prescription drugs must be in the original container from the pharmacy. The student’s name must be clearly marked. All over-the-counter medication (Tylenol, cough syrup, cough drops, cold medications, etc....) must be in the original container - no plastic bags, Tupperware, or discarded containers from previous medications. The student’s name must be clearly marked. All medications, prescription or over-the-counter, medicines must be kept in the nurse’s clinic. If the student needs to take the medication home at the end of the day, he/she may pick it up towards the end of the last class period.

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The office should be immediately notified in writing by the parent/guardian of any special medical conditions. Appropriate medication must be placed in the office unless other arrangements need to be made. Special arrangements for medication must be approved by the administration. A note from the parent stating specifically when the student is to take the medication is required. A note stating “as needed” does not contain specific direction.

MEETING WITH TEACHERS To meet with your child’s team or individual teacher, please contact the team, individual teacher or the main office. The team or teacher will contact you to schedule a meeting. Teacher email addresses can be found at www.columbiamiddle.net. MISSING SCHOOL- PRIOR NOTIFICATION When parents know that a student will be unable to attend school because of some outside activity, the parent must request permission in writing two weeks in advance. This request for an excused absence to complete make up work must be sent to the principal for approval. Unless this procedure is followed, it will be considered an unexcused absence. MOVING It is important that families keep the office informed of any change of address or telephone number, both home and work. Before a student transfers to another school from CMS, the student must bring a note from his/her parents or guardians which state the new address and the request for a transfer of records. Since this process takes one school day, the student should plan to bring this notification in time to complete procedures. As a parent/guardian signature is required on the student’s withdrawal form, the parent/guardian should plan to come by the school on or before the student’s last day of attendance at CMS in order to sign the form.

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PARENT PORTAL Parent Portal is a web based program for parents to receive on their home computer, student grades and other information stored within the Columbia County Schools’ student information system. For more information or assistance contact the CMS guidance office. SCHOOL STORE A school store is located in the Learning Commons. SPECIAL PROJECTS/EQUIPMENT All school sponsored projects and advertisements for all school related activities must be approved by the administration. No posters or bulletins may be placed on the wall or hung from the ceiling without prior clearance from the main office. On certain days, it may be necessary to bring to school an object that could be viewed as questionable for classroom work. This may be done with a written note from your teacher and administration approval. The bus driver must also be given prior notification. Such items should be given to the bus driver and carried directly to the classroom upon arrival at school. SPIRIT ROCK Spirit Rock may be rented for 3 days for student birthday messages and other administrative approved messages for $5.00. Forms are available in the front office. Money and Forms should be turned in 2 weeks prior to the desired dates to allow for approval. You will receive confirmation of approval via email or telephone. Approved three days begin at 6pm on the day prior to the first scheduled day and ends at 6pm on the third scheduled day. EXAMPLE: Payment is made for and approval is given for September 8th - 10th. Rock may be painted at 6pm on September 7th. Next person will paint at 6pm on September 10th. PLEASE NOTE: School is not responsible for and will not grant a refund for any damage to your design or message during your three day rental. 11

STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Morning arrival procedure: Car riders and walkers will enter the building through the main entrance and report to the cafeteria for breakfast or report to the gym if not eating. Students will remain seated until 7:20 a.m. Car riders and walkers arriving between 7:20 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. will report immediately to their homeroom. All students arriving after 7:30 a.m. will report to the main office for a tardy pass. Students are not allowed in on the grade level hallways without a teacher pass. Afternoon dismissal procedure: Car riders and walkers will be dismissed first. All remaining students will be dismissed by grade levels to either the bus ramp (bus riders). All students who stay after school for extra-curricular activities will report to the location designated by the coach or sponsor. STUDENT COMMUNICATION Numerous communications are made to students on a daily basis through announcements, teacher websites, Google Classroom, Remind, Schoology, Edmodo, bulletin boards, newsletters, and the distribution of literature. School officials retain the right to regulate the content of all communications in terms of restricting and/or prohibiting materials that are inappropriate or disruptive to the educational environment. All flyers, posters, and other announcements must be approved by the principal prior to being posted or distributed.

