The School District of Greenville County does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, handicap, religion, or national origin in its dealings with employees, students, the general public, applicants for employment, educational programs, activities, or access to facilities.
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Principal. Our faculty, staff, and administration strive to provide our students with exceptional instructional and extracurricular opportunities. We are committed to helping our students realize their full potential. I invite you to participate in your child’s educational journey. Together we can encourage, support, and strengthen our students to prepare them for a lifetime of success.
Parents and students, please read this student handbook together to be aware of the school policies and procedures. Clearly understanding these expectations is an important step toward your success.
I wish you all a wonderful school year and I look forward to building productive relationships with each of you. Please know that my door is always open if I can be of assistance to you.
Respectfully,
Karen H. Greene
Principal
The vision of Mauldin Middle School is to develop 21st Century learners by creating a collaborative learning community. We will ensure lifelong learners who are responsible, productive citizens by encouraging discovery and exploration through personalized learning.
The school day for Mauldin Middle School students will be from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM.
Students who are eating breakfast will report immediately to the cafeteria. Band students who are practicing or storing instruments will report to the cafeteria. Eighth grade students will report to the designated area in the cafeteria. Sixth and seventh grade students will report to designated areas in the gym. Sixth and seventh grade students who finish breakfast will report to the gym.
Teachers desiring students to report to their classrooms or to the library prior to 8:15 AM should give the student(s) a written pass the previous day. Students without written passes will not be allowed to leave the designated area.
School is dismissed at 3:15 PM and students should leave the building no later than 3:30 PM unless a teacher is supervising the student. Car riders are to be picked up by 3:45. At 3:45, any students remaining will re-enter the building and an approved contact will need to sign student out.
All students arriving after 8:30 AM should report immediately to the attendance clerk for a tardy pass.
Bus riders will receive a “Late Bus” pass and will have four minutes from the time on the pass to get to their first class.
Car riders will receive a tardy pass. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary actions.
The School District of Greenville County has adopted uniform rules to assure that students attend school regularly. Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal. A student is considered in attendance when present for at least three (3) hours of a school day.
I. The school year consists of 180 school days. To receive credit, students must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170 days of each 180-day year course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course. Accrued student absences may not exceed ten (10) days during the school year, unless validated with a medical note.
II. A High School Credit class requires “seat time recovery” for any unlawful absence beyond the 10th day for year long courses or 5 days for semester courses. Only 10 parent notes for year long courses or 5 parents notes for semester courses are accepted as lawful absences. Medical notes are excluded from the 10 day absence count. Seat time recovery may require additional time after school and an additional fee.
A. Lawful Absences
Personal illness of a child verified by a statement from a physician within two (2) days of the student’s return to school. Absences for CHRONIC or EXTENDED illness will be approved only when verified by a physician’s statement. (This includes doctor’s appointments.)
1. Absences due to illness or death of an immediate family member verified by a statement from the parent within two (2) days of the student’s return to school. The maximum number of acceptable parent notes is 10.
2. Absences for religious holidays when approved in advance. Such requests must be made to the principal in writing and are part of the 10 days.
3. Absences for students whose parents/guardians are in the military as long as such absences are reasonable in duration as deemed by the principal and are part of the 10 days.
4. Absences for extreme hardships approved by the principal. Such approval should be pre-arranged when possible.
B. Unlawful Absences
1. Absence of a student without knowledge of his/her parent/guardian or absences without an acceptable cause.
2. Absence without a signed note from the guardian or health professional within 2 days of the students return to school.
C. Truancy
1. A parent may provide up to 10 parent notes excusing a student illness or immediate family member’s illness or death. Subsequent notes must be supported with a medical note or a student is considered truant.
2. Truancy also becomes a part of the student’s record if they have (3) consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five (5) unlawful absences. Vacations are considered unlawful absences.
D. Perfect Attendance Criteria
The definition of an absence at a Greenville County School is when a student misses more than one-half of any singular class period for which a student is enrolled, or multiple class periods for which a student is enrolled, during a school day. Absence in any part of the school day for a minimum of more than one-half class period, even if the student was present for all other portions of that same school day, by definition excludes a student from being determined to have Perfect Attendance.
