ASSEMBLIES

At all times student behavior should be refined and courteous. An indication of the cultural level of the school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly. Whether or not guests are present, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole.

Prior to an assembly, textbooks, and other such items are to be left in the classroom. Purses, billfolds, and other valuables should be taken with you to the assembly. Students will sit with their class.

ATTENDANCE

When you are absent from school, you must turn in an excuse to Attendance Clerk the next day you return to school. The parents contact information must be on the excuse.

An accumulation of early dismissals could result in an absence.

TO BE COUNTED PRESENT YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AT LEAST HALF OF THE ASSIGNED PERIOD.

YOU MUST BE PRESENT 85 OF 90 DAYS IN EACH SEMESTER CLASS, and 170 OF 180 DAYS IN A YEAR LONG CLASS TO RECEIVE CREDIT.

Attendance Regulations

            The School District of Greenville County has adopted uniform rules to assure that students attend school regularly.  Each day that students are not in school they are missing valuable instruction.  All children are required to attend a public or private school beginning at age five and continuing until their seventeenth birthday.  Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal.

Credit may be denied to students who miss more than five days of a 90 day one unit course or 10 days of a year long course, regardless of the grade earned.

EXCUSED ABSENCES:

• Serious, chronic, or extended illness of the student certified by a physician within 2 days of the student's return

• Serious illness or death in the immediate family requiring the presence of the student, verified by a parent statement within two days of the student's return

• Recognized religious holidays for students of the particular religious faith when prearranged

• Prearranged absences for other reasons and/or extreme hardships at the discretion of the Director

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:

Either with or without the knowledge of the parent, any absence by a student not meeting one of the conditions for an excused absence as defined above will count toward the cumulative limit of absences.

IF YOU ARE ABSENT:

Upon returning to school, bring an excuse containing your name, date of absence, reason for absence and parent's signature must be submitted to the Attendance Clerk in the front office. Failure to do this will result in an unexcused absence. Provide medical excuses whenever possible. Excuses must be provided within two working days of the absence or they will not be considered.

Provisions for make-up work shall be worked out with the teacher, but will not exceed more than five school days from the absence.

IF YOU HAVE AN EARLY DISMISSAL:

Early dismissal notes should be taken to the Attendance Clerk in the front office for verification. Be sure that there is a phone number on the note. No student will be dismissed without phone verification with parent or guardian. All early dismissal re- quests must be verified by a parent/guardian. TO BE COUNTED PRESENT YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AT LEAST HALF OF THE ASSIGNED PERIOD.

Telephone calls are unacceptable for early dismissal.

IF YOU ARE ILL AT SCHOOL:

A parent or guardian must be contacted in case of illness. Serious health related accidents/illnesses may be referred to the main office and when necessary immediate medical attention given. The parent / guardian are responsible for any medical expenses incurred. Every attempt will be made to contact a parent or guardian informing them of the medical emergency and to get feedback concerning options.

TARDIES

IF YOU ARE TARDY TO SCHOOL REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE BEFORE GOING TO YOUR CLASS TO GET AN ADMIT SLIP.

TARDIES WILL BE DEALT WITH AS FOLLOWS:

1ST TARDY: WARNING; 2ND TARDY: REPRIMAND

3RD TARDY: WRITTEN REFERRAL TO THE OFFICE

4TH TARDY: Conference with student and Parent

5TH TARDY: SUSPENSION. EXCUSES FOR TARDIES WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE OFFICE. TO BE COUNTED PRESENT YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AT LEAST HALF OF THE ASSIGNED PERIOD.

TARDIES FROM BREAK:

Teachers will handle tardies from break. The first three consequences from above will apply to tardies from break. All tardies after the third will result in a written referral.

TELEPHONE USE

     Students will not be permitted to use instructors’ telephones.  In case of sickness or an emergency, students should be sent to the Receptionist in the main office.  Instructors are to determine if a student’s request for a call to be made is an emergency situation prior to sending to the office. In accordance with district policy students may possess cell phones. They are to be turned off and out of sight. Cell phones are not to be used during the school day

Photographs and Video Policy

     The Star Academy for Academic Acceleration takes photographs/videos for the purpose of making promotional displays, brochures, or multimedia presentations. Some of these pictures may be used in newspaper articles, television productions, annuals at the home high school, in web pages, or other publications created by The Star Academy. A parent/guardian signature on the picture / video form gives permission for the Star Academy to use all photographs/videos taken during the school year without compensation to you or the student.

