2008-2009

Click on an active (gray) link below for more information.

General Information & Staff	Student Parking	Graduation & Promotion Requirements	HOPE Scholarship
2008/2009 PHS School Calendar	Telephone Use	Grading Policies	Gifted Program Information
Bell Schedule	Visitors	Report Card & Progress Report Schedule	Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
Pickens High School Alma Mater	Cafeteria	Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Non-Discrimination Policy	Textbooks
Disaster Preparedness Plan	Student Insurance	Clubs & Organizations	Vocational Cooperative Training Programs
FERPA Directory Information Notice	Lockers	Mr/Miss PHS, Officers, & Homecoming/Winter Spirit/Prom Courts	Accel/Dual Enrollment Program
		Media Center	Guidance/Counseling
Attendance Policy	Discipline Policy	Youth Apprenticeship Program	GHSA Elligibility
Responsibility Act	Tardy Policy	Student Council	Student Internet Permission Forms
Checkout Procedures
School Sponsored Events
Tardy Policy
Bell Schedule
Homeroom Bell Scedule

Pickens County High School

Address                                 Pickens High School
                                              500 Dragon Drive
                                              Jasper, GA 30143
Main Office                            (706) 253-1800
Fax Line                                 (706) 253-1815
School Mascot                        Dragons
School Colors                         Green and White

Principal                                 Chris Williams
Assistant Principals               Harold Culbreth
                                               Lisa Galloway
                                               Milton Turner
Technology Career Director Shannon Gable
                                               
Registrar                               Maxie VanSant

Counselors                            Anthony Cain
                                              Kathy Pickering
                                              Terri Semig
Graduation Coach                  Delane Lewis
Athletic Director                    Steve Sewell
Cafeteria Manager                Andrea Wood
Media Specialist                    Sharon Rasco
PHS Title IX Coordinator       Steve Sewell

PICKENS COUNTY
Title VI Coordinator             Tom Pickering
Title IX Coordinator             Steve Sewell
Section 504 Coordinator      Christine Barker
ADA Coordinator                  Tom Pickering

In case of questionable inclement weather, call (706) 253-1710 and listen to WYYZ 1490 AM for information.  You may also turn to WSB Television for updates. 

Pickens County Schools 2008-2009 Calendar

                   2008                                                                2009
July                                                                 January
4          Independence Day Holiday               1-2       Christmas Holidays, cont.
16        11 month employees report               5          In-service
30-31   Pre-planning                                       6          Students return to school
                                                                        13        Report Cards
                                                                        19        MLK Holiday
August
1          Pre-planning  
4          Pre-planning                                      February
5          First day of school                              16        President’s Day Holiday
                                                                        17        Winter Break

September                                                      March
1          Labor Day Holiday                            12        End of 3rd 9 weeks
                                                                        13        In-service
October                                                           24        Report Cards
7          End of 1st 9 weeks                             
8          In-service
9-10     Fall Break                                          April                           
16        Report  Cards                                    6-10     Spring Break
                                   
November                                                       May
24-28  Thanksgiving Holidays                     22          Last Day of School
                                                                        23        Graduation
                                                                        25        Memorial Day
December                                                       26-28   Post-planning
19        End of 2nd 9 weeks                            
22-31   Christmas Holidays                           June
                                                                        11        11 month employees last day
                                                                       
*Early Dismissal Dates (Students dismissed at 12:00)
  Oct. 21 -  Parent/Teacher Conference
  Mar. 26 - Parent/Teacher Conference
 

PICKENS HIGH SCHOOL REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE

           
    7:35                       Release from cafeteria/gym
    7:47                       Warning Bell
    7:50-9:23              1st Period
    9:29                       Warning Bell
    9:31-11:03            2nd Period
    11:09                     Warning Bell
    11:11-1:17            3rd Period
    11:11-11:41          1st Lunch
    11:43-12:13          2nd Lunch
    12:15-12:43          3rd Lunch
    12:47-1:17            4th Lunch
    1:23                        Warning Bell
    1:25-3:00               4th Period

Pickens High School Alma Mater

Planted in the Blue Ridge Mountains,
High above the plain,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
Kissed by sun and rain.

Pickens High our Alma Mater.
Deep in our hearts we’ll hold.
Love and loyalty we’ll give thee,
Green and white of old.

Years may dim our recollection,
Change with time will come,
While we live we’ll ever cherish
Friendships here begun.

Pickens High our Alma Mater,
Deep in our hearts we’ll hold.
Love and loyalty we’ll give thee,
Green and white of old.

PICKENS COUNTY NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Pickens County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color or natural origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex(Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Act of 1984); or handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in educational programs, activities or employment procedures.

