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

Visit us online @ www.morgan.k12.ga.us/mchs
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.
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Bell Schedule
Monday/Tuesday/Friday
1st period
8:05-9:00
MHTV
9:00-9:10
2nd period
9:15-10:05
rd
3 period
10:10-11:00
4th period
Freshmen
Lunch A 11:05-11:30
4th period 11:35-12:30
Freshmen 5th period
12:35-1:25
5th period
Grades 10-12
4th period 11:05-11:55
Lunch B
12:00-12:25
5th period
12:00-12:25
5th period
12:00-12:55
5th period
12:30-1:25
Lunch C
12:30-12:55
Lunch D
1:00-1:25
5th period 1:001:25
6th period
th
7 period
1:30-2:20
2:25-3:15
Wednesday
1st period
8:05-9:30
MHTV
9:30-9:40
rd
3 period
9:45-11:05
5th period
A
Lunch 11:10-11:35
5th 11:40-1:05
Advisory
1:10-1:50
7th period
1:55-3:15
B
5th 11:10-11:35
Lunch 11:40-12:05
5th 12:10-1:05
C
5th 11:10-12:05
Lunch 12:10-12:35
5th 12:40-1:05
D
5th 11:10-12:35
Lunch 12:40-1:05
Thursday
2nd period
8:05-9:30
Tools for
Success
4th period
9:35-10:05
th
10:10-11:30
6 period
A
Lunch 11:35–12:00
6th 12:05-1:30
B
C
D
6th 11:35-12:00
6th 11:35-12:30
6th 11:35-1:00
Lunch 12:05-12:30
Lunch 12:35-1:00
Lunch 1:05-1:30
6th 12:35-1:30
6th 1:05-1:30
Student dismissal at 1:30 unless recommended for Bulldog Boost
Bulldog
Boost
T3
1:35-2:05
2:10-3:45
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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 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 1-877 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.
Bullying Con’t on page 5...
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Attendance Policy
Our expectation is that students attend school each day Morgan County High
School is in session. Positive attendance forms lifelong habits for college and
career ready students.
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.
GUIDELINES
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 will have 5 excuses they can write each semester for an absence to be counted as EXCUSED. A doctor’s note does not count towards the 5 parental excuses.
Parents have five school days to turn in excuses or the absence will remain unexcused. The student’s parent should write a note to the school stating the child’s first and last names, date(s)
and reason for the absence.
After five parental excuses have been used, official documentation will be required or the absences will remain unexcused.
Parents should call the school office if the child is out for more than one day.
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
≥ 10 unexcused days
MCHS will send letter through the mail
Students under age 16 are referred to
School Social Worker. Must makeup
classroom hours to receive credit. (all students)
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Attendance Policy (cont.)
Classroom Seat Time
Students must have no more than 10 days of unexcused absences from a class
Students with more than 10 unexcused absences will be required to make up seat time in order
to satisfy the requirements of the course.
Seat time can be made up during Bulldog Boost (1:30-3:15), Sunset Detention (3:20-4:30), or
scheduled Saturday School (8:00-12:00).
1 hour = 1 unexcused absence. Makeup time can be used for multiple classes. Example— Stu-
dent has 16 unexcused absences from Math Class and 12 unexcused absences from Science
Class. Student would be required to makeup 6 hours in order to satisfy requirement for Math
Class. The hours served would also count for the 2 required hours for Science Class.
Notifications will be sent out periodically informing students of seat time needing to be made
up.
Time served in detention or Saturday School for a disciplinary infraction DOES NOT count towards seat time requirement.
Students who miss more than ten (10) days in a yearlong class without completing the steps
above will receive an incomplete for the course.
If the assignments and the time are not made up by the beginning of the subsequent year, no
credit will be allowed for the courses in question.
Bullying Con’t from page 3:
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.
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 address behavioral issues in their classrooms unless the matter cannot be solved and the offense requires a 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 are appropriate
based on the child's age and the behavioral infraction. The principal may confer with the superintendent regarding appropriate disciplinary actions.
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.
Definitions
A. Expulsion- Dismissal of student from school beyond the current quarter or semester.
B. Long-term Suspension- Dismissal of a student from school for more than ten school days,
but not beyond the current quarter or semester.
C. Short-term Suspension- Dismissal of a student from school for not more than ten school
days.
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 thereto.
Range of Consequences: Referral to principal's office for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the maximum consequence is expulsion.
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.
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; Referral to principal's office for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a
disciplinary hearing where the maximum consequence is expulsion.
D. Prevent or attempt to prevent the normal functioning of school, a class activity or lawful assembly on the school
campus.
Range of Consequences: Referral to principal's office for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the maximum consequence is expulsion if the act was a threat to
safety.
E. Block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on campus or adjacent grounds.
Range of Consequences: Referral to principal's office for consequences that range from conference with administra-
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tor and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the maximum consequence is expulsion if the act was a threat to
safety.
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 determined to be a chronic offender.
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, referral to principal's office for
consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion, if occurs concurrently with an act of excessive violence.