LOST AND FOUND

Students who find articles are to turn them in to the main office. Items lost may be reclaimed upon proper identification

LEAVING CLASS

There are times that students must be in the halls during class time for various reasons. This should be kept to an absolute minimum. Whenever a student leaves any instructor’s department during class time, he/she must have a hall pass in his/her possession. Students may not leave class to conduct personal business with students in another class.

 A student shall not enter a classroom or shop without the permission of the program’s instructor

BREAKS AND RESTROOMS

At the assigned time each class will be escorted to the break area and must stay with their class and return to class together. Students wishing to go to the restroom must sign in and out on the restroom sign out sheet.

Any time a student is out of class they must have a signed pass in their possession.

CARE OF BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT

It is our hope that all students will take pride in the Star Academy / Career Center building and equipment. When your teacher issues equipment to you, it becomes your individual responsibility to see that it is used wisely, cared for properly, and returned in good condition. Remember that you will be charged for damage or loss. Use every safety rule in handling equipment and clean it after each use. Make sure that it is always returned to its proper place. We encourage students to be THINKING, CARING, RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.

CONDUCT

A student's conduct is a personal matter that should be kept within reasonable bounds that apply equally to all members of the community. A student should have freedom and encouragement to express individuality in school in any way so long as this conduct does not intrude upon and endanger the freedom of others, especially upon the freedom of peers to receive instruction.

All students, on the other hand, should recognize the consequences of their conduct. This refers to their actions toward each other, to their language, to their dress, and their manners.

Students, both individually and in groups, should comply with school regulations and should recognize the authority of the teachers. Disobedience or open defiance of the teacher's authority shall constitute sufficient cause for disciplinary action and may result in suspension or expulsion from school. When, in the judgment of a teacher, an individual or group effectively challenges the teacher's authority to conduct meaningful instruction in a classroom through disruptive acts, abusive language, or threats of bodily harm, the teacher shall report such activity at once to the principal / career center director who is empowered to institute appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.

CITIZENSHIP EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS

1. To cooperate with all faculty and staff members

2. To conduct themselves as good citizens

3. To work hard and study in all classes

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS 

When accused of an offense a student will be given;

1. Oral or written notice of the charges; and if disputed,

2. Will be given an explanation of the evidence

3. Will be given an opportunity to present his version.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

Video Surveillance is in use and is subject to monitoring at all times.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

The school administration including the career center director has the right to search a student’s person and property (including the use of metal detectors, recorded video/audio, and drug dogs if deemed necessary) if there is a reasonable suspicion that drugs, weapons, dangerous or illegal or prohibited items, or stolen goods are likely to be found.  (SC 59-63-1120)  Lockers, which are school property, may be searched at any time by the administration and/or by a designee.  Under SC law anyone who comes onto school grounds has been deemed to have consented to a search of their person and property.

CELL PHONE/CD and MP3 PLAYER POLICY

Cell phones, CD or MP3 players should be put away before entering the school building. Cell phones, CD or MP3 that are visible, even if they are not turned on, or in use during the school day will be confiscated and the student will be disciplined according to the following guidelines:

1^st offense:  Phone returned after a face-to-face conference with parent. Parents should contact the Director to set up this conference.

2^nd offense:  Phone returned after 30 calendar days.

3^rd offense:  Phone returned at the end of the school year.

Refusal to relinquish an electronic device to a teacher or administrator will result in a suspension of 1-3 days for refusal to obey. A student parent conference must be held with the administration before the student is allowed to return to school.

 The Star Academy or Career Center is not responsible for the security of any Cell phones, CD or MP3 brought into the school.

 DISCIPLINE

One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration of other people.

An atmosphere of mutual respect between students and teachers is most conducive to good discipline. The general responsibility of discipline rests with the faculty.  All faculty members have the authority and are expected to correct misconduct during any part of the school day or at any school function.

