Visit us online @ www.morgan.k12.ga.us/mchs

Visit us online @ www.morgan.k12.ga.us/mchs
Table of Contents
Mission/Beliefs .................................................................................................................. 3
Map of MCHS ................................................................................................................... 4
Daily Bell Schedule .......................................................................................................... 5
What to Do during the Year ......................................................................................... 6
Bullying Policy ................................................................................................................... 8
Attendance ........................................................................................................................ 9
Code of Conduct .......................................................................................................... 10
Student Information ..................................................................................................... 16
Academic Honesty ........................................................................................................ 19
Athletics ........................................................................................................................... 20
Clubs at MCHS .............................................................................................................. 22
School Calendar ............................................................................................................. 26
2
Mission/Beliefs
The mission of Morgan County High School is to
provide meaningful and diverse learning
opportunities to prepare our students to meet the
challenges of an ever-changing world as lifelong
learners and contributing members of society.
We will be successful in our mission
because we believe that:
 Students’ self-esteem is enhanced by recognition of student achievement and
by positive relationships with staff;
 All students and teachers work together to create a safe and supportive
environment;
 All students can learn;
 Students, parents, teachers, administrators, and
community share responsibility for advancing the
school’s mission;
 All students learn best when they are exposed
to a variety of best practice
instructional approaches;
 All students have an opportunity to become
good global citizens and
contributing members of an
international community;
 All students are special and deserving of personalized instructional
consideration.
3
Map Of MCHS
Legend of Campus
1. Front Office Building
11. Agriculture building
2. Media Center
12. Cafeteria
3. Classic Gym
13. Vocational Building
4. 100 classrooms
14. Stadium
5. 300 classrooms
15.New Freshman Academy
6. 200 classrooms
(math/science hall)
7. 600 classrooms
15
8. Auditorium
9. World Language Building
10. New Gym
10
14
3
5
6
9
7
11
4
2
1
8
12
College Drive
4
13
MCHS Bell Schedule
2013-2014
Monday/Tuesday/Friday
Period
Time
1st Period
8:05-9:10
MHTV 8:05-8:20
2nd Period
9:15-10:05
3rdPeriod
10:10-11:00
4th Period
11:05-11:55
5th Period and
Lunch
Grade 9
Grades 10-12
12:00-12:25 (lunch)
12:30-1:20 (5th period)
12:00—12:50 (5thPeriod)
12:55-1:20 (lunch)
6th Period
1:25-2:15
7th Period
2:20-3:15
Period
Time
Wednesday
1st Period
8:05-9:45
MHTV 8:05-8:20
3rd Period
9:50-11:10
Grade 9
Enrichment and Lunch
Grades 10-12
11:15-11:40 (lunch)
11:45-12:20 (Enrichment)
11:15-11:50 (5thPeriod)
11:55-12:20 (lunch)
5th Period
12:25-1:45
7th Period
1:50-3:15
Thursday
Period
Time
2nd Period MHTV 8:559:10
8:55-10:35
4th Period
10:40-12:00
Grade 9
Enrichment and Lunch
12:05-12:40 (Enrichment)
12:45-1:10 (lunch)
1:15-1:45 (Enrichment)
6th Period
1:50-3:15
5
Grades 10-12
12:05-12:30 (lunch)
12:35-1:45 (Enrichment)
What to do during the year
Outside of the classroom, students still have responsibilities.
Students who prepare for and consider choices are more likely
to experience success in their high school career.
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





TH GRADE YEAR
 Take challenging classes that will enhance your future plans.
 Get to know your school counselor and other resources available in your
school.
 Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and
dislike about their jobs and what kind of training is needed for their job.
Visit www.gacollege411.org to gain future information about yourself, careers, and
post-secondary training
Get involved! Play sports, join clubs and organizations at school or in the community.
Don’t overdo it– but find something that interests you and dive in!
Look for summer jobs or volunteer experiences in your field of interest.
Explore post-secondary options including college, technical schools, and the military.
Develop strong reading, writing, and team-building skills.
Start keeping track of honors/awards you receive, clubs/organizations you belong to
(both at school and in the community), sports you participate in, and any
jobs/volunteer experience you have.
10





TH GRADE YEAR
 Continue to take challenging courses.
 Become involved in school or community-based extracurricular
activities that interest you and/or enable you to explore career interests. Remember, it is quality over quantity.
Through activities in Advisory and on your own, start thinking about your interests and
how they may relate to college/careers.
Look for summer jobs and/or volunteer experiences in your field of interests.
Continue to explore post-secondary options.
Continue to keep track of your activities, awards, etc…
Take the PSAT.
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11

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

GRADE YEAR
2nd Semester:
 Attend meeting with counselors to discuss col1st Semester:
lege/post-secondary options.
 Identify sources of col
Begin to come up with your list of college/technical college inforlege/technical schools of interest.
mation.

Start to collect information about the colleges
Learn to use www.gacollege411.org if you have
that interest you.
not used it before.
 If you are planning on applying to a four year
Attend college PROBE fair.
college, register for the SAT and/or ACT. See
Take the PSAT (many merit scholarships and
your counselor to determine which tests are
Governor’s Honors Program require a junior
appropriate for your individual postsecondary
year score).
plans
Visit with college/technical college/military representatives when they visit MCHS (usually dur-  Visit colleges during intercession.
 Explore summer programs and/or employment.
ing lunch in the cafeteria.
 Begin exploring scholarship opportunities– fastweb.com, collegeboard.com, Petersons.com
 Continue to keep track of honors/awards and
activities.
TH
12


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


TH GRADE YEAR 2nd Semester:
 Begin to organize your job search, if ap1st Semester:
propriate.
 Review graduation
 Be aware of deadlines associated with adstatus.
missions, financial aid, testing and housing
 Check schedule for
deposits.
appropriate status.
 Attend Financial Aid Information Night
Attend Senior Advisement!
Continue to take classes and to put forth  Arrange to have mid-year reports sent to
colleges, if appropriate.
your best effort (colleges do consider
senior year grades AND they affect your  Maintain good grades.
ability to obtain the HOPE scholarship).  To seek scholarships– visit Websites,
check scholarship display in counselors’
Go online and research colleges/technical
office.
colleges.
Register for SAT or ACT, if appropriate.  Inform counselor of college/technical college acceptances.
Become familiar with the application pro Write thank you notes to all the people
cess for your schools of choice– be
who wrote recommendation letters for
aware of application deadlines.
you.
Attend PROBE college fair
 Write thank you notes to the sponsors
Narrow your college/technical college
of any scholarships your receive.
choices to approximately 5.
 Request final transcripts be sent to your
college of choice, if appropriate.
7
Bullying Policy
The Morgan County Charter School System believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school
environment. All schools within the system have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance among students, staff, and volunteers. Behavior that infringes on the safety of any student will not be
tolerated. A student shall not bully, harass, or intimidate another student through words or actions. Bullying is
defined as any aggressive behavior that intends to cause harm, distress and humiliation.
