THE SCHOOL BOARD

The schools are governed by a five-member board responsible for setting system-wide school policies designed to deliver the best possible education to each child. These policies govern budgetary, facility and personnel resources, as well as the students, faculty and staff at each school, and ensure that the local schools comply with state and federal laws. School board members are elected from five election districts and consider themselves servants of all Effingham County school children and their parents, representing the best interests of all citizens and all fifteen schools currently operating in the district. Board members are elected every two years on a staggered basis and hold four-year terms. Board members, as part of their service, expect to hear from constituents regarding school-related issues. Parents and individuals who seek information regarding their own children’s unique circumstances are asked to review the policies contained in the Appendix, speaking first with their children’s teacher, and then the school principal, before contacting other administrative personnel and board members about those issues.  Contact information for current board members can be found on the district website at www.effinghamschools.com or by calling the Board of Education at 754-6491.

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The board meets twice each month, at 2 PM on the first Wednesday of each month, and at 7 PM on the third Thursday of each month, to handle routine business. These meetings normally take place at the Effingham County Board of Education Office, 405 N. Ash Street, Springfield, unless advertised in a different location. The board annually advertises their meeting dates and times for the coming year in The Effingham Herald and online at www.effinghamschools.com/eBoard. All meetings are open to the public (with the exception of executive sessions held to discuss personnel, possible land purchases, proceedings and hearings conducted under the Public School Disciplinary Tribunals Act, individual students educational records, or any pending legal actions). However, to obtain a place on the agenda, a written request should be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools at least seven days prior to the next scheduled board meeting. Public hearings on budget, millage rate and other issues as they arise are also advertised in The Herald, and at those meetings, citizens may address the board without appointment. All visitors to board meetings are asked to sign an attendance log, and copies of the agenda are available to any citizen in attendance.

 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Public education from kindergarten through high school is free for all children who are bona fide residents of Effingham County. Upon request by the school, the parent or guardian shall be required to present proof of residency (such as an electric bill, city water bill, etc.) and to certify that the student is a full time resident (i.e. 12 months a year). Each school age child must attend the appropriate school located in the school district of this county in which he or she resides unless formally approved to do otherwise.  Anyone with a question regarding residency and the school district should contact the Transportation Coordinator, Ms. Dana King, at the bus shop at 754-3574. That office maintains detailed districting maps.

The school districts are evaluated by the Board of Education from time to time as the county’s population grows and new schools are built. There are no guarantees offered by the board to county residents and taxpayers regarding the lines separating school districts. The board reserves the right to adjust district lines to maintain appropriate school and class size in the best interest of every boy and girl. The complete Resident Students Policy may be found in the Appendix.

 

SCHOOL COUNCILS

Effingham County schools have councils in place on each campus. Councils are primarily concerned with school improvement that leads to academic success for every student. Council members will be elected on a staggered basis every year to hold two-year terms. Anyone interested in learning more about school councils may contact their school principal.

 

SCHOOL INSURANCE

Student insurance will be available to all students through our district website, www.effinghamschools.com. You will find the insurance flyer and plans listed under “Parents”, then click on Elementary School, Middle School, or High School and go to “Student Insurance”. No information will be sent home with students. All transactions must be handled directly with the vendor

 

VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS, AND CHAPERONES

All visitors to school campuses must report to the front office before visiting other parts of the school, as required by O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1180.  A visitor’s badge will be issued that will provide identification for the individual visiting the campus. Persons not wearing such a badge will not be allowed on campus. Unauthorized visitors will be requested to leave, and failure to do so will result in official misdemeanor charges of a high and aggravated nature. Visitors are allowed to visit only the areas requested. Please check with the front office at the school site for further clarification of their visitation procedures. These measures are necessary to protect children from unauthorized persons.

The Effingham County School System does not require everyone who visits a school to complete the Mandated Reporter training process, so to help differentiate between a school visitor, volunteer and chaperone we have created brief descriptions.

A parental visitor acting in the role of a parent is not required to register as a volunteer or complete the child abuse training. Examples include, but are not limited to, visitors to the school for parent/teacher conferences, 504/IEP meetings, school wide and classroom programs or events, PTO events, field day, eating lunch with their child or any visit to sign in or check out their student. A non-parental visitor is not required to register as a volunteer or complete the Mandated Reporter training. Non-parental visitors include, but are not limited to, community members, business owners/partners, civic leaders or emergency personnel who are visiting the school for a short, singular time and are under supervision of an administrator and/or teacher at all times. All visitors must sign in at the front desk upon entering the school. 

A school volunteer is a non-paid individual who serves, in any auxiliary capacity under the direction and supervision of school personnel. A volunteer is one who performs any essential duties that an employee could perform such as, but not limited to making copies, filing, escorting students, working with extracurricular activity groups  or assisting with lunch duty, media center and front office tasks. Any person who leads or assists student groups or students other than their own in school or extracurricular programs is considered a volunteer. Volunteers will typically serve in this capacity multiple times throughout the school year. All volunteers must complete the Mandated Reporter training prior to volunteering.

A chaperone is any non-school personnel who attends an off-campus school activity (i.e. field trip) whether as a parent or official chaperone. All chaperones must have completed the Mandated Reporter training prior to attending any off-campus school function. 

A contracted service provider is a district-approved third party that has a memorandum of understanding or contract with the district to provide a necessary service for the operation of the district. A contracted service provider is a non-school employee. All service providers must sign in at the front desk upon entering the school. All contracted service providers must have completed the Mandated Reporter training and complete a background check at no cost to the District.

Only those children enrolled in an Effingham County school shall be able to utilize school facilities, equipment, and programs, and participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities subject to all other existing rules of participation.

 

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE 

Video surveillance provides a tool for monitoring activity on Board of Education property, including classrooms and buses, to help protect the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, and visitors, and to collect evidence for use in student and faculty/staff disciplinary matters and in appropriate cases for law enforcement purposes.

There is no expectation of privacy on buses nor in the public areas of Effingham County Schools. Video cameras may be placed on buses, classroom, and in the public areas of the campuses of Effingham County Schools. Video cameras should not be placed where they can record bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, or private offices. The presence of a video camera means that there is no expectation of privacy in that location.

Students and staff should be aware that video surveillance may occur on any school property or on any transportation vehicle. Video surveillance shall only be used to promote the order, safety, and security of students, staff, and property.

Persons recorded committing violations of Board policies, administrative regulations, building rules and/or procedures, or law may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and/or referred to law enforcement agencies

Video recordings may become a part of a student’s educational record or a staff member’s personnel record if it could be used as evidence in a disciplinary matter.

 

CENTRAL REGISTRATION CENTER

New student enrollment is managed by Central Registration, located at 306 N. Ash Street in Springfield. (912-754-2530). Registration can be completed online at https://www.effinghamschools.com/CRC

 

PARENT & BOOSTER CLUBS

PTA and Booster organizations offer parents many opportunities to get involved and work in support of public schools to the benefit of our children. For more information about these organizations, check with band directors, athletic directors, coaches, and principals. 

The school board prohibits door-to-door sales by students due to the fact that doing so can be dangerous and/or threatening to the safety of children. Students who participate in door-to-door fundraising for a school-sponsored organization do so without the school board’s permission.

 

OUTSTANDING DEBTS

In the case of outstanding debts for lost books, photos, annuals, and lunches, schools may file the debt with the small claims court.

 

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

The Effingham County School System maintains a complete, updated copy of the Asbestos Management Plan for its campuses. It is available for all workers before they begin work in any area of the buildings. This plan is available to the EPA, the state, parents, and other members of the public, teachers, and other employees for inspection within five working days after receiving a request for inspection.
 

PARENTS’ RIGHTS TO KNOW QUALIFICATIONS

Parents may request the following information regarding teacher qualifications as required by the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA): Information regarding their student’s classroom teacher’s certificate or credentials, and/or college major and graduate degree information. Parents may also request information regarding the licensing and training of paraprofessionals. Requests may be made in writing to the school principal or Dr. Kirbi Ratner, Executive Director of Human Resources, Effingham County BOE, 405 North Ash Street, Springfield, GA 31329.

 

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE

State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. §20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that the Effingham County School System does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs (including athletics), activities it operates, nor in admission to or employment in its education program or activities. The Sports Equity and Title IX Coordinator for this school system is Assistant Superintendent Mr. Tim Hood, Effingham County Board of Education, 405 N. Ash St., Springfield, GA  31329; phone 912-754-6491. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in this system may be submitted to the Sports Equity/Title IX Coordinator. The complete Gender Equity in Sports Policy can be found online at www.effinghamschools.com/eBoard

 

FOOD SERVICES  

Effingham County Schools participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Meals are planned to meet USDA Dietary Guidelines while providing students choices from a variety of nutritional food items offered. 

Prices for elementary meals are as follows:

	Daily	Weekly
Breakfast:	$1.75	$8.75
Reduced:	$0.30	$1.50
Lunch:	$2.75	$13.75
Reduced:	$0.40	$2.00

 

Prices for middle & high school are as follows

	Daily	Weekly
Breakfast:	$1.75	$8.75
Reduced:	$0.30	$1.50
Lunch:	$2.75	$13.75
Reduced:	$0.40	$2.00

 

Meals and a la carte items may be paid for at the point of purchase, or parents may opt to pre-pay for meals either by the week or for longer periods of time. Parents may pre-pay for student meals with cash, check, and credit or debit card using the online service “MySchoolBucks”. Information on how to enroll and participate in this program can be found on the district website under Nutritional Services. Students who qualify for free meals may never be denied a meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance prior to the processing and approval of the current year’s Free and Reduced Priced Meal Application. All reduced price and paid students will be able to charge the equivalent amount of two lunches and two breakfast meals according to their approved status. Once a student has reached that charge limit, he or she will be offered an alternate meal. The alternate meal consists of a cheese sandwich and milk. The student will continue to receive the alternate meal until adequate funds are received or up to three (3) consecutive days, whichever comes first.  Students whose accounts hold a negative balance are ineligible to purchase extra or a la carte items until the balance is paid in full. Students with negative balances or who lack sufficient funds to purchase a reimbursable meal may purchase a main entrée item only at the a la carte price as long as they have the funds to do so. No extra or a la carte items may be charged. All negative balances must be repaid prior to the end of the current school year. Students will be provided low balance and negative balance slips as well as a notice home to the parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians will also receive a telephone call informing them of the student’s negative account balance.

Checks will gladly be accepted as payment for the amount of a meal and for pre-payment, but parents are asked to send separate checks for each child.  Two-party checks will not be accepted. All non-sufficient fund checks (NSF) are turned over to Envision Payments Solutions for recovery.  Envision utilizes the federal and state laws allowing the electronic recovery of NSF checks.  The cost of recovery becomes the responsibility of the one who writes the check.  When a check is used as a payment, the check writer authorizes Envision either to use information from the check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from the check writer’s account or to process the payment as a check transaction.  The check writer also authorizes Envision to collect a fee through an electronic fund transfer from the check writer’s account if the payment is returned unpaid.  THIS SAME PROCEDURE APPLIES TO ANY AND ALL CHECKS WRITTEN TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.  Questions regarding this procedure can be answered at 877-290-5460. All students are issued a personal id number to access their meal accounts, and to maintain privacy, all students enter their number into a keypad at the register. Personal ID numbers remain with each student for the entire time they attend Effingham County Schools. Pre-K, kindergarten and new students are issued a temporary card to use until they are able to memorize their number. Free and reduced price-meal applications are provided to each student’s parent. Only those parents wishing to apply should return the form. Parents will complete one form per family, listing all eligible children on the same form. The form should be completed and returned with the youngest child within five days of enrollment. Students must pay for lunch and breakfast until the form is returned and the student(s) is approved for the program.

In addition to the school meal, students may buy extra or a la carte items such as milk, juice, water, fruit and vegetable servings. Additional entree items may only be purchased in addition to the school meal. Drinks brought with sack lunches must not be in glass bottles. Students are not to bring cans or bottles of soda in lunches. There are no heating facilities for a child’s sack lunch. When food substitutions are necessary due to a student’s medical condition, food service personnel will work with parents to make those changes, based on a written statement from a recognized medical authority, such as the child’s physician. Those statements must include information identifying the nature of the problem, and include a list of foods that should be omitted from the child’s diet along with appropriate substitutions.

Lunchroom Safety – Students caught throwing food and endangering the safety of others, and any other inappropriate behavior, will be subject to the consequences of their behavior.

 

ENROLLMENT/WITHDRAWAL

According to Effingham County Board of Education policy, each school-age child must attend the appropriate school in the district of the county in which he/she resides unless approval has been granted to do otherwise.  Registration of students in grades Kindergarten-12 who have never attended an Effingham County School or have been off roll from Effingham County Schools for more than 10 consecutive school days must complete an online application and upload required documents.  For those who cannot upload documents, there is a drop box on the porch of the Central Registration Center at 306 N. Ash Street in Springfield.  A link for online registration can be found on the district website by visiting www.effinghamschools.com/CRC.  Appointments can be made on an “as needed” basis by calling Central Registration at (912)754-2530.The enrollment age for Kindergarten requires that children be five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year; first-grade children must be six years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.

Only the parent or guardian who enrolls a student may withdraw said student, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 20-2-780,

Transfer students from other school systems are enrolled pending receipt of their academic and disciplinary records from the school they have previously attended. A transfer student’s most recent report card and evaluation by Effingham school officials will determine a student’s class assignment and placement.  In the event that there is a delay in receipt of complete academic records, a student may be temporarily assigned to classes and programs based on information provided by the parent. In this event, class assignment and program placement may be changed upon receipt of complete academic records. Students transferring between two Effingham County schools as a result of an address change must present a Change of Address form and updated proof of residency.  This documentation may be submitted to any Effingham County school or the district’s Central Registration Center.

In the interest of maintaining a safe and productive school environment for all children, and in accordance with state law, parents will also be asked to provide any information about a child’s history with law enforcement and the judicial system, if such exists. Under O.C.G.A § 20-2-751.2 (b), a local board of education which has a student who attempts to enroll or who is enrolled in any school in its school system during the time in which that student is subject to a disciplinary order is authorized to refuse to enroll or subject that student to short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion for any time remaining in that other school system’s or school’s disciplinary order upon receiving a certified copy of such order if the offense which led to such suspension or expulsion in the other school system or school was an offense for which suspension or expulsion could be imposed in the enrolling school. Additionally, under O.C.G.A § 20-2-768 (a), each local board of education is authorized to refuse to readmit or enroll any student who has been suspended or expelled for being convicted of, being adjudicated to have committed, being indicted for, or having information filed for the commission of any felony or any delinquent act under O.C.G.A. §§ 15-11-602 and 15-11-707 which would be a felony if committed by an adult.

