Code of Conduct

The Principal is the designated leader of the school and, with the staff, is responsible for the safe and orderly operation of the school. In case of disciplinary violations not covered in this document, the Principal may impose corrective measures that he or she believes to be in the best interest of the student involved and the school.

Student Support Processes

The Columbia County School District, to the extent feasible, provides a variety of resources which are available at every school to help address student behavioral problems. These resources include, but are not limited to, Multi-Tiered System of Support, school counselors, school social workers, school nurses, community mentors, drug awareness and interventions classes, peer mediation, peer tutoring, conflict resolution programs, anger management courses, violence prevention courses, chronic disciplinary problem student behavior plans, and a behavior threat assessment team.

1. Prior to assignment of suspension from school, the school administration should attempt to discuss the specific acts of misconduct the student is accused of committing and afford a reasonable opportunity for the student to defend against these allegations. The parent or guardian of the student will be notified of the suspension verbally and/or in writing.
2. Upon being notified of student misbehavior, parents should discuss with their children the consequences of inappropriate behavior and, when necessary, work with school personnel to correct student misbehavior. Parents are encouraged to discuss the consequences, including potential criminal penalties, of underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult.
3. A student guilty of repeated violations of school policy is demonstrating insubordination, disregarding school authority, and is interrupting the instructional process.
4. Parents, guardians, law enforcement officials and the Superintendent’s Office will be notified when any criminal conduct occurs on school property.
5. In accordance with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-2-766.1 Proceeding against parents for failure to cooperate in educational programs, the principal may, by petition to the juvenile court, proceed against a parent or guardian as provided in this Code section. If the court finds that the parent or guardian has willfully and unreasonably failed to attend a conference requested by a principal, the court may order the parent or guardian to attend such a conference, order the parent or guardian to participate in such programs or such treatment as the court deems appropriate to improve the student’s behavior, or both. After notice and opportunity for hearing, the court may impose a fine, not to exceed $500.00, on a parent or guardian who willfully disobeys an order of the court entered under this Code section.
6. When student behavior results in damages, the restitution amount will be determined by the following authority:
   
   • School Property - Director of Facilities Maintenance Officer
   • School Buses - Director of Transportation
   • Salaries – Chief Financial Officer
   • All Other – Principal

Students who engage in repeated disruptive behavior may be immediately removed from the classroom and subject to the disciplinary provisions in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §20-2-738.

Student Offenses and Discipline Procedures

Progressive discipline processes are designed to create the expectation that the degree of discipline imposed by each school will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior of a particular student, the previous discipline history of the student and other relevant factors, while ensuring that each student receives the due process mandated by federal and state law. The CCSD Code of Conduct is based on the expectation that parents, guardians, teachers, community representatives and school administrators all work together to improve and enhance student behavior and academic performance.

School personnel, parents or guardians, and students should be aware of the following:

• The school principal will, in every case, take initial disciplinary action to include minor classroom offenses.
• The hearing officer may assist in cases if requested by a principal.
• The principal, at his or her discretion, may take action that ranges from a simple reprimand to a ten-day suspension from school. Offenses that warrant suspension beyond ten days may be referred to the hearing officer.

The following range of disciplinary actions may be imposed for violations of this Code of Conduct:

• warning and/or counseling with a School Administrator or Counselor
• loss of privileges
• time out
• temporary or permanent removal from class, activity, event, or recess
• notification of parent/guardian
• parent/guardian conference
• detention
• Suspension or expulsion from the school bus
• short-term suspension - (ten days or less)
• referral to hearing officer, law enforcement, district attorney, or Juvenile Court officials. Georgia law mandates that certain acts of misconduct be referred to law enforcement, the district attorney, or other public officials. School officials may also report other acts of misconduct as deemed appropriate.

Disciplinary Suspension

Prior to assignment of suspensions from school, the school administration must inform a student of the specific acts of misconduct the student is accused of committing and afford a reasonable opportunity to defend against these charges. The parent or guardian of the student will be notified of the suspension in writing, stating the offense and reasons for the suspension.