Generally, four conditions must exist for an act to be considered bullying: an imbalance of power, a pattern of repeated behavior, a student is humiliated by the behavior, and the other student receives gratification from the humiliation. Such behavior
includes but is not limited to: direct physical contact such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults such as teasing or name-calling;
the use of electronic methods to harass, threaten or humiliate, and social isolation and/or manipulation. The school system policy prohibiting bullying is included in the student code of conduct and includes but is not limited to the following:
Any student who engages in bullying shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal or designee.
Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying in a thorough and confidential manner.
If the complainant student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has
not been reached after consulting the school principal, the student or the parent of the student should contact the local superintendent or his or her designee. The school system prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in
the complaint process. All students and/or staff shall immediately report incidents of bullying, harassment and intimidation to
the school principal or designee. School staff members are expected to immediately intervene when they see a bullying incident
occur. Each complaint of bullying shall be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling on a school bus to and from school or a school-sponsored activity and during a school-sponsored activity.
Bullying, harassment or intimidation will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action will be taken after each incident of bullying and
upon a finding of guilt. Disciplinary action after the first incident of bullying may include but is not limited to the following:
Loss of a privilege | Reassignment of seats in the classroom, cafeteria or school bus | Reassignment of classes |
In-school suspension | Out-of-school suspension | Detention | Expulsion (through appropriate due process hearing) |
Assignment to an alternative school (through appropriate due process hearing)
If necessary, counseling and other interventions should also be provided to address the social-emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of students who are victims of bullying and students who commit an offense of bullying.
Students, parents/guardians and other stakeholders may report incidents of bullying to an administrator, teacher, counselor or
other staff member by using the school district’s complaint procedures or by calling the Georgia Department of Education’s 1877 SAY-STOP (1-877-729-7867) School Safety Hotline.
Please note: Any form of electronic bullying (cyber bullying) using school equipment, school networks, e-mail systems or committed at school is strictly prohibited.
The procedures for intervening in bullying behavior include, but are not limited, to the following:
All staff, students and their parents will receive a summary of this policy prohibiting bullying at the beginning of the school year
as part of the student code of conduct.
The school shall keep a report of bullying and the results of an investigation confidential.
Staff are expected to immediately intervene when they see a bullying incident occur or upon receipt of any report of bullying.
People witnessing or experiencing bullying are encouraged to report the incident to the school principal designee.
The following actions will be taken when bullying is reported:
1. Investigate- Upon receipt of any report of bullying, schools will direct an immediate investigation involving appropriate personnel. The investigation should begin no later than the following school day. The investigation shall include interviewing the
alleged perpetrator(s) and victim(s), identified witnesses, teacher(s) and staff members and reviewing video surveillance if available. School police, school counselors, school social workers and/or other support staff should be utilized for their expertise as
determined by the circumstances of the matter.
2. Notify—Parents/guardians of the accused and the victim must be notified as soon as possible after the facts have been established. If the incident involves an injury or similar situation, appropriate medical attention should be provided and the parent/
guardian should be notified immediately.
3. Discipline- Upon confirming that bullying has occurred, the accused student should be charged with bullying and given an
age-appropriate consequence which shall include, at minimum and without limitation, disciplinary action or counseling as appropriate under the circumstances.
Students in grades six through twelve found to have committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year shall
be assigned to an alternative school through appropriate due process by disciplinary hearing officers, panels, or tribunals. Consideration for incidents in prior years should also be considered during the disciplinary phase. While a student charged with
bullying may not have committed three acts during a given school year, a pattern of behavior established over the course of
more than one school year may need to be considered.
Bullying Con’t on page 9...
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Attendance Policy
Our expectation is that students attend school each day Morgan County High School is in
session. Your attendance affects you in several different ways:
ATTENDANCE
State law requires any person who has control or charge of a child between the ages of six and sixteen to enroll
and send that child to school, including public, private, and home schooling.
Absences from school may be excused for student illness; illness or death of an immediate family member
(parents, siblings, grandparents, relative living in household); mandated by order of another governmental agency
(for example, military exams, subpoenaed court appearance); religious holidays; when attendance is impossible or
hazardous to student health and safety; one day to register to vote; or when students are visiting with a parent in
the active military who is leaving or returning from deployment to combat duty. If it is necessary for the child to
be absent from school, a written excuse should be sent to the teacher upon the student’s return. If no written
excuse is received, the child will have an unexcused absence. Parents should call the school office if the child is out
for more than one day. Parents have five days to turn in excuses or the absence will remain unexcused. The student’s parent should write a note to the teacher stating the child’s first and last names, date(s) and reason for the
absence.. A note from the student’s doctor may be requested if the student was absent for a prolonged period of
time.
Morgan County Board of Education Truancy Procedures
(Based on State Board of Education Rule JB: 160-5-1-.10)
3 unexcused days MCHS will send letter through the mail
5 unexcused days MCHS will send letter through the mail
6 unexcused days Students under age 16 are referred to
School Social Worker
7 unexcused days Students aged 14-18 receive warning letters about
loss of driver’s license
Loss of your Georgia Driver’s License
On the tenth unexcused absence, 14-18 year old students will be referred to the
Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles who will begin the process of taking away
driver’s license privileges. Once reported, we cannot ‘undo’ this process.
Georgia’s Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TAADRA) requires local school systems to certify
that a student’s attendance and discipline record permits him or her to have a Georgia driver's
license or learner’s permit.
Bullying Con’t from page 8:
Schools should clearly communicate to all parties that retaliation following a report of bullying is strictly prohibited and may
result in strong disciplinary action.
4. Record- All pertinent information must be recorded accurately in the Student Information System (SIS).
5. Follow Up—Follow up is important to the accused and the victim. Implement a planned method to provide after-care and
follow up. Reiterate to all the previously stated prohibition on retaliation.
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Code of Conduct
The Morgan County Board of Education set forth their expectations for student behavior in a conduct
code (Policy JCDA). Though the ideal situation would be for all students to meet those expectations, the nature
of childhood and adolescence results in inevitable violations of those rules by some students. Teaching students
that there are consequences for the choices anyone makes regarding behavior is an important part of their education.
Therefore, the following guidelines have been provided for the teachers and administrators to use in assigning consequences for violation of the rules set forth by the Board of Education. Of course, each case is different in circumstances and in the previous conduct record of the student, as well as the age of the student. Teachers and administrators will take each of those things into consideration as they find appropriate consequences
among the ranges specified here. Teachers are expected to deal with conduct issues in their classrooms unless the
matter cannot be solved there, or if the offense requires referral to the principal’s office.
There may be instances when a primary or elementary school-aged child commits an offense that does not
have specific consequences listed for that age level in the code itself. Should that happen, the principal will determine if the consequences listed for the older child are appropriate for the younger child. The principal may confer
with the superintendent regarding appropriate disciplinary actions in regard to the offender.
All rules apply to students on school property at any time; off school grounds at a school activity,
function or event; en route to and from school; on a school bus or other vehicle transporting students to school or school activities; or at school bus stops. Major offenses, including, but not limited
to, drugs and weapon offenses, can lead to a school being named an unsafe school.
