RHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
2014-2015
Transforming Learning
Rockmart High School
Home of the Fighting Yellow Jackets
School Address:
990 Cartersville Highway
Rockmart, GA 30153
Principal
DeAnna Williams
Assistant Principals
Jerry Hartline
Wesley Styles
Principal'sMessage
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to Rockmart High School! We're so excited about the 2014-15school-year! High school can be challenging; however, we want to provide you with the tools and information you need to have a productive and successful school year. This handbook is a great source of information regarding the policy and procedures of Polk School District as well as specific information pertaining to Rockmart High School. Please familiarize yourself with its contents. Helpful links are provided throughout the handbook as an easy way to assist you accessing even more useful information and related topics. Please let us know should you have any additional questions. We certainly want to assist you in any way possible.
We are looking forward to a great year of working together for academic success!
Kindest Regards,
DeAnna Williams
Principal
School Mission Statement
The mission of Rockmart High School is to develop the whole student through academic rigor as measured against state and national standards while encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and community involvement.
School Motto
Enter to Achieve - Leave to Succeed
Counselors
Naomi Stephens
Kim Wilson
Media Specialist
Dena Lumpkin
Administrative Secretary
Judy Dunn
Bookkeeper
Traci Thompson
Parent Involvement Coordinator
Paige Haney
Receptionist
Pam Gamel
Absences and Attendance
One of the primary contributors to your success in school is your attendance to school. In high school, Georgia law ties your attendance in school to obtaining a driver’s license. Other school incentives are based on your attendance to school as well. Therefore, please read the PSD attendance policy carefully. It can be viewed in its entirety by going to the PSD website or clicking on the following link: PSD Attendance Policy
RHS Alma Mater
On the city’s central hilltop,
Reared against the sky;
Proudly stands our Alma Mater,
As the years go by.
Forward, ever be our watchword,
Conquer and prevail;
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater,
Rockmart High, All Hail!
An Alma Mater is much more than a school's fight song or chant. The Alma Mater is a hymn or song associated with a school, college, or university in much the same way as our national anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) is to the United States of America. Because of its importance, we have specific expectations when RHS's Alma Mater is played and/or sung.
Expectations: When the Alma Mater is played, you should stop, stand at attention, and remain standing and still until the last note of the Alma Mater is played. If you know the words, which we expect you to learn, you may sing along.
Announcements
Announcements are made at the beginning of every school day. Announcements are delivered daily via email, shown on the school TV in the commons area, and are also posted on the school web site for public viewing via podcast. Therefore, school announcements are available to everyone 24/7. In between classes, the office staff will make specific announcements that may arise after the morning announcements are delivered. Please listen and pay close attention to these announcements. Typically, in-between class announcements are for a particular group of students and the information is very important and needs to be addressed before the next day. If the announcement could possibly wait until the next day, we would wait and put it on the following morning’s announcements. Therefore, if the office staff is on the intercom, it means that what is being said is important and you should listen and be attentive. Important information regarding sports, schedules, scholarships, meetings, policies, and other topics pertaining to Y-O-U are being discussed.
Automobile Registration
All students who drive to school must obtain a parking permit. The permit must be displayed in the vehicle at all times. In order to become eligible for a permit, you must obtain a parking application in the Main Office. The application must be filled out completely and signed by a parent/guardian. The application must be brought to the Main Office, and upon showing a valid Georgia’s driver license and proof of insurance, the student will be sold a parking permit. The cost of the permit is $30. After spring break, the permits may be purchased for $20. All vehicles parked on the RHS campus are subject to search and seizure as outlined in the Polk School District Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. For more information, click on the following link: PSD Code of Conduct.
NOTE:
RHS reserves the right to tow any vehicle which does not have a valid parking permit. Students should lock cars and immediately enter the building upon arrival. Loitering in the parking lot is not permitted. The parking lot is off limits during the school day. The privilege of driving on school property and the use of parking lot facilities shall be withdrawn without refund of fees whenever a driver operates his/her vehicle in a manner that is illegal and/or threatens the welfare of the people or property, or violates PSD policies and procedures.
Bell Schedules–will revise later
Regular Bell Schedule:
This is the bell schedule we use on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday unless otherwise noted in announcements.