Assertive discipline will be used in each classroom at The Star Academy. Each teacher will develop class rules that will be approved by the Director, sent to parents, signed by the parents, returned to the teacher and will be kept on file in office as well as being placed on display in the classroom. Each violation of these rules will result in various consequences developed by the teacher and approved by the Director. Teachers are expected to maintain discipline in the classroom using the rules and consequences posted in their class.

The following rules regarding student conduct are in effect during the following times and in the following places.

• on the school grounds during, and immediately before or immediately after, school hours
• on the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group
• off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event
• en route to and from school or a school activity on a school bus or other school vehicle
• at any time or in any place that impacts the school's ability to maintain order and discipline in the Greenville County School District

Levels of Offenses

Students who engage in an ongoing pattern of behavior that is disruptive to the orderly operations of the school shall be recommended for expulsion. 

Disorderly Conduct - Level I

Disorderly conduct is defined as any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which disturbs the classroom or school.

Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• classroom tardiness
• cheating on examinations or classroom assignments
• lying
• blackmail of other students or school personnel
• acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process
• abusive language between or among students, to include profane language
• failure to complete assignments or carry out directions
• use of forged notes or excuses
• violation of school bus regulations
• cutting class
• possession or use of a paging device in violation of District policy
• school tardiness
• truancy
• use of obscene or profane language or gestures
• other disorderly acts as determined at the school level, which are not inconsistent with Board policy

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following.

• verbal reprimand
• withdrawal of privileges
• detention
• in-school/out of school suspension
• other sanctions approved by the Board or administration

Disruptive Conduct - Level II

Disruptive conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by student(s) which are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school. The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student engages in the activity three or more times.

Acts of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:    

• fighting
• vandalism (minor)
• stealing
• use or possession of laser pointers, fireworks, smoke bombs, pepper-style sprays, and other similar devices or materials
• threats against others
• trespass
• abusive language to staff, to include profane language
• other disruptive acts which interfere with the educational process
• refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aids or chaperones) whose responsibilities include supervision of students
• possession or use of unauthorized substances, including tobacco and tobacco products, non-prescription drugs, "look-a-like" drugs, and drug paraphernalia, including rolling papers
• illegally occupying or blocking in any way school property with the intent to deprive others of its use
• inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• misuse of District technology resources
• gambling on school property
• unlawful assembly
• disrupting lawful assembly
• harassment, intimidation or bullying
• intimidating, threatening, or physically abusing another student
• any other acts as determined at the school level that are not inconsistent with Board policy

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following.

• in-school suspension
• withdrawal of privileges
• temporary removal from class
• out-of-school suspension
• referral to outside agency
• assignment to alternative school
• expulsion
• restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities
• other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

Criminal Conduct - Level III

Criminal conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students (whether or not they result in criminal charges) that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school. These activities usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and/or action by the Board.

Whenever a student is engaging or has engaged in activities including, but not limited to, one of the acts specified below, while on school property or at a school sanctioned or sponsored activity which a principal or his/her designee has reason to believe may result, or has resulted, in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or to his/her property, the principal or his/her designee is required to notify law enforcement officials.

Acts for which principals must recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

• bomb threat
• possession, use or transfer of weapons - a weapon is defined as a firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol or similar device that propels a projectile through the energy of an explosive); a knife, razor, bludgeon, blackjack, metal pipe or pole, brass knuckles (to include multi-finger rings); incendiary or explosive device; or any other type of device or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.
• sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in a criminal offense)
• arson
• distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture, use, being under the influence of, or unlawful possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. §§ 44-53-110 through 44-53-270. (See Policy JCDAC)
• threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a school employee or member of their immediate family
• ganging ("Ganging" or participating as a member of a gang and inflicting a violent act of bodily harm, however slight, upon another person will not be tolerated.  A "gang" shall consist of two or more persons acting together for and with the purpose of committing an act of violence against another person.  "Participation" also includes any act that interferes with or hinders a staff member from stopping the infliction of bodily injury that is the objective of the gang.)