Rule 1. Disruption of and Interference with School
No student shall:
A. Occupy any school property with intent to deprive others of its use; block any entrances or exits of school property to deprive
access there to
Range of Consequences: Teacher-parent conference to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to suspend long term or expel
(middle and high only)
B. Set fire to or otherwise damage any school property
Range of Consequences: Replacement cost and a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to suspend long term or expel
(primary, elementary, middle and high)
C. Prevent another student from attending a class or school activity
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom for initial or minor offenses, to referral to a
disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to suspend long term or expel (primary, elementary, middle and high)
D. Prevent or attempt to prevent the normal functioning of school, a class activity or lawful assembly on the school campus.
Range of Consequences: Short-term out-of-school suspension if the act was a prank to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation
to suspend long term or expel if the act was a threat to safety (primary, elementary, middle and high)
E. Block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on campus or adjacent grounds.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for discipline if the act was a prank to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation ranging from alternative program placement (short-term) to expulsion if the act was a threat to safety (middle and high
only)
F. Continuously and intentionally make noises and act in any manner so as to disrupt class and interfere with the teacher’s ability to
properly conduct his/her class or any other persistent violation of the code of conduct.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom, to referral to principal’s office if a repeated
offender, to referral to a disciplinary hearing if a chronic offender. (primary, elementary, middle and high)
G. Refuse to identify or falsely identify him/herself upon request of any teacher, principal, superintendent, school bus driver, or other
authorized school personnel
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom, to referral to principal’s office if occurs repeatedly or maliciously to avoid punishment, to referral to a disciplinary hearing if occurs concurrently with an act of excessive violence (middle and high only)
H. Urge, encourage or counsel other students to violate any school rule.
Range of Consequences: Teacher conference with the student to referral to principal’s office for possible short-term alternative
program assignment, to referral to disciplinary hearing (primary, elementary, middle and high)
I. Display, possess, discharge (or threaten to discharge) any explosive on school property
Range of Consequences: Automatic disciplinary hearing with recommendation to expel (primary, elementary, middle and high)
J. Use any electronic devices while inside a school facility or during the process of an instructional activity. Electronic devices that
10
might interfere with school bus communication equipment or the bus driver’s operation of the school bus may not be used.
“Electronic devices” includes cell phones and pagers, radios, tape or compact disc players, Ipod/mp3 music players,or any other communication and/or entertainment equipment. At the bus driver’s discretion, he/she may allow use of radios, tape or compact disc
players or Ipod/mp3 music players WITH HEADPHONES ONLY.
The only exception would be a parent placing on file in the principal’s office a statement of a licensed physician certifying that such a
device is necessary for the health of the student.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences to include confiscation of the device until parents retrieve it, possible short term alternative program placement, or possible out-of school suspension
K. Distribute materials that would cause substantial disruption of the educational setting or any school activity. Such prohibited
materials include, but are not limited to: materials which are obscene; materials which incite students to violate a federal, state or
local law, or a state or local school board policy; pornographic materials; materials degrading to any specific individual; materials designed for commercial purposes.
Range of Consequences: Teacher conference with the student with confiscation of the item for primary and elementary students, to
referral to the principal’s office for consequences, to referral to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to suspend long term
or to expel for middle and high students
L. Perform any other act that in any way disrupts or obstructs any lawful mission, process or function of the school.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences for minor acts, to referral to the principal’s office if the disruption affects the entire
school, to referral to a disciplinary hearing if the act poses a threat of any kind (primary, elementary, middle or high)
Rule 2. Damage or Destruction of School Property
A. A student shall not intentionally cause or attempt to cause damage to school property, including but not limited to marking, defacing or destroying said property.
Range of Consequences: Restitution costs in every case; teacher consequences to include a conference with the parent if damage is a
matter requiring cleaning; referral to principal’s office with parent conference if damage is a matter requiring repair; and referral to a
disciplinary hearing if damage is substantial and requires replacement (primary, elementary, middle and high)
B. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal school property.
Range of Consequences: Restitution costs in every case; teacher consequences to include a parent conference if the matter involves
school materials/supplies; referral to principal’s office with parent conference if the matter involves equipment or money; and referral
to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion if the matter involves a substantial amount or
value in the opinion of the principal (primary, elementary, middle and high)
Rule 3. Damage or Destruction of Private Property
A. A student shall not intentionally cause or attempt to cause damage to private property, to include but not be limited to marking,
defacing or destroying said property.
Range of Consequences: Restitution costs in every case; teacher consequences to include a conference with the parent if damage is a
matter requiring cleaning; referral to principal’s office with parent conference if damage is a matter requiring repair; and referral to a
disciplinary hearing if damage is substantial and requires replacement (primary, elementary, middle and high)
B. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal private property.
Range of Consequences: Restitution costs in every case; teacher consequences to include a parent conference if the matter involves
school materials/supplies; referral to principal’s office with parent conference if the matter involves money or valuable possessions;
and referral to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion if the matter involves a substantial amount or value in the opinion of the principal (primary, elementary, middle and high)
C. A student shall not conspire to steal or damage private property.
Range of Consequences: Restitution costs in every case; teacher consequences for primary and elementary students; referral to the
principal’s office for middle and high school students with possible referral to disciplinary hearing if the matter involves a substantial
amount or value in the opinion of the principal
Rule 4. Assault on, Battery or Disrespect to a School Employee
A. A student shall not verbally or physically threaten physical violence to a school employee or any person attending a school-related
function.
Range of Consequences: Report to law enforcement and notification of parents of a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to
expel for a minimum of the remainder of the school year with the opportunity to apply to the alternative education program the
subsequent year. Notification of law enforcement as required by law is the responsibility of the principal .
B. A student shall not commit any act of physical violence toward any school employee or behave in such a way that physical injury
to any school employee or any person attending a school related function could result.
Range of Consequences: In the case of irresponsible actions or physical violence that does not result in harm, referral to the principal’s office (or Director of Operations if a bus incident) for consequences including a parent conference (to write a bus behavior
contract if incident occurred on bus) to referral to a disciplinary hearing (primary, elementary, middle and high)
When, in the judgment of the principal (or Director of Operations in a bus incident), a case of an actual act of physical violence
against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school official or employee, the student will be suspended from school for a period of
up to 10 school days pending a disciplinary hearing.
If the hearing officer/tribunal finds the student has committed an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, school
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official or school employee, the student shall be expelled from the public school system for the remainder of the student’s eligibility
to attend public school pursuant to Code Section §20-2-150. The Board of Education, at its discretion, may permit the student to
attend an alternative education program for the period of the student’s expulsion. If such an act is committed by a student in grades
K-8, then the Board of Education, at its discretion and with the recommendation of the hearing officer/tribunal, may permit such a
student to re-enroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12. If the student is in grades K-5, the Board, at
its discretion and with the recommendation of the hearing officer/tribunal, may allow the student to re-enroll in the public school
system at a date determined by them. The student will be referred to juvenile court as required by law.
