Student Handbook

2700 Holcomb Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (770) 594-5280 Fax: (770) 643-3333

WWW.FULTONSCHOOLS.ORG/SCHOOL/HOLCOMBBRIDGE/

Hours

School Hours: 7:55 AM - 2:55 PM
Office Hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

MISSION STATEMENT

We are committed to academic and individual excellence:
Whatever it takes!

VISION STATEMENT

Holcomb Bridge Middle School promotes individual student
success in a safe, respectful, learning environment through:

 Rigorous academic standards.
 Innovative instruction.
 Advanced technology.
 Vested community involvement.
 Valued diversity.

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION & FACULTY

Every student is valued at Holcomb Bridge Middle School,
with his/her own special needs, abilities and interests. This
recognition of uniqueness and immense variability of the
middle  grade learner is the foundation upon which our program
is built.  Providing activities and experiences that help foster
the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, cultural and
aesthetic growth in all students is vital if Holcomb Bridge
is to fulfill its purpose.

Our program encourages students to develop cooperative
work habits and stresses the development of a sense of
self-respect and personal responsibility within individual
students. Holcomb Bridge is a microcosm of society, where
individual differences are recognized and appreciated. Since
our school is a vital part of the community at large, creating
an atmosphere that promotes the highest ideals and principles
of democracy is a constant focus. Students are encouraged to
strive to perform to the best of their abilities and to take pride
in their accomplishments. The framework of our educational
program emphasizes the individual, with all faculty members
working to ensure that each student experiences opportunities
for success.  Holcomb Bridge Middle School is charged with edu-
cating young people at a crucial time in their lives. We consider
it a team effort---one that is to be shared among our stake
holders; students, parents, faculty, administration, community
and staff. Establishing and maintaining open lines of communi-
cation is key in this collaborative effort. We look forward to
working with each of you and encourage your support in making
this a great school year.

ABOUT THE AGENDA

The student agenda is an excellent communication that also contains
important information about school policies, student goals and assign-
ments. This agenda will be the main form of regular communication bet-
ween the teacher, the student and the parent. The student will use the
agenda to record daily assignments, due dates, and test dates. The
student will also use it to set goals and record grades. Teachers will sign
the agenda daily to verify homework assignments. Parents are asked to
sign the agenda nightly as well to verify that they have seen any comm-
unication from the teacher. However, parents are welcomed and are encour-
aged to email or call teachers with any questions or concerns.  The student
agenda is considered to be a textbook and is expected to be maintained
as one. The covers and pages should not be decorated. Pages should not be removed. Doing any such damage will result in the student being charged for
the agenda’s replacement. Replacement cost is $10.00.

FEES

Entry Fees
Hall Locker/ Agenda $10.00
P.E. locker $5.00
P.E. Shirt $9.00
P.E. Shorts $9.00
Replacement Fees
Agenda $10.00
Hall locker $10.00
P.E. locker $5.00
Meals
School lunch $1.60
School Breakfast $0.95

 2nd 9 Weeks

3rd 9 Weeks

4th 9 Weeks

HONOR CODE

In an effort to encourage good study habits, fair competition, and
positive development in the area of academics and extra-curricular
activities, the Holcomb Bridge faculty supports a strong policy against
honor violations.  An honor violation is defined as giving or receiving in
any form, information related to a graded experience, either inside or
outside of class; violation of athletic team rules which prompt a coach or administrative reprimand, and a student club and organization rules or by-
laws which can result in suspension or dismissal from the club or student organization. Examples of academic honor violations in class include but
are not limited to any unauthorized exchange of material such as cheat
sheets, open book or notes, writing on hands, shoes, desk or calculators,
verbal or coded discussion. Out of class academic honor violations include
but are not limited to plagiarism, unauthorized cutting and pasting infor-
mation from websites or computer-based sources, discussing tests with
other students who have not taken the tests, use of personal electronics
during assessments, or copying homework assignments. Athletic honor
violations include any unsportsmanlike conduct before, during or after
athletic contests, practices, or activities. Students guilty of academic
honor violations will receive a grade of 0 on the assignment or tests.
Parents will be contacted by the teacher to inform them of the incident. Additionally, an honor violation referral will be submitted by the teacher
to the appropriate admin-istrator for a consequence and will be on file in
the counseling office. In addition to academics, the Honor Code ex-
tends into extra-curricular activities and requires participants to maintain sportsmanship and fair play. Membership in organizations that act as repre-sentatives for the school, such as Jr. Beta Club, Model UN, and Student
Council also can be jeopardized should a student be involved in an honor
violation.

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT

The Holcomb Bridge faculty is committed to doing whatever it takes to help students succeed academically. Throughout the year, students may receive
or request invitations to learning labs, academic homeroom or academic
lunch. Learning labs are specially designed sessions that provide specific instruction to targeted groups. Learning labs can take place before or after
school. Academic homeroom takes place prior to 7:45 and is arranged by the classroom teacher. Academic lunch takes place during the student’s regular
lunch time. During this time the student is permitted to eat lunch in the class-
room while receiving additional instruction or remediation. Teachers may also arrange for other similar academic support sessions before or after school, according to their availability. All appointments for additional academic
support must be arranged ahead of time with teachers. Students must have appropriate passes in their agenda or otherwise in order to report to the
session.
 
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Teachers arrive at 7:20 a.m. and leave at 3:20 p.m. Students should not
arrive before 7:25 a.m. or remain after 3:10 p.m. unless they are participat-
ing in a school-sanctioned activity under the supervision of a teacher or administrator.Students arriving before 7:45 a.m. are to report directly to the cafeteria for breakfast or the gymnasium. All other areas of the building will
be clear. The time students spend in the gym prior to 7:45 a.m. provides
teachers additional time to pull students for additional instruction, enrich-
ment, or remediation. Students who need to report to another part of the
building prior to 7:45 a.m. must have a written pass from a supervising
adult. At 7:45 a.m., a bell will ring and students will be released to their
lockers and homerooms. During dismissal, students are to remain in their
rooms until the announcement that all students are released. If students
are attending extracurricular activities, they will have until 3:05 p.m. to
reach the appropriate location. All hallways will be clear after this time.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential to the learning process. Students who
are absent from school are deprived of a variety of educational opport-
unities with their peers. When a student is absent for any reason, a
note from the parent must be sent to the homeroom teacher within
three days. An excused absence is: personal illness, illness or death
in the immediate family, recognized religious holidays observed by
the individual’s faith, court mandates, and other conditions rendering
school attendance impossible or hazardous to stu-dent’s health or safety.
An approved absence is an absence which has parental knowledge and
approval and which has been prearranged with the principal or designee
before the absence occurs. Approved pre-arranged absences (no longer
than three days) shall be permitted for: a travel opportunity with
educational benefits; a graduation or wedding of a close family member;
a specialized educational experience; an event mutually agreed to by the
parent and principal. A non-approved absence is an absence other than an
absence that is excused, approved or a temporary placement. It includes,
but is not limited to, truancy and class cuts. A temporary placement is the assignment of a student by the school to a location other than the normal classroom setting. This placement may include, but is not limited to, in-
school suspension and out-of-school suspension.