Inquiries regarding compliance with Title II, Title VI, Title IX or Section 504 may be directed to the Pickens County Board of Education, 159 Stegall Drive, Jasper, GA (706-253-1700), or to the Director of Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C.  Any student who feels that the policy statement regarding Title II, VI, IX or Section 504 has been violated should check with the principal.

PICKENS HIGH SCHOOL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN

State standards require that Pickens High School develop and maintain a School Disaster Plan that would prepare the school to save lives, minimize injuries, and reduce property damage in the event of a man-made or natural disaster.

The principal or assistant principal will implement this plan immediately upon receipt of notification that a disaster has occurred or is anticipated.

School personnel or students will not be allowed to leave this school unless permission is granted by the principal, his assistant, or an authorized individual that represents the principal.

All teachers that have student responsibility will keep an accurate account of students under their supervision.
Students may be release to their parents if the situation permits parents to come for their children.

Board of Education of Pickens County

NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND ELIGIBLE STUDENT

OF RIGHTS UNDER THE
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (the Act), you have a right to:

(1). Inspect and review, within 45 days of a request, the education records of a student who is your child, or in the case of a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, or those who are emancipated, your own education records. Parents or eligible students should submit to the [appropriate school official] a written request identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The [appropriate school official] will make arrangements for access and provide notice of such arrangements.

(2). Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. To request the school district to amend a record, parents or eligible student should write the school principal, specify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the district decides not to amend the record, it will notify the parents or eligible student of the decision and inform them of the rights to a hearing. Additional information regarding the hearing procedure will be provided with the notification of the right to a hearing.

(3). Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act and the regulations promulgated pursuant to the ACT authorize disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is to school officials with legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member; a member of the school board; a person with whom the district has a legitimate educational record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. [Optional: Upon request, the school district forwards educational records without prior consent to another school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.

(4). File with the United States Department of Education a complaint under 20 C.F.R. 99.64 concerning the alleged failures by the Pickens County Board of Education to comply with the requirements of the ACT or the regulations promulgated there under. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

FERPA DIRECTORY INFORMATION NOTICE

The Pickens County School District has designated the following information as directory information:

1).    Student’s name, address and telephone number.
2).    Student’s date and place of birth.
3).    Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports.
4).    Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team.
5).    Dates of attendance at the Pickens County School System schools.
6).    Awards received during the time enrolled in Pickens County School System.

Unless you, as a parent/guardian or eligible student, request otherwise, this information may be disclosed to the public upon request.  You have the right to refuse to allow all or any part of the above information to be designated as directory information and to be disclosed to the public upon request.  If you wish to exercise this right, you must notify the [principal of the school at which the student is enrolled] in writing within 10 days after enrollment date.

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, the Pickens Co. School District informs parents that you may request information about the professional Qualifications of your student’s teacher(s).  The following information may be requested:

1).     whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements
         for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides
         instruction;
2).     whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through
         which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;
3).     the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;
4).     whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their
         qualifications.
If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please contact the principal at 706-253-1800.

STUDENT PARKING AND AUTOMOBILE USE

There will be a $30 fee for an annual student parking permit. The parking permit must be visible at all times when on the PHS campus. If a student loses his or her permit, a replacement MUST be purchased for a fee of $5.00.
A student may earn privilege of parking his/her automobile on campus during school hours subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. The student must have a valid Georgia Drivers License.

1. The student agrees by signing a form that he/she fully understands that at no time when the student’s vehicle is on campus will the vehicle contain a weapon as defined by the Student Code of Conduct, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, any non-prescription drugs or illegal substances or any pornographic material. The student understands and agrees that he/she will be accountable for any item or substance in his/her vehicle, regardless of who places the item or substance in the vehicle or whether the student was aware of the same. The student agrees to inspect the vehicle before bringing the vehicle on campus each time in order to determine whether anything forbidden by the permit is in the vehicle.

1. The student agrees that his/her vehicle is subject to random searches at any time the principal or designee deems appropriate and the student agrees upon request to unlock his/her vehicle glove compartment, trunk or any other locked storage compartment in the vehicle for inspection.

This permit is subject to revocation by the administrative staff at any time any of the above conditions have not been met or the student is otherwise disciplined for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Student parking will be in individually assigned spaces only. Parking in unauthorized areas will result in disciplinary action. Continued violation will result in the student’s car being towed away at the student’s expense and loss of parking privileges.

While on campus, the maximum speed is 10 MPH. Buses and pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times. No reckless or dangerous driving will be tolerated. Once the student parks, he/she will immediately come into the building. Students will not go to their cars during the school day without permission from the administration. Any student driving on bonks or other unauthorized areas may lose their driving privileges. All students being brought to school and picked up after school should report to the front of the school building.

