Student Handbook - DeKalb County Schools

McNair High School2009-2010Student HandbookA DeKalb County School

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPALA new school year presents opportunities for various beginnings- new classes, new faces, sometimes new courses, andoften new materials. Summer and vacation can be great healers; and as we approach the opening day of a new schoolyear, the end-of-year pressures that plagued us in June seem quite remote and inconsequential.Newness alone; however, cannot produce transformation.We ourselves must be willing to be caught up in the rebirth that is possible with each new year. Starting a new year givesus the opportunity to make new plans, design new strategies, and implement new ideas. There is a special kind of joy andsatisfaction in planning lessons and activities for a new class; for although the subject or grade level is the same, thestudents are new, and they appreciate the planning that is done for them. Whether one's responsibility is administering,supervising, teaching, preparing lunches, maintaining a building, or managing an office, there is always room forimprovement and for new ways to do a job even better.We can be proud of what we have achieved-thus far at McNair High School-in our classrooms, in our offices, and ourplaying field and stages; but our achievements are not due to complacency and satisfaction with the status quo. Ourprogram is what it is because a staff of dedicated, aspiring men and women having a common goal-doing what is best forstudents; and are always looking for ways to achieve that goal.This year, as in the past, we must concentrate on the processes that spur continuing advancement: evaluating what wehave, determining what we can do to improve, and identifying what we need to make those improvements.Let us make 2008 - 2009 school year our best year yet!"The best teacher is the one who NEVER forgets what it is like to be a student. The best administrator is the one whoNEVER forgets what it is like to be a teacher."- Neila A. ConnersRonald E. McNair High School1804 Bouldercrest Road N.E.Atlanta, Georgia 30316MCRHS Information678-874-4900Office Phone Numbers678-874-4901678-874-4902Fax - 678-874-4910Counseling Office678-874-4926Attendance Office678-874-4919Discipline Office678-874-4920Web Sitewww.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~mcnairhsJames H. Jones, Ed.S Principal

ADMINISTRATION:Mr. James H. Jones, PrincipalMr. Lawvigneaud Harrell, Asst. Principal of 9 th Grade AcademyMr. Ronald Mitchell, Assistant Principal of DisciplineMr. Sean Perkins, Assistant Principal of InstructionMs. Loukisha Walker, Assistant Principal of Student AccountingMrs. Lisa Wimberley, Assistant Principal of TestingCOUNSELING STAFF:Ms. Joyce Powell, Head CounselorMrs. Shawanna Cox, CounselorMs. Maurita Hodge, CounselorMr. George Trawick, CounselorDESCRIPTION:Ronald E. McNair High School is a DeKalb County School consisting of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. The school serves Decaturand the part of the city of Atlanta that is in DeKalb County. The school operates on a two-semester system - 180 days. McNairoffers a wide variety of courses with advanced classes in nearly every discipline.Instruction begins promptly at 8: 10 a.m. and ends at 3: 10 p.m.Projected Enrollment: 1400Faculty and Staff: 125GENERAL INFORMATION / INSTRUCTIONAgenda/Planner: This handbook/planner is designed to help you achieve your own goals and to solve problemsthat may arise. It is being provided to you for free by McNair High School. If you lose this one, you must replace itat a cost of $5.00. This book should be used to record grades earned, assignments, projects, and future test dates. Itshould also be used as a communication tool between parents, students, and teachers. This book is your hall andlibrary pass. You'll need this book to check out a library book, visit your counselor, or use the restroom duringclass. It is essential that you have it with you at all times.General Information on Where to Go for HelpFor help with:Absence or tardiness excuseAnnouncementsChecking in or checking outInsurance claim formLocker problemsLost & FoundMake-up workMedicationParent-teacher conferenceParking PermitPhoto IDSchedule changeScholarshipsStudent Government inputTelephoneTheft or vandalismWork PermitsGo To:Attendance OfficeMain OfficeAttendance OfficeMain OfficeAttendance Office or a CustodianAttendance OfficeYour Subject TeacherAttendance OfficeYour Teacher/Counseling OfficeAttendance OfficeDiscipline OfficeYour CounselorCounseling OfficeSGA Officers, SponsorsAttendance OfficeDiscipline OfficeCounseling Office

2009-2010 Board Approved CalendarAugust3-7 - Monday-Friday Preplanning6 - Thursday Staff Development Day10 - Monday FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (FULL DAY)September7 - Monday HOLIDAY - Labor Day(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)October9 - Friday Staff Development Day12 - Monday HOLIDAY - Columbus Day(Schools Closed)November25 - Wednesday HOLIDAY(Schools Closed, Administrative Offices Open)26, 27 - Thursday, Friday HOLIDAY -Thanksgiving(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)December18 - Friday End of First SemesterWINTER HOLIDAYS BEGIN AT THE END OF THE DAY ON DEC 18 ANDSCHOOLS REOPEN ON JAN 521, 22 - Monday, Tuesday HOLIDAY(Schools Closed, Administrative Offices Open)23-25 - Wednesday-Friday HOLIDAY(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)28, 29 - Monday, Tuesday HOLIDAY(Schools Closed, Administrative Offices Open)30, 31 - Wednesday, Thursday HOLIDAY(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)January 20101 - Friday HOLIDAY - New Year's Day(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)4 - Monday HOLIDAY for StudentsTeacher Workday5 - Tuesday SCHOOLS RE-OPEN FOR STUDENTS FIRST DAY OF SECOND SEMESTER18 - Monday HOLIDAY - Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Birthday (observed)(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)February12 - Friday HOLIDAY(Schools Closed/Administrative Offices Open)15 - Monday HOLIDAY - Presidents' Day(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)April5-7 - Monday-Wednesday SPRING HOLIDAYS(Schools Closed/ Administrative Offices Open)May8, 9 - Thursday, Friday SPRING HOLIDAYS(Schools/Administrative Offices Closed)21 - Friday LAST DAY OF SCHOOL24, 25 - Monday, Tuesday Post-Planning Days

