Middle & High School Handbook

Ethics and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Fraud Administrative Regulations

Purpose:

To ensure the reporting of suspicion of fraudulent activity the Jackson County Board of Education ensures employees, Clients and providers of confidential channels to report suspicious activities.

Definitions:

Fraud: a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, that is used for the purpose of misappropriating property and/or monetary funds from federal grants.

Statement of Administrative Regulations:

Jackson County Board of Education thoroughly and expeditiously investigates any reported cases of suspected fraud to determine if disciplinary, financial recovery and/or criminal action should be taken.

Confidentiality:

All reports of suspect fraud must be handled under the strictest confidentiality. Only those directly involved in the investigation should be given information. Informants may remain anonymous but should be encouraged to cooperate with the investigators and should provide as much detail and evidence of alleged fraudulent act as possible.

Procedures and Responsibilities:

1. Anyone suspecting fraud concerning federal programs should report their concerns to: Jackson County Schools

1660 Winder Hwy.

Jefferson, GA 30549

2. Concerns may also be reported directly to the Superintendent.

3. Any concerned Jackson County School System employee who receives a report of suspected fraudulent activity must report this information within the next business day. You are to contact the Superintendent’s Office at 706-367-5151. Employees have the responsibility to report suspected fraud. All reports can be made in confidence

4. The Jackson County Board of Education shall conduct investigations of employees, providers, contractors, or vendors. If necessary, you will be contacted for additional information.

5. Periodic communication through meetings should emphasize the responsibilities and channels to report suspected fraud

 

 

It is the policy of the Jackson County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, disability, religious belief, or national origin in the educational programs and activities, or admissions to facilities operated by the Jackson County Board of Education, or in the employment practices of the school system. It is the express policy of the Jackson County School Board to comply with all laws and regulations relating to discrimination now in effect or hereafter enacted.

The Jackson County Board of Education does not and will not tolerate harassment of our students or employees. The term “harassment” includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, and other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, ethnic group, color, sex, religious belief, national origin, citizenship, age, or disability. “Harassment” also includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unwelcome or offensive touching, and other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Violations of this policy will subject an employee to disciplinary action up to and including employment termination. Students violating this policy may be disciplined up to and including exclusion from school.

The Jackson County School System is a No Bullying Zone. 

The Board of Education believes that all students can learn better in a safe school environment. Behavior that infringes on the safety of students will not be tolerated. Bullying, as the term is defined in Georgia law, of a student by another student is strictly prohibited.

It is the policy of the Jackson County Board of Education (“Board”) not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, disability, religious belief, or national origin in the educational programs and activities, or admissions to facilities operated by the Board. It is the express policy of the Board to comply with all laws and regulations relating to discrimination and harassment now in effect or hereafter enacted. The Jackson County School System (JCSS) is expressly prohibited from subjecting any person to discrimination or harassment on the basis of his/her membership in a protected class by the following laws: Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title I and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.

• The Board does not and will not tolerate discrimination against or harassment of our students or employees. Violations of this policy will subject an offending student to disciplinary action up to and including permanent expulsion from JCSS.

• The JCSS Director of Student Support Services and the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that applicable anti-discrimination laws, rules, and Board policies are applied equitably to all students across the JCSS community. 

FERPA and PPRA Notifications
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate.
Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write to the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERP A authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator , supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist
); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

The Jackson County Board of Education designates certain information from student education records as "directory information," as is specified in this paragraph. Unless a parent or eligible student makes a timely request to the principal of the school where the student is enrolled that such information not be designated directory information as to that individual student, such information will not be considered confidential and may be disclosed upon request. Directory information is as follows:

Each student's name, address, and telephone number; The date and place of birth of each student;
Each student's participation in clubs and sports;
The weight and height of a student if he or she is a member of an athletic team; Dates of attendance at Jackson County Schools; and
Awards received during the time enrolled in the Jackson County School System;
Awards and recognitions announced during assemblies/ceremonies.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Jackson County Schools to comply with the requirements of FERP​.
 

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

• Whether the student’s teacher—

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

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

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

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

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s and/ or paraprofessional’s qualifications, please contact the school principal.

Section 9304 – General Applicability of State Educational Agency Assurances Section 9503 – Complaint Process for Participation of Private School Children

1. Grounds for a Complaint

Any individual, organization or agency (“complainant”) may file a complaint with the Jackson County Board of Education if that individual, organization or agency believes and alleges that a local educational agency (“LEA”), the state

educational agency (“SEA”), or an agency or consortium of agencies is violating a Federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under the ESEA Act. The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date that the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is considered systemic or ongoing.

2. Federal Programs for Which Complaints Can Be Filed

1. Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies

2. Title I, Part B, Subpart 3: Even Start Family Literacy

3. Title I, Part C: Education of Migrant Children

4. Title I, Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk

5. Title I, Part F: Comprehensive School Reform

6. Title II, Part A: Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund

7. Title II, Part B: Mathematics and Science Partnership

8. Title II, Part D: Enhancing Education Through Technology

9. Title III, Part A: English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement

10. Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1: Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities

11. Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2: Community Service Grants

12. Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers

13. Title V, Part A: Innovative Programs

14. Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Section 6111: State Assessment Program 2

15. Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Section 6112: Enhanced Assessment Instruments Competitive Grant Program

16. Title VI, Part B, Subpart 2: Rural and Low-Income Schools

17. Title IX, Part E, Subpart 1, Section 9503: Complaint Process for Participation of Private School Children

3. Filing a Complaint

A complaint must be made in writing and signed by the complainant. The complaint must include the following:

1. A statement that the LEA, SEA, agency or consortium of agencies has violated a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to an applicable program;

2. The date on which the violation occurred;

3. The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated (include citation to the Federal statute or regulation);

4. A list of the names and telephone numbers of individuals who can provide additional information;

5. Whether a complaint has been filed with any other government agency, and if so, which agency;

6. Copies of all applicable documents supporting the complainant’s position; and

7. The address of the complainant.

The complaint must be addressed to: Jackson County Board of Education, 1660 Winder Highway Jefferson, GA 30549

Once the complaint is received by the Jackson County Board of Education, it will be copied and forwarded to the appropriate Director of Federal Programs.

1. Investigation of Complaint

Within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint, the Director of Federal Programs or his or her designee will issue a Letter of Acknowledgement to the complainant that contains the following information:

1. The date the LEA received the complaint;

2. How the complainant may provide additional information;

3. A statement of the ways in which the LEA may investigate or address the complaint; and

4. Any other pertinent information.

If the complaint involves other entities, the LEA will also send a copy of the Letter of Acknowledgement to the other entity, along with a copy of the complaint. The LEA will contact the other entity to clarify the issues and review the complaint process. If the complaint cannot be resolved through this contact, the LEA will invite the entity to submit a written response to the LEA, and to provide a copy of the response to the complainant.