 

STUDENT ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

In order to complete the registration process, the following documents are required.  These required documents can be uploaded during the online application process.  Information and instructions for completing applications and uploading documents can be found on the district website by visiting www.effinghamschools.com/CRC. If you cannot upload documents, there is a drop box at the Central Registration Center or you can call to make an appointment at (912)754-2530.

• Proof of Residency - must be CURRENT (less than 30 days old): Parent/Guardian MUST provide a current electric, water, or gas bill AND one of the following:

  • Current Driver’s License with matching address

  • Current Residential Property Tax statement or bill

  • Current Lease/Rental Agreement WITH current rent receipt

  • Current Home Purchase and Sales Agreement

  • Current Mortgage Statement

  • Current Homeowner/Renters Insurance

NOTE:  Cell phone bills will not be accepted as valid proof of residence.

• Most recent report card and current transcript from last school attended.

• Certified copy of student’s original birth certificate or other acceptable evidence of age as specified in Effingham County Board of Education Policy JBC:  School Admissions.

• A copy of the enrolling student's social security card.2 (Parent may elect to sign a form at the time of registration stating the individual does not wish to provide the social security number, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-150.)

• Completed Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) and Georgia Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300). 3

• Custody papers through the court or applicable affidavit provided for in policy JBCA Resident Students if student lives with anyone other than the natural parents, as listed on the birth certificate.

• Any court orders that prevent or limit access of a parent to the child or the child’s educational records.

• Any restraining orders or other legal documents specifically limiting the access of any individual to the student(s) being enrolled.

• Picture ID of parent/guardian registering child.4

If the family is living in the household with someone else, you must submit a Family Resident Affidavit signed by the homeowner stating that the parent and child(ren) live in the house with them, along with valid proof of residency. A Family Residency Affidavit is valid for only the current school year. All Family Residency Affidavits expire on the last day of school. The signatures of both the parent / legal guardian and the person the family is living with must be notarized on this statement. Also, when you complete the online application, please be prepared to provide the following information in order to complete the enrollment process:

• Student/Parent Phone Numbers, Addresses, and E-Mail Addresses (if applicable)

• Emergency Contact Phone Numbers

• Physician Name & Phone Number

• Documentation of any health concerns or allergies of which the school should be aware.

1. In accordance with the Effingham County Schools JBC(1) Homeless Students policy and the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students experiencing homelessness shall not have their enrollment denied or delayed due to lack of any document normally required for enrollment.

2. Social security numbers are used by Effingham County Schools as a student identifier when reporting to the Georgia Department of Education and to the Georgia Student Finance Commission, as required to establish eligibility for financial aid including HOPE scholarship. Social security numbers may also be reported to the Georgia Department of Human Services in billing for certain services provided to Medicaid-eligible students, with parental permission.

3. Alternately, parents may be issued a temporary waiver by providing an appointment card from a healthcare provider showing they have made an immunization appointment.

4. Picture ID may be government issued identification, employee identification, student identification, or other identification that provides acceptable evidence of the registering parent or guardian’s identity.

 

PRE-K PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Children must be four years old on or before September 1 of the upcoming school year to be eligible for the Effingham County Pre-K program, as required by the Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning. Only valid Effingham residents or full-time district employees (Georgia residents only) are eligible for the Pre-K lottery drawing. Pre-K students cannot be co-enrolled in multiple Pre-K programs (either public or private). Pre-K students are not eligible for school choice. Additionally, Pre-K students are not eligible for residential or childcare hardship situations.  

Following application and registration, children of current full-time district employees will be able to attend the Pre-K program without having to go through the lottery. Current full time employees will still be able to choose the school of choice for the Pre-K program for their child or children.

 

ENROLLMENT: MAXIMUM AGE

All students who have not attained the age of 20 by September 1 are eligible for enrollment in appropriate education programs, unless they have received a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students who have not dropped out of school for one complete semester or more and who have not attained the age of 21 by September 1 are eligible for enrollment, provided they have not received a high school diploma or the equivalent. Federal law declares that a free appropriate public education must be made available for all children three through 21 years of age with IDEA defined disabilities.

 

WITHDRAWAL

In accordance with state law, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-780, the parent or guardian who enrolls a student is the only person who may withdraw the student from school.

When a sixteen or seventeen-year-old student desires to withdraw from school, he/she must have the written permission of his/her parent or guardian prior to withdrawing. Prior to accepting such permission, a school administrator and the student’s guidance counselor will have a conference with the student and parent/legal guardian within two school days of receiving notice of the intent of the student to withdraw. The purpose of the conference is to share with the student and parent/guardian educational options available and the consequences of not earning a high school diploma.

Parents should notify the student’s teacher a day or two in advance of withdrawal of a student. If transferring to a school outside of Effingham County, permanent records will be forwarded to the new school upon receipt of the request for records, signed by the parent. If transferring to another Effingham County school, the records will be automatically sent. Original permanent records will not be given to parents to hand-carry to a new school. All textbooks, technology items, and media materials must be returned prior to withdrawal. If a parent wishes to withdraw a student, it is requested that the school be notified at least two days in advance, if possible, to allow time to complete the necessary paperwork and collect all materials. High school students should be especially mindful of these guidelines. Failure to adhere to these procedures may cause difficulty in receiving proper credit for completed courses towards graduation.

(Revised 6/5/2019)

All students in grades K-12 are expected to comply with the following Administrative Procedures for Student Dress Code.  The K-12 dress code as pertaining to uniforms does not apply to Pre-K; however Pre-K students must adhere to general dress standards, including wearing fully closed-back shoes.

Students are expected to dress appropriately while in attendance at school. This includes wearing the adopted school uniform. This  dress code addresses requirements for uniform dress days and dress down days. General appearance of students should be reasonable and not distracting to others. Students are expected and required to show proper attention to personal cleanliness, neatness, and conservative standards of dress and appearance. Student clothing, hair styles, accessories, make-up, etc. must not be distracting, immodest, inflammatory, offensive, or hazardous.  When questionable, the school principal will make the final determination of whether a student’s attire or appearance is in conflict with the system policy. Students will observe the following dress code both at school and on the school bus:

Uniforms

The following mandatory uniform standards for student attire have been developed and are applicable to all elementary, middle and high schools.

Tops	Colors - white, black (or additional color designated by the school) Styles - a long or short-sleeved collared, polo shirt; no pockets; insignias or emblems no larger than standard credit card. Fit - Must be buttoned properly Under the school uniform – solid color (navy, white, ash or black) undershirt, camisole, or turtleneck In addition to the shirts described above, each school may include in its uniform dress code the option of allowing students to wear a school sponsored T shirt (which may have a crew neck rather than a collar.)
Bottoms	Colors - khaki, navy or black  Styles - skirt, shorts, slacks, capri pants, skorts; no form fitting fabric or styles; no ornamentation or insignia larger than a standard credit card, no more than 1 insignia/emblem per clothing article Fit - Skirts, shorts, and skorts may be no more than five (5) inches above the bend of the back of the knee (garments with slits will be measured from the top of the slit);  pants and shorts must be worn and belted at the natural waist; pant legs must not drag the floor; correct size is to be worn to avoid sagging or overly snug fit.
Jumpers/ Dresses	Colors - khaki, navy or black Styles - no ornamentation and no insignia larger than a standard credit card, no more than 1 insignia/emblem per clothing article Fit - no more than five (5) inches above the bend of the back of the knee (garments with slits will be measured from the top of the slit.)
Uniform Accessories	Shoes Closed-toe and fully closed-back are required Matched pair Properly fastened Socks & Tights Socks – matched set of no more than 2 solid colors;  Tights, leggings, and hose (must be worn under jumpers/dresses) - solid, neutral, black, white, navy or chosen school color; no pattern or designs Belts Colors - solid color  Fit - worn inside the belt loops  Oversized buckles and studded belts are prohibited PPE Masks Must follow General Standards for accessories

 

Supplemental Wear  

The uniform dress code shall not prohibit students from wearing coats, jackets and sweaters or layered garments when necessary due to weather conditions. Trench coats and dusters are not permitted. Garments which do not meet the description below under “Indoor Layering Garments” must be removed upon entering the building.

Indoor Layering Garments – If while in the building a student needs to wear a wrap for warmth, it must be worn over an approved uniform top. If the extra garment has a hood, the hood cannot be worn in the building.

• Colors - Majority solid with no more than two color combinations of solid navy, white, ash, or black or school designated color; prints, plaids, camouflage and other patterns or designs are prohibited

• Styles - Cannot bear a logo or name brand symbol or other insignia or message larger than the size of a standard credit card, no more than 2 insignia/emblems per clothing article

The uniform dress code prohibits students from wearing or displaying expressive items on the uniform that may contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others. It also prohibits items that undermine the integrity of the uniform, notwithstanding their expressive nature, such as a sweatshirt or other over-shirt that bears a message and/or covers or replaces the type of shirt required by the uniform dress code.

On special occasions schools will be allowed to have dress down days. The principal at each school will determine the dress down days for that site. Acceptable dress for dress down days will be consistent with the dress code as published in this policy and in the Effingham County Student and Parent Handbook.

High School students who participate in pathway or specialty programs that have prescribed uniform requirements may wear those uniforms throughout the school day provided that the uniforms meet the individual program requirements.

 

General Standards

The following provisions apply to both uniform and dress down days:

• Students are expected to wear clothing in a normal fashion. For example, shorts/pants must be worn with the waistband around the waist.  Pant legs must not drag the floor. Clothing such as belts, flaps, shoes etc., must be fastened.

• Shirts may be unbuttoned three buttons down for polo shirts and only 2 buttons down for all other.  No skin may be shown between the button line and the belt line. 

• Any shirt or top that cannot be tucked in and remain tucked in cannot be worn. Shirt tails may be no longer than fingertip length. (Exceptions may be made for seasonal jackets, coats, sweaters and sweatshirts of appropriate size that are in accordance with the policy).

• Clinging, revealing, immodest or overly form-fitting garments are not allowed. Cleavage must not show. Sundresses that are cut low in the front or lower than the shoulder blades in the back are not allowed. 

• No clothing or accessories which through language or graphics display, exploit, sanction or promote drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gangs, sex, violence, discrimination, vulgarity or unlawful activity are allowed. This would include political messages of any kind.

• Dresses, skirts, and other similar garments shall be no more than five(5) inches above the bend in the back of the knee (measurement will be taken from top of the slit). Shorts, culottes, and other similar garments shall be no more than five(5) inches above the bend of the back of the knee (Shorts and other garments with slits will be measured from the top of the slit.)  The wearing of leggings, tights or similar attire (under jumpers/dresses) does not provide for an exception to the length requirement for dresses, skirts or other similar garments. Acceptable legging colors include(worn under jumpers/dresses): white, tan, black, brown, navy or grey, in solid colors only.

• Proper and acceptable undergarments will be worn at all times. Undergarments should not be visible to others.

• While indoors, students may not wear the hood portion of a hooded jacket.

• Hair should be fixed in an appropriate and acceptable manner with no extreme styles such as mohawks. 

• Matched-pair, fastened, closed-toe and closed-back shoes are required. Students are required to wear safe and appropriate shoes at all times.  

• No clothing, jewelry or accessory which is deemed a safety risk is permitted. Any clothing, jewelry, hair, make-up, fingernails, or any other item which causes a disruption of the school environment may be banned at the discretion of the principal.

• The following are prohibited: 

  • Hats, visors, head scarves, rollers, bandanas, caps sweatbands, do-rags, extreme headbands (such as “character” or “athletic” headbands)

  • Sunglasses

  • Visible tattoos (all tattoos must be covered)

  • Contact lenses that create an unnatural eye effect (such as “Halloween” contact lenses)

  • Visible body piercing (except ears and limited to three per ear in the lobe area) 

  • Clear or covered body piercing(s)

  • Chained wallets, spiked jewelry, mouth grills or fronts

  • See-through garments; sheer see-through, or mesh see-through garments

  • Tank, halter, tube, strapless or crop, or midriff tops

  • Knit or spandex pants, leggings, jogging, exercise/yoga, cargo pants or shorts, skinny jeans, pajamas or loungewear

  • Torn, ripped, frayed or cut clothing

  • Flip flops, thongs, soccer sandals, bedroom shoes, heelys or similar type shoes

  • Extreme hair color, such as blue, orange, pink, green, unnatural red, etc. - hair must be a natural shade or tone

Certain school environments or classes may require more restrictive dress due to safety issues, i.e., Career/Technical classes, science labs, physical education. Students are expected to comply with safety guidelines.

The principal shall have the authority to interpret dress code and make case by case determinations for the appropriateness of dress which is questionable or which is not covered in this policy. The principal may also make exceptions to this uniform and dress code for special events such as spirit week and approved school organization or team affiliated garments. The principal will ultimately decide if the clothing is appropriate.

K-2 Exceptions	The length rule for skirts and shorts will be relaxed; tank tops and sundresses will be allowed.
K-5 Exceptions	The rule regarding tucking in shirts and tops may be relaxed.

 

Compliance

Schools should strive for full compliance using positive reinforcement. Corrective action should only be used when all positive measures have been exhausted.

The correction plan below has been established to address incidents of noncompliance to the Uniform and Dress Code.

Incident #1	Warning, parental contact, and remedy uniform.  Should the remedy require the student to sign out of school, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
Incident #2	Loss of privileges, after-school detention, or ISS
Incident #3	Violation will be addressed in accordance with the Code of Conduct which provides for various consequences depending on a student's discipline record and the severity of the offense. Students not adhering to the dress code will be considered non-compliant except under the following conditions: Students transferring from out of district during the first ten (10) calendar days after registration Students on campus outside of school hours Principals authorize dress down days or give special permission Instructors/advisors obtain permission through the principal and require students to dress in uniforms such as band, ROTC, sports teams, etc.

 

BOOK BAGS

Book bags made entirely out of clear plastic or nylon mesh are the only type allowed in Effingham County schools. Book bags made of other materials will be confiscated, including athletic bags and other such accessory bags and cases.

