Student Handbook & Code of Conduct

The Barrow County Student Code of Conduct is based on the philosophy that discipline is a tool that is used to teach students to become responsible for their own behavior. Since our students live in a society in which citizens are expected to obey laws and abide by commonly accepted standards of behavior, we must teach them to be self- disciplined. This Student Code of Conduct is built upon those commonly accepted standards of behavior sometimes called character traits. These character traits include: citizenship, cheerfulness, cleanliness, compassion, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, diligence, fairness, generosity, honesty, kindness, loyalty, patience, patriotism, perseverance, punctuality, respect for others, respect for the creator, respect for the environment, sportsmanship, school pride, self-respect, self-control, tolerance, and virtue.

In order to educate students to become productive citizens as adults, we must create a safe, non-threatening and orderly school environment that enables teachers to teach and students to learn. We expect students to “behave themselves in such a way so as to facilitate a learning environment for themselves and others, respect each other and school district employees, obey student behavior policies adopted by the local board of education, and obey student behavior rules established by individual schools (O.C.G.A. 20-2-735).” This Code of Conduct establishes expectations for the maintenance of a positive learning environment at school. Major offenses, including, but not limited to, drug and weapon offenses, may lead to a school being labeled as an Unsafe School according to the provisions of State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.16 Unsafe School Choice Option.

The Student Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the following places:

1. At school or on school property at any time;
2. Off the school grounds at any school-related or school-sponsored activity, function or event and while traveling to and from such events;
3. On vehicles provided for student transportation by the school system and school bus stops where groups of students gather for the purpose of getting on or off the school bus.
4. Off school property provided a student’s behavior poses a threat to the safety of students, staff or visitors at school or has the potential to disrupt the safe and orderly operation of a school.

Read the Student Code of Conduct here. You may also request a copy of the Student of Conduct from your child’s school.

[July 2024] In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the Barrow County School System would like to inform you that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s) and/or paraprofessional(s). The following information may be requested:

• Whether the student’s teacher(s) –
  • has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
  • is teaching under an emergency or provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and
  • is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s and/or paraprofessional’s qualifications, please contact your child’s principal or Meggan McNally, Barrow County School System Director of Planning and Personnel at 770-867-4527.

FERPA affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review, within 45 days of a request, the education records of a student who is your child, or in the case of a student who is 18 or older, your own education records.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure they are not inaccurate misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the district decides not to amend the record, it will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and inform them of their right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information from the student’s educational records with certain exceptions. One exception that permits disclosure of personally identifiable information without consent is to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official may be a person employed by the school district, a person or company that the school system has contracted to perform a specific task, or other party to which the school system has outsourced services. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.
4. In accordance with OCGA §20-2-667 section(g)(1), the Barrow County procedures and process for handling parent complaints in regards to possible violations of rights under federal and state privacy and security laws:
   a. Barrow County School System will provide the Parent/Eligible Student Complaint form to the Complainant within 3 business days of receiving the request.  The complaint form will also be made available on the local school system’s website.
   b. Complaint forms should be sent to to FERPA Compliance Officer at the Barrow County Central Offices at 179 West Athens Street, Winder, GA.
   c. A written response will be provided to Complainant within 10 business days of receipt of complaint.
   d. The Complainant may file an appeal with the local school superintendent within 10 business days of receiving written response from local school system.
   e. Parents or eligible student may file an appeal for a final decision to Barrow County Board of Education within 10 business days of receipt of written response from local school system.
   f. The Barrow County Board of Education will render a decision within 10 business days of receiving an appeal.
5. The Barrow County Schools, in Board Policy JR Student Records, designates the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name;
• Student’s grade level;
• Student’s photograph;
• Student’s participation in officially recognized clubs and sports;
• Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team;
• Dates of attendance while enrolled in Barrow County Schools; and
• Degrees, honors, and awards received during the time enrolled in Barrow County Schools

Barrow County Schools may disclose designated "directory information" without written consent. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Barrow County Schools to include this information in school publications. Unless you, as a parent/guardian or eligible student, request otherwise, this directory information may be disclosed to the public. Any school district receiving ESEA funds must, upon request of military or higher education institutions, provide access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. School districts must provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students as is provided generally to postsecondary educational institutions or prospective employers. You have the right to refuse to allow all or any part of the above information to be designated as directory information and to be disclosed to the public upon request. If you wish to exercise this right, you must notify the principal of the school at which your student is enrolled prior to a directory information request being made to the school or school system.

The following guidelines will be followed conducting research-involving students:

1. No individual, including teachers, administrators, other school district employees and college students, shall gather any data or otherwise conduct research on Barrow County students for his or her own personal use, including use for college classes, dissertations, theses or similar purposes, without receiving approval in advance from the Superintendent or his or her designee.
2. Without the prior written consent of the parent or the student, if he or she is an emancipated minor no student shall be required to submit to a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:
   a. political affiliations;
   b. mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or his family;
   c. sex behavior and attitudes;
   d. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;
   e. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom the student has close family relationships;
   f. legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
   g. income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program.
3. In order to comply with federal requirements for school systems receiving Title IV funds to collect data on the incidence and prevalence of illegal drug use and violence among youth in school districts, students will be surveyed using the needs assessment survey provided by the Georgia Department of Education. All students in the surveyed grades will be surveyed unless parents complete the Passive Permission form indicating that they do not want their student to participate. Parents will be notified prior to the survey administration and will be given an opportunity to review the survey instrument.