BELL SCHEDULE7:45-8:00 Breakfast8:00-8:10 Warning Bells/Class Change8:10-9:40 1 st Block9:40-9:45 Class Change9:45-11:15 2 nd Block11:15-11:20 Class Change11:20-1:35 3 rd Block1:35-1:40 Class Change1:40-3:10 4 th BlockCOURSE SYLLABUSAt the beginning of each semester, each teacher will give each student a course syllabus that gives an overview of thesemester's work. It will include a brief description of the course, textbooks to be used, units to be covered, specialprojects, and grading procedures.Although some changes may be made during the semester, it is a general statement of what is expected of each student inthe class. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared with books, paper, and pencil.MAKE-UP WORKStudents must have an excused absence to be eligible to make up work. The class admits slip will include a reason forthe absence.It is the student's responsibility to arrange to make up work on his/her first day back. The teacher should assign a duedate at that time.Make-up time for an excused absence is two (2) days for each day absent.Students who are on a ten-day suspension may request their assignments through the Discipline Office. When theteacher completes the request form, a due date will be assigned. The work stated on the form will be due on the due date.Failure to complete work by that date will result in zeros being assigned.PROGRESS REPORTSStudents receive progress reports every 4.5 weeks. In addition, students may be notified at any other point in the semesterwhen grades are in danger. It is the student's responsibility to give the report to the parents. We encourage parent visitswith teachers to create plans of remediation if plans are needed. Parent conference nights are scheduled twice persemester. Students involved in extracurricular activities may be required by their sponsor to attend an extracurriculartutorial program when a course grade drops to 75 or below.REPORT CARDSReport cards are issued approximately 1 0 days after the end of the semester. The following scale explains academic andconduct grades.A 90 - 100 Excellent S = SatisfactoryB 80 - 89 Good N = Needs ImprovementC 71-79 Fair U = UnsatisfactoryD 70 PassingF 69 or below FailingHONOR ROLLEach semester when report cards are issued, an honor roll and high honor roll are compiled. The names of those students whohave made outstanding grades are posted on the bulletin board outside the main office.High Honor Roll with Distinction: All "A's".High Honor Roll: 4.0 GPA in all subject with no grade of "U" in conduct.Honor Roll: GPA of 3.50 in all subjects with no grade of "U" in conduct.TEXTBOOKSBooks are issued to the student by the school, and they remain school property. The student is responsible for:Having the books available for class work at all times;Keeping the books in good condition;Returning them at the conclusion of the semester or at the time of withdrawal from school.The student must pay for any book lost or damaged before another book can be issued and before a grade for the coursecan be received. Students may not be allowed to take final exams until all financial obligations are cleared.

TUTORIALTutorial is held before or after school for students in need of additional help. Teachers schedule tutorial onafternoons when they do not have obligations or meetings.IMMUNIZATIONGeorgia law requires that every student entering school must have a Georgia certificate of proper immunization.Failure to have proper immunization may result in withdrawal.INSURANCEAn insurance policy covering the student while at school or on school-sponsored activities is available. Studentsenrolled in a vocational program must have this insurance or a waiver signed by the parent.LOST & FOUNDA "Lost and Found" is maintained in the Attendance Office. Students should take articles they find to the officeand inquire there for lost articles. Students are advised to mark all personal belongings so they can be identified.LOCKERSHomeroom teachers assign lockers to all students in their homerooms. Keep a copy of the locker sheet andreturn the original to the assigned administrator. Homeroom teachers will assign a locker to any NEW student. A lockeris the only place a student has to secure personal belongings. The school is not responsible for the contents of a locker.Lockers are school property and can be searched at any time. Students should:Keep the combination to themselves;Never share a locker with anyone;Never overstuff a locker; the locker jams when it is too full.REMINDER: PLAN LOCKER VISTS BEFORE 1 st AND 3 rd BLOCKS AND AFTER SCHOOL ONLY.Physical education lockers are available for students who dress out in physical education classes. Students shouldfollow these guidelines:a) Do not take any valuables to the physical education classes; secure books, etc. in the hall locker.b) Purchase a lock to use and be sure to lock the locker before leaving class.MEDICATIONDeKalb County employees may not provide or administer any medication to a student except as authorized by aparent or guardian in accordance with a set procedure. Contact the Principal if this service is necessary. ALL medicationmust remain in the Attendance Office.PARKINGEach student who chooses to park a vehicle in a DeKalb County school parking lot must purchase a permitconsisting of a decal sticker and will be assigned a numbered parking space. The cost of the decal is $20.00 per semester.A copy of the DeKalb County School Parking and Traffic Regulations will be issued to each student upon registration ofthe vehicle in the office of the Assistant Principal of Attendance, Parking decals will be available for seniors firstsemester. If spaces permit, juniors may purchase a decal.VISITORS ON CAMPUSParents and other visitors are welcome on campus. They should, however, check in with the front office so thatthe administration is aware of and authorizes the visit. All visitors must wear a visitor's badge while in the building andreturn the badge at the end of the visit. No other visitors are allowed on campus during the school day.2008 - 2009 DeKalb County School System Testing CalendarSept. 15 - 19, 2008Sept. 22 - 26, 2008Sept. 24, 2008September 25, 2008October 15, 2008High School Graduation TestSocial Studies, Science, Math, Language Arts, for eligible students who failed or missed previoustestingEnd of Course TestMid-semester EOCTHigh School Graduation Writing TestAll Grade 11 students and eligible students who failed or missed previous testingGHSGTMakeup Writing TestPSATAll 9th and 10th grade students

October 20 - 24, 2008Nov. 10 - 14, 2008Dec. 2 - 4, 2008Dec. 8 - 16, 2008Jan. 6 -9, 2009Feb. 9 - 13, 2009Feb. 25, 2009Feb. 26, 2009March 9- 13, 2009March 23 - 27, 2009May 4 -12, 2009May 4 -15, 2009May 12 - 14, 2009EOCT OnlineMid-semester EOCTHigh School Graduation TestScience, Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, for eligiblestudents who failed or missed previous testingSystem-Made TestHigh School REP studentsEnd of Course TestStudents requiring EOCTEOCT OnlineMid-semester EOCTEnd of Course TestMid-semester EOCTHigh School Graduation Writing TestFor eligible students who failed or missed previous testingGHSGTMakeup Writing TestSystem-Made TestMid-semester EOCTHigh School Graduation TestAll Grade 11 students and eligible students who failed or missedprevious testing: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social StudiesEnd of Course TestStudents requiring EOCTAdvanced Placement ExamsAll AP StudentsSystem-Made TestHigh School REP students2009-10Test Dates2009 - 2010 SAT NATIONAL TEST DATESSaturday AdministrationsTestRegular Registration Deadline(postmark/submit by)October 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2009November 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 1, 2009December 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 30, 2009January 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests December 15, 2009March 13, 2010 SAT only February 4, 2010May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 20102009 - 2010 ACT NATIONAL TEST DATESTest Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)September 12, 2009* August 7, 2009 August 8 – 21, 2009October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 19 – October 2, 2009December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009 November 7 – 20, 2009February 6, 2010** January 5, 2010 January 6 – 15, 2010April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010 March 6 – 19, 2010June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 8 – 21, 2010