STUDENT USE OF THE TELEPHONE

Telephones located in school offices or classrooms are not for student use. Students are asked to inform their friends, employers and relatives that they may not take personal telephone calls at school. Messages will not be taken and relayed to students except in emergency situations. Students are also informed to make afternoon transportation arrangements prior to arriving at school in the mornings. 

VISITORS

Students are not allowed to have guests in class. All visitors must report to the front office upon arrival on the school grounds. Loitering on school property is prohibited by law.

CAFETERIA INFORMATION

All students will report to the lunchroom during their assigned lunch time.  No student will leave the lunchroom area without permission from the administrator on duty.  Students are not allowed to leave campus for lunch and such action will be treated as “skipping”.  Students are not allowed to have lunch brought in or delivered.

Meal prices will be announced at the beginning of each school year. Forms for free and reduced lunches will be made available through homeroom teachers. These forms must be completed and filed in the main office.

**STUDENTS MAY NOT CHARGE LUNCH OR BREAKFAST**

Convenient pre-payment in now available:

1. Students may pre-pay for their school meals.  Each student will have an account that will accept any amount of pre-payment money, and as meals are purchased, the cost of the meal or individual items will be deducted from the account balance.
2. Students will be assigned a five digit ID number which they will key in at the cashier station as they receive a meal or purchase side items.  All students will be required to enter their I.D. number on the line regardless of their eligibility status (full paid, reduced-price or free).  Their name will appear on the computer screen and will be verified by the cashier who will total the purchase.
3. Students are encouraged to pay by the week, month or year.  Pre-payments and/or daily cash payments are made as students go through the line at breakfast or lunch.  Parents may also access Meal Pay Plus at www.pickens.k12.ga.us to pay for student meals on-line for a fee of $2.00 per transaction.  Check the web-site for link availability or go to www.MealpayPlus.com  to register. Student account records will document all payments and purchases made by the student.  No charges will be allowed for meals in the PHS Dining Room.
4. Checks may be written to PHS.  The total amount of the check will be applied to the student’s account for use in the school dining room.  No change will be returned for checks.
5. Applications for Free or Reduced-Price meals will be sent home with every student at the beginning of the school year and, as requested, anytime during the school year.  Please remember that if your student qualified for Free or Reduced Price meals last year, you must reapply within the first 30 days of the new school year.

TEXTBOOKS

Students who lose books will be required to pay for the book immediately. A record should be made of this order that the fine be returned if the book is found. Fines for excessive damages or lost books will be assessed on the basis of the books lasting five years. Example:  Cost of book is $6.00; lost after 2 years. Therefore, the school loses 3/5 of the use of the book. 3/5 x $6.00 = $3.60. This is the fine to the student. Excessive wear indicates that the life of the book will be reduced one year. The fine would be 1/5 of the cost of the book. Abuses such as marking pages, torn pages, damaged covers, etc., will be assessed by the subject matter teacher. Fines should range from $1.00 to the cost of the book. Report cards will not be issued at the end of the year to students who owe for books or other fees.

STUDENT INSURANCE

The school will offer a group student insurance program.  All students are encouraged to purchase accident insurance.  A letter will be sent to parents to inform them of the coverage offered.  This form must be returned accepting or rejecting purchase of this coverage.  If a claim is necessary during the school year, a student should obtain a claim form from Mrs. Roper in the school’s main office.
NOTE: Any student who is going to participate in football must be covered by the preferred option of this student insurance program or his parents must sign a waiver form stating that they have insurance coverage and they will pay any additional expenses incurred from an injury or that they do not have insurance and understand they are financially responsible for any medical expenses incurred due to injury.  All other students who are going to compete in athletic events other than football must have at least the basic coverage listed in this policy or sign the waiver forms noted above for football.

LOCKERS

All students will have an assigned locker for storage of books and other school related materials.  These lockers are not to be used to store weapons and/or illegal objects or products. Students should refrain form keeping money or valuables in their assigned lockers.  All lockers are the property of Pickens High School.  No decorations or any kind will be allowed on lockers (stickers, decals, posters, etc...)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation requirements are established by the Georgia Department of Education and the Pickens County Board of Education.  Students must earn 28 credits in order to receive a Pickens High School Diploma.  New graduation requirements will be implemented for students entering high school in the Fall, 2008.