In addition, the Superintendent or his or her designee must approve the use of any such survey, analysis or evaluation before the consent of the parent or student is sought.

School attendance is a high priority in the Barrow County School System. Regular attendance is vital to each student’s academic progress and the development of positive habits for his/her adult life. Georgia Law O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1 mandates school attendance for students between the ages of 6 and 16. This law also applies to younger children once they enter school. According to O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1 parents are responsible for enrolling and sending their children to school and the school staff is responsible for enforcing this law. Any student who has more than five unexcused absences in a school year is truant. School days missed as a result of an out of school suspension shall not count for the purpose of determining student truancy.

Failure to comply with Georgia’s Compulsory Education Law (O.C.G.A 20-2-690.1) may result in consequences for both students and parent/guardians. Consequences for students include, but are not limited to, detention, Saturday school, and referral to juvenile justice for truancy. Consequences for parents/guardians include a fine of not less than $25.00 and not more than $100.00, imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, community service, or any combination of such penalties at the discretion of the court for each absence. Parents may also be charged with deprivation for failure to comply with this law.

Student absences may be excused for the following reasons:

1. Personal illness and when attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others.
2. A serious illness or death in the immediate family necessitates absences from school.
3. Absences mandated by other governmental agencies, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, or court ordered.
4. Observing a religious holiday that necessitates an absence from school.
5. Conditions that render attendance impossible or hazardous to their health or safety.
6. Registering to vote or voting, for a period not to exceed one day.
7. A maximum of five (5) school days per school year may be excused for students whose parent or legal guardian is in military service in the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard in order for the student to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian prior to such parent’s or legal guardian’s deployment overseas to a combat zone or combat support posting or during the parent’s or guardian’s leave from such a deployment. (Note: Students serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly and students participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H shall be counted present on the days missed for these purposes. A foster care student who attends court proceedings relating to the student's foster care shall be credited as present by the school and shall not be counted absent, either excused or unexcused, for any day, portion of a day, or days missed from school. In addition, students who are present for at least one-half of the instructional day or three full periods, whichever is greater, shall be counted present for perfect attendance purposes.)

Excuses for absences should be furnished to the school by the student’s parent no later than 5 school days after the student returns to school and should state the reason for the absence. Five absences per semester may be excused with a parent note. After that, a doctor’s note can be required. Excuses for tardies and early dismissals should be furnished upon check-in or check- out. All Excuses will be evaluated by the principal or designee to determine if the absence is excused or unexcused consistent with Barrow County Absences and Excuses Policy JBD.

Under certain circumstances, school personnel may require proper medical documentation to code an absence as excused.

Full-day school attendance is very important to student success. Students who arrive late or leave early miss important segments of classroom instruction.

The Barrow County School District prohibits conduct which may be construed as bullying. Bullying may be defined as an act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system, that is:

• Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;
• Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or
• Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten,  harass, or intimidate, that:
  • Causes another person substantial physical harm as defined in law or visible bodily harm as defined in law;
  • has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
  • is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that is creates and intimidating or threatening educational environment;
  • or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Possible disciplinary actions include warning/counseling, notification of parents, parental conference, detention, in-school suspension, short-term suspension, referral to a hearing officer, and referral to law enforcement officials. Upon finding that a middle or high school student has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, the student shall be assigned to the alternative school.

[Updated on 10/2/24 to accurately reflect the 7/1/24 end in BYOT/BYOB program.]

The Barrow County Board of Education believes the use of technology supports curricular and administrative objectives and has the potential to promote 21st Century skills such as creativity, collaboration, and communication. Technology can significantly enhance both the teaching and learning process and help prepare students for their roles in a technical society. This technology includes computer hardware, software, local and wide area networks, on-premise and distance learning, and access to the Internet, the use of which is to be encouraged within guidelines that protect students and the rights of others.

Using District-Provided Technology

We live in a global and digital world changed by technology and new ideas about how we communicate with one another and exchange information. As a result, students must develop the research, information fluency, critical reasoning, and technology skills that will allow them to be successful, safe, and ethical in this digital world. For this reason, students are provided computer access privileges at school, occasional use of district provided technology outside of school, as well as access to the Internet, email, digital communication and collaboration tools, online learning spaces, and electronic educational resources. In addition to these resources, tools, and equipment, which are essential to teaching and learning, the Barrow County School System also fully supports responsible, learning-centered use of personal devices to provide as many pathways to understanding as possible for our students.

Guidelines for responsible use of these tools, personally-owned devices and the protection measures in place:

• BCSS Student Responsible Use of Technology Resources

Students are expected to follow all classroom/school rules online and while distance-learning just as they do in class and will be held accountable for misconduct, which includes violations of the district’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy and its established guidelines and the Student Code of Conduct.