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCEThe Guidance and Counseling Department provides numerous services for students and parents. Counselors conduct studentand parent conferences as well as group and individual counseling regarding personal and academic issues; assist with careerdecision making, college selection and application; and provide scholarship and financial aid information for post-secondaryeducation and training. McNair's website provides additional information regarding scholarships, testing and academic/careerplanning. Students are assignedcounselors alphabetically at the beginning of the grade. Students will keep the same counselor during all years of high school.APPOINTMENTSParents are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment if they wish a conference with their student's counselor.Appointments are necessary to ensure the counselor's availability. Counselors also conduct classroom guidance sessions.Individual appointments are made with each student during the year in order to discuss the schedule for the following year,career goals and scholarship information.HOMEWORK REQUEST POLICYWhen students are going to be absent for three (3) days or more, requests for homework may be made through the CounselingOffice. Assignments can be picked up in the counseling office 24 hours after the initial request. Parents must make the request.When only one to three days are missed, make-up work is arranged by the student upon his/her return with the classroomteacher. The teacher will set the date and time for the work to be made up.HOSPITAL HOMEBOUNDParents need to contact the Counseling Department for information regarding homebound instruction if a student has amedically diagnosed physical condition restricting him/her to home or hospital confinement.PARENTS' RIGHTSUnder the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1972, parents have several rights. These include: the right toinspect and review educational records of their child, the right to challenge the content of those records, the right to control therelease of the educational records of their child, the right to complain to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Officeabout the school's failure to comply with the law, and the right to be informed of the above rights. To request the opportunity toinspect and review a child's records, parents should contact the child's school in advance.LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERconnect@the libraryLibrary Media Center Staff: Mrs. S. J. BrownHours: 7:30 - 3:45 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)7:30 - 3:30 (Wednesday, Friday)STUDENT USE POLICY IN MEDIA CENTERStudents coming from class must have a pass/agenda book signed by a teacher. A student wishing to use the Library MediaCenter before classes start in the mornings must get an early morning pass from one of the library media specialists the daybefore. Students wishing to use the Library Media Center during their lunch time must get a "Library Media Center LunchPass" before fourth period begins each day from one of the library media specialists. Students do not need a pass to use theLibrary Media Center after school.LIBRARY COMPUTER USAGEStudents must have their DeKalb County Student ID Card with them and present it to one of the library media specialistsbefore they are allowed to use a computer in the Library Media Center.LIST OF CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS/ATHLETIC TEAMSAFJROTC Chorus Cross CountryArt Club Drama FootballBeta Club Strings GolfCheerleading Marching Band GymnasticsLiterary Team Jazz Band SoccerMustang Y -Club Weight Club SoftballDebate Team Mane Attraction SwimmingStudent Council FBLA TennisStudent Newspaper French Club TrackYearbook Future Teachers VolleyballNational Honor Society Basketball WrestlingSpanish ClubBaseball

2009 -2010 SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLANDisciplineDisciplinary actions will be taken against students who violate any of the DeKalb County School rules which are set forth inthe system's Code of Student Conduct. In addition to the system-wide discipline plan (Code of Student Conduct), students mustalso adhere to the MHS school-wide Discipline Plan. The school-wide Discipline Plan gives the general school rules andconsequences for McNair H.S.During the first week of school, students will receive and review the Code of Student Conduct and the MHS school-wideDiscipline Plan. Students must become familiar with all of the rules and regulations of the system and the school in order to beself-disciplined. The goal of any school discipline program is for students to become self-disciplined.McNair High School Rules:1. Be respectful and courteous to all faculty, staff and students.2. Come to class prepared to learn (books, paper, pencil/pen, homework, etc.);3. Come to class on time;4. Follow all directions given by adults at McNair High School and in the current handbooks;5. Consume food and drink in the cafeteria only.Violence: Students who are found guilty of acts of physical violence (e.g. fighting, hitting, kicking, and pushing) will besuspended from school for up to ten days. Physical violence and hostility have no place at REMHS or its functions. Studentsare strongly advised to rely on the administration, counselors, teachers, and parents to help them resolve conflict beforeresorting to violent measures. Students are advised to keep their hands and bodies to themselves rather that run the risk ofinciting others. Self defense is not accepted as a viable excuse for fighting at school or school activities.McNair High School Consequences:1. Warning2. Teacher Consequence/Call Parent(s)3. Increased Teacher Consequence4. Chronic/ Severe Offenses-Referral to the Discipline OfficeBullying: Students found guilty of bullying will be suspended from school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, verbalaggression (e.g. name calling, threats of physical harm) and physical aggression (e.g. hitting, slapping, extortion, robbery,threats with guns and knives). Students are advised, to seek the assistance of an adult staff member, if they are threatened orexperience conflict. Three bullying violations may result in expulsion. See below for more information on bullying.BULLYING INFORMATION FOR PREMIER DEKALB SCHOOLS2009-2010From the 2009-2010 Code of Student Conduct (All references to bullying are highlighted)BULLYINGState law prohibits bullying. State law mandates a discipline hearing after the third incident of bullying with a referral to analternative school setting upon a finding of guilt (O.C.G.A. §§ 20-2-751.4 and 20-2-145). The DeKalb School System WILLNOT TOLERATE bullying and other forms of harassment and, therefore, reserves the right to punish students after the firstincident and upon a finding of guilt. Such punishment may include suspension, expulsion, or a referral to an alternative school.Students, parents/guardians and other stakeholders may report incidents of bullying to an administrator, teacher, counselor orother staff member by using the complaint procedures indicated below or by calling 1-877 SAY-STOP. Please note: Anyform of electronic bullying (cyberbullying) using school equipment, school networks, e-mail systems or committed at school isstrictly prohibited.GANG-RELATED ACTIVITYThe DeKalb County School System believes that school should be a safe place for students to learn and grow. Distractionscaused by gangs and similar organizations are a direct threat to the safety and security of students and disrupt the learningenvironment. Therefore, the DeKalb School System strictly prohibits all activities related to gangs and other organizationsthat engage in unlawful or delinquent behavior and provides support for students affected by gang activity. A student will not,by use of violence, force, coercion, threat of violence, or gang activity, cause disruption or obstruction to the educationalprocess.A gang is a formal or informal organization, association, or group consisting of three or more persons who engage inactivities that threaten the safety of students, staff, volunteers, visitors or others, that compromise the general school

