Attendance

The Irwin County Board of Education recognizes the importance of school attendance in attaining an education and expects students to be at school each day.  Attendance is recorded in a student’s permanent school record and the total days absent from school are recorded on all student transcripts. Below is a downloadable copy of the entire policy.

2017-18 ICHS Attendance Policy

Dress Code

The standards of appearance for pupils shall ensure that the pupils be clean, neat and properly dressed. They shall observe modes of dress, styles of hair, and standards of personal grooming which are in conformity with the studious atmosphere necessary in school and within the operational guidelines set forth by the Irwin County Board of Education. The Administration reserves the right to add to or delete from the student dress code at any time.

1. Hair styles must conform to acceptable grooming styles and standards which are basically concerned with moderation, cleanliness, and are non-disruptive by nature to the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, extremes in hair length, wild and exotic hair colors, noticeably disruptive hair designs that include rubber bands, or styles deemed to be a personal health hazard.
2. Proper and acceptable undergarments must be worn at all times and in a manner not to be seen.
3. Shirts must be buttoned up appropriately and sleeveless shirts must cover shoulders.
4. Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops and sandals are not allowed in PE and laboratory classes due to safety.
5. Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be no more than three (3) inches above the kneecaps.*
6. Neat cutoff shorts are permissible without holes or slits.
7. Jewelry and other costume items must be worn in an appropriate manner and under the approval of the administration.
8. All shirts excessive in length must be tucked in. Teachers and administrators will make the final determination of proper acceptability of length.
9. All pants must be worn at the top of the hipbone or the natural waistline which is one inch below the navel.

The following modes of dress are unacceptable:

1. Clothing or jewelry that advertises drugs or alcoholic beverages.
2. Clothing or jewelry that bears pictures, patches, or wording that is vulgar, distasteful, offensive, or suggestive.
3. Tank tops, fishnet shirts, halter tops, strapless or spaghetti-string tops or dresses, or shirts which show bare midriffs. Any see-through clothing is unacceptable.
4. Dresses or tops showing cleavage.
5. Sweat pants or pants and/or skirts/dresses that are too tight, including tights and/or “jeggings” unless worn with other apparel that meets dress code requirements.
6. Headbands, hat, bandanas and sunglasses. Habitual violators will have these items confiscated.
7. Bedroom slippers.
8. Clothes bearing holes, tears, or shreds that show skin above the acceptable dress code line.
9. Umbros or umbro-type shorts.
10. Sagging pants, coveralls, or jumpsuits.
11. Pajama bottoms.
12. Coats or jackets that fall below the knee.
13. No visible body piercings, including gauges, with the exception of earrings.
14. Picks or combs in hair.
15. Chains or jewelry that could possibly be used as a weapon. Examples: wallets with chains, dog chains, necklaces with large medallions, etc.
16. Short shirts that come to the belt line, but are not long enough to tuck in or shirts that rise up when a student is seated.

Discipline for any dress code violation:

• 1st Offense - Warning and a chance to correct dress.
• 2nd Offense - 2 days of Detention
• 3rd Offense - 2 days of Time Out or ISS
• 4th Offense - May result in ISS, OSS, or referral to ICHS Disciplinary Tribunal.

*Third time violators of the three (3) inch shorts/skirt rule will not be allowed to wear shorts/skirts for the remainder of the semester.

Driver's License Information

A signed and notarized Certificate of School Enrollment form is required in order to apply for a Learner's Permit or Driver's License. This form may be obtained at the Board of Education at 210 Apple Street and is good for 30 days after issuance.

The following link takes you outside the Irwin County High School website and will open in a new window: Georgia Department of Driver Services - Teen Drivers

Employment Certification (Work Permits)

A work permit is required for anyone who desires to hold a job but has not reached the age of 16. A work permit may be obtained at the Board of Education at 210 Apple Street. Completed work permits must be returned to the Board of Education for certification. A picture ID is required.

To streamline the work permit process, minors may go to the Department of Labor website to complete and print an employment certificate. This certificate must still be certified by the Board of Education.

Online Youth Work Permit
  Instructions

Computer/Internet Usage

Acceptable Use Policy
CIPA-Compliant Internet Safety Policy
Internet Usage Permission Form

Grievance Procedures

Students are entitled to a grievance procedure to deal with a claim that is allegedly caused by a misinterpretation, violation or inequitable application of students’ rights. A student must report a grievance to the principal or his/her designee within five (5) days of the incident and/or suspension. The principal will render a written decision to all parties involved within ten (10) days after receiving the grievance. A student may appeal the principal’s decision to the superintendent and then to the board of education.

Parking

Parking a car on campus is a privilege. Students are expected to demonstrate sound judgment and maturity in the use of motor vehicles.