WRITTEN EXCUSE FOR AN ABSENCE

Any student who is absent from school shall present a written excuse,
stating the reason for the absence, signed by one of his/her parents or
guardians when he/she returns to school. If the student is absent three consecutive days and the school cannot obtain information as to why the
student is absent, a referral is made to the Visiting Teacher/Social Worker
office. A physician’s statement shall be presented for all absences that
exceed ten consecutive days in a school year and for all absences that are
due to communicable diseases or under other conditions deemed necessary
by the principal.

REQUESTS FOR MAKE-UP WORK

Parents and students are encouraged to request make-up work for any
length of absence. However, students are encouraged to establish systems
by which they can contact other students in their respective classes to get
class assignments and homework in case of an absence. For absences of
three or more days, parents may request assignments in person, by phone,
or by letter. Assignments will be ready for pick-up at the end of the next
school day.  A student is permitted and encouraged to make up work
missed because of absences and temporary placement. The teacher will
establish a reasonable schedule within which the make-up work will occur.
The student will be given the same amount of time to make up the work,
as the student was absent.  When an absence is unexcused, the grade that
a middle school student earns on make-up work submitted on time may be
reduced by 10 points (JBD- Attendance and absences- #3 Grades for make-
up work).Work missed during the last week of the semester must be
completed within ten school days of the semester immediately following the semester in which the absence occurred. Failure on the part of the student
to hand in the work at the assigned time will be treated as a missing assign-
ment.

TARDIES

It is the responsibility of the parents and the student for the student to
arrive on time. Oversleeping is not a legitimate excuse for tardi-ness. An
excused tardy could be due to illness, medical appointments, or other legal excuses mentioned above. A note must be sent with the student when he/
she is tardy. All students who are tardy must report to the office before
reporting to class. Excessive tardies will result in administrative referral.

EARLY DISMISSAL

It is important that your student’s academic day proceed with as little
disruption as possible. If a student needs to leave before school is dis-
missed, a note from the parent or guardian must be given to the office
before school or during morning homeroom, where the student will be
listed on the “check-out” sheet. Parents or guardians must come to the
office in person to sign out their children. Anyone checking out a student
MUST be on an approved list in the computer. A picture ID is required.
Your cooperation with this procedure is appreciated, as it minimizes
interruptions to instruction. Your student’s attendance and participation
every school day is crucial to his/her academic success. A student must
be in attendance until 11:30 a.m., in order to be counted present and/or
to attend after-school activities that day. The administration should be
consulted should there be extenuating circumstances.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES/INTRAMURALS/CLUBS/ACTIVITIES/REHEARSALS

Holcomb Bridge offers a wide range of clubs and activities for students
after school. Students are dismissed in time to catch the late Activity
Bus at 4:25 p.m. A list of these clubs, activities, and their faculty sponsor
is provided on the school website.

INTRAMURAL PROGRAM

A program of intramural athletic activities is offered to students from
3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It is the responsibility
of the parent or guardian to see that the student is picked up no later
than 4:30 p.m. If students are not picked up on time, they could lose
the privilege of participating in any after-school program.To participate
in the intramural program, each student must have an intramural
registration form signed by a parent or legal guardian on file at the
school. Students who choose to participate in extramural events, includ-
ing track meets, county-wide tournaments and games, or play against
other Fulton County middle schools, must have a physical examination
documented on the appropriate physical form on file at the school, and
must be eligible to participate according to the No Pass / No Participate regulation.Intramural activities vary each semester. Read the Hawk Talk
to learn which activities are to be offered during specific time periods.
Students must go home and then return to school with a responsible
adult to attend extramural games. Only the team may remain in the
building until the games.

AFTER-SCHOOL DANCES/EVENING ACTIVITIES

All after-school functions are chaperoned by school personnel. Students
are expected to abide by all school rules whenever they are in the build-
ing or attending any school function. The school building is closed at the
end of the regular school day and does not reopen until the appointed
hour for the dance or evening activity to begin. It is important that
students be picked up promptly when the dance/activity ends. A
permission letter will be sent home prior to a school dance, which states
the hours, admission cost, and rules of the dance. The following rules for dances/evening activities are in effect at Holcomb Bridge:
1. Dances are open only to students currently enrolled at Holcomb
    Bridge. Students from other schools will not be admitted.
2. Students should arrive at the beginning of the dance/activity.
3. Students leaving the building before the conclusion of the dance/
    activity must have written permission form, and be signed out by,
    a parent or legal guardian.
4. Once students leave, they may not reenter the building.
5. Students are to comply with the school dress code unless another
    type of costume or dress has been designated for the occasion. No
    strapless dresses are acceptable at dances.
6. Running, horseplay, and roughhousing are prohibited.
7. Students must make arrangements to have parents or designees pick
    them up promptly at the conclusion of the dance/activity. Those who
    fail to comply with this may be restricted from participation in future
    after-school activities.
8. Students absent or suspended from school (ISS or OSS) on the day
    of a dance/activity will not be permitted to attend the function.
9. Any student who cannot behave in an acceptable manner will be sent
    home and parents will be called by the administration.
10. No public displays of affection, inappropriate touching or
     inappropriate dancing will be permitted.
11. School and county discipline and behavior policies are in effect at all
     after-school functions.

CAFETERIA

ALL STUDENTS PURCHASING MEALS MUST MEMORIZE THEIR MEAL
ACCOUNT NUMBER!
The school cafeteria offers several choices of nutritional lunches each
day. Students may choose the regular hot lunch, the “teen appeal” lunch
items, or a luncheon salad. All lunches are $1.60, which includes milk.
Students are encouraged to add money to their meal account in the
cafeteria. Money can be added with cash or a check, made payable to
Holcomb Bridge Middle School. The meal account functions like a bank
debit account. You determine the balance of the account. An account in
the amount of $16.00 will purchase 10 lunches, $25.50 will purchase 10
lunches and 10 breakfasts. Students cannot charge lunches in the
cafeteria.  Extra lunches and visitor lunches may be purchased for $2.40.
Some individual items may be purchased separately. Parents are invited
to join their student for lunch. Please check in at the office for a visitor’s
badge.  Free/Reduced priced lunches are provided for students who qualify
for these federal programs. Application forms are distributed to all
students at the beginning of the school year. The cost of a reduced price
lunch is $.40.  Any student not wishing to eat lunch must bring a note
from home signed by a parent or guardian.A breakfast program is offered
each morning from 7:25 a.m. until 7:40 a.m. The price of a student break-
fast is $.95.  The cost of a reduced breakfast is $.30. Students may also
select from a variety of individually priced breakfast items. Breakfast will
not be served after 7:40 a.m. (Food prices are subject to change by the
Fulton County Board of Education.) Good table manners, soft voices, and
respect for others are expected at mealtime.

