Welcome to Palmetto Middle School

1. Welcome to Palmetto Middle School Sixth Grade Orientation

2. Principals Mr. Croston Mr. McCauley Mr. Crawford Asst. Principal PrincipalAsst. Principal

3. Mrs. Lindley, ReceptionistMrs. Black, Records and Attendance Mrs. Sentell, BookkeepingMrs. Crawford, NurseMr. Sam Hopkins, Resource Officer Front Office Personnel

4. Guidance (6th grade)Mrs. Sargent

5. Supplies • Required: Sturdy 3-ring binder, dividers, paper, pencils, 2 single subject notebooks • Optional: pencil pouch, stylus, highlighters, colored pencils • Lunch box if not eating school lunch

6. iPad Distribution • Students will be issued a brand-new ipad, brick, and cord. • Insurance is still $29/student (Payment plan available) • 1st repair (accidental): NO deductible • 2nd and future repairs (accidental): $50 deduct. • 1st time lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair: $50 deductible • 2nd and future lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair: Full cost of replacement

7. Arrival procedures Sixth grade students go to the sixth grade hall upon arrival. Car riders must be dropped off in the car circle behind the school and enter the doors to the far left to the sixth grade hall. They should bring a book to read since classrooms will not be available until 7:40.

9. Grade Level Separation Each grade level has its own hall. Each grade level has its own lunch. Each grade level has its own related classes.

10. What time does school begin? • Students should be ready to go to homeroom by 7:40. • Students are tardy if they are not inside the classroom at 7:55 and they must go by the Main Office for a Tardy Slip.

11. Homeroom     7:40 – 7:55 • Related 18:00 - 8:45 • Related 28:50 - 9:35 • AE 9:40 - 10:10 • Block 110:15 - 11:35 • Lunch/Recess11:35 - 12:05 • Block 2 12:10 - 1:30 • Block3 1:35 - 2:55 • Homeroom2:55 - 3:00

12. Tardies • Tardy # 1-5: Warning • Tardy # 6 and following: After school detention each occurrence (45 mins) • If a student does not report to after school detention, the consequence will be ISS.   • *Tardies start over each semester.

13. Attendance • The South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law sets the standard regarding school attendance.  Written notification of a mandatory attendance intervention conference is sent to parents when a student has three consecutive absences or a total of five unexcused absences.  School officials and parents are required by law to develop an intervention plan in an effort to decrease student absences. Students are required to bring a written excuse on the first day back from an absence.  All excuses must be submitted within seven days of return to school. Habitual absences, lawful and unlawful, will be referred to the Attendance Office of the Anderson County Board of Education. • Regular attendance is essential if students are to be successful in school.  Legal excuses include: • Parent note which accounts for the absence.  (Maximum of five per year.  Additional parent notes will count as unexcused absences.) • Personal illness of the student with a doctor’s excuse. • Death in the immediate family. • Observance of a religious holiday. • Perfect attendance is defined as “No absences, tardies, or early dismissals from school the entire school year” and faithful attendance as “Two or fewer absences, tardies, or early dismissals combined for the entire school year.”  The county board presents a Perfect Attendance Award and Faithful Attendance Award to students who qualify. (Anderson County Board of Education)

14. Grading • Major Assessments Tests, Essays, and Major Projects will be graded on a 100 point scale and will count for 50% of the average. • Minor Assessments Quizzes and classwork will be graded on a 100 point scale and will count for 50% of the average. Homework is not considered a major or minor assessment. It will not count toward the average.

15. Mastery of Content Is an opportunity for students to re-take a test or resubmit extended time tasks. The goal is for students to learn the subject-specific, grade level content. Learning is the outcome.

16. Academic Enrichment • Guided Study Hall Format • Gives an extra class period per week with content area teachers • Used for tutoring, reteaching, retesting, extra work time • Mastery of grade level content is the goal

17. What are Weekly Reviews? • Students will be given a review in each subject area. • Reviews build on previously learned concepts. • Reviews are due on the following days. Science- Tuesday History- Wednesday ELA- Thursday Homework (Reviews) will not count toward the student’s average! Students will be held accountable for completing reviews!

18. What Can I Wear? • Please see the student handbook on the school’s website to read the dress code in its entirety • The Palmetto Way is to “Be Positive, Be Prompt, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.” For this reason, we will not wear or bring clothing, articles, or symbols to school that are divisive in nature or disruptive of the learning environment. This includes (but is not limited to) the Confederate flag or items representing a stance on sexuality.

