PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

Milton High School National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK 2013-14 ACADEMIC PROCEDURES At Milton, our students and te...
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Milton High School National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK 2013-14 ACADEMIC PROCEDURES

At Milton, our students and teachers strive to do their best. Our community supports us in this effort, and together we celebrate the journey that we collectively share. Milton high Schools mission is “The Milton High School Learning Community will provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment that fosters academic and personal excellence for all students as they prepare to succeed in the 21st century.”

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Table of Contents I.

MISSION STATEMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

II.

VISION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

III.

PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

SCHOOL CREST: ................................................................................................................................................................... 6 ALMA MATER: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 FIGHT SONG: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 COLORS: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 MASCOT: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 HISTORY: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL: .......................................................................................................................................... 9 COUNSELORS: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9 IV.

HONOR AND DISCIPLINE AT MILTON ........................................................................................................................ 10

HONOR CODE: ................................................................................................................................................................... 10 MILTON HONOR CODE: ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 BEHAVIOR: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCES: ............................................................................................................................................. 11 V.

STUDENT CONDUCT POLICIES ....................................................................................................................................... 11 ABSENCES: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Excused Absences ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Unexcused Absences..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Checking in .................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Checking out.................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Leaving campus ............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Tardy to class................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Final exam make up ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 Attendance and the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) ............................................................................. 12 Attendance incentives .................................................................................................................................................. 13 AUTOMOTIVES: ................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Driving/Parking Violations ............................................................................................................................................ 13 CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES: ............................................................................................................................... 14 CAFETERIA: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 14 CLINIC: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14 3

COMMUNICATION: ........................................................................................................................................................... 16 Announcements ............................................................................................................................................................ 16 EM2 – Electronic Milton Memo .................................................................................................................................... 16 Home Access Center ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 Material Distribution..................................................................................................................................................... 16 Media Release ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 Message to Students ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Poster Guidelines .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Student Responsibility for School and Home ............................................................................................................... 17 Telephone ..................................................................................................................................................................... 17 DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION ................................................................................................................................................... 17 DRESS CODE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17 FLEX TIME/STUDY HALL GUIDELINES: ............................................................................................................................... 18 FOOD & BEVERAGES: ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 HALL PASS: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18 IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS): .......................................................................................................................................... 19 LOCKERS: ........................................................................................................................................................................... 19 LOST AND FOUND: ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 MEDIA CENTER: ................................................................................................................................................................. 19 PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW: ............................................................................................................................................. 20 PERSONAL PROPERTY: ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 PROFANITY: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20 STUDENT ACTIVITIES: ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 Athletics ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Clubs and Organizations................................................................................................................................................ 21 Policies for School Sponsored Activities ....................................................................................................................... 22 Dances and Social Activities .......................................................................................................................................... 22 Fund Raising Activities .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Title IX ........................................................................................................................................................................... 22 VALEDICTORIANS/SALUTATORIANS (Selection of) ........................................................................................................... 22 Rank-in-Class ................................................................................................................................................................. 22 VISITIORS: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23 WORK PERMITS: ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

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I.

MISSION STATEMENT The Milton High School Learning Community will provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment that fosters academic and personal excellence for all students as they prepare to succeed in the 21st century.  Every person has value and deserves respect  Every student can learn and achieve  Every student has a responsibility for learning  Every teacher promotes high academic standards and motivates/supports students to succeed  A safe environment is vital to learning  A partnership among teachers, parents and stakeholders increases learning

II.

VISION We at Milton High School dream a world where, through the power and excitement of learning, we instill a love of lifelong learning. We dream a world in which Milton High School will be second to none. Exposing people to new ideas, new ways and new possibilities, we focus on individuals, thinking skills, and habits of mind. Through instruction, technology, and community/parent involvement, transformation occurs. We dream a world in which all students are prepared to lead productive and fulfilling lives. We dream a world where all students have the tools to acquire, integrate, connect and apply knowledge. Every individual, who enters our dreams, learns to celebrate diversity, to appreciate individual strengths and to discover opportunities. Critical and creative thinking, teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills and connections across disciplines give the flexibility and adaptability to succeed in a constantly changing global society. We dream a world in which technology makes it possible to share ideas and work cooperatively with others across the country and, indeed, the world. We dream a world where the walls of the traditional classroom come tumbling down to adapt to the possibilities of new millennium. Our world is a place where the entire Milton Community engages in reflective evaluation and continuous growth for them to be competitive in the 21st century; we must not rest upon our laurels and be lulled into complacency. We dream a world where day-to-day decisions support our vision and always put students first. Our quest is to discover the best within us. Each of us can make a difference!