TELEPHONE AND MESSAGES The office and workroom telephones are for business use, but may be used when permission is given by the office staff and/or teacher. Students are not to use these phones without permission. Parents are asked not to call and leave messages for students except in the case of an emergency. Students will only be called out of class for messages or phone calls in the case of an emergency. Other messages related to transportation changes, etc. will be made via afternoon or morning announcements. 12

VISITORS Parents/guardians are welcome to visit our middle school. All parents/guardians must first visit the school office to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge each time they visit. Staff members have been asked to monitor to assure that all guests have registered in the office. Parents/guardians who wish to meet their children after school are asked to wait in the office, rather than in the hallways or next to the classroom doors. For safety reasons, it is important for us to know who is in the building at all times. VOLUNTEERS The Columbia County School District appreciates the countless hours our volunteers have spent improving the quality of education for our students. School volunteers are an integral part of the success of our school district. Volunteers are generally coordinated through our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or through an administrator or teacher. Volunteers will be required to complete an information sheet as well as watch the Child Abuse/Neglect video. YEARBOOK Columbia Middle School publishes its own yearbook which is sold directly by the publisher. The price will be determined at the beginning of the school year. Orders must be paid in advance to reserve a book. The yearbook sales and distribution are coordinated by the yearbook advisor. All payments must be made directly to the yearbook advisor, Mrs. Wheeler.

SCHOOL BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT At the beginning of the school year, each student receives a copy of their Board of Education adopted code. It spells out student rights and responsibilities while 13

under the jurisdiction of the school. It also gives procedures to be followed in disciplinary cases. Students are expected to behave as reasonable and responsible individuals. Courtesy toward others is essential, as is safety. Various corrective actions can be taken when a student misbehaves. The severity of action will depend on how serious the misbehavior was and on the student’s past behavior. The teacher will handle classroom discipline in most cases. Actions they may take include reprimands, separation from other classmates, parent contacts, detention and finally, referral to a school administrator.

Potential Consequences assigned by administrators:  Detention during Friday Achievement Period  Community Clean-Up  In School Suspension  Out of School Suspension In-School Suspension will be held at Columbia Middle School. Students who are suspended from school are not allowed to be on school property or at any school related activity for the duration of the suspensions DRESS CODE AND GROOMING Please refer to the Columbia County Middle School Code of Conduct

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BUS BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS The proper behavior among students while being transported on a bus is fundamental to safety. The lack of appropriate behavior on the bus has an effect on every student’s safety. The most dangerous aspect of unruly behavior is the distraction it causes to the bus driver, whose main focus in concentrating on traffic conditions, not on discipline. Any behavior that causes the driver to shift their attention from traffic to discipline will not be tolerated. Safe student transportation for all students is our goal. CMS School Bus Discipline Policy 1. Because misconduct by even one student creates an unsafe condition for all students, the rules will be strictly enforced. 2. Parents/Guardians are primarily responsible for their children’s behavior on the bus. Parents must ensure that their children understand and follow bus behavior rules and understand the consequences of failing to follow the rules. 3. Riding on the bus is a privilege that may be suspended or revoked when a student does not behave in an appropriate manner. Level of Offense

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense

5th Offense

6th Offense

Minor Misconduct  Eating  Drinking  Chewing Gum  Yelling/Screaming  Standing while bus is in motion Major Misconduct  Damage to bus  Theft  Profanity  Fighting  Throwing Objects either inside or outside the bus  Non-Compliance to adult directions

Written warning

Detention

1 Day Bus Suspension

3 Days Bus Suspension

5 Days Bus Suspension

10 Days Bus Suspension

3 days bus suspension

5 days bus suspension

10 days bus suspension

Permanent Loss of bus privileges for the remainder of the year.