CLINIC

The clinic, located next to the cafeteria, is staffed daily from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. by a clinic worker. First aid is administered in the clinic as
needed. Parents should complete clinic information in the packet of
information that goes home with students the first week of school and
should notify the school of any changes during the school year. This i
nformation is used during emergency situations. During non-clinic hours,
students should report to the office.

MEDICATION

Medication (prescription or over-the-counter) may not be given without
the necessary forms on file in the clinic. Prescription medication requires
that the prescribing physician sign the form; over-the-counter medication
requires that the form be signed by a parent. Medication should be clearly
labeled and sent in its original container to the clinic, where it will be
administered under the direct supervision of school employees. Students
may NOT carry medication while at school, unless the Doctor deems it
necessary for a student to carry an inhaler or epi-pen. The clinic does not
supply pain relief tablets, cough drops, lotions, rubbing alcohol or any
other medicine for student use.

ACCIDENTS

Any student who is injured on the school grounds or in the school building
at any time should report the injury to the supervising staff member or go
directly to the clinic and/or office. All safety precautions will be taken. After
the student has received any necessary first aid, the parent will be called.
An accident report will be completed and signed by both the supervising
faculty member and an administrator.

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

According to Fulton County Board of Education Policy and Procedure JDI.1 Description and Interference with school “A student shall not use, display,
or turn on a pocket pager, cellular telephone, or other personal electronic communication device on school property, except for middle and high
school students who may use such devices on school grounds before and
after the regular school day.” HBMS defines a regular school day from
7:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. The school day is extended to include the time
a student will be participating in after school activities. No such devices
may be used at any time on school system operated vehicles, or during
an emergency drill or evacuation. These limits on the use of personal communication devices do not apply to students whose special needs
require the use of such a device to enhance speech or hearing. Student
cell phones are to be kept in lockers in the “off” position during the
school day. Students are responsible for the safekeeping of a cell phone.
Violation of this rule may result in in-school suspension or other
disciplinary action. Any students who is found with such devices in the
“on” position, in use, or displayed except as permitted above, shall
have the device confiscated by
a school administrator, only to be retrieved by the parent.
Other personal electronic devices such as IPods, MP3 players, CD players,
cameras, etc. are not permitted on campus. Students are responsible for
the safekeeping of personal electronic devices. The school will not take instructional time to investigate missing cell phones, IPods or other
electronic devices. Any students found with such devices displayed shall
have the device confiscated by a school administrator, only to be released
to a parent.

Consequences for violating cell phone / electronic device policy

1st violation- Device will be confiscated and parent must sign for it to be
                    released.
2nd violation- Device will be confiscated and the parent will sign a
                    contract acknowledging electronic device policy
3rd violation- Device will be confiscated for the remainder of the year.

CLASSROOM PARTIES
Classroom parties are not permissible in the middle school.

COUNSELING & GUIDANCE
ROLE OF THE COUNSELORS

The program is designed to help students understand themselves as
individuals who have personal worth, potential, and unique abili-ties,
but who also share social responsibilities. It is developmental in nature
and attempts to provide a continuous sequence of activities to foster
growth in the areas of personal development, including interpersonal
skills, decision-making skills, citizenship skills, study skills, self-
management, self-concept, and communication skills. Counseling and
guidance programs are proactive and preventive, seeking to meet needs
and to avert crisis situations. Our counselors offer individual and group
counseling, career education, school orientation, student information,
classroom guidance, test interpretation services, and enrollment.

SETTING UP A CONFERENCE WITH THE COUNSELOR

Counselors are available for conferences concerning issues at home or at
school or to review test scores or student placement. Parents may arrange
for a conference or consultation by calling the school for an appointment. Counseling is a voluntary and confidential service. Parents should arrange,
in advance, to meet with a counselor, except in an extreme emergency. All
visitors should follow the usual procedures for checking in at the school
office before going to the counseling office. This is important for security
reasons and to allow as few disruptions as possible to the students’
learning process.

DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS TO SCHOOL

Parents are requested to refrain from ordering flowers or balloons to be
delivered to students at school. Such items are a disruption to the
learning process and will remain in the school office until parents pick
them up.

DISCIPLINE

Our belief is that good discipline is one of the cornerstones of a good
education. By establishing firm and effective rules with realistic and
logical consequences for irresponsible behavior, we seek to foster a
positive classroom atmosphere and school climate, based on mutual
trust and respect. We feel that in order to ensure good discipline, a
close, cooperative relationship must exist between the home and the
school. The policy we have developed provides close communication
with parents at the onset of discipline problems. We feel that together
we can find alternatives for students so they can experience success in relationships at home and school.

Helping students develop good decision-making skills and find peaceful
resolutions to their conflicts is one of our main goals. While students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behavior, we also encour-
age them to seek assistance when attempting to resolve differences. They
may request a private conference with a teacher, a conference with a
counselor or an administrator, and, of course, consult with a parent, to
find the best solution to their problem.

Certain forms of misconduct or disobedience of classroom, school or bus
rules, or Board policy by students require immediate discipli-nary action.
This misbehavior may occur at school, on the way to or from school, or at
school-sponsored activities. Fulton County policies and procedures will be
followed in all disciplinary cases. Families are given a copy of the Fulton
County Schools “Codes of Conduct & Discipline Handbook” and a copy of
the “Holcomb Bridge Middle School Discipline Cycle” at the beginning of
the school year.

SAFE SCHOOLS
The Fulton County School System takes seriously its responsibility to
educate its students in safe and drug-free schools where they are free
from fear of harm or intimidation. Therefore, weapons, drugs, bullying,
and gang activity will not be tolerated in Fulton County Schools. Students
who violate Board of Education rules or State laws related to these
offenses will be suspended or expelled from school. Violators will also
be reported to the police and may be charged with a felony and arrested.
 
These rules apply to all students
• at school or school-sponsored activities, including field trips, and
• on buses, athletic fields, stadiums, parking lots, official school bus
   stops, and any other sites used for school-sponsored activities.
• to and from school including from home to the bus stop and from
the bus stop to home

HOLCOMB BRIDGE BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES & RULES

1. When students are out of class, they should ALWAYS have a pass
    in their agenda. Students who are late to class must have a pass
    in their agenda from their teacher or be considered tardy. Students
    are given two warnings per nine-week grading period. Each
    additional tardy during that period will result in disciplinary action.
    The third and fourth tardies will result in private detention.  The fifth
    tardy will result in an office referral.