order or its activities, and/or that interfere with the school district's education mission. The existence of suchorganization, association, or group of individuals associated in fact may be established by evidence of a common nameor common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire or other distinguishing characteristics.Gang-Related Activities are acts by a group of students or an individual student representing the group, which can or maycause danger/disruption to the school environment and/or threaten the safety of students, faculty, or other employees of theschool system. Behavior includes, but is not limited to;1. Displaying gang signs and symbols on personal and school property.2. Wearing clothing that symbolizes gang affiliation (shirts, hats, bandanas, belts, jewelry, etc.)3. Displaying gang hand-signs, tattoos / brands, which symbolize gang affiliation.4. Defacing school property with gang graffiti (furniture, walls, buses, buildings, structures, etc.).5. The use of electronic devices (computers, cellular phones, camera/video phones, video cameras, camcorders, MP3players, etc.) for the purpose of documenting, disseminating, transmitting gang activity, threats, and/or plannedviolent behavior is prohibited.6. Any act of violence which includes, but is not limited to, gang recruitment, intimidation, and premeditated/plannedschool disturbances, that may place students, faculty and staff in reasonable fear of receiving bodily injury is considered aviolation of this section.A student who participates in gang-related behavior, as defined in this section, will be charged with Offense #12 – SchoolDisturbance. A Local Formal Hearing will be held. Upon a finding of guilt, the student will be referred to the StudentEvidentiary Hearing Committee, which may result in suspension, referral to an alternative school or expulsion. In addition, thestudent will be referred to mandatory gang prevention counseling. Parents, law enforcement and other appropriate persons willbe notified any time a student is suspected of being involved in gang-related activity. Students who participate in gang-relatedbehavior may be subject to consequences enumerated in state law (O.C.G.A. 16-15-3, 4).Students who feel bullied, threatened or unsafe at school because of gang activity should report their concerns to ateacher, counselor, principal/ assistant principal, or the Georgia Department of Education’s anonymous hotline numberto report gang-related activity (1-877-SAY-STOP). Students who want to leave a gang should contact a principal or a staffmember that they trust for guidance and support services. The school or school district may provide students and parents withinformation on community organizations that assist students in leaving gangs.COMPLAINT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTSPursuant to federal and state laws, students are entitled to a Complaint Procedure to address allegations of discrimination on thebasis of race, color, national origin, sex (including, but not limited to sexual harassment), disability, harassment and/orbullying. Both informal and formal resolution processes are available to address any Complaints arising out of the abovedescribedcategories. Allegations of discrimination should be immediately reported to an administrator or counselor at theschool, center or any school event. However, a student may make a direct report to the Title IX Officer at 3770 North DecaturRd., Decatur, Georgia 30032-1099 or by dialing (678-676-0181). The Local Administrator or the Title IX Officer shall assistthe student with formalizing and processing the complaint, which should include a statement of facts, identification ofwitnesses and any other information necessary to fully describe the matter. Formal complaints should be filed within thirty(30) calendar days of the alleged incident. All policies and/or procedures mandated by any agency of the State of Georgia, orthe United States, will be followed. As per O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.5, it is unlawful for a student to falsify, misrepresent, omit, orerroneously report information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator or other schoolemployee, including during off-school hours.VERBAL ASSAULTVerbal threatening and/or intimidating teachers, administrators, bus drivers, other school personnel, other students, or personsattending school-related functions without actual physical contact. Please note: Any form of electronic bullying (cyberbullying)threats and/or harassment using school equipment, school networks, e-mail systems or committed at school isstrictly prohibited.VIOLENCE, WEAPONS, DRUGS HOTLINESponsored by the Georgia Department of Education, the HOTLINE provides a 24-hour reporting system for students to reportweapons, violence (including bullying), or drugs anonymously by calling 1-877-SAY-STOP. Information is recorded andshared with the local school system and local law enforcement. An investigation is conducted upon receipt of the report.INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT (Policy IFBG)● The DeKalb County School System is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000.● The DeKalb County School System believes that the information and interaction on the worldwide network, known as theInternet, far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the

school system. On a global network as the Internet, it is impossible for the school system to control access to controversialmaterial. Therefore, the user may accidentally or purposefully discover controversial material. It is the user’s responsibility toavoid initiating access to such material.● Use of the Internet must be in support of educational research and consistent with the school system’s objectives.● Use of any other organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network.Users must abide by all rules and procedures specified and deemed necessary at the site from which access to the Internet ismade.● Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is notlimited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.● Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions, for product advertisement, or for political lobbying is prohibited.● Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.● The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Any student user not complying with the school system’s InternetAcceptable Use Agreement shall lose Internet privileges for at least one week. Student infractions may result in appropriatedisciplinary action in addition to suspension or termination of access privileges.● Any user identified as being a security risk or as having a history of problems with other computer systems may be deniedaccess to the Internet. The school system makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it isproviding. The school system will not be responsible for any damages suffered by any user. This includes loss of dataresulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors oromissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the risk of the user. The school system specifically deniesany responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.Note: Bullying violations are not limited to certain offenses listed below; but, may include other violations which mayor may not be listed in the Code of Student Conduct.7. VIOLENCE AGAINST STUDENTS, SCHOOL PERSONNEL, SCHOOL VISITORSa. ASSAULT/BULLYINGVerbal threatening and/or intimidating teachers, administrators, bus drivers, other school personnel, other students, or personsattending school-related functions without actual physical contact; an attempt to hurt another without physical contact, oractions which cause reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm (including bullying – three bullying violations could result inexpulsion, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-145). NOTE: Threatening witnesses may result in expulsion.Penalty may range from in-school suspension to expulsion. A Local Formal Hearing must be held when the verbalthreat is a threat to life, when the bullying incident is the third such incident, when the verbal threat is directed to aperson expected to testify in a hearing, or when the verbal threat is directed to a school employee. Based on a finding ofguilty at the Local Formal Hearing, the student is suspended for up to ten (10) school days and is referred to theStudent Evidentiary Hearing Committee, which may result in suspension, a referral to an alternative school, orexpulsion.b. SIMPLE BATTERY/BULLYINGFighting or making physical contact of an insulting, offensive or provoking nature with teachers, administrators, bus drivers,other school personnel, other students or persons or causing physical harm to another (including bullying or hazing — threebullying violations could result in expulsion (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-145). NOTE: if the incident involves intentional physicalcontact with a school employee, see Offense #4a.Penalty may range from in-school suspension to short-term suspension, if the incident involved a fight between oramong students without injuries and without causing a school disturbance. A Local Formal Hearing must be held whena student physically contacts a school system employee or if the incident caused a major school disturbance. Based on afinding of guilty at the Local Formal Hearing, the student is suspended for ten (10) school days and is referred to theStudent Evidentiary Hearing Committee, which may result in suspension, a referral to an alternative school, orexpulsion.13. PROFANITY/OBSCENITY/RACIAL, ETHNIC, RELIGIOUS HARASSMENTSuch use includes, but is not limited to, profane, vulgar, obscene words or gestures; spitting on another student; possession ofprofane, vulgar, or obscene material; profane, vulgar, obscene or insulting racial, ethnic, or religious comments or actions, orany harassment relative to a person’s disability. (NOTE: see Offense #23 regarding Sexual Harassment and Sexual OrientationHarassment.) The DeKalb School System will not tolerate bullying and other forms of harassment and, therefore, reserves theright to punish students after the first incident and upon a finding of guilt. Penalty may range from detention to a short-termsuspension. A parent conference should be held. A Local Formal Hearing must be held for incidents of racial, ethnic,disability and/or religious harassment. Based on a finding of guilty at the Local Formal Hearing, the student issuspended for up to ten (10) school days and is referred to the Student Evidentiary Hearing Committee, which mayresult in suspension, a referral to an alternative school, or expulsion.

