Greer Middle School

1. Greer Middle School Welcome to the 6th Grade 2009-2010 Parent/Student Orientation! An International Baccalaureate School

2. Tonight’s event is to help the student and the parent understand the transition from elementary school to middle school.

3. Transition to middle school is a big time in your life…but it should not be something that makes you worry

4. I want to be clear and upfront with all parents and students so that we can work together to ensure the safety of the school and learning environment and to make your transition to Greer Middle School as smooth as possible.

5. Administrative Team • Scott Rhymer, Principal • Lenny Kindall • Assistant Principal (6th Grade) • Tracy Cooper • Assistant Principal (7th Grade) • Matt Phillips • Assistant Principal (8th Grade) • Karen Clinkscale, Guidance • Grade 6 and Grade 7 (A-L) • Cathy Cash, Guidance Counselor • Grade 7 (M-Z) and Grade 8 • Carlton Greene, Instructional Coach • Chris Elliott (IB Coordinator) • Kelley Smith (Career Development Facilitator)

6. 2009-2010 GMSVision and Goals (Goal #1) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will implement a discipline policy in accordance with Greenville County Schools policy that ensures a quality learning environment for both students and staff. “Major” disciplinary infractions will be reduced by 20%. “Major” infractions will be defined as physical altercations, disrespect to faculty and staff, and refusal to obey. (Goal #2) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will reduce failure rates to less than 9% for every course (Academic and Related Arts). (Goal #3) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will successfully complete the requirements of the IB Evaluation.

7. (Goal #1) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will implement a discipline policy in accordance with Greenville County Schools policy that ensures a quality learning environment for both students and staff. “Major” disciplinary infractions will be reduced by 20%. “Major” infractions will be defined as physical altercations, disrespect to faculty and staff, and refusal to obey. Level I Behaviors Minor disruptions to classroom instruction or school order Level II Behaviors Disruptions to classroom instruction or school order that bring physical or mental harm Level III Behaviors Major disruptions to classroom instruction or school order that may result in criminal conduct Goal #1 Focuses on Safety…and Safety Is Our #1 Priority

8. Level I Behaviors Level I Behaviors Minor disruptions to classroom instruction or school order Verbal Warning Lunch Detention Teacher Detention Principal Detention Talking in class, excessive noise in hall, inappropriate language to other students, tardies, dress code violations In School Suspension Out Of School Suspension

9. Level I Behaviors Level I Behaviors Minor disruptions to classroom instruction or school order Lunch Detention During Lunch. A bag lunch is provided. Parent will be contacted. No maximum limit. Failure to attend will result in Teacher Detention. Teacher Detention 3:15-4:00 on Wednesday. Parent will be contacted with 24 hours notice. No maximum limit. Failure to attend will result in Principal Detention Principal Detention 3:15-5:00 Tuesday. Parent will be contacted by Assistant Principal and given 24 hours notice. Maximum limit of 5 Principal Detentions. Failure to attend will result in ISS. Talking in class, excessive noise in hall, inappropriate language to other students, tardies, dress code violations In School Suspension Entire school day. Parent will be contacted by Assistant Principal. Maximum limit of 5 days ISS.

10. Level II Behaviors Level II Behaviors Disruptions to classroom instruction or school order that bring harm or disrespect to someone In School Suspension Entire school day. Parent will be contacted by Assistant Principal. Maximum limit of 5 days ISS. Out Of School Suspension Student will not be allowed on campus during the school day or at any after school functions scheduled for that day. Horseplay, public display of affection, verbal altercation, physical altercation, disrespect, refusal to obey, bullying, harassment.

11. Level II Behaviors Level II Behaviors Disruptions to classroom instruction or school order that bring harm or disrespect to someone Typical Consequences For 1st Time Level II Offenses Possession of Tobacco 1 Day OSS Horseplay ISS Or OSS Verbal Altercation 3 Days OSS Rude/Disrespect 1-5 Days OSS Abusive Language To Staff/Teachers 3-10 Days OSS Removal From Class ISS Or OSS Harassment/Bullying 1-10 Days OSS Refusal To Obey 1 Day OSS Physical Altercation 5-10 Days OSS Horseplay, public display of affection, verbal altercation, physical altercation, disrespect, refusal to obey.

12. Tardies Students that are late to school or late to a class cause major disruptions to the school day for office personnel and classroom instruction. Excuses for tardies to school will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a doctor’s note. All students are given two warnings for tardies (without a consequence) that allow for unusual circumstances (wreck that slowed traffic, oversleeping, car breaks down, etc.). All other tardies will (unless accompanied by a medical excuse) be deemed “unexcused” and fall into the 3rd Offense category as listed on the next slide Tardies between class periods at GMS is unacceptable as students are given ample time to get from one class to another. Please work with your child to understand that they do not need to go to their locker after every class period.