2. Students may not bring chewing gum, candy or toothpicks to school.

3. Items such as toys, radios, pagers, computer games, skateboards,
    water guns, cameras, cassette/CD players, MP3 players, IPods,
    wallets on key chains, etc.  are not permitted on the school campus.
    Cellular phones are to be kept in the OFF position in a locker during
    school hours.  IPods, MP3 players and CD players with headphones
    are allowed on the school bus to and from school.  These devices are
    to be kept in the OFF position in a locker during school hours.
4. Objects shall not be thrown at any time.

5. School property shall not be defaced in any way. Students will be
    required to pay for any damage for which they are responsible.
    Vandalism will result in suspension.

6. Inappropriate language, profanity and obscene gestures are
    unacceptable behavior.

7. Fighting and generally disruptive behavior are prohibited on the
    campus, on the buses, en route to and from school, and at any
    school-sponsored activity.

8. A student shall not possess any weapon or dangerous instrument
    on the school grounds, at any school activity, or en route to and
    from school.

9. Students shall not possess, sell, attempt to sell, use or transmit
    alcohol, drugs or any psychoactive substance. Students shall not
    possess, sell, attempt to sell,use or transmit any substance under
    the pretense that it is alcohol, drugs or any psychoactive substance.
    This policy is in effect on school grounds, during school-sponsored
    activities and while en route to and from school.

10. Students shall not possess, sell, attempt to sell, use or transmit
     tobacco in any form or tobacco-related products such as rolling
     papers, matches or lighters. This policy is in effect on school
     grounds, during school-sponsored activities and while en route to
     and from school.

11. There will be no public displays of affection (hand-holding, hugging,
      kissing,etc.).

12. Sexual harassment is prohibited. (See the section on Sexual
      Harassment).

13. Students may not sell or distribute products of any kind on the
      school campus or on school transportation unless duly authorized
      by the principal.

14. Students are not permitted to “visit” another school campus without
     permission.

15. Failure to attempt to return found personal or school property shall
      be considered theft.

16. Students may not leave the school grounds during the instructional
     day for any reason unless accompanied by an authorized adult.
     Students who do leave with an adult must be signed out through
     the office.

17. Appropriate dress is required (See Dress Code)

18. Due to safety considerations, book bags may be used only for
     carrying books back and forth to school. Book bags MUST be
     placed in student lockers, and remain there, during the school
     day.

19. Students’ coats and heavy jackets must remain in their lockers
     and not be worn in class throughout the school day.

20. Possession, distribution or use of devices such as snapping pops,
      stink bombs, smoke bombs, cherry bombs, etc., is prohibited.

21. Students shall not alter or attempt to alter school or private
      property, including technology hardware and software. Students
      may not bring computer software on campus to be used on school
      computers.

22. Bullying or willfully attempting or threatening to inflict injury on
     another person is not tolerated.

23. Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations set forth
      by the Fulton County School System. For additional details, please
      refer to your copy of the “Fulton County Schools Guidelines for
      Student Behavior”.

24. Special rules or standards of conduct will be set up for extended
     field trips and special events. Parents will be notified of these rules
     and regulations.

25. Students who are suspended in or out-of-school are suspended from
     all school activities during the date(s) of the suspension

26. Water or juice bottles are appropriate for lunch only and are not
     allowed outside of the cafeteria.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

1. The teacher will handle behavior problems with students by means
    of the HBMS discipline cycle, discussion, private detention, and/or
    parent conference (either in person or by telephone), or other means
    deemed necessary or appropriate by the teacher.

2. If these means are not successful, or if discipline infractions are of a
    serious nature, a report will be sent to the office. The administration
    may then use a variety of disciplinary methods, including student/
    parent conferences, public detentions, written essays, Saturday school,
    in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or referral to the
    disciplinary tribunal.

3. Parents will be notified by the teacher in advance of any private
    detentions.

4. Parents will be notified by an administrator in advance of any public
    detentions.

5. Failure to serve public detention may result in in-school suspension.

6. Any student suspended in- or out-of-school will be restricted from all
   extracurricular activities, including field trips, intramurals, dances, and
   performances for the period of the suspension.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Private Detention- Students remain before or after school with the
teacher who assigned the detention.  Public Detention- Monday and
Wednesday. Students stay after school from 3:10 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.
with a supervising teacher. Public detentions are assigned by the
administration. Failure to serve detention on the assigned date,
without prior administrative approval, will result in in-school
suspension.

Saturday School - Students report to the school on designated
Saturdays from 8 a.m.-11a.m. and are supervised by a teacher or
administrator. Saturday school may consist of labor work (cleaning
up the school grounds) and may also include time for academic work.
 
In-School Suspension (ISS) - Students serve in-school suspension
in a special room where they are supervised by the ISS teacher. They
are expected to complete assignments sent to them by their teachers
while they are in ISS. Assignments will be graded and full credit is
available. Students eat lunch in the ISS room and do not go out of the
room for any activities during the day.

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) - Students are not to be on the
school grounds for any reason during the period of OSS. They may
request their work for parent pick-up, which is to be turned in to the
appropriate teacher upon their return.

Disciplinary Hearing/Tribunal - Students with very serious or chronic
behavior problems will be referred to the Fulton County School System’s Disciplinary Tribunal. A hearing will take place. A tribunal will hear
testimony from the student and the administration of the school, after
which the hearing officer will render a decision. Students may be
expelled, transferred or given an opportunity to attend Fulton County
Schools Crossroads Second Chance Alternative School.

DRESS CODE

All students will be dressed appropriately and ready for instruction for
the entire day. Students are expected to dress and groom themselves
in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness and safety. All students
shall dress appropriately so as not to disrupt or interfere with the
educational program or the orderly operation of the school. Extremes in
dress and grooming will not be permitted.

All Clothing
• Clothing may not have holes or tears.
• Headwear and bandanas are not permitted.

Tops
• All shirts must be tucked in.
• Hoodies, jackets or sweaters that do not extend below the tops of
   pockets may be worn. Others must be stored in the locker for the
   entire day.
• Low cut tops or dresses may not be worn.
• Tops with revealing sides may not be worn.
• Straps must be at least three fingers thick.

Bottoms
• Pants and shorts must be worn at or above the hips.
• Pants and shorts must fit and may not sag.
• A belt must be worn.
• Shorts and skirts must extend past the tip of the longest finger.