Parents are always encouraged to review the online activities of their children. Parents are also encouraged to speak with teachers when questions or concerns arise about the use of web-based tools in the classroom.

Standard applications and accounts that are configured for student use include (but are not limited to):

Microsoft 365 for Education: The district also offers students and staff access to Microsoft’s Office 365 platform. Office 365 is a cloud based, digital collaboration suite that provides students and staff access to the online version of the Microsoft Office Suite of tools, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Using their Office 365 account, Students will have the ability to create, share, and collaborate on content across the full suite of Microsoft applications on virtually any device. Students can also use their Office 365 account to download and install the full versions of the latest Office suite on up to 5 PCs/Macs and 5 mobile devices per user, and can continue using it as long as they are a student in the Barrow County School district.

The district will create and manage all user accounts and will also control access to applications and permissions based on grade level organizations.

In addition to providing students with the full Office Suite, all student’s Office 365 accounts will also provide access to Microsoft’s Minecraft Education Edition Platform. Minecraft Education Edition is a dedicated version of Minecraft that has been designed specifically for use in education. The educational version of Minecraft provides students and teachers with a secured and controlled environment that can be used to build real world collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills in a variety of different subjects including Chemistry/Science, History, and Computer Science/Programming.

Please note that Office 365 Educational accounts are covered by more restrictive privacy practices than consumer or Enterprise Office 365 accounts including restrictions on advertising as well as the use and collection of student data for data mining purposes. 

Web 2.0 Tools for Educational Use: These are web-based tools that are considered an extension of the class and may require students to have a unique account created for them to access and save content. Products students create using these tools may also be published for a global audience. Under the supervision of a classroom teacher, students may engage in some of the following types of activities:

• Compiling research
• Online classroom discussions
• Teacher-led video conferences
• Multi-media projects
• Video production
• Research reporting
• Individual / collaborative projects
• Reading/ writing / peer review

Online Curriculum Systems: Most of the curriculum adopted in the district is accompanied by or depends on access to an online system where content and assessments are stored. Many of these systems require students to have a unique account created for them which allows them to access supplemental video content, take quizzes, and strengthen their understanding about the ideas in a content area. For district-wide curriculum, the district creates and manages these accounts. In these cases, the terms of use and privacy policies are reviewed thoroughly before providing any student account data to the vendor.

Internet Safety

Due to the complex nature of these systems and the magnitude of information available via the Internet, the Barrow County Board of Education believes guidelines regarding acceptable use are warranted to serve the educational needs of students.

It shall be the policy of the Barrow County Board of Education that the school system shall have in continuous operation, with respect to any computers or mobile devices having access to the Internet via the Barrow County School System (BCSS) network or any district provided Windows or Chromebook device for distance learning use:

1. A qualifying “technology protection measure,” as that term is defined in Section 1703(b)(1) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000; and
2. Procedures or guidelines developed by the superintendent, administrators and/or other appropriate personnel:
   a.    Which provide for monitoring the online activities of users; and
   b.    The use of technology protection measure to protect against access to visual depictions that are:
   • obscene, as the term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
   • child pornography, as the term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
   • harmful to minors, as those terms are defined in Section 1703(b)(1) and (2) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000.
3. Such procedures or guidelines shall be designed to:
   • Provide for monitoring the online activities of users to prevent, to the extent practicable, access to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web;
   • Prevent unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unauthorized activities by users online;
   • Prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding students;
   • Restrict minors’ access to materials “harmful to minors,” as that term is defined in Section 1703(b)(2) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000;
   • Educate users about their safety and security when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication (including instant messaging);
   • Educate users about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms; and
   • Educate minors about cyberbullying awareness and response as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act.

Technology Use

The district’s technology resources are provided for educational purposes that promote and are consistent with the instructional goals of the Barrow County School System. Use of district provided computers, mobile devices, and network resources outside the scope of this educational purpose is strictly prohibited.

Students and employees accessing district network services or Internet through any device, or accessing any school computer, or participating in distance learning, shall comply with the district’s Internet and technology acceptable use guidelines. User privacy is limited with regard to the use of the system provided accounts and network and technology resources. The district reserves the right to monitor, access, and disclose the contents of any user’s files, activities, or communications, including content sent/received through secure connections.

It must also be understood that the Internet is a global, fluid community, which remains largely unregulated. While it is an extremely valuable tool for educational research, there are sections that are not commensurate with community, school, or family standards. It is the belief of the Board that the Internet’s advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. The Barrow County Board of Education will, through its administrative staff, provide an Internet screening system, which blocks access to a large percentage of inappropriate content. It should not be assumed, however, that users are completely prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or from sending or receiving objectionable communications.

Additionally, access to network services, the Internet, and computer resources is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, users violating the Barrow County Board of Education’s Internet safety and technology acceptable use policy shall be subject to revocation of these privileges and potential disciplinary action.

[Updated on 10/2/24 to accurately reflect the 7/1/24 end in BYOT/BYOB program.]

