MONTGOMERY LEARNING ACADEMY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2016-2017

310 SOUTH MAIN STREET

TROY, NC 27371

(910) 572-1161

FAX: (910) 572- 2362

“GO WILDCATS”

MONTGOMERY LEARNING ACADEMY FACULTY AND STAFF

Interim Principal / Jack Cagle /
Asst. Principal/IF / Amy B. Reynolds /
Adm. Assistant/Data Manager / Maria Johnson /
Middle/High School Math / Talitha Auman (Math I)
Kim Turner /

Science / Deborah Thomas /
English/MS Social Studies / Perry Owens /
History / Katie Powalski-Morris /
CTE Business / Ruby Parsons /
English/MS ELA / Susan Starnes /
GradPoint/ASP Coordinator / Carol Miller /
Exceptional Children / Laura Trumfio /
Social Worker / Alisa Beard /
Behavior Specialist / Krystal Kimrey /
School Nurse / Tabatha Gibson /
Custodian / Argie Medley /

STATEMENT OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Each student has the right to attend the public schools of Montgomery County and must accept the consequences for their actions. Each student is responsible for knowing all rules, regulations and policies that may affect them. They are also responsible for helping to maintain order in the school through their compliance with all lawful directions of principals, teachers, substitute teachers, teachers’ assistants, and other personnel authorized to give directions. Each student shall receive a copy of the Student/Parent Handbook at the beginning of each year. Each student along with their parentsmust sign that they received a copy of handbook.

PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents have the responsibility to provide a home atmosphere that enhances the total development of the child. Parents should:

  • Ensure that the student attends school regularly.
  • Know the school system and local school policies, rules and regulations.
  • Attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
  • Support the school’s disciplinary efforts.
  • Contact school officials whenever the need arises.

TEACHER’S AND ASSISTANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The teacher is primarily responsible for discipline in their classroom and shall establish clear and consistent rules and regulations pertaining to the behavior of the students they teach. At the beginning of each school year, teachers shall review with students the school system’s Student/Parent Handbook, the local school rules and regulations, and the teacher’s individual classroom rules. Each teacher and each assistant are responsible for having knowledge of all school system regulations and local school rules pertaining to student behavior. Each teacher and each assistant shall hold all students accountable for infractions of school system or local school rules that are brought to their attention.

PRINCIPAL’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The principal is responsible for establishing clear and consistent rules and regulations pertinent to the behavior of students enrolled in school, and for interpreting such regulations for parents and for the public. Such rules shall be developed with input from teachers and staff. Student participation in the development of such regulations should be encouraged in middle and high schools. Local school rules shall not be inconsistent with the contents of Board policies and the Student/Parent Handbook. At the beginning of each school year, the principal shall review with the faculty and staff the school system’s Student/Parent Handbook and his school rules and regulations concerning student behavior. Such rules and regulations shall be explained to students by faculty members on the students’ first day of enrollment each year and shall be forwarded to parents during the first week thereafter. The principal shall hold all students accountable for infractions of school system or local school rules. The principal shall investigate instances of alleged misconduct brought to his attention and endeavor, within reason, to hear every side of the controversy. The student shall be confronted with the allegations and be given an opportunity to present his version of the facts.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Future-Ready Core students entering as ninth graders in 2014-2016 and later must earn a minimum of 22 CREDITS in order to receive a North Carolina High School Diploma at the Montgomery Learning Academy. The State Department of Education specifies that these credits must be distributed as follows:

English4 credits - English I, II, III, IV

Mathematics4 credits–Math I, Math II, Math III, Advanced Math

Science3 credits - Environ/Earth Science, Biology, Physical Science

History4credits - World History, Civics and Economics, American History I & II

Health/P.E.1 credit

Electives6 credits - 4 of these 6 credits must be a pathway with a completer course

Total22 credits

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS BY GRADE LEVEL

Each year of high school, students earn units of credit for courses. Students are classified by grade at the Montgomery Learning Academy according to the number of units earned from year to year. Students are classified by grade level in the following manners:

ClassificationUnits Earned

10th Grade6 credits (1 English)

11th Grade12 credits (2 English)

12th Grade18 credits (3 English)

Students are assigned for testing according to grade level and number of units earned. Assignments to state testing also depends on if the course taken has a state test at the end of the semester or year. Grade level status can be changed at the end of a given semester.

GRADUATION

In order for a senior to participate in the graduation exercises at the end of the academic school year, he/she must meet the following requirements:

  1. Completion of a minimum of 22 units, meeting all state requirements for a diploma.
  2. Sign credit check to verify eligibility to graduate.
  3. No final transcript or records will be sent for a senior who owes any fees.
  4. Clearance of any fines/fees due.
  5. Must attend graduation rehearsal to participate in graduation ceremony.
  6. Must abide by the dress code for practices and the actual graduation exercise as set forth by the principal. The dress code is very specific and must be adhered to in order to walk across the stage at graduation.
  7. Only academic honor cords issued by the school to those seniors with 3.5 cumulative GPA and Honor Club regalia can be worn with the graduation cap, gown, tassel, and collar at graduation exercises.