III.

PHILOSOPHY Since 1921, students and teachers have been working together at Milton High to ensure a better tomorrow for Milton students and the Milton community alike. Our goals have always been ambitious: to achieve excellence 5

in academics, in athletics, and in the arts. In committing to this goal, Milton High students have gained regional, state, and national recognition. Milton High's academic menu is a reflection of Milton's academic philosophy. We offer a variety of Advanced Placement classes, a robust honors program, business and career technology pathways, and various learning opportunities to ensure each student can successfully complete rigorous and relevant courses. By expanding each student's intellectual horizon, we believe each student's academic opportunities expand. Milton's teachers are at the core of this philosophy as well as Milton's academic success. Our teachers are masters of their craft as they implement best strategies in the classroom to ensure our graduates can take advantage of the academic opportunities they earn. Within the nurturing environment created by Milton faculty and staff, all Milton students can and do achieve academic success. Ensuring Milton students are well-rounded is an integral part of Milton High's mission. Students are encouraged by their teachers, who are their coaches, directors, mentors, and cheerleaders, to achieve excellence both in and out of the classroom. Milton students achieve success on the field, on the stage, and in multiple other arenas. These accomplishments help create Milton students who are disciplined and resilient. The Milton community, made up of parents, business partners, past Milton graduates, and others, supports the efforts of our students as they learn the principles of integrity and responsibility by working together in the pursuit of excellence in their extra-curricular activities. At Milton, our students and teachers strive to do their best. Our community supports us in this effort, and together we celebrate the journey that we collectively share.

SCHOOL CREST:

ALMA MATER: Let our voices, loudly ringing, echo far and near. Songs of praise thy children singing to thy memory dear. Through the years we’ve spent together, fondly we recall, Days of fair and stormy weather, thou hast gladdened all. Milton High School, Milton High School, tender strong and true. Faithful sons and faithful daughters, all our vows renew.

FIGHT SONG: Milton Eagles, conquer the field, rack up the points to finish the deal! Milton Eagles, courageous and true, fight on you red, white and blue! 6

Go! Go! Go! On to vic’try, pump up the fans! Stomp your feet, clap your hands. Strike up the band, Hey! War Eagles win for us all, spirit of Milton High.

COLORS: Blue, red and white

MASCOT:

Eagle

Athletic Logo

HISTORY: Milton High School was founded in the shadows of metropolitan Atlanta within the city of Alpharetta, Georgia a few blocks away from Main Street, USA. When Principal W. T. Harrison rang the bell in 1921 to begin the first day of classes at the school serving all of Milton County, children and youth in grades one through eleven came running. There were no buses or school lunches - not even central heating or plumbing. With the merger of Milton and Fulton counties in 1932, improvements began at a rapid pace. Due to the initiative of the Fulton Farmers of America, a cannery operated during the summers on the Milton Campus. An authentic log cabin - also a FAA project - still stands as a memorial to our heritage. The 50s brought more positive changes and the building of an elementary school allowed Milton to be home for grades eight through twelve. The addition of a concrete football stadium drew the entire community on Friday 7

nights to cheer for the Milton Eagles! The 70s represented a time of tremendous economic and social transition for Alpharetta and Milton High School. Additions to the original building included a new cafeteria, library and front office. Tapped as Fulton County's first comprehensive high school in the 1980s, programs began for learners with all exceptionalities, abilities and interests along with the opening of a middle school to meet specialized needs of youngsters in grades six through eight. As the 1990s rolled in, an enlarged modernized Milton High School (encompassing the MHS Center for the Arts, a new greenhouse, music and the health/physical education facilities) established a stellar reputation for strong community ties, presenting a broad and relevant curriculum supported by state-of-the-art technology and a caring spirit. Then, Milton High School embarked on yet another construction project: a state-of-the-art science wing, an enlargement of the school cafeteria and renovations to the front office. In the 1997-98 school years, Milton was named a Georgia School of Excellence and a Blue Ribbon Nominee. In the 1998-99 school years, the US News and World Report named Milton High School an outstanding high school, a model of excellence. Milton continued to be a vital part of the Fulton County School System characterized by economic and geographic diversity. Undergirded by its long-time history representing the best of yesterday's rural Georgia, this sprawling comprehensive high school became a unique and warm blend of the old and new. With the new millennium came increasing numbers of students and new ideas about how best to serve young people whose adult lives will be spent in the 21st century. How things have changed! Unlike the schools which prepared most graduates of the 30s and 40s for jobs right out of high school, we're now challenged to prepare students for a world changing so rapidly that current graduates need to be prepared for careers which didn't even exist when they entered high school. Our need to expand again was in conflict with our land locked campus in the heart of Alpharetta. After much discussion, the Fulton County Board of Education decided to build a new school. We asked ourselves, "What can we do to reach our students; to prepare them to be problem solvers, innovators and creative thinkers for this new century while preserving the Milton spirit of community?" Our academy model was born. The new campus was built to conform to our innovative model. Based on research from schools around the nation, the academy model provided opportunities for more in depth and hands-on learning while maintaining our strong academic reputation. While we were building our new campus, a new City of Milton was created. So we moved to our new campus and new learning model in a new city in 2005. The model was initiated with the first freshman class at the new campus and began to work its way up. But just as the first class was moving into its senior year, budgetary constraints caused Fulton County to remove the support for our academy model. As in times past, we did not let a setback discourage us from continuing to provide the best possible education for the young people of our community. We moved forward, always striving to set the bar high and encourage our students to stretch and reach it. In 2008 Milton was named a National School of Excellence.