23. INAPPROPRIATE BODILY CONTACT OF A SEXUAL NATURE BETWEEN OR AMONG STUDENTS;SEXUAL MISCONDUCT; SEXUAL HARASSMENT; SEXUAL ORIENTATION HARASSMENTSexual misconduct between or among students or against School System employees or visitors on school property or at anyschool activity or event, including, but not limited to, sexual contact, sexual assault, unwelcome sexual advances or comments,request for sexual favors, indecent exposure, insulting comments about sexual orientation, stalking, etc. The DeKalb SchoolSystem will not tolerate bullying and other forms of harassment and, therefore, reserves the right to punish students after thefirst incident and upon a finding of guilt.A Local Formal Hearing must be held. Based on a finding of guilty at the Local Formal Hearing, the student issuspended for up to ten (10) school days and is referred to the Student Evidentiary Hearing Committee, which mayresult in suspension, a referral to an alternative school, or expulsion.Book BagsOnly clear or mesh book bags are permitted on campus. Sport bags, gym bags, large purses, travel bags, and other bags used totransport books and other personal items are not permitted at school. Book bags won’t be allowed the days before or onHalloween. In addition, book bags won’t be allowed on campus the last three days of school each semester.Students who violate this policy will be charged with Offense 8B (Failure to follow instructions) of the Student Code ofConduct. Book bags, except clear or mesh bags, taken to classes will be confiscated and returned to the parent or to the studentat the end of the day. Neither administrators nor teachers will be responsible for confiscated book bags lost or stolen. Thepenalty as stated in the discipline brochure for Offense 8B will be invoked.Dress CodeIf a student's attire or appearance represents a danger to his or her health, or attracts undue attention to the extent that itbecomes a disruptive factor in the school, the principal or his or her designee will ask the student to make necessary changes.In the event the change does not take place in the time allowed, the student may be charged with refusal to follow instructions(offense #12.) The following guidelines are in the interest of instruction, health, safety, and cleanliness:At any time when a student's appearance endangers the student's health or safety, or that of others, or otherwise interfereswith the educational process and mission of the school, the school will exercise its right and responsibility to intervene and takecorrective action.Students are expected to follow all school rules governing safety in specialized programs that may require the wearing ofprotective clothing, safety glasses, or other similar requirements.In all matters relating to individual dress and grooming, students are required to exercise good judgment, exhibit responsiblebehavior, and endeavor to reflect respect for themselves, their school, and their community. Therefore, the following are notallowed: baggy pants, bare midriffs, halter tops/tank tops, short shorts, "net"/see-through garments and dresses, pants, andskirts with high splits.The wearing of clothing, insignia, symbols, or adornments worn or carried by a student which may promote the use ofcontrolled substances, including, but not limited to, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is unacceptable. The wearing of clothing whichshows offensive and/or vulgar words, pictures, diagrams, drawings, or includes words or phrases of a sexual nature, or wordsor phrases that are derogatory regarding a person's ethnic background, color, race, national origin, religious belief, sexualorientation, or disability is unacceptable.Body tattoos and body piercing (other than earrings) are unacceptable because of disruptions to learning and because ofhealth concerns.The wearing of clothing or accessories that represents any group, gang, organization, or philosophy that advocates violenceor disruption, or has any history of violence or disruption is unacceptable.Unacceptable Clothing: With or without a jacket, Cut-offs, tank tops, muscle shirts, exposed midriffs, halter tops, dressesand blouses with thin straps are not allowed. Baggy pants "net"/see through garments and dresses, pants, or skirts with highsplits are unacceptable. Skirt lengths or the split of the skirt must fall just above the knee, and low cut blouses or shirts are notallowed. Spandex shorts or tights may not be worn as outerwear. Shirts wrapped around the neck and/or with one sleeve in/outare not allowed.Unacceptable Outerwear: Towels are not considered outerwear. Students may not have towels wrapped around their necks,shoulders, or hanging from their pockets. Belts are to be worn buckled, straps are to be worn over the shoulder fastened, andpants are to be worn with the waist of the pants at the waist of the body. Shirts are to be tucked in at the waistband of the pants.Hats, caps, and other headwear (bandannas, headbands, and scarves) are appropriate for outside wear only. Hats may not becarried to classes. Hats must be placed in lockers at the beginning of each day and may not be worn in the building at any timeincluding after school or at extracurricular events that are conducted indoors. Sunglasses may not be worn inside either over theeyes or propped on the top of the head. These items should be removed as one enters the building and shall be placed in thelocker for the entire school day. Students must wear shoes at all times while on campus, however, BEDROOM SLIPPERS,