13. Tardies To School/Class Tardies are tabulated in each class (including the beginning of the school day). 1st Offense Warning Warning Parent Contact 2nd Offense 3rd Offense Principal Detention Parent Contact 4th Offense Principal Detention Parent Contact ISS Parent Contact 5th Offense (Plus) Be Reminded, Only 5 Days Of Principal Detention will be assigned. Once all PD has been used, tardies will result in ISS. Once 5 days of ISS has been assigned, tardies will result in OSS.

14. Cell Phone/MP3 Players Confiscation of device, returned to parent by appointment with AP 1st Offense Confiscation of device, 1 Day ISS, phone returned in 30 days to parent 2nd Offense Confiscation of device, 1 Day OSS, phone returned in 60 days to parent 3rd Offense 4th Offense (Plus) Confiscation of device, 3 Days OSS, phone returned at end of school year Cell phones and MP3 Players will be confiscated anytime during school hours 7:30 until 4:00. Only exception to policy will be at athletic events

15. MySpace and Facebook • Issues that arise when middle school students use MySpace and Facebook many times spill over into school. • Threats/harassment made on these web sites that spill over into school will be dealt with under our harassment/threatening persons policy. • Threats/harassment made on these web sites that do not spill over into school can still be treated criminally. • Bottom line is simple: If your child is on the Internet at these (or similar sites), they are responsible for the content they post. We highly recommend that you disallow, regulate, or monitor your child’s use of these sites as it could quickly become a school issue.

16. Dress Code • The primary objective of Greenville County Schools is to provide a World-Class instructional program and learning opportunity for every student. • The personal appearance of every student is an important component of establishing a safe environment for optimal learning and respect for one another. Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner while on school district property or when representing the school. • Personal appearance shall be such that it does not disrupt student work or school order, become distractive to other students or violate health and safety guidelines.

17. Primary Dress Code Violations • Distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive attire. • Chains, etc. that dangle from clothes. • Hats, “hoodies”, and sunglasses • Attire affiliated with a "gang" in any negative sense of the term. • Clothing that contains language that is obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or offensive. • Shirts that are low cut and show cleavage. • Spaghetti strap shirts and/or tank tops. • Shirts that do not cover the midriff. • Pants and slacks that drag the ground. • Undergarments that are exposed. • Facial jewelry located anywhere except the ears.

18. Dress Code Warning referral, placed in ISS until change of clothes 1st Offense Principal Detention, placed in ISS until change of clothes 2nd Offense 1 Day ISS, placed in ISS until change of clothes 3rd Offense 1 Day ISS, placed in ISS until change of clothes 4th Offense 1 Day OSS, placed in ISS until change of clothes 5th Offense (Plus) The administration will make the final judgment on the appropriateness of clothing and/or appearance and reserves the right to prohibit students from wearing any articles of clothing or other items which lead to or may foresee ably result in the disruption of or interference with the school environment. 

19. Drop Off In Car Loading • Car riders may be dropped off after 7:30 • Riders cannot be dropped off prior to 7:30 because there will not be any supervision of the students. • If you arrive before 7:30, please remain with your child in the car until administrator comes to open building • Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their classroom by 8:15. • Drop off can be made in the front of the building or in the back of the building. • Students should report directly to their designated location after drop off (cafeteria for 7th/8th grade…gym for 6th grade). Note: 6th graders may eat in the cafeteria prior to reporting to the gym.

20. Drop Off In Car Loading • Car riders may not be dropped off in the bus loading area. • Please form a single line in the drop off areas. • Do not “double park” in the drop off line if you need to come inside the building. Park in a designated space before coming inside. • Please remember that safety is our #1 concern…be extremely cautious and attentive while you are in the parking lots.

21. Dismissal-Car Loading • Rear pick up gate will be unlocked at 3:00 for parents to begin lining up. Front car loading area will remain open entire school day. • Dismissal is at 3:15 • Note: Students will not be allowed to have early dismissal after 2:30 without permission from Mr. Rhymer. • Students should be told by parent which parking lot that they will be picked up. • Students should exit the building and immediately look for parents. Administrators will not call for students in the car loading area, nor will an “all call” be made inside of the building. It is the student’s responsibility to exit the building and look for their parent.

22. Dismissal-Car Loading • Parents should form a single line on the right side of the driveway in both the front loading and rear loading area. As your child loads the car, parents may enter the left lane to exit the parking lots. • Car riders may not be picked up in the bus loading area. • Cars in the front of the pick up lines will be asked to move to the back of the line if their child does not load the car in an appropriate amount of time. This is to ensure that the line moves quickly and makes dismissal as orderly as possible. • Do not “double park” in the drop off line if you need to come inside the building. Park in a designated space before coming inside. • Please remember that safety is our #1 concern…be extremely cautious and attentive while you are in the parking lots.