Class of 2009-2011

For students entering Pickens High School prior to Fall of 2008 there are two basic diploma types:

College Preparatory requires:

4 units of English
4 units of Math: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and one unit of advanced math
4 units of Social Studies: Citizenship or Government, US History, World History and Economics
4 units of Science: one biological, one physical and two other College Prep sciences (two of the     
      four sciences must be lab sciences)
2 units of the same foreign language
1 unit of Health/P.E.
9 additional electives

Technology/Career Preparatory requires:

4 units of English
3 units of Math, including one unit of Algebra I or equivalent
3 units of Science: one biological, one physical and two other sciences (two of the four sciences  
      must be lab sciences)
4 units of Social Studies: Citizenship or Government, US History, World History and Economics
4 technical/career prep units: 3 must be in one area of concentration
1 unit of Health/P.E.
9 additional electives

Students may earn a Dual Seal by completing the requirements for College Preparatory and the additional 4 technical units, 3 in one area of concentration.
A seal of Distinction may be added to CP, TP or Dual Seal by earning 30 units, taking additional selected classes and earning an 80 or above average in core classes.

Students must earn a specific number of required credits in areas pertaining to the diploma track they are on.  The Guidance Counselors or the homeroom teacher will be able to assist the student in determining the courses of study he/she will need to complete in order to receive a specific diploma.

Class of 2012 and Beyond

For students entering Pickens High School in Fall, 2008:

All students will be required to complete a total of 28 units for graduation.  All students will take:
4 units of English
4 units of Science
4 units of Math
3 units of Social Studies
At least 3 units required from: Foreign Language* and/or CTAE and/or Fine Arts
1 unit of Health/P.E.
9 additional electives
*Students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution must take two units of the same foreign language.

Every student except those in special education who have an IEP (Individual Education Program) must pass all sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests in order to receive a high school diploma.

Students who have met all the criteria to receive a high school diploma will be allowed to participate in commencement/graduation ceremonies; this includes completing and passing all sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests.

Any student who does not complete all the criteria for a diploma but does meet the attendance requirement and has earned the needed units may be awarded the High School Performance Certificate.  The certificate is not a high school diploma, but a certificate showing performance and attendance.

These diplomas and certificates comply with the policies of the Georgia State Board of Education and the Pickens County Board of Education.

SENIOR FEE

There will be a $55.00 fee required of all students who are planning to graduate in May, 2009.  This will pay for the costs of graduation including diplomas, diploma covers, graduation programs, caps and gowns.  This fee will be collected from all seniors during the month of February, 2009 and may also be paid online @ www.hrcampussupply.com.

Promotion Requirements (Grade 9-12)

Students are assigned to a grade level based on accrued units at the beginning of each school year. Summer school credits are included.

For those 9th grade students who entered high school in the 2005-06 school year or later, promotion/placement shall be made on the following basis:

To be promoted to the tenth grade – 6 units to include one unit in English, one unit in math, plus one unit of either science or social studies.

To be promoted to the eleventh grade – 13 units to include two units of English plus two units of math, two units of science, and two social studies credits.

To be promoted to the twelfth grade – 20 units to include three units of English plus eight
core academic units including math, science or social studies credit.

High school students will follow local board policies IHF, IHF(2), IHF(3), IHF(4), IHF(5) and the State Board of Education Rule for High School Graduation Requirements.

GRADING POLICY AT PICKENS HIGH SCHOOL

Pickens High School operates on a semester (eighteen-week) grading period.  There are two eighteen-week periods in a school year.  Credit is awarded at the end of each semester.  Students will be made aware of the exact grading procedure for each class by the course instructor.

Grade Weighing Policy

Beginning in the Fall of 2008:
Courses listed below are those which will be weighted as “Honors/AP Weighted Courses.” 
Any courses listed as “Honors” will receive an additional 6% added to the final grade.  Any courses listed as “AP” will receive an additional 10% added to the final grade.

                         Honors English 9                           Honors Physical Science
                         Honors English 10                         Honors Chemistry
                         Honors English 11                       AP Chemistry
                         Honors English 12                         Honors Biology II/AP Biology
                         AP English                                     Honors Physics
                         Honors US History                        Advanced Algebra & Trig.
                         AP US History                              Honors Algebra II
                         Honors World History                   Honors Geometry
                         AP European History                     AP Calculus
                         Honors Civics                                Honors Statistics    
                         Honors World Geography             French III/Spanish III
All other courses will be considered “regular courses.”

*Any courses listed above as “Honors/AP” that were earned as credit prior to Fall, 2008 will receive an additional 10% added to the final grade.

REPORT CARD SCHEDULE
Report cards will be issued every nine weeks.  Progress reports will be issued at the mid point of each nine weeks.

Report Cards-- October 16, 2008               
January 13, 2009                                                                                                     March 24, 2009

HONOR ROLL ELIGIBILITY

Principal’s List- Every 9 weeks grading period students will be named to the Principal’s list if their average is 95 or above with no grade lower than 90.

Honor Roll- Every 9 weeks grading period students will be named to the honor roll if their average is 90 or above with no grade lower than 80.