The Barrow County School System (BCSS) supports and encourages the use of technology resources to enhance and facilitate learning and expects responsible and respectful behavior from technology users. Technology use (whether personal or school owned) is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a loss of those privileges as well as other disciplinary actions outlined in the student code of conduct.

This regulation was established by the Barrow County School System’s Internet safety and Acceptable Use policy (IFBG) and outlines guidelines and procedures defining responsible use of district-owned technology, network resources, Office 365, and Web 2.0 / social networking tools (for education) by its students.

BCSS Student Responsible Use of Technology Resources Grades Pre-K – 5

The Barrow County School System believes technology to be an essential component of today’s learning environment. We are committed to preparing students for the 21st Century workplace. This means we seek to ensure our students:

• become technology literate,
• learn which behaviors are right and wrong in a digital environment,
• make good choices when using technology,
• learn how to protect themselves and others while online,
• respect the rights of others online, their creations; and
• understand how to document content they find online that they use in their own creations.

We encourage parents and guardians to learn with their children, ask questions, and seek help, if needed. We have additional resources about Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship to help you and your student.

Rules for Using School Technology Tools

I promise to do the following:

1. I will always ask permission before I use technology tools like computers, printers, cameras, televisions, electronic white boards, iPads/iPods, and similar technologies.
2. I will listen to my teacher and only do what my teacher has told me I can do.
3. I will make sure my hands are clean when I use technology tools.
4. I will take care of the tools and not harm or break them.
5. I will ask for help if I don’t know what to do or if something is not working.
6. I will never tell my password to anyone but a teacher and I will never use another student’s login and password.
7. I will never delete or move any files or programs.

Rules for Using The Internet in School

When I am using the Internet, I promise to do the following:

1. I will only go to websites that my teacher guides me to use.
2. I will only use the Internet for learning.
3. If I use a picture or words from a webpage, I will show where they came from.
4. I will never share my name, address, phone number or other personal things about me and my family on the Internet.
5. If I see anything that makes me feel bad. I will turn off the monitor and tell a teacher right away!
6. I will tell an adult if someone is making bad choices using technology or while on the Internet.

Respect & Protect Yourself and Others

I promise to do the following:

1. When I communicate with others, in person or online, I will only use words that are kind and respectful.
2. I will not use the computer to look at, send, copy or create material that is rude, inappropriate or meant to hurt someone’s feelings.
3. I will be respectful, responsible, and safe when using computers. If I ever feel frightened or hurt, I will tell an adult right away.
4. I will not use technology tools to bully other people, hurt their feelings or harm their work.

BARROW COUNTY SCHOOLS GENDER EQUITY IN SPORTS

State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A.-20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that Barrow County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its athletic programs. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in this school system may be submitted to Dr. Al Darby at 179 W. Athens St. Winder, Georgia 30680 - 770-867-4527.

TITLE VI AND TITLE IX NOTIFICATION

The Barrow County School District does not discriminate in its education and employment programs on the basis of religion, age, race, color, national origin, gender, marital or parental status, and disability. This district complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX education amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Perkins CTE Act of 2006. Inquiries may be made to the respective coordinator regarding Title VI (Amy Wadley), Title IX (Dr. Al Darby) and the Perkins Act (Dr. Jennifer Wood) or Dr. Christina Lowe regarding 504 and ADA at: Barrow County Schools, 179 West Athens St. Winder, GA 30680, 770-867-4527.

SECTION 504 INFORMATIONAL NOTICE

Section 504 is an Act that prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who: Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working); Has a record of such impairment; Is regarded as having such an impairment. In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Barrow County School System recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system. Any student or parent/guardian may request an impartial hearing due to the school system’s actions or inactions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement under 504. See parental rights of students and parents under 504. Our Section 504 Compliance Coordinator for the Barrow County School System is Dr. Christina Lowe.

A. Grounds for a Complaint
Any individual, organization, or agency (“complainant”) may file a complaint with the Barrow County School System (BCSS) if that individual, organization, or agency believes and alleges that BCSS is violating a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under the Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is considered systemic or ongoing.

B. Federal Programs for Which Complaints Can Be Filed

• Title I, Part A: Disadvantaged Children, Academic Achievement Awards, Schoolwide Programs
• Title I, Part C: Migrant Education Program
• Title II, Part A: Teacher and Leader Effectiveness
• Title III, Part A: English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Title VII, Part B: The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

C. Complaints Originating at the Local Level
As part of its Assurances within the ESEA program grant applications and pursuant to Section 9306 within the Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), an LEA accepting federal funds must have local written procedures for the receipt and resolution of complaints alleging violations of law in the administration of covered programs. Therefore, a complaint should not be filed with the Georgia Department of Education until every effort has been made to resolve through local written complaint procedures. If the complainant has tried to file a complaint with the Barrow County School System to no avail, the complainant must provide the Georgia Department of Education written proof of their attempt to resolve the issue with the Barrow County School System.

D. Filing a Complaint
A complaint must be made in writing and signed by the complainant. The complaint must include the following:

• A statement that the Barrow County School System has violated a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to an applicable program.
• The date on which the violation occurred.
• The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated (include citation to the Federal statute or regulation).
• A list of the names and telephone numbers of individuals who can provide additional information.
• Whether a complaint has been filed with any other government agency, and if so, which agency.
• Copies of all applicable documents supporting the complainant’s position.
• The address of the complainant.