Homeroom Bell Schedule:
We have homeroom every Wednesday in which our students participate in our Teachers-As-Advisors program (TAA). The TAA program is used by RHS to enhance students' overall academic success by routinely maintaining in contact with a teacher and completing educational planning activities for guidance while in high school and in post-secondary school. This is the bell schedule we use each Wednesday when we have homeroom.
Afternoon Activity Bell Schedule:
This is the bell schedule we use when we are having any special afternoon activity such as pep rallies, guest speakers, or special programs.
A copy of all three bell schedules can be found on our school website or you may click the following link:
Before School Daily
Before school begins, students are to remain in the cafeteria or in the courtyard area outside the cafeteria. Students cannot loiter in their cars or the parking lot, and should not be in the cafeteria lobby, Commons Area, gym, or in any hallways. Due to supervision, students must enter the school through the lunchroom or front door –not through the gym or other areas. If a student needs to see a teacher before school begins, he/she should report to the office so that it can be verified that the teacher is in his/her classroom.
Car-Riders (NOT students who drive their own cars)
Before School: Drivers should use the first entrance (not the entrance at the traffic light) and drop off car riders in front of the school. After School: Students must exit at the “car rider exit” which is at the end of the 400 hall. Drivers may pick up students by driving behind the gym to the far side of the campus (in the cul-de-sac between the 400 and 300 halls). Student may not be picked up in front the school or in ANY parking lots at the end of the day.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Students are permitted to use their cell phones before school, after school, and during their lunch shift. Cell phones/iPads/Electronic Devices are not to be used in between classes or at any other time other than those stated in PSD handbook. When a student uses their electronic device inappropriately or at inappropriate times (when the teacher/school has not given permission), the PSD Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policywill be followed. Click on the blue lettering for the policy.
Certificate of Attendance for Drivers License
Students wishing to obtain a driver’s license are required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to have a Certificate of Attendance from the school they attend. Students at RHS can a Certificate of Attendance in the Main Office. The certificate will be completed and notarized for the student to pick up on the following school day.
Cheating
Cheating is not allowed at RHS. A student caught cheating will receive a grade of zero (0) for the assignment and cannot redo the assignment. He/she will also be subjected to administrative discipline.
Class Dismissal
The bell does not dismiss students from class – the teacher dismisses students. When the bell rings, students should remain in their seats until they are dismissed by the classroom or substitute teacher. Individual teachers may have specialized sayings or gestures to indicate class dismissal.
Course Syllabus
At the beginning of the school year, each teacher will give each student a course syllabus that gives an overview of the required work. It will include a description of the course, textbooks to be used, materials needed, units to be covered, grading procedures, and other information of importance. Signing the syllabus indicates agreement of completion as designed.
Credit Recovery
A student who fails a class may be eligible to make up the class by attending Credit Recovery sessions after school. Credit recovery is a computer-based, self-paced program which is offered via Edgenuity. Any student who is interested in Credit Recovery should see a school counselor.
Detention
Students assigned to after school detention (ASD) are expected to report to the specified location at 3:30 pm. Detention is from 3:30 to 4:00, unless otherwise specified. Failure to attend assigned ASD and/or arriving on time will result in further administrative discipline.
Dress Code
The Polk School District Dress Code will be enforced at RHS at all times. A student who violates the dress code will be sent to the office with a dress code violation slip. For specific approved clothing, please carefully consult the Polk School District Code of Conduct using the following link: PSD Student Dress Code
Student Forms and Emergency Paperwork
In order to provide and safe and orderly environment where teaching and learning can occur, parents are expected to enter into partnership with school staff and administrators so that our school can operate in this manner. At the beginning of each school year, parents are asked to provide certain information to the school to facilitate in getting in contact with parents for emergencies and otherwise. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep such information current at all times (residence address, mailing address, telephone numbers, persons allowed to sign students in/out of school, etc.). Polk School District and Rockmart High School does not accept responsibility for the results of delayed communication between school and parent/guardian or treatment of an illness/injury that is a due to out-of-date or non-current contact information.
Early Dismissal
A student who needs to be dismissed early during the school day should follow the procedure below:
- The student must bring his/her agenda and a parent’s note to the faculty member on duty in the Commons Area before reporting to 1st period on the day of the early dismissal.
- The student will be given an office slip to verify the dismissal.