E. Early Dismissals
Early dismissals will occur only near the end of a class in order to avoid excessive disruption of class. The student must bring a note written and signed by the parent or guardian to the main office before 1st period. The note must contain the following information: date, name of student, time of dismissal, reason for dismissal, name of person picking up the student, telephone number where the parent can be reached for verification, and signature of the parent. A student is required to attend three hours (of the school day) in order to be counted present for the entire school day. However, if a period is missed, they are no longer eligible for perfect attendance.
The parent or guardian will be required to come into the office to sign the dismissal sheet. Identification from the person picking up the student, will be necessary before the student is permitted to leave school.
No early dismissals are permitted after 2:45 PM.
F. Procedures for Make-Up Work
Provisions for make-up of schoolwork missed due to absences shall be worked out with the teacher(s) concerned, upon the student's return. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements for make-up work with the teacher.
On the day of returning to school after an absence, the student should report to the attendance clerk with a note from the parent or guardian explaining the absence. The attendance clerk will issue an attendance (or admission) slip indicating the status of the absence (excused/unexcused).
If students move during the school year or during the summer, they should report changes of address and phone numbers to the guidance clerk and to the nurse. Accurate addresses and phone numbers are needed in case of emergencies. The school should have an up-to-date address and phone number for each student’s parents at all times.
If for some reason a student is unable to continue his/her education at Mauldin Middle School, the student is to notify their appropriate counselor and/or registrar. The student’s parent or legal guardian should come to the office to sign the proper withdrawal/transfer paperwork with our registrar.
No student records will be released or forwarded to another school until the proper check-out procedures have been completed. All books, Chromebook with charger, and any outstanding fees must be completed prior to withdrawing.
No student will be allowed to attend Mauldin Middle School without proper notification of transfer.
All bicycles, mopeds, and scooters should be parked in the bike rack. Bicycles should be locked with chains and locks.
Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) are allowed at Mauldin Middle School before 8:30 AM and after 3:15 PM. During that time, sound is not to be on, only earbuds or mute function is permissible. All cell phones/PEDs must be turned off and put away out of sight between 8:30 AM and 3:15 PM. In the event that a student is using a phone during that time or the phone is visible during that time, a referral will be written and a consequence will be assigned. Students may not record video or take pictures of other students at any time. Earbuds/headphones are not to be visible in the hallways or classrooms during the school day.
Students have access to the telephone in the front office if it is necessary to call home.
Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action.
The use of technology and/or social media on or off school property, which results in a school disturbance, may result in disciplinary action.
Greenville County Schools' Cell Phone/PED Policy is subject to change per School Board Policy.
Misuse of District Technology Resources
Students are encouraged to use technology to explore educational topics, conduct research, and communicate with others. Access to computers, however, also makes available material that may not be appropriate for a student’s age or course of study. The District will take reasonable steps to restrict access to inappropriate materials, but because it cannot guarantee such restrictions, students using technology must also bear responsibility for not accessing inappropriate materials. Students agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Acceptable Use Policy upon acceptance of the school handbook.
Academic instruction is the primary function of Mauldin Middle School. In order for students to live up to their academic potential, all students are expected to:
It is expected that the personal grooming and the clothes worn by the students at Mauldin will reflect good taste, good judgement, and cleanliness.
While no attempt is made to dictate fashion for individuals, the administration reserves the right to determine when the overall appearance of an individual student is detrimental to the well being of the school and its students.
The following basic guidelines will be followed at all times at Mauldin Middle School: (See District Code of Conduct also.)
Students are expected to be on time when reporting to class. Teachers will handle class tardies or other irregularities in a manner that is most effective for the student concerned. Students with four (4) or more tardies per quarter will be referred to school administrators.
All students and staff are required to wear an ID badge throughout the school day. Students are required to wear a grade appropriate lanyard around their neck with their ID. Students will be given their initial IDs and lanyards at the beginning of the school year.
A student who arrives at school without their ID may go to the Media Center before 8:45 AM and purchase a new one for $5.00 with no penalty. New badges will not be printed after 8:45 AM, and students may not "charge their account" for a new ID badge. If the student cannot pay for the ID that day, or if it is after 8:45 AM, the student will be issued a temporary ID (yellow sticker) which must be worn and visible for the school day. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their temporary ID during the day. If a student loses their sticker, they will be sent to receive a new one. After being issued 3 temporary IDs, the student will be sent to ISS (In-School Suspension) the following school day, and will be charged for a new ID on the day of ISS.