The complaint must be addressed to: Amy Wright, Federal Programs Director, Barrow County School System, 179 W. Athens Street, Winder, GA 30680.

Once the complaint is received by the BCSS, it will be copied and forwarded to the Federal Programs Director.

E. Investigation of Complaint
Within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint, the Barrow County School System will issue a Letter of Acknowledgement to the complainant that contains the following information:

• The date the Barrow County School System received the complaint.
• How the complainant may provide additional information.
• A statement of the ways in which the Barrow County School System may investigate or address the complaint.
• Any other pertinent information.

If additional information or an investigation is necessary, BCSS will have sixty (60) days from receipt of the information to complete the investigation and issue a Letter of Findings. If the Letter of Findings indicates that a violation has been found, a timeline for corrective action will be included. The sixty (60) day timeline may be extended if exceptional circumstances occur. The Letter of Findings will be sent directly to the complainant, as well as the other parties involved.

F.   Right of Appeal
If an individual, organization, or agency is aggrieved by the final decision of the Barrow County School System, that individual, organization, or agency has the right to request review of the decision by the Georgia Department of Education. For complaints filed pursuant to Section 9503 (20 U.S.C. 7883, complaint process for participation of private school children), a complainant may appeal to the Georgia Department of Education no later than thirty (30) days from the date on which the complainant receives the Letter of Findings. The appeal must be accompanied by a copy of the Barrow County School System’s decision and include a complete statement of the reasons supporting the appeal.

The Barrow County School System is committed to providing an environment free of sexual harassment and all forms of harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disability. If a student believes he or she is being mistreated on account of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability, the student may utilize the three-step procedure outlined below.

Step I: If a student has a complaint of discrimination or unfair treatment, he or she should report concerns to the Level One Administrator as described in Board Policy GAE, section 2) principal, the local school’s Title IX coordinator, teachers, counselors, or other school administrators. If a student is not satisfied that a complaint presented to a member of the school staff has been resolved satisfactorily, the student or his or her parent may request a meeting with the principal, following which, the principal will inform the parent in writing of his or her decision on the complaint.

Step II: If, after meeting with the school principal, the student is not satisfied with the principal’s decision, a written appeal may be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office within 10 working days of the receipt of the principal’s decision. The appeal must give specific reasons for reconsideration, state precisely the reasons for dissatisfaction with the principal’s decision, and be limited to the matter under review. The complaint shall include: Mailing address of the complainant, intent of the complainant, reference or description of the statute, policy, rule, contract provision or regulation that is alleged to have been violated, misinterpreted or misapplied, and a brief statement of the facts.

Step III: For assistance with the student complaint or grievance process, you may contact the district Equity Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator Barrow County Schools, 179 West Athens St. Winder, GA 30680, 770-867-4527. *Retaliation on account of filing a complaint at any level is strictly prohibited.

Any student (or parent or friend of a student) who has been the victim of an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a teacher, administrator or other school system employee is urged to make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor or administrator at his/her school.

The Barrow County School System and any of its schools may develop, participate in, or be the subject of media-based presentations and events that highlight various educational activities that take place during the course of the school year and/or during school system sponsored summer activities. Those presentations may include but are not limited to:

1. First Name and/or photograph of your child and/or their work
2. Slide/tape presentation of your child and/or their work
3. Video of your child and/or their work
4. Computer generated presentations, which may incorporate photographs and video of your child and/or their work.

These media-based presentations may be used in, but are not limited to, the following activities or publication platforms:

1. Faculty professional learning
2. Classroom activities/projects
3. Parent programs
4. Media festivals and/or competitions (local, state and international)
5. Public relations/radio broadcasts /podcasts/newsletters/newspapers
6. TV presentations
7. Barrow County School System Internet web pages
8. School, teacher, and/or classroom project-based web pages
9. Social media including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

Your student may also be photographed, videotaped or interviewed by the news media at school or some school activity or event. As a parent/guardian, if you do not want your child videotaped, photographed, or any of your child’s creations, such as writing, artwork or multimedia to be used or publicly published with limited identifying information for any of the outlined purposes above, whether by the Barrow County School System or by the news media, you may object in writing. If you wish to exercise this right, objections should be sent to the principal of the school where your student is enrolled in writing within 10 days from the date of enrollment.

PBIS is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety and support improved academic outcomes. More than 16,000 U.S. schools are implementing PBIS. The premise of PBIS is that continual teaching, combined with acknowledgement or feedback of positive student behavior will reduce unnecessary discipline and promote a climate of greater productivity, safety and learning. 

All Barrow County Schools participate in PBIS.

Barrow County School District endorses the philosophy that education is a means by which each individual has the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. Students in grades K-12 who demonstrate a high degree of intellectual, academic, and/or creative abilities may be nominated for evaluation to determine eligibility to participate in the Program for Gifted Students. Referrals for consideration may be made by teachers, parents or guardians, counselors, administrators, peers, self, and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities.