The following parking policy applies to all students:

• All motor vehicles driven to and from school must be registered in the office. The cost is $20.00 for the first parking permit and $15.00 for each additional vehicle.
• Student parking privileges may be suspended for the remainder of the semester at the time of the sixth (6th) unexcused tardy or for any unauthorized departure or truancy from school.
• If a parking permit is suspended or revoked, it will cost the student $25.00 to regain the parking permit.
• Students must have a valid Georgia driver’s license to obtain a parking permit.
• Students must park only on the north campus parking lot in the designated parking spaces.
• The parking permit must be displayed in the lower left hand corner of the front windshield.
• The maximum speed in the parking area and on campus is 5 MPH. 
• School buses and pedestrians always have the right of way.
• Students are not allowed in the parking lot at any time during the school day. Students will not be allowed to remain on campus nor return to school/ parking lot after checking out for the day.
• Cars should be locked at all times for security. Valuables should not be left in the car.
• Temporary parking permits for one day only will be issued by an administrator in the main office. This should be done before 8:00 a.m.
• Vehicles may be searched by the administration at any time during the school day when it is deemed necessary to protect the well-being of the entire student body.

Parent Rights and Responsibilities

Child Custody

Each school keeps a confidential list of students whose parents have limited and/or restricted custody rights. Students are placed on the list when and only when the school receives a legal document from the courts indicating a restriction. In the absence of legal papers, both parents have a right to visit and/or pick a child up from school. If circumstances should ever develop during the year and you have a concern about your child’s safety, please contact the school immediately and explain the circumstances. These confidential lists are reviewed annually for accuracy; it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that the court papers are in proper order and updated if necessary.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g)

Parents or eligible students have the right to the following:

• Inspect and review education records;
• Request the amendment of the student's education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights;
• Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except when requested by a government agency. Directory information contains the following: student name & grade.
• Complaints may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education.

A copy of the FERPA may be reviewed in the principal's office.(E:28.3)

Parents who wish to have student information withheld from printed documents and other agencies may contact a school administrator.

Highly Qualified Teacher/Parental Information Request

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute the Irwin County School District informs parents of information about the professional qualifications of your student's teacher(s). The following information may be provided:

• Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;
• The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;
• Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualifications, please contact the principal at your child's school or Heather Purvis at 229-468-7485.

Publication of Student Images

Students may be photographed, videotaped, or interviewed by news media or school officials at school or at a school activity or event and such photographs, interviews, and videotapes may be published, including Internet publication. Any parent/guardian who objects to his or her student being photographed, videotaped, or interviewed must present that objection to the principal of the school within ten days after the student’s enrollment date.

Student Enrollment

Documents needed to enroll students into Irwin County High School:

• Birth Certificate (or other proof of age)
  • Parents registering new students for school can now order Georgia birth certificates online directly from the State of Georgia. The Georgia Technology Authority partnering with the Georgia Department of Public Health provides Request Official Vital Event Records (ROVER), making it convenient to order certificates directly from the State of Georgia.
• Proof of Residency in parent/guardian’s name, which may include
  • Current home utility bills (gas, electric, water, sanitation, cable, or land line telephone bill)
  • Current property tax statement or deed/valid residential lease or rental agreement
  • Current home purchase agreement.
  • For those parents living with someone, a third-person affidavit of residency (notarized affidavit shall be completed and signed by parent, guardian or other person, as well as the legal owner or lessor of the property where the student and the parent, guardian, or other person reside). Residency Affidavits may be obtained at the Central Office located at 210 Apple Street, Ocilla, GA.
• Custody/Guardianship documentation, if applicable
• Georgia Certificate of Immunization, Form 3231(available from a doctor or the Health Department)
• Georgia Eye, Ear, and Dental Certificate, Form 3300 (available from a doctor or the Health Department)
• Copy of Student’s Social Security Card (or signed waiver in accordance with O.C.G.A 20-2-150). The lack of or objection to providing a social security number will not prevent a student from being enrolled.  Students will not be denied enrollment due to lack of a social security number.
• Any restraining orders or other legal documents specifically limiting the access of any individual to the student(s) being enrolled.
• Proof of health insurance or Medicaid.

Contact Information:

Mr. Kerry Billingsley
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
(229) 468-7485

Student Transportation/Bus Policy

Students who ride the school bus may do so as long as they display safe and reasonable behavior. Choosing and/or continuing to follow unacceptable behavior will result in loss of bus service. The bus driver is responsible for the safety and discipline of the students on the bus. The school administrator, in accordance to this policy, will determine consequences of misbehavior and the reinstatement of bus service for the offending students should a suspension become necessary. A suspension applies to all buses unless otherwise designated by school officials. The responsibility for student supervision by the school shall begin when the student boards the bus in the morning and is retained until the child leaves the bus at the end of the day. Riding the school bus is a privilege not a right, and may be revoked for safety and discipline infractions.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility

Parents and guardians will be responsible for instructing their child in safe school bus ridership practices. If the student violates the school bus policy, the parent will provide transportation for their child. Students will be picked up and dropped off at their designated stop. Exceptions will require a written request from the parent to the principal for initialing and presentation by the student to the bus driver. In emergency or other special circumstance a phone call by the parent to the principal and subsequent written approval from the principal to the bus driver will be acceptable.