Suspension, when deemed necessary, will begin no later than the day following an act subject to suspension, providing due process rights can be afforded within this time. The principal has the authority to suspend a student out of school for a period not to exceed ten cumulative days. Any out-of-school suspension, in-school suspension, or detention is not subject to appeal beyond the school level. Students suspended from other school districts will not be eligible for enrollment during the time of suspension.

Students assigned out-of-school suspension for disciplinary reasons, lose their eligibility to participate in extra-curricular activities.

An assigned disciplinary suspension is considered to have ended when the student returns to the regular class setting the following school day.

• Short-Term Suspension - The suspension of a student from a public school for not more than ten school days.

Important Notices

Video surveillance may occur in public areas, on any school property, or on any transportation vehicle. Video surveillance shall only be used to promote the order, safety, and security of students, staff, and property.

Non-Student Conduct on School Premises and Buses: Persons other than students who insult or abuse school officials in the presence of students may be ordered to leave school premises. Any parent, guardian, or person other than a student at school who has been advised that minor children are present and who continues to upbraid, insult, or abuse any teacher, administrator, school official, or school bus driver in the presence and hearing of a student while on the premises of any school or school bus may be ordered by any of the above designated school officials to leave the school premises or school bus, and upon failure to do so such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Ref. O.C.G.A. 20-2-1182.

Columbia County schools are closed campuses. No food or florist deliveries will be accepted for students.

Contraband

Contraband is defined as any item not allowed on school property. Contraband, including pornographic or obscene materials, will be confiscated and illegal items will be turned over to the proper legal authorities for prosecution. Disciplinary action not specified in the pages that follow will be at the discretion of the principal. The school district is not liable for confiscated items.

When there is reasonable suspicion, a student’s person, possessions, desk, locker, or automobile parked on school property may be searched at any time.

If weapons, hazardous objects, or drugs are found while on school property by a student, the contraband should not be placed in pockets or concealed in any manner but should be immediately given to school officials who will turn them over to the proper law enforcement agency. While on school property or at a school-related function, should a student find that he or she is in possession of a hazardous object such as a knife, he or she should turn in that item to the school administration immediately.

Student Attendance Procedure (Policy JB)

Georgia law requires compulsory school attendance. To receive maximum benefit from academic instruction, students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, enrolled in the Columbia County School District are expected to attend school each day and arrive to school and to their classes on time unless excused for legitimate reasons.

The Board requires that all parents, guardians, or other persons having control or charge students enrolled in the Columbia County School District receive a written summary of possible consequences and penalties for failing to comply with the compulsory attendance statutes.

Please see the following chart for a quick overview of the Columbia County School District attendance protocol.

Student Attendance Procedure Overview (Policy JB)
By September 1 or within 30 days of student enrollment each year	Acknowledgement Form must be signed by the student and parent and on file with the school.
Three Unexcused Absences (per school calendar year)	The school will notify the parent or guardian to make them aware of the attendance concern.
Five unexcused absences (per school calendar year)	The school will notify the parent or guardian in writing when a student is in jeopardy of becoming truant. For any student 14 years of age or older, the school will give notification in writing to the student and parent or guardian that the student is in jeopardy of violating the state’s attendance requirements pursuant to O.C.G.A 40-5-2 regarding the denial of a driver’s permit or license.
Eight Unexcused Absences	The school administration will convene a meeting with the parent or guardian and a school social worker to determine whether to begin the process of compiling an official truancy complaint to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Ten Unexcused Absences (Truancy)	The school will submit an official complaint to the Department of Juvenile Justice for truancy.

Bullying

The Columbia County School District prohibits conduct which may be construed as bullying. Upon the students’ third offense, a recommendation of long-term suspension or expulsion may be made by the principal. Based on the severity of the bullying, a principal may refer any such incident to the Hearing Officer with the recommendation of long-term suspension or expulsion.