Additional acts for which principals may recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• vandalism (major)
• theft, possession or sale of stolen property
• disturbing the schools
• possession, use, or transfer of "look-a-like" weapons
• assault and battery
• extortion
• any other acts as determined by the Board

The principals must recommend students for expulsion if they have committed offenses which are underlined above.  If a student commits an offense that is not underlined, the principals may recommend the student for expulsion when the circumstances warrant it.  The administration may apply sanctions in cases of criminal conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• withdrawal of privileges
• out-of-school suspension
• assignment to alternative school
• expulsion
• restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities
• other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

OFF-LIMITS AREAS FOR STUDENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1.  All parking lots during the school day.  Permission must be obtained from the administration to enter parking lots during the school day.

2. Faculty lounges, workrooms, and offices.

3. Behind or the areas to each side of the school including the Bus Office.

3. All remote areas of the campus, including ball fields, are off limits to students.

4. Students are not allowed to enter buildings prior to 8:00 am.

Note: When leaving the school, all students must exit the school using the front entrance.

DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

School is not a place for students to show affection.  Other than holding hands, public displays of affection are in poor taste.  Faculty members are required to refer students, parental conferences will be held and/or discipline administered for students who violate the policy.

STUDENT DRESS AND APPEARANCE

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 Greenville County School property or 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.

The Star Academy Uniform: Polo Shirts purchased through the Academy, Pants, Closed Toe Shoes, and Socks, must be worn at all times unless we are celebrating a special day. Example of a special day: Hat Day, Pajama Day, Favorite Athletic Team Day. All shirts must be tucked into your pants. All pants must be worn with a belt.

Greenville County School District establishes the following requirements for school dress code policies for students: 

• Clothing and/or hair should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the school setting as to disrupt the education process.  Therefore, clothing deemed distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive will not be permitted. 
• Wearing accessories or clothing that could pose a safety threat to oneself or others is not allowed.
• Hats and sunglasses may not be worn in the building.
• Attire must not evidence membership or affiliation with a "gang" in any negative sense of the term. 
• Proper shoes must be worn at all times.
• Attire must not be immodest, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or offensive. 
• Clothing that inappropriately exposes body parts is not permitted.  Students shall not expose undergarments.
• Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and undergarments are not to be visible.  Pants and slacks must not bag, sag, or drag.
• No clothing, jewelry, or tattoos are permitted that display profanity, suggestive phrases, or advertisements for, or messages or pictures depicting or suggesting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or sex.

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 possibly result in the disruption of or interference with the school environment.  In the event the administration determines a student’s dress is inappropriate for school in accordance with this policy, the administration will either require the student to change or will inform the student not to wear the garment to school again.  Repeated violations of the dress code will be treated as disruptive behavior in violation of the District's Behavior Code.

The director has authority from the School Board to determine when dress or appearance does not meet school standards, and may send students home or apply punishment for failure to follow school rules. The administration reserves the right to make judgment on the appropriateness of student dress and that decision is final. Any student who comes to school improperly dressed will not be allowed to attend class and class time missed will be unexcused. The student will be expected to change the mode of dress prior to returning to class.

PROFANITY FREE ZONE

Schools and other school system locations including bus stops are profanity free zones. Obscene, vulgar, and profane expressions of any kind are prohibited. Any student using profanity while on school system property, attending a school-sponsored or representing the school or school system will face appropriate disciplinary action as outlined by the Code of Conduct.

DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO USE

Any person(s) on school grounds must understand that most drug abuses are not only breaches of school discipline but are unlawful, which in many cases will necessitate referral to an appropriate agency in addition to any action taken in keeping with the district's discipline code.

It is against the policy of Greenville County Schools to use any type of tobacco product on school property. Doing so will result in disciplinary action.

STUDENT PICK UP AND DROP OFF

For safety and supervision purposes students are to be picked up and dropped off in the front of the school only.  Students may not be dropped off or picked up in the back or side of the school.

PARKING/DRIVING/RIDING PERMITS

Star Academy Students are not permitted to drive to school. A parent or sibling may bring them to school. Otherwise, all students should ride a Career center bus from their high school

Parent / Guardian Reminder

Vehicles should not be driven in a reckless manner or in excess of 10 MPH on campus. All radio/tape player/CD volume must adhere to the guidelines of Greenville County's Noise Ordinance. Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Please do not park in the teacher parking spaces or fire lanes. Violation of these provisions will result in the loss of parking privileges and the privilege of operating motor vehicles on cam- pus and/or other disciplinary action.