Note: Teachers will check all students during announcements for appropriateness of their attire and their IDs. At that time, students inappropriately attired should be sent to the office or their grade level administrator as early as possible. Students will be given the option to call their parents for a change of clothes. Students without an ID will be sent to the Media Center to purchase another ID. Failure to comply with the dress code policy may result in disciplinary consequences. The administration reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the attire.
A good school requires the best efforts and cooperation of all concerned. Each individual will be expected to:
It is the expectation at Mauldin Middle School that students will behave responsibly and follow the school district discipline code of conduct. Behaviors are divided into levels with appropriate consequences.
Level I conduct refers to disorderly conduct. “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”.
Level II refers to Disruptive Conduct. 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.”
Greenville County Schools Policies
Lunch and After School Detentions may be given by a teacher or an administrator, usually for a Level I offense.
If an After School Detention (ASD) is given, parents will be notified at least one day in advance in order to ensure the student has transportation. If a student does not serve the assigned ASD, then an assignment in In-School Suspension (ISS) may follow.
Students may be referred to In-School Suspension (ISS) at the discretion of the administration. In-School Suspension may be assigned based on the infractions described on the Disciplinary Referral and is usually a Level I or Level II infraction.
Actions that could lead to suspension or expulsion are:
Any student who is suspended must stay off school property for the duration of the suspension, and he/she may not participate in any school activity or function during the suspension.
Students who are found to possess a weapon, alcoholic beverages, and/or illegal drugs either on their persons, in their lockers, or hidden in their possessions will be dealt with strictly according to the Board Policy of The School District of Greenville County.
This rule also applies to those students who may have passed their items to other students. This rule also applies while students are on the school bus.
The police will be notified when a law has been broken, and appropriate actions may be taken in addition to whatever disciplinary actions are taken by the school.
The Board of Trustees of The School District of Greenville County forbids the use of any tobacco products (cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vape) by students or adults on school grounds.
Appropriate action will be taken against persons who violate this policy.
Greenville County Schools' Code of Conduct is subject to change per School Board Policy.
Report cards are sent to parents at the end of each nine-week period. Parents are invited to visit the school or otherwise communicate with the principal, counselors, and teachers for a discussion of any problem having to do with the student’s progress.
Grading Scale for Grades 2-8:
Homework may be assigned to students as a way to supplement and strengthen the student’s regular class work. Homework is a part of a student’s grade, and the student is responsible for completing and submitting it. Parents of a student who is ill and will be absent from school three or more consecutive days may request assignments by contacting the guidance office at 355-6774.
What is "Flex time" at our school? Flex time is a period of additional instructional time during the school day set aside specifically for teachers to meet students where they are academically and students to receive either assistance in a content area in which they are struggling, enrichment in a content area in which they are excelling, or individualized guidance in completing their assigned academic tasks from teachers.
Why do we have Flex time at our school?
Where do students go during Flex time?
All students are to report to their assigned Flex time teacher for attendance prior to going to another teacher with whom they have a scheduled work session or another location where a teacher has requested their presence.
Students may not choose where to go on their own without having made prior arrangements with a teacher or walk in the hallways without purpose during flex time.
What are student expectations in preparation for and during Flex time?
Students taking high school credit courses are required to take End-of-Course (EOC) exams. These exams count as 20% of the final grade.
Note: When exams are scheduled, excuses for absences that will be accepted are (1) personal illness (2) death in the immediate family and (3) prior Principal approval. No excuses for early vacations will be accepted.
All middle school students must pass all required academic subjects during the regular term or during summer school in order to be promoted to the next grade. The required academic subjects are language arts, math, science, and social studies.
School counselors are available at Mauldin Middle School for conferences with students and parents and to provide information and assistance with regard to the school program. Parents may call the guidance counselors at 355-6774 to arrange for a conference. Parent conferences with teachers concerning a student’s academics can be made through the guidance department or directly with the teacher(s).
Students should notify their teachers if they are ill or injured. The teacher will then issue a pass to go to the Health Room. If it is necessary for a student to take medication while at school, the parent must bring the medication to the health room. All medication must be in the original container, labeled with the student’s name and the directions for use.