The State Board of Education determines eligibility criteria for placement in the program. For a summary of those criteria or for further information about Barrow County’s Program for Gifted Students, please contact the Gifted Program teacher at your child’s school.

Clubs and organizations are available at each school for student participation. The clubs and organizations that are available are listed on each school's website along with the purpose, faculty advisor and a description of past or planned activities. If you DO NOT WANT your child to participate in one of these clubs or organizations you must notify the principal through this online form or in writing by completing the clubs and organizations form signature letter. You may obtain a policy signature letter from the school office. If a club or organization is not listed and is started during the school year, students will have to have parental permission prior to participation.

Booster clubs are an important part of the athletic and extracurricular program in the Barrow County School System. Booster clubs play an important role in supporting, encouraging, and in advancing these programs. The following rules and regulations are basic and broad guidelines for the establishment and operation of all booster clubs that support our schools in Barrow County.

• The principal of each individual school must approve all booster clubs, and questions about individual booster clubs will be addressed to the principal of each school.
• Booster clubs exist only to support the school and its program.
• Volunteer organizations must register with the appropriate school annually in August by submitting a registration form, a copy of the organization's by-laws, annual membership-approved budget, and a listing of their officers and board members. Written by-laws shall state a clearly defined purpose and list the objectives of the organization.
• Each booster club will have in its constitution procedures for an annual financial report.
• The Superintendent and principal have the right and the authority to audit booster club financial records.
• Each booster club will develop an annual budget with input from the coach or sponsor, and submit it to the principal for approval prior to the start of the season. A final annual financial report will be submitted to the principal at the conclusion of the season.
• The booster clubs will provide a written copy of their treasurer’s report to each member present at each meeting.
• Coaches or sponsors of each individual activity will attend booster club meetings.
• All fundraisers and projects conducted by a booster club must have prior written approval of the principal or his/her designee. Booster clubs must follow all Barrow County School System guidelines and policies pertaining to fundraising activities and facilities usage.
• The Georgia Sales and Use Tax Regulations Prohibit Booster Clubs Access to the School’s Sales Tax Exemption Form.
• Booster clubs must abide by all guidelines, rules, policies, and regulations set forth by Barrow County Board of Education (Policy LEB, LEB-R, & JK), State Board of Education, Georgia High School Association and all local, state, and federal laws.
• All gifts or donations given to the school by the booster club will be accepted by the principal with a signed statement indicating that they will become the property of the school.
• The Superintendent and principal have the discretion to disband or dissolve any booster club, if he/she determines the guidelines above are not being followed.
• If the booster club is dissolved for any reason all associated funds immediately are to be transferred to the school.

PINES Library Access for Youth (PLAY) is brought to you through a collaboration between the Barrow County School System, Georgia Library PINES, and your public libraries in Auburn, Statham and Winder.

Barrow County School System student ID numbers will now act as a library card number for your public library! The public library provides free access to books and online resources to help your child succeed in school, as well as fun resources that help develop a lifelong love of reading.

With the PLAY Library Card, your student can search the library catalog of over 11 million items for books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and other materials, request items from over 300 PINES libraries across Georgia, and have items free delivery to your local library. Students can check out free downloadable ebooks and audiobooks for all ages, and much more.

Students who ride the school bus may do so as long as they display safe and reasonable behavior. Choosing not to follow the bus behavior guidelines may result in suspension or loss of bus service. The bus driver is responsible for the safety and well-being of the students on the bus. The transportation department and school administrator 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 distracting the driver and discipline infractions.

I. PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY

Parents and guardians will be responsible for ensuring their child follows all rules and guidelines outlined by this notice, transportation department, and administrator. If the student violates the behavior and safety guidelines resulting in a bus suspension, 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 as outlined below. In an emergency a phone call by the parent to the principal and subsequent written approval from the principal to the bus driver will be acceptable.

II. TRANSPORTING OF SCHOOL RELATED/NON-RELATED ITEMS

No animals or any items that may be deemed objectionable in nature will be transported on any bus. If necessary, the bus driver may confiscate these items and turn them in to the school administrator. Any item that may be considered a weapon (per Ga. Law) or dangerous to others in any way will not be allowed on the bus. (This may include sports equipment, laser pointers, toys, etc.) Band instruments that will be allowed on the bus are those that are small enough to be held in the student’s 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.

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

III. BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Warnings and Referrals will be submitted by the bus driver to the student with approval of the transportation department and or school administrator. Warnings and Referrals will be issued for the following and any other applicable events.

As previously stated, the school bus ride is an extension of the school day and is subject to all school policies and procedures. Riding the school bus is a privilege (not a right) for students as long as they display safe and reasonable behavior. Riding privileges may be revoked for safety and discipline infractions at which time parents must provide transportation for their child.

BCSS STUDENT BUS TRANSPORTATION CHANGES PROTOCOL

Note: This protocol is for short-term (daily) changes only. For any long-term change in transportation, please use the appropriate Transportation Change Form available in your school’s front office.