GRADING AND STUDENT RECORDS

Montgomery Learning Academy uses a computer for grade reporting and issuing report cards at the end of each six weeks grading period. In addition, students will receive a progress report at the midpoint for any student with a failing average. Number grades are reported on report cards and permanent records. Montgomery Learning Academy uses the following grading system on a school-wide basis:

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

50 or below = Failing

FRONT OFFICE TELEPHONE

Students will not be allowed to use the school phone except in case of the following situations: illness, emergency, clothing issues, after school tutoring, or cancellation of an after school event.

CELL PHONES

Montgomery County Schools School Board Policy 4318 allows students to have cell phones on school campus. Students will be allowed to use cell phones before school, during lunch, and after school. Cell phones are not to be used during instructional time. Cell phones should not make any noise or vibration during instructional time.

Improper phone usage will result in:

1stOffense: Warning

2nd Offense: Cell Phone will be turned in to the teacher until the end of the period.

If student refuses to give the cell phone to the teacher or school official consequences will be given as deemed necessary by school administration.

STUDENT LAPTOPS

Students are expected to follow the student technology use policy at all times. One infraction against the student technology use policy results in a verbal warning. After a second offense your laptop will be taken for a two-week period. If a third offense occurs your laptop will be taken until the end of the semester or a four-week period, whichever is greater. Any infraction that violates the student code of conduct will result in immediate termination of your laptop privilege. Teachers have the right to terminate your laptop privileges in their classroom at any time that you violate individual classroom rules.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

(TEXTBOOKS, COMPUTERS, CALCULATORS, other)

Should you lose, destroy, or damage a textbook or library book, you will be required to pay for it. Another book will not be issued until you have paid. This includes when theft is claimed, so make sure you keep up with your belongings.

VISITATION

We hope that you will encourage your parents to visit our school. The more they know about us, the more they will understand your daily routine. STUDENT VISITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VISIT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. All visitors are required to check in at the office to state their presence and purpose. The visitor will then be given a visitor’s badge.

MCS STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY: 4316

The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affects their academic performance and their interaction with other students. The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that will be conducive to learning. Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and their parents will be deemed acceptable. However, the board prohibits appearance or clothing that does the following:

1)Violates a reasonable dress code adopted and publicized by the school,

2)Is substantially disruptive,

3)Is provocative or obscene

4)Lacks cleanliness such that is substantially disrupts the class or learning environment; or

5)Endangers the health or safety of the students or others.

A student that is not in compliance with this policy or a school dress code, will be given a reasonable period of time to make adjustments so that he/she will be in compliance. Failure to comply will result in the student being removed from school until their appearance or clothing meets school district policy or rules. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified prior to any such removal.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DRESS CODE: 4317

SHIRTS

  • Must be golf/polo style with a collar.
  • Must have buttons or snaps only
  • Must be a solid school color (see below for individual school color selections)

East Middle SchoolWest Middle School

BlackBlack

BluePurple

GrayTeal

WhiteWhite

  • May be long or short sleeve (sleeveless shirts are not permitted)
  • Graphics on shirts may not exceed 2 inches.
  • Must be tucked in at all times with the exception of approved sweaters and sweatshirts

OTHER APPROVED TOPS

  • Button down collar dress shirt (school colors) or collared blouses. Blouses cannot be transparent.
  • Mock turtlenecks/turtlenecks, Crew neck sweaters/sweatshirts (solid school colors) cannot hang past straddle of the pants.
  • Pullover and jacket style hooded sweatshirts in a school color or with the school logo may be worn. Hoods may not be worn inside or outside the school building. Hoods may be worn while going to and from cars or buses during inclement weather.
  • T-shirts can only be worn as under clothing if it matches the school colors.
  • Writing or graphics must not show through the top garment.
  • T-shirts are not allowed to be worn as the primary shirt unless they are spirit wear shirts.

PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, JUMPERS, DRESSES, SKORTS, OVERALLS

  • At East Middle School, all bottom garments must be black, khaki or navy blue in color. At West Middle School, all bottom garments must be khaki, navy blue or black in color.
  • Bottom garments must be free of graphics.
  • Garments cannot have frays or holes and must be hemmed and not dragging the floor. No skin may be visible.
  • Boys’ pants must be worn at the waist at all times. Girls will be allowed to wear low rider pants as long as they are not to an extreme and their shirts are totally tucked inside the pantswith no undergarment showing.
  • Garments that do not fit properly will not be tolerated including oversized, undersized, and skin tight garments.
  • Form fitting spandex (or stretch) material, nylon,blue jeans,sweatpants*, and pajama type pants are prohibited. Warm –upswillbe allowed if they are part of an athletic uniform or spirit wear outfit.
  • Skirts/skorts/jumpers/dresses cannot be shorter than 3 inches above the knee.