Parent Parking Instructions

1.      No passengers on motorcycles or in bed of pickups.

2.      Abide by all State and Local Traffic Laws and drive in a safe and courteous manner.  Maximum speed limit on campus is 10 mph.

3.      Report to the main office immediately upon arrival.  No loitering in the parking area. 

4.      Once on campus, students may not leave campus unless they sign out in front office.

5.      Place trash, food, drinks, and etc. in the trash receptacles or leave in vehicle.

6.      Excessively loud music is not allowed anywhere on campus

7.      Any mud falling off a vehicle must be cleaned up by the driver

8.      Abide by School Discipline Codes and by State and District Policies concerning tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

9.      Yield to buses, buses have right of way.

10.  Arrive to the Star Academy in time so that the student can be in their classes when the bell rings.  Students who arrive on campus after the bell rings as well as those walking to the building or in hallway when bell rings must report to the office for tardy pass to class.

11.  Accept consequences for excessive Unexcused Tardies due to vehicle mechanical failure, stopping for gas, oversleeping, traffic delays, waiting for driver to arrive, etc. NOTE: AFTER THE 3RD TARDY RIDING/DRIVING PRIVLEDGES WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 5 DAYS. AFTER THE 4th TARDY RIDING/DRIVING PRIVLEDGES WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEMESTER.

12.  Walk at all times from parking area to building and vice versa.

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS 

1. Students are to be on time to the bus stop.  Buses are not to wait.

2. Students must be seated while the bus is moving.

3. Students must not throw things out of the windows nor extend any part of their body out of the window.

4. Students are not to smoke, drink, eat, bring radios or CD’s, or use profanity while on the bus.

5. Students should not be so loud as to distract the driver and possibly cause an unsafe driving condition.

6. Students must not talk to the driver while the bus is moving except in an emergency.

7. The emergency exit is to be used only in an extreme emergency.

8. Students are to get off the bus as soon as it arrives at their school.

9. Students should not loiter or play on or around parked buses.

10. Students are not to switch from one bus to another without permission from an administrator or the supervisor of bus transportation.

11. Students must get off the bus at their regular bus stop, unless arrangements have been made with the bus supervisor or an administrator after contact with the parent.

12. Students shall occupy the seat assigned to them by the driver.

13. Students will reimburse the Department of Education for any vandalism done to their seat.

14. The administration has the authority to deny any student the privilege of riding a school bus for cause.  When a director is notified about a problem, he can

            1. First offense- Warning - with the exception of smoking, fighting, or other serious offenses.

            2. Second offense - One week suspension from riding the bus.

            3. Third offense - from two to three weeks suspension from riding  the bus, but not less than two weeks.

            4. If after the third offense, a student’s misconduct persists, he can be suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year.

 The administration will notify parents in writing, on the school bus discipline notice, of all complaints received and actions taken.  The administration will continuethis effort and join both parent and passengers to do their part in this very important responsibility of transporting students to and from school safely.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are encouraged in order to provide for students the experience needed to relate their education to the real WORLD OF WORK. Since field trips are an integral part of the classroom work, all students are expected to participate in the field trip. No student will be allowed to remain at school while the rest of the class is on the field trip. Field trip permission forms must be brought in prior to the day of the field trip. No phoned in permissions will be acceptable for any field trip. These field trips may be made to area business/industries, to actual job sites, to student work projects, or to other selected places. A dress code appropriate for the field trip will be enforced. Travel will be by school van or school bus. Smoking or the use of tobacco in any form will not be permitted on school vehicles during field trips. All school policies, regulations and rules are in effect during field trips.

GRADING AND EXAMS

Greenville County Schools issues academic reports four times each year. Each report covers a nine week period. Report cards are sent home with the students. In addition, the teacher will issue a progress report. The following grading scale is used in reporting to parents:

A: 100-93

B: 92-85

C: 84-77

D: 76-70

F: Below 70

No student will be admitted late to school on exam days without a medical excuse or other extreme conditions as approved by the principal. Students who do come late to school on exam days will take the exam after the exam hour. Posted exams (semester and year end) may not be made up without a doctor's excuse.