Bullying (Code #29/Policy JC) - A pattern of behavior, which may include written, verbal, physical acts, or through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology occurring on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive so as to have the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education, threatening the educational environment, or causing substantial physical harm or visibly bodily harm.

Threats of Violence

Threats of violence toward persons or property, whether the threat is made in seriousness or in jest, will not be tolerated. Any comment, statement, threat, situation, or condition that indicates the possibility of becoming a life-threatening situation is a serious matter and will be investigated and dealt with accordingly.

Threat/Intimidation (Code #17) - Unlawfully placing another person in fear of bodily harm through verbal, physical, or electronic threats, without displaying a weapon or subjecting the person to actual physical attack. This also includes terroristic threats/bomb threats or unauthorized pulling of the fire alarm. This violation may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Instigating Rule Violations: A student shall not advise, counsel, urge, encourage, incite, cause or attempt to cause any other person to engage in a prohibited act or violate this Code of Conduct.

False Reporting: The General Assembly of Georgia requires that this Code of Conduct include language regarding falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school officials toward a student. Such false reporting may be punishable by law and is punishable by this Code of Conduct.

Prohibited Behaviors and the Range of Acceptable Consequences for Violations:

Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to infringe on any right provided to students pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The CCSD will facilitate the transfer of discipline records to any public or private school in which a student is enrolled or seeks, intends, or is instructed to enroll on a full-time or part-time basis in the school.

Students seeking enrollment in the CCSD will not be enrolled until discipline records are received from any public or private school.

The CCSD encourages all students to promptly report any information regarding weapons, hazardous objects, illegal substances, threats of violence, or any other dangerous or harmful activity.  Reports should be made to a school administrator, teacher, School Resource Officer (SRO), or other trusted school official. 

In addition to direct reporting, the CCSD provides an anonymous reporting system through LightSpeed STOPit. Students may submit anonymous reports through the following methods:

• The STOPit mobile application (Access Code: Columbia)
• The STOPit web-based reporting system: https://appweb.stopitsolutions.com/login/Columbia
• Anonymous reporting telephone hotline: 512-649-8939
• District in-house reporting number: 706-541-3600

All reports submitted through the STOPit system may be made anonymously.

Student Code of Conduct Offenses

Accessory/Party to a Code of Conduct Violation- Causes someone else to commit a violation, helps in the commission of a violation, or advises, encourages, hires or procures acts in concert with another to commit violation.

Academic Dishonesty (Code #32) - Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance on classroom projects, assignments or tests/exams. This includes failure to cite sources, plagiarism, cheating, forgery, falsification of school records, or other fraudulent acts on school assignments, exams, records, or statewide assessments.

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and includes a student’s use of writings or work of another person in a manner which represents the writings or work as the student’s own instead of the true author; or the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another agency or person providing academic materials; or the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of material without complete acknowledgment of the source.

Classroom cheating on assessments (projects, tests, quizzes, etc.) will result in in-school suspension and a retest of the assignment. If the student holds a position (office) in a club, on an athletic team, or in an organization, he/she must relinquish that position. The student may remain a member of the particular organization.

Alcohol (Code #1) - Violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or consumption of/under the influence of intoxicating alcoholic beverages or substances represented as alcohol.

Arson (Code #2) - Unlawful and intentional damage or attempted damage to any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device. Use of matches, lighters, fireworks or incendiary devices should be reported as Arson. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Battery (Code #3) - Intentional touching or striking of another person to intentionally cause bodily harm. This includes school personnel.

(Note: The key difference between battery and fighting and is that fighting involves mutual participation.) Battery includes when an individual physically attacks or ‘beats up on’ another individual with or without a weapon. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.)

Breaking and Entering/Burglary (Code #4) - Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry into a school building or other structure on school property with or without the intent to commit theft. (Note: the key difference between Trespassing and Breaking & Entering/ Burglary is that Trespassing does not include forceful entry into the school building. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Bullying (Code #29/Policy JC) - A pattern of behavior, which may include written, verbal, physical acts, or through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology occurring on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive so as to have the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education, threatening the educational environment, or causing substantial physical harm or visibly bodily harm.