Appropriate LEA staff will review the information and determine whether:

1. Additional information is needed;

2. An on-site investigation must be conducted;

3. Other measures must be taken to resolve the issues raised in the complaint; or

4. A Letter of Findings can be issued.

If additional information or an investigation is necessary, the LEA will have sixty (60) days from receipt of the information or completion of the investigation to issue a Letter of Findings.

If the Letter of Findings indicates that a violation has been found, corrective action will be required and timelines for completion will be included. Either the 30-day or the 60- day timelines outlined above may be extended, if exceptional circumstances exist. The Letter of Findings will be sent directly to the complainant, as well as the other parties involved.

2. Right of Appeal

If an individual, organization or agency is aggrieved by the final decision of the LEA, that individual, organization or agency has the right to request review of the decision by the Georgia Department of Education, Office of Legal Services, 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, 2052 Twin Tower East, Atlanta, GA 30334. The review is at the Department’s discretion. For complaints filed pursuant to Section 9503 (20

3. §7883, complaint process for participation of private school children), a complainant may appeal the LEA decision to the Georgia Department of Education no later than thirty (30) days from the date on which the complainant receives the Letter of Findings. The appeal must be accompanied by a copy of the LEA decision and include a complete statement of the reasons supporting the appeal.

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal nondiscrimination statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Specifically, Section 504 states:

No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which benefits from federal financial assistance.

     Under Section 504 a person with a disability is anyone who has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself; performing manual tasks; walking; seeing; hearing; speaking; breathing; learning and working; eating; sleeping; standing; lifting; bending; reading; concentrating; thinking; communicating; and major bodily functions (i.e. immune systems, cell growth, digestive, bowel, or bladder functions). The term “substantially limits” means the person is unable to perform a major life activity or major bodily function that a non-disabled person can do, or the person is more restricted in the performance of a major life activity in comparison to a non-disabled person.

     It is the policy of JCSS to comply with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in providing a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities who qualify under the definition of the law. No student or other qualified individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity, on the basis of disability.

     JCSS has specific responsibilities under Section 504, including the requirement to identify and evaluate students with disabilities. Any student or other disabled individual who is qualified for services under Section 504 will receive appropriate accommodations providing equal access to educational programs, services, and facilities.

     If a parent, guardian, or adult student has a question about parental or student rights under Section 504, contact the local school’s designated Section 504 representative.

Section 504 Procedural Safeguards

Any student, parent or guardian who feels they have a grievance due to the school system’s actions or inactions regarding a student’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement may request an impartial hearing under Section 504. Requests for an impartial hearing must be made to the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator who can be reached at the Jackson County Board of Education office at 706-367- 5151.

Residence and Contact Information

I understand that it is my responsibility as a parent/guardian to immediately notify my child’s school of any change of address or contact information. I understand that a new proof of residence document may be required.

 

The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program (GSNS) is a school choice program available for special needs students attending Georgia public schools who are served under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

Students with an IEP (Senate Bill 10)

If a student meets the eligibility criteria for the GSNS, a parent/guardian has the right to request a transfer from the student’s current public school to:another public school within their district of residence; or another public school district outside their district of residence; or one of the state schools for the blind or deaf; or a private school authorized to participate in the

To qualify for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship award with an IEP, the student must meet specific requirements. Funds received through the GSNS Program only can be used to pay for tuition and fees at a private school authorized by the State Board of Education to participate in the program.

Students with a 504 Plan (Senate Bill 47)

To qualify for the Georgia Special Scholarship award with a 504 Plan, the student must meet all three requirements:

• Student Criteria 1- A student must have a parent who currently resides in Georgia and has been a Georgia resident for at least one calendar year, however, the one-year requirement shall not apply if the student's parent is an active-duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year; AND

• Student Criteria 2- The student spent the prior school year in attendance at a Georgia public school. Prior school year in attendance means that the student was enrolled and reported by a public school system or school systems for funding purposes at the time of at least one FTE program count, conducted each school year in October and March. Prior school year in attendance shall not apply if:

  1. The student’s parent is an active-duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year; OR

  2. The student has been adopted or placed in a permanent guardianship from foster care pursuant to an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction within the previous year; OR

  3. The student previously qualified for a scholarship as provided in state law; AND

• Student Criteria 3- The student had a 504 plan in effect during the previous school year relating to one or more of the conditions below:

  1. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Attention deficit disorder (ADD);

  2. Autism spectrum disorder;

  3. Bipolar disorder;

  4. Cancer;

  5. Cerebral palsy;

  6. Cystic fibrosis;

  7. Deafness;

  8. Down syndrome;

  9. Drug or alcohol abuse;

  10. Dual sensory impairment;

  11. Dyslexia;

  12. Emotional or behavioral disorder;

  13. Epilepsy;

  14. Hearing impairment;

  15. Intellectual disability;

  16. Muscular dystrophy

  17. Specific learning disability;

  18. Spina bifida;

  19. Traumatic brain injury;

  20. Visual impairment; or

  21. Any rare disease identified by the National Institutes of Health’s Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center’s list of rare disease. 

  Jackson County Schools has an obligation under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to identify, locate, and evaluate all students with disabilities or students suspected of having a disability residing in the district who are in need of special education and related services from ages 3 through 22 years of age. This includes students attending public, private, or home schools in Jackson County. If you have a child, or know of a child, who has a disability or is suspected to have a disability, please contact the Director of Special Education at 706-367-5151.

Standards and Instructional Resources 

The mission of the Jackson County School System is to provide and support challenging and rigorous educational opportunities to ensure academic excellence for all students in a safe and caring environment. 

Approved Instructional Resources

English Language Arts 

The Georgia Department of Education is fully responsible for developing and maintaining performance standards for Georgia students. Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) are fully implemented in Jackson County Schools to maximize student success. To see a more detailed description of each level of a child’s education, please follow the links below. 

• K-5 Description of the Standards

• 6-8 Description of the Standards

• 9-12 Description of the Standards

Mathematics 

The Georgia Department of Education is fully responsible for developing and maintaining performance standards for Georgia students. Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) are fully implemented in Jackson County Schools to maximize student success. To see a more detailed description of each level of a child’s education, please follow the links below. 

• K-5 Description of the Standards

• 6-8 Description of the Standards

• 9-12 Description of the Standards

 

Parents may review records relating to their minor child by contacting the school’s principal and requesting those records. Principals will set up a mutually agreeable time for parents to review records that will be scheduled during the school’s regular operating hours.