Honor Students-Students who have been on Honor Roll or Principal’s List for all of the first three grading periods will be recognized on Awards Day at the end of the school year.

PSO/Joint Enrollment

All grades from colleges and Appalachian Technical College will be reported as A, B, & C.  These letter grades will be entered into our transcript file at Pickens High School as 95, 85, and 75.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

The student with the highest class ranking as determined by the highest weighted grade point average shall be recognized as Valedictorian.  The student with the second highest class ranking as determined by the highest grade point average shall be recognized as Salutatorian.

In order to be named either Valedictorian or Salutatorian, as a minimum, students must have attended high school in the school system the last semester of their Junior year and during the first semester of their Senior year.  Students must be and have been at the school of graduation during those semesters.  Transfer credit used for calculation of the highest grade point average for determination of class ranking for Valedictorian and/or Salutatorian shall by accepted only from high schools accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (or agency recognized as a regional accrediting agency by SACS).  All grades will be calculated based on the Pickens High School grading scale.

Class ranking shall be determined by the highest grade point average completed at the end of the first semester of the year in which the student is a graduating senior.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Beginning with the Class of 2007, grades from all high school coursework attempted in the core curriculum subjects (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science, Science, and for college preparatory students, Foreign Language) will be counted in computing the grade point average used for determining HOPE Scholarship eligibility. 

For example, three core-curriculum units of Science are required to graduate with a career/technical diploma.  If four units of core-curriculum Science, which are all eligible to meet the diploma requirements are taken, then the grades from all four units will be included in the HOPE grade average.  This also means that the core-curriculum course work with a failing grade and the grades from repeated core-curriculum course work will be included in the calculation.

Grades will be converted to a 4.0 scale as follows:
A-4.0
B-3.0
C-2.0
F-0

Students must earn a “B” average in the core curriculum subjects (as outlined above).  A “B” average is defined as a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

No weight will be added to any grade except for Advanced Placement courses.  .5 points will be added to grades of B (3.5) or C (2.5), however no grade will be given points beyond 4.0 (e.g. A = 4.0 not 4.5).

Technical/Career students must have a 3.2 average in core classes.

For more information, please visit www.gsfc.org or call toll free at 1-800-505-GSFC(4732).
GAcollege411.org also provides HOPE information.   
       
In addition to meeting grade requirements, you must also meet the following requirements:
               *    be enrolled at a Georgia public or private college or university and be a legal resident of Georgia
               *    be a 1993 or later graduate of an eligible high school
               *    earn a “B” average (80 cumulative average meeting the college curriculum track or
                     an 85 cumulative average in any other curriculum track).
               *    Students who receive the HOPE Scholarship for their freshman year can renew it for their Sophomore,                      Junior, and Senior years if they maintain a 3.0 average at the end of the year.

GED

Legal residents of Georgia who earned a GED after June 30, 1993 may receive a one time $500 HOPE award. This award can be used toward tuition, books, and other costs at an eligible public technical institute or public or private college or university in a degree, diploma, or certified program.

GIFTED PROGRAM POLICY

The Pickens County Board of Education shall develop and provide curricula for gifted students that incorporate the State Board of Education-approved student competencies and required curriculum. The curricula for gifted students shall be consistent with the requirements of Georgia Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38, Education Program for Gifted Students, and the Georgia Department of Education's Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services.

The Superintendent and appropriate staff shall review and revise (if revisions are needed) its curricula for gifted students at least annually. An updated copy of the local program description shall be submitted to the Georgia-Department of Education whenever changes are made.

 TEST DATES                                                                                      

PSAT Test Date:

October 15, 2008
           

SAT Test Dates for the 2008-2009 school year:
                                                                       
October 4, 2008                                                         
November 1, 2008                                                      
December 6, 2008                                                      
January 24, 2009                                                         
March 14, 2009                                                          
May 2, 2009                                                               
June 6, 2009                                                               
**For information about testing locations, visit www.collegeboard.com.

Georgia High School Graduation Test Dates for the 2008-2009 school year:

Sept. 15-26, 2008                                Math/Lang. Arts/Social Studies/Science – Seniors only
Sept. 24, 2008                                     Writing Test – Juniors & Seniors
Nov. 3-14, 2008                                  Math/Lang. Arts/Social Studies/Science – Seniors only
February 25, 2009                               Writing Test
March 16-April 3, 2009                       Math/Lang. Arts/Social Studies/Science

**Additional information may be obtained on these tests in the counselor’s office.

ACT Assessment Test Dates                                                            AP Exam Dates
                                                           
October 25, 2008                                                                    May 4-15, 2009          
December 13, 2008
February 7, 2009
April 4, 2009
June 13, 2009