If a student has to leave school due to illness, the student must be signed out in the health room by a parent or designee.
When severe weather creates hazardous conditions, the regular school schedule may be suspended to ensure students’ safety. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to monitor news reports via television, radio stations, and the school district's website and social media.
At the beginning of the school year, each student will be given the option of a locker with a built-in lock. Students will be given the combination and should memorize the combination and refrain from sharing it with other students. Students will be responsible for all articles left in their lockers.
Because lockers are school property, the administrators retain the right to inspect lockers from time to time to prevent abuse.
Any article found on school grounds should be turned in to the office. Students claiming items found may have the items returned by checking with the office and making proper identification. Gym clothes will be turned in to the lost and found in the gym.
All lost and found items not claimed by the end of the year will be discarded or given to a charitable organization.
The Media Center is open from 8:15 AM – 3:45 PM daily. All students must have a pass when using the library. Only one name may be included on a pass from a teacher.
Students are to demonstrate appropriate behavior and courtesy when using the library. No student may check out materials and/or books for another student. The books are the responsibility of the student who checked out the book(s).
Books may be checked out for two weeks and may be renewed once. Books in great demand may not be renewed. All fees should be paid promptly.
The Mauldin Middle School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is composed of parents and teachers who are actively interested in promoting a better understanding between the home, school, and community. With the cooperation of all parents, all teachers, and all students, the goals of Mauldin Middle School will be attained.
The PTA sponsors several fundraising projects during the school year.
Mauldin’s Student Council will hold several school sponsored dances throughout the year. Only Mauldin Middle students may attend these dances. Students must be picked up immediately after the dance in order to be allowed to attend future events.
Off-campus school-sponsored activities must be substantiated with a written permit (form given to students by the teacher or sponsor) signed by parents. Students are under the district’s code of conduct when on school-sponsored trips. Students are responsible for work missed during field trips.
All car riders and walkers must exit the building by 3:25 p.m. unless under the supervision of a teacher. Car Riders must be picked up by 3:45.
Insurance will be offered to students for school-time protection and for twenty-four (24) hour protection.
The insurance for each student becomes effective when the insurance company receives the student’s application with payment. The school’s responsibility for this insurance program is one of service. All matters relating to claims, including mailing of claims, are the responsibility of the family and the insurance company. Should there be any questions relating to the policy, the parent must contact the insurance company at the toll free number that will be provided.
The student council at Mauldin Middle School provides the student body with proper representation in school governing matters.
Campaigning opportunities will be given to all students to enable the selection of the officers and classroom representatives.
A candidate for any student council office cannot have a record of discipline problems. Student council members must keep a “C” average each nine-week grading period in order to stay on the council. Council members will be removed from office if they fail to maintain a “C” average.
(Volleyball-Girls; Basketball-Girls/Boys; Softball-Girls; Baseball-Boys; Soccer-Girls/Boys)
The purpose of each of these teams is to provide students with the opportunity to better themselves physically and socially by participating in a team environment. Seventh and eighth grade students may participate. They must successfully complete tryouts and maintain a good discipline record. Tryouts for volleyball are held in August; for basketball, in November; for baseball, softball, and soccer are held during January/February. Tryouts are open to seventh and eighth graders. Physicals are required to participate in tryouts. Watch for school announcements for further information.
Students may not stay after school unsupervised to wait to attend an extracurricular event.
The School District of Greenville County’s Code of Conduct for extracurricular activities as well as sports will be in place for participation.
There is a phone for student use in the Front Office if they need to contact a parent or guardian.
The state provides free use of textbooks to all students. Under the system’s guidelines, students must handle and use the textbooks with care. A student who is responsible for damage to a textbook (above normal wear and tear) may elect to pay the cost of the textbook and gain ownership of the book.
Students may be assessed a fee if the textbook is damaged.
Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM – 8:25 AM. Students planning to eat breakfast should report immediately to the cafeteria at arrival to school. Once students arrived to designated holding areas, students will not be permitted to leave designated holding area. Each student will have an account with a designated number in the lunchroom. Parents have three options when paying on their student’s account. Payments by check, cash, or online are accepted.
To pay online, parents may go to the Greenville County Schools website and click on the MySchoolBucks link to set up an account.