The principal or other duly authorized school officials shall determine
whether any particular mode of dress or grooming results in a violation
of the spirit and/or the intent of this rule. Parents may be called to bring
a change of clothing, if necessary. Students without a change of clothing
or whose parent cannot bring a change of clothing may remain in ISS for
the remainder of the school day.
 
Consequences for violating dress code
1st violation- Warning and a conference with administrator.
2nd violation- After school work detail or Saturday school. Parent will sign
                    a contract acknowledging dress code.
3rd violation- Two Saturday schools and a parent conference.

Repeat offenders will receive additional consequences for insubordination according to the Fulton County Code of Conduct. The school dress code
applies to all school activities unless otherwise noted.

EMERGENCY DRILLS
Fire, severe weather/tornado, bomb threat and intruder drills are held on
a regular basis during the school year. It is important that students remain
silent and follow all instructions of school personnel during these drills.

EVACUATION FROM HOLCOMB BRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
If it is necessary to remove the students from the premises in the event
of an emergency at Holcomb Bridge, students will be evacuated to the
front of the building and then transported by bus to an alternate site.
It may be impossible to contact the school, but students will be released
from the alternate site to parents or responsible persons.

• In case of fire, explosions, or bombs, students will be evacuated from
   the building at Holcomb Bridge and then transported by bus to Centennial
   High School or Haynes Bridge Middle School.

• In case of a tornado during school hours, students will be moved to safe
   areas within Holcomb Bridge Middle School. Bus drivers are trained in
   procedures to be used during a tornado in case one occurs when they are
   en route. Battery radios will be used in case of electrical failure in order
   to follow the progress of the tornado. Tune to WSB radio and/or TV for
   all emergency broadcasts, system-wide safety, and civil preparedness
   programs.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Once a decision has been made from the central office to close school
due to inclement weather, local TV, Channel 11 and WSB 750 AM radio
will broadcast this information. Please avoid calling the school. Each
Fulton County School has detailed disaster plans and evacuation plans,
which are reviewed and updated each year. In the event of these plans
being used, parents will be notified by the media.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLCOMB BRIDGE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students entering a Fulton County school for the first time must have
the following:
• copy of birth certificate
• 2 proofs of residence / notarized Affidavit of Residence form
• copy of Social Security Card
• immunization record on a proper Georgia form
• eye, ear and dental screening documented on a proper Georgia form
   (if first time in Georgia public schools)
• end-of-year report card showing grade placement or current year
   withdrawal form.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
Parents of students who withdraw during the school year should notify
the school of the move as soon as possible. The student should report
to the office the day before his/her final day to begin withdrawal
procedures. Please send a copy of the new address with your child at
this time.

TRANSCRIPTS PROCEDURE
The entire application packet for application to private schools or
out-of-system schools should be directed to the counseling office.
From that point your child’s counselor will disseminate and collect recommendations, provide counselor/administrator information as
needed, and produce transcripts and copies of immunizations and
other information being requested. This will allow the counselor to
better serve you by logging in the date of receipt of materials
submitted and the date materials are mailed out to the receiving
school. There will be no charge for transcripts; however an
appropriately sized envelope addressed to the school, which is to
receive the application, and affixed with correct postage must
accompany each application. We believe implementation of this
system will allow us to serve you more quickly and efficiently.
Transcripts will not be available if charges are not paid.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER
Please inform the school office and the homeroom teacher of any
changes in names, addresses, phone numbers, or emergency
information during the school year.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a valuable part of the middle school education process,
and they will be taken at various times throughout the school year.
Signed official permission slips must be returned to the school by the
indicated due date. Telephone permission will not be accepted. Field
trips are activities designed to enrich the curriculum and are NOT
typically funded by taxpayer dollars. Therefore, participation is
voluntary and may be linked to a donation needed to cover the costs
incurred. Scholarships will be awarded on an as-needed basis.
Field trips are open to all students who are in good standing with
regard to academics, attendance, and behavior. In order to attend,
students must be passing 6 out of 7 classes, have an acceptable
attendance record according to the guidelines of the trip, and have no
record of out-of-school suspension or in-school suspension for a specific
period of time before the field trip. Specific trip guidelines will be
communicated along with permission slip and field trip information.

GRADING SYSTEM
Students will receive numerical grades along with conduct grades in
all courses. Grades given at 4.5, 9 and 12 weeks are Progress Reports
and are not recorded on the Permanent Record. The final semester
grade, recorded on the Report Card (eighteen weeks), is an average
of all work completed during the semester and is recorded on the
Permanent Record. The exception is the nine-week Connections class.
This grade is a final grade at the end of each nine weeks. The instructor
will record conduct grades in each subject.

The grading scale is based on Fulton County Policy. The State of Georgia
has set 70 as the minimum passing grade. Parents are asked to sign the
Progress Report or Report Card and return it to the student’s homeroom
teacher within two days. Report Cards for the last grading period are
mailed to the student’s home. Students will be responsible for providing
a stamped, self-addressed enve-lope, with their current address, to their homeroom teacher prior to the end of school in May.

Students receive a conduct grade as well as a grade for the work done in
every class. These grades are determined by the teacher(s) of each class.
Students who are selected for participation in special trips, for awards, or
to represent Holcomb Bridge in special events or competitions, must have
conduct evaluations, which indicate that they are responsible students.
Grading, promotion, and retention are the responsibilities of the individual teachers and are subject to approval and review by the prin-cipal. Careful evaluation by the teachers and principal will ensure that all grades earned
and recommendations made will be in the best interest of the student.
Students must be enrolled at least twenty days during the grading period
to receive grades on their Progress Report or Report Card for that current
grading period.

NUMERICAL GRADING SCALE: CONDUCT GRADES:
A = 90 - 100 1 = Excellent
B = 80 - 89 2 = Satisfactory
C = 70 - 79 3 = Needs Improvement
F = 69 or below 4 = Unsatisfactory

FINAL EXAM POLICY
Except in cases of extreme emergencies, approved absences will not be
granted during final exams. Requests for approved absences during exam
days must be submitted in writing to the Principal.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD REQUIREMENTS
Honor Roll All A’s and B’s for fall or spring semester
Principal’s Honor Roll All A’s for fall or spring semester

 
NO PASS / NO PLAY
Eighth grade students must pass a minimum of five courses each
semester to be eligible to participate in extramural activities (excluding gymnastics) during the following semester. Summer school is considered
an extension of second semester. Eligibility for participation in extra
curricular activities during the first semester of ninth grade is determined
by grades earned during the second se-mester of eighth grade.

HOMEBOUND SERVICES
Homebound services are available to students expected to be absent
for ten or more school days due to surgery or non-contagious illnesses.
A doctor’s statement is required. Referral forms are available through
the school office.