- At check-out time, the student will bring the office slip to the main office where he/she will be allowed to sign out. Please discuss with the teacher whose class you will be leaving from your dismissal and show him/her your office permission slip in order to leave the room.
Leaving campus without following this procedure will be considered skipping and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Telephone requests for early dismissal will not be approved except in cases of extreme emergency and at the principal’s discretion. Students who reached 18 years of age may not sign out at will. Students not living with parents or guardians (emancipated youth) are required to see the principal prior to check out.
Fines
Fines incurred are expected to be paid immediately. Should students have fines and/or charges that are unpaid, privileges may be withheld until arrangements have been made to pay the fines. To pay fines, students/parents may contact Mrs. Traci Thompson, bookkeeper, in the main office. RHS accepts most major credit cards as well as debit cards.
Food in the Classroom
It is a violation of RHS policy for any student to have food delivered onto campus (by an individual or business) or to leave school, excused or unexcused, for the purpose of obtaining food during the school day. Students may not visit vending machines during class to obtain food or drink.
Graduation Requirements
Course Requirements:
For students entering RHS in 2009-2010 and subsequent years:
•4 credits each in English, Math, Science, 3 in Social Studies (15 total core class credits)
•5 CTAE, modern language, or fine arts courses - 3 in one pathway
(2 Modern Languages are required for most college admissions)
•1 Physical Education and Health course
•4 Electives
•23 total units minimum
Click on the following link for more information: PSD Graduation Requirements
Testing Requirements:
For students entering 9th grade in 2010-2011, students must pass one End-of-Course Test (EOCT) in each academic area (English, Science, Math, Social Studies) or its GHSGT equivalent and the GHSWT.
For students entering 9th grade in 2011-2012 and subsequent years, students must pass EOCT courses - which are already course requirements for graduation. Students must pass the GHSWT.
Hall Passes
Students are expected to stay in class for the entire period. Occasionally, students may have an emergency and may need to leave the room. Teacher permission must be obtained prior to leaving the classroom, and the student must have signed permission by the teacher in order to leave the classroom.
Illness or Injury
A student who feels ill or injured during the day should tell his/her classroom teacher immediately. When deemed appropriate, the student will be sent with a pass to either the school nurse (located in the main office). School personnel can only administer immediate first aid – we do not diagnose or treat illness or injuries.
Lockers
Students may rent a locker and lock for $5. Each locker has its own combination lock, and this combination should not be shared with anyone else. Locks, other than those rented from RHS, will be removed from lockers. Students may visit their lockers after the first bell rings at 7:50 am, between classes, and after school. RHS will not assume liability for lost or missing personal items contained within school lockers. School authorities may search a locker and seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search at any time
Lunch/Lunch Shifts
There are three lunch shifts for RHS. Your lunch shift is based on your 5th period class each day. Students at lunch are to stay in the cafeteria or outside in the courtyard area. Students may not be in classrooms, the gym, or in hallways during their lunch shift. Students are not permitted to have lunch brought to them at school from outside restaurants or individuals.
Make Up Work
Students whose absences are excused have the opportunity to make up work missed. An excuse must be on file in the office within three (3) days upon the student’s return to school. If the student fails to provide an excuse within three days, then his/her absence will be considered unexcused and he/she cannot make up the work missed. PSD policy states that students with excused absences have three days to get with the teacher to arrange to make up missed work and that beyond three days’time will require approval of the principal. Mrs. Williams allows teachers to accept make up work as long as it is no longer than two weeks beyond the grading period in which the work was assigned and that the absence(s) was/were excused. It is the student's responsibility to get with the teacher in a timely manner to find out what work was missed upon returning to school. The longer a student procrastinates in making up an assignment, then the potential for scoring well on the assignment diminishes. Again, assignments from unexcused absences cannot be made up. Students placed on out-of-school suspension (OSS) can make up work upon their first issuance of OSS. Any assignment of OSS thereafter results in not making up any work missed while on OSS. Family vacations and/or personal trips are NOT excused absences.
Media Center
The Media Center at RHS is an important student-centered learning area. A media specialist is available from 7:45-4:00 to help students. Students using the Media Center during class are required to have their agenda signed by the classroom teacher. In order to use the Internet, students must present their agendas which displays the internet sticker.