Student Awards

Student of the Month:  Each instructor will select a Student of the Month beginning in September and continuing through April.  This award will be based on the student’s achievement in the instructor’s program.  The students’ names will be announced over the school PA system, and their pictures will be mounted on display boards.

95% Club: Students who are in attendance at least 95% of the nine week grading period will receive a reward. The student must be physically present 95% of the time to receive this reward.

 Honor Roll:      Students who have an 85-92 average during the nine weeks grading period will be listed on The Star Academy Director’s Honor Roll. These students will also be honored with special incentives provided by the administration.

Director’s Honor Roll: (A Honor Roll) Students who have an average of 93 or higher during the nine weeks grading period will be listed on The Star Academy Director’s Honor Roll. These students will also be honored with special incentives provided by the administration at the end of each nine weeks period.

   9-Weeks Perfect Attendance: These students will also be honored with special incentives provided by the administration at the end of each nine weeks period.

            Honor’s Day is held during the last month of school annually.  The purpose of this day is to recognize those deserving students.  Awards given include:

                  1.   Outstanding Student Awards (Framed Certificate)

                  2.   Director’s Awards (Certificates)

                  3.   Perfect Attendance Awards (Certificates)

                  4.   Scholarship Awards (Donor Letters)

                   5.   Citizenship Awards (Framed Certificate)

                  6.   The “Star Academy for Academic Acceleration Overall Most Outstanding Student Award” (Plaque)

   The Outstanding Student Award is presented to the overall outstanding student in each subject.  (Selected by Instructor.  Only one outstanding student per instructor)

            The “Director’s Award” is presented to selected students who have improved the most in their program or have overcame obstacles while at this school (Submitted by the Instructor, selected by the Director.)

   Perfect Attendance Awards are presented for one-year perfect attendance. To be eligible, a student must attend school every day.

            Star Academy for Academic Acceleration Overall Most Outstanding Student Award Plaque is presented to the most outstanding Star Academy Student at each location. Criteria for selecting this student: Discipline, Class Grades, Attendance, Citizenship, …etc.  Recipients will be nominated by the instructors and selected by a committee. This award is based on outstanding performance in school related activities, leadership, and citizenship.

 GUIDANCE

The Counselor at the center is available to help students in making career choices as well as to provide counseling with personal problems or other school needs. The counselor at the center works closely with the high school counselors to assist all students in career and technology course selection. All counseling services are available to each student enrolled at the center.

ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER CHANGES

Address and phone number changes need to be reported to the main office so that changes may be made in the computer.

STUDENT RECORDS

A student and his parent have a federal statutory right to review all official school related records, files, and data directly related to the student.  Records will be made available to parents and students within a reasonable amount of time from the time of the request.  Should the parent or the student dispute the accuracy or believe that the student’s rights have been violated; the parent is to be provided a hearing to challenge the disputed information.  Students eighteen (18) or older may have access to their records without parental permission. 

HEALTH SERVICES

If a student becomes seriously ill or injured at school, he/she will report to the Main Office. No medication can be given to students. Students who are ill cannot be dismissed without verbal parent permission. Parents of students who are ill will be contacted. Students who are ill must either have someone pick them up or return to class.

 INJURIES

If you have an accident while at the center, report IMMEDIATELY to your teacher. He or she will administer first aid, send you to the main office, file an accident report, and follow up to insure that proper care is taken of the injury. If you are insured under a plan other than the school plan, you should report the injury to your insurance company.

 INSURANCE

Every student enrolled at the center must be insured against accidental death or injury. All students will be asked to have their parents sign a form confirming insurance coverage. Insurance coverage under a parent's policy or school insurance coverage is required of all Star Academy students. School insurance may be purchased during the first few weeks of school.