CHINESE SLIPPERS of any kind, Slippers with tie up shoe strings OR SHOWER THONG SHOES (RUBBER FLIP-FLOPS)ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.STUDENT DRESS CODE-Updated for the 2009-2010 School YearThe atmosphere of a school must be conducive to learning. A student’s appearance can positively or negatively impactthe climate of a school. Students must adhere to DeKalb School System dress code requirements. Students who fail tocomply with the DeKalb School System dress code requirements, as enumerated below, may be charged with Offense#25 –Student Dress Code Violation (see page 28):♦ Students are expected to follow all school rules governing safety in specialized programs that may require thewearing of protective clothing, safety glasses, or other similar requirements.♦ Clothing or jewelry that disrupts the educational process or endangers the health or safety of other students, staff orvisitors is prohibited.♦ The wearing of clothing, insignia, symbols, or adornments worn or carried on or about a student whichpromote gangs, the use of controlled substances, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is prohibited.♦ The wearing of clothing which shows offensive and/or vulgar words, pictures, diagrams, drawings, orincludes words or phrases of a violent nature, a disruptive nature, a sexual nature, or words or phrases that arederogatory regarding a person’s ethnic background, color, race, national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, ordisability is prohibited.The wearing of pants below the waist line, bare midriffs, halter tops/tank tops, tops/blouses revealing cleavage, shortshorts, net/see through garments, flip-flops, between-the-toe shoes without heels, bedroom shoes, or other footwear thatinterferes with freedom of movement and dresses, pants, or skirts with high splits is prohibited. Note: Students/Parentsare urged to review local school handbooks for any additional requirements related to student dress.25. STUDENT DRESS CODE VIOLATIONAll students are expected to adhere to the expectations of appropriate dress as indicated on page 6 of this handbook and anyadditional requirements listed in local school regulations.The following applies to all student dress code violations:Number of OffensesActions of the SchoolVerbal Reprimand, Contact Parent and In-School Suspension (ISS) until End of Day orFirst OffenseCorrection of the ViolationSecond OffenseRequired Parent Conference and two (2) Days ISSContact Parent, three (3) Days ISS and Local Formal Hearing, which may result in up to ten(10) days ISS, Local Probation and/or parent attend classes with student in lieu of ISS. ChronicThird Offenseviolation of this expectation will result in the charge of #19a– Repeated Violation of SchoolRules and a possible referral to an alternative setting upon a finding of guilty by the StudentEvidentiary Hearing Committee.“The School Cannot Live Apart From the Community”Grooming: Students who elect to wear braids must have their hair fully braided before coming to school. When a studentfails to follow good taste and grooming, he or she will be asked to take the necessary corrective action before attending class.Inappropriate items will be confiscated and returned to parents at administrations convenience or to the student at the end of thesemester. Body tattoos and body piercing (other than earrings) removable silver, gold or other colored grills/teeth areunacceptable because of either or both disruptions to learning and or because of health concerns.Prohibited Items: In order to provide a proper learning environment free from distraction and interruptions, prohibiteditems include but are not limited to: drink containers such as "squeeze bottles" or glass containers, cards, toys, dolls, stuffedanimals, cameras, buttons, & camcorders to school. Also, athletic equipment such as footballs, bats, gloves, and basketballsshould be left at home. The school furnishes these items during the school day. The item will be returned to parents at theirconvenience or to the student at the end of the semester.Dress for SuccessEvery school will design and implement a dress code that provides for specific styles of dress. This plan includes tucking in allshirts and no pants worn below the waistline.Hall PassesStudents must have a hall pass/agenda book while in the hall during instructional time. Hall passes must be written on theMcNair High School official school form. Students who do not comply with this rule will be directed to the Attendance Officeand charged with violating rule #10 (skipping class).In-School Suspension (1SS)An alternative instructional program through in-school suspension is offered for some disciplinary infractions.

Program Goals include:1. Allowing students to remain in school while serving a suspension in order to continue with the educational program;2. Working with students involved in misbehavior by providing counseling; and3. Providing students with an opportunity to reflect on their behavior and build a plan for improved behavior. Included will besocial skills training as a means of helping students learn what type of behavior is expected at McNair High School.Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)Serious disciplinary infractions may result in students being assigned ass. While on ass, a student is not allowed to come intothe school, be on school grounds, or attend any school-sponsored function(s) for any reason.Note:1. Students receiving a 1-3 day(s) OSS will be allowed to make up their work upon their return to school.2. Students receiving a 4-10 days OSS will be permitted to pick up their assignments 48 hours after being assigned OSS. Whencollecting assignments, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Assignments may be obtained from theDiscipline Office.Upon the student's return to school, an OSS or ISS admit slip must be obtained from the suspending administrator and signedby the student's teachers.Selling Candy or Other ItemsStudents are not permitted to sell candy or other items on the school campus at any time without written permission from theprincipal. Flyers that are unrelated to school events MAY NOT be distributed.Student Identification PicturesAll students must possess a student identification card. This card must remain in the student's possession while-at school or atany school-related function. If this card is lost, students will be charged $2.00 to replace it.Food/Drink in CafeteriaStudents must consume food and drink in the cafeteria only. Students are not permitted to leave the campus during lunch orreceive commercial food. School lunches are available for sale; however, students may bring their lunches to school. Eachstudent is expected to clean up his/her area after eating lunch.CheatingCheating is defined as giving or receiving inappropriate help from another person. Copying of any kind is considered cheating.Cheating will result in an automatic zero on that assignment and a referral to the Assistant Principal for Instruction.Prohibited ItemsTo minimize distractions in school, students must leave all electronic devices, balloons, stuffed animals, cakes, etc. at home. Ifthese items are brought to school, they will be confiscated and may be reclaimed only by the student parent.School BusRiding the school bus is a privilege and not a right. Proper behavior is expected while loading, riding, and unloading. Theschool bus is considered an extension of the classroom and all school rules apply while a student is being transported. Studentswill be removed from all school system buses for a period of time if inappropriate behaviors interfere with others having a saferide home.Restricted Areas: During school hours, from arrival until departure, students are expected to stay on school property. Studentsmust not enter the woods on campus; go behind the school, nor cross the street without proper permission. The wooded areasthat surround the school are part of the school campus. All rules and regulations are in effect in these areas. All students areexpected to stay out of parked cars on campus during the school day. Areas on school property without adult supervision areoff limit to students whether the area is inside or outside.Visitors on CampusVisitors are welcomed to McNair High School; however, they must check in at the front office. Visitors must wear a visitor'sbadge while on campus. Visitors not on official school business must schedule their visits either before or after school.McNair Attendance Procedures:McNair High School will adhere to the attendance laws established by the State of Georgia and the DeKalb County SchoolSystem. When a student has a combination of fifteen excused or unexcused absences in one semester, he or she may be deniedacademic credit and/or be withdrawn from the school by the administration following a panel review. When a student is underthe age of 16, the policy is the same except that the possibility of withdrawal is not an alternative unless the student is broughtbefore the Student Evidentiary Hearing Committee. In the case of a student who is under 16, the compulsory attendance lawapplies, and there may be the possibility of court intervention.