Criminal Misconduct  Assault  Terrorist Threat  Illegal Conduct  Exposure of private parts  Possession of a weapon

Permanent Loss of bus privileges for the remainder of the year. Legal Actions

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SCHOOL DANCES Students are offered the opportunity to attend school dances at various times throughout the year. Dances are chaperoned and last from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 p.m. unless scheduled earlier as an after school dance which will be from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00p.m. Only Columbia Middle School students are allowed to attend. Rides should be at the school promptly at 5:00 or 8:00 p.m. Appropriate behavior and dress are expected at school dances; school rules apply. Columbia Middle School Dance Rules  All school rules apply; students must have ID cards or staff verification to enter.  School dress code will be strictly enforced. (i.e. no short shorts or dresses, no tank tops or muscle shirts, girls tank tops must meet three finger rule, no strapless, etc.)  Once inside, students may not leave the gymnasium unless escorted by a guardian or at the end of the dance.  Locker rooms are off limits. No exits may be made through the rear or side gym doors.  Guidelines: Hands at waist or shoulders of dance partner - no close contact No dancing that results in hard physical contact (bumping, slamming) No distasteful or inappropriate dance moves allowed  No running or horseplay  No hard sole shoes  Students who continuously violate dance rules will be removed from the dance. Additional discipline may follow (e.g....... suspension) and the student may not be allowed to attend future dances.  Students who receive ISS or OSS the week of the dance will not be allowed to attend.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: TORNADO, FIRE, BOMB, WEAPONS Tornado/fire drills will be conducted in an orderly manner. Such drills may be unannounced and held periodically throughout the school year. Students are expected to check the evacuation chart posted in each classroom. Bomb threat procedures will be conducted as follows: All students are to exit quickly and quietly, accompanied by their teacher. Students should remain with their teacher at all times. Students who become separated from their class should report to the nearest adult. In an effort to reduce the possibility of weapons coming on to the school campus, locker searches and metal detector sweeps will be conducted on a random basis. Any student found in possession of any item violating a school policy or a state law will be dealt with accordingly. This is to include, but is not limited to: weapons, knives with a blade of any length, cigarettes, etc. You are encouraged to speak directly to your school’s safety officer or administration. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Extracurricular activities are intended to instill school and community spirit as well as promote personal growth and achievement. All students are encouraged to meet with a coach or sponsor and pursue active participation. Any parents who wish to not allow their child to participate in an activity must complete a request form found in the Code of Conduct. Students must be involved with a supervised (staff or parent) activity in order to remain on campus after school hours. Academic Bowl Club To promote the pursuit of scholarly excellence, encourage a spirit of academic competition and good sportsmanship, and foster social opportunities among students. See Mrs. Cleary for details

Art Club The CMS Art Club allows students to explore different art materials and express their creativity with others. Students that are interested in joining the Art Club should see Ms. N. Morris for an application.

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Athletics All eligible students are encouraged to try out for any sport offered at Columbia Middle School. See the coach of the particular sport or the Athletic Director, Mr. Widener, for specific information. Football (grades 7-8) Cheerleading (grades 7-8) Track (all grades) Basketball (grades 7-8) Softball - A Team (grades 7-8) Tennis (all grades) Baseball - A Team (grades 7-8) Softball - B Team (grades 6-7) Golf (8th grade) Baseball - B Team (grades 6-7) Soccer (Girls or Boys, all grades) Band/Chorus CMS offers three levels of Band and Chorus: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students in grades 7-8 may also take Chorus and Band as an all year elective class. All state concerts/chorus concerts: Eligibility requirements are on 9 weeks basis to include 3rd 9 week’s grades. 8th grade students are also potentially eligible for high school credit for Band and Chorus. Beta Club Beta Club membership will be open to those students who receive all A’s and all satisfactory marks in conduct, per grading period. Invitations for membership are offered after the second nine weeks. Drama Club Provides students with an interest in theatre and acting an opportunity to participate in all aspects of dramatic performance. 4-H Club The 4-H Club provides learning opportunities and leadership and citizenship experiences in real life situations and involves students in project work in fifty subject matters. 4-H is taught solely through our 6th grade students. Phone 706868-3413 for further details. Student Council Students will be selected based upon the ability to lead by example throughout the school. A discussion of the criteria for selection should precede the election. The members will vote among themselves for the offices of President, Vice President and Secretary of the Council. Members of the Student Council must 18