If a student or parent becomes concerned with the weight of a book bag or backpack, the first step should be to review the backpack safety information distributed by the school system to determine if the book bag is the correct type and is being used correctly.  (See the “Back2Back pack Basics” information at  www.effinghamschools.com/ecsd-handbook in the Student Parent/Handbook Section.) If it is determined that the student is wearing the backpack correctly and carrying only the necessary items and the book bag still weighs more than 20% of the child’s body weight, make an appointment to meet with the student’s teacher(s).  (Note:  middle and high school students may wish to consult directly with the principal.) If, after meeting with the teacher, it is determined that the student is following the correct guidelines for carrying the book bag properly and safely and it still weighs more than 20% of the child’s body weight, make an appointment with the principal to discuss the use of an acceptable rolling backpack. If the principal approves the use of a rolling book bag, the rolling book bag must be inspected and approved by the principal prior to using it. If the school principal does not approve the use of a rolling book bag, students and parents may request a hearing with the school system’s hardship committee. Parents may also request to purchase home sets of textbooks so their child does not have to carry textbooks back and forth to school. A request form for purchasing textbooks is available at each school. As a safety issue, parents are asked to keep children from hanging items, such as stuffed animals or long ribbons, from their book bags. Parents are also asked to adjust the length (cutting off excess, if necessary) of straps and drawstrings so that there are no long, dangling pieces. These items are prone to get caught in the doors and seats of buses and could cause injury.

Attendance JB  - Revised 6/15/2023

The Effingham County Board of Education believes that every child of school attendance age should attend school on a regular basis in order to maximize his/her educational opportunities. Students who are absent from school may never regain some of the experiences which take place during their absences.

It is the intent of the Board of Education that the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law is followed.  Every student shall be in attendance each of the scheduled school days for the full-length of the school day. Arriving late or departing early from school are in violation of the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1). Consequences are set forth in procedures Late Arrival/Early Departure as defined in the Student/Parent Handbook. 

 

EXCUSED ABSENCES

It is the policy of the Board to excuse students from school for the following reasons:

1. Personal illness and whose attendance in school endangers a student’s health or the health of others.

2. Illness or death in the immediate family. The excused illness provision applies to the student’s mother, father, step-mother, step-father, or a blood or legal relative who resides in the student’s household.  The excused death provision applies to the above relatives or for the student’s brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, great-grandmother, great-grandfather, aunt, uncle, great-aunt, great-uncle, cousin, niece, or nephew.

3. Special and recognized religious holidays observed by their faith, necessitating absence from school.

4. Mandated by the order of a governmental agency (such as jury duty or physical exam for the armed services).

5. A student whose parent or legal guardian is in military service in the United States armed forces or National Guard and such parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted excused absences, up to a maximum of five days per school year to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian prior to such parent’s or legal guardian’s deployment or during the parent’s or legal guardian’s leave.

6. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student’s health or safety.

7. Any other absence not explicitly defined herein but deemed by the Superintendent or designee to have merit based on circumstances and may be a non-school sponsored activity.

School days missed as a result of out of school suspension shall be counted as an excused absence for the purpose of determining student truancy.  The absences shall be counted as unexcused for all other purposes.

The principal may in certain circumstances require students to present appropriate medical or other documentation upon return to school for the purpose of validating that absences are excused.

 

ACTIVITY DAY ABSENCES

It is the policy of the Board to mark students present with an Activity Day from school for the following reasons:

1. Students serving as pages of the Georgia Assembly with appropriate documentation.

2. Students in foster care attending court proceedings related to their foster care with appropriate documentation.

3. Students participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H.  Upon request from a school principal or the principal’s designee, students shall provide documentation as proof of participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H.

4. Students visiting prospective colleges; however, the student must received approval from the school administration prior to the visitation. Activity day absences for college visits are limited to one visit during the junior year and two visits during the senior year.  Appropriate documentation must be provided to the school administration.

5. Students participating in a school system approved field trips.  Teachers shall provide appropriate documentation to the school administration.

6. Students participating in a job shadowing, or an apprenticeship program approved by the school system.

7. Students participating in approved extracurricular activities, or school-sponsored activities, such as clubs and/or sports.  Teachers shall provide appropriate documentation to the school administration.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Unexcused absences are all other absences, which are not defined as excused. 

 

CONSECUTIVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES 

A student who has more than ten (10) consecutive unexcused absences, who is not subject to compulsory school attendance, and who is not receiving instructional services through homebound instruction or services required by the federal Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) may be withdrawn from school.  The student will be withdrawn retroactively to the first day of the student’s absence.  The principal or designee shall use his/her best efforts to notify the parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a student if the school system plans to withdraw the student.
 

HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND (HHB)

Hospital/Homebound services are designed to provide continuity of educational services between the classroom and home or hospital in Georgia public schools whose medical needs, either physical or psychiatric, do not allow them to attend school for a limited period of time.  HHB services are not intended to supplant regular school services and are by design temporary.  Students must anticipate being absent from school for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive days or intermittent school days due to a medical or psychiatric condition.  Parents and/or guardians with a student with a health impairment whose conditions may interfere with regular school should consult with the teacher, counselor, or administrator to make an application for the Hospital Homebound program.  The student must have a medical and/or psychiatric condition that is documented by a licensed physician.  The psychiatric condition represented must be listed in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).  The referring licensed physician must be the treating physician for the medical/psychiatric condition for which the student is requesting HHB services.  The student shall be counted present for the entire week when the student is provided instruction on an individual basis or as part of a group by the HHB teacher for a minimum of three hours per week.  HHB students should be coded with HHB in Infinite Campus, which is considered  present.  If the student is not served three hours a week, then the student is marked unexcused for the full week (Monday through Friday).  The unexcused absences will follow the district’s attendance policy.  As outlined in the HHB paperwork, HHB services may be terminated for a variety of reasons.  Services may be terminated when a student is employed in any capacity, goes on vacation, regularly participates in extracurricular activities, or is no longer confined to home.  Additionally, HHB services may be terminated when the parent/guardian cancels three HHB instructional sessions without providing 24 hours notice.

 

TRUANCY 

A student shall not be absent from school or any class or other required function during school hours except as permitted under school attendance policies or Georgia law.  Any student absent from school more than five (5) days without a valid excuse is considered truant.

 

EXCUSED ABSENCE DOCUMENTATION

All excuses should be submitted within three (3) days of return to school. The excuse must note the reason for the absence. A student cannot excuse his or her own absence. Excuses that are received after the third day back to school may not be accepted and the absence may be considered as unexcused.

School principals shall determine whether circumstances warrant the granting of make-up work for suspensions or other unexcused absences.
 

ABSENCES SHALL BE GOVERNED UNDER THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS

Students in grades K-8 who have more than sixteen (16) absences   (excused or unexcused) from school shall not be promoted to the next higher grade.  If a student has more than sixteen (16) absences and has otherwise met the promotion requirements for the grade level, then the school administration will initiate the attendance appeal process by convening the School Hardship Committee.  In such cases, the School Hardship Committee shall review the results of common interim assessments (CIA) and/or the end-of-grade assessment to determine if the student has mastered the required objectives of the course.  If the student has not mastered the required objectives of the course, the student may not be promoted to the next higher grade.

If a middle school student is enrolled in a course that earns high school credit, grades 9-12 attendance requirements will apply.

Students in grades 9-12 who for any reason have more than eight (8) absences (excused or unexcused) from a semester-long course or who have more than sixteen (16) absences (excused or unexcused) from a yearlong course may not earn the unit credit for the course.  If the student has a passing grade in said course, then the school administration will initiate the attendance appeal process by convening the School Hardship Committee.  In such cases, the School Hardship Committee shall review the results of common interim assessments (CIA) and/or the end-of-course assessment to determine if the student has mastered the required objectives of the course.  If the student has not mastered the required objectives of the course, the student may not earn unit credit for the course. 

For students receiving special education or related services, the Individualized Education Plan Committee shall serve as the School Hardship Committee.

Students who have been enrolled in an Effingham County School for only a portion of the school year as well as students who may be enrolled in courses that are scheduled for less than a full semester shall have attendance requirements and rules appropriately prorated.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO REDUCE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: NOTIFICATION

The Effingham County School System will notify the parent, guardian, or other person who has charge of the student when the student has accumulated 5 unexcused absences.  The notice will be sent via the student and will outline the possible penalty and consequences of such absences and that each subsequent absence will constitute a separate offense.  If the parent returns the first notification acknowledgement signed, no further letters need to be sent.  After one week with no response a second notification will be sent via the student.  If the parent returns the letter with acknowledgement signed, no further letters need to be sent.  After a week with no response a third letter will be sent by certified mail return receipt requested or first-class mail. Prior to any action to commence judicial proceedings to impose a penalty for violating O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1 against a parent, guardian or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children, the school shall send a notice to such parent, guardian, or other person by certified mail, return receipt requested. 

 

SCHOOL HARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The school administration is responsible for initiating the attendance appeal process for the School Hardship Committee. A School Hardship Committee shall be established at each school to review student attendance, grades and documentation of absences for students who have exceeded the maximum number of allowable absences. The parent and student will be afforded an opportunity, after reasonable notice served personally or by mail, to discuss the attendance appeal process with the School Hardship Committee and provide any additional documentation.

The School Hardship Committee shall be composed of the following:

1. School Principal or designee

2. One School Guidance Counselor

3. County Attendance Officer (if requested by principal)

4. Two teacher representatives for the school (appointed by the principal)

The School Hardship Committee may grant a waiver to the attendance policy if it deems the student's absences to be beyond the control of the student and the result of some extreme hardship such as severe chronic health problems or a family crisis, as documented by a physician's notes. 

After reviewing the documentation, the School Hardship Committee shall make one of the following determinations:

1. An attendance hardship exists for the student and the attendance policy is waived.  The student in grades K-8 will be promoted to the next grade level without taking the comprehensive examination.  The student in grades 9-12 with a passing grade in said course will earn course credit.

2. An attendance hardship does not exist for a student in grades K-8: however, the student earned a grade of 70 or higher in all four content areas (ELA/Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies).  For students in grades K-8, the school principal or designee shall administer the comprehensive examination to the student.  The student’s comprehensive exam score will be evaluated for a grade of 70 or higher.

If an attendance hardship does not exist for a student in grades 9-12, the student’s end-of-course test for each course will be evaluated for a grade of 70 or higher.  If the course does not have an end-of-course test, the School Hardship Committee will review the results of common interim assessments (CIA) to determine if the student has maintained a 70 or above average.  If so, then the committee will conclude that mastery of content has been met and credit for the course will be awarded.  If the student has not mastered the required objectives of the course, the student may not earn unit credit for the course.

The School Hardship Committee shall make every effort to maintain the intent and purpose of the attendance policy while making allowances for bona fide hardships, which may affect the future well being of the students.

In the event that the School Hardship Committee supports retention or credit denial, the School Hardship Committee must schedule a meeting and/or phone conference with the student’s parent/guardian.

The results of all School Hardship Committee meetings will be mailed home to the primary parent or guardian.

If the student or his/her parent/guardian disagrees with the decision of the School Hardship Committee then he/she may appeal that decision to the Office of Curriculum and Technology for a final ruling.  This appeal shall be limited to the record before the School Hardship Committee and shall only be to determine if the committee has followed the policy and ensure that the committee has not acted arbitrarily, illegally, or discriminated against the student.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

ATTENDANCE, GRADE, AND DISCIPLINE ENHANCEMENT

(MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS)

The Effingham County Board of Education recognizes that student attendance, grades, and discipline are of primary importance. Students with excessive absences, poor grades, and discipline problems are forfeiting a valuable degree of their total education experiences.  In an attempt to improve attendance, academic achievement, and overall discipline at the middle and high schools, the following procedures shall be followed for students in grades six through twelve:

Students shall have the privilege of driving automobiles to school and shall be issued a parking permit if they qualify under existing procedures (i.e. parental consent, licensed, and properly insured).

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities (i.e., clubs, pageants, field trips, “10-Day” activities), a student must:

• Earn a 70% or higher in 5 classes at the end of each nine-weeks’ grading period

• Have less than six (6) unexcused school day absences in a 9 weeks grading period. For the purposes of eligibility, a student is considered present at school for a full day if they are present 4 of 7 periods.

• Have four or less discipline referrals in a nine-weeks’ grading period

Students who do not meet the above criteria shall lose their opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities, and “10-Day” activities during the following nine weeks’ grading period. Middle school athletics will follow high school guidance of eligibility changing at the semester.

Students with good attendance, good grades, and good discipline shall be allowed to regain their privileges to participate in extracurricular activities and to participate in “10-Day” activities.

To regain eligibility to participate in extra-curricular activities (i.e., clubs, pageants, field trips, “10-Day” activities), a student must:

• Earn 70% or higher in 5 classes at the end of a nine-weeks’ grading period

• Have less than six (6) unexcused school day absences in a 9 weeks grading period. For the purposes of eligibility, a student is considered present at school for a full day if they are present 4 of 7 periods.

• Have four or less discipline referrals in a nine-weeks’ grading period

For students attending school for only a portion of the year, absences, grade point averages, and discipline referrals will be appropriately prorated for the time enrolled in school when making an eligibility determination.

 

GENERAL MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC (GHSA) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students gain eligibility to practice or compete for the middle school or high school in Effingham County in which they are enrolled after they have been certified by the principal of that school, after the eligibility forms have been processed by the GHSA office (if applicable), and after the students have met the standards of:

1. Academic requirements

2. Age

3. Semester in high school

4. Residence in the school’s service area

5. Georgia High School Association transfer rules (if applicable)

6. Annual physical examination
    

SPECIFIC ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL OR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

To be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try out in interscholastic activities, a student must be academically eligible. First year students (entering 6th or 9th grade) are eligible academically. To be considered eligible for athletics, a student must:

• Earn a 70% or higher in 5 classes at the end of 1st Semester

• Yearlong final grades will be used for 2nd Semester reporting 

• Have less than six (6) unexcused school day absences in a 9 weeks grading period. For the purposes of eligibility, a student is considered present at school for a full day if they are present 4 of 7 periods.

• Have four or less discipline referrals in a nine-weeks’ grading period

The grade reported to GHSA (high school) for the spring semester will be the yearlong grade.

Athletic academic eligibility lasts for one semester and must be reviewed after each and every semester. The Athletic Director at each high school will submit eligibility reports each semester to the Georgia High School Association. Each school principal is required to provide and monitor the school’s ineligibility list for attendance and discipline each nine-weeks’ grading period.

 

GHSA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS 

• Five (5) high school credits after 1st year

• Eleven (11) high school credits after 2nd year

• Seventeen (17) high school credits after 3rd year

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES - SENIOR PRIVILEGE PERIOD

Rising seniors who have met the eligibility requirements at the end of the second semester of their previous school term may be eligible to be exempted from either the first or the last period of their seven period schedule during their senior year (Senior Privilege Period). Students will not be allowed to remain on campus during the Senior Privilege Period; therefore, personal transportation is required. This privilege is earned during the second semester of the junior year and may be lost if the student fails to follow school rules and Senior Privilege Period guidelines. To be considered for this exemption, a student must:

• Earn a 70% or higher in 5 classes at the end of the previous semester

• Have less than six (6) unexcused school day absences in a 9 weeks grading period. For the purposes of eligibility, a student is considered present at school for a full day if they are present 4 of 7 periods.