HOMEWORK
Homework is an important part of academic growth in the middle
school. Students will be given homework on a regular basis to sup-
port classroom instruction and to practice acquired skills. Timely,
successful completion of this work is part of each student’s evaluat-
ion process. Assignments may be overnight or long term. It is important
that students complete this work independently so teachers can obtain an
accurate assessment of understanding. If parents have questions regard-
ing homework, they should contact teachers immediately. Students needing assistance with homework may call the Homework Hotline at (404)843-7700
from 4 - 8 pm, Monday through Thursday.

INSURANCE
Student insurance may be purchased at the beginning of the school
year through the school office. The three types of insurance that may be
purchased are: 24-hour coverage, school-time coverage and dental coverage. Further information may be obtained from the school office. Holcomb Bridge
Middle School does not carry insurance to cover accidental injuries of
students. Parents are urged to consider the purchase of the school insurance.

LOCKERS
Students may rent lockers for the safekeeping of books and personal
property. Only school-assigned locks may be put on lockers. It is the
responsibility of the student to guard his/her combination and to see
that his/her locker is secure. Lockers remain the property of the school
and are subject to periodic inspections by school personnel at any time
during the year, for any reason, without notice, with-out student consent
and without a search warrant.

 
STUDENTS MAY PAY LOCKER FEES AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES:
Hall locker $10.00 (Free agenda with purchase of locker)
P. E. - $5.00 (to replace)
Fees may be paid at the time a student registers for school. Checks should
be made payable to Holcomb Bridge Middle School.

MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center operates on an open policy, permitting students un-
limited access to materials. The Media Center contains a collection of
books, periodicals, clippings, filmstrips, videos, CD’s, tapes and Internet
access. At the beginning of the year students at all grade levels receive orientation to the Media Center as part of their interdisciplinary program
of studies

PARENT INVOLVEMENT/PTA MEMBERSHIP
Holcomb Bridge has a very active parent volunteer program. In 2003, this
program was recognized as the first and only middle school program to be
honored with the Fulton County Five Year Golden Apple Award for its out-
standing parent and community involvement. Volunteer opportunities vary
from assisting in the office and media center, to chaperoning field trips
and tutoring, to participating in stu-dent activities such as Georgia Heritage
Day, Red Ribbon Week, Field Days and the 8th Grade Dance. Membership is
open to all adults wishing to support this active group of parents and
teachers at Holcomb Bridge. PTA members can be found throughout the
school advocating for students, raising funds to supplement school goals,
and providing leadership and parent-power for our many volunteer programs
and projects. Membership forms are available at Information Day, in the PTA newsletter and in the office. Holcomb Bridge’s PTA is only as strong and
active as its volunteer members, so please consider joining.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
The parent/teacher conference is our most important form of communication. Parents will be contacted to arrange a conference during the first semester.
The teacher or parent may request additional conferences at any time during
the school year. Parents should call the school to arrange conferences and
should not come for conferences without prior notification except in an
emergency. Anytime a conference is scheduled during the school day parents should check in at the office before going to the classroom.

PARENT VISITATION TO THE CLASSROOM
Fulton County Schools value the concept of parent involvement in education. Parent and community support and assistance are vital in all facets of the
school program.
Parent and community members are especially welcome to observe students
in the academic setting through special activities and events taking place in
the schools. Countywide science, social studies, technology and academic
fairs provide opportunities for students to display their creative talents. Instructional programs are further showcased through musical and dramatic presentations, art displays and academic bowls. Parents may also participate directly in the instructional program through volunteer work, field trips, school advisory committees, and individual teacher/parent conferences.
Parents of currently enrolled students or prospective students may wish to
setup individual classroom or school visitations. The following guidelines will
be observed relevant to parent visitations.
In order for parents to observe the classes of their currently enrolled student,
they must:

1. Make the request to the principal at least twenty-four hours prior to the
    proposed visit.
2. State the purpose of the visit.
3. Sign in at the office and be escorted to the classroom.
4. Stay no longer than one class period.
5. Refrain from engaging the attention of the teacher or students through
   conversation or other means.
6. Return to the office at the end of the visit.

STUDENT VISITORS
Young people who are NOT currently enrolled at Holcomb Bridge are not
permitted to visit during the day.

PERSONAL PROPERTY/LOST AND FOUND
The school makes every effort to help students safeguard their valuables. However, the ultimate responsibility for this lies with the student. Name
labels should be placed on personal articles and wearing apparel, especially
on P.E. uniforms. All lost articles will be placed in the lost and found. Any
articles in the lost and found that are not claimed by the end of each month
will be donated to local charitable organizations. Students should not bring
large amounts of money to school. All valuables should be left in locked
lockers, particularly during P.E. The school cannot be held accountable for
lost, damaged, or stolen articles. In the event a student is missing a
personal item, a theft-damage report should be made to the supervising
 teacher and/or to the office by the student.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
UNIFORMS AND LOCKERS
All students are required to dress out. P.E. uniforms may not be worn
under school clothes. Tennis shoes and socks are also a required part
of the P.E. uniform. A warm-up suit may be worn over the uniform on
cold days. P.E. uniforms in school colors may be purchased from the P.E. Department. Improper dress will result in lowered P.E. grades.

Lockers and locks are provided by the P.E. Department on a rental basis
($3.00 for the year). Students are required to lock up all valuables in their
own lockers. Sharing lockers is not permitted. Lock combinations are given
only to the person assigned to the locker. Routine locker checks may be
made by the school administration without prior notice.

A written note from the parent is required if a student cannot participate
with the class. Students are still expected to dress out with their class. An
illness or injury requiring that a student be excused from P.E. for a period of
two or more weeks requires a written excuse from a medical doctor. Absence policy: bringing in a parent note may make up ALL absences. The note
should state 30 min-utes of physical activity for every absence and include parent’s signature and phone number.
 

EXEMPTIONS FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A medical excuse will not exempt a student from required physical education classes/time. Physical education teachers modify or adapt the class
requirements based on recommendations of the physician so that students
with medical difficulties or disabilities can partici-pate successfully.

HEALTH EDUCATION/SEX EDUCATION
The Fulton County Schools will offer human sexuality education and AIDS education units in the required health courses taught in grades 6, 7 and 8.
The school system believes that all students should have access to factually accurate and appropriate information about these topics. Students who are
armed with the facts are better able to make good, healthy decisions. The
system also believes that abstinence from sexual activity is best for school-
aged children. All instruction in this unit is prefaced by this belief.