Parents may learn about their minor child's courses of study, including access to instructional materials intended for use in your child’s classroom by contacting your child’s teacher and requesting to review instructional materials. We will make those materials available for parent review during the first two weeks of each grading period, either online or on site upon a parent's request made during the review period.

Parents may object to instructional materials intended for use in their  minor child's classroom or recommended by the minor child's teacher by contacting the school’s principal.  

Parents may withdraw their minor child from the school's prescribed course of study in sex education if the parent provides a written objection to their child’s participation. Parents will be notified in advance of any health/ sex education course content and parents will be given the opportunity to opt his or her minor child out of participation by notifying your minor child’s teacher in writing.

Parents may provide written notice that photographs or video or voice recordings of his or her minor child are not permitted, subject to applicable public safety and security exceptions, by notifying  your child’s  principal.

CLICK HERE FOR JCSS STUDENT HEALTH INFORMATION

ABSENCES

As educators and parents, we all recognize the relationships between daily school attendance, student performance, graduation, and habits in the workplace.  We also know that the amount of time actually spent in class is a good measure of student access to an education and ultimate success.  Each tardy or absence means a student has lost an opportunity to learn.  Regular attendance is essential if students are to receive the maximum benefits of the instructional program.  Excessive absences, tardies, and early checkouts result in the loss of valuable learning time and a decrease in student interest.  

(O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1)  Georgia law requires that every parent or guardian of a child between the ages of six and sixteen “shall enroll and send such child or children to a public school…and such child shall be responsible for enrolling and attending…school”.  If the school system is made aware that a child between the ages of six and sixteen or any child who has enrolled for twenty school days or more in a public school prior to their sixth birthday is not enrolled in public school, private school, or a home study program, the Superintendent has the authority and responsibility to file proceedings in court to enforce the mandatory education laws.

In order to comply with this law, JCSS will adhere to the following attendance policy.  Daily calls will be made by the attendance clerk to the parents of students who are absent.  Excessive absences may result in the loss of valuable learning time, a decline in student interest and even retention.

Excused: Students will be excused from school under the following circumstance.

1. Personal illness or attendance in school endangering a student’s health or the health of others

2. A serious illness or death in a student’s family necessitating an absence. Students are excused for up to 4 days due to a death in the immediate family. Students are excused for up to 2 days due to a death of a  non-immediate family member.

3. A court order or an order by a government agency, including pre induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school.

4. The observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.

5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student’s health or safety.

6. A scheduled medical, dental or eye examination of the student.

7. Registering to vote or voting, for a period not to exceed one day.

8. Visiting a parent or legal guardian who is in the military service in the armed forces and has been called to duty or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support post. The student may be excused for a maximum of 5 days per school year.

9. One day per school year will be excused for the treatment of head lice.

Unexcused: Absences are unexcused for all other reasons, including but not limited to: missing the bus, oversleeping, power outage, vacations, trips, family visits, car trouble, baby-sitting, running errands, and/or skipping school, etc.

When a student is absent from school, the following procedure should be followed:

Upon returning to school, students should provide a written excuse from a parent/guardian, doctor or agency.  Parents may write notes to the school excusing up to 5 absences per school year without documentation for any of the reasons listed above.  Phone calls will not be accepted. Notes should be turned in within 5 days of the absence. If you know your child will be absent for an extended time, please contact the teacher and make arrangements to pick up your child’s assignments so that he/she does not fall behind. 

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

Chronic absenteeism affects a student’s ability to learn and succeed in school. School approved field trips or activities, medically documented absences, and suspensions will NOT count toward excessive absences. If a student has a serious medical or legal problem, the student’s parent/guardian should notify the student’s counselor.

The school will attempt to call parents/guardians when a student is absent from school.

Procedure:

A letter will be mailed home to parents/guardian(s) when the student has missed 3 unexcused days of school. Once the student has missed 5 unexcused days a letter will be sent in order to request a meeting at the school to discuss absences. The school social worker will be notified at this point. 

If the unexcused absences do not improve and the parent/guardian(s) are not communicating with the school, the parent/guardian will be referred to the Attendance Review Board at the courthouse. Students cannot have more than 9 unexcused absences per school year. 

Possible Consequences and Penalties for Parents and Students

1. A parent/guardian who violates the Compulsory Education Law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject per violation to a fine not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00, imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, community service, or any combination of such penalties at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each day’s unexcused absence beyond five unexcused absences constitutes one violation.

2. School System's Responsibilities: If the school system is made aware that a child between the ages of six and sixteen or any child who has enrolled for twenty school days or more in a public school prior to their sixth birthday is not enrolled in public school, private school, or a home study program, the Superintendent has the authority and responsibility to file proceedings in court to enforce the mandatory education laws.

State Laws:

Mandatory Education for Children Between Ages 6 and 16 – O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1

Student Attendance Protocol Committee – O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2

Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act – O.C.G.A. 40-5-22

The Jackson County School System actively participates in open communication with families and the community. JCSS and its member schools communicate through a variety of platforms. 

Infinite Campus is a student information system that allows parents to keep track of grades and attendance. Through Infinite Campus, pertinent information about academic progress and attendance may be accessed. Parents and students are encouraged to view Infinite Campus on a regular basis. It is used as a primary form of communication between school and home. 

ParentSquare will be implemented within the school system for the 2024-25 school year and will replace Remind as the primary communication application. This communication includes mass communication from teachers, schools and the district. 

Email still remains the best way for families to communicate with school and district members when wanting to hold one-on-one digital communication.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 

The Jackson County Board of Education (“Board”) is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you believe you or your child is being treated unfairly based on any of these impermissible grounds, you have a complaint and a remedy. To file a complaint of discrimination or harassment, students and/or parents should utilize the Student Complaints and Grievances procedure, which is summarized on this page.

Step I: Contact the local school’s Title IX Coordinator to file a complaint and provide a factual basis for any allegation(s) of unfair treatment. The local Title IX Coordinator will conduct an investigation and issue a written letter of findings. If dissatisfied with the resolution of the matter, the student or parent may request a meeting with the school principal.

Step II: If, after meeting with the school principal, the student and/ or parent is not satisfied with the local school’s decision, a written appeal may be submitted to the Department of Student Support Services-Title IX. Appeals must be submitted within ten (10) business days after notice of the local school’s final decision. The appeal must give specific reasons for reconsideration, state precisely the reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision, and be limited to the matter under review. The decision of the Department of Student Support Services-Title IX shall be final.