**For additional information, visit www.act.org

ATTENDANCE POLICY

GOAL OR PURPOSE OF ATTENDANCE POLICY:

SECTION I

Legal absence from school:

A student shall not be absent from school or from any class or other required school activity except for reasons listed below, unless with prior written permission of the principal or designee. No student shall encourage, urge, or counsel other students to violate this policy. Georgia State Board of Education policy states that children may be temporarily excused from school for the following reasons:

1. personal illness
2. a serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family
3. religious holidays
4. absences mandated by order of governmental agencies
5. acts of GOD – (conditions which render attendance impossible or hazardous to the student’s health and safety)
6. serving as a page in the General Assembly
7. students age 18 or over shall be excused (1) day to either register to vote or to go vote
8. A student whose parent or legal guardian is in the US Armed Forces/National Guard, has been called to duty for, or is on leave from, overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat posting, will be granted up to five (5) excused absences per school year for the days missed from school to visit with the parent or legal guardian prior to such deployment or during such leave.

After each absence, upon returning to school, students are required to furnish a note within 5 school days from the parent and/or physician.  Notes will not be accepted after 5 school days.  The note must contain the following information:

1. the specific reason the student was absent
2. the number of days and dates of the absence(s)
3. the student’s first and last name
4. the parent or physician signature
5. the telephone number of parent or physician

ALL OTHER ABSENCES ARE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED.

Minimum attendance requirements

Students are required to be counted present a minimum of 85 out of 90 class periods per semester. Those students accumulating more than five absences in a class (regardless whether excused or unexcused) during a semester will receive no credit for that class unless the Attendance Review Committee grants a waiver. Transfer students will be subject to the same policy with their previous attendance record accompanying them.

With the passage of House Bill (HB) 1190 during the 2004 Legislative Session, a student’s instructional permit or drivers license will be suspended for one full year or until the student reaches the age of 18 if the student has accumulated 10 school days of unexcused absences (not necessarily consecutive) in the current academic year 2008-2009. (www.dmvs.ga.gov)

Attendance Review Committee

The Attendance Review Committee is a standing committee of five appointed by the Principal and chaired by a school board administrator. It should be made up of three (and possibly four) faculty members, a member of the Board of Education (if possible), and a school administrator. This committee shall be authorized to grant credit only in cases where the excessive absences of the student have been shown to have been unavoidable and when appropriate make-up work has been completed at a passing level. This committee is authorized to require written verification from an attending physician or other recognized officials as part of the appeals process. Decisions of the Attendance Review Committee/Principal may be appealed to the Board of Education.

Make up procedures for work missed while absent.

Excused Absences-Students must initiate steps to make up work missed while absent within three days of their return to class. Students must then make up the work within a time frame established by the teacher.

Unexcused Absences-Following an unexcused absence, a student will have three school days to request make-up assignments from teachers.  Teachers will have three school days to provide the make-up assignments.  Teachers may require the make-up work to be done in the before or after school tutoring program if tutoring is available at the time.  Teachers may initiate the make-up assignments and may also give alternative assignments.  Failure to satisfactorily complete
make-up assignments within ten school days of the absence will result in a grade of zero for those assignments.  Students who have been assigned out of school suspension are not eligible to make-up any assignments.  Any assignments missed during OSS will result in a grade of zero.

SECTION II

If medically extended absences are necessary, hospital/homebound instruction is available for students who meet certain criteria.  You must contact the county office at (706) 253-1700 to obtain papers to begin hospital/homebound services.  Be sure to notify the HHB teacher of any special education involvement.  Board Policy (IDDC) States:  Any student who has a medically diagnosed, non-communicable physical condition that prevents said student from attending school for a minimum of ten (10) days shall be eligible for the services of a homebound teacher.

**The State of Georgia does not provide homebound instruction for students who are pregnant; therefore, students who are pregnant are not eligible for homebound services.  There must be a medical condition other than pregnancy that qualifies a student for homebound services.

SECTION III

Notification and Monitoring
Student absences will be monitored daily by the principal or his/her designee. Parents will be notified of excessive or unexcused absences and such notice will be documented by the school.

1. Upon the fifth (5th) unexcused absence, the school will notify the parent/guardian by certified mail. Parents/guardians and children who are age ten (10) years or older by September 1 are required by law to sign a statement indicating that they have received a written statement of the possible consequences and penalties for violation of the state's compulsory school attendance law. (See pgs. 27-32) If the parent/guardian does not respond after two reasonable attempts of the school

to secure such signature(s), the school will send a copy of the statement to the parent/guardian via certified mail.