• Have four or less discipline referrals in the previous  nine-weeks’ grading period

• Have earned the minimum credits for promotion to grade 12 as required by the local system’s policy.

Seniors may have their Senior Privilege Period revoked at the principal’s discretion for violation of rules within the Effingham County School System Code of Conduct. Parent permission is required for student to participate.

 

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

Students, and their custodial parent(s) or guardians, are ultimately responsible for attendance and absences; however, school officials may attempt to contact, notify and inform custodial parent(s) or guardians of students who have unusual patterns of absences in any class, for any reason, during a nine-week grading period. 

Under no circumstances is it acceptable for a student to falsify their attendance records.

Pre-K and Preschool Intervention Program (PSI) students will follow the attendance guidelines provided by Bright from the Start.  According to Bright from the Start guidelines, Pre-K students that are absent for ten (10) consecutive days may be dropped from the program.

 

LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

For unexcused late arrivals to school and unexcused early departures from school, the following procedures will apply:

• Students who have a total of five (5) yearly cumulative unexcused late arrivals and/or early departures from school will be considered in violation of the Compulsory School Attendance Law and notice will be sent home regarding violation of this law.

• Excuses for tardies/early departures shall be accepted for the following reasons: 

• Personal illness and whose attendance may be detrimental to the health of themselves or others.

• Illness or death in the immediate family.

• Special and recognized religious holidays.

• Mandated by the order of a government agency (such as jury duty or physical exam for armed services).

• Serving as Page to the Georgia General Assembly.

• A student whose parent or legal guardian is in military service in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and such parent has been called to active duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting will be granted excused late arrivals or early departures to visit with his or her parent prior to the parent’s deployment or during the leave.

Indication of an excused early departure or late arrival specified on a school sign in/out sheet by a parent/guardian shall be accepted as a substitute for a written excuse.

Unless a student is signed out of school at least ten (10) minutes prior to the regular school dismissal time, the student will need to remain in class until the regular dismissal time.

Students who accumulate excessive unexcused late arrivals or early departures from school during a 9-week grading period shall receive the following consequences:

 

 

Elementary Schools
Grades	Upon the third (3rd) and any subsequent unexcused late arrival or early departure per 9-week grading period, the student may receive a zero for class participation in the first (for late arrival) or last (for early departure) academic subject of the day for each and every violation during the 9-week period. This is a site-based decision at the authority of the principal.
Make-up Work	Teachers may not be required to provide make-up work for unexcused late arrivals/early departures unless the school principal determines that circumstances warrant the granting of such make-up work.  If the student needs to complete make-up work due to unexcused late arrivals and/or unexcused early departures, the student shall make up the work during P.E., music, or recess on the same or following day.
Pre-K Bright from the Start policy States	“Children who do not attend class, are late, or leave early for 10 consecutive days without a medical excuse or other reasonable explanation, must be removed from the roster, and Bright from the Start must be immediately notified in writing that such action has been taken.”
Middle Schools
Discipline	Students who accumulate more than two (2) unexcused late arrivals and/or more than two (2) unexcused early departures from school during a 9-week grading period shall be subject to the appropriate consequences according to progressive discipline measures which may include detention, in-school suspension, and out-of-school suspension. * Days suspended will increase accordingly after eight (8) unexcused tardies/early departures during a 9-week period.
High Schools
Discipline	High school students missing more than 10 minutes from any class are considered absent for that class. Missing less than 10 minutes from any class is considered to be a tardy/early departure. Students who accumulate more than two (2) unexcused late arrivals and/or more than two (2) unexcused early departures from any class during a 9-week grading period shall be subject to the appropriate consequences according to progressive discipline measures which may include detention, in-school suspension, and out-of-school suspension.  *Days suspended will increase accordingly after six (6) unexcused tardies/early departures during a 9-week period.

 

TEEN-AGE & ADULT DRIVER - RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Georgia’s Teen-age and Adult Driver Responsibility Act of 1997 requires that local school systems certify whether or not a student’s attendance pattern and discipline record allow him or her to have a Georgia Driver’s permit or license. This section of the law became effective on January 1, 1998.  O.C.G.A. § 40-5-22 stipulates that the issuance of a driver’s license and driver’s permit to minors will be based on student enrollment.

Driving curfews also apply to any Class D license holders prohibited from driving between 12 and 5 AM. During the first six months an individual holds a Class D driver’s license, they may not drive with any non-family passengers under the age of 21.

 

CERTIFICATE OF SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Students must present a Certificate of School Enrollment when applying for a driver’s license or permit. This certificate may be obtained from the counselors’ office for a $5 fee. Allow at least 48 hours (two working days) for the certificate to be prepared. This certificate is good for thirty (30) days. If a driver’s license or permit is applied for after the certificate has expired, then the student must obtain another certificate for $5 and allow at least two working days for processing.

Students who plan to obtain a permit or license during the summer months must obtain a Certificate of School Enrollment prior to summer break. Certificates issued prior to summer break are valid for ninety (90) days.

CREDIT RECOVERY

Each high school provides students an opportunity for credit recovery for courses where no credit was earned.  Interested students should contact the counselor’s office or instructional supervisor for additional information. Opportunities for credit recovery during the summer months may be made available depending upon state funding.

 

ENGLISH SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)

Effingham County Schools offer English language support services to qualified students in grades K-12 who have a home language other than English.  At the time of enrollment, these students are administered an English language proficiency assessment to determine eligibility for additional language support.  Identified English Learners are evaluated annually to determine progress towards English language proficiency.

 

GIFTED PROGRAM

Effingham County Schools offer gifted programs for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, in accordance with state law.  Students may receive services through one or more state approved delivery model. Anyone familiar with a student’s academic performance and ability may make a referral for consideration of testing into the gifted program.

To be considered eligible for GT placement, a student must meet the following criteria set forth by the state of Georgia:

• Psychometrically:  Score at the 99th percentile (K-2) or the 96th percentile (3-12) on the composite or full scale score of a standardized test of mental ability OR

• Multiple Criteria Approach:  Qualify through a multiple-criteria assessment process by meeting the criteria in any three of the following four areas: mental ability (intelligence), achievement, creativity, and motivation. 

• Mental Ability: minimum score of the 96th percentile on the composite or component score;

• Achievement: a minimum score of the 90th percentile on the total battery, total reading, or total math;

• Creativity: a minimum score of the 90th percentile on a standardized test of creativity;

• Motivation: Grades K-8– A minimum score of the 90th on a standardized gifted evaluation scale. Grades 9-12  -  a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale where 4.0=A and a 3.0=B using an average of grades from the regular school program over the previous two school years.  Grades from the following subjects will be used:  math, science, English / language arts, social studies, and foreign language.  (GA regulations state that the GPA should be at that level which is achieved by no more than 10% of the students in each grade level.)

Parents may schedule conferences with the school’s gifted resource teacher or gifted program facilitator to discuss the program, referral procedures and eligibility requirements, as well as the student’s eligibility status after an evaluation. Students will not be evaluated more than once within two calendar years.

 

SCHOOL  COUNSELING & SERVICES

Each Effingham County school employs a minimum of one counselor. School counselors design and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student achievement and student social and emotional health. These programs are comprehensive in scope, preventive in design and developmental in nature. A comprehensive school counseling program is standards-based and data driven, and an integral component of the school’s academic mission.  It focuses on academic, career, and social/emotional curriculum that is delivered through classroom lessons, small group, and individual consultation.

 

ANIMAL-ASSISTED INTERVENTION THERAPY DOGS

The therapy dogs will periodically visit students, faculty, and staff during school days and special events to provide comfort and affection. The therapy dog teams will partner with school-based therapists upon request to provide care for students. The teams will visit classrooms and partner in the activities and work of counselors, social workers, and school psychologists. We will honor all known fears, boundaries, and allergies with the greatest respect. All therapy dog teams must be individually approved through the Central Office each year prior to visiting any ECSD campuses.

 

SUICIDE/SELF HARM IDEATIONS - PARENTAL NOTIFICATION & INVOLVEMENT

Parents or guardians should be contacted as soon as possible after a student has been identified as being at risk for suicide or self-harm. The person who contacts the family is typically the principal, designee, or staff member with a relationship with the student or family.  This procedure is put in place for the safety of the student.  Please note that a re-entry meeting after the emergency conference is part of the process.  If the student is under the age of 18 and the parent/guardian refuses to contact a mental health provider or come to the school for a meeting when notified of the situation, the school shall contact and file a negligent report with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). 

 

MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (MHERT)

When a student is exhibiting an apparent mental health crisis, a team of school-based professionals will respond to support the student. Each MHERT is led by a school-based administrator. Other team members may include a counselor, school psychologist, school nurse, special education teacher, and School Resource Deputy (SRD).  Please note that a re-entry meeting after the emergency conference is part of the process.

 

READING RECOVERY

The Reading Recovery Program serves first grade students at all elementary schools to help correct reading deficiencies for eligible students in a one-on-one atmosphere. Reading Recovery teachers also serve students working below grade level in grades K-5 as needed in small group atmospheres to target reading and writing deficits.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION/EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

Special education is specially designed instruction provided at no cost to parents that meets the unique needs of a student with a disability. Children are identified and served from age three through 22 in accordance with state and federal law.

1. The law ensures that all eligible children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living;
   [34  CFR  300.1 (a) ]

2. Ensures that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; [34  CFR  300.1 (b) ]

3. Assists educational agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and [34 CFR  300.1 (c) ]

4. Assesses and ensures the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities; [34  CFR  300.1 (d) ]

5. According to IDEA, students are entitled to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) until he or she reaches their 22nd birthday.  When a student turns 22, FAPE ends.  Students will not return to school after his or her 22nd birthday.  Parents will receive prior written notice related to graduation or ‘age out’ the semester before the student turns 22.

For more information about the referral, assessment, eligibility, placement and/or the IEP process, please contact the Department of Exceptional Students at 754-5623 or visit our system website, https://www.effinghamschools.com/ExceptionalStudents

 

PARENT REQUEST FOR STUDENT OBSERVATION BY SELF OR OTHER

A parent is required to complete a Request for Observing a Student and Effingham County School District Confidentiality Agreement. The parent will contact the school administrator to obtain these forms. Virtual observations will not be permitted.

 

PARENT REQUEST FOR OBSERVATION BY PRIVATE THERAPIST 

All requests must be initiated by the parent or guardian. The parent will complete the Request for Observing a Student and the private therapist/private observer will complete additional documentation.  The parent will contact the school administrator to obtain these forms.  Virtual observations will not be permitted.

PRIVATE THERAPY DURING SCHOOL DAY

Therapy provided by a private therapist is not permitted on school campuses; however, Georgia APEX and Building Blocks Family Counseling are approved school-based mental health providers. In addition, enCompass Academy students may receive private therapy approved through the Department of Exceptional Students.

 

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Communication with parents specific to a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be conducted by a certified staff member.  Paraprofessionals will not share information with parents. IEP meeting notices and other documents may be shared via email.

 

MINDSET/CRISIS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

In compliance with State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.35 SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT FOR ALL STUDENTS, Effingham County School District utilizes MindSet protocol when responding to students in crisis. Through the implementation of MindSet, our system responds to students in crisis with an emphasis on counseling and de-escalation in an effort to eliminate the need for therapeutic/physical restraint. In accordance with State Board Rule 160-5-1-.35, therapeutic restraint is only used as a last resort when there is harm to self, harm to others, or harm is imminent. Each school has a team of trained staff members who have successfully completed the MindSet curriculum training, to include a written assessment and demonstration of skills. Please contact the Director of Exceptional Students for more information. 

 

SECTION 504 PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS AND NOTICE OF RIGHTS

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as "Section 504," is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

For more information regarding Section 504, please contact Ms. Deidre Ford at 754-6491 or visit our system website, https://www.effinghamschools.com/Section504

The implementing regulations for Section 504 as set out in 34 CFR Part 104 provides parents and/or students with the following rights:

1. Your child has the right to an appropriate education designed to meet his or her individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.33.

2. Your child has the right to free educational services except for those fees that are imposed on non-disabled students or their parents. Insurers and similar third parties who provide services not operated by or provided by the recipient are not relieved from an otherwise valid obligation to provide or pay for services provided to a disabled student. 34 CFR 104.33.

3. Your child has a right to participate in an educational setting (academic and nonacademic) with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate to his or her needs. 34 CFR 104.34.

4. Your child has a right to facilities, services, and activities that are comparable to those provided for non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.34.

5. Your child has a right to an evaluation prior to a Section 504 determination of eligibility. 34 CFR 104.35.

6. You have the right to not consent to the school system’s request to evaluate your child. 34 CFR 104.35.

7. You have the right to ensure that evaluation procedures, which may include testing, conform to the requirements of 34 CFR 104.35.

8. You have the right to ensure that the school system will consider information from a variety of sources as appropriate, which may include aptitude and achievement tests, grades, teacher recommendations and observations, physical conditions, social or cultural background, medical records, and parental recommendations. 34 CFR 104.35.

9. You have the right to ensure that placement decisions are made by a group of persons, including persons knowledgeable about your child, the meaning of the evaluation data, the placement options, and the legal requirements for least restrictive environment and comparable facilities. 34 CFR 104.35.

10. If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic reevaluations, including prior to any subsequent significant change of placement. 34 CFR 104.35.

11. You have the right to notice prior to any actions by the school system regarding the identification, evaluation, or placement of your child. 34 CFR 104.36.

12. You have the right to examine your child’s educational records. 34 CFR 104.36.

13. You have the right to an impartial hearing with respect to the school system’s actions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement, with opportunity for parental participation in the hearing and representation by an attorney. 34 CFR 104.36.

14. You have the right to receive a copy of this notice and a copy of the school system’s impartial hearing procedure upon request. 34 CFR 104.36.

15. If you disagree with the decision of the impartial hearing officer (school board members and other district employees are not considered impartial hearing officers), you have a right to a review of that decision according to the school system’s impartial hearing procedure. 34 CFR 104.36.

16. You have the right to, at any time, file a complaint with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Any student, parent or guardian (“grievant”) may request an impartial hearing due to the school system’s actions or inactions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement under Section 504. Requests for impartial hearing must be in writing to the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator; however, a grievant’s failure to request a hearing in writing does not alleviate the school system’s obligation to provide an impartial hearing if the grievant orally requests an impartial hearing through the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator. The school system’s Section 504 Coordinator will assist the grievant in completing the written Request for Hearing. The Section 504 Coordinator may be contacted through the school system’s central office. Copies of the 504 Procedural Safeguards and Notice of Rights of Students and Parents under Section 504 may be found at the system website or may be picked up at the central office or at any of the school offices.  