Computer Trespass or Misuse (Code #5) - Use of a school computer for anything other than instructional purposes or unauthorized use of a computer or computer network with the intention of deleting, obstructing, interrupting, altering, damaging, or in any way causing the malfunction of the computer, network, program(s) or data.

In order to fully utilize the CCSD computer network, all students and parents/guardians are to sign the Network Responsibility Agreement for Students of the Columbia County School District, Policy/Procedure IFBGA.

Disorderly Conduct (Code #6) - Any act that substantially disrupts the normal operation of the school environment, to include while on school buses or at bus stops, and/or poses a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, or others. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Dress Code for Students (Code #31) - It is essential that students respect the learning environment by being appropriately dressed for school. The purpose of the student dress code is not to inhibit any person’s taste in attire, but rather to better facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines of dress which instill excellence and pride.

The following guidelines have been created to help students make informed decisions when deciding what to wear to school. If a student is dressed in a style that does not follow the following guidelines or the style is considered extreme or excessive, the student will be asked to correct the situation and change, as well as be assigned the appropriate disposition.

Clothing that does NOT promote an image of excellence is an outfit that:

• Is immodest and may disrupt the learning environment
• Shows undergarments
• Covers the head, ears, and/or face such as hoodies, and hats, and/or is oversized to include long coats and bulky jackets
• Includes inappropriate pictures or text
• Promotes sorority/fraternity or any participation in a secret organization
• Promotes gang or criminal activity
• Includes clothing that is considered sleepwear, or costumes
• Jewelry and accessories should not pose a danger to self or others such as spiked rings, collars, bracelets, extreme piercings, safety pins, and bulky chains. Sunglasses should not be worn inside the school building.

Health and safety regulations require that shoes be worn at all times at school and are appropriate for the designated activity.

Drugs (except Alcohol and Tobacco) [Code #7] - The term “drug” includes all controlled substances, over-the-counter medications, CBD oil, prescription medications, marijuana and marijuana-like herbs or substances, THC oil, inhalants, ingestible items, pills, tablets, and items designed to look like drugs. Except when permission is granted by school officials, no student shall possess, have under his or her control, or be under the influence of any drug or controlled substance while on school property or at any school function. All medication to be administered by a school employee will be given only if the parent/guardian has completed and turned into the school office an Authorization to Give Medications at School Form.

1. Any medication prescribed to a student or purchased over the counter and brought to school by the student must be in its original container and checked into the office immediately upon arrival.
   
   
2. While on school property or at any school function, no student should participate in the unlawful use, cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, narcotic substance, marijuana, CBD oil, THC oil, or any substance represented as a drug, or equipment or devices used for preparing or using drugs or narcotics. Students under the influence of, or involved with drugs, though not in actual physical possession, may also be in violation.

Electronic Devices (Code #34) - Electronic devices should not be out, on or in use unless at any time during the school day to include while on school bus transportation. Examples include, but are not limited to, cellphones, tablets, headphones, ear buds, smart glasses, smart watches, and/or other similar electronic devices.

Electronic devices must be kept in a bookbag or locker, and not anywhere on a student’s person. Electronic device ringers, alerts, and alarms should be turned off.

Electronic Smoking Device (Code #42) - Any device used to deliver nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that may be used by a person to simulate smoking through inhalation of vapor or aerosol from the device.

Such devices include those manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold as an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, electronic hookah, vape pen, electronic nicotine delivery system or any cartridge or other component of the device or related product.