19. Dress and Appearance • The following items may NOT be worn at school: • Bandannas, headscarves, hats, hoods, sunglasses, etc., inside the buildings • Mesh or "see through" garments as well as form-fitting apparel of any kind • Spandex or leggings should be worn with mid-thigh coverage.( e.g. shirt, etc) • Any item with suggestive/objectionable lettering, pictures or symbols • Skirts, dresses, or shorts that do not reach below the fingertips when the arms aredropped at the sides.  (This also applies to the tops of all openings, slits, splits, etc.) • Blue jeans with holes above the knees will be addressed in the same fashion as shorts, dresses, and skirts • Blouses, dresses or shirts, which expose any cleavage or areas of the stomach, chest, side, or  back. (Tops must reach the waist and be at least the width of three fingers at the shoulders. Sleeveless garments must fit snugly under the arms.)

20. Dress and Appearance • Items of jewelry or clothing that pose a concern for health and safety or are considered to be a distraction within the school environment (this includes but is not limited to: spiked bracelets, wallet chains, fish hooks on hats) • Clothing, articles or other items which advertise, depict, or suggest alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, or sex are prohibited.  Any clothing that is profane or divisive is also prohibited •            Clothing, articles, or other items which display symbols, messages or statements which would distract others, interfere with the instructional programs, or otherwise cause disruption are prohibited. • The outermost layer of clothing must cover all underneath layers of clothing • In the event the administration determines a student's dress is inappropriate for the school in accordance with this policy, the administration will inform the student not to wear the garment to school again and will either require the student to correct the violation or face disciplinary action.  

21. Medications • Before bringing any medications, you must fill out and have your doctor sign a district form. Contact Nurse Crawford for forms or more information.

22. Cafeteria • See cafeteria for pricing $1.20 breakfast, $.30 reduced;  $2.40 lunch, $.40 reduced • Meal assistance applications are available online via the website lunchapplication.com. • While in the serving line, stay in line, do not pass, do not bother others, and be polite to the servers. • Once seated, do not move to another table. • Food and drinks are not to be taken out of the cafeteria. • Carry the tray to the disposal counter and then follow instructions given to you when it is  time to leave the cafeteria. • Practice good citizenship.  Leave the table clean; pick up trash that you drop on the floor. • Breakfast is served in classrooms during homeroom.

23. Recess Expectations 1)When the whistle blows, stop your activities and immediately proceed to building. 2)Stay away from roads and cars. 3)No swinging on trees, pulling on limbs, or throwing objects other than balls. 4)No touching or physical contact (this includes during football, etc). 5)Make sure you leave and return through the correct doors to and from recess. 6)When you go to the gym for recess, do not run up and down bleachers. 7)If we return to the building early due to an emergency, please sit quietly in your designated hallway. 8)Physical/Verbal Altercations/Misconduct will result in loss of recess privilege(temporary or permanent) and/or other consequences.

24. Demerit Code of Conduct • Level 1 infractions (Disclaimer-any of these infractions can bypass the demerit system depending on the severity of the offense) • 4    Making obscene gestures (which includes writing and drawing pictures) • 4    Sale and/or distribution of material unauthorized by the principal • 4    Gambling • 4    Dishonesty in any form • 4    Inappropriate physical contact/displays of affection • 4    Profanity/inappropriate comment • 3 – 4    Throwing/propelling objects in class, etc. • 2 – 4    Loitering in hallways, restrooms, or on the playground after homeroom begins, during classes, or after school is dismissed.  Failure to report to the area authorized at the beginning and the ending of school. • 2 – 4    Rudeness to school personnel • 2 – 4    Defacing school property • 2 – 4    Class disruption/interference with instruction • 2    Failure to carry out directions • 1 – 2    Excessive talking or misbehaving • 1 – 4    Unacceptable dress • 1 – 4    Horseplay • 1 – 2     Rudeness to fellow student • 1 – 2    Excessive noise in hallways during classes or class change • 1    Tardiness to school/class without an acceptable excuse • 1    Throwing litter on the floors or school grounds • 1 – 4    Other disorderly acts as determined by local school authorities

25. Demerit Code of Conduct • Student demerits are required to have a parent signature. • Students will have two school days from receipt of demerits to get them signed and returned. • If the student does not return them in the allotted time, they will have lunch detention. • If a student skips lunch detention, he or she will have half a day of ISS. • If demerits are not returned within five days, the student will have ISS until they are returned.