LACK OF SUPERVISION  

Per Georgia Department of Human Resources guidelines, children eight years or younger should not be left alone.  Children between the ages of nine years and twelve years, based on level of maturity, may be left alone for brief periods of time (less than two hours); and children thirteen years and older, who are at an adequate level of maturity, may be left alone and may perform the role of babysitter, as authorized by the parent, for up to twelve hours.

Any child eight years or younger that rides the school bus home in the afternoon will need a parent or babysitter that is visible to the bus driver, not in a vehicle or in the house. The babysitter or other designated adult must be registered with the school on the child’s emergency contact list. If the parent or babysitter is not at the designated stop when the bus arrives, the bus driver will radio the school so a parent can be contacted and the incident will be documented. The parent and/or babysitter will be allowed three incidents before action is taken. After three documented incidents from the driver to the school the following protocol will occur:

Incident #3	a letter is sent home to the parent from the school with the documented days
Incident #4	all riding privileges shall be suspended until the parent has a parent conference with a school administrator and an administrator from the Transportation Office
Incident #5	Loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year

  

RIDING A SCHOOL BUS

Although we are committed to the safety of students on the bus and at the bus stop, there are situations that require your assistance and participation in order to ensure the safety of your children when walking to and from the bus stop. Sometimes, children can be exposed to a dangerous situation because of their own or others behavior.

Riding the school bus is a privilege for students, and maintaining proper behavior while on the bus is expected in order to protect the safety of all students. Riding the bus also ensures that students will arrive to school on time each day. All pupils being transported are under the authority of the bus driver and must obey his/her requests. Students must be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the time for the bus to arrive. The bus will not wait on students who are not at the stop when it arrives. This is necessary in order to complete routes in the time allotted and have students arrive at school on time. Students should remain 12 feet away from the road in a safe area while waiting on the bus. Students must not eat or drink on the bus for their safety and the safety of others. Students may not transport anything on the school bus that will not safely sit on their laps while in their seated position. Students must sit in the seat assigned by the driver or school administrator. School rules apply on the bus just as on campus or at other school events, and bus behavior is specifically covered in the Code of Conduct.  Bus drivers will make disciplinary referrals to the school administration that may result in a conference and warning, or the denial of a student’s right to ride the bus for a given number of days and/or the remainder of the school year. The administration reserves the right to exercise administrative prerogative as necessary. Parents, guardians and others should not attempt to board a school bus during the bus route.  O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1181: It shall be unlawful for any person to disrupt or interfere with the operation of any public school, public school bus, or public school bus stop as designated by local school boards of education. Any person violating this code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. 

 

School Bus Stop Safety/Behavior

There are serious safety issues for students while waiting at the school bus stop. Students are responsible for their actions and behavior while waiting at the school bus stop. School bus transportation can be denied if students do not conduct themselves properly.

The following are essential behaviors for student safety while at the school bus stop. Students should:

1. Get up and get ready on time. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come.

   • Students have been struck by their school bus when they arrived late in the boarding process and the bus driver was unaware of their presence. The five minute target ensures the loading of the bus takes place in a routine manner, even if the student is running a couple of minutes late or the bus is running a couple of minutes early. Any break in the normal safety routine places the student in grave danger
      

2. Go back home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus. Get someone you know to take you to school. NEVER CHASE AFTER THE BUS, NEVER WALK TO ANOTHER BUS STOP AND TELL YOUR PARENTS TO NEVER DRIVE YOU TO ANOTHER BUS STOP. Your bus driver will not be expecting you and you will be in grave danger when approaching the unsuspecting school bus driver. It is better to be late for school and be safe!

   • Students have been struck by vehicles or by their school bus when they missed their bus and tried to board a school bus at an unscheduled stop. Any break in the normal safety routine places the student in grave danger.
      

3. Have all items in your book bag before you leave home so you don’t drop anything.

   • Students have been struck by other vehicles when they dropped something and went after it at the bus stop or struck by their school bus when they dropped something and tried to retrieve it when getting onto the bus.

4. Wait in a safe place, 12 feet away from traffic

   • Students have been struck by passing vehicles at the bus stop when they got too close to traffic.

5. Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Tell your bus driver, your teacher or your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

6. Respect the property of homeowners at the bus stop and also keep the noise down.

7. Respect the rights and safety of other students.

8. Wait in a “single file” line or in an orderly group.

9. Avoid horseplay.

10. Refrain from pushing or shoving.

11. Form an orderly line as the bus approaches, with the 1st student in line standing 12 feet away from the road.

12. Keep electronic equipment packed away when preparing to board. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds/headphones when boarding. You MUST be able to hear!

13. Wait before moving to the school bus.

 

ALTERATIONS TO REGULAR TRANSPORTATION

When students make a change to their daily transportation pattern, a written notice from the parent/guardian with a phone number at which the parents can be reached is required. For example, if a student routinely rides the bus but will be picked up by a parent or someone else for a single day or several days, then a note would be required.

 

RIDING ANOTHER BUS/GOING HOME WITH A FRIEND

Students are expected to ride the bus to which they have been assigned. Students wishing to ride another bus, such as to a friend’s or babysitter’s house, must follow these procedures:

1. Bring a written request from the parent/ guardian with a phone number at which a parent can be reached to verify the request. If the parent cannot be reached to verify the note, the principal may choose to deny the request and the student will be sent home in the usual manner. Any student bringing a note that is not written by the parent/guardian will be subject to the disciplinary action associated with the policy on forgery. The physical address of where the student is to be dropped off must be included in the note.

2. Report to homeroom or class and present a note from their parent/guardian to the teacher. Notes will be verified and a Boarding Pass will be returned to the student. 

3. Give the Boarding Pass to the bus driver as you board the bus. Students who fail to follow this procedure and whose notes cannot be verified with a call to the parents will not be allowed to leave school on other than their assigned bus.

Note: Students who are attending school under School Choice Privilege are not allowed to utilize school transportation.

MILITARY RECRUITMENT

Federal law requires that secondary student information (names, addresses, and telephone listings) be released to armed forces recruiters. As a part of this law, parents have the right to notify the school in writing to not release the name, address, and telephone number to recruiters of the armed forces of the United States or institutions of higher education.

 

PUBLICITY RELEASES

In addition to the honor roll, Effingham County Schools publicize students’ outstanding achievements and the activities of the students through various media.

We welcome the myriad of media coverage of our students, staff and programs and provide access to all public information through cooperative efforts among representatives of the media and district personnel, giving due consideration to the responsibilities and operating guidelines of both the schools and the media.

Effingham County Schools will not knowingly allow reporters to interview students under 18 years of age without parental consent. Site principals will determine the best time for any interviews, minimizing class time missed.

Media representatives may be present at school events, and students occasionally participate in live, public programs. College students completing internships and practicums compile portfolios of their experiences, which sometimes contain photos of students. Schools also publish yearbooks that contain photographs and names of students as well as honor roll, awards & student work.

• Specifically, regarding publishing of student work and information on school-sponsored websites, the following guidelines apply:

  • Publishing student photographs and exceptional work is permitted except for students whose parents have declined permission by submitting a written statement to the school;

  • All published material and external links must clearly support and/or augment the curricular objectives.

Information about school related activities may be found on the internet as well as on school-sponsored publications. Accordingly, the district reserves the right to exercise editorial control over such publications.

 

STUDENT RECORDS AND DIRECTORY INFORMATION

It is the policy of the Effingham County Board of Education that all employees shall comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Student Data Privacy, Accessibility, and Transparency Act of Georgia. All parents, guardians and students over the age of 18 have the right to inspect and review education records for accuracy, as provided by federal law under FERPA. In addition, the Board has developed and adopted student privacy policies in consultation with parents in accordance with federal law.  The Board has determined that the following can be released as “directory information” unless a parent, legal guardian or eligible student makes a timely request, in writing, to the principal of the school where the student is enrolled that such information not be designated as directory information:

• Student’s name, address and telephone number

• Student’s date and place of birth

• Student’s district assigned email address

• Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports

• Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team

• Dates of attendance at schools within the school district

• Honors and awards received during the time enrolled in the district’s schools

• Photograph

• School and grade level

The Board of Education further protects the directory information of students by limiting release of directory information to certain parties and for approved purposes, as specified below:

• School publications, such as a school yearbooks, website, school newspapers, etc.

• Media outlets providing coverage of student academic, athletic, and extracurricular competitions, honors, and awards.

• Certain vendors, approved by the Superintendent, who provide specialized items of interest to high school students including, but not limited to, those vendors marketing class rings, graduation invitations, and graduation attire.

• Non-profit organizations who have been determined by the Superintendent to provide services that may enhance the instructional program of the school, including, but not limited to, the local YMCA, 4-H Club, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Big Brother / Big Sister organizations.

• Outside researchers, when research is determined by the Superintendent to have merit to the improvement of the school system.

• Other purposes, as approved by the Superintendent.

In addition, two federal laws require school systems receiving federal financial assistance to provide military recruiters, upon request, with students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers unless parents have advised the school system that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.

The above information can also be found in the Student Records Policy, which may be viewed online at www.effinghamschools.com/eBoard.

 

UPDATING STUDENT INFORMATION

Any changes in a student’s residence, family circumstance, and phone numbers should be immediately reported to the school office or the district’s Central Registration Center to maintain accurate student data.

 

PARENT / STUDENT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

The district utilizes a notification system to send parents and students general and targeted notifications via voice, text, and e-mail messaging.  Parents and students are encouraged to update their preferences for receipt of such notifications via the Contact Preferences link on Infinite Campus Portal. Special education records will be destroyed per 34 CFR 300.624.  Public notice will be provided on the District website. Please contact Dr. Ashly Hunter for more information.

HEAD LICE MANAGEMENT

Schools will recognize a maximum of three days of excused absences for the treatment of head lice per school year. Days in excess of three will be considered as unexcused. Schools will take an active role in educating parents and children about head lice and its prevention. Teachers, counselors, nurses and administrators will seek to find the best means to communicate effectively with these groups. The following procedures have been developed for dealing with the head lice problem.

1. If a child is suspected of having head lice, the school  clinic/nurse will be notified. Parents who find and treat head lice at home should immediately notify the school nurse. The child must be brought to school by the parent/guardian for clearance before attending school and riding the bus.

2. Children showing active symptoms will be checked by the school nurse, or his/her designee.

3. The parent will be asked to pick up the infested student immediately. An information sheet will be provided to inform parents about how to get rid of the infestation. The child having head lice will be excluded from class until he or she is picked up, treated, and lice free.

4. When the students have left at the end of the school day, the school classroom where an incidence of head lice has been found will be cleaned to help prevent the spread of the condition. Parents should follow the instructions for home environment cleaning to prevent re-infestation. No toxic chemical sprays should be used.

5. The school principal will communicate with the parents in the classroom informing them of the presence of head lice and the precautions that should be taken.

6. When the hair has been properly treated and the nits/lice removed, parents must bring the child to school with evidence of treatment used to be rechecked by the school nurse. Please note that students cannot ride the bus until they have been checked and cleared for return to class. If no head lice are found, the child will be readmitted to class.  If the school nurse determines that an infestation remains, the parent must continue treatment at home until the nurse clears the child to return to class.

7. Chronic or recurring cases will be referred to the local Department of Family and Children Services for assistance in dealing with the problem. Chronic or recurring cases that result in excessive absences will result in referral to the attendance officer and may cause failure to progress to the next grade or to receive credit for the course.

 

CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

Any student with a chronic health condition (such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, seizure disorders, etc.) must provide an Action Plan (care plan), signed by the parent and physician. The Action Plan details specific care and management of the condition at school. In addition, all supplies, equipment, and medication needed for the chronic condition are to be provided by the parent. In order to provide safe and appropriate care for your child at school, the Action Plan with doctor’s orders, medications, and/or equipment must be provided within 2 weeks of starting school. Failure to provide these items will result in the parent providing the care at school or the student will be excluded from school until all necessary items are received by the school nurse. Action Plan forms are available from the school nurse or on the system website at https://www.effinghamschools.com/HealthServices > Forms

 

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

Any student who becomes ill at school should immediately notify his or her teacher, or if between classes, the teacher of the next class, receiving a pass to the nurse’s office. In the case of a medical emergency, or if a student is too ill to remain in class, every effort will be made to contact the parents/guardians or the emergency contact person listed on the student’s registration form. Sick students who are contagious with active symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, cough, shortness of breath, rashes and/or fever must not be sent to school. Students with a fever of 100.2 or above must be excluded from school and should not return until they are fever free or active symptom free for 24 hours without Tylenol or other fever reducing medications.  Students returning too early may be sent home.

Please alert the school about any medical condition and/or allergy a student has that may require attention at any time during the school day. Students who demonstrate symptoms of severe allergic reaction and/or anaphylactic shock, may be given emergency epinephrine injection.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS

The state law of Georgia requires that all students enrolled in a public school must have an up to date immunization record provided by the parents / guardians, unless an affidavit of religious objection to immunization is submitted in accordance with the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2-.07. Minimum immunization requirements for the issuance of Georgia School Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) & attendance in Georgia schools are determined by the Georgia Department of Public Health and are available, upon request, at the local health department. Students who do not have a current complete immunization form 3231 will be withdrawn from school.

 

JGCD - MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION AT SCHOOL POLICY
(Revised 7/20/23)

In the interest of maintaining a healthy environment for student learning, and to provide for the welfare of students, the Effingham County Board of Education has established the following provisions for the administration of medication at school.

Students requiring medication for their medical condition should under normal circumstances take such medication either before coming to school or after they return home. It is essential that the parents or guardians of each student promptly advise the principal or the school nurse of any medical condition of the student which might reasonably require the services of the school nurse during the school day.

To the extent such medication must be taken during school hours or while school-related and extra-curricular events are on-going, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to follow this policy regarding administration of medication:

• All prescribed medication will require signed and dated physician’s orders.

• Parent or guardian must sign and place on file with the nurse or school principal, a medication permission form available in the nurse's office;

• Parents or a guardian must deliver all medications to the school along with the signed medication form. In the event that a parent or guardian cannot deliver medication to the school, alternate arrangements must be made with the school principal.

• Students may NOT transport medication to the nurse.

• Nurses must receive medication in its original pharmaceutical container, clearly labeled as to the name of the student, name of medication, appropriate dosage, times of dosage and will administer only the actual amount as prescribed on the label.