Fighting (Code #8) - Mutual participation in a fight involving physical violence where there is no one main offender and intent to harm, while at school or at a school related event. This does not include verbal confrontations, tussles, or other minor confrontations. (Note: The key difference between fighting and battery is that fighting involves mutual participation.) This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Gang Activity (Code #35) - Engagement or attempt to engage in gang activity. This includes but is not limited to the wearing or displaying of gang affiliated clothing, signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, etc. while on school property or at any school activity, whether or not such a person is a member of the gang. Heavy chains, spikes, etc. are not acceptable. This violation may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Homicide (Code #9) - Killing of one human being by another. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Kidnapping (Code #10) – The unlawful and forceful abduction, transportation, and/or detention of a person against his/her will. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Larceny/Theft (Code #11) - The unlawful taking of property belonging to another person or entity (e.g., school) without threat, violence or bodily harm. Restitution may be warranted. Receiving stolen property is also considered Larceny/ Theft to include disposing of or retaining stolen property. (Note: The key difference between larceny/theft and robbery is that the threat of physical harm or actual physical harm is involved in a robbery.) Students taking pencils or paper from each other are not examples of Larceny/Theft.

Motor Vehicle Theft (Code #12) - Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, to include car, truck, motorcycle, golf cart, dune buggy, RV, etc. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Other- Attendance Related/Truancy (Code #30) - Repeated or excessive unexcused absences or tardiness, including failure to report to class, skipping class, leaving school without authorization, or failure to comply with disciplinary sanctions. Students will follow the Student Attendance Protocol (Policy JB).

Only students who have finished their classes for the day, participate in internships, are enrolled in off-site classes, or have signed out for an excused absence may leave school early.

Students are considered “skipping” when he or she misses school/class, leaves campus, or leaves school-sponsored activities where attendance is monitored by administrative officials without an excused absence.

Other: Incident of a State-Reported Discipline Action (Code #24) - Any other discipline incident for which a student is administered detention, in-school or out-of-school suspension, expelled, suspended for riding the bus, assigned to an alternative school, referred to court or juvenile system authorities, or removed from class at the teacher’s request. May include but not limited to gambling, public display of affection, parking violations, participating in sorority/fraternity, and other secret organization activities at school, and Violations of Georgia Law.

Violations of Georgia Law – Violation of any provision of Georgia’s criminal law or a Columbia County municipal ordinance while the student is on campus, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at school sponsored events, or off of school property provided that the actions cause a substantial disruption of the educational environment, may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please be advised that the Columbia County School District and local law enforcement agencies operate cooperatively under a Memorandum of Understanding. The decision to bring criminal charges will rest solely with the appropriate law enforcement agency and any illegal contraband or any illegal substance taken into possession will remain in the custody of the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Columbia County Board of Education Department of School Safety officers will not house or retain evidence gathered in the course of any investigation.

Other- Possession of Unapproved Items (Code #34) - The use or possession of any unauthorized item disruptive to the school environment. Includes but is not limited to possession of toys, fireworks, matches, toy weapons, pepper spray, bullets, stink bombs, or other items that can be construed as dangerous or harmful to the learning environment.

Other - Student Incivility (Code #33) - Insubordination or disrespect to staff members or other students; includes but is not limited to refusal to follow school staff member instructions, use of vulgar or inappropriate language and misrepresentation of the truth/false reports on students and/or staff. It also includes school disruptions and school pranks. If damages occur with a school prank, the offense will be treated as an act of vandalism, and restitution must be made.

Repeated Offenses (Code #36) - Collection of offenses not previously assigned a state reportable action that occurs within a single academic year, that leads to a state reportable disciplinary action. School personnel should utilize multiple, proactive, less severe options for previous offenses, such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports, student and parent conferences, on-going counseling, behavior management plans, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, etc.