C. A student shall not through physical actions, gestures or verbal abuse, such as profane and obscene language, show disrespect
to any school employee or any person attending a school related function.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences for initial or minor infractions; referral to the principal’s office if repeated or substantial in nature; referral to a disciplinary hearing if chronic (primary, elementary, middle and high)
D. A student shall not intentionally fail to obey any teacher, substitute teacher, student teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, or
other authorized school personnel’s lawful and reasonable request.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences for initial or minor infractions; referral to the principal’s office if repeated or substantial in nature; referral to a disciplinary tribunal if chronic (primary, elementary, middle and high)
Rule 5.Physical and Verbal Abuse by a Student to Another Student or Person not
Employed by the School
A. A student shall not through physical actions, gestures or verbal abuse, such as profane and obscene language, show disrespect to
any other student or person not employed by the school at school related functions.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences for initial or minor infractions; referral to the principal’s office if repeated or substantial in nature; referral to a disciplinary hearing if chronic (primary, elementary, middle and high)
B. A student shall not threaten, cause or attempt to cause bodily injury to any other student or person not employed by the school
at school related functions.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences including a parent conference for all grade levels, to a
referral to a disciplinary hearing for violence or threats of violence of a serious nature for middle and high school students. Report
to law enforcement required if assault is of an aggravated nature. In compliance with O.C.G.A. § 40-5-22, a student may lose his/her
driver’s license, or be prohibited from obtaining such a license, if he/she has violated this rule.
C. A student shall not threaten another student or person not employed by the school at any school related function with sexual
harassment as defined pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. (Refer to Rule #13).
Rule 6. Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
A student shall not possess, handle or transmit an object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, including those defined in
state law and Morgan County Board of Education Policy JCDAE and all knives. Exceptions to the rule are also noted in state law
and Morgan County Board of Education Policy JCDAE.
A student shall not use self-defense sprays such as mace or pepper gas to threaten, intimidate or injure any person or to otherwise
cause fear for the safety of any person.
Range of Consequences:
1) Possession of a knife with a blade less than 2”: Conference with Parents to Suspension from School at Principal’s discretion (all
levels)
2) Possession of any weapon as defined in federal or state law and/or Morgan County Schools Board Policy, or use of any knife of
any size to threaten or harm another: Automatic disciplinary hearing with recommendation to expel for a full calendar year, according to requirements of the law. Law enforcement will be notified. (primary, elementary, middle and high)
If the hearing officer/tribunal allows, an expelled student may enroll in the Alternative Education Program Alternative School or
another appropriate alternative setting. Each case is subject to review by the superintendent, who has the authority to modify the
expulsion requirement in unusual circumstances.
Rule 7. Narcotics, Tobacco, Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs
A. A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine,
barbiturate, marijuana, inhalant, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind or any type of medicine for which the student does not
have on file with the school appropriate medical documentation as required by the district's medication policy and procedure.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal's office for consequences that range from a parental conference to a disciplinary
hearing with a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion with referral to law enforcement if required by law (primary,
elementary, middle and high).
B. A student shall not possess, sell, use, or transmit any tobacco product.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences that range from five days out-of-school suspension to a
disciplinary hearing for repeat offenders, where the maximum consequence is long-term suspension for the remainder of the semester (middle and high).
C. A student shall not possess, sell or transmit any substance under the pretense that it is, in fact, a prohibited substance.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences that range from five days out-of-school suspension to a
disciplinary hearing for repeat offenders, where the maximum consequence is long-term suspension for the remainder of the semes-
12
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ter (middle and high)
D. A student with an illness or condition that requires a medical prescription or the use of an over-the-counter medication must
comply with the School District's medication policy and procedure and leave that medication in the school office with a note from
the parent or the doctor regarding the proper dispensing of the medication. No medications are to be carried on a student’s person or left in a locker with the one exception of asthma medication and epinephrine that may be self-administered.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences that range from a parental conference to disciplinary
hearing with a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion.
Rule 8. Indecency
A student shall conform to established local mores of decency. They should refrain from:
1.Use of vulgar or profane language,
2.public display of affection,
3.indecent exposure ,or
4.other acts considered indecent
Range of Consequences: For items 1 and 2 listed above, teacher consequences are appropriate for minor infractions at all grade
levels. For 3 and 4 listed above, referral to the principal’s office is appropriate for consequences that range from parental conference to referral to a disciplinary hearing for cases of a shocking or serious nature committed by middle and high school students.
Rule 9. Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
A student shall not engage in acts that are inappropriate sexual behavior, including, but not limited to:
1.Improper touching
2.Crude and unacceptable language
3.Crude and unacceptable gestures.
Range of Consequences: Referral to principal’s office with consequences ranging from a parent conference to referral to a disciplinary hearing for cases of a serious nature in the judgment of the principal or principal’s designee—Notification of law enforcement
or DFACS may be required, based on act (middle and high). In light of O.C.G.A.§ 40-5-22, a student may lose his/her driver’s li-
cense or be prohibited from obtaining such a license if he/she has committed any sexual offense prohibited under Chapter 6 of Title
16 of the Georgia Code of Law.
** STUDENT REPORTING OF ACTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
"20-2-751.7.(a) The Professional Standards Commission shall establish a state mandated process for students to follow in reporting
instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school employee toward a student which shall not
prohibit the ability of a student to report the incident to law enforcement authorities.
(a) Any student (or parent or friend of a student) who has been the victim of an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a
teacher, administrator or other school system employee is urged to make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor or
administrator at his/her school. The report will be investigated immediately by school or system personnel.
(b) Any teacher, counselor or administrator receiving a report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct of a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee shall make an oral report of the incident immediately by telephone or otherwise to the school principal or principal’s designee, and shall submit a written report of the incident to the school principal or principal’s designee within
24 hours. If the principal is the person accused of the sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, the oral and written reports should be
made to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.
(c) Any school principal or principal’s designee receiving a report of sexual abuse as defined in O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 shall make an oral
report immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused.
The report should be made by telephone and followed by a written report in writing, if requested, to a child welfare agency p roviding protective services, as designated by the Department of Human Resources, or, in the absence of such agency, to an appropriate
police authority or district attorney.
Reports of acts of sexual misconduct against a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee not covered by O.C.G.A. 197-5 or 20-2-1184 shall be investigated immediately by school or system personnel. If the investigation of the allegation of sexual
misconduct indicates a reasonable cause to believe that the report of sexual misconduct is valid, the school principal or principal’s
designee shall make an immediate written report to the superintendent and the Professional Standards Commission Ethics Division.
Rule 10. Truancy
Failure to comply with compulsory attendance as required under O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-690.1, including deception about an absence or tardy to school authorities, parents or both is prohibited. No student shall encourage, urge or counsel other students to
be truant.
Range of Consequences: Referral to principal’s office for consequences that range from a conference with the student to referral
to the school social worker (primary,elementary, middle and high). In light of O.C.G.A. § 40-5-22, a student may lose his/her driver’s
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license, or be prohibited from obtaining such a license if he/she has accumulated 10 or more unexcused absences in the previous
school year and/or the current school year (not cumulative).
Rule 11. Felony Offenses and Off-Campus Acts that Impact Schools
A. A student who has been arrested, charged or convicted in a court with a felony or an offense which would be considered to be a
felony if the student were an adult may be disciplined or excluded from school.