  SAFETY GLASSES

              According to the South Carolina Code 59-1-390 in reference to protective eye devices, students are required to wear protective eye devices at all times while they are in the shop/lab. This law applies to every pupil and teacher in any public school participating in a vocational shop or laboratory involving use of or exposed to:

Ø      Hot molten metals

Ø      Milling sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, or stamping of any solid materials

Ø      Heat treatment, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or other materials

Ø      Gas or electric arc welding

Ø      Repair or servicing of any vehicle

Ø      Caustic or explosive materials

Students will become very familiar with this law and its importance to laboratory safety. The wearing of protective eye devices is required during shop/lab activities at The Star Academy and the Career Center. Parents are requested to impress upon your son/daughter the importance of wearing protective eye devices.

     The initial pair of eye protection glasses shall be paid for through the regular course fees. Replacement of eye protection due to loss or damage shall be at the student’s expense. The cost of replacement eye protection glasses will be $5.00.

SEX AND HANDICAP DISCRIMINATION

The School District of Greenville County does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment and employment in, any of its programs or activities on the basis of sex, handicap, or other unlawful criteria such as age, race, religion, or national origin. Complaints about discrimination on the basis of sex, handicap, or other unlawful criteria should be taken to the local building principal or immediate supervisor with the objective of resolving the matter informally. If a complaint cannot be resolved in this manner, established grievance procedures should be used. Student grievance procedures should be used. Student grievance procedures are set forth in District Rule JCE, and Employee grievance procedures are available in any principal’s office.

INTERNET USE POLICY

(District Student Acceptable Use Policy Agreement)

The School District of Greenville County has developed a computer network that connects all schools to each other, the District Office, and the Internet.  “Acceptable use” of this network is use that is consistent with the instructional goals of the district.  The District takes precautions by using filtering software to keep inappropriate Internet sites out of the classroom.  Electronic teaching and learning tools and online access are designed to support your education.  If you break “acceptable use” rules, you may lose the privilege to use both classroom computers and/or the Internet.  Further disciplinary and/or legal action may be taken at the discretion of school administration.

Please note that students who do not have access to the internet will not be able to access web based programs that teachers may be using in class.  Violation of any of the terms or conditions will result in disciplinary action.

• Treat computer equipment with care and respect.
• Any written text, graphics, or executable files created, downloaded, displayed, or exchanged with another student or teacher must be education-related and not offensive in any way.
• Do not use school computers for illegal activities such as planting viruses or hacking.
• Do not use school computers for commercial purposes.
• Follow copyright laws at all times.
• Keep your password secret.
• All online communication must be polite and not threatening or offensive in any way.
• Do not give out personal information on the Internet.
• Home directories are provided to students for educational related work.

A copy of the District’s “Acceptable Use” agreement will be sent home with students in its entirety.  Students agree to the terms and conditions contained in this policy upon signing for the school handbook.

OFFICE

The main office is a business office at all times; therefore, students are to remain outside the office area at all times and must have a signed pass from their teacher to come to the office.

 VISITORS

Parents and community members are always welcome. All visitors are required to come to the front office and present a picture ID. Unauthorized visitors on campus are subject to trespassing charges. If a strange person is observed in school, notify the administration immediately. Former students and any other visitors will not interrupt classes, take teachers away from class instruction, or interfere with the normal work day of teachers. Former students and visitors may see teachers between 11:05 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. or after 3:10 p.m. unless an appointment is made ahead of time. NO visitors passes will be issued on testing days or immediately prior to holidays. Appointments can be made in the front office.

ALL VISITORS MUST FIRST REPORT TO THE OFFICE. PLEASE HAVE YOUR GUEST SIGN IN AND RECEIVE A VISITOR PASS.

WITHDRAWALS

All students transferring from school or dropping out of school must have their home school and parent's permission, and must secure clearance from the guidance counselor at the Star Academy. All textbooks and materials must be cleared with the instructor.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Emergency drills are a serious matter. Make sure that you are familiar with the fire drill instructions posted near the door in each classroom/shop. When the signal for an emergency drill is given, rise quickly and go quietly and orderly in single file to the location for that emergency. Complete silence is necessary in the event vocal instructions are necessary.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

A planned program for the evacuation of all personnel and students exists in our Emergency Preparedness Program. A chart showing the evacuation plan will be posted in each area of the school building. In addition the procedures to be followed are listed in each teacher’s handbook, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to inform each student of these procedures. Students should be aware of this procedure and know how to evacuate the building in case of an emergency.