1. Upon the tenth (10th) total absence (excused or unexcused), a letter will be mailed to the parent/guardian and a referral will be made to the attendance officer or school social worker.
2. If a student continues to be truant or excessively absent, interventions such as requiring families to attend Attendance Support Team meetings and entering into written agreements designed to help improve attendance may be implemented. If the school determines that attendance continues to be unsatisfactory, the Attendance Support Team is authorized to make a truancy referral to Juvenile Court if necessary.

The school may ask for a physician's written explanation if one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. A persistent, systematic pattern of absences has been established (e.g., absent every Monday).
2. More than (12) twelve days of absences (excused or unexcused) were recorded the prior school year.
3. More than (4) four absences have been recorded in a grading period or semester.
4. Physician's notes should state the number of days the illness is to be excused and when the student is expected to return to school.

 
Chronic truants will be referred to the attendance officer or school social worker. An updated referral will be necessary each year, even though some Attendance Support Team contracts or court orders may carry over into the next school year.

TEEN-AGE AND ADULT DRIVER RESPONBSIBILITY ACT

Effective January 1, 1998 local school systems are required to certify whether or not a student’s attendance pattern and discipline record will allow him or her to have a Georgia Driver’s permit or license.  A student 15 through 17 years old must have a certificate of attendance before applying for a driver’s license or permit.  Pickens High School and Pickens County Middle School have these forms available upon request and certification.
JOSHUA’S LAW NEW TEEN DRIVING REQUIREMENTS-Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, all 16 year olds applying for a Class D driver’s license must complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn verification that these requirements have been met.  Any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for a Class D driver’s license.
**For more information, visit www.gateendrivereducation.com

Check-out Procedures for Students

Students will be allowed to check out with written permission verified by a telephone call. Student’s will present the note to the administrative/clerical staff and will be issued an early dismissal pass. Students will not be released on a note alone, parental permission MUST be given over the phone in every case. The student’s name will be placed on the daily attendance sheet under early dismissals with the time noted.

In the event of an emergency, the student’s parents/guardian of their designees will be contacted by phone and arrangements will be made for the student to check out.

From the time students arrive on campus, students who leave school campus at any time must first check out through the office. A student who comes on campus then leaves without checking out will be treated the same as skipping.

School-Sponsored Events

State standards specify that a student may not be absent due to school-sponsored events and non-instructional events more than the following:

1. A maximum of three instructional days (18 instructional hours) is allowed per school year in grades K-12 for the administrative scheduling of non- instructional activities.    
2. In grades 9-12 individual student absences from classes are limited to 10 instructional days per year for participating in non-instructional activities.
3. In any grade 9-12 no student is allowed to miss any one class more than 13 times per year (three administrative and 10 individual) for non-instructional activities.
4. The local Board of Education adopted attendance policy is followed to grant additional absences for students who exceed the limitations listed above.

Students counted present in class

Students should be counted present when they are actually present in class, when serving as an official page in the legislature, when assigned in-school suspension, when representing the school at a school function, or when served by the hospital/homebound teacher.

TARDY POLICY

The administration will handle excessive tardies to school.  A warning bell will ring at 7:47.  Students will report directly to 1st period in the mornings by 7:50.  Anyone arriving after 7:50 will not be admitted to class without a tardy slip from the office.

Tardies to class;

A student will be considered tardy to class if he/she does not arrive on time and have proper materials for class.  Missing more than 45 minutes of class constitutes as an absence in that particular class.  Classroom teachers will be responsible for tardies to their classrooms. 

The following is a summary of the PHS Tardy Policy:

            5 total unexcused tardies………..Warning letter sent home to parent/guardian
            8 total unexcused tardies………...After school detention (ISS if not served)
          10 total unexcused tardies………...1 day of ISS
          15 total unexcused tardies………...2 days of ISS-referral to Attendance Support Team
          20 total unexcused tardies………3 days of ISS-referral to court
          Over 20 total unexcused tardies…..every 5th tardy over 20 will add an extra day of ISS

*Total unexcused tardies will accumulate from the beginning of the school year until the end  
  of the school year.

Bell Schedule

Homeroom

Homeroom will meet as scheduled as needed for record keeping, advisement, and other administrative purposes. STUDENTS MUST REPORT TO HOMEROOM.

Clubs

CLUBS

Mr and Miss PHS, Class Officers, and Homecoming, Winter Spirit, and
Prom Courts, & Student Council

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MR. &  MISS PHS

The following rules and procedures are used as the criteria for the selection of Mr. and Miss P.H.S. and the Court:

1. The P.H.S. Court will be made up of 10 senior boys and 10 senior girls.
2. The Court will be nominated by seniors from a roster of senior homeroom students.
3. The faculty committee will review the nominations and determine eligibility.
4. Students in grades 10 through 12 will select one boy and one girl as Mr. and Miss P.H.S from the list of nominated, eligible seniors.
5. Eligibility will be based on the following criteria:

         a) Good conduct; no major discipline problems.
         b) Good academic standing; no failing subjects.
         c) Good leadership qualities.
         d) Cooperation with faculty.
         e) Active participation in at least three school activities.
         f) Dependability.
         g) Pleasing personality and good attitude.
         h) Attendance in compliance with Board policy during junior and senior years.
         i) Enrollment and attendance full-time at PHS during junior and senior years.
         j) No married student is eligible.