Range of Consequences: Short-term out-of-school suspension to referral to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to expel
(middle and high); all teachers to whom the student is assigned will be notified of the student’s status and given an opportunity to review the student’s file.
B. A student who is charged with an assault on another student, a violation of the drug laws or sexual misconduct of a serious nature and whose presence at school is likely to endanger other students or staff or cause substantial disruption to the educational climate may be disciplined or excluded from school.
Range of Consequences: From short-term out-of-school suspension to referral to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to
expel (middle and high); all teachers to whom the student is assigned will be notified of the student’s status and given an opportunity
to review the student’s file.
Rule 12. Gambling
Gambling on school property or at any school function is prohibited.
Range of consequences: Teacher consequences for minor offenses or incidents occurring in all schools; referral to principal’s office
with consequences ranging from a parent conference to referral to a disciplinary hearing for cases involving an organized “business”
operation for students at the middle or high schools
Rule 13. Harassment
A student shall not violate Board Policy JGIA: Sexual Harassment or JGIB: Racial Harassment.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office with consequences ranging from out of school suspension to referral to a
disciplinary hearing with a recommendation to expel and notification of law enforcement when required(elementary, middle and high)
Rule 14. Bullying
A student must not attempt to use, nor threaten to use, force to inflict injury on another student when there is an apparent ability to
do so. A student must not exhibit an intentional display of force that would cause the victim to fear or expect bodily harm.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences that range from short-term assignment to an alternative
educational setting to automatic assignment to alternative school upon the third offense (middle and high)
Rule 15. Cheating and/or Forgery
A student must not use the work of others nor represent it as his or her own.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences in the confines of the classroom to referral to the principal’s office for consequences
ranging from parental conference to loss of credit (primary, elementary, middle and high)
Rule 16. Bus Transportation
All rules in the regular Code of Conduct (JCDA-R) apply to behavior on a school bus or at a school bus stop. The Morgan County
School System operates bus service for all pupils. A student is expected to act in a quiet and orderly manner when loading, riding, and
unloading the bus. This service is a privilege and may be denied for undesirable behavior. The bus driver must be obeyed at all times.
If a student feels an order from the driver is unjust, it should be obeyed nonetheless and then the incident reported to the transportation director. Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the bus unless he or she has a note from the parent
or guardian and signed by the principal or designee. All bus discipline cases of safety violation are viewed as serious violations. Bus
conduct rules are listed in Policy JCDAD-R/EDCB-R.
Drivers will make the final decision as to whether or not to file a report on a student for any rule violation. If a report is filed on a
student, the consequences are:
Grades 6-12:
1st Offense: Off bus five (5) days, with parent conference
2nd Offense: Off bus rest of the school year
Please note there is not an official warning in writing from a driver or the Director of Operations in grades 6—12. The rules are
communicated, the consequences are communicated and these students know what they are.
Physical violence (or language that leads to physical violence) of any kind will result in suspension from the bus for the balance of the
year and some offenses are so bad that a more severe penalty may occur. Physical violence within the last 45 days of school may have
consequences that carry into the next school year. See Policy JCDA-R/EDCB-R (Sent home with students at the beginning of the year
or upon enrollment).
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Dress Code
Cover up areas that should be covered.
No shirts that promote tobacco, alcohol, drugs, suggestive pictures or words, objectionable images, or anything that may be disruptive to school,
 Ladies skirts/shorts should be no further than 3 inches above the knee
Gentlemen’s pants should be worn at the waist and not expose undergarments
NO HATS in the building—not even during lunch
Dress Code Violations


Students will be required to change/ correct the violation to return to class.
Students who have are repeat offenders will be handled by the administration
Cell Phones/ MP3 Players


Cell phones are prohibited from use throughout the school day (Except during lunch)
MP3 Players/I-pods (or devices with ear buds, etc) are not allowed to be used in the hallways or in the lunch lines. They
are permitted at lunch (outside of the lunch lines).
Tardies:

Students are expected to be in class and on time. “Frequent Tardiness” is not an acceptable behavior and should be corrected
by students.
Students may face long-term suspension, expulsion, and investigation by law enforcement for the violation of particular school rules,
including but not limited to the following: theft, fighting, possession/use/distribution of alcohol or drugs, possession of a weapon,
threat to another student or to a staff member, or chronic disruptive behavior.
Morgan County Board of Education Code of Conduct: The full MCBOE Code of Conduct is available online and is also distributed to all students at the beginning of each school year.
Other Information
 If you have a grievance regarding athletics equity, please contact Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support and
Community Relations/Sports Equity/Title IX Coordinator at the Morgan County Board of Education at (706) 752-4600.”

Any student or parent or guardian (“grievant”) may request an impartial hearing due to the school system’s actions or inactio ns
regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement under Section 504. Requests for an impartial hea ring
must be in writing to the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator; however, a grievant’s failure to request a hearing in writing
does not alleviate the school system’s obligation to provide an impartial hearing if the grievant orally requests an impartial hearing
through the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator. The school system’s Section 504 Coordinator will assist the grievant in
completing the written Request for Hearing. The Section 504 Coordinator may be contacted through the school system’s central
office. Copies of the 504 Procedural Safeguards and Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504 may be found at
the system website or may be picked up at the central office or at any of the school offices. Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support and Community Relations is the Morgan County Section 504 Coordinator and can be reached at the
Morgan County Board of Education central office (706) 752-4600.
Note: The Student Code of Conduct may be amended at any time by the
Board of Education. The updated version is always available at www.morgan.k12.ga.us.
Note: The student code of conduct is not intended to cover every possible circumstance occurring at Morgan County High School.
The administration will develop school policies and procedures necessary to carry out the mission of Morgan County High School.
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56
Student Information
Nondiscrimination Notice:
Morgan County School System does not discriminate in any educational, employment or other activity under its
jurisdiction on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disabling condition, or age in its programs
and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Morgan County BOE
will honor all appropriate laws and regulations relating to discrimination. Any person who believes he/she has been
discriminated against or harassed in violation of this policy must make a complaint in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Morgan County Policy Manual and should contact Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent
for Student Support and Community Relations/Sports Equity/Title IX Coordinator at the Morgan County Board of
Education at 706-752-4600.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA):
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that all schools obtain parental written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the student's education records.
However, the Morgan County Charter School System may disclose appropriately designated "directory information"
without written consent, unless the parent has advised to the contrary in accordance with system procedures. The
primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school system to include this type of information from
your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include a playbill, showing your student's
role in a drama production; honor roll or other recognition lists; the yearbook, graduation programs, and sports
activity sheets.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA):
PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA) - PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding
privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Specific activities and surveys covered under the
requirement include: (1) collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution, (2) administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or part by the state or by federal
Department of Education, and (3) any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described
above.