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We now offer more Advanced Placement (AP) classes than ever before. Our mock trial, robotics, math, and debate teams (among others) frequently bring home trophies. Our basketball, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, and tennis teams along with our ice hockey club, to name a few, frequently place or win at region and state competitions. Our students continue to obtain all sorts of scholarships into the tens of millions of dollars for academic aptitude, sports expertise, and community commitment. Our student body reaches out to those in need, from a member of our own staff in need of a transplant to those further afield through local charities, Habitat for Humanity, Haiti and Africa. These are but a few of the reasons for our Eagle pride. Without a doubt, our Milton Eagles will continue to soar!

ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL: Cliff Jones, Principal Heidi Ballog, Assistant Principal for Class 2014 Brian Jones, Assistant principal for Class 2016 Sandy Owens, Assistant Principal for Class 2015 Rich Spierto, Assistant Principal for Class 2017 Gary Sylvestri, Athletic Director

COUNSELORS: (Student are assigned to counselors by alphabet)

Mr. Stephen Robinson

A – Das

Mrs. Hannah Kim

Dat - Hil

Mrs. Normandee Kinard

Him - Me

Dr. Melisa Marsh

Mi – Rob, Department Chair

Dr. Michele Harding

Roc - Z

Mrs. Curtisa Johnson

New Enrollment & Testing Coordinator

Mrs. Tami Jones

Credit Recovery 9

IV.

HONOR AND DISCIPLINE AT MILTON HONOR CODE: Honesty is expected of all students at Milton. All students and their parents will sign a copy of the Eagle Honor Code at the beginning of the year. Any and all honor code violation will be referred to the principal who will determine academic and/or punitive consequences based on the severity of the violation. Several clubs, organizations, and prospective colleges and universities consider honesty and integrity as a characteristic required for acceptance. Any Honor Code Violation may result in ineligibility for some clubs and organizations. The possibility exists that colleges will request honor code violations and, if requested, this information will be provided by the school. Examples of cheating, which could include areas such as



copying or "borrowing" from another source and submitting it as one's own work



seeking or accepting unauthorized assistance on tests, projects or other assignments



altering or forging grades, gradebooks, progress reports, report cards or other academic records



fabricating data, signatures or resources



providing or receiving test questions in advance without permission



working collaboratively with other students when individual work is expected



and any other examples that the school wishes to include.

MILTON HONOR CODE: I understand that academic integrity creates a strong academic and ethical environment at Milton High School. I pledge that I will be personally responsible for upholding the values of academic integrity by being honest and not tolerating academic dishonesty.

BEHAVIOR: Students must demonstrate safe, responsible behavior at school, on the bus, to and from school, and at schoolsponsored activities. Failure to do so will result in progressive discipline consequences such as student warning, parent notification, private detention, administrative conference, before or after school detention, ISS, OSS or even a disciplinary tribunal hearing. The administration reserves the right to exercise its judgment in handling discipline matters on a case-by-case basis, where extenuating circumstances exist. Students will be placed on Milton’s Discipline Cycle initially. If the infraction is a major infraction, students may be advanced to Fulton County’s Discipline Cycle. Additional information regarding student behavior and disciplinary measures may be retrieved from the following sources: the Fulton County Student Code of Conduct Discipline Handbook, which is distributed at the beginning of the year & is on the FC website at www.fultonschools.org. 10

BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCES: Private Detention: Teachers may require students to come before or after school for misconduct. Failure to attend will result in administrative discipline. Public Detention: Public detention will be held on Monday and Tuesdays from 3:40 – 4:40 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:20 am – 8:20 am. Lunch Detention: Students will be assigned lunch detention during their flex time, Monday - Friday, by the administrator with parental consent. ISS: Students are held in a self-contained setting for the entire day. There, they receive regular classroom work from their teachers. Failure to follow ISS rules may result in OSS. Work program students may not be excused. OSS: Students suspended out-of-school are restricted from the school campus and from school-sponsored activities. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in trespassing charges being filed.

