8/8/2017

Student-Parent

Handbook

2017-2018

1035 Bennettsville Firetower Road

Bennettsville, SC 29512

Phone: 1-843-479-6501

Fax: 1-843-479-1941

Website:

Safety Points

  • The school has a comprehensive emergency response plan. The plan is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary. Emergency procedures are practiced with the faculty, staff and students. The school works closely with local emergency service providers to ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency. The school conducts drills for fire, severe weather events, armed intruders and evacuations.
  • The school has a check-in procedure for visitors during the school day. Although we encourage parents to visit our campus, please keep in mind check-in procedures apply to all visitors a part of our access control measures. Visitors should use the appropriate entrance and be prepared to state the nature of your visit, sign a guest register, and show picture identification if asked to do so. Our procedures are structured to help ensure the safety of all students and staff. We ask that you set the correct example for others by following them.
  • Parents should contact school personnel as quickly as possible if they become aware of a situation that could endanger students or staff members. As a parent, you are a valuable partner in helping us ensure a safe school environment. When you have any safety and security information the school should know, please contact administration of a staff member immediately. We will treat all information in an appropriately confidential manner.
  • Marlboro Academy Board of Directors has adopted a variety of safety and security policies, including a student code of conduct we enforce fairly and consistently. All students are provided a copy of the student code of conduct in the student handbook, which is also available online on the school’s website. Parents are asked to read and review the handbook with their children. In addition, parents are welcome to contact school officials with their questions and concerns about content, implementation, of enforcement of school policies.
  • We have procedures in place for disseminating information to parents and the greater community during an emergency. In the case of an emergency in the community, listen to local radio and televisions stations. This information will also be posted of the school’s website and sent via email, as provided by parents. As quickly as possible, we will provide information on how, where and when parents can pick up their children. In some emergencies, it may not be advisable for you to come to the school. Please remember the safety of your children is foremost in our minds, and you may be required to show identification as an added security measure before your child is released to you. If the school is considered by law enforcement to be a crime scene, students will not be released until the police instruct school officials to do so.
  • The following is a sample of what we do to help ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff members:
  • Specific procedures for supervision in place.
  • Visitors are required to follow check-in procedures.
  • Coaches and all staff members have first aid and CPR training.
  • Surveillance cameras are placed strategically throughout campus.
  • An antiviolence and antibullying curriculum is incorporated is lessons thought out the year. The discipline code is enforced consistently.
  • Staff members routinely check doors and grounds throughout the school day.

Our school uses a number of strategies to help ensure a safe climate.

STUDENT PARENT HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION Page #

Board of Directors7

School Mission7

School Vision7

Board Governance7

Accreditation7

Eligibility/Class Enrolment7

Student/Parent Handbook7

Code of Student Conduct8

Honor Code8

Campus Expectations8

Financial Information9

Visitors on Campus9

ACADEMICS

South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy9

Calculation of Grade Point Average/Class Rank9

Graduation Requirements10

Course of Study/Classes Taught at Marlboro Academy11

Community Service12

Course Changes for Students12

Academic Probation12

Academic Awards12

Dual Credit13

Junior Marshals14

Exam Exemptions15

Extra Help15

Grade Promotion15

Homework Policy15

Honor Graduates15

Honor Roll/Headmasters List16

Beta Club16

Junior Beta Club16

National Honor Society16

Make-Up Work16

Report Cards17

SCISA Academic Requirements for Athletics17

Testing Program17

Transcripts17

Tutoring18

Valedictorian and Salutatorian18

STUDENT SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Attendance Policy18