Robbery (Code #13) - The taking, or attempting to take, anything of value that is owned by another person or organization, under confrontational circumstances by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. An essential difference between robbery and larceny is that a threat or battery is involved in a robbery. Violations shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Serious Bodily Injury (Code #27) - The term “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves a substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty. This offense shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Sexual Battery (Code #14) - Forcibly touching private body parts of another person either through human contact or using an object forcibly or against the person’s will or where the victim is incapable of giving consent. Includes but is not limited to rape, fondling child molestation, oral, anal, or vaginal penetration, indecent liberties, and sodomy. This offense shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Sexual Harassment (Code #15) - Non-Physical and unwelcome sexual advances, lewd gestures or verbal conduct or communication of a sexual nature; requests for sexual favors; possession of sexually explicit images; gender-based harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment. Students who feel they have been the victim of sexual harassment should report it immediately to school authorities. This violation may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Sexual Offenses Code (Code #16) - Sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or other unlawful behavior or contact intended to result in sexual gratification without force or threat of force. This includes indecent exposure and obscenity. Examples may include entering or downloading pornographic content onto school computers, inappropriate gestures and/or verbal or written conduct (sexual in nature), public groping, inappropriate bodily contact, possession of pornographic materials, and simulated sex acts. This violation may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Threat/Intimidation (Code #17) - Unlawfully placing another person in fear of bodily harm through verbal, physical, or electronic threats, without displaying a weapon or subjecting the person to actual physical attack. This also includes terroristic threats/bomb threats or unauthorized pulling of the fire alarm. This violation may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Tobacco (Code #18) - Possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school grounds, at school sponsored events, or on transportation to or from school. This does not include electronic smoking devices; See code (42) Electronic Smoking Devices.

Trespassing (Code #19) - Entering or remaining on a public-school campus or school district facility without authorization or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry. This includes students under suspension or expulsion, and unauthorized persons who enter or remain on a campus after being directed to leave. (Note: The key difference between Trespassing and Burglary- Breaking & Entering is that Trespassing does not include forceful entry into the school district facility. This violation may be reported to proper law enforcement agency.

Vandalism (Code #20) - The willful and/or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it. Restitution must be made prior to re-entry. This offense may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Violence Against a Teacher (Code #44) - Intentional physical attack with the intent to cause bodily harm resulting in severe injuries or any physical attack against a teacher. A tribunal of certified employees to include the hearing officer will be appointed to investigate and provide for penalties against a student found to have committed any act of physical violence against a teacher. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Weapons Possession (Refer Below) - No student shall carry or possess or have under his or her control while at a school building, school function, on school property or on a bus or other transportation furnished by the school any weapon or explosive compound. This violation shall be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

• • Weapons - Knife (Code #22) – possession, use, or intention to use any type of knife, including a pocket or penknife, to inflict harm on another person, or to intimidate any person.
  • Weapons - Other (Code #23) – possession, use, or intention to use any instrument or object to inflict harm on another person, or to intimidate any person. Included in this are chains, pipes, razor blades, ice picks, dirks, nunchakus, brass knuckles, Chinese stars, billy clubs, bats, tasers, stun guns, tear gas guns, cap guns, bb guns, pellet guns, electrical weapons or devices, explosives, or propellants.
  • Weapons - Handgun – (Code #25) – possession of a firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand; and any combination of parts from which a firearm described above can be assembled. NOTE: This definition does not apply to items such as toy guns, cap guns, bb guns, and pellet guns.
  • Weapons- Rifle/Shotgun (Code #26) - The term “rifle’’ means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of an explosive to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger. The term “shotgun” means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of an explosive to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger.
  • Other Firearms (Code #28) - Firearms other than hand-guns, rifles, or shotguns as defined in 18 USC 921. Includes any weapon (including starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of any explosive; the frame or receiver of any weapon described above; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device, which includes any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas (i.e. bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge more than 4 ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than ¼ ounce, mine, or similar device); any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than ½ inch in diameter; any combination or parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device described above, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. (Note: This does not include toy guns, cap guns, bb guns, pellet guns, or Class-C common fireworks.)

In an effort to meet expectations of reliable and timely communication with parents, for both emergency and general notifications, the CCSD utilizes several notification platforms.

Edlio is an email and text notification, and website service provider for the district and all school websites. The district’s central office and each school is set up with the capability of individually delivering phone calls, text messages and emails directly to parents. Each school utilizes Edlio email to deliver direct communication in times of crisis as well as other important school-wide announcements and alerts. All messages are sent with the option to unsubscribe, however, if unsubscribe is selected, the contact will no longer receive any notifications, to include emergency notifications, from the school. To re-subscribe, parents must contact the child’s school.