The school is required to take the following steps in order to implement the procedure stated above:1. Keep continuous logs documenting each step of the process. The log shall include:a. Date and time of each call,b. Name and position of person calling,c. Name of person spoken to, his/her relation to the student, and ad. Summary of the call.2. After the third absence, a call will be made to the parent or guardian by a school representative notifying the parent andchild of potential placement on an Attendance Contract.3. After the sixth absence, the school will phone parents, a letter will be sent to the home informing the student and the parentof the number of absences as well as notification of referrals to the School Counselor and School Prevention/InterventionSpecialist. A parent conference will be scheduled and student will be placed on an attendance Contract.4. After the eighth/ninth absence, a referral will be made to a resource person-the school Social Worker, or special educationliaison that will make contact and provide formal feedback to the school principal or his designee. If the student is less than 16years old, truancy charges may be filed (after the 10 th absence) and student and parent would be required to appear in court. Ifstudent 16 or older, appearing in court to meet with the Solicitor General may be required.5. After the twelfth absence, an administrator will contact the parent or guardian by phone and/or in writing. The administratorwill inform the parent or guardian that on the fifteenth absence the student may be subject to loss of academic credit,withdrawal from school pursuant to a review of information, and/or truancy filed with the DeKalb Juvenile Court System.6. After the fifteenth absence, the student may be withdrawn. Parents have the right to appeal the decision within five schooldays to the principal of the school. In case of further appeal, the final decision will be made by the Area Executive Director.7. Classroom teachers will call the parent regarding class absences when a student has missed three, six, nine, and twelve daysin the course. Teachers will submit a log of the calls to the attendance Office at the end of each semester.EXCUSED ABSENCES: In compliance with Georgia law, all pupil absences shall be classified as unexcused or illegalexcept for the following reasons: (1) personal illness; (2) death or illness in the immediate family; (3) religious holidays;(4) service as page for the General Assembly; (5) instances where attendance by pupil would be hazardous; (6)suspension.When students return to school after an absence, they must present a written statement from the parent or guardian giving thereason for the absence. The student should present this note to the Attendance Office within 24-48 hours of absence.Otherwise, absence will remain unexcused.Any student missing 15 days excused or unexcused days may not receive credit for that semester. Parents may appeal thisdecision in cases of extenuating circumstances.ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL FOR MORE THAN ONE-HALF OF THE SCHOOL DAYA student who is absent from school for more than one-half of the school day may not participate in any extracurricular activityon the day of the absence, including all club and athletic activities.ADMISSION TO THE BUILDINGStudents may enter the building at 7:30 a.m. They are to use the entrances near the cafeteria and must report directly to thisarea. At 7:30 a.m., students will be allowed to go to the Media Center if they have a pass. At 8:00 a.m., students will bereleased to go to their lockers and classrooms. Bus students must remain on campus after the bus arrives in the morning and arenot to leave campus for any reason. Students leaving campus during the day without permission and returning to ride theschool bus home will forfeit the privilege of riding the bus.All students must leave the building by 3:30 p.m. unless they are involved in authorized school activities.CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCEA Certificate of Attendance from the Attendance Office is needed for students who wish to obtain a learner's permit or driver'slicense. This will only be given to students who meet the criteria. NO EXCEPTIONS!! The first copy of the certificate is free;however, a small fee ($2.00) may be charged for additional copies. Students should submit the forms for signing andnotarization at least three days before they are needed.CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBERWhen a change of address or telephone number occurs, the student must inform the Registrar or Attendance Office of thechange(s) so that accurate, current records can be maintained. Students who are not living with parents or a legal guardian inthe McNair zone will be withdrawn.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURESAny student leaving the school campus during the day must complete all check-out procedures in the Attendance Office(exception: students enrolled in work programs, OEC, and Driver's Education). A parent or legal guardian must be present tocheck out his/her child.A student must have a pass to/from the Attendance Office to check out.a) Confirmed Appointments: Parent or legal guardian must come to the Attendance Office to check student out ofschool. Upon returning to school, the student should bring a note from the doctor's office confirming the appointment.b) Illness or Other Emergency: Students who must leave school during the school day because of illness or otheremergency must complete all check-out procedures in the Attendance Office. A parent or legal guardian must come to theAttendance Office to check a student out of school.c) Students Who Drive to School: Regarding confirmed appointments, parents are advised to come to theAttendance Office in advance, a day before or the day of the appointment, to check out a student.TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICYMcNair High School2009-2010What is Title I?Title I is a part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). This act provides federal funds through the GeorgiaDepartment of Education to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and public schools with high numbers or percentages of poorchildren to help ensure that all children meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievementstandards. These funds may be used for children from preschool to high school. Title I programs must be based on effectivemeans of improving student achievement and include strategies to support parental involvement.In order to guarantee student success, partnerships among schools and parents are vital. Parents participate on schoolcommittees such as the School Council and School Improvement Team. At Ronald E. McNair, we recognize that parents aretheir children's primary educator and their support is critical in our efforts to provide a quality education to the children atRonald E. McNair High School. In order to maximize the success of our students, the following programs are planned toinvolve parents at Ronald E. McNair High School.These programs were planned in response to parent input and survey data. Parent input is important and continues to be a partof the planning and development of new and existing programs to ensure school improvement and student success.• Agenda Books: to assist with high school transition, each student in grade nine is suggested to have an agenda bookto help parents know what assignments are due. The agenda book provides teachers and parents with a means of dailycommunication about academic and behavioral issues.• Parent Center: DeKalb County School System has established nine Parent Resource Centers throughout the county.The local center for our area is located at Cedar Grove Middle School. The center is designed to empower parents toassist their children in maximizing their full potential. Two facilitators manage the center. The center's resources arefocused on instruction, economics, health, and cultural awareness.

• Parent Lunch & Learn Sessions (Fall & Spring Semesters): lunch workshops for parents to make and/or learnways to help their children be successful at school. Some topics discussed are discipline, reading, writing, and math.• Parent- Teacher Conferences: (October 4 and November 15) to provide parents with information regardingtheir children's academic progress and proficiency levels.• Understanding Diploma Choices/ Preparation for College and Scholarships/ Parent workshop: (SpringSemester) Educates parent on the various academic diplomas and their requirements. Also provides parents withthe resources to apply for financial aid and completing college applications.Ronald E. McNair High School uses the following communication methods to provide parents with informationconcerning Title I programs and the academic progress of the students. Information regarding school and parentprograms, meetings, and other activities will be periodically sent to parents.• School Website: http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/mcnairhs/. The school’s website offers a plethora of informationfor both upcoming and current events, including but not limited to vital information such as school and parentprograms, meeting, academic progress, and school recognition programs. The website is updated often to keepparents and the community and all stakeholders informed.• Surveys: Several surveys will be sent to parents throughout the school year. The data is collected and submitted toour Local Educational Agency (LEA). Parents and Staff on the School Council will review the parents' commentsand assist in addressing the suggestions and concerns on the survey.• Frequent Progress reports: Students will receive a progress report every 4.5 week grading period which willprovide information to parents about the behavior and academic progress of their children.• Parent Involvement Center: Located on the 300 Hall for easy access, the center is designed to empower parents toassist their children in maximizing their full potential. Complete with a facilitator to manage, the center seeks to be aresource to parents and the community at-large to encourage a better understanding of curriculum and instruction, aswell as school, community and cultural awareness.