Tardiness18

Daily School Schedule19

Homeroom19

Leaving School Early19

Sign-in / Sign-out Procedure 19

DISCIPLINE

Discipline20

Cell Phone Usage21

Alcohol21

Bullying22

Disrespect to MA Staff22

Cheating /Plagiarism22

Dress Code23

Drugs24

Electronic Devices24

Fighting/Assaulting or Causing Personal Injury24

Hazing24

Lunch Period Expectations24

Public Display of Affection (PDA)24

Student Possessions24

Sexual Harassment25

Stealing25

Student Search Policy25

Substance Abuse Policy25

Theft/Vandalism26

Threatening/Intimidating Behavior26

Tobacco26

Trespassing26

Weapons26

Other Illegal Behavior26

Miscellaneous

Announcements26

Athletics27

Book Bags27

Bus Transportation27

College Visitation27

Computer Lab Technology28

Email28

Extra Curricular Activities28

Homework Center28

Field Trips29

First Aid29

Fundraising29

Library Books/Textbooks30

Lice/Nits30

Medications30

Parent Involvement30

Parking31

Parties31

Senior Privileges31

Student Drop/Off Pick-Up32

Safety Drills33

Student Council33

Substitute Teachers33

Telephone Use/Messages33

Transporting Students for School Related Activities33

7 Point Grading Scale34

10 Point Grading Scale35

MARLBORO ACADEMY

FACULTY AND STAFF

2017-2018

Mary Louise Baker

Candi Boney

Gray Covington

Joe Critcher

Kris Fowler

Virginia Fowler

Don Greene

Kim Haltiwanger

Marlowe Harrington

Hampton Hubbard

Martha Hyduke

Cecily Ivey

Atley Jackson

Denise Jones

Regina Lackey

Debby Leslie

Brooks Liner

Blaine Maples

Becky Marsh

Natalie McDonald

Keith McKenzie

Stacey Newton

Bertha Parnell

Winnie Rogers

Gary Shapiro

Carol Stanton

Eddie Wagner

Tammy Wagner

GENERAL INFORMATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Billy Covington-President

Mr. Sully Blair-Vice President Mrs. Jenni Greene Mr. Boyd McLaurin

Mr. Jerry Bruner Dr. Len Haltiwanger-Secretary Mr. Allen Taylor

Mrs. Elizabeth CooleyMr. Eric Herndon-TreasurerMrs. Sheila Liles

SCHOOL MISSION

To inspire students to achieve their highest academic potential and develop a strong moral character in order to prepare them for college and career readiness in a safe, nurturing, and rigorous environment.

SCHOOL VISION

To develop students who are well-rounded, who graduate with knowledge, integrity, and confidence and realize their full potential enabling them to make a positive difference in the world.

BOARD GOVERNANCE

The Marlboro Academy Board of Directors is the highest governing body of our school. The Board reserves the right to change, amend, override, or discount any part of the rules as outlined. The decisions of the Board are final.

ACCREDITATION

Marlboro Academy is a member of, and accredited by, theSouth Carolina Independent School Association, Inc. (SCISA).

ELIGIBILITY / CLASS ENROLLMENT CAP

  • Kindergarten: Student must be 5 years of age as of September 1, 2017
  • K-1 -15 students
  • 2-3 -22 students
  • 4-12 -25 students

**Note-If a family moves in with multiple children, grade caps may be increased to allow all children entrance.

STUDENT PARENT HANDBOOK

This handbook has been carefully prepared to summarize topics of immediate concern to students. Parents and students are encouraged to carefully review the 2017-2018 Student- Parent Handbook as changes have been made from last year’s Student-Parent Handbook.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

  • We respect the rights of our school, ourselves and others.
  • We respect the property of MA and others.
  • We use appropriate and respectful language to communicate with others.
  • We are on time for school and each class.
  • We keep the campus free of weapons, tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, and litter.
  • We follow MA dress code.
  • We adhere to the Honor Code.

HONOR CODE

The student shall be on his/her honor to prepare and submit only his/her own work and to refrain from giving or receiving help on tests or examinations.

To uphold the Honor Code, each student has the responsibility to report any infractions.

 Remember that the teacher cannot observe all infractions at all times; therefore students can contribute constructively in maintaining honor within the student body.

Any act of dishonesty will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal.

Honor Code Pledge will be signed by students and parents.

CAMPUS EXPECTATIONS

  • Students are to address adults as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Coach, etc.
  • Students should not walk on gym floor without proper shoes.
  • During assemblies, students should be attentive and courteous.
  • All students must be off campus by 3:00 pm each day unless under the direct supervision of a staff member.
  • Food and drink are not allowed in classrooms unless permission is given by staff member in charge.
  • All students waiting for a ride after school must wait at front sidewalk behind yellow line.
  • No weapons, guns of any make (rifle, shotgun, pistol etc.), knives, and explosives, are allowed on MA campus, including student vehicles.
  • No alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia is allowed on campus, including student vehicles.
  • Trash should be put in trashcans.
  • Graffiti will not be tolerated on school property and will be viewed as vandalism. Student will be responsible for all costs incurred for clean up.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  • MA does not ask for nor does it accept government funds; therefore, it is necessary that tuition be paid on time.
  • Payments are due by 10th of each month.
  • Permanent records and official transcripts will be withheld until all fees and penalties are paid in full.
  • Please refer to your 2017-2018 Enrollment Contract to determine payment options.