Free and Reduced Lunch Information:
A balanced lunch and breakfast are served to any child whose parents choose to have him/her eat at school. These
meals are nutritious and are provided at a cost of $1.85 for lunch and $1.00 for breakfast. Reduced priced meals
are $.40 for lunch and $.30 for breakfast. Additional information on this program is given to parents at the time of
enrollment or the start of the school year. The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs provide healthy and nutritionally balanced meals to students each school day. School breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines
for Americans and federal nutrition standards. In order to qualify for this benefit program, the parent or guardian
must be a resident of the state of Georgia and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Students may qualify for free or reduced price meals if the household income
falls at or below the limits set forth by the federal government. (A chart will be provided to parents by the first day
of school.) Parents may apply for free or reduced price meals at any time throughout the school year. An application for free or reduced price meals may be obtained from the student’s school or from the Morgan County Board
of Education.
In emergency situations, students may charge a lunch/breakfast for up to 5 times. Parents are encoraged to keep
lunch/breakfast accounts up to date. After 2 charges a student may receive an alternate meal unless arrangement for
payments have been made with the school cafeteria manager or School Nutrition Director. Payments may be made
by the day, week, or month by cash, check or online at www.myschoolbucks.com. Parents are always welcome to
have lunch with their children. Please let the school know by at least the morning of the visit so that a plate can be
prepared. Adult lunches cost $3.00.
Hospital-Homebound:
Hospital/Homebound (HHB) services are designed to provide continuity of educational services between the class-
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room and home or hospital for students in Georgia public schools whose medical needs, either physical or psychiatric, do not allow them to attend school for a limited period of time. HHB instruction may be used to supplement
the classroom program for students with health impairments whose conditions may interfere with regular school
attendance (e.g., students receiving dialysis or radiation/chemotherapy or students with other serious health conditions). Students must be enrolled in a public school in Georgia in order to receive HHB services.
HHB services are not intended to supplant regular school services and are by design temporary. The student must
anticipate being absent from school for a minimum of ten consecutive or intermittent school days due to a medical
or psychiatric condition. The student’s inability to attend school for medical or psychiatric reasons must be certified by the licensed physician or licensed psychiatrist who is currently treating the student for the diagnosis presented. For more information about this service, please contact Pam Benford, School Social Worker, at 706-7524600.
No Child Left Behind: “Parent’s Right to Know” Teachers’ and Paraprofessionals’ Qualifications:
No Child Left Behind Act/ Parent’s Right to Know: Qualifications of Teachers and Paraprofessionals
In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, parents may request information about
the professional qualifications or their child's teacher(s). The following information may be requested: 1. Certification, 2. College major/graduate certification or degree held by the teacher; or 3. Qualifications of any paraprofessional working with their child. Parents should contact their child's school to request this information.
Student Directory Information Notice:
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if
released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two
federal laws require local educational agencies receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and
telephone listings – unless parents have advised the school system that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent. For more information, visit the system website at
www.morgan.k12.ga.us .
Georgia’s Teen-age and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TAADRA):
Georgia’s Teen-age and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TAADRA) of 1997, requires that local school systems
certify that a student’s attendance pattern and discipline record permits him or her to have a Georgia learner’s
permit or driver’s license. When the student applies for the Georgia driver’s license or instruction permit, he/she
must present proof that satisfies one of the following conditions: (1) Is enrolled in and not under expulsion from
a public or private school and has not had ten or more school days of unexcused absences in the current academic
year or ten or more school days of unexcused absences in the previous academic year; (2) Has received a high
school diploma, a general educational development (GED) diploma, a special diploma, or a certificate of high school
completion; (3) Has terminated his or her secondary education and is enrolled in a postsecondary school or is
pursuing a general educational development (GED) diploma. Please visit the Morgan County High School website
at www.morgan.k12.ga.us/mchs for complete implementation guidelines.
DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE
The Morgan County Board of Education recognizes the serious detrimental effect that use/abuse of illegal drugs
and alcohol has on the entire community, and especially on young people. School buildings and campuses are places of learning. We strongly believe school buildings and campuses should always be safe and secure environments
for students and the adults who work with them. In accordance with this belief and effective immediately, all Morgan County Schools are designated DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE ZONES. The possession, transmittal, handling,
use, distribution or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind on any school campus is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in as severe consequences as School Board policy and criminal law will permit. This policy applies to
all students and adults who may be on a public school campus in Morgan County at any time or off school grounds
at any school activity, function or event, on the school bus or any other vehicle transporting students to or from
school or any school activity.
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Search and Seizure:
School officials have the authority to conduct reasonable interrogations of students in order to properly investigate
and mange student misconduct. Any student can be searched with a duly executed warrant, or a student can be
searched without a warrant if reasonable suspicion exists and there are exigent circumstances which make it impractical to secure a warrant. This applies where reasonable suspicion exists when a school official has knowledge
of facts which cause him/her to believe a crime or rule infraction has been committed. Searches based on reasonable grounds shall proceed without hindrance or delay, but shall be conducted in a manner that is not excessively
intrusive in consideration of the age and gender of the student. In the event the search of the student’s person, personal possessions, belongings, or desk reveals the student is concealing substance(s) or weapon(s) or other contraband prohibited by federal, state or local law, school officials will notify local law enforcement authorities so that
they may take appropriate action.
ADMISSIONS – The admission of students to the appropriate general and special education programs operated
by Morgan County School System shall be strictly and solely in accordance with the provisions of Georgia law and
these policies and rules. The conditions of admission, assignment and attendance, including curricular and extracurricular offerings under the auspices of Morgan County Schools shall be applied without regard to race, creed,
religion, color, national origin, gender, disabilities, marital or parental status. A child must present a birth certificate
when he/she enrolls in Kindergarten or First Grade in Morgan County School System. A birth certificate will be requested from students transferring into the school system. All children entering Georgia Public schools for the first
time are required to have hearing, vision, and dental screenings by a qualified member of the local Health department or by a private physician. Verification of those screenings must be provided on the official form issued by the
State of Georgia. Every child entering Morgan County Schools for the first time, regardless of grade level, must present a completed Certificate of Immunization to the school on the official form issued by the State of Georgia. A
copy of the child’s social security card is also requested in order to verify that the number is correct. Two proofs of
residency in Morgan County are also required at the time of enrollment. All registration forms must be completed
before the child is enrolled.
Withdrawal procedures: Contact the counseling office and/or Gail Slaughter
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION:
Morgan County School System does not discriminate in any educational, employment or other activity under its
jurisdiction on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disabling condition, or age in its programs
and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Morgan County BOE
will honor all appropriate laws and regulations relating to discrimination. Any person who believes he/she has been
discriminated against or harassed in violation of this policy must make a complaint in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Morgan County Policy Manual and should contact Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent for
Student Support and Community Relations/Sports Equity/Title IX Coordinator at the Morgan County Board of Education at 706-752-4600.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: Education for Homeless Children and Youth
The Morgan County Charter School System ensures that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless
youth has equal access to the same free appropriate education including a public preschool education as provided to
other children and youths.