H. Urge, encourage or counsel other students to violate any school rule.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom, to referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion.
I. Display, possess, discharge (or threaten to discharge) any explosive on school property
Range of Consequences: Automatic disciplinary hearing with recommendation to expel (middle and high).
J. Utilize any function of a paging device, beeper, cellular telephone, camera or video device, smartphone, or other
electronic communication device during the school day except for educational, health or other reasons approved by
the local school administration.
A student who captures, records, and/or transmits any words, communications, video, or still images of another
person without express prior permission from a school administrator or teacher may also be charged with other
violations of this Code, as appropriate. For example, a student who records video of a fight between other students
and then transmits that video or posts it online may also be charged with promoting illegal/prohibited conduct and/
or engaging in disruptive conduct. Any device used in violation of this rule is subject to being confiscated and, if
there is reasonable cause to believe the device contains evidence of a violation of this Code of Conduct, searched.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom, to referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion. Item will be confiscated by teacher/administrator.
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 consequences within the confines of the classroom; To referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion. Item will be confiscated by teacher/administrator.
L. Perform any other act, not previously listed, that in any way disrupts or obstructs any lawful mission, process or
function of the school.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom, to referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent, to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion.
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: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom; To referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion. The cost of cleaning, repairing, or replacement of item will be the responsibility of the student/parents.
B. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal school property.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom; To referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion. The replacement cost of item will be the responsibility of the student/parents. Referral to law enforcement if required by law.
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: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom; To referral to principal's office
for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where the
maximum consequence is expulsion. The cost of cleaning, repairing, or replacement of item will be the responsibility of the student/parents.
B. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal private property.
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Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom; To referral to principal's office for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where
the maximum consequence is expulsion. The replacement cost of item will be the responsibility of the student/
parents. Referral to law enforcement if required by law.
C. A student shall not conspire to steal or damage private property.
Range of Consequences: Teacher consequences within the confines of the classroom; To referral to principal's office for consequences that range from conference with administrator and/or parent to a disciplinary hearing where
the maximum consequence is expulsion. The replacement cost of item will be the responsibility of the student/parents. Referral to law enforcement if required by law.
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 Transportation Manager, 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.
When, in the judgment of the principal (or Transportation Manager, 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 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 offender.
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 hearing if chronic offender.
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 offender.
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.
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.
Range of Consequences:
1) Possession of a knife with a blade less than 2”: Conference with Parents to Suspension from School at Principal’s
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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.
3) Possession or use of 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: Conference with parents to a disciplinary hearing with a
recommendation for long term suspension or expulsion with referral to law enforcement if required by law. (all
levels).
If the hearing officer allows, an expelled student may enroll in the Morgan County Alternative Education Program
(AEP) 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.
Range of Consequences: Referral to a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion at the discretion of the principal. Referral to law enforcement if required by law (primary, elementary,
middle and high).
B. A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any type of medicine for which the
student does not have a prescription or other authorization on file with the school. Appropriate medical documentation is required by the district's medication policy and procedure JGCD-R(0).
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 suspension or expulsion with referral to law enforcement if
required by law.
C. A student shall not possess, sell, use, or transmit any tobacco product, electronic cigarette, or vaporizing device.
Range of Consequences: Referral to the principal’s office for consequences that range from a conference to a disciplinary hearing for repeat offenders, where the maximum consequence is long-term suspension (middle and
high). Tobacco products will be confiscated in all cases.
D. 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 (middle and high).
E. 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).
** 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 em-
10
ployee 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 mis-
conduct 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 providing 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. 19-7-5 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.
Rule 11. Felony Offenses and Off-Campus Acts that Impact Schools
A student who is charged with an assault on another student, a violation of the drug laws, sexual misconduct of a serious nature or any other felony offense where the student's 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 JCAC: Sexual Harassment or JCAD: 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.
Rule 14. Bullying
Bullying: A student must not demonstrate any aggressive behavior that intends to cause harm, distress and humiliation towards another student.
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.
Cyberbullying: A student shall not transmit any electronic communication that has the effect of bullying, harassing,
threatening, or exposing another to humiliation or ridicule, including but not limited to, sending e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, or website postings (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or any other Social Media Website/
Application).
Cyberbullying applies to acts which occur on school property, on school vehicles, at designated bus stops, or at school
related functions or activities or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system,
computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system. The term also applies to acts of cyber-
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bullying which occur through the use of electronic communication, whether or not such electronic act originated on
school property or with school equipment, if the electronic communication meets the following criteria:
1. Is directed specifically at students or school personnel
2. Is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, and
3. Creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students' or school personnel's person or property or has a
high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
Electronic communication includes but is not limited to any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data or
intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo
optical system.
Range of Consequences: Upon confirmation 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 6 through 12 found to have
committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year shall be referred to principal's office
for recommendation for a disciplinary hearing where the maximum consequence is expulsion.
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.