The Transportation Department will print and distribute copies of the Irwin County Code of Behavior Discipline Policy to each school, teacher, and student. The school bus student Code of Behavior Discipline Policy will also be published each fall in the Student Handbook. The teacher or bus driver will provide the student with a letter to be included with the School Bus Discipline Policy for the parent to read and review with the student, then return signed by the parent and student to the teacher or bus driver. This letter will become part of the documentation required by the building principal to ensure that all students and parents understand the policy.

The school bus ride is an extension of the school day and is subject to all school policies and procedures. Bus Conduct Reports will be recorded in accordance with all other school record keeping procedures.

Transporting of School Related/Non-related Items

No animals or any other dangerous or objectionable nature items will be transported in the school bus when children are being transported. Baseball and softball bats, hockey sticks, skateboards, or any other unacceptable recreational equipment will not be allowed on regular buses. Band instruments that will be allowed on the bus are those that are small enough to be held in the students lap. Instruments may not be in the aisle or take the space of a student if that space is needed to sit down. Damage to personal items is not covered by the school bus insurance coverage.

Behavior Guidelines

Each infraction of class I and II offenses shall be reported by the driver to the respective school principal.

Class I Offenses

• Eating or drinking on the bus.
• Out of seat while bus is in motion.
• Loud noise (should be classroom behavior)
• Horseplay.
• Possession of unacceptable material, obscene gestures.
• Profanity.
• Yelling out the bus window.
• Riding unassigned bus without signed note from parent and signed by school administrator.
• Checking mailbox while bus is still in sight (Area is in danger zone).
• Other offenses as reported by the driver or Administrator, including but not limited to, the use of electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; pagers, audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus. Also using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus. Cell Phone use is prohibited unless authorized by the bus driver.

Class II Offenses

• Profanity (directed at the driver), verbal abuse and harassment (directed at student or driver).
• Body parts out of window.
• Throwing/shooting of any object.
• Physical aggression against any person.
• Use of tobacco and any controlled substance.
• Destruction of school property (vandalism) - suspended until restitution is made.
• Loading or unloading buses improperly.
• Lighting of matches, fireworks, or any flammable object or substance.
• Unauthorized entering or leaving bus through emergency door.
• Tampering with any portion of bus or equipment on bus.
• Riding of any bus after being suspended from one.
• Fighting (of any kind) treated as Class II 3rd offense.
• Other offense committed on any bus outside regular transportation to and from school (shuttles, activity, field trip) will carry a minimum penalty of a Class II 1st offense.

Consequences of Class I and II Offenses

Class I

• 1st Offense: Warning (Call Parent).
• 2nd Offense: 3 to 5 day suspension from bus.
• 3rd Offense: 5 to 10 day suspension from bus.
• 4th Offense: 10 day suspension from bus.
• 5th Offense: Loss of bus services (for one full grading period or remainder of year.)

Class II

• 1st Offense: 3 to 5 day suspension from bus.
• 2nd Offense: 5 to 10 day suspension from bus.
• 3rd Offense: 10 day suspension from bus.
• 4th Offense: Loss of bus service.

The Irwin County Board Policy requires a meeting between appropriate school district officials and the parent or guardian of any student found to have engaged in bullying, physical assault or battery on a school bus for the purpose of forming a school bus behavior contract for the student. The contract must provide for progressive age-appropriate discipline, penalties, and restrictions for student misconduct on the bus. Contract provisions may include but shall not be limited to assigned seating, ongoing parental involvement, and suspension from riding the bus. All assigned consequences are subject to administrative review.

Other

• A driver shall not cause a pupil to get off the bus at any place other than home or school.
• Bus drivers are expected to attend all meetings or clinics for drivers held during the year.
• The mechanism of the bus shall be decided daily by the bus driver. Brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, tires, and form should be in good
• condition.
• In crossing a railroad track, the bus driver shall bring his/her bus to a complete stop, open the door, and observe all safety procedures.
• Stops shall be established by the superintendent with proper input from staff.
• When children who live on the opposite side of the road are being picked, they shall be instructed to remain on their side until the bus has stopped, the mechanical stop signal has been extended, and the door has opened. The same procedure shall be followed when students are being left off after the school day. The door shall be left open until the student has crossed the highway safely.
• Bus drivers shall not permit pupils to get on or off buses while it is in motion.

Bus Riding Rules

• Obey the bus driver at all times. Bus drivers are authorized to assign seats.
• Be courteous.
• No profanity.
• Eating or drinking is prohibited.
• Do not throw objects or litter on the bus.
• Cooperate with the driver.
• Stay in your seat, face the front, and keep the aisle clear.
• Do not be destructive.
• Windows are to be opened only with the driver’s permission.
• Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.
• Do not throw objects out the window.
• Talk quietly, no loud outbursts.
• Students will always cross in front of the bus when loading or unloading, after the bus driver's signal.
• Students must have a bus pass from the school office to ride a different bus or leave the bus at a different stop.

Remember: Safety First!