If students lose or forget their lunch or breakfast money, they may, with permission from their teachers, come to the office to call home. Meals may not be charged. If a student does not have money in their account, they will be given an alternate meal. There will be no provision by the school to provide lunch money. Keeping up with lunch money is the sole responsibility of the student. Students must have their ID badge in order to purchase breakfast and/or lunch.
Do not bring money or other valuables that will be out of your sight during the day. Bring only enough money for each day. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Any item that is stolen should be reported to your teacher or the office personnel immediately.
Mauldin Middle School has procedures and guidelines in place for various safety-related and crisis situations. Mauldin Middle School practices these procedures throughout the year to better ensure school safety.
The key to a good school lies in the pride that we have in our school and the degree to which each of us accepts personal responsibility for the welfare of the school as a whole.
No list of rules and regulations can replace school spirit. The procedures which have been listed are simply reminders about things which a good citizen would probably do on his/her own. It is firmly believed that the great majority of us do what we consider right, without threat of punishment.
Due to the seriousness of some behaviors, it is felt that all students should understand clearly what these offenses are and that students should be warned of the consequences.
The District is committed to fostering an environment that both promotes learning and prevents disruptions to the educational process. Accordingly, the District prohibits all forms of bullying, discrimination, harassment, or intimidation. As provided in Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG, students and parents may file a report of bullying, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or misconduct by other students, employees of the District, or third parties involved in the school setting.
All reports should be filed with the principal or his or her designee. Reports may also be filed by a student’s parent. If the allegation is against the school’s administration, the student or parent should file a report directly with the District’s Parent Resource Representative. (See Policy JA for contact information). Anonymous reports may be made, but those reports must provide the District with adequate information in order to begin an investigation.
Additionally, students and parents should immediately report any concerns related to employee interactions with students that are inconsistent with the requirements and expectations contained in Board Policy GBV. Concerns that should be immediately reported to a school’s administration include potential mistreatment of students and other conduct by employees that could constitute inappropriate interaction or communication, including those sexual in nature.
Reports will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially. The investigation shall include appropriate steps to determine what occurred and to take actions designed to end the harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and prevent such misconduct from reoccurring. The student and his/her parent shall be informed of the results of the investigation and shall be advised how to report any subsequent issues. Any discipline of students or staff shall remain confidential.
If the investigation determines that inappropriate conduct has occurred, the administration shall take reasonable, timely, age-appropriate, and effective corrective action. Examples of corrective action include, but are not limited to, disciplinary action against the aggressor, up to and including termination of an employee or expulsion of a student.
The District prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student or employee who has filed a report. The District also prohibits any person from falsely accusing another person.
Notification of the outcome of the investigation will be issued in writing to the complainant and the complainant will be informed of the right to appeal. An appeal related to disability discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s 504 Coordinator. An appeal regarding color, race, or national origin should be made to the District’s Title VI Coordinator. An appeal regarding sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or gender discrimination should be made to the District’s Title IX Coordinator. (See Policy JA for contact information). A complainant may then appeal the decision of the coordinator to the Superintendent or his or her designee.
A complete copy of the District’s Policy, Administrative Rule, and report form referenced above can be located at the Greenville County School Board's website. You may also receive a copy of Policy JCDAG, Administrative Rule JCDAG, or the report form from your school upon request.
The School District of Greenville County is committed to maintaining an educational environment in which students of all backgrounds, beliefs and religions are welcome and treated with equal dignity and respect. The District will neither advance nor inhibit religion. In accord with the United States Constitution, the District protects private expression, including religious expression, by individual students as long as that expression does not create a disruption to or interfere with the educational environment.
Student speakers at school-sponsored activities, including graduations, may not be selected on a basis that either favors or disfavors religious speech. Where student speakers are selected on the basis of genuinely neutral, evenhanded criteria and retain primary control over the content of their expression, that expression is not attributable to the school and therefore may not be restricted because of its religious or secular content. In contrast, where school officials determine or substantially control the content of what is expressed, such speech is attributable to the school and may not include prayer or religious content. A school, however, may prevent or remove a speaker if the content of their speech is obscene, contrary to the District’s behavior code or substantially disruptive to the school environment.
For a comprehensive overview of students' rights, please review the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines on religious expression in public schools.