• In the absence of a school nurse, the teacher, coach, or other supervising adult designated by the school principal shall administer medication, provided the written documentation permitting such is on file with the school, in accordance with board policy and state law.

A student for whom the school has on file supporting medical documentation may carry at all times with parental/guardian permission inhalers for asthma, auto-injectable epinephrine for allergic reactions, ready-to-use glucagon and all necessary supplies and equipment to perform monitoring and treatment functions authorized by the student’s diabetes medical management plan or medication and supplies authorized by the student’s seizure action plan. Students authorized to self-administer such medications shall be instructed not to permit any other student to handle, possess, or otherwise attempt to use his/her medication and shall be informed that violations of such instructions will be dealt with in accordance with the student code of conduct.

In order for the student to carry and self-administer such medications, or in order for the school to store and administer the medication for students who are unable to self-administer because of age or any other reason, parents must provide a written statement from a licensed physician confirming that the student is able to self-administer the medication, if applicable, and written permission from the parent for the nurse or designated employee to consult with the doctor regarding any questions that may arise concerning the medication.  Such permission shall release the school district and its employees and agents from civil liability for administering such medication to students, or if the self-administering student suffers an adverse reaction as a result of self-administration of such medication. The terms of this paragraph may be met through a student’s diabetes medical management plan or seizure action plan developed and implemented pursuant to state law.

Parents are encouraged to provide to the schools duplicate medication and supplies in the event a student is unable to self-administer or fails to bring the medication or equipment to School.

Nurses or other school employees are authorized to administer an auto injectable epinephrine, if available, to a student who is having an actual or perceived anaphylactic adverse (allergic) reaction, regardless of whether the student has a prescription for epinephrine. Such persons are also authorized to administer levalbuterol sulfate or albuterol sulfate, if available, to a student in perceived respiratory distress, regardless of whether the student has a prescription for levalbuterol sulfate or albuterol sulfate. Any school employee who in good faith administers or chooses not to administer auto injectable epinephrine or levalbuterol sulfate or albuterol sulfate to a student in such circumstances shall be immune from civil liability.

All students, parents and guardians are also expected to cooperate with the school in its Drug Abuse Prevention Program. In order to protect all students, especially those who may have a known or unknown reaction to certain drugs, students who have in their possession prescription or over-the-counter medication not in accordance with these guidelines including aspirin, vitamins, cold medications, etc., or controlled substances will be considered in violation of the school district's drug policy and shall be subject to the discipline set forth in the student code of conduct and student/parent handbook.

*Cough drops are allowed under this policy.

ADDITIONAL MEDICATION GUIDELINES

• Herbal/Alternative/Complementary Medications or Dietary Supplements: Herbal medications/supplements are not to be given or self-administered at school. These products are not approved by the FDA; FDA regulates only product label information and often lacks data regarding safety, efficacy, and dosages in children. There may be side effects when mixing herbal medications/supplements with other medications the student may be taking. Use of these products should be managed at home. Students who carry these products to school will be violating the school drug policy.

• Experimental (or Off Label) medications: Children requiring treatment of a condition with these medications will require written documentation from the prescribing physician including the name, dose, condition prescribed for, and current information on side effects and precautions, as well as any specific directions for administration at school.

Unanticipated exposure to blood or body fluids: If a staff member or student is exposed to blood or body fluids, the affected area is to be immediately washed with soap and water or the area flushed with water, and the following protocol followed and documented:

1. Report exposure to the school nurse immediately following washing the area. If there is a needle stick, the nurse will report to the Board of Education Director of Benefits/Worker Compensation immediately but not later than 2-4 hours after the exposure. Employees will follow the guidelines for Worker Compensation injuries. Students/visitors will be referred to the local ER for evaluation of needed treatment.

2. School nurse will contact the local Public Health Office.

3. The Board of Education may require permission of the person whose blood was exposed to be tested for any serious infectious disease such as Hepatitis B and/or HIV.

Any additional medication situations, not specifically addressed in this policy will follow the School Health Manual guidelines.

 

GEORGIA STUDENT HEALTH SURVEY

As part of the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Office of School Safety and Climate and other school/educational programs, students will participate in anonymous surveys periodically. If you prefer that your child NOT participate, please notify your child’s principal in writing. Otherwise, consent is implied. Copies of all surveys are available upon request. 

 

DYSLEXIA

In 2019, Georgia’s Legislature signed Senate Bill 48 into law. As a result of the legislation, districts are required to screen students in kindergarten through grade three for characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders. The district will utilize Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Reading Fluency-an online, adaptive benchmark and progress monitoring assessment. The online assessment measures foundational skills and comprehension. The universal and dyslexia screener will assist the district with identifying students with possible risk factors for reading difficulty, including characteristics of dyslexia. If a parent/guardian prefers that their child NOT participate in the dyslexia screening process, please notify your child’s principal in writing. Otherwise, consent is implied.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

It is a good practice to mark coats, hats and personal belongings with a student’s name. Students are advised to bring with them to school only those items essential for their classwork. Other items frequently cause disruption, get misplaced or stolen. Cosmetics, personal hygiene, and similar type items are unnecessary in the classroom. Items such as deodorants, perfumes and sprays are not to be used on school buses at all, and should remain inside a student’s bag while in transport.  

Teachers are authorized to collect any items which may be unnecessary for class and pose an interruption or interfere with classroom instruction or good order. High school students’ vehicles parked on school grounds are subject to searches by school administrators and law enforcement officers at the request of the school administration. Students are responsible and will be held accountable for the contents within their vehicle.

 

DELIVERIES (FLOWER/BALLOONS/GIFTS/Food)

Students are not allowed to receive flowers, balloons or gift deliveries at school. Students are not allowed to have food delivered (via DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc.) during the school day. Food will be confiscated and students will receive disciplinary action from school administration. Students are allowed to bring a lunch from home.

 

PARTIES/SOCIALS

Parties are designed primarily for the benefit of students enrolled in the school. Parents should refrain from bringing siblings or other non-enrolled children to school parties. Schools will provide guidance regarding parties/socials procedures.

 

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

Effingham County school students, parents and staff shall not distribute pamphlets, letters, brochures, petitions or other such printed materials, to or through students or their immediate families during school, without written approval of the school administration. Please refer to the school system’s advertising policy, which applies to employees as well as students, parents and the community.

 

LIST OF CURRENT SCHOOL CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Per State law, the Effingham County School System is required to notify parents or legal guardians regarding the various school clubs and organizations offered at each school. If a parent or legal guardian does not want their child to participate in a particular club or organization, they must, within the first 10 days of each school year, inform the school in writing.

“Clubs and organizations” means a group comprised of students who wish to organize and meet for common goals, objectives, or purposes and which is directly under the sponsorship, direction and control of the school.  This term shall include any activities reasonably related to such clubs and organizations, but shall not include competitive interscholastic activities or events.

All information contained in the Appendix are local Effingham County Board of Education policies, or state and federal law which binds their policies.  It is the information contained in this section and in all school board policy that governs all school personnel, operations and procedures.  The complete Effingham County Board of Education policy manual can be viewed at www.effinghamschools.com/eBoard.

 

JBCA - RESIDENT STUDENTS POLICY
(Revised 3/15/2018)

I.  Definitions

1. Parent / Guardian - A natural or adoptive parent, guardian by order of the court, or other person having control or charge of a child that produces one of the following at the time of registration:

   1. A Grandparent Power of Attorney in accordance with O.C.G.A. 19-9-129. 

   2.  A Special Military Power of Attorney in accordance with O.C.G.A. 20-2-2170.

   3. Other person having full-time control of a student, having completed a Kinship Caregiver Affidavit in accordance with Effingham County Schools Policy JBC School Admissions.

 

II.  Resident Students

Public education from Kindergarten through high school is free for all children who are bona fide residents of Effingham County.  The Effingham County Board of Education has a legitimate interest in protecting and preserving the quality of the Effingham County School System and the rights of bona fide residents to attend public schools on a tuition-free basis.

In order for a child under the age of eighteen (18) years to establish a bona fide residence for the purpose of attending the free public schools of this county separate and apart from his or her parent / guardian, it must be clearly established to the satisfaction of the school district that his or her presence in this county is full time (i.e. 12 months a year), and that it is not for the primary purpose of attending its free, public schools.

A student whose residence is situated on a parcel of land which has a boundary extending into Effingham County shall be considered as a resident for the purpose of attending its free public schools.

Provided there is sufficient room on an existing bus route as determined by the manufacturer’s rated capacity and the Transportation Coordinator, bus transportation to and from a student’s provider of care may be permitted.  This provision only applies within the district boundaries of the school. 

At any time, upon request by school or district staff, the parent / guardian shall be required to present proof of residency (such as an electric bill, city water bill, etc.) and to certify that the student is a full time resident, (i.e. 12 months a year).  This certification may also be dependent on visual inspection by school district officials.  If visual inspection (or home visits) do not confirm residency, the child shall not be considered a bona fide resident. A child who lives with a relative or a temporary guardian during the school year but returns to the home of his or her parent(s) after the school year ends, unless required to return to a parental home by court order, shall not be considered a bona fide resident for the purpose of attending public schools on a tuition-free basis.

Each school age child, not enrolled in a valid home study or private school program, should attend the appropriate school located in the school attendance zone of this county in which he or she resides unless the parent makes application and is approved to attend a school in an attendance zone other than the one in which the student resides under one or more of the following provisions:

• Provisions of state or federal law;

• The Provisions of Effingham County Board of Education Policy JBCB Non-Resident Students;

• If a parent/guardian moves to another attendance zone outside the normal or requested attendance zone but within Effingham County after the school year has started, the parent may be approved to remain at that school for the remainder of the school year if the parent can provide transportation.  If the student is a junior or senior in high school, the student can complete graduation requirements at the same school.

• In cases where there are siblings living in the same household and one of the children is required to attend a school on a full time basis outside of the normal attendance zone because of low incidence special education class assignments, the parent / guardian may request that the other siblings attend the same school as the special education student provided there is available space (as defined above) in said school, the appropriate grade levels are offered in said school, and the parent/guardian provides the necessary transportation.

• Unusual hardship situations which may require an exception to this policy shall be referred to the Superintendent's designee who shall have the authority to review appeals individually or to convene a hardship review committee as deemed appropriate.  After hearing evidence regarding the request for a waiver, the Superintendent's designee or committee shall decide whether or not the circumstances warrant a waiver from the existing policy.

 

The superintendent shall be authorized to set aside the decision of the Superintendent's designee or committee on appeal if he/she believes that the nature of the situation dictates other action. If the superintendent sets aside the decision and rules on the appeal and the person making the appeal wishes to make further appeal, then the board of education may consider the matter at its next regularly scheduled meeting. 

 

School Choice Privilege

A parent/guardian may elect to make a written request to the superintendent’s designee that their child(ren) in grades K-12 attend another school within Effingham County.  The Effingham County School System shall provide notice no later than July 1 of each year the procedures and timelines for acceptance of applications for transfer to another school for the upcoming school year.  This notice shall include a listing of which schools have available space and which of these schools parents may choose to request a transfer for their students.  Transfer requests shall be subject to the following stipulations:

1. A valid hardship must be presented for cases in which other stipulations prevent enrollment;

2. The student’s program needs must be met;

3. The parent / guardian shall assume the responsibility and cost of transportation of the student to and from school with the student arriving and departing each day according to the school’s schedule for arrival and departure; the school principal or superintendent’s designee may, at his or her discretion, require a meeting with the parent / guardian to discuss excessive absences, tardies, or early/late pickups.  If it is determined that the student’s attendance issues are a result of non-zoned school attendance, the student may be required by the district to transfer to his or her zoned school;

4. If a parent / guardian requests a transfer to a school that does not have the services required by the current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Individualized Accommodation Plan (IAP), or the school does not have space available in particular classes preferred or required classes by a student’s graduation requirements, the school is not required to develop those services as long as they are available within the district;

5. Any student transferring pursuant to this policy will be subject to the eligibility requirements of the Georgia High School Association;

6. In the event that a high school student has parking / driving privileges revoked due to denial of a drivers’ license by the Department of Driver Services, or is for any other reason unable to drive his or herself to school, it shall be the responsibility of the parent / guardian and student to arrange for transportation to and from school; otherwise, the student shall transfer to the zoned school where the student may utilize transportation provided by the school district;

7. A student who is granted a transfer request pursuant to this policy may at his or her election, continue to attend such school until the student completes all grades at that particular school without making a new request annually;

8. A student who completes all grades at a given school does not automatically receive enrollment preference to the feeder schools.  The school district will determine the appropriate school for enrollment based upon the residence address. A parent / guardian may make application under this policy if the     parent wishes for the student to attend another Effingham County school with available space;

9. This process does not apply to certain categories of schools including charter schools or newly opened schools for a period of four years from the opening date; and

10. Space must be available after the school’s assigned students have enrolled.

 

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT (AUA)

(Revised 4/20/2017)

The Internet is available to students and school employees to increase the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. Our goal is to promote student achievement and facilitate communication in order to share resources in education, business, government, and science. Use of these resources is considered a privilege to which great responsibility is attached. To that end, the Board of Education has enacted a strict agreement governing acceptable use of the Internet and technology resources. Parents wishing to prohibit their child’s ability to access the Internet should provide notice in writing to the school.

The Board of Education realizes the significant importance of access to the Internet and the wealth of information and educational resources that are made available through it. As such, staff and students shall be afforded equitable access to these resources to pursue the educational mission of the Effingham County School District. This access is provided contingent upon the following:

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Acceptable Use:  The purpose of providing access to the Internet and any device(s) providing access to district network resources is to promote learning through research and collaboration. The use of the Internet must be consistent with this and with the instructional objectives of the Effingham County School System.  Internet use for professional development purposes is acceptable, as well, so long as it does not interfere with instructional use.

Privileges:  The use of the Internet and any device(s) providing access to district network resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in revocation of those privileges.  Building administrators may determine what is inappropriate use within the framework of this policy. Administrators and staff may request that Internet privileges be denied, revoked, or suspended, if the AUA is violated.

Users must agree to abide by the following guidelines:

• Users may not give out personal information such as names, phone numbers, or addresses of themselves or others, over the Internet, with the exception that staff may do so in conducting the business of the school.

• Users may not access or send material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, and the Board of Education shall install and operate technology protection measures including commercial Internet blocking and filtering software that blocks or filters access to such material and any other materials that are determined to be inappropriate by school or system administrators. The terms "obscene", "child pornography" and "harmful to minors" have the meanings given such terms in section 1460 of  Title18, section 2256 of Title 18, and section 254 (h)(7)(G) of Title 47, United States  Code, respectively.

• Users may not violate copyright laws of the United States or the established copyright policies of the local Board of Education.