ParentSquare is a school-to-home communication platform. Parents are encouraged to download the app and register to connect with school and classroom events and announcements.

Parent Contact Information

Edlio uses information provided directly to the school district’s Student Information System - Infinite Campus - to contact parents. Thus, parents are encouraged to log in to Parent Portal annually to ensure all direct contact information is updated and accurate. If you are still not receiving messages, please reach out to your school directly.

Stay in the know! Connect with the Columbia County School District on social media:

• Facebook: @ccsdga
• X: @ccsdga
• Instagram: @ccsdga
• YouTube: @ccsdga
• LinkedIN: @ccsdga

The Superintendent of the Columbia County School District has the authority to close the schools of Columbia County in the event of emergency situations. An emergency situation would be anything that poses a threat to the safety of the students and staff, including inclement weather. If inclement weather causes school to be cancelled or dismissed early, public announcements will be made via Edlio and the School News App, on social media, and via local media television and radio stations. School closings are not determined by the local school. The basic premise is that school is open or will remain open unless it is specifically announced otherwise. Full day cancellations usually are announced by 6 a.m. the day of the closure.

Delayed Opening for Weather - When weather conditions are predicted to cause unsafe travel to school, a two hour delayed school opening announcement will be made to the public, preferably the night before. The decision of opening or closing schools will be made the next morning and parents will receive notification via our parent call messaging system. In addition, information will be available on all school websites and social media. Local media outlets will also be notified. In the event of a delayed opening due to weather, parents, students and staff should do the following:

• • School administrators will report to school as normal to staff telephones and receive students.
  • Before school programs at the closed schools may or may not be cancelled, depending on the situation.
  • Buses will pick up students about two hours later than normal. Special education buses will follow pre-arranged schedules as determined with parents/guardians.
  • Students who are car riders should arrive at school two hours after the usual time.
  • Afternoon dismissal times will be the same as usual for all schools unless otherwise announced.

 

School Closings - The decision to close schools will be made by public announcement the previous night. If a closing decision cannot be made at that time, a delayed opening will be implemented until a final decision can be made.

Central office employees will report for business unless specifically announced otherwise.

All activities to include Before/After school programs at the closed schools will be cancelled and/or postponed.

Early Dismissal - If serious storm conditions or other emergency situations develop during the day, the district will monitor the situation and advise affected schools and the transportation department as soon as possible, of a decision to dismiss school early. When this decision is made, this information will be posted on this website and sent to the media as soon as possible.

• • Administrators will remain at school until all buses have delivered the last student home.
  • All activities to include Before/After school programs at the closed schools will be cancelled and/or postponed.
  • The Superintendent’s Office, the Transportation Office, and Maintenance/Fleet Maintenance Offices will remain open and staffed until all students have been accounted for and their safety assured.

 

Since standard practice in cases of emergency closings of schools is that the Superintendent will convey public announcements via the local media, parents should always monitor local media sources during times of inclement weather when conditions possibly warrant an interruption to the normal opening/closings of school. Another source of information will be the school district website. It is strongly recommended that parents discuss with their children what they should do in such cases of emergency early dismissal of schools.

Stay in the know! Connect with the Columbia County School District on social media:

• Facebook: @ccsdga
• X: @ccsdga
• Instagram: @ccsdga
• YouTube: @ccsdga
• LinkedIN: @ccsdga

As a partner in education, the CCSD’s School Nutrition Program contributes to a successful academic experience and encourages a lifetime of healthy eating by providing each student with the affordable opportunity to consume nutritious and appealing meals served by caring professionals.

To continue receiving free and reduced meals at no charge, or at a reduced price, families are encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced Meal Application each school year. For quicker processing, families are encouraged to submit the application online at www.ccboe.net/nutrition/. Printed meal applications are available at your child’s school. For more information about the School Nutrition Program, please visit www.ccboe.net/nutrition/, or call 706-541-9402. We look forward to serving your child.

School transportation is provided by the Columbia County Board of Education to all eligible students. The following rules are published for the safety, health and welfare of all children who ride school buses.