V.

STUDENT CONDUCT POLICIES ABSENCES: To report a student absent FCBOE mandates a parent or guardian send in a written note with the student’s name, grade, date of absent, reason, and parent/ guardian signature. This note must be turned in within 3 days of the student’s return to school. We cannot accept phone calls or email excuses for absences. JANEY CANTWELL MILTON NUMBER: 770-740-7000 X142 EMAIL: [email protected] Excused Absences Students are encouraged to request missed work due to an excused absence. For absences fewer than 2 days, the student should take the initiative to secure the work. For absences over 2 days, the student or parent should contact the child’s teachers by e-mail. Students will have the length of the absence in which to complete the work. Make-up work following an excused absence may be made up for 100% credit. Planned absences for more than 2 days must be approved by the principal with at least three days’ notice.

Unexcused Absences Students are encouraged to request missed work due to an unexcused absence. Students or parents may contact teachers via e-mail. Make-up work following an unexcused absence will be penalized by 10% each day. A student must be in attendance for three full periods in order to be counted present for the day. A student may not participate in after school activities/sports if he/she is not present for three full periods. This school does not recognize and/ or sanction in any form a Senior Skip Day. Students who participate in such an event or activity will be credited with unexcused absences.

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Checking in If a student is late to school, proceed to the Attendance Office to check in.

Checking out Students may bring notes to the Attendance Office before school to receive check out slips for pre-arranged absences. If a student is driving himself from campus, instead of being picked up by a parent, permission to drive must be verified with a parent before the student can leave campus. Please provide multiple contact and emergency numbers so that a parent may be easily reached. Students being picked up are to be met at the Attendance Office by their parents (parents should be prepared to show ID). Students will not be released unless a parent or emergency contact can be reached. The student must bring in a written note before school to the attendance office or a parent may pick them up in person. We cannot accept phone calls or emails to check out a student.

Leaving campus Once arriving on campus, students are to remain on campus at all times. They can leave only if they have arranged with the Attendance Office to check out or they are participating in an approved school program. Students who need to retrieve something from their car must receive a PARKING LOT PASS from the Attendance Office.

Tardy to class A classroom tardy is defined as any student who is not inside the threshold of the door when the tardy bell rings. Students are to comply with the rules established by individual classroom teachers. Students who are consistently tardy may be assigned discipline on a progression basis. This may include a private detention with a teacher and could advance to administrative discipline. A typical progression may be as follows: 1st Tardy: Warning, 2nd Tardy: Parent contact, 3rd Tardy: Private detention, and 4th Tardy or more: Office referral.

Final exam make up Principal Cliff Jones is the only person at Milton who can approve absences during final exams. In order to get an absence approved, parents must submit a letter to the principal requesting permission for their child to miss finals at least 2 days before the scheduled exam. The student will take the exam during the final exam make-up period. If a student is ill on the day of the final, the parent must call the Attendance Office to report the absence. Students who are absent for approved reasons, for illnesses, or for other reasons may make their finals up according to the final exam make up schedule which is distributed before final exams. (Teachers still have the right to schedule a private make-up with a student). The teacher will average a grade of “0” into the semester grade until the exam is made up. (Note: Students who have an unexcused absence on the day of the final will have the final penalized by 10%).

Attendance and the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) DMVS School Attendance Requirements: No individual under the age of 18 can obtain a driver’s license or instructional permit unless he or she is attending a public school, a private school or is enrolled in home schooling 12

authorized by law; or has graduated from high school, received a certificate of high school completion; or has completed his or her secondary education and is enrolled in a post-secondary school. (P.1 DMVS, “What You Need to Know About School”) A student’s driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days if the student is suspended from school for threatening, striking or causing bodily harm to any school personnel, possession or sale of drugs or alcohol on school grounds, possession or use of a weapon on school grounds, or ten unexcused absences in the current academic year.