• Users may not engage in any unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking", or other unlawful activities while using district computer resources.

• Users may not engage in non-educational games or waste valuable bandwidth (network capacity).

• Users may not download software (to include weather applications, browser toolbars, etc) from the Internet without the permission of the Information Technology Department.

• Users may not engage in acts of vandalism, including harming or destroying data of another user. This includes uploading, downloading, or creating computer viruses.

• Users may not harass others by persistent annoyance or interference while others are online.  This includes, but is not limited to, sending unsolicited e-mail (SPAM).

• E-mail sent by district personnel, utilizing the district e-mail system should always be professional in nature. The district e-mail address you use identifies you as representing the district, and therefore should only be used to communicate matters related to the business of the school. At no time should the district e-mail provided to personnel be used to sell goods or services or solicit funds or participation in any cause or activity not related to the business of the school unless prior approval is received from the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.

• Users must observe common rules of network etiquette such as politeness and allowing others ample online time.

• Users are not to bypass district protection measures via proxy or any other mechanism.

Security: Users are required to notify the classroom teacher or school administrator if they observe a security problem to include vandalism, theft, sharing of personal information, hacking, and any violation of the guidelines listed above. In turn, this individual will notify the Information Technology Coordinator of the problem.  Use of the Internet, including e-mail, chat rooms, social networking, and other forms of direct electronic communications, are not private and for the safety and security of the users will be monitored.  Inappropriate or unlawful messages will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Home Networking Equipment: Users are NOT to bring networked equipment to include WiFi access points, home assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.  Additionally, mobile “hot spots” or “jet packs” must not be used in the schools.  All personal devices must use the GUEST INET network for access to the district’s network resources.

Social Networking: Employees may participate in social networking services (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or internet based applications for personal use. Any communication between student and employee on these sites should exhibit the proper student/employee relationship and maintain professional etiquette. The title of “student” – according to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission Code of Ethics for Educators – is applicable until August 31 of the year the student has graduated.

Employees shall not create a webpage, website, blog, social networking site or any other resources that represents a school-sponsored activity, club, team, organization, etc. without prior approval from the Director of IT and Media Services.  Accepted Internet resources used to represent district programs, personnel and organizations shall be provided and maintained by the district. Personnel should utilize these resources as opposed to other freely available resources on the Internet. In the event a district-funded resource does not provide specific functionality seen within a non-supported resource, staff members should consult with the Director of IT and Media Services before integrating it into their instruction plans.

Publishing on the Internet:  Student work will be published only under the direction of the supervising teacher(s) who will be responsible for verifying permission via the handbook acknowledgment form submitted annually by the student’s guardian(s).

*Note to Parents/Guardians: Parents, legal guardians or eligible students may make a written request to the principal of the school where the student is enrolled, within 10 days of enrollment or the first 10 days of the academic school  year, to request that such information (as indicated above) not be published or used on any school-sponsored websites.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Rationale:  A top priority of the Effingham County School System is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students in order to protect the health and well-being of each individual.  An appropriate learning climate must be maintained to ensure such an environment. Because alcohol and other drug use is illegal, hazardous to health, contagious, and interferes with effective learning and proper development of children and adolescents, the system has a legal and ethical obligation to prohibit drug possession or use and to maintain a safe and drug-free educational environment. Effingham County schools maintain a “zero-tolerance” policy in regard to alcohol, illegal drug use, and possession of illegal drugs or imitation illegal drugs.

Standards of Conduct: No student shall possess, sell, use, distribute, or be under the influence of any legal or illegal drug in any form whatsoever, including, but not limited to alcohol, narcotics, cocaine, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, inhalants, hallucinogens, amphetamines, ecstasy, barbiturates, anabolic steroids, any additive or controlled substances, and intoxicants of all kinds, or any substance represented to be or reasonably appearing to be any type of drug. Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a licensed physician shall not be considered a violation of this rule provided it is handled properly through the school nurse office.

Procedures in Reporting Drug-Related Activity:

• Report the incident to the school principal or his/her designated representative. (Students are encouraged to use the districts Tip411 App as a reporting tool).

• Notify student’s parents or guardians and request them to come to school.

• Notify police.

• Confer with parents or guardians to inform them of prescribed penalties.

• Inform parents or guardians of community resources offering treatment or other assistance for drug/alcohol related problems.

• Assist students who use drugs or abuse alcohol by providing school counseling and drug abuse education and work in cooperation with the county health department, and individual physicians in appropriate health education and health care, and by other appropriate means.

Requirement for Drug Curricula Teacher Training: The Effingham County School System offers students instructionally sound drug education units that are progressively reinforcing from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Developmentally age-appropriate based grade level curricula is measured by the following criteria:

• Is well integrated into the traditional curricula;

• Builds awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and other mind-altering drugs;

• Contains a strong no-use message;

• Sets positive standards of behavior for youth;

• Contains current, accurate information, and scientifically researched based prevention strategies;

• Reveals health consequences from latest research;

• Provides multiple opportunities to build decision making, and peer refusal skills;

• Projects parents, teachers, and other authority figures as reasonable and supportive allies in the decision to remain drug free, and

• Teaches students that most people do not illegally use drugs.

All teachers responsible for instruction in the drug education curriculum shall be given in-service training to include essential information about drugs and their effects on physical growth, development, and emotional maturation; and hands on work with various exercises initially presented by a qualified resource person.

Search and Seizure:  The school principal or his/her representative may institute a search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the search will reveal evidence that the student is in violation of the law or the rules of the school.

• Searches based upon reasonable grounds may proceed without hindrance or delay, but must be conducted in a manner that is not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student.  If the search of the student’s person, or of his/her possessions, locker, or vehicle reveals that the student is concealing a substance prohibited by federal, state, or local law, school officials may notify law enforcement authorities in order that they may take appropriate action.

Procedures for Handling Drug Abuse Violations:  Any student who is under the influence of or has in his/her possession any legal or illegal drug in any form whatsoever, including, but not limited to alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegal drug, or imitation controlled substances on the school grounds before, during, and after school hours, and at any time when the school is being used by any school group; off the school grounds while attending a school activity, function, or any other school related event; off the school grounds and in any manner subject to the jurisdiction of school official; and, engaged in travel to and from school may be suspended from school for a minimum of five (5) days and possibly referred to a Disciplinary Hearing.

The school administration shall conduct a complete investigation of the incident.  Upon completion of the investigation, the school administration may report the incident to the Juvenile Court System.

The student shall be suspended from participating in any extra-curricular activities for one complete calendar year for drug related offenses.  The student shall also be placed on probation for as long as he/she is a student in an Effingham County school.

Drug-Related Emergency:  School administrators shall use their discretion to determine whether an event such as severe intoxication or drug overdose constitutes an emergency.

In the event the administrator determines there is an emergency, the school staff should follow these steps:

• Call for medical assistance immediately (ambulance, rescue squad).

• Contact parents immediately.

• If parents cannot be reached, continue emergency medical assistance.

• Attempt to obtain information about the ingested drug from the student.

• Designate a faculty member to accompany the student to the medical facility.

Informing Faculty, Students, and Parents:  All faculty members, students, and parents/guardians shall be informed of the contents of this administrative procedure through the receipt of the Student and Parent Handbook and the Employee Handbook and of their rights and responsibilities as set forth herein.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT DRUG TESTING 

Purposes and Intents

The Effingham County Board of Education encourages students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities but believes that the opportunity to participate is a privilege offered to eligible students on an equal opportunity basis. The use of alcohol or other drugs by students participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities presents a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the student participant. The Board recognizes that the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs seriously impairs the health, safety, education, and future success of students engaged in that use.

The Board further recognizes that while the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs is a potential problem for all students, students engaged in school-sponsored extracurricular activities are confronted by special risks which make them particularly vulnerable to the harms presented by that use. Finally, the Board also recognizes that students engaged in school-sponsored extracurricular activities are often viewed by fellow students as holding or enjoying positions of notoriety, such that the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs by students engaged in school-sponsored extracurricular activities may impact or influence the attitudes and actions of other members of the student body.

Thus, the Board believes that testing student participants in school-sponsored extracurricular activities serves the important purpose of detecting and preventing illegal drug and alcohol use among all students in the system.

This policy is intended to support the comprehensive educational policies and programs of the Effingham County School District in educating students and their parents or legal guardians as to the dangers inherent in the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs. 

The policy is further intended to provide incentives to high school students engaged in school-sponsored extracurricular activities to avoid such use and to strive for effective rehabilitation when such use has occurred.  The results of any drug test administered under this policy will be used only to determine eligibility for participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities. 

The policy is not designed to be used in any manner, voluntarily or involuntarily, to provide a source of information for law enforcement agencies or for the prosecution of the student.

Applicability

This policy applies to all high school students (grades 9-12) who participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity within the Effingham County School District.  To be eligible to participate in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity, these students must agree to participate in a drug-testing program that includes random drug testing during the school year.

A “school-sponsored extracurricular activity” means, without limitation, all interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, band, drill team, academic clubs, special interest clubs, musical performances, dramatic productions, student government, fine arts organizations, industrial technology and agricultural organizations, and any other activity or group that participates in contests, competitions or community service projects on behalf of or as a representative of the school system.  “School-sponsored extracurricular activity” also specifically includes parking a vehicle on school property.

Consent

All students wishing to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity and their parent or legal guardian shall sign a consent form agreeing to participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy.  If the student or his or her parent or guardian declines to sign the consent form, the student will not be permitted to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.  Consent forms are valid for the current school year only and must be renewed annually in order for the student to continue to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

Testing Program

Testing pursuant to this policy shall be accomplished by the analysis of urine specimens obtained from the student participant.  Any student who refuses to be tested as required under this policy, or who alters or falsifies or attempts to alter or falsify a test, shall be removed from all school-sponsored extracurricular activities.  Collections and testing procedures shall be established, maintained, and administered to ensure (a) randomness of selection procedures, (b) proper student identification, (c) that each specimen is identified with the appropriate student participant, (d) maintenance of the unadulterated integrity of the specimen, and (e) the integrity of the collection and test process as well as the confidentiality of test results.

The urine specimens of participating students shall be tested for all substances which are illegal to buy, possess, use, sell or distribute under state or federal law, including the following substances:

(a) amphetamines, (b) marijuana (THC), (c) cocaine and its derivatives, (d) opiates, (e) phencyclidine (PCP), (f) benzodiazepine, (g) barbiturates, (h) Methadone, (i) methaqualone, (j) LSD, (k) alcohol, and (l) performance enhancing substances, including anabolic steroids.

Sanctions

Any participating student whose drug test administered pursuant to this policy renders a positive test result as indicated by the testing facility shall be subject to the following consequences:

First Positive Drug Test Result - The participating student and his or her parent or legal guardian will be required to attend a conference with a representative of the Effingham County School District designated by the Superintendent. The student and his or her parent or legal guardian shall be required to attend a program of counseling regarding substance abuse for a period of at least forty-five (45) days. The expense of said program of counseling shall be the responsibility of the student. The student will be subject to recurring drug tests, not random, at times not to be previously disclosed to the student to deter him or her from committing a subsequent violation of the policy for one (1) calendar year.

Second  Positive Drug Test Result -The participating student will be suspended from participating in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity for one (1) calendar year. The student will be subject to recurring drug tests, not random, at times not to be previously disclosed to the student to deter him or her from committing a subsequent violation of the policy for one (1) calendar year.

Third Positive Drug Test Result - The participating student will be prohibited from participating in any school-sponsored extracurricular activities for the remainder of the student’s eligibility.

 

Drug Testing Procedures

Prior to giving a urine specimen, each student participant shall complete a medical history form (which shall include disclosure of all prescription drugs currently taken). This form shall identify the student participant only by a confidential number and shall be placed in a sealed package, which shall be forwarded to the testing laboratory along with the urine specimen. All students participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities shall be subject to random drug testing at any time during the school year. Students eligible for testing will be determined by a roster which compiles the names of all students who have completed the required consent form and notification of drug testing policy.

The participating student’s parent or legal guardian shall be notified on any day the student is selected for testing.

Collection procedures for urine specimens shall be developed, maintained and administered by the testing laboratory in an effort to minimize any intrusion or embarrassment for each student, ensure the proper identification of students and the student’s specimen, minimize the likelihood of the adulteration of a urine specimen and maintain complete confidentiality of test results. To that end, the procedures must require:

• The presence of a representative of the Effingham County School District immediately prior to the collection process to ensure proper student identification;

• The presence of one or more representatives of the testing laboratory when the specimen is taken;

• The testing laboratory shall provide each student present for the collection process a receptacle for the collection of urine. The student shall be provided absolute privacy during the collection process;

• Immediately prior to entering the secured room used for the collection process, the student shall be required to leave all personal belongings (including jackets, purses, book bags, pocket contents, etc.) in the custody of the school representative present for student identification; and

• Prior to entering the secured room utilized for the collection process, the testing laboratory shall treat the water in the secured room with a coloring substance (frequently referred to by testing laboratories as “blueing the water”) to prevent a student from attempting to dilute or otherwise adulterate the urine specimen.

The professional testing laboratory shall conduct all scientific analyses of the collected specimens. Each specimen shall initially be tested by using a highly accurate immunoassay technique known as “EMIT.”  Initial positive results must be confirmed by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry “GC/MS.”  If the initial presumptive positive result is not confirmed by the GC/MS technique, the test shall be deemed to be negative. Only after GC/MS confirmation shall a test result be reported as positive.

A portion of each urine specimen that tests positive for alcohol or drugs shall be preserved by the testing laboratory for at least six (6) months.

Written confirmation of all test results shall be forwarded by the testing laboratory to a representative of the Effingham County School District designated by the Superintendent.

In the event that a participating student’s urine specimen produces a positive result, a representative of the Effingham County School District designated by the Superintendent shall meet with the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian to disclose and discuss the test results. At this meeting, the designated school representative shall advise the student and his or her parent or legal guardian of further rights under this policy.

Any student participant who has tested positive, or the student’s parent or legal guardian, may contest the test result by informing the representative of the Effingham County School District designated by the Superintendent of their wish to have a hearing within seventy-two hours of receipt of notice of the positive test result. The student participant and his or her parent or guardian shall be entitled to present any evidence they desire to defend the charge of violating this policy prior to the implementation of sanctions. The designated school representative before whom the hearing is conducted may require written documentation (such as a doctor’s statement) of any evidence the student or his or her parent or legal guardian may wish to present. Failure to present written documentation to support the student’s defense of the case shall result in the student being subject to the sanctions provided in this policy for a positive test result. Any further laboratory analysis shall be conducted with the student’s remaining urine specimen preserved by the testing laboratory and shall be conducted at the student’s expense. A final decision of the designated school representative shall be made within five (5) days of receiving notice to contest the test result.