BELTS

  • Students must wear belts if the garment was manufactured with belt loops.
  • Belts or waistbands must be visible with shirts tucked in except when approved sweaters or sweatshirts are worn.
  • Belts must be an appropriate length and not hang below the straddle.

SHOES

  • Some type of footwear must be worn at all times.
  • Shoe laces must be tied at all times. Only one set of shoelaces may be worn.
  • Shoes must match and be the appropriate size
  • No flip flops, rubber soccer style sandals, or bedroom shoes may be worn.

OVERCOATS

  • Overcoats may be worn to school and placed in the student’s locker for the entire day.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DRESS CODE

A student‘s choice of dress style or appearance must not measurably detract from the orderly operation of learning activities or school events. Prohibited behaviors for male and female students shall include, but not be limited to the following guidelines.

  1. Head apparel (hats, headbands, scarves, bandanas, picks, combs, visors, etc.) or sunglasses may not be worn inside the building without the Principal‘s permission. Hats, for example may be confiscated.
  2. Exposed undergarments such as bras, panties, shorts, and boxers. (At MLA, top and bottom garments must cover the underarms, belly, and back, groin area, and should not be form-fitting, scooped, or revealing of undergarments or cleavage.)
  3. Halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps (AT MLA, bare shoulders are not permitted and sleeveless garments worn alone should have shoulder-line that extends from the neck across the shoulder to the shoulder joint. Tops that are form-fitting or are tank or string in nature ensure coverage of cleavage, underarms, belly, & back.)
  4. Pants that are excessively baggy or drag the floor. Pants should be worn around the waist and should not have inappropriate holes or tears.
  5. Short shorts or excessively short dresses/skirts. (At MLA, we measure when a student is standing to 5 inches from the dimple in the crease at the back of the knee. When wearing shorts or skorts, there must be at least a 5inch inseam.)
  6. Very tight clothing or excessively oversized clothing. Leggings/jeggings are not allowed unless the top meets the requirement of rule #5.
  7. Sleepwear or bedroom slippers.
  8. Clothing that contains messages likely to be distracting to the learning environment; advertisements for tobacco, alcohol, or drugs; pictures or graphics of nudity; words that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or indecent.
  9. Items that are potentially dangerous such as hooks, chains, or spiked objects (worn or carried).
  10. Any symbols, styles, or attire frequently associated with gangs, intimidation, violence, or violent groups.
  11. Sunglasses or bare feet (shoes must be worn at all times).

In-School Suspension

Students may be assigned to ISS by period or a full day due to failure to follow school rules and/or school policy. All academic assignments will be sent to ISS.

Out of School Suspensions

The absence of a child from school which results from the suspension or expulsion of that student for misconduct pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 115C-3913 is an excused absence. However, local boards of education shall not deny to any child suspended from school for ten (10) school days or less the opportunity to take any quarterly, semester, or other grading period examination missed during the period of suspension.

Students suspended during the school day will be required to go home or kept from returning to any class during the remainder of the day. Parents/guardians will be called to come to the school for a conference and will be asked to take the student home. During out of school suspension, a student is not allowed to be on any Montgomery County School campus during the day or night.

Attendance Policy

Teachers will take attendance each period. The teacher‘s attendance record is the official record for that class. Accurate records are important for report cards, appeals, and exam exemptions. Daily attendance will be taken second period. The daily attendance report to teachers will list late arrivals and check-outs. Teachers will be notified via email of any student placed in ISS. It is the student‘s responsibility to check in at the Office after an absence. The student is to submit an absentee note within two (2) days with the following information:

Date(s) of absence(s)

Reason for absence

Parent/Guardian signature:

Each note will be reviewed by the school administration. The school administration has the right to excuse a student temporarily from attendance on account of sickness or other unavoidable causes. Below are the valid excuses for temporary nonattendance of a student at school.

1. Illness or injury

2. Quarantine

3. Death in the immediate family

4. Medical or Dental Appointments

5. Court or Administrative Proceedings

6. Religious Observances

7. Education Opportunity. (Parents should contact the principal three (3) school days before the absence.)

Notes for tardies to school are due immediately.

Only parents or guardians can sign notes. A student may sign his or her own notes after the student provides the office with proof of emancipation. Homework may be requested when a student is absent for three or more consecutive days. The office should be contacted by 10:00 am to receive work by 4:00 pm the same day.

If a student was under a doctor’s care, we need a doctor‘s note specifying the dates the student was under a doctor‘s care. If a student was required to be in court, the student is to submit a note from the Clerk of Court or from an officer of the court.

Compulsory Attendance Rules

North Carolina Public Law requires students under sixteen (16) years of age to attend school. Parents of students under sixteen have a legal obligation to ensure that these students attend school. The student is legally obligated to attend school. The school has a legal obligation to file a petition with the courts when a student has excessive unlawful absences.