The purpose of a dress code is not to inhibit any person’s taste in attire, but rather to better facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines of “dress,” instilling dignity and pride. Creating the proper learning environment includes encouraging students to dress to learn. Clothing should not disrupt learning. Administrators may refuse admission to class or to school for any student who is in violation of the dress code. Repeated violation of the dress code may result in administrative referral.

General:

• Clothing should not interfere with learning.

• Clothing should not contain the following: gang symbols, racial or sexual connotations, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, double meanings, inappropriate slogans, profanity or obscene language.

• Any clothing or accessories that have spikes or bullets.

• No blankets worn around the body.

Head:

• No hats, caps, head coverings (to include hoodies), bandanas, or stocking caps inside the building.         (Prior approval may be granted by school administration for any head covering) 

• No sunglasses in the building.

• Masks for health reasons must follow dress code and not cause classroom or school disruptions.

Upper Body:

• No see-through or sheer tops.

• Sleeveless tops should be no less than 2.5 inches in width on the shoulder. 

• No cleavage should be seen--this includes bralettes, sports bras and any other undergarment. 

• No midriff should be seen.

• No bare shoulders. Shirts with shoulder cut-outs should still have fabric of no less than 2.5 inches on the top of the shoulder.

Lower Body:

• No undergarments should be seen.

• Students must wear jeans, pants, shorts, or skirts that reach mid-thigh. A good barometer is that shorts, etc. should extend beyond the fingertips when arms hang at the side of the body.

• No holes in pants higher than what would be normal short length.

Feet:

• Shoes must be worn at all times. Heelies, rollerblades, skateboards are not allowed on campus.  If these items are brought to school, they will be kept in the front office for the day.

Special Events:

• Acceptable dress clothes and shoes are required--Check the specifications for special events such as Prom, Homecoming, and Honors Day Ceremonies.

• School administration will determine any special event dress requirements and will communicate with students and families as needed. 

The administration has the right to enforce a reasonable dress code. Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be expected to change. Parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing if students are wearing clothing that is unacceptable for school. 

Having an environment that is welcoming and warm, where people feel valued and engaged, allows people to learn at their optimal capacity.  That's what safety does for a school. The Jackson County School System is committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. It works closely with national, state, and local safety personnel— police, fire, emergency medical services, emergency management agencies, and public health— to ensure our schools are well prepared for an emergency.

The People

    School Resource Officers, or SROs, are law enforcement officers employed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office that are assigned to our schools. In addition to policing school campuses, these officers focus on educating students and staff on safety issues and working with school administrators on school safety concerns that may arise.  

     The JCSS Safety and Security Supervisor maintains all security technology while overseeing the day-to-day operations of district safety and security systems to include fire alarms, intrusion alarms, employee badge access, and video surveillance.    Conducts inspections, drills and tests of safety and security initiatives and measures.  Serves as a liaison to public safety in reference to safety and security issues and concerns.  Coordinates and implements safety and security training for staff.    

The Tools

      Jackson County School System is leading the way with use of advanced security technology.   We utilize a layered approach when it comes to school safety by using many different types of technology.

     In an emergency, getting help to the right location quickly can be the difference between a positive and negative outcome. Centegix CrisisAlert is a wearable panic button that is issued to all JCSS staff.  Staff can quickly and discreetly request help to their exact location.  

     Visitors to the school are required to check in at the front office. They are required to present a government issued picture ID.  Information from that ID is scanned into our Raptor Visitor Management System. That information is screened through national criminal databases and custom databases to warn staff of potential threats.

     Flock Safety provides cameras that build a virtual gate around each one of our schools.  These cameras are used for proactive threat assessments which is a primary component of school safety strategy.  The LPR cameras provide 24/7 real-time alerts to Law Enforcement, Administrators and School Safety & Security staff as a potential threat enters campus.   

In addition to Flock Safety, JCSS employs over 700 additional cameras from Avigilon and Honeywell in all of its buildings across the county.   This gives real time situational awareness to school administrators and district staff across the county. 

The Preparation

     In addition, JCSS updates its district and school emergency operations plans annually. These plans, which are approved by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson County EMA and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency / Homeland Security, are the guides to help staff and our public-safety partners respond swiftly should a crisis occur in our schools.  Quarterly safety drills are used to prepare students and staff to respond to a wide range of emergencies.  

How do I report a school threat?

 There are several ways you can report a possible safety threat to your school.  

1. If its a life threatening emergency - Call 911

2. Call the JCSS Safety and Security Supervisor @ 706-286-0215 or 706-367-5151 x 17911.

3. Use the See Something? Send Something! App

Download the "See Something, Send Something" app on your smartphone.

See Something Send Something mobile app tips are received and processed by the GBI Watchdesk 24/7. By being alert and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement, you can protect your family, neighbors, and community.

When reporting activity, describe specifically what you observed, including:

• Who or what you saw;

• When you saw it;

• Where it occurred; and

• Why is it suspicious?

If there is an emergency, call 9–1–1.

Submit tips from your mobile device by downloading the See Send App for iPhone and Android devices from the Google Play or the Apple App Store

 

 

Safety is everyone’s responsibility.  The Jackson County School System is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff.  We will  continue to prepare our people with the tools necessary to reinforce safety in our schools.  When students and staff are not distracted or worried about safety, they are in a better mindset to keep focused on educational goals. 

Often asked questions about school safety:

1. As a parent, how can I prepare for a school emergency?

The number-one step that you can take to prepare for a school emergency is to provide accurate emergency contact information to your child’s school and immediately notify the school if your information changes. Our mass notification system ParentSquare will use this information when making emergency notifications. 

2. How does the school communicate with parents and guardians during emergencies or safety incidents?

During a crisis, your first response might be to pick up the phone to call the school. However, a high volume of calls may bog down the phone system. When a school emergency occurs, a parent can get important information by doing one or all of the following:

1. Visit https://www.jacksonschoolsga.org/ or your local school website.

2. If your school is affected, the district’s notification system,, will send out a text message, phone call and email message to your emergency contact sources listed with specific instructions for you.

3. DO NOT GO TO THE SCHOOL UNLESS INSTRUCTED.  It may delay emergency response by blocking critical avenues of approach.  Await specific instructions from the school district via .

3. What is a lockdown?

During a hard lockdown all school interior doors are locked and students are confined to their classrooms and no entry or exit of the school is allowed. This takes place if there is a threat or possible threat inside the school. 

During a soft lockdown all exterior doors are locked. This takes place if the threat is outside of the school. In some cases, parents could be admitted into the school with proper identification.