Student must have a written note from a parent or guardian that is dated and signed referencing that particular day or days affected. This will apply even if the parent makes the request in person at the school.

In the event of a change in transportation, school office personnel will:

• Have appropriate school administrator (or designee) sign the note.
• Make a copy of the note with both signatures.
• Send the original note with the student or the student’s teacher to be given to the appropriate bus driver – this will be the student’s pass to get on the bus.
• File the copy of the note in a specified place in the front office where it can be easily accessed in case of emergency.

Bus drivers will not allow a student to exit the school bus at a place that is not the student’s normal stop unless the written note signed by both the parent/guardian and the school administrator (or designee) is in his or her possession.

No bus transportation changes will be accepted over the telephone.

Changes may be accepted via fax or email attachment if parent/guardian picture ID is included with the request, at the school administration’s discretion. Change requests must be received by the front office staff prior to noon on the day of the change.

Note: There are now set bus stops along all the bus routes and BCSS buses cannot stop at each individual house.

TEENAGE AND ADULT DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY ACT (TAADRA) (MS/HS only)

Georgia’s Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TAADRA) of 1997, requires that local school systems certify that a student is enrolled and not under expulsion in order for the student to be eligible to have a Georgia learner’s permit or driver’s license. Certificates of Enrollment can be obtained from your child’s school during the school year and prior to summer vacation.

It is our privilege to provide low cost nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to all students and staff of the Barrow County Schools. Nutrition is a very important part of the education process since a hungry child cannot learn. Barrow County School Nutrition meals adhere to the USDA dietary guidelines and requirements. Our menus offered are analyzed to reduce calories from fat while ensuring proper amounts of nutrients and total calorie intake for different age groups. Monthly menus are available on all Barrow County School websites and through https://schools.mealviewer.com/district/BarrowCounty.

Children with health issues or allergies (including lactose intolerance) must have a letter signed by a physician stating such on file with the cafeteria manager. These letters must be updated annually.

Meal Accounts:

Each cafeteria has a computer program for tracking meals and payments. ALL Barrow County School students are assigned computer identification (ID) number, which serves as their meal account number. ALL students are encouraged to learn their account number to use at the cashier station at the end of the meal line.

Prepayment for school meals enables the meal line to move more quickly. At all school levels, prepayment may be made weekly or monthly in envelopes provided by the school. The student’s name and account number must be listed on the envelope in order to credit the proper account. Money not used can be refunded at the end of the school year or carried over to the next school year even if they will attend a higher level Barrow County School. Parents should call the school nutrition manager’s office at the individual school if they have questions about the child’s account during the year.

Families with more than one student at the same school should send the cash or check SEPARATELY for each student. Checks are to be made out to SNP with the student’s name and account number on the check. Returned Checks are collected through Envision Payment Solutions. Other purchases from the school office or classroom must NOT be included with meal payments.

For your convenience, we offer online prepayments. You may access this service at www.myschoolbucks.com and put money on your child’s account.

School Breakfasts:

Breakfast is served at no cost to all Barrow County students.

School Lunches:

The Board believes that school lunches should be maintained at a reasonable price and, accordingly, shall use State allocated food services funds to supplement federal funds as a means of keeping sale prices within reach of paying children.

Cafeteria Charges:

School lunch meals should be paid for in advance or at time of purchase.

Payments may be made with cash or check at the register. Secure online payments may be made with a debit or credit card with an online meal pay service found at a link on the School Food Nutrition Website.

A copy of the charge policy shall be sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. The charge policy shall also be included in handbooks and/or online portals.

Parents/guardians are responsible for communicating with their children and/or the school nutrition manager or cashier about their child’s account or meal charges. Minor students are not the responsible party.
 
Barrow County Schools does not allow school lunch charges except in unusual circumstances.

• Elementary and middle school students will only be allowed to charge up to five (5) meals if parents/guardians do not properly provide payment as outlined above. Students are not allowed to charge A la Carte items or extra food items in the cafeteria.
• High school students and adults are not allowed to charge any meals.
• All charges must be paid as soon as possible. Students with a negative balance are not allowed to purchase A la Carte items or extra food items in the cafeteria.
• A charge notice will be sent home with the elementary or middle school student each time a meal is charged; if a third notice is sent without outstanding charges being paid, the principal or social worker will be asked to intervene in the collection of the delinquent payments and access the need for free or reduced-priced meals. If a fifth notice is sent without outstanding charges being paid, the parent/guardian’s account will be submitted to the Barrow County School Nutrition office for further collection efforts which may include remanding them to an outside collection agency.
• An automated phone call will also be sent to parents/guardians daily regarding charge notices.
• A charge notice will be sent to parents weekly via the following method – email, text, phone call, or letter.
• If a parent/guardian has exceeded the five (5) meal charge limit and send their child to school without lunch money an alternative meal for lunch consisting of a sandwich, fruit or vegetable, and milk may be offered to the student until such time as the parent/guardian has paid the outstanding debt.

Barrow County does not take away student trays.

Report cards will not be distributed until outstanding balances are paid. All charges must be paid by the end of the school year. Parents may designate that their children can NEVER charge meals, and BCSS will record those requests in the students’ files.