CLASS OFFICER REQUIREMENTS

1.     Student must have an average of 80.0 or better by the end of the third nine weeks of the   
         school year.
2.     Student must be on track for graduation with his or her entering class.
3.     Student must never have been denied credit for a class based on excessive absences.
4.     Student must have never been assigned out of school suspension.

Students interested in running for class office will apply for candidacy with the appropriate grade-level homeroom teacher and have their names placed on the ballot pending faculty/administration approval.

 

HOMECOMING COURT, WINTER SPIRIT COURT, AND PROM COURT ELIGIBILITY

1.     Student must be on track for graduation.
2.     Student must never have been assigned out of school suspension.
3.     Student must be in compliance with the attendance policy for PHS.
4.     Student must have had an average of at least 70 for the previous semester.

 

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council’s purpose is to promote interest in studies, promote school spirit, and contribute to the general welfare of the school.

The Student Council is composed of six seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen. Qualifications for membership on Student Council include:

1. An average of 80 is required for first semester. This average must be maintained.
2. No pass, no play rule applies to members.
3. Nominees must be willing to work, have a sense of responsibility and acceptable character.

 

Elections for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade representatives will be held in May prior to the school year in which the representatives will serve. 9th grade representatives will be chosen in an election held in September of each new school year.

Student Council has three officers. Qualifications for office include the following:

1. Candidates must have an 85 average for first semester. This average must be maintained.
2. President must be a senior.
3. Vice-President must be a junior or a senior.
4. Secretary-Treasurer may be from grades 10-12.
5. Candidates must make a speech before the student body.

 

Officers will be chosen in an election held in the spring prior to the school year in which the officers will serve.

 

MEDIA CENTER USE

As our school grows in population and our space gets more use, we must take everyone's needs and safety into account. The Media Center follows these procedures to make it possible for everyone to have maximum access to the library and its services.

Hours of operation:  7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Students need an official Hall Pass or signed agenda from 7:50-3:00 except for break, before school, and after school. Every student needs an academic purpose for being in the media center. Book bags, food, and drink must be left at the door. Please bring your good attitude and best behavior inside with you.  Students must have a signed Internet permission form to use the Internet. The computers are for academic purposes only, as indicated by the Pickens County Board of Education. They must not be used for personal email, games, or any other purposes restricted in the student handbook. Students who misuse the computers are subject to having their privileges revoked. Printing is $.05 for black and white; $.25 for color. Photocopying is $.10 per sheet. A book may be checked out for a two-week period and is renewable if no one else has placed it on reserve. Overdue fines for books are $.05 per weekday per late book. Drivers' Education students who are assigned to other classroom teachers must stay in those classrooms. Groups of students may not use the study rooms without prior arrangement between their teacher and the Media Center staff.  Teachers please limit the number of individuals sent to the media center to two at a time.
Please let us help you have a successful year at your library.

Youth Apprenticeship Program

Youth Apprenticeship is a year-round, structured combination of secondary schooling and work-based learning. It is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from school to careers by enabling academically ready, self-motivated youth to enter a work-based learning program which leads to a high school diploma, a post secondary credential and a certificate of occupational skill mastery. Beginning in the junior year the student enrolls in courses related to his/her apprenticeship. During the junior or senior year the student may begin paid on-the-job training at the work place through a structured work place learning program. During the senior year students choose a career path that will continue their study through a third (and possibly a fourth) year at a technical school or continue their education at a two or four year institute. The goal or objective of the Youth Apprenticeship Program is to help students gain a deeper understanding of how to apply academic context to real life occupations, thus making education more meaningful.

Student Council

The Student Council’s purpose is to promote interest in studies, promote school spirit, and contribute to the general welfare of the school.

The Student Council is composed of six seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen. Qualifications for membership on Student Council include:

1. An average of 80 is required for first semester. This average must be maintained.
2. No pass, no play rule applies to members.
3. Nominees must be willing to work, have a sense of responsibility and acceptable character.

Elections for 10 th, 11 th, and 12 th grade representatives will be held in May prior to the school year in which the representatives will serve. 9 th grade representatives will be chosen in an election held in September of each new school year.

Student Council has three officers. Qualifications for office include the following:

1. Candidates must have an 85 average for first semester. This average must be maintained.