4. How will I know if a school is in a lockdown situation when I arrive?

The CENTEGIX Safety Platform has strobe lights strategically placed around the campus in areas such as parking lots, entrance doors, hallways and classrooms.  The light is a white square shaped device installed near the front door of the school.  These lights will flash a corresponding color based on the particular emergency.  

Should you see these lights flashing any color you should not enter the school and follow the instructions below:

Red - Hard Lockdown - Leave immediately and await instructions.

Yellow - Soft Lockdown - Leave immediately and call the school for instructions. 

Blue - Severe Weather - Leave immediately or stay inside your vehicle. 

5. If a school is evacuated, how will I be able to locate my child?

Each school has a procedure for helping parents to reunite with their child during a school emergency.  Parents will be directed to a specific location by way of notifications.  Remember, a student can generally only be released to an adult who is documented as an emergency contact.  If you are a noncustodial parent, you must be listed on your child’s emergency contact information as a guardian and you will be required to show a government issued picture ID such as a driver's license, ID card or passport before we will release your child to you.  

6. What should my child know during a school emergency?

School staff are trained to respond to various emergency situations within each school. Students should take the following steps to ensure their own personal safety.

1. Stay Calm: Remaining calm is crucial during any emergency situation. Panicking can impair judgment and hinder the ability to respond. 

2. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to your teachers, school staff, or emergency personnel for instructions.  They are trained to handle emergencies and will guide you on what to do. 

3. Know Emergency Procedures:   Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures of your school, including evacuation routes, shelter locations, and procedures for different types of emergencies such as fire and lockdowns.  Have discussions during and before scheduled drills to learn about these procedures.

4. Evacuation Routes: Know the primary and alternate evacuation routes from your classrooms and common areas. If instructed to evacuate, do so quickly and calmly, following the designated routes.

5. Buddy System: If possible, stick with a buddy or a group of friends during an emergency. This can provide mutual support and ensure that no one is left behind.

6. Stay Away from Windows: During incidents like lockdowns or active shooter situations, stay away from windows and doors. Find a safe location out of sight where you can hide and remain silent.

7. Silence Devices: Silence your cell phone or any other electronic device to avoid drawing attention during lockdown situations.

8. Stay Put if Safe: If you're in a safe location during an emergency like an earthquake, stay there until it's safe to move. If you're unsure, wait for instructions from authorities.

9. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything suspicious or concerning, report it to a teacher, school staff member, or emergency personnel immediately.

10. First Aid Knowledge: Basic knowledge of first aid can be helpful during emergencies. If you're trained in first aid, offer assistance to those who need it, but only if it's safe to do so.

Remember, your safety is the top priority during any emergency situation. Follow these tips, stay alert, and trust in the guidance of your school's staff and emergency responders. 

ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE

Active shooter situations are extremely dangerous, and being prepared can make a significant difference. Here are some specific safety tips:

1. Be Alert and Aware: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Recognize the signs of potential violence or suspicious behavior, such as someone carrying a weapon or acting erratically.

2. Have an Escape Plan: Familiarize yourself with the layout of buildings you frequent, including exits and alternative escape routes. Always have a plan in mind for how you would evacuate in an emergency.

3. AVOID, DENY, DEFEND: Remember the "Avoid, Deny, Defend" protocol. Your first option is to run to safety if you can do so without endangering yourself. If you can't run, find a place to hide and barricade yourself in. As a last resort, be prepared to fight back if the shooter enters your location.

4. Stay Low and Quiet: If you're hiding, stay low to the ground and silence your phone. Turn off any noise-making devices and remain as quiet as possible to avoid drawing attention to your location.

5. Communicate with Others: If it's safe to do so, alert others to the danger and help them find a safe place to hide or escape. Communication can save lives during an active shooter situation.

6. Lock and Barricade Doors: If you're in a room, lock and barricade the doors with heavy furniture or objects. Create obstacles that would make it difficult for the shooter to enter.

7. Stay Informed: If you have access to information, stay informed about the situation through official channels like emergency alerts or updates from law enforcement. However, prioritize your safety and avoid unnecessary risks to gather information.

8. Cooperate with Law Enforcement: If law enforcement arrives, follow their instructions carefully. Keep your hands visible and avoid making sudden movements. Understand that they are there to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

9. Provide Information: If you can do so safely, provide information to law enforcement about the shooter's location, appearance, and any other relevant details that can help them respond effectively.

10. Take Care of Yourself and Others: After the immediate threat has passed, seek medical attention for yourself or others who may be injured. Offer support to those who may be traumatized by the experience.

Remember, every situation is different, and there may not always be a clear course of action. Use your judgment, stay as safe as possible, and prioritize your well-being and that of others around you.

Be Prepared - AVOID - DENY- DEFEND

AVOID starts with your state of mind

• Pay attention to your surroundings

• Have an exit plan

• Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible

• The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better

DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe impossible

• Keep distance between you and the threat

• Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you

• Turn the lights off

• Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silence your phone

DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself

• If you cannot AVOID or DENY be prepared to defend yourself

• Be aggressive and committed to your actions

• Do not fight fairly

• THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL

Riding a school bus is a privilege for students in Jackson County Schools, afforded only to those who demonstrate appropriate bus behavior. The privilege may be revoked for those who choose not to abide by the standards of bus behavior established by the Board ofEducation. The bus driver is charged with maintaining order on the school bus. The driver may assign specific seating arrangements if necessary. The bus driver may take up items or devices that interfere with safe operation of the school bus and will return such items to parents. Students violating bus rules will be reported to the school principal for appropriate disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, alternative seating arrangements, ongoing parental involvement and suspension from the bus.

Students shall be prohibited from the following on the school bus:

• Physical Violence

• Bullying

• Physical assault or battery of others

• Verbal assault of others

• Disrespectful conduct toward the driver or others

• 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

• Using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras or any other lights or reflective devices that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

• Throwing objects on the bus or out a bus window or door

• Using tobacco products in any form

• Damaging seats or any part of the school bus

• Using loud, profane or abusive language

• Using obscene gestures

• Eating, drinking, chewing gum or littering

• Extending arms, hands or head outside of a bus window or door

• Moving from seat to seat while the bus is in motion

• Transporting inflated balloons, large bouquets in glass containers, or any

• other item which might create visual restrictions to the driver

• Other unruly behavior

The Jackson County Board of Education is committed to supporting the whole child and utilizing equitable and evidenced-based practices, intervention, and strategies that develop the skills our students need to build strong relationships, foster self-confidence, identify ways to repair and restore these relationships, and establish a positive supportive school culture and climate. In doing so, both the physical and emotional safety of students and staff members will be addressed. JCSS has created an organizational structure, led by the Department of Student Support Services, to build staff capacity in creating supportive school communities of educators and stakeholders focused on prevention, intervention, and post-response support for behavior and student well-being. Researched-based programs, frameworks, interventions, and strategies will be leveraged to best support each and every student to ensure that they reach their full potential.