have passing grades and exhibit good conduct. Responsibilities of the Student Council are as follows:  Keep and uphold school rules, as well as set positive examples for other students.  Work in collaboration with students, faculty, and administration to generate ideas to improve student life.  Be active in overseeing, coordinating, planning, and attending middle school assemblies and activities under the supervision of the student council advisors, and administration.  Meet at least one day per nine weeks with student council members from all three grade levels to discuss events and issues related to Student Council, the school, and larger community.  Support the efforts of the community service program at the school through fund-raising and other outreach events. Math Counts To increase enthusiasm for math, provide enrichment, and improve problemsolving and mathematical skills. Science Olympiad Team Academic competition focused on various science disciplines. Students engage in hands-on activities that correlate with scientific problem-solving methods. No Pass/No Participation Any student who wishes to participate in ANY extracurricular competitive activity between schools must meet the guidelines established by the Georgia Board of Education and the specific rules for extracurricular activities. Physicals are to be completed PRIOR to tryouts, conditioning or practice. •Ineligible students cannot practice or travel with an extracurricular group (e.g..... Athletics/Band/Chorus). •Students must pass 5 of 6 courses the preceding semester in order to be eligible to participate. •Students turning 15 by May 1st of the preceding year may not participate in athletics.

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GRADING SYSTEM/REPORT CARDS Letter grades will be assigned from according to formative and summative assessments as shown: 90-100 A 70-72 D 80-89 B Below 70 F 73-79 C Report cards are issued at the conclusion of each grading period. Progress reports are sent four times during the school year; this will be during the fifth week of each grading period so students have four weeks remaining to improve grades. Teachers establish the grading standard for their classes. They explain the procedures and expectations at the start of each semester. The grading rubric for each teacher will be posted on their website within the first two weeks of school. Zeroes Are NOT Permitted (ZAP) Students are not allowed to earn a zero on an assignment given from their teacher(s). Students who do not complete work will be assigned ZAP on Friday during their academic achievement (AP) period to be given the opportunity to complete outstanding assignments that would otherwise become a zero if not completed. Student Academic Recognition A Honor Roll Students receiving all A’s in all subjects will be placed on the A Honor Roll. A/B Honor Roll Students receiving A’s and B’s in all subjects will be placed on the A/B Honor Roll. High Honors Students who maintain a cumulative yearly average of 95.00 or higher will be awarded a High Honors certificate at our annual Honors Ceremony. Honors Students who maintain a cumulative yearly average between 89.45 and 94.45 will be awarded an Honors certificate at our annual Honors Ceremony.

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GUIDANCE/COUNSELING The guidance counselors, Ms. Hope Stewart and Ms. Janet Niehoff, are available to help students develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths and become responsible and productive citizens. Intervention may be provided through:  Classroom Guidance- large group instruction focusing on the general needs, interests, concerns, and behaviors of all students.  Small Group counseling- two or more students working with a counselor discussing a specific area of concern to develop positive relationships, solve problems, and work toward goals. Parental permission is required.  Individual Counseling- personal and private interaction between a counselor and a student in which they work together on a personal or academic concern. Parents will be notified if the concern affects the safety of the student or others.  A student can make a self-referral for counseling by completing a Student Referral Form or indicating to a staff member the desire for individual counseling. A parent has the right to elect, by signing a waiver form, to have his/her child not participate in guidance counseling activities. Counselors abide by the ethical code of confidentiality of their profession, with regard to counseling involving personal issues. Confidentiality will be broken if:  There is reason to suspect child abuse or neglect.  There is a reason to believe the student is intending to harm him or herself.  There is reason to believe a student is planning to harm another student and he/she cannot be deterred from this action. Military Family Life Counselor  Masters or Doctorate-level licensed counselors specializing in child and youth behavorial issues.  Available at no cost to assist children and youth, parents, family members and staff of child and youth programs.

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Available to provide short-term, non-medical counseling support.

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TEXTBOOKS AND CLASSROOM SUPPLIES All textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Every student is responsible for keeping up with his/her textbooks. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Students MUST pay for lost or damaged books. Destruction of a book’s bar code label will result in the book being considered lost and the student assigned to that book having to pay for it. ALL TEXTBOOKS MUST BE COVERED! Textbooks and classroom supplies must be brought to class daily. Classroom supplies include paper, pencil, pen and any other item necessary to carry on the instructional program within a particular classroom. If a student fails to bring these items, the teacher will handle the first and second offenses. On the third incident within a specific class, the teacher will contact the parents. Further offenses will be referred to administration. All textbooks will also be available on-line. *Please be advised, the student handbook may be updated at any time throughout the school year.

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