23. Buses • A transportation representative is here tonight to answer questions that you may have. • Bus drop-off and pick-up will be in the picnic area beside cafeteria • Please review bus safety and discipline policy. Students not abiding by policy can be removed temporarily or permanently from bus service.

24. Buses • Going Home with Someone Else? – Any time your child is going home with another student or on a different bus, please send a signed note to the front office with a phone number where you can be reached during the day.  Notes should be turned in by the end of 1st Period on the same day.  Adults early dismissing your child from school must be on the approved dismissal list. • A member of Transportation is in attendance tonight to assist with Bus Questions. Transportation’s Phone Number is 355-1289

25. Medication Policy • A student who needs to go to the health room must obtain a pass from his classroom teacher.  Students reporting to the nurse for illness must remain in the health room until released by the nurse to return to class or go home. If the health room is not open, the office staff will call the parent or send the student back to class. • Students may not take any type of medication unless under the direct supervision of the school nurse (this includes Tylenol, Advil, etc.). Failure to follow this procedure will lead to suspension.

26. (Goal #2) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will reduce failure rates to less than 9% for every course (Academic and Related Arts). Goal #2 focuses on the academic achievement of all GMS students

27. Transition Programs Flex Time Career Development/ IB Initiatives BUG Program Advisory Period • Tutoring Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. • Mandatory make-up for homework and tests • Mentoring by advisor • Clusters and Majors • Career Inventories • IB Activities • Study Skills • Advisement • Character Education

28. Guidance Department • The Greer Middle School Guidance Program addresses the needs of students as they encounter and deal directly with learning and life issues. This program does so by stressing student academic achievement, career and educational decision-making, and personal and social development. • Karen Clinkscale Grade 6 and Grade 7 (A-L) 355-5804 • Cathy Cash Grade 7 (M-Z) and Grade 8 355-5816

29. Related Arts Classes • Very important to be successful in Related Arts classes. • 10 Different Related Arts classes this year. • Related Arts is an opportunity to be exposed to practices that students would possibly never be exposed to. • Some students will not receive their top choices for Related Arts due to classes becoming full.

30. In order to be successful, students must attend school every day. Instruction at GMS is intense, and missing any day is a detriment to a child’s academic progress. Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal. The school year consists of 180 days. To receive credit, students must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170 days of each 180-day year course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course. Accrued students absences may not exceed ten (10) days during the school year. Any absence in excess of ten (10) may cause the student to lose credit for the year. Because 170 days are the minimum required by the state, the first ten (10) absences may be lawful, unlawful, or a combination. All absences beginning with the eleventh (11th) day must be lawful and will be excused if they fall within the following guidelines: Attendance

31. Lawful Absences Personal illness of a child verified by a statement from a physician within two (2) days of the students' return to school. Absences for CHRONIC or EXTENDED illness will be approved only when verified by a physician's statement. (This includes doctor's appointments.) Serious illness or death of an immediate family member verified by a statement from the parent within two (2) days of the student's return to school. Absences for religious holidays when approved in advance.  Requests must be made to the Principal in writing. Absences for extreme hardships must be approved by the Principal. Such approval should be prearranged when possible. Attendance

32. Unlawful Absences Any student absence, with or without the knowledge of the parent, which does not meet the conditions for a lawful absence, shall be counted as unlawful and will not be excused. When a student returns to school from being absent he/she should bring a note explaining why he/she was absent. The note should be signed by a parent/guardian and dated. Students should present parent excuses to the Attendance Clerk on the day they return to school. This should be done before the 8:15 a.m. bell. Attendance

33. Textbooks are issued to all students in all subject areas. Students are expected to care for textbooks as if they were their own. Books have to be used a minimum of 6 years. ALL LOST OR DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS MUST BE PAID FOR. Students are asked to do the following to protect textbooks: Put a non-adhesive cover on all books Do not force books into lockers Do not leave books outside Do not loan books to classmates Do not drop books on the floor Write you name in your book as directed by teacher Some classes will not distribute individual books for students to take home. Textbooks

34. Students may use book bags to transport books to and from school. Book bags must be locked in the student's locker from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.  Rolling book bags are not permitted. Book Bags

35. Lunch • Daily Lunch Cost $2.00 • Weekly Lunch Cost $10.00 • Reduced Lunch Cost $.40 • Weekly Reduced Lunch $2.00 • Daily Breakfast Cost $1.00 • Reduced Breakfast Cost $.30 • Extra Milk $.65 • Accounts can be updated in the mornings before school • Last six numbers of Student ID is code for student lunch meal plan. Bar code on Student ID can also be used • Three separate lunches • Three unique lunch lines

36. Lockers • At the beginning of the school year each student will be assigned a locker in the hallways and in their Physical Education class. Students will be responsible for the locker assigned to them. • Since lockers are school property, the school retains the right to inspect lockers from time to time. A replacement fee of $5.00 must be paid for a damaged/lost P.E. lock. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT GIVE THEIR COMBINATIONS TO OTHER STUDENTS.  • Teachers and/or administrators have the right to suspend the use of a locker if it is not properly used.  • Locker breaks are held at various times during the day. Students only have time to use their lockers before school, after school, and at locker breaks.