The Department of Student support Services supports all students as they grow and learn in the Jackson County School System. Student Support Services establishes processes, procedures, and best practices to support positive behavior and school culture and to promote academic success and social-emotional development. When students are challenged with non-academic concerns that prevent or impair school success or threaten their well-being, personnel within the department provide or connect students and families to the appropriate supports and/or services. The department works collaboratively with all schools and divisions across the district as well as community organizations to deliver services and programs that support each and every student and create positive learning environments in all of our schools.

Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

 The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under this program, state educational agencies must ensure that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool, as other children and youth.

Homeless children and youth must have access to the educational and other services that they need to enable them to meet the same challenging student academic achievement standards to which all students are held. In addition, homeless students may not be separated from the mainstream school environment.

Definition: Homeless Child or Youth – individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. 

The term includes children and youth who are:

1. Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred as “doubled up”)

2. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

3. Living in emergency or transitional shelters;

4. Abandoned in hospitals; or

5. Children who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings

6. Children who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings

7. Migratory children or formerly migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in homeless situations have the right to:

1. Go to school, including public preschool, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there

2. Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best interest; the school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled

3. Receive transportation to a from the school of origin (including out of zone school)

4. Enroll student immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment such as birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunization/medical records

5. Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school arranges transfer of records

6. Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students including transportation and supplemental education services

7. Attend school with children not experiencing homelessness; segregation based on a student status as homeless is prohibited

8. Qualify for the Free and reduced Lunch Program

This program is authorized by Title IX, Part A, of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Foster Care

     ​The Jackson County School System Foster Care Program focuses on school access, improved educational outcomes, and enhanced academic stability for children and youth in foster care. The provisions derived from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establish guidelines for recognizing and addressing the unique needs of foster care children and youth. The JCSS Foster Care Program has the responsibility of working closely with local child welfare agencies and local educational agencies to identify children and youth in foster care and to ensure the successful implementation of ESSA provisions.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Due Process

Due process will include appropriate hearings and reviews and, in all cases, the rights of individuals will be ensured and protected. A meeting for an out-of-school suspension involves a conference between an administrator, student, and/or teacher, and parent. A hearing for an expulsion or alternative placement will be formally conducted following the procedures mandated by the Jackson County Board of Education. Jackson County School System Procedures for Implementation of IDEA Regulations Related to Student Discipline are followed.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

A student has full rights and citizenship as defined by the Constitution of the United States and assumes the responsibility to take actions relative to this Constitution, the laws of the State of Georgia, and the policies, rules, and regulations of the Jackson County Board of Education.

Statement of Elementary School Violation

When an elementary school student is in violation of student discipline procedures and the prescribed disposition cannot be applied, the disposition will be left to the discretion of the principal.

Disciplining for Off-Campus Misconduct

Students may be disciplined for any off-campus behavior which could result in the 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 Jackson County Schools System educational process.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of the Jackson County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, disability, religion, or national origin in its educational programs, activities, or provision of services. Complaints regarding discrimination can be processed according to guidelines found in the school student handbook or in the principal’s office or the office of the Jackson County Board of Education.

Statement of Authority of Principal

The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in collaboration with the staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. In case of discipline violations not covered by specific disposition in this Code of Conduct, the principal may enact corrective measures which he or she feels are in the best interest of the school and the student involved. The authority of the principal extends to students who are on school property, on the way to or from school or a school function, at a school bus stop, and at any school function or activity. Based on circumstances of the incident, or the disciplinary record of the student involved, the principal may refer any matter under this paragraph (including any violation of the system or school Code of Conduct) to a disciplinary hearing.

Drug/Alcohol Policy for Students

Student use and unlawful possession of illicit drugs or alcohol is prohibited. Violations of the drug/alcohol policy for students can result in serious disciplinary consequences, up to and including expulsion and referral to legal authorities for prosecution. Each Jackson County School is designated as a Drug Free School Zone. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Threats of Violence

It is the policy of the Jackson County Board of Education to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe environment for students and staff. To that end, any threat by any individual directed toward another which if carried out would pose a potential danger to the life or safety of students and/or staff will be regarded as a serious matter. All threats of violence will be taken seriously, will subject the offender to disciplinary action, and may be reported, when appropriate, to law enforcement officials.

Lockers, Facilities, Campuses Subject to Search

All lockers, desks, book bags, school facilities, and school campuses are subject to inspection and search by school officials at any time. Metal detectors or dogs specifically trained to detect prohibited or illegal items such as weapons or drugs may be used at school or any school function, including activities that occur outside of normal school hours or off the school campus at the discretion of administrators. Searches of individual students may also be conducted at any time when school employees have reasonable suspicion that the student is in possession of an item that is illegal or against school rules.

Vehicles Subject to Search

Vehicles driven to school by students and parked on campus are subject to search by school authorities and/or the school’s designees without any further notice to, or the consent of, the owners or operators of such vehicles. Such search may be conducted without warrant. Search of the vehicle includes all compartments and components thereof. Once search begins, the person in control of the vehicle will not be permitted to remove it from the premises during the reasonable duration of the search.

Behavior Support Process

The behavior support process is a mechanism for identifying and encouraging those behaviors and environmental factors that promote the positive emotional, mental, social, and educational needs of students. This process is designed primarily to provide services to chronically disruptive students or to students who have committed a single disciplinary infraction of a serious or severe nature; however, it may be used for any student at the discretion of school administrators. The multi-tiered system of support team (MTSS) serves as the core component of the behavior support process. The MTSS team utilizes an interdisciplinary team approach, and provides supports and services that are customized to meet the individual needs of students. The composition of the behavior support team will vary based on the needs of the referred student, but typical representation would include the parents, teachers, school counselor and/or social worker, an administrator, and representatives from other agencies as deemed appropriate. The process seeks to organize the school, school system, parents, and applicable community efforts into a comprehensive framework for providing support for students. A major aspect of the process is its prevention orientation, aimed at providing proactive steps to help students avoid negative behaviors initially as well as helping troubled students minimize future difficulties.

As part of the behavior support process and in compliance with the Chronic Disciplinary Problem Students Act, the assistance of parents will be actively sought in cases where students have exhibited continually disruptive or inappropriate conduct in school. In such instances, parents may be invited to observe the student in a classroom situation and/or requested to attend a conference with school officials to devise a disciplinary and behavioral correction plan.