Section 504 Grievance Procedure
Any student or parent or guardian (“grievant”) may request an impartial hearing due to the school system’s actions
or inactions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement under Section 504. Requests
for an impartial hearing must be in writing to the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator; however, a grievant’s
failure to request a hearing in writing does not alleviate the school system’s obligation to provide an impartial hearing if the grievant orally requests an impartial hearing through the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator. The
school system’s Section 504 Coordinator will assist the grievant in completing the written Request for Hearing. The
Section 504 Coordinator may be contacted through the school system’s central office. Copies of the 504 Procedural Safeguards and Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504 may be found at the system website
or may be picked up at the central office or at any of the school offices. Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent
for Student Support and Community Relations is the Morgan County Section 504 Coordinator and can be reached
at the Morgan County Board of Education central office (706) 752-4600.
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Academic Honesty
Cheaters cheat themselves. When students cheat, they deprive themselves of the opportunity to learn important skills and information. The
stakes for cheating and dishonesty after high school are high. For that
reason, we strive to help students understand their ethical responsibilities.
Below is a summary of consequences for acts of academic dishonesty:
First offense:





Student receives an “incomplete” for the assignment.
Teacher notifies the administration. The administration notifies the student’s parents.
Student is placed on probation. Student and parents sign a contract outlining actions the student will need to take to get off probation.
Student is required to redo the assignment after completion of the academic honesty
tutorial. The maximum grade for the completed assignment is a 70.
The student’s overall grade in the course will remain an “incomplete” until the assignment has
been completed. The student must successfully complete probation and redo the missed assignment before receiving credit for the course.
All other offenses:




Student receives a zero for the assignment.
Teacher notifies the administration. The administration notifies the student’s parents.
Student is referred to appear at the next meeting of the Academic Honesty Committee.
The Academic Honesty Committee will determine a recommendation for consequences that
will be submitted to the principal.
The full version of the Morgan County High School Academic Honesty Policy
can be accessed online at http://www.morgan.k12.ga.us/mchs/
DID YOU KNOW?
→ 59% of high school students admit to cheating on a test.
→ 57% of high school students say cheating is not wrong.
→ Reports of academic violations at the University of Georgia have nearly tripled in
the last eight years?
→ The most frequent consequences for academic dishonesty at the college-level
are receiving an “F” for the course, suspension, or expulsion.
SOURCES: http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/did_you_know.html
http://www.uga.edu/honesty/ahpd/barchart.pdf
http://www.uga.edu/honesty/ahpd/sanctions.htm
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MCHS Athletics
GIRLS ATHLETICS
BOYS ATHLETICS
Basketball
Baseball
Cheerleading
Basketball
Comp. Cheerleading
Cross Country
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Golf
Soccer
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Tennis
Track
Track
Wrestling
Volleyball
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Below lists different items of interest for the MCHS
Athletics Program. All necessary forms can be
found on the school’s website
INSURANCE POLICY
Each student must be covered by either the school approved insurance policy or by a family policy.
Proof must be provided that the student is covered by insurance. The proof must be provided for
each sport.
PHYSICAL
All student/athletes must have a current physical on file. Physicals are good for the entire school year
if taken after April 1 of the preceding year. Physicals must be on a Georgia High School Association
(GHSA) approved form and given by a medical doctor.
DRUG TESTING
Students must declare their possibility to participate in any high school athletic event at the beginning
of the school year. A Drug Screen Consent Form must be filled out by the student if they think there
is a possibility of participation. One Drug Screen Consent form is good for the duration of an athlete’s
high school career.
ELIGIBILITY
Students must be declared eligible and sent in to GHSA for each particular sport prior to beginning
pre-season practice or tryouts. Students must meet all State and Local requirements for participation.
PARTICIPATION
A student athlete may not quit one sport and be eligible to become a member of another sport during
the same season, unless there is mutual consent between the coaches of the two sports and/or approved by the Athletic Director and/or the Principal.
ATTENDANCE
No student will be permitted to practice or participate in athletic activities on a school day if they have
not been in attendance for at least half of the school day, unless approved to play or practice by the
Athletic Director and/or the Principal.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Students cannot participate in any athletic activity (other than practice) while serving In-school suspension. For example, if a student is serving In-school suspension Monday and Tuesday, they cannot play
until Tuesday after school when the ISS penalty has been satisfied. The student may practice while in
ISS.
OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
No student may participate in any athletic activity while under terms of OSS or attending Alternative
Education Program school. If a student is suspended Monday and Tuesday, that student cannot participate in any way until Wednesday.
If you have a grievance regarding athletics equity, please contact Sarah Burbach, Assistant Superintendent for
Student Support and Community Relations/Sports Equity/Title IX Coordinator at the
Morgan County Board of Education at (706) 752-4600.
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MCHS Clubs
MCHS offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations in order that students may serve the community, explore personal interests, and enjoy the company of others. Although some clubs meet after
school or for special events, the schedule allows for meeting during the school day twice a month. Students are encouraged to cultivate their talents and develop stronger leadership skills through membership. Students who are members of clubs will meet with their club when scheduled; students without a
club will be assigned to a teacher in their grade level during club period. Students may wish to be part of
two different clubs that meet on different weeks. Below are the clubs and organizations available for the
2012 - 2013 year.
4-H (9-12): 4-H is a community of young people learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H'ers
participate in fun, hands-on learning activities.
ACADEMIC BOWL (9-12): Please join us if you like to flex your intellect. Do you love shows like
Cash Cab, Quiz Bowl, and Jeopardy? We need you if you have a propensity to remember arcane
knowledge such as English rulers, African rivers, sports trivia, puzzles, science, or math. We will meet for
1 hour practices at least once per week during the season. There will be 7 regular season matches in the
fall on Mondays after school. We hope to build an energetic team that will compete in other state-wide
tournaments as well.
ANIME CLUB (9-12):
ANTI BULLYING CLUB (9-12) For students interested in initiating programs to stop bullying in
schools.
These initiatives include support and education programs for all school age levels, building an environment of peace and acceptance, and bringing to Morgan County the expertise of other successful nationwide goals to Stop Bullying.
ART CLUB (9-12): For students interested in art. Members need not have prior experience. This
creative group offers leadership opportunities for its members. We meet after school every Wednesday
fro 3:15-5:15.
B.E.S.T CLUB (9-12): Bringing Exceptional Students Together. This club promotes interaction with
students that have special needs by their same age peers. Students provide various activities and events
throughout the year to cultivate friendships and bring positive role models into the lives of students with
special needs. Some activities/events include: One Morgan Olympics, Valentines Dance, as well as other
seasonal activities. Students in this club will also have opportunities throughout the year to attend various
community outings with these students.
BOARD GAMES (9-12): For students interested in many of the different board games and enjoy playing them and learning about the new ones and how to play them.
COLOR GUARD(9-12): Is a club for those students that are involved in the flag twirlers in the band
and learn how to properly twirl and sync the twirl with the music the band is playing during half-time at
football games.
DAWG DAYSl Online student newspaper
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DJ CLUB(9-12): Love music? Want to one day become a
DJ? Or just want a fun club to join? The DJ club is a club that
you should be considering!
DODGE BALL (9-12): For students who enjoy the alternative sport of Dodgeball. It requires quick reflexes, agility,
and teamwork. Anyone with enthusiasm can play. Must be
willing to have fun.