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEMParental Involvement Policy2009-2010DeKalb County Schools: Title I LEA PlanThe DeKalb County Board of Education believes that the public schools belong to the people who createthem by consent and taxation and are only as strong as the informed and knowledgeable support ofDeKalb’s citizens and the school system’s staff. This support is based upon their knowledge andunderstanding of and participation in the development of the goals and objectives of the public schools,the district and school level parental involvement policy.We, therefore, affirm and assure the right of parents of children participating in activities funded by TitleI, IASA, to opportunities (including but not limited to action teams, strategic planning committees,community meetings, parent workshops, surveys and questionnaires) to collaboratively participate in:• the design and implementation and evaluation of the DCSS System Plan including parentalinvolvement activities as stipulated under section 1112 of the Act;• the development and revision of parental involvement policy at the district and school level toinsure the implementation of activities that are beneficial to all parents as stipulated under section1112 of the Act;• the decisions regarding how funds from the minimum 1% reservation are allotted for parentalinvolvement activities as mandated in section 1116 of the Act.DCSS insures that the expectation of parents set at the local school are clearly established and distributedto parents of participating students when they are enrolled in Title I funded activities. The DCSS Title Ioffice assists in coordination of and provides technical assistance to each Title I eligible school as neededto ensure the effective planning and implementation of parental involvement coordinator, other Title Istaff members and other appropriate support personnel within and outside DCSS.Since Title I focuses on building a greater capacity for parental involvement, DCSS will maintain thefollowing principles that should build both school and parent capacity for parental involvement. Theseprinciples will be accomplished through training and instruction of both parents and educators. Provisionsfor such training and instruction for each of these principles may occur via community meetings, parentworkshops, brochures and other media or avenue of learning that is appropriate for the information to beconveyed.1. DCSS understands that we as educators bear the responsibility of helping parents understand federaland state policies and objectives concerning their children’s education. DCSS Title I and the localschool parental involvement programs assist participating parents in acquiring an understanding of thefollowing to the extent applicable or feasible:National Education Goals;• State Title I content standards and student performance standards;• School improvement and corrective action process;• Components of a Schoolwide program;

DeKalb County Schools: Title I LEA Plan• Components of a Targeted Assistance program;• State and local assessments;• Requirements for Title I, Part A;• Ways parents can monitor their children’s progress and work with educators to improve theperformance of their children, and• Ways parents can participate in decisions relating to the education of their children.2. The District and Local School parent involvement programs, to the extent feasible and applicable,provide materials and training such as (but not limited to) the coordination of literacy trainingfrom other sources to help parents work with their children to improve their children’sachievement and direct training in the areas outlined in the previous item.3. To the extent feasible and appropriate, the DCSS Title I program collaboratively coordinates andintegrates parent involvement with the state funded Pre-K, Kindergarten, Prevention Intervention,Exceptional Education, Professional Development, Parent Advisory, and Technology Resources.5. Additionally, to the extent feasible, appropriate roles for community-based organizations andbusinesses in parent involvement are collaboratively developed with the DeKalb Partners inEducation department, to include (but not limited to) the provision of opportunities fororganizations and businesses to work with parents and schools and encouraging the formation ofpartnerships between elementary, middle and secondary schools and local businesses that includea role for parents and other opportunities such as life skills training, family crisis intervention, andcommunity education opportunities.6. The DCSS, to the extent appropriate and feasible, maintains system wide opportunities for parentsto learn about child development and child rearing beginning at birth that are designed to helpparents to become full partners in the education of their children. The opportunities include but arenot limited to Parent Resource Centers, the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting Program,Parent Assuring Student Success (Passport), Take Home Technology, Parent Cluster meetings,and Instructional Fairs. Local schools are encouraged to implement activities that are appropriate,needed and/or of interest to their participating parents.7. Because of the number of international families within DCSS and their increasing participation inTitle I activities, the DeKalb Title I Program ensures to the extent possible to provide informationrelated to schools, parent programs and meeting and other activities of participating children in thelanguage used in the home. Full opportunities for the participation of international parents whohave limited English proficiency and parents with disabilities are ensured including but not limitedto providing information and school profiles in a language and form such parents understand to theextent feasible and appropriate.8. The development of training activities of teachers, principals and other educators may involveTitle I parents when feasible to improve the instruction and services to Title I students.9. DCSS Title I may provide literacy training for parents if all other reasonably available fundingsources for literacy activities have been exhausted.10. DCSS Title I office or schools may pay reasonable and necessary expenses that parents incur byparticipating in school-related meetings and training sessions where appropriate and allowablesuch as transportation and childcare.

DeKalb County Schools: Title I LEA Plan11. DCSS Title I, where appropriate and feasible, train and support parents through the developmentof the Parent Advisory Council to enhance the involvement of other parents.12. Meetings involving parents will be arranged at a variety of times, such as morning and evenings,to maximize opportunities for parents to participate in school related activities.13. Teachers and other educators who work directly with participating children may arrange in-homeconferences, where appropriate and feasible, with parents who are unable to attend conferencesscheduled at school.14. DCSS, where appropriate and feasible, may adopt and implement model approaches to improvingparental involvement activities, such as Even Start and Parents as Teachers.15. DCSS will provide other reasonable, appropriate and feasible support for parental involvementactivities, if parents request it.The Parent Involvement policy of the DeKalb school district and each participating school is evaluatedannually as to the effectiveness in increasing parent participation and identifying barriers to parentparticipation such as low income, disabilities, limited literacy, language or other cultural or ethnicconsiderations. The findings of the annual evaluation are used to design strategies for school improvementor to redesign the parent policies. All non-satisfactory parent comments regarding parent involvement andsystem plan are collected and attached to the plan when submitted to the State Title I Office.(revised September, 2008)