VISITORS ON CAMPUS

  • All parents, guests, and volunteers must report directly to the high school office to sign in when arriving on campus during school hours.
  • A pass will be issued for visitors to wear.
  • All visitors must return to the high school office to sign out.

ACADEMICS

SOUTH CAROLINA UNIFORM GRADING POLICY

Marlboro Academy utilizes the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale to calculate GPA and class rank. All courses carrying Carnegie units will be used. All final transcripts will report class rankings.

  • Transcripts and report cards will use numerical grades for courses carrying Carnegie units.
  • Transcripts and report cards will specify the course title and the level of the course the student has taken.
  • Grades in courses carrying Carnegie units will be converted according to the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale.
  • South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale.: see form/table appendix

CALCULATION OF GRADE POINT AVERAGE/CLASS RANK

  • Marlboro Academy utilizes the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale to calculate GPA and class rank. All courses carrying Carnegie units will be used. All final transcripts will report class rankings.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

English ………………………………………………………………………………… 4 units

Mathematics……………………………………………………………………………. 4 units

Science (Must have three lab sciences excluding physical science) ……………………3 units

Social Sciences (One must be U. S. History, and one must be Government/Economics).4 units

Foreign Language (Three or four recommended) ……………………………………… 2 units

Computer Science ………………………………………………………………………..1 unit

Physical Education ……………………………………………………………………….1 unit

Fine Arts…………………………………………………………………………………..1 unit

Electives ………………………………………………………………………………….4 units

Total ………………………………………………………………………………..……24 units

GRADUATION DATES AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Baccalaureate, Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 6:00 pm.
  • Graduation, Friday May 25, 2018 at 7:00 pm.
  • All High School Chorus students are required to participate in graduation exercises.

COURSE OF STUDY CLASSES TAUGHT AT MA

  • K-5 Self Contained: Math, Reading, Grammar, Writing, Science and Social Studies
  • K-6 Rotation: Art, Computer/Library, Music, PE, Spanish
  • CP-College Prep
  • H-Honors
  • #-Count towards High School Credits in 8th Grade
  • All courses taken in grades 9-12 count towards High School Credits

6th English7thEnglish8th #Algebra 1 H

Math 6 CPMath 7 CP #English 1 CP

Math 6 HPre Algebra H Social Studies

ReadingPE #Health/PE

RotationReading Pre Algebra CP

ScienceScience Science

Social Studies Social Studies

9thAlgebra 1 CP10thAlgebra 2 CP11thAlgebra 3 H12thAd Biology CP/H

Algebra 2 HBiology CP/HChemistry CP/HEnglish 5 CP/H

English 2 H/CPChorusEnglish 4 CP/HGovernment/Econ CP

Spanish 1 CPCinemaGeometry CPPre-calculus H

Geography CPEnglish 3 CP/HMusic AppreciationPsychology CP

Physical Science CPGeometry HSpanish 3 CPSpanish IV H

ChorusSpanish 2 CPWorld History CP Statistics CP

U.S. HistoryChorus Chorus

COMMUNITY SERVICE

  • 36 hours are required for graduation from MA
  • MA office will maintain a list of number of hours students acquire
  • Suggestions: Red Cross, Humane Society, Hospice, Relay for Life, United Way, Church Functions

COURSE CHANGES FOR STUDENTS

Reasons a course change will be made

  • The student has already passed the course.
  • The student failed a course needed for graduation and needs to take that course over.
  • Administration and parent have prior agreement.
  • Administration has the authority to change a course under certain circumstances.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students on Academic Probation are given a contract prior to the new school year that specifies certain requirements to remain a student at MA. If a student fails to meet the requirements to be removed from Academic Probation, change of enrollment may occur.