A major purpose of the process is to provide support strategies that emphasize and build on strengths of students rather than those that focus solely on behavioral problems. Portions of behavior support process recommendations that would address this purpose could include, but are not limited to, the following:

• helping students establish individual goals, relevant benchmarks, and a timeframe for attainment;

• service learning projects;

• development of problem-solving skills;

• leadership development;

• mentoring/peer mentoring;

• conflict management.

Finally, the behavior support process seeks to integrate school-based and community-based resources in order to meet the needs of students. Potential sources for support could include, but are not limited to, the following:

• individual or group sessions with school counselor/social worker;

• testing and support services through school psychologist and/or school psychometrist;

• access to peer mediation at the middle and high school levels;

• access to assistance from school resource officers in the high schools;

• involvement with appropriate community resources such as DFACS, law enforcement, juvenile court services, and mental health agencies.

Progressive Discipline Process

Students are governed by the policies, rules, and regulations of the Jackson County School System. These are applicable at school or on school property at any time, on the way to and from school, on the school bus and at school bus stops, and at any school-related function or activity on or off school premises. Students who choose not to conduct themselves within appropriate and expected guidelines should understand that they are subjecting themselves to possible disciplinary action.

Each incident of inappropriate behavior in the school setting is unique, and the disciplinary consequences imposed will reflect consideration of the nature of the incident and a number of factors specific to the student involved. When considering the discipline to be imposed, teachers and administrators will take into account any and all relevant factors to assure that the degree of disciplinary action is in proportion to the severity of the misbehavior. When appropriate and applicable, such factors may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• the student’s prior discipline history;

• seriousness of the offense;

• degree of premeditation, impulse, or self-defense;

• age and/or disability;

• strength of evidence;

• remorse;

• the student’s attitude and willingness to cooperate.

Due process procedures required by federal and state law will be followed in the disposition of all disciplinary cases.

Parental Involvement Process

In order to provide the best educational experience for your child, parents are encouraged and expected to support the district's behavioral expectations. Parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators must work together to improve and enhance student behavior and academic performance, thereby ensuring positive, orderly, and productive learning environments in all Jackson County Schools. In an effort to achieve that goal, parental involvement will be requested and encouraged in the student discipline process including but not limited to the following:

(1) The assistance of parents will be actively sought in cases where students have consistently exhibited disruptive or inappropriate conduct in school and where called for in the code of conduct when students have committed a single disciplinary infraction of a serious nature.

(2) When a student desires to withdraw from school, he/she must have written permission of his/her parents or legal guardian if under the age of eighteen prior to withdrawing. Prior to accepting such permission, a school administrator will have a conference with the student and parents/legal guardian within two school days of receiving notice of the intent of the student to withdraw. The purpose of the conference is to share with the student and parents/legal guardian educational options available and the consequences of not earning a high school diploma.

(3) The General Assembly of Georgia requires that this code of conduct include language encouraging parents and guardians to inform their children on the consequences, including potential criminal penalties, of underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult.

 

Student Disciplinary Tribunals

A student disciplinary tribunal heard by a disciplinary tribunal officer has been established by the Jackson County Board of Education (BOE) to handle all acts of misconduct of students enrolled in the school system that may warrant long-term suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary tribunal procedures are governed by the State of Georgia Public School Disciplinary Tribunal Act. (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-750)

Tribunal Referral Process

If the principal determines that a student should be referred to a disciplinary tribunal, the principal should consult with the Director of Student Support Services prior to scheduling a disciplinary tribunal.

Composition of Tribunals

The Director of Student support Services, or designee, shall determine whether to appoint a tribunal officer to any disciplinary tribunal. The tribunal officer is a third party attorney that conducts the disciplinary tribunals. The tribunal officer hears evidence concerning charges of misconduct that have been brought against students which, if proven, may require greater than ten (10) school days and up to one (1) calendar year suspension with a recommendation of permanent expulsion.

Tribunal Proceedings

All tribunals are recorded electronically. Tribunals before a student disciplinary tribunal officer are confidential and are not open to the public. Staff and student witnesses to a particular case may be requested and/or subpoenaed by the school system to testify on its behalf at the tribunal. Subpoenas for witnesses are obtained from the Office of Student Support Services. It is the responsibility of the student or parent/guardian to deliver subpoenas to the witnesses and arrange for their transportation to the tribunal.

The evidence presented at a disciplinary tribunal may be physical (drugs, weapons, discipline record, written statements, etc.), as well as testimony from witnesses. At the tribunal, the student or parent/guardian has the right to be represented by an attorney, obtained at their own expense. If an attorney is going to represent the student, the Office of Student Support Services must receive notice at least one school day prior to the tribunal to arrange for an attorney for the school system to be present. Student or parents/guardians may also be represented by an advocate obtained at their own expense.  If an advocate is going to represent the student the Office of Student Support Services must receive at least one school day prior to the tribunal.  If parents require the services of an interpreter, they should request these services from the local school at least two full days prior to the discipline tribunal.

How Decisions Are Made

The disciplinary tribunal officer will determine whether the student was or was not in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will determine the appropriate consequences. The tribunal officer may consider only the evidence it regards to be relevant to the charges in question in making its determination of whether a rule has been violated The tribunal officer is allowed to give the presented evidence whatever weight the tribunal officer thinks is warranted.

The disciplinary tribunal officer will review the student’s school records if the student is found in violation of the Code of Conduct. Both parties are given the opportunity to make a closing or summary statement. The tribunal officer convenes privately to decide the appropriate consequences. A letter and other information regarding the decision will be sent to the student or parent/guardian within five (5) working days after the tribunal is held.

Appeals

The Board of Education may voluntarily review any decision of a student disciplinary tribunal; however, reasonable notice of an intent to review shall be given to the pertinent student and parent or guardian. Additionally, the Board of Education for Jackson County shall consider appeals from student disciplinary tribunal decisions. Pendency of appeal to the Board will not ordinarily prevent the commencement of the period of suspension or expulsion prescribed by the student disciplinary tribunal officer.

The Superintendent, or Director of Student Support Services, may review any student disciplinary tribunal that is subject to review by the Board of Education pursuant to an appeal or a recommendation of permanent expulsion. In reviewing any student disciplinary tribunal, the Superintendent’s designee may recommend an amendment or reversal of a tribunal officer’s finding. This recommendation will be submitted to the Superintendent for consideration and/or action.