Attendance incentives Senior Final Exam Exemptions: As of Jan 22. 2013 For spring semester only, seniors are able to exempt second semester final exams by either posting a second semester grade of 90 or above* OR by accumulating 5 or fewer excused absences second semester. An excused absence is recorded in GREEN in Home Access Center and can be: a medical excuse, a college visit, a family emergency, a legal obligation, religious, bereavement, other approved absences. NOTE: 3 tardies in a class = 1 absence. Field trips, school activities, and early dismissal (after 3:15) are considered school commitments and do not count towards the 5 excused absences. These are recorded as BLUE or BROWN in Home Access Center. * Beginning January 22, 2013, students who have an unexcused absence (RED) or are suspended (ISS or OSS) during second semester will not be eligible for an exam exemption, EVEN IF THEIR OVERALL GRADE IS 90 OR ABOVE. Unexcused absences incurred before January 22 nd will be counted against the 5 excused absences that students are allowed. To excuse an absence, the parent/guardian must submit a written note to the attendance office or call (770) 740-7000 ext. 142 within 3 days of the absence.

AUTOMOTIVES: Students may not drive or park on school property during the school day without displaying a VALID MHS PERMIT. Please place permits on the rear-view mirror so they are visible to administration and student resource officers. SENIORS: Parking permits will be issued as a senior privilege. The cost for parking is $100.00 per year or $50.00 per semester. JUNIORS: Parking will be issued via a lottery system during the second week of school. Junior parking is extremely limited. Driving/Parking Violations Parking is a privilege at Milton High School—a closed Fulton County campus. This privilege may be suspended or revoked at any time for violation of the following reasons:        

Parking in an area other than the one to which the student has been assigned. Vehicles will be booted if they are parked in an area not assigned to the student Operating a vehicle in a manner that is detrimental to the safety of oneself or others Failure to obey speed limits or other laws governing driving Using the vehicle to break other school rules, School Board policies, and/or laws governing the State of Georgia and the United States of America Once you arrive on campus, you may not leave without required parental permission Going to the vehicle without permission during the day or loitering before/after school Lending one’s parking permit to another person (permits are NOT transferable) Excessive absences or tardies – If a student accrues 5 or more unexcused absences, they may risk losing their parking privileges. Parking fees are non-refundable 13

 

Failure to retain a Class C or Class D driver’s license (Your license may be checked at any time if there is reasonable suspicion that it has been revoked) This list of violations is not all inclusive and may be amended at the discretion of the Administration  Valid permits must be displayed in the proper place. If a valid permit is not displayed on an automobile parked on campus, it will be booted. Removal of the boot will cost $50.00.  Parking permits are non-transferable. Anyone found buying, selling, exchanging, altering or counterfeiting permits or leaving campus without permission will have their parking privileges permanently revoked and will be subject to suspension with no parking fees refunded. This rule includes temporary permits.  Confederate or other inflammatory automobile accessories are not permitted. Additional information about parking fees and policies will be available at the beginning of the school year.  Temporary permits will only be issued to juniors and seniors who have a permit to park on campus.  NO parking hardships will be accepted. If you have a medical hardship, you should attempt to obtain a STATE HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMIT.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Laser pointers, cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices may not be used during the instructional time. Cell phones can be used in the morning BEFORE first period, between classes, during lunch, café, and AFTER school. Once you step into the classroom you need to put your cell phone away and power it down. Electronic games may only be used during the lunch period. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged personal property of this nature.

CAFETERIA: The cafeteria provides both a breakfast and a lunch program. Those interested in free or reduced lunches may obtain an application from homeroom at the beginning of the school year. Students are not allowed to leave campus for lunch, nor are they permitted to bring food/drink with them into the hallways and classrooms. Please visit FC Nutrition to set up an account. http://fultonschools.org/dept/schoolnutrition High School

* Student Meal Price for the 2013-2014 school year. Meal

Cost Per Day

Cost Per Week

Cost Per Month

Full Pay

Reduced Full Pay

Reduced Full Pay

Reduced

Breakfast

$1.20

$0.30

$6.00

$1.50

$24.00 $6.00

Lunch

$2.45

$0.40

$12.25

$2.00

$49.00 $8.00

Breakfast + Lunch $3.65

$0.70

$18.25

$3.50

$73.00 $14.00

CLINIC: Our Clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Upon notifying a teacher of the need to go to the Clinic, students should report there with a pass and should sign in immediately. When leaving the Clinic, students should sign out. Students may also go to the Clinic during their lunch period. If you have a medical condition, please complete the appropriate paperwork which you can find under forms on the school website or pick up from the clinic. This paperwork must be updated every year. If possible, it is best to do this over the summer so that we have the necessary information to care for your student and any required medication at the beginning of the school year. Please remember that any prescription medication form must also be signed by the prescribing physician. 14