At least two weeks prior to the sex education unit, a letter is sent home in-forming parents of the right to remove their minor child from this unit. Forms
must be signed and returned to exempt students from participation in the sex education unit. If you choose to exempt your child, an alternate assignment/activity will be given.
All materials used in the course are available for preview. Please contact your child’s health teacher (770-594-5280) to make an appointment to see these materials.

PROMOTION POLICY
Promotion or retention in middle school will be based on student performance
for the entire school year.  Middle school students must have a passing grade
in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, reading/foreign
language and a passing average of all physical education/health/connections courses. A passing semester grade in the physical education/ health/connect-
ions segment is accomplished by earning an average of 70 or above. Any
student who receives an average for both semesters of 69 or below shall fail
the subject for the year.

Although the school will try to involve parents to the maximum degree possible
in understanding the student’s progress and reason for promotion, retention, or placement, the final decision for grades K-8 will be made by a team composed
of the principal and other school professionals, such as an interdisciplinary
team teacher, the counselor, and/or a member of the Student Support Team.
Teachers will conference with parents of students considered for retention or placement for the next school year. Intervention strategies to be used will be discussed and reviewed at these conferences.
Promotion or retention of disabled students receiving special education services more than 50 percent of the school day is determined by the criteria for mastery set forth in the student’s Individual Education Plan.

8TH GRADE CRCT & PROMOTION/RETENTION FOR THE 2009-2010
SCHOOL YEAR
The following sections have been established to address the requirements of
the Georgia Academic Promotion, Placement, and Re-tention Rule (O.C.G.A. §
20-2-282, 283, 284, and 285). The following provisions shall be effective for students in grade 8 in the 2008-2009 school year.

When a student does not perform at grade level in grade 8 on the CRCT
(Reading and Mathematics), the following shall occur provided test score
results and alternative assessments are available from the State in a timely fashion:

A. Within ten calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, of receipt of
    the CRCT individual scores, the school principal or designee shall notify in
    writing, by first-class mail, the parent(s) /guardian(s) of the student
    regarding the below-grade-level performance, the specific retest(s) and
    dates for the student, the opportunity for accelerated, differentiated, or
    additional instruction based on the student’s performance on the CRCT,
    and the possibility that the student might be retained at the same grade
    level for the next school year.

B. When a student does not perform at grade level on the CRCT, and also
    does not perform at grade level on a second opportunity for assessment,
    then the school principal or designee shall retain the student for the next
    school year except as otherwise provided for in this policy. The school
    principal or designee shall notify in writing, by first-class mail, the
    parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student and the teacher(s) of the subject(s)
    where the student failed to perform at grade level on the CRCT or the
    alternative assessment instrument regarding the decision to retain the
    student.

1. The notice shall describe the option of the parent(s) /guardian(s) or
    teacher(s) to appeal the decision to retain the student and include
    the requirement that the decision to promote or place the student must
    be the unanimous decision of the placement committee. If the parent(s)
    /guardian(s) or teacher(s) appeals the decision to retain the student,
    then the school principal or designee shall establish a placement
    committee to consider the appeal.

2. The placement committee shall review the overall academic achievement
    of the student and make a determination to promote or retain the student.

3. The decision to promote the student must be the unanimous decision of
    the placement committee and must determine that if placed and given
    accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction during the next year,
    the student is likely to perform at grade level by the conclusion of the
    school year.

C. A student’s failure to take the CRCT in grade 8 in reading and/or
       mathematics on any of the designated testing date(s) or an alter-native
       assessment instrument may result in the student being retained. The
       option of the parent(s)/guardian(s) or teacher(s) to appeal the decision
       to retain the student shall follow the procedure set forth above.  For
       students receiving special education or related services, the Individual
       Education Program (IEP) Team shall serve as the placement committee to
       consider appeals.

SCHOOL - HOME COMMUNICATION
Every effort is made to ensure good communication between the school and
the home. This is accomplished in a variety of ways:

The Student Agenda- Every student is provided with an agenda the first day
of school. The agenda is an organizational tool and a mandatory requirement
for them to carry with them at all times in school to record all class assign-
ments, passes to and from class and record parent/teacher communications.
If a student loses or damages their agenda, they must replace it at a cost of $10.00. Decorating the agenda or removing its pages is considered damaging.
 
“Hawk Talk”, the school’s weekly newsletter, is sent home on Thursday,
every week throughout the school year. It includes a cafeteria menu, as
well as important informational items. If your student does not bring home
a copy, please come by the school and pick one up, or it can also be accessed
on our school’s website http://www.fultonschools.org/school/holcombbridge/.
For your convenience, the “Hawk Talk” can also be emailed to your home
computer. Please email the Media Specialist requesting your email address be added to the list.

Parent Connect- Parents can access their student’s attendance and grade information online. Register for your password at http://www.fultonschools.org/school/holcombbridge/. You will be taken step
by step through the process of registration. You must show a photo ID to pick
up your password from the school office. Passwords are available the next Wednesday after the week you registered.

The PTA Newsletter, “Hawk Vision” is sent to parents at intervals through-
out the year. The letter informs parents of PTA events and contains articles
of current activities within the school.

The PTA Directory is produced soon after the beginning of the year and
contains names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of
Holcomb Bridge Middle School families and teachers.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are a vital part of communication. The
student’s team teacher will contact parents at some point during the first semester to arrange a time to talk on an individual basis about the student.
If you would like to have a conference with any staff member, please contact
the school and arrangements will be made.

Tests & Other Important Daily Papers are sent home by teachers on a
regular basis. Parents are asked to review these papers, sign them and then
return them with their student to the appropriate teacher.  E-mail Addresses
for your child’s teachers are included in the course syllabus.

SCHOOL STORE
The school operates a bookstore each morning where students may purchase
a wide variety of school supplies at a nominal cost. Proceeds from this
operation are used to re-supply the store.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is directed toward a person
because of that person’s gender. A student should inform a teacher,
counselor or administrator if he or she believes that he or she is receiving unwanted sexual advances, or requests for sexual favor, or is being
confronted with other unwanted verbal and/or physical conduct which has
sexual intent. The student is advised to:

• Let the individual know that his/her actions are unwanted. Insist that
   the conduct stop immediately.
• Take action immediately by letting a counselor or administrator know if
  the unwanted actions do not stop.

STUDENT PHONE CALLS
Students may not be called from class to talk on the telephone during
school hours, nor are they allowed to make outgoing calls during school
hours, except in the most necessary circumstances. Students may not
use the phone

UNLESS they have their Agenda with permission from their teacher
specifically to use the phone and the REASON for using it. Arrangements
to remain after school need to be made the night before.