No new evidence and no oral argument may be presented to the Board on appeal and all consideration on appeal will be based on the record of the proceedings at the tribunal of the student disciplinary tribunal and the written appellate arguments filed by the parties. Notice of appeal shall be in writing and filed in the Superintendent’s Office in care of the Office of Student Support Services. Notice of appeal or legal arguments of the appellant must be received in the Office of Student Support Services no later than 20 calendar days from the date the decision is rendered. The Board may take any action it determines appropriate, and any decision of the Board shall be final.

The mission of the Pharos Alternative Community Program is to:

1. Provide a restorative environment to remediate both social-emotional and academic skills necessary for successful reintegration into the school of origin or another suitable educational setting. 

2. Attendance at Pharos is a privilege extended via waiver to Jackson County Schools students who have committed an offense or offenses that warrant a disciplinary tribunal normally resulting in expulsion from the system. 

3. Reduce the number of students being totally excluded from a middle or high school.

4. Provide suspended students an alternative to total school exclusion and provide them the opportunity to improve their behavior and return to the regular setting.

Length of Pharos School day: 

1. All students at Pharos will be required to attend the entire daily sessions.

2. Students must make plans to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before classes begin, and they must report to their classrooms upon arrival to campus. They must not remain outside the building before and after school. They must leave immediately when school ends for the day.

Miscellaneous facts about Pharos:

1. Location is at the Empower College & Career Center

2. Students in grades 6–12 may attend Pharos. 

3. Students enrolled at Pharos may be allowed to enroll in online classes. 

4. Students are required to wear a school approved uniform

All middle and high schools in the Jackson County School System use a common grading scale and common weighting for Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Enrollment Core or HOPE eligible  courses.  The grading scale used is indicated below.

Common Grading Scale:

A	90-100
B	80-89
C	70-79
F	0-69

 

Common Weighting:

Jackson County Honors courses are awarded 5 additional points so the grading scale for an A in an honors course is 90-105.  Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Enrollment Core courses are awarded 10 additional points so the grading scale for an A in these courses is 90-110.

Course Final Grade Calculation for All Courses

60% Classroom Summative Assessments 30% Classroom Formative Assessments 10% End-of-Course Exam or Final Exam

 

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In accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture regulations, a copy of the meal charge policy shall be sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. The charge policy shall also be included in handbooks and/or online portals. 

Elementary and Middle School students may charge up to the cost of five (5) meals. High school students may charge up to the cost of one (1) breakfast and one (1) lunch. Charges are not allowed for supplemental or a la carte items. Once the charge limit has been met the student may receive a designated alternate meal as defined by the School Nutrition Program.

A charge notice will be completed for each occurrence and notification will be sent home to the parent/guardian through the student. Additionally, once the charge limit has been met the parent/guardian will be notified by the local school via phone call, letter, or email. A charge list will be provided to the Principal upon request. After three (3) notifications with no success in collecting outstanding charges, the principal or district social worker will be asked to intervene in the collection of the delinquent amount and assessment for the need for free or reduced priced meals.

Charging for meals will not be permitted after April 30th, and all charges must be cleared prior to the last day of the school year.

Payments on student accounts may be made by cash, check, or for your convenience, via credit card through our online payment system at https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/newm/main. Through this system, you may also establish daily spending limits, block charges, and sign up for auto-payment on the account either when the account balance drops below a designated amount or below $10.00. Please note school nutrition does not start, stop, or modify how payments are made through this system.

Parents who apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits are responsible for payment of all school meals and accumulated charges until approval is granted. Federal guidelines allow a maximum of ten (10) days to approve new applications. Parents will receive a notification letter or email of a student’s eligibility showing the effective date. If a notification letter is not received within ten (10) days of submitting the application, parents should check with the school nutrition manager to verify receipt. Applications from the previous school year expire thirty (30) days into the current year. All applications that were processed for School Year 2023-2024 will expire on September 12, 2024, at 12:00am.

If you have any questions about your child’s meal accounts, please contact the cafeteria manager at your child’s school.

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The Jackson County School System wants to remind our stakeholders of the important role that water safety and swimming lessons play in saving lives (O.C.G.A 20-2-779.3.)  Swimming lessons are potentially available at the following locations.  Swimming lessons may also be available elsewhere in and around our community.

Winder Barrow Brad Akins YMCA     

50 Brad Akins Dr 2723 

Winder, GA 30680 

770-868-2917 

Bogan Park- Gwinnett County

2723 North Bogan Road

Buford, Ga 

678-227-0853

J.A. Walters Family YMCA 

2455 YMCA Drive 

Gainesville, GA 30501 

770-297-9622 

Frances Meadows Aquatic Center

1545 Community Way NE

Gainesville, GA 30501

770-533-5850

Athens YMCA

915 Hawthorne Ave.

Athens, GA 30606-2198

706-543-6596

 

The PINES Library Card Access for Youth (PLAY) program gives students free access to public library materials and online resources to help them succeed in school. The public library provides free access to books and online resources to help your child succeed in school, as well as fun resources that help develop a lifelong love of reading.  

For resources in the library, your children have the same access with the PLAY card as they do with your physical library card. Parents/caregivers have the right and responsibility to guide their children's reading. We ask that you assist your child in selecting material that is both age-appropriate for them and appealing to their unique interests. 

For electronic resources, the PLAY card can access our educational resources, such as ABC Mouse, World Book Online, and ERead Kids, which features ebooks and audiobooks curated for preK-4th grade. The PLAY card cannot, however, check out materials from the Libby collection of ebooks and audiobooks, which features content meant for teens and adults.

Per Official Code of Georgia § 21-12-30(a) Confidential Nature of Certain Library Records, all information shared with the library is confidential.  The information shared with the library is solely for the purpose of establishing the library account which may be cancelled at any time by contacting any public library branch. By acknowledging receipt of this Handbook Information for Students and Families, you consent to the foregoing. As the parent/guardian of a student, you may elect to withhold your consent for creation of a public library account.

The Jackson County Board of Education is pleased to extend Student Accident Insurance Coverage as an option for parents and/or guardians to consider. The Axis Insurance Company provides coverage at a very reasonable rate should your child get injured at school or while participating in a school event. Please take time to review this information and consider for your child or children. If you choose to not participate, please understand that the school board is limited in its ability to provide financial support should an injury occur as all public schools in Georgia fall under sovereign immunity.

We encourage you to consider this option.

For more information, please click here. 

Creating Lasting Family Connections (CLFC) is a drug/alcohol education program for first-time offenders of Rules 1 & 7 of the Student Code of Conduct. Not all first offenders will qualify for this program. This program could allow the student to reduce his or her term of suspension.

All four, two-hour sessions are in the evening and must be completed in sequential order. Further information regarding this program can be obtained from the Office of Student Support Services.