Free and Reduced Lunch:

Students automatically qualify for free school meals if they receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and may qualify for free meals if they receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Families may also qualify for free or reduced price meals based on family income.

Families must re-apply each school year for free and reduced price meal benefits. Applications are available at each school, on the Barrow County Schools website, and online. All information provided is confidential. ALL household members including all children must be listed. School locations are required for all school age children. Please make certain that your application reaches the school nutrition manager at one of the schools your children attend. Applications will be completed at the time of registration at the Barrow County Professional Development Center. Parents may also fill out the free and reduced meal application online: www.myschoolapps.com.

Parents who apply for free and reduced-price meal assistance are responsible for payment of all school meals and accumulated charges until approval is granted. Federal guidelines allow maximum of 10 days to approve a new application. No child is allowed a free or reduced-price meal without a current, approved application on file. Parents will receive a notification letter of a student’s eligibility showing the effective date. If a notification letter is not received within ten days after application, please call the BCSS school nutrition  office at 770-867-4527.

The health, welfare and safety of your child are of utmost importance. At times, it may be necessary for your child to take medication. The school nurse or principal’s designee shall be permitted to assist students in taking medication during the school day only if it is not possible for the parent, guardian, child’s physician, or some other adult authorized by the parent or guardian to administer the medication. In the event a student must take medicine during school hours, the guidelines set forth below shall direct the proper handling of all medications at school:

1. All medicines, prescription or otherwise, brought to school shall be carried to the school office immediately upon arrival at school and must be accompanied by written permission from the parent/guardian stating what the medication is, why the student is required to take it during the school day, the number of pills in the bottle, the dosage to be taken by the student and at what times. The parent/guardian should also state any potential adverse reaction the student may experience. Any student not complying with this policy and possessing any medication on the school campus shall be subject to discipline as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct.
2. Any medication brought to school must be contained in its original container with the nature of the medication and instructions for use clearly indicated. All prescription medication must be contained in the original prescription-labeled container with the student’s name, date, name of the prescribing physician, name of the medication, instructions for administering the medication and the name of the pharmacy filling the prescription stated on the label.
3. The parent or guardian shall authorize the school nurse or principal’s designee to speak or correspond directly with the child’s physician in the event the nurse or designee deems it appropriate or necessary. In an emergency situation, the school nurse or principal’s designee may call for emergency medical services (911). The parent will be notified of the emergency and their child’s condition as soon as possible.
4. Written parental permission must be given on at least a yearly basis or when changes in medication occur. Parents must immediately notify the school of any changes in medication. No medication shall be given contrary to label instructions, regardless of parent permission, without specific written instructions from the child’s physician.
5. Medications that are out-of-date or discontinued will be available for parent/ guardian to pick-up. Medications not picked up within one week of expiration or by the end of the school year will be properly disposed of in the presence of a witness.
6. Other than topical first aid ointments, no medicine shall be bought or supplied by the school or any employee. The school nurse or principal’s designee may use first aid topical ointments, approved by the school nurse, for first aid purposes such as insect bites, abrasions, poison ivy etc., unless a parent/guardian requests in writing that first aid topical ointments not be administered.
7. Nurses or other school employees are authorized to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, if available, to a student who is having an actual or perceived anaphylactic adverse (allergic) reaction, regardless of whether the student has a prescription for epinephrine. Any school employee who in good faith administers or chooses not to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to a student in such circumstances shall be immune from civil liability.
8. The major responsibility for a student taking medication at school rests with the student’s parents. Barrow County Schools will not be responsible if a student misses a dose of medication.
9. If a student requires frequent doses of over counter medication, a doctor’s order may be required.

For Additional Information see Board Policy – Medication – Board Policy JCGD.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Drowning Prevention Campaign Toolkit

While children/teens are around water, AAP recommends these multiple layers of protection:

• All children and adults should learn to swim.
• Close, constant, attentive supervision around water is important. Assign an adult ‘water watcher’ who should not be distracted by work, socializing, or chores.
• Around the house, empty all buckets, bathtubs, and wading pools immediately after use. If you have young children, keep the bathroom door closed, and use toilet locks to prevent access.
• Pools should be surrounded by a four-sided fence, with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Research shows pool fencing can reduce drowning risk by 50%. Additional barriers can include door locks, window locks, pool covers and pool alarms.
• Adults and older children should learn CPR.
• Everyone, children and adults, should wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they are in open water or on watercraft.
• Parents and teens should understand how using alcohol and drugs increases the risk of drowning while swimming or boating.

Aquatic Safety programs in the surrounding area of Winder:

• Georgia Piedmont-Akins YMCA: offers American Red Cross classes; swimming lessons and lifeguard training
• Cumming Aquatic Center: offers American Red Cross classes; swimming lessons, infant swimming and lifeguard training
• UGA Recreational Sports: offers American Red Cross classes; swimming lessons and safety training
• American First Responder: offers online educational resources

Annual Ahera\Asbestos Notification Requirements to: Parent/Legal Guardians/Teachers Employees/Organizations

• Asbestos Annual Letter