TALENTED AND GIFTED (TAG)
The Fulton County School System will screen all students for eligibility
for the system’s program for gifted students twice a year. Initial screening
is completed by the classroom teacher. Parents may request that their
child be screened and results shared with them. The Characteristics Instru-
ment for Screening Students (CISS) form is used for the screening during
the specified time period. Students must demonstrate outstanding character-
istics and behaviors in five of the ten categories on the screening instru-
ment (CISS) AND have supporting data gathered from test history, grades,
honors classes, products, and/or continuous achievement. Students’ names
are then presented to the local school’s eligibility team for possible referral.
During spring TAG teachers review all testing results and screen students’
scores for automatic referral. A parent must sign a Consent to Evaluate form before any individual student testing is initiated.
Results of testing will be given to the student’s parent(s). This process will
take approximately six weeks.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact the TAG chairperson at Holcomb Bridge or the gifted program office at 404-763-5620.
TEXTBOOKS / INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Students are responsible for the
care and protection of textbooks, agendas, library books, musical instruments,
and other instructional materials assigned to them or checked out by them.
Please note that the school will restrict access to field trips and certain
activities based on fines owed to the school. Any questions regarding fines
owed should be directed to the book-keeper in the front office. Written notice
will be sent to parents/guardians when a student needs to make restitution
for lost or damaged books or materials. If restitution is not made within ten
days, the following actions may be initiated:

1. Exclusion from field trips, ceremonies, dances, Intramurals and/or
    participation on teams and in clubs.

2. Non-issuance of a replacement text, with the student allowed to use a
    loaned textbook at school only.

3. Withholding of all report cards and transcripts.

4. When a student’s delinquent fees and restitution for lost or damaged
    materials equal or exceed $150, a notice will be sent to the parent or
    guardian stating that a claim will be filed in Small Claims Court.
    Appropriate restitution for a lost book is the cost of a new copy. For
    damaged books, an assessment and appropriate charge will be deter-
    mined at the local school level. The student AGENDA is a textbook sold
    to each student for his or her use during the school year. Students who
    lose this book must pay to replace this book. A Replacement AGENDA is
    available from the bookkeeper for $10.00.

TEXTBOOKS
All basic texts are loaned to students for their use during the school year.
These books are the property of the Fulton County Board of Education. Text-
books are expected to be kept clean and handled carefully. The homeroom
teacher will write the name in the space provided in each of their textbooks.
It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with all textbooks and
protect them with book covers. Students will be required to pay for any lost
or damaged books. During the summer, textbooks for courses that students
have completed are available for rental. Interested persons should contact
the school office during post planning.
 

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Each student, parent, and staff member must read, sign, and agree to abide
by the Technology Acceptable Use Policy guidelines be-fore gaining access to
the school’s network and computer workstations. Students are not permitted
to bring software or hardware equipment (disks, CD-ROM’S, external hard
drives, etc.) to school without prior permission from the technology specialist.
All student work is saved to the HBMS file server, so students do not need
disks at school.

INTERNET
Students will use the Internet only for educational purposes, and only under
the supervision of a faculty member. Before using the Internet, students will receive instruction on the appropriate uses of the Internet. Students will be
using resources, which have been pre-selected by the teacher as being
appropriate to the curriculum activity, or conducting searches under adult supervision.

Some of the material available on the Internet may not be considered to be
of educational value. Families should be warned that some material obtained
via the Internet might be controversial, offensive or inappropriate for children.
On a global network it is impossible to control all materials. We firmly believe, however, that the benefits to students from Internet use far outweigh the
possible risks of ac-cessing inappropriate material.

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate behavior may
lead to that privilege being revoked and/or disciplinary action taken. The
decision of what is appropriate will be made by the supervising faculty
member, who may be a classroom teacher, the media specialist or media
parapro, the technology specialist, or an administrator.

BUS TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for all students living more than a mile and a half
from school and/or students living in areas designated by the county transportation department as hazardous.  Students should understand that
riding the bus is a privilege contingent upon proper and courteous conduct. Students are expected to follow the instructions of the driver and the local
school. Any student failing to do so may be denied the privilege of riding the
bus. The length of time of suspension from the bus is determined by the
Fulton County bus discipline cycle.

Students may not ride buses other than the one to which they are assigned,
and they must get on and off the bus at their regularly scheduled stop. The
phone numbers for transportation are: North County (770-667-2970) and
South County (770-969-6060.)

WALKERS & RIDERS
Students who arrive by car or who walk to school should not arrive before
7:25 a.m. If it is necessary for your child to arrive earlier than 7:25 a.m., a
written request must be made to the principal. Students should be dropped
off in front of the school instead of at the bus loading dock. Students should
report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival.

ACTIVITY BUS
The Fulton County School System provides an Activity Bus, free of charge,
for use by students who stay after school to participate in academic
activities such as Extended Learning and STAR House. The bus leaves the
school at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and transports students to
several centralized locations throughout the school community. Only
students who have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, are
eligible to ride this bus. The activity bus is subject to cancellation if there
is not a sufficient need. If a student is removed (suspended) from his/her
regular bus, he/she is not eligible to ride the Activity Bus.

Students not riding the late activity bus must be picked up by 4:30 p.m.
There is no supervision for students after this time. Students who are
repeatedly late in being picked up will NOT be permitted to continue to
participate in after school activities.

Chick-Fil-A @ Rivermont Station Dollar Trip
Kroger @ Rivermont Station Please Support Our Joseph & Friends
Salon & Spa Camp Coca-Cola Atlanta Partners in Education Thompson’s
Frame & Gallery Advanced Technology Group The Money Camp Wild Wing
Café Barnes and Noble Bookstore


Sweep /Activity Bus Permission

My student has permission to ride the Sweep/Activities Bus after school
for the 2009-2010 school year. The bus is available on Monday through
Thursday afternoons.

___________________________________________
Parent Signature


Date

BUS #
WALKER
SIGNATURE

CAR RIDER
SIGNATURE

Internet use permission

My student ____________________________has permission to use the
internet at school for school related purposes.

Parent Signature


Date

_____________________________________Student signature

___________________________
Date


Agenda Use

My student and I have read through the agenda together and
understand the policies in place.

Parent Signature


Date

____________________________________Student signature

___________________________
Date
Media release

My student ___________________________has permission
to be photographed or video taped at school related functions
for purposes of publication to the media, school website, or other
public forum.

Parent Signature


Date

____________________________________Student signature

___________________________
Date


THIS BOOK BELONGS TO: ________________________________________________________________

LOCKER NUMBER: _____________________________

STUDENT SCHEDULE TEACHER ROOM # TEACHER EMAIL HW BUDDY /
PHONE

1ST PERIOD: HOMEROOM

2ND PERIOD:

3RD PERIOD:

4TH PERIOD:

5TH PERIOD:

6TH PERIOD:

7TH PERIOD:

8TH PERIOD:


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