Any medication stored in the clinic must be picked up on or before the last day of school. Any medication left in the clinic after that will be disposed of in accordance with FCBOE medication policy. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment to discuss your student's health care needs, please call Kim Mirabella at 770-740-7000 Ext. 143 or email [email protected]. If prescription medication must be given during school hours, an Authorization to Give Medication at School form must be completed. These forms are available in the clinic and on the MHS website. An authorization form must be filled out each school year. Medications, both prescription and non-prescription, must be in the original labeled container (no baggies, foil, etc.). Parent/guardian must provide specific instructions, as well as the medication and related equipment to clinic personnel. It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the school of any changes. New medication or new doses will not be given unless a new form is completed. Any unused medication will be disposed of unless picked up on or before the last day of school. School employees will not assume any liability for supervising or assisting in the administration of medication. Students may not give or sell medication to other students or discipline will occur. Guidelines for Carrying Over-the-Counter Medications: Per FCBOE Guidelines, high school students may carry over the counter medications in the following categories with them during the school day, field trips or other school-related activities. ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINER. Acetaminophen Antacids Aspirin Cough or throat lozenges Ibuprofen Midol Oral antihistamines Please read over the FCBOE Medication Guidelines December 2010 document for policy and procedure with regard to medication administration and storage for all over the counter medications, prescription medications and rescue medications. If you have any questions regarding these new policies, please contact Kim Mirabella in the Milton High School Clinic at extension 143 or email [email protected].

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COMMUNICATION: Announcements Announcements are made during the flex time/study hall each day by the teacher. Students must remain seated and quiet during the reading of the announcements. Afternoon announcements are made only in the event of an emergency/unexpected change such as bus changes and cancellations.

EM2 – Electronic Milton Memo The EM2 is a weekly communication between the school and parents. To sign up for the EM2: 1

Go to the Milton HS homepage (www.miltonhighschool.com)

2

Click on Calendars/News

3

Click on Newsletter

4

Enter your email address and follow the prompts

Home Access Center Fulton County Schools provides parents an opportunity to access student information such as attendance, discipline, and grades earned for their child online with Home Access Center. One feature allows parents to receive instant emails about absences, discipline, and failed grades received by their child. Parents can log into Home Access Center on the Milton HS website at http://www.miltonhighschool.com under the Parent Links then Home Access Center. Passwords can be obtained in 1360 after completing students registration. Due to security reasons, you will need to bring a picture ID (driver’s license) so we can release your own unique password. Once you have your password, you will be able to return to the Home Access Center website and login to view your child’s school information.

Material Distribution Milton High School has a “closed forum” relative to the distribution of materials. It is for this reason that flyers, brochures and/or other materials may not be handed out on campus prior to, during or following the school day. We do provide school clubs and organizations a restricted opportunity to promote membership or share appropriate information during “Club Fair” days. This event is usually held during the lunch period at the beginning of the school year. Clubs and school approved organizations may distribute flyers, brochures or other promotional materials during this designated period only. Media Release Media release forms are found in the Fulton County Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook which is distributed to the students at orientation and the first days of school. Parents should return the forms to school with an indication as to whether or not they want their child photographed or interviewed during the school year.

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Message to Students Due to the number of students enrolled at Milton, messages will not be delivered to students. This is an inconvenience and causes disruption to both students and teachers. Emergency messages to students will be limited to the following: (a) notification of death, serious illness, or disaster in the family, (b) medical appointments that have been unexpectedly changed, (c) an unexpected change in work schedule by employer when a student is enrolled in a co-operative work program. Parents, please do not call or text your students on their cell phones during school.

Poster Guidelines Heidi Ballog(Assistant Principal, Suite 1380) must approve all posters, flyers, or banners. A copy of the flyer or a description of the poster or banner should be submitted to Ms. Ballog or placed in her mailbox. Approval/denial will be returned to the club/organization sponsor within 24 hours. Upon approval, flyers may be duplicated or posters/banners may be created and posted. Items put up without approval will be discarded. No poster, flyer, or banner will be approved if the content is determined to be inappropriate. No poster, banner, or flyer will be allowed which fosters commercial ventures by out of school groups or institutions. The maximum number of posters, flyers, or banners will be limited to 15. No hand bills will be approved.

Student Responsibility for School and Home Students are expected to share written notes, messages, report cards and other documents with their parents.

Telephone Front office phones may be used by students during the day if 1) They have a pass from their classroom teacher to go to the front office and 2) They obtain permission from office personnel to use the phone. Students using the phone during class without permission will be disciplined. Front office phones may be used before or after school.

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION The students of MILTON High School are expected to refrain from excessive displays of affection while at school.