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) (9-12):
For students with an interest in any aspect of business and/or competition. Students improve social and
leadership skills in this community-oriented organization. FBLA is an important partner in the success of
school-to-work programs, business education curriculums, and student leadership development.
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) (9-12): For athletes and coaches and all whom they influence to reach and serve for the cause of Christ. Members work toward summer leadership camp at St.
Simons and Winter Recharge Camp in Toccoa, GA. This service-oriented group offers creative as well as
leadership opportunities for its members. There is a membership fee.
F.C.C.L.A (Morgan County Chapter of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of
America) (9-12): This club is designed to promote growth and leadership development through family
and consumer sciences education. The club focuses on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner
and community leader; members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation. There are state
and national level competitions in areas, such as culinary arts. There are numerous community service
opportunities and student opportunities such as en exchange program to Japan.
FFA (Future Farmers of America) (9-12): For students who enjoy activities associated with agriculture, wildlife, natural resources, mechanics, or for those who want to better themselves by improving
their leadership skills. Members prepare for the Friday Alive Rodeo.
GUITAR CLUB (9-12): Play a guitar exceptionally well? This club might be for you then. In this club
students just sit around and play their guitar to get better or to learn a song.
HANDBALL (9-12): Do you have good hand-eye coordination? Are you athletic? Handball is a club
you should be interested in! Not only are you able to run around and throw balls, but you have fun while
you are doing it!
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) (9-12): For individuals interested in healthcare
and healthcare careers. To be a HOSA member, you must be in, or have completed the Health Occupations Pathway, This purpose of this club is to provide students the opportunity to participate in service
projects, and healthcare competitions and to learn more about the healthcare profession.
INDOOR SOCCER (9-12): Students who are interested in playing soccer year round.
JCL/LATIN CLUB (9-12)For individuals who are enrolled in Latin or who have friends who are! We
participate in activities such as Toga Bowling, Saturnalia Party, hiking day trip, movie night, and State Convention.
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KEY CLUB (9-12): For individuals who wish to donate time and effort to service projects. For people
who like to lead, plan, and participate. Members work toward a Pennies for Patients drive and Spirit
Links. All members must pay dues and complete 50 hours of community service. This service-oriented
club offers creative as well as leadership opportunities for members.
LSU (9-12): Stands for Ladies Stepping Up, and they try to better themselves as a young lady, helps the
community and much more. This is for ladies who wish to make themselves better.
MODEL ROCKETRY CLUB: AFJROTC sponsors the Model Rocketry Club for students interested
in building, launching, and recovering model rockets. The purpose of this club is to allow students
an opportunity to share model rocketry experiences, ideas, and learn from one another in a structured
setting, as well as have fun and promote the safe use of model rocketry. This club is a chartered section
(#732) of the National Rocketry Association (NAR)
THE MOVEMENT: A spin-off of Steven Curtis Chapman’s nonprofit, ShowHope, the purpose of the
club is to mobilize students to care for orphans.
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY (9-12): For students with an overall 90 average and a 90 average for the two semesters prior to induction. Those inducted will be service-minded and of good character. This service-oriented group offers creative and leadership opportunities.
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND: Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range form
building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. The club intends
to compete against other clubs.
OUTDOOR (9-12): Do you like to hunt and fish? This is the club for
you. Our goals are to promote outdoorsman ship, to share interests in
hunting and fishing, and to improve access to the Dog Pond for MCHS
classes.
PHILOSOPHY (9-12): Student’s who enjoy learning about the truths and principles of being,
knowledge, and conduct.
READING BOWL (9-12): Calling all readers! The Reading Bowl team is for those students who love
to read and who want to participate in the annual Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, which takes place in February each year. Students will read books from the list of Georgia Peach Award Nominations and will
practice answering questions about the characters and events portrayed in the books in a Quiz Bowl
style. In February, members will attend and compete at
the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition.
ROBOTICS (9-12): Our team is organized into four
sub-teams: mechanical, software, business, and electrical.
Students can choose which group they would like to
participate in based on interest or prior knowledge.
(However, no prior knowledge is required). At the end
of the season, teams teach each other the skills they
learned that year so as to make all of our team mem-
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bers well rounded in all aspects of the Morgan County robotics team program.
SHERIFF’S EXPLORERS (9-12): Want to go into law enforcement? Sheriffs explorers learn what it
take to become a police officer.
SKILLS USA (9-12): SkillsUSA builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT (9-12): Student Government at Morgan County High School is comprised of students who have been elected by their peers to represent the student interest. Each grade
has four officers: Class president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. A student body President and
Vice President join the class officers to serve the students.
UFC (ULTIMATE FRISBEE CLUB) (9-12): This club brings the exciting sport of ultimate Frisbee
to M.C.H.S. The UFC promotes physical education and teamwork while educating students about one of
the country’s most popular collegiate leisure activities.
WIZARDS OF THE COAST: It is for students that enjoy playing the card games Magic and Dungeons
and Dragons.
Y-CLUB (9-12): Y-club is a way to gain leadership in the Christian community. The club teaches you
about yourself and what serving others truly means.
YOGA (9-12): Yoga is beneficial to you in more ways than one. Aside from improving your health and
increasing your flexibility, it helps with stress relief and strength in the core of your body. It's a super fun
club!
YOUNG DEMOCRATS (9-12): For anyone willing to discuss politics. Members host Democrat party
meeting for the Morgan County Democrat party. This service-oriented group offers creative as well as
leadership opportunities for its members.
YOUNG REPUBLICANS (9-12): For anyone willing to discuss politics. Members host Republican
party meeting for the Morgan County Republican party. This service-oriented group offers creative as
well as leadership opportunities for its members.
NOTE TO PARENTS REGARDING SCHOOL CLUBS
AND ORGANIZATIONS:
Clubs and organizations are available for your child's participation during the year at Morgan County Elementary, Morgan County Middle and Morgan County High Schools. A complete list of the names of the clubs,
mission or purpose of the club, the club's faculty advisor, and a description of past or present planned activities is available for your review at each school. If you should object to your child's participation in any of
these clubs, you must write a letter to that effect, listing the club(s) you do not want your child to join, signing
it, and sending it to the principal of your child's school.
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School Calendar
2013 - 2014 Morgan County Schools Calendar
Pre-Planning
August 5,6,7
First Day of School
August 8
Labor Day Holiday (Schools Closed)
September 2
Mid-term/Progress Reports
September 10
Report Cards
October 17
Fall Break
October 7—October 11
Mid-term/Progress Reports
October 12
November 25 – November 29
Thanksgiving Holidays (Schools Closed)
Winter Holidays (Schools Closed)
December 23 – January 3
January 6
First Day of 2nd Semester (Students Return)
January 9
Report Cards
Martin Luther King Holiday (Schools
Closed)
January 20
Winter Break (Schools Closed)
February 17 – February 21
Report Cards
March 20
Mid-term/Progress Reports
April 17
April 21 – April 25
Spring Break (Schools Closed)
May 23
Last Day of School/Graduation
May 26
Memorial Day Holiday
Post-Planning
May 27, 28
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Standi