Reasons to be placed on academic probation for the following year:

  • Earning 2 or more D’s for the current year
  • Earning 1 or more F’s for the current year

Requirements to be removed from academic probation are the following:

  • Student will have no F’s at end of 1st semester grading period
  • Student will only have 1 D at end of 1st semester grading period
  • Other requirements specified by Administration, agreed upon by signed statement from parents

AWARDS

  • Teachers will present academic awards to their students at the end of 2017-2018 school year. (Highest Average, Most Improved, Citizenship, etc.)
  • MA staff will vote on awards given at the end of the 2017-2018 school year as follows:

Brenda Quick Award is presented to an “outstanding 6th grader”....someone who is a good leader, hasn’t been written up, makes good grades, gets along well with others, is honest, etc.. A student is nominated by the 6th grade teachers and voted on.

Pence Award is presented to a graduating senior that has at least a “C” average through high school, participation in three or more extracurricular activities, holding of at least two major offices and has provided service to Marlboro Academy and outstanding qualities of character and leadership. This is a student that is nominated and voted on by the high school faculty.

Palmetto Boys State Award is determined by high school faculty nomination of up to two boys in the current 11th Grade class for Palmetto Boys State. The criteria are outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to school.

Wayne Usher Award of Excellence is presented each year to an athlete that meets the following qualifications: Must be a student in grades 10-12, participated in two or more varsity sports in the current school year, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, exemplifies the following: honor, dedication, perseverance, good sportsmanship, and service. This is voted on by the high school teachers and varsity coaches.

Sally Jennings Dependability Award is awarded to a student each year in grades 9-12 that the faculty feels you can always depend on when you need them for anything. This student is nominated and voted on by the middle school and high school faculty.

DUAL CREDIT

Class of 2018 Marlboro Academy Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Policy:

Dual Credit: Courses taken for high school and college credit.

Dual Enrollment: Courses taken for college credit only.

Requirements:

  • Student must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher on the SC Uniform Grading Policy.
  • Student must earn the required NETC/RCC test scores (SAT, ACT, placement).
  • Student must have earned 14 Carnegie Units to take courses after 10th Grade.
  • Student must have earned 19 Carnegie Units to take courses after 11th Grade.

If a student chooses to take courses for Dual Credit, the student must do the following:

  • Choose from a list of approved courses found in the College Placement Office.
  • Only take up to six courses for Dual Credit during their high school career.
  • Take Music Appreciation as one of the six Dual Credit courses.
  • NETC: No pre-requisites or test scores required
  • RCC: Pass all three parts of Accuplacer or have qualifying test scores
  • May not replace courses that are offered at Marlboro Academy.
  • Complete the Dual Credit Form and have it approved by headmaster.

If a student chooses to take courses for Dual Enrollment, the student must understand the following:

  • Students may take as many classes for college credit as they’d like.
  • Marlboro Academy will only accept six courses to be reported on the student’s high school transcript.
  • Marlboro Academy will only accept these six courses to be included in the student’s high school GPA.

*Any requests for exceptions to this policy should be made in writing to the headmaster. Any exceptions will be made at the headmaster’s discretion after consultation with the board of directors.

Marlboro Academy Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment PolicyEffective Class of 2019:

Dual Credit: Courses taken for high school and college credit.

Dual Enrollment: Courses taken for college credit only.

If a student chooses to take courses for Dual Credit, the student must do the following:

  • Choose only courses that will transfer to a four year college (see suggested course list on the back).
  • Choose courses that will not replace Marlboro Academy courses without prior approval from the headmaster.
  • Take up to five courses for Dual Credit during their high school career if one of these courses is Music Appreciation. Otherwise, they may only take four.
  • Understand that courses taken prior to the junior year and during the junior year of high school that are eligible according to the conditions above will be reported on the transcript. For courses taken during the senior year, the courses with the highest average will be reported. However, once a course appears on a transcript that is mailed with a college application, it will not be removed.

If a student chooses to take courses for Dual Enrollment, the student must understand the following:

  • Students may take as many classes for college credit as they’d like.
  • Marlboro Academy will only accept four courses (five including Music Appreciation) to be reported on the student’s high school transcript.
  • Marlboro Academy will only accept these four courses (five including Music Appreciation) to be included in the student’s high school GPA.

*Junior Marshalls: GPAs will be calculated at the end of the 1st Semester of the junior year. Any Dual Credit Courses taken during fall semester will be counted. Any Dual Credit Courses taken during spring semester will not be counted because they will not have been completed yet.