37. Parent Communication • Parent/Teacher/Administrator Conferences • Teacher Web Sites • Weekly Planner On Teacher Web Site • Mid-Progress Reports Bi-Weekly • Email • Phone Messenger • http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/greerms/. • PTSO (Parent/Teacher/Student Organization) • School Improvement Council

39. Parental Visits/Conferences Parents and other members of the community are always welcome at Greer Middle School. For the security of all students and to avoid disturbing the learning environment of students, visitors must enter by way of the office and secure permission and a visitor's pass before going to any other part of the building. Parents and other visitors may observe classes by making arrangements in advance with the Principal. Conferences with teachers may be arranged by making an appointment through the office by calling to arrange a team conference. Please contact the teacher directly if you would like to have a conference.

40. Teacher Web Sites All teachers keep an up to date we page to keep parents informed of happenings within the classroom as well as to update assessment, homework, and project due dates. You may access a teacher’s web site by going to Greer Middle IB School’s main web page at http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/greerms/. Click on Faculty and then Directory to locate a particular teacher and their web site. Mr. Rhymer’s Principal Message will also be updated every two weeks. Please take time to read this message as it many times will include valuable information regarding the progress and updates at GMS.

41. PTSA Greer Middle School’s goal is to have strong parental involvement in school activities. The PTSA will have active members and be involved in a number of events designed to support our school (See PTSA calendar of events on the last page of student handbook). Parents may obtain information about the PTSA today, at Open House, or by contacting the school. School Improvement Council The School Improvement Council is an organization composed of teachers, parents, administrators and other citizens elected and/or appointed by the Principal. These council members work as a team to assist the administration in determining present and future needs of our schools.

42. (Goal #3) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will successfully complete the requirements of the IB Evaluation. Goal #3 focuses on moving forward with our IB program within the school as well as the communication about IB outside of the school.

43. International Baccalaureate Program The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program prepares students for an increasing global society through an emphasis on communication skills, learning styles, social awareness and self-reflection. By working together Greer Middle IB Teachers developed our MYP curriculum focusing on active learning, interdisciplinary connections, and intercultural awareness while continuing to meet South Carolina state standards. Our Middle Years Program is designed to prepare students to successfully meet the challenges they face both in school and beyond.

44. International Baccalaureate Program The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a great way to grow and learn at Greer Middle International Baccalaureate School: • You will find out more about yourself and how you learn best. • You will study from a broad range of different subjects. • You will learn to make connections between your subjects. • You will make connections with the real world. • You will be assessed using a wide range of methods, not just tests! • You will grow into a global citizen – someone who cares more for the world around you. • You will be prepared for a successful future in the world beyond school.

45. IB Community Service Hours • Pick up a Community & Service Reflection Form from the IB office, your teacher, or the GMS website. • Complete the required information and have the form signed at the event. • Once the reflection form is completed turn it in to the IB office. It can be faxed or emailed, as well. [See below.] • All forms are checked, recorded and the hard copy is filed in the IB office. • A confirmation card is sent to the student via their homeroom teacher. • At the end of the 1st and 2nd semester a letter is attached to the student's report card reporting their community and service hours earned while at Greer Middle IB School. 6th Grade – 10 hours 7th Grade – 15 hours 8th Grade – 25 hours

46. IB Ambassadors • Applications will be accepted once school begins • Applications will be screened and interviews will be set up • Selected Ambassadors will participate in training throughout the school year.

47. Class SchedulesRelated Arts • Art • Chorus • Music • Band/Music • BandY (Year) • GTT • PE • Strings • Keyboarding • Spanish • ESOL • Resource

48. Class SchedulesRelated Arts • Not all students received their top choices for Related Arts classes because of demand • Related Arts are an opportunity for students to be exposed to new things • If any student wants a Related Arts class change, a parent letter needs to be sent to Mr. Rhymer • More than likely, the change will not be possible due to class size. But Mr. Rhymer will look at each individual case and make a decision

49. Class SchedulesAcademic • Teams • You will pick up your schedules tonight • Please take the time to visit your teachers • Schedule changes will not be made unless their was an error in the registration process • Any concerns regarding schedules can be made with Mr. Rhymer

50. Tables And Representatives • PTSA • Spirit Shop • Parent Volunteers Sign Up • Miss GMS • After School Program • Greer Christian Learning Center Release Time • Yearbooks • PE Uniforms • Career Development Facilitator-Parent Volunteers • Transportation (Busses) • School Lunch • Schedules