26. Demerit Accumulations • 8 demerits = warning letter mailed • 12 demerits = (first accumulation) two ISS days • 24 demerits = (second accumulation) three ISS days • 36 demerits = (third accumulation) four ISS days and a behavior contract • 48 demerits = (fourth accumulation) potential recommendation for expulsion • Demerits will reset each semester; however, accumulations will maintain a running tally for the school year

27. Cell Phone Policy • The administration of Palmetto Middle School recommends that students do not bring personal communication devices to school.  As a result, Palmetto Middle will not devote time and resources to recover lost or stolen personal devices.  However, a student may possess personal communication devices (i.e. pagers, cellular telephones, etc.) while on school property and will be given opportunity to store those devices in lockers in accordance with board policy.  Such devices may not be operated on school buses or on campus during the school day. During those times they must be turned off and stored in lockers.  These devices may be operated on campus before and after the regular school day (i.e., 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)  An abbreviated copy of the board policy regarding possession/use of communication devices will be given to each student.  District-prescribed penalties for violation of the policy are stated in that handout. Copies of the full policy are available on request

28. Cell Phone Policy • First offense – student warning, parent conference with administrator, device returned at conference. • Second offense –one day of in school suspension, parent conference with administrator, device returned at conference. • Third offense –one day of out of school suspension, parent conference with administrator, device returned at conference, the student is prohibited from possessing or using any cell phone or paging device at school or on school districtproperty for the remainder of the year. • Fourth offense– three days of out of school suspension and retention of the cell phone or paging device until the end of the school year.

29. SRO • Roles and responsibilities in the school • Social Media and middle schoolers • Traffic • Availability

30. Social Media • Any comments made on social media (directed towards students, staff, school, etc) during or after school hours that causes an interruption, disruption, or distraction to the school environment can and will be addressed by our school administration and/or our School Resource Officer. 

31. Transportation • Car riders will be picked up on the car circle behind the school at 3:00. • Bus riders will be picked up in the bus circle between 3:00 and 3:45. • Late bus riders will be held by the front office. • Decide how you will get home, before you come to school. Know your bus number.

32. Bus Transportation • To assure safety on school buses, it is essential that students and parents recognize the necessity for all bus riders to cooperate fully with the bus driver and to observe the rules. • When boarding the bus, students should wait until the bus stops before approaching the door.  They are to remain seated until they leave the bus. The driver may assign a student a particular seat.  Students must never extend arms, legs, or head out of the bus; nor throw anything from the bus. Students are not to open windows or tamper with the emergency door or any other bus equipment.  No objects are to be placed in the aisle of the bus. Students are to be orderly at all times; there will be no shouting in or from the bus. • Boarding a bus is the same as entering school grounds.  The bus driver reports students who create a disturbance.  The principal, as authorized by state regulations, may suspend or deny bus transportation to a student whose conduct is persistently or flagrantly detrimental to the safety and order of the bus.  Violation of district bus policies may result in the following disciplinary actions: • First Offense: A verbal warning. • Second Offense: Suspension from riding the bus for one to five days. • Third Offense: Suspension from riding the bus for two to ten days. • Fourth Offense: Suspension from riding the bus for at least three days and possibly for the remainder of the school year.  (Some offenses may also result in suspension in/from school.) • No one is allowed to leave the bus at a stop other than his regular stop or ride a bus other than his regular bus.  

33. Bus Zone Nostudents can be dropped off or picked up at the front of the building for safety reasons. Students are not allowed to go to the high school after school to meet their ride.

34. How can parents keep up with school events? • School page on the district website, www.anderson1.k12.sc.us • Click on the Mustang for weekly updates • Follow us on twitter @palmettomiddle • Like our Facebook page • Be sure we have a current email address and phone number(s) on file with the office to receive Edulink phone calls and updates.

35. How can a parent keep in touch with the teacher? • Individual page on the district website • Email or call • Remind 101 on cell phones • Check myHomework app on student iPad Remind Code – Text @egkf8b to 81010

36. Parent Portal for Grades All grade communication is done through parent portal. Progress reports and report cards are printed by individual request only. If you do not have an account, please sign up for one. You will need to present a valid driver’s license or ID. All students are required to sign up for a Student Portal account.

37. Directory Information • The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) authorizes Anderson County School District One to release “directory information” of students to individuals who request such data.  Directory information includes your child’s name, address, telephone number, photographs (as related to school or district sponsored events, activities, and special recognitions), date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weights and heights of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous school attended, and other similar information.  Information about your child may be requested by the local media for appearance in newspaper activities, on television, in radio broadcasts, on displays, on the World Wide Web (WWW) – a part of the Internet, or may be used in District or school promotional pieces. • If you object to the release of the above-referenced information, complete the Release of Directory Information form available at the school.  Forms must be submitted within 15 days of attendance or the school will be free to release or use information on your child as appropriate.

38. Requires 10 hours of Community Service • All report card grades must be 80 or above • No demerits or office referrals • No more than two unexcused absences Rewards Every day – front of lunch line with your Palmetto’s Finest Card Nine Weeks Celebrations!!

39. https://goo.gl/forms/uztRvMKBz5aLGS4i2 Parent Survey • Please take a few minutes to provide a little information to help us serve your children in the best possible manner. • Please visit the following link:

40. Parent Survey https://goo.gl/forms/uztRvMKBz5aLGS4i2

41. Thank you for coming to orientation!