Rule 16. Bus Transportation
All rules in this Student Behavior Code JCDA-R(1) apply to behavior on a school bus or at a school bus stop. The Morgan County Charter 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 Manager. Students who come to
school on the bus should return home on the bus unless he/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 Regulation JCDAD-R(0)/EDCB-R(0). Drivers will make the final decision as to whether or not to file a
report on a student for any rule violation.
A 5(five) step discipline program will be followed before a report is filed. However, the bus driver does NOT have to
use all five steps if the offense is severe and causes immediate injury to others. Physical violence (or language that
leads to physical violence) of any kind may result in suspension from the bus for the balance of the year and some offenses may result in a stronger penalty depending on the severity of the offense.
The “5 Step Program” and the consequences are as follows:
Step 1: The driver will assign seats on the bus to all students.
If a student misbehaves:
Step 2: The driver will have a private conversation with the student on school grounds.
Step 3: The driver will reassign the student to a seat that will help prevent the misbehavior.
Step 4: The driver will notify Transportation of a behavior problem and the manager or a representative will have a
private conversation with the student on school grounds. At this step, a phone call to the parents or a mailed communication to the parents will take place.
Step 5: The driver will issue a bus referral to the student and provide the Transportation Manager with the documentation of the previous 4 steps.
A bus referral at Step 5 will require the student and a parent/guardian to attend a One Hour Safety Program at
Transportation Depot. The student will be suspended off the bus until they attend the program. When the parent/
guardian and student attend the program, riding privileges will be returned. If the parent/guardian and student refuse
to attend the program, the student will be suspended from the bus for 3 days for primary/elementary and 5 days for
middle/high.
When the student returns to the bus, future misbehavior will NOT be tolerated and the “5 Step Program” will NOT
start over. The driver may issue a second referral to the student. Discipline action for future referrals for misbehavior will be at the discretion of the Transportation Manager with the input of the student’s driver and/or administrator. Future discipline action could result in a minimum of 5-day bus suspension up to and including suspension for the
remainder of the semester. If a student is suspended for the remainder of the semester, the 5 Step Program will reactivate when the student returns to the bus.
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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 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.
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.
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
Tardies:
Students are expected to be in class and on time. “Frequent Tardiness” is not an acceptable behavior and
should be corrected by students.
Tardy to School
1st-3rd Offense
Warning
4th-5th Offense
Detention
6th Offense
Extended detention/Saturday School
7+ Offenses
Referral to Administrator (Loss of parking, ISS, OSS)
Tardy to Class
1st-2nd Offense
3rd-4th Offense
5th Offense
6+ Offenses
Warning
Detention
Extended detention/Saturday School
Referral to Administrator (Loss of parking, ISS, OSS)
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.
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Cell Phones / Electronic Communication Devices and Other Electronic Devices Used By Students
Students may possess and use electronic communication devices in accordance with the following rules and procedures:
A) Students may use Cell Phones/Electronic Communication Devices and other Electronic Devices that are not otherwise restricted, during the following times: before and after school, during class changes, and during scheduled lunch periods..
B) Students may not use Cell Phones/Electronic Communication Devices and
other Electronic Devices during instructional time (unless requested to do
so by the teacher) and other times that may interfere with the educational mission of the school
or if they pose a safety hazard. This includes but but not limited to Test Sessions, Advisement,
assemblies, fire or inclement weather drills, etc.
C) Electronic Devices must be turned completely off (not on silent or vibrate mode) and should not
be visible during instructional time. Exception: device is used as an instructional tool as approved
by the teacher.
D) Taking pictures or videos and making audio recordings of students, teachers, administrators, or
other MCHS personnel is prohibited at any time without the expressed written permission of an
administrator. .
E) A write-up of a Violation of these rules and procedures will result in confiscation of the device.
F) A confiscated device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. If a student has
committed multiple violations, the device will be held for the student’s parent to pick up.
G) The failure of a student to relinquish an electronic device at the request of a teacher, administrator, or other member of the MCHS staff will result in an automatic assignment to ISS.
The principal has the right to modify or revoke the terms and conditions for the possession
and use of Cell Phones/Electronic Communication Devices and other Electronic Devices at
any time. Changes to this policy will be communicated through daily school announcements
and will be posted on the Morgan County High School Website.
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Student Information
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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 $1.25 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
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cost $3.00.
Hospital-Homebound:
Hospital/Homebound (HHB) services are designed to provide continuity of educational services between the classroom 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 706-752-4600.
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 .
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.
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 exe-
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cuted 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 extra-curricular 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
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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.
CONSEQUENCES
There are a range of possible consequences for violating the Academic Honesty Policy. The severity of
the violation and/or the number of violations will have an influence on which consequences are applied.
First offense:
Teacher discusses incident with student and explains why the incident is considered academically
dishonest.
Student receives an “incomplete” for the assignment.
Teacher completes referral on Infinite Campus and notifies the administration.
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. If timeliness of the make-up assignment is important, the teacher may choose to
offer the student an opportunity for the redo and “hold” the assignment until the tutorial
is completed. 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
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