DRESS CODE Clothing worn to school should not interfere with the educational program. Clothing should be clean, neat, modest and discrete:      

Shirts/dresses must display modest necklines. (no cleavage) Straps must be at least 3” wide on each shoulder; students must cover shirts with smaller straps with an additional shirt or jacket Tops must be long enough to cover the waistline of jeans, pants, skirts, or shorts, i.e., no bare midriffs. Tops must completely cover undergarments. Pants must completely cover undergarments. Shoes are required

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The following are not permitted:    

Clothing with holes above the knees. Skirts or shorts more than 6 inches above the knee while standing No cheerleading shorts, Soffe or Soffe like shorts are permitted. Garments that are too revealing are not appropriate.

 

Tops made with see-through or mesh material Clothing or accessories with the confederate flag, rebel messages, swastika, Malcolm X, or other racially inflammatory messages Hats/hoods, bandanas, “do-rags”, or sweat bands Clothing or accessories that depict references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, the act of sex, or any disrespectful messages toward any group.

 

If possible, the administration will give students who violate the dress code alternate clothing to wear. Consequences: 1st Violation - Warning and change of clothes. 2nd Violation - Call Home and change of clothes. 3rd Violation - Adm Ref – LD and change of clothes. 4th Violation - Adm Ref – PD and change of clothes. Students must observe the dress code throughout the entire school day.

FLEX TIME/STUDY HALL GUIDELINES: Students should have a pass when leaving the classes for legitimate reasons. Students should have a pass indicating time, date, destination and reason when returning to or leaving their study hall classrooms. Students without a pass are subject to a discipline referral.

FOOD & BEVERAGES: Vending machines are available for student use during the day, except during lunch period. Students should take responsibility for properly disposing of all drinks and food wrappers.

HALL PASS: Any student who is out of her/his classroom during a class period must carry a hall pass/agenda issued by a school official. Student assistants will be expected to carry a hall pass when on official business for an administrator or department.

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IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS): The purpose of the in-school suspension program is to provide an alternative to the standard practice of sending a student home from school. The student assigned ISS will be removed from regular classes and is not eligible for participation in any after-school activities on the days he/she is assigned ISS. He/she will be placed in a special classroom setting under close faculty supervision. The student is not allowed contact with other students and only minimal contact with the instructor. The student is required to work on assignments sent by their classroom teachers. Administrators assign students to the ISS program. The student is responsible for work missed while in ISS and must turn it in the day he/she returns to class or he/she will receive no credit for that assignment. Students who misbehave in ISS

may be suspended out-of-school. Parents will receive written or verbal notification before admission to the ISS program.

LOCKERS: Each student may rent a locker ($10.00) for the storage of books and equipment. Students should not share their combination. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of items from lockers. All lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. School authorities, without the student’s consent and without a search warrant, may conduct periodic inspection of lockers if reasonable suspicion of any wrongdoing exists. Please come to 1380 and speak to Ms. Ardin Tucker for a locker.

LOST AND FOUND: Students who find lost articles are asked to take them to the Office 1320 to Ms. Lee. The lost and found is located in the faculty cafeteria.

MEDIA CENTER: The Media Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the school day, if not with a class, students may access the media center by having a pass from their teacher AND their required photo ID cards which are issued at the beginning of the school year. This card is also required to check out books. Students are responsible for all materials checked out on their card. Students may not check out books for other students. The Media Center is also open during lunch. Students may enter through the cafeteria access doors without a pass or ID card. Students are encouraged to eat lunch first because once entering the media center students must stay the remainder of the period. Media Center Policies 1. Book loan time is 2 weeks. Books can be renewed. Overdue fine is $.15 per school day. 2. Reference materials may be checked out after 3:00 p.m. and are due back prior to first period the next morning. Overdue fine is $2.00 per day. 3. Students are required to pay for damaged and/or lost books. 19

4. No food or drink is allowed. (water bottles are acceptable) 5. Copies and computer printouts are $.10 per page. 6. Fulton County Board of Education Computer Usage Policies must be followed. Failure to do so will result in loss of privileges. 7. Replacement ID card can be purchased for $5.00. 8. All accounts must be cleared with the Media Center before withdrawing or graduating from MHS.

PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW: In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, Fulton County Schools informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested:  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;  whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;  the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;  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 770-740-7000.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Students are expected to bring to school only the items of personal property necessary for class participation and extracurricular activities. Items considered potentially dangerous or disruptive of school procedures will be confiscated. This includes but is not limited to skateboards, iPods, and basketballs. Student theft will be severely dealt with by the administration. Students are especially encouraged not to bring valuables and large sums of money to school. Students who participate in physical education should have a lock on the assigned gym locker to insure security of personal property. Valuable items should not be left unattended.