If the student participant chooses to appeal the decision of the representative of the Effingham County School District designated by the Superintendent, the student may appeal it to the Effingham County Board of Education within three (3) days after it is rendered. The Effingham County Board of Education shall issue a final decision on the appeal within five (5) days after the next regularly scheduled meeting conducted after the notice of appeal is filed.  The appealing student shall be ineligible to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities during the pendency of the appeal.

If a participating student is 18 years of age or turns 18 years of age during the school year, the student must agree to release all test results to the student’s parent or legal guardian.

One (1) year after the participating student turns 18 years old or one (1) year after the student’s graduation, whichever is later, all records in regard to this policy concerning each student shall be destroyed. At no time shall these results or records be placed in the student’s academic file or be voluntarily turned over to any law enforcement agency, or used for any purpose other than those stated herein.

 

Confidentiality

The results of any drug test conducted pursuant to this policy will be kept confidential and disclosed only to the student, his or her parents or legal guardians, and school officials designated by the Superintendent. Said results shall be kept in a file separate from the student’s other educational records and shall not be released to any person other than those described within this policy or as required by law or a lawfully issued subpoena or court order.

 

Notice

All students wishing to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity and their parent or legal guardian shall also sign a statement indicating that the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian have received, read and understand this policy. If the student or his or her parent or guardian declines to sign the notification form, the student will not be permitted to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.  Notification forms are valid for the current school year only and must be renewed annually in order for the student to continue to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

 

Voluntary Participation

Any student who does not participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity may participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy on a purely voluntary basis. However, if such a student later seeks to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity, these Voluntary Participation provisions will no longer apply.

Any student wishing to participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy on a purely voluntary basis and his or her parent or legal guardian shall sign a consent form agreeing to such participation. If the student or his or her parent or legal guardian declines to sign the consent form, the student will not be permitted to participate in the drug-testing program. These consent forms are valid for the current school year only and must be renewed annually in order for the student to continue to participate in the drug-testing program.

The Testing Program set forth herein shall be the same for students who participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy on a purely voluntary basis; however, any student participating in the drug-testing program on a purely voluntary basis who refuses to be tested, or who alters or falsifies or attempts to alter or falsify a test, shall not be removed from any school-sponsored extracurricular activity or otherwise subjected to school discipline. The Sanctions for positive drug test results set forth herein shall not be applicable to a student participating in the drug-testing program on a purely voluntary basis, although the student and his or her parent or legal guardian will be notified of the positive test result. The Drug Testing Procedures set forth herein shall be the same for students who participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy on a purely voluntary basis; however, the provisions relating to contesting the test results or appealing the matter to the Effingham County Board of Education shall not be applicable. The Confidentiality provisions set forth herein apply equally to students who participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy on a purely voluntary basis.

Any student wishing to participate in the drug-testing program established by this policy on a purely voluntary basis, and his or her parent or legal guardian, shall also sign a statement indicating that the student and the student's parent or legal guardian have received, read and understand this policy. If the student or his or her parent or legal guardian declines to sign the notification form, the student will not be permitted to participate in the drug-testing program. Notification forms are valid for the current school year and must be renewed annually in order for the student to continue to participate in the drug testing program.

 

Amendment

This policy may be amended at any time by the Effingham County Board of Education.

 

Non-discrimination Notice

State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, OCGA § 20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that the Effingham County school system does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its athletic programs. The Title IX Gender Equity Coordinator for this school system is: Dr. Yancy J. Ford, Effingham County Board of Education, 405 N. Ash St., Springfield, GA  31329; phone, 754-5630. Inquiries or complaints concerning the sports equity in this system may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator.

 

IDFA - GENDER EQUITY IN SPORTS POLICY
(Approved 4/20/2017)

In compliance with the Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-315, no student in the Effingham County School System shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another student, or otherwise be discriminated against in any interscholastic or intramural athletics offered by the school system, nor shall the school system provide any such athletics separately on such basis, except as specifically authorized by the Act itself.

As a part of achieving this goal, the school system annually shall notify all of its students of the name, office, address, and office telephone number of the equity in sports coordinator. This notification shall be included in the student handbook and distributed to all students, as well as being posted in the school.

An equity in sports grievance procedure will be developed consistent with the requirements of state law and designed to implement the purposes of this policy. The grievance procedure will provide for prompt and equitable resolution of written student complaints, including those brought by a parent or guardian on behalf of his or her minor child who is a student, alleging any action which would be a violation of the act. The school system shall comply with all the requirements of state board rules concerning gender equity in sports, including records retention and the filing of any and all reports.

All donations of services or items, including booster club support, to any athletic program, shall be accepted or rejected in accordance with Effingham County Board of Education Policy DFK concerning donations to the school system.

The grievance procedures for addressing such discrimination can be found in policy IDFA in the Effingham County Board of Education Policy Manual.

 

STUDENT REPORTING OF ACTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

The following is the state-mandated process for students to follow in reporting instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator or other school employee toward a student.

• Any student (or parent or friend of a student) who has been the victim of an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a teacher, administrator or other school system employee is urged to make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor or administrator at his/her school.

• Any teacher, counselor or administrator receiving a report of sexual abuse or misconduct of a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee shall make an oral report of the incident immediately by telephone or otherwise to the school principal or principal’s designee, and shall submit a written report of the incident to the school principal or principal’s designee within 24 hours. If the principal is the person accused of the sexual abuse or misconduct, the oral and written report should be made to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.

• Any school principal or principal’s designee receiving a report of sexual abuse as defined in O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 shall make an oral report immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused. The report should be made by telephone and followed by a written report, if requested, to a child welfare agency providing protective services, as designated by the Department of Human Resources, or, in the absence of such agency, to an appropriate police authority or district attorney.

Reports of acts of sexual misconduct against a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee not covered by O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 or 20-2-1184 shall be investigated immediately by school or system personnel. 

If the investigation of the allegation of sexual misconduct indicates a reasonable cause to believe that the report of sexual misconduct is valid, the school principal or principal’s designee shall make an immediate written report to the superintendent and the Professional Standards Commission Ethics Division.

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES OF STUDENTS

Interrogations

The principal of each school in the Effingham County School System, or his/her authorized representative, possesses the authority to conduct reasonable interrogations of students in order to properly investigate and punish student misconduct.

Searches

The Effingham County School System endeavors to provide a safe and secure environment for all students. The Board authorizes reasonable searches of students directed to that end by authorized school officials. Searches based on reasonable suspicion may proceed without hindrance or delay, but they shall be conducted in a manner which ensures that students are not arbitrarily stripped of personal privacy.

The principal of each school in the Effingham County School System, or his/her authorized representative, possesses the authority to conduct inspection of students' lockers or articles carried upon their persons. Such search shall be based on a reasonable suspicion of the presence of deleterious items.  Examples of deleterious items shall include, but are not limited to, secreted noise-makers, water guns, contraband, drugs, handguns or other dangerous weapons.

Principals of each school where lockers are issued shall ensure that at the time lockers are made available to students, it is clearly specified in writing that lockers are subject to inspection and search by school officials. Each school shall maintain duplicate keys or records of all locker combinations, and avoid any practices which lead students to believe that lockers are under their exclusive control.

In the event a search of a student's person, his/her personal possessions, or his/her locker reveals that the student is concealing material(s), the possession of which is prohibited by federal, state or local law, local law enforcement authorities shall be notified so that they may take appropriate action.

 

KJ - ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS POLICY

(Revised  6/17/2021)

1. Commercial organizations offer many free materials for use by teachers in the classroom. Some of these materials are of high educational value with little or no advertising emphasis and may be appropriate for use in the classroom. Other materials are primarily advertising and have only limited educational value and may not be appropriate for use in the classroom.
   
   In general, supplementary printed and free materials from commercial, political, religious, or other non-school sources must have the approval of the superintendent and/or principal before being used in the schools. This approval may be given to materials which are of obvious educational quality with limited advertising emphasis, which supplement and enrich text and reference book materials for definite school courses, which are timely and up-to-date, and which promote democratic ideals, moral values, and coincide with the principles of the Effingham County Character Education program.
   
   Teachers may use special appropriate teaching aids (non-printed materials) such as models, cuts, films, slides, pictures, charts, exhibits, videos, etc. for educational purposes with the approval of the superintendent and/or principal although such materials may bear the name of a commercial business firm or organization which may have provided the teaching aid.
    

(NOTE:  All teaching materials and teaching aids must also conform to all other applicable board policies and administrative procedures related to materials selection.)

The name of the commercial firm or other organization appearing on free teaching materials or aids shall not be construed as advertising.

2. Advertising materials of commercial or religious nature shall not be displayed or distributed in the schools or on the school grounds except in the following cases:

   • Schools with interscholastic athletic programs may display advertisements in athletic areas such as gyms, football fields, baseball fields, etc. as a service to commercial business sponsors who help support the athletic programs.

   • Schools with sponsors who financially support other extra-curricular activities or events may display advertisements at such respective activities or events.

   • Schools may distribute school related items such as book covers, school annuals, etc. that contain advertising from commercial business sponsors, organizations, or private individuals who have either provided the items or have helped defray the cost of the distributed items.

 

3. General

   • Students may not be used as the agents for distributing any non-school related material containing advertising to their homes except YMCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Learning Enrichment Through Academics and Play (LEAP), and the Effingham County Recreation Department, and the City of Rincon Recreation Department when such material has been approved in advance by the superintendent and/or principal.

   • Individuals, businesses, and non-school related groups or agencies are prohibited from advertising anything through the schools except as stated in Section B above.

   • No school affiliates or school properties shall be used for the purpose of political campaigning including advertisements, displaying of political posters or political banners; however, disseminating political campaign materials such as cards or brochures would be allowed at public events if such dissemination was not disruptive or a nuisance to those in attendance. The only exception would be when a school facility is used by a community organization to hold a political forum or other similar activity for the public at large.

   • Businesses may provide gifts to faculty and students with prior approval from the superintendent and/or principal when such are deemed to be appropriate and consistent with board policies and procedures.

   • The following products and/or services shall not be allowed to advertise in any manner in the Effingham County School System:

     • Abortion clinics

     • Alcoholic beverages (including beer, wine, and distilled spirits)

     • Contraceptive products

     • Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks

     • Gambling

     • “Head Shops” or other establishments whose activity concentrates on drug related paraphernalia

     • Lotteries

     • Motion pictures rated “R”, “NC17”, or “X” by the Motion Picture Association of America

     • Prescription drugs

     • Feminine hygiene products

     • Solicitation of funds

     • Tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and “smokeless tobacco”)

     • Any other product or service which the principal and/or the superintendent deems to be inappropriate in a school environment.
        

 

JCAC - SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS

(Revised  9/17/2020)

Refer to BOE Policy Manual.

 

JAA - EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Revised 9/17/2020)

Refer to BOE Policy Manual.

ECBOE (In-Building) Wireless Access

SSIS
GuestNet

Password
connectme

The content provided by this connectivity is filtered and activity is monitored for inappropriate content as required by the 'Children's Internet Protection Act' (CIPA). Additionally, by connecting to this network, you agree that such connectivity is for educational and lawful use only. Any abuse of this system will result in loss of the privilege.

Students should only use Personal Electronic Devices or ECBOE issued Chromebooks at the direction of a faculty/staff member. Violation of this provision may lead to confiscation of the device. Please refer to the Student and Parent Handbook, Rule #20 for additional information.

Bypassing or attempting to bypass the protection measures provided within the district, including the use of personal data from your provider or through the use of a VPN or a proxy to bypass the wireless system, will lead to disciplinary action as described in the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement located in the Parent/Student Handbook.

Hacking, or attempting to access restricted systems will also lead to disciplinary action. Individuals caught attempting to do so will lose access to district network resources and may face criminal prosecution.

Note: The above-mentioned rules not only apply to the use of ‘Guest INET’ wifi
but all those using ‘Chromebook’ wifi as well as desktops.

Rule 20: Articles Unrelated to School Instruction

Students shall not bring electronics, large sums of money, or any items not related to instruction. The use of cell phones or personal digital devices during the school day (first bell to last bell) is authorized only under the direction of the classroom teacher to support student instruction. The school assumes no responsibility or liability for lost or damaged cell phones or personal digital devices if brought to school. Elementary School - All digital devices must be stowed away in student’s book bag or purse. Unauthorized use of a cell phone, smartwatch, gizmo watch, or other digital device during the instructional day or on a school bus may result in the following:

1. First offense – teacher confiscates and submits behavior referral, teacher contacts parents and returns device to student at the end of the day.
2. Second offense – teacher confiscates and submits behavior referral, gives to administration, administration contacts parents and returns device to student at the end of the day.
3. Third offense – teacher confiscates and submits behavior referral, call parents, child loses recess privilege, and parents pick up the device from the school at the end of the day.
4. Fourth offense – teacher confiscates and submits behavior referral, child loses recess privilege, and parent will be notified that they can pick up the device at the end of the school year.

Taking pictures or the recording of audio/video with cell phones or other digital device at school is prohibited unless under the express direction of a teacher as a component of instruction or a project. Students utilizing a cell phone or digital device for the capture of photographs or audio/video may be subject to additional punishment under this progressive discipline code.

Middle School/High School - Unauthorized use of a cell phone, smartwatch, or other digital device during the instructional day or on a school bus may result in the following:

1. First offense – device will be taken and parent called to pick up device.
2. Second offense – student will serve a day in ISS and parent will be called to pick up the device.
3. Third offense – student will serve a day in ISS and parent will be notified that (parent) can pick up the device at the end of the school year.

Taking pictures or the recording of audio/video with cell phones or other digital device at school is prohibited unless under the express direction of a teacher as a component of instruction or a project. Students utilizing a cell phone or digital device for the capture of photographs or audio/video may be subject to additional punishment under this progressive discipline code.

Devices Blocked from the GuestInet WiFi Network

The ECSD IT Department offers wireless access (GuestInet) to student devices as a courtesy service for classroom and learning activities. By using this service, students must abide by the Internet Acceptable Use Policy (IAUP) as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook. During periods in which access to wifi is critical to classroom activities (such as state testing), the GuestInet service may be temporarily disabled to conserve internet access and speed.   As discussed in the IAUP, students who try to bypass safety restrictions or seek to connect their devices to the password-protected ECSD or Chromebooks networks will have their devices blocked from all wireless services for an unspecified period of time. Students with blocked devices may request to have their GuestInet access restored by completing the following form:   Restore Access to GuestInet WiFi