PROFANITY: The expression of profane, vulgar, abusive, or suggestive language on school property is strictly prohibited. Such language will result in an administrative discipline.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Athletics Milton High School believes that interscholastic athletics are an important part of a strong high school program. To that end, encouragement is given to each student` to become active in the athletic program either as a student-athlete or a booster. The Eagles compete in Region 5-6A of the Georgia High School Association. Fielding teams in twenty-four sports provides all students the opportunity to compete. Student athletes must meet all eligibility requirements as set forth by the Georgia High School Association, the Fulton County Board of Education, and Milton High School.

All questions about athletics should be directed to Gary Sylvestri, Athletic Director 770-740-7000 x 144, [email protected] Eligibility for Extra-curricular Activities: Students participating in any interscholastic competition sanctioned by the Georgia High School Association must also meet the eligibility requirements of that body, which include the following:   

No Pass/No Play applies to competitive activities only A student must have passed at least five out of six courses curing the previous grading period A student must be considered “on track” towards graduation. 5 credits – sophomore, 11 credits – junior, 17 credits – senior For further questions about eligibility, contact the athletic director or the organization sponsor.

Clubs and Organizations Milton offers a variety of clubs and organizations and encourages both students and faculty to be involved. Please look at miltonhighschool.com for a list of clubs and organizations under the “Organizations” tab. Students may take an active part in student clubs and organizations. Only clubs and organizations which do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin and religious affiliation will be chartered by the Student Government and be approved. All approved organizations must have a faculty sponsor. Student-initiated organizations which exist to foster or advocate religion will be allowed to use school facilities for meetings before or after the school day in accordance with the Equal Access Act. A staff member must be present at all meetings.

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Policies for School Sponsored Activities Fulton County Board of Education policies are in effect for all students at any school-sponsored activity. This includes any event that may take place on or off the Milton campus. These policies govern behavior of students involved in athletic and academic events, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, field trips, or any additional school-sponsored event.

Dances and Social Activities Attendance at dances and social functions is restricted to Milton High School students only, unless a date has been registered in advance with an administrator. The sponsoring organizations are responsible for the proper conduct of all persons at the activity. Appropriate dress will be established by the sponsor/ administration prior to the dance. All school/ system behavior policies will be enforced. Homecoming is usually in October and Prom in March.

Fund Raising Activities All fund raising and sales activities must have prior approval from the principal, Mr. Jones. Personal solicitation of sales for fund raising by students is prohibited by the Fulton County Board of Education.

Title IX It is the policy of the Fulton County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments. Students are thus protected from discrimination in all areas and aspects of school life. If you believe that you have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, you may go the Main Office and make a claim that your rights have been violated. Sexual Harassment: A student should inform a teacher, counselor, or administrator immediately if he/she believes that he/she is receiving unwanted comments, touching, or sexual advances. Harassment or Acts of Bigotry: A student shall not insult, intimidate, or harass any person by committing any act of bigotry (directed toward another person’s race, ethnic heritage, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, or economic status) that would tend to cause substantial disruption of the educational setting or school activity. Teasing and taunting are also prohibited.

VALEDICTORIANS/SALUTATORIANS (Selection of) To be eligible for the honor of class valedictorian or salutatorian, a senior must have been an enrolled member of the high school during the five consecutive semesters prior to the graduation date (fall semester sophomore year thru fall semester senior year) and must be a four year graduate. Rank-in-Class Seniors who have not been an enrolled member of the high school during the five (5) consecutive semesters prior to the graduation date shall be included in rank-in-class for all other purposes except to the selection of the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian. Ground rules and other considerations are as follows: 22

1. The valedictorian is the senior with the highest cumulative numerical average at the end of the first semester (Session II in schools with 4x4 block schedules). 2. The salutatorian is the senior with the second highest cumulative numerical average at the end of the first semester (Session II in schools with 4x4 block schedules). 3. Grades on the student’s official transcript will determine the student’s grade point average. 4. New Schools: Phase-in of Valedictorian/Salutatorian selection criteria at new high schools: Year 1: Recipients must have been enrolled for the entire fall semester and must be a four-year graduate. Year 2: Recipients must have been enrolled for the entire previous three semesters and must be a four-year graduate. Year 3 and beyond: Recipients must have been enrolled for the entire previous five semesters and must be a four-year graduate. 5. Students who change high schools due to district lines being redrawn or due to any changes in attendance zones approved by the Board, will be eligible for the honor of Valedictorian/Salutatorian if all five semesters prior to the graduation date were completed in a Fulton County High School.

VISITIORS: Students may not have visitors at school. All other visitors or guests who have official business are required to sign-in at the Front Office, register their vehicle, and wear a badge on school premises.

WORK PERMITS: A work permit is required for any student under the age of 18 who works outside of school. These may be obtained from the student's employer or in your administrator’s office.

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