Rules and pupils’ responsibilities

• Students will follow the directions of the driver.
• Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives, waiting in a safe place, clear of traffic and ten feet from where the bus stops.
• Students must be at the stop in inclement weather as well as fair weather.
• Students will wait in an orderly line and avoid playing.
• Students will cross the roadway in front of the bus after the bus has stopped, they have looked at the driver for a hand signal, and they have looked in both directions for traffic; left, right, left.
• Students will signal the driver with a waiving motion if something is dropped and wait for the driver to give a signal before picking up the object.
• Students will go directly to their assigned seat when entering the bus. Keep the aisles and exits clear.
• Students will remain properly seated, back against the back of the seat, bottom against the bottom of the seat and keep hands to themselves.
• Students will not eat, drink, chew gum, or bring tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substances on the bus.
• Students will not carry animals, glass objects, nuisance items, hazardous materials, or weapons on the bus. Students may carry only objects that can be held on their laps (no large items such as plants, trees, balloons, flowers, and posters may be carried on the bus.)
• Students will refrain from using loud voices, profanity, vulgarity, and/or obscene gestures, and respect the rights and safety of others.
• Insolence, disobedience, fighting, and pushing will not be tolerated on the bus.
• Students will not extend head, arms, or objects out of the bus windows.
• Band instruments must be held in the student’s lap or placed under the seat. No instruments may be placed in front of the exit door nor in a seat needed for students.
• Buses cannot transport instruments larger than a trombone.
• Students will be totally silent at railroad crossings.
• Students will stay seated until time to get off of the bus.
• The open door is the signal to get up from the bus seat.
• Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, not expressly permitted by school administration.
• Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.
• Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence, bullying as physical assault or battery of other persons on the school bus, verbal assault of other persons on the school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other persons on the school bus and other unruly behavior.
• Students must provide a written note, signed by a parent or guardian and school official giving permission to ride a different bus or get on or off the bus at a different bus stop location.
• Students will keep their bus clean and in good, safe condition. Students will be charged for any damage to the bus.
• Large athletic sports equipment should not be transported on the bus.
• Once the driver arrives at the school, students will remain seated until the driver signals for the students to exit.
  
  

The Columbia County Board of Education may require, upon finding that a student has engaged in unruly behavior on a school bus/school bus stop, the parent or guardian of the student and the appropriate school officials to meet to form a school bus behavior contract for the student. Such contract shall provide for assigned seating on a bus, ongoing parent involvement, and progressive age-appropriate discipline for student misconduct on the bus, including possible suspension from riding the bus. These provisions are not to be construed to limit the instances when a school code of conduct or local board of education may require use of a student bus behavior contract.

It is the goal of the Columbia County Board of Education to provide opportunities for learning and employment in non-discriminatory environments. This policy serves to prohibit all forms of discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, disability, religion, or national origin in all procedures and activities.

The Columbia County School District shall comply with all aspects of Title VI and VII, Title IX, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Any employee, applicant for employment, or other person who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed in violation of this policy must contact the Department of Human Resources.

In compliance with the requirements of the Every Students Succeeds Act, the Columbia County School District would like to inform parents that they may request information about the professional qualifications of their student’s teacher(s) and/ or paraprofessional(s). The following information may be requested whether the student’s teacher:

1. has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
2. is teaching under a non-renewable certificate and State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher; or the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

Any parents who wish to request such information, please contact the principal at the child’s school, and this information will be provided in a timely manner. For convenience, school phone numbers and email addresses are located in this code of conduct.

In keeping with the McKinney Ven-to Act, a federal law which requires school districts to identify and provide resources for students who qualify as homeless, helps ensure that all children and youth receive a free appropriate public education and that they are given meaningful opportunities to be successful, no matter the hardships they face. Through the Families in Transition program, also known as F.I.T., a district homeless liaison oversees the program including training of all district employees, and each school-based homeless liaison, to identify and assist those students and families who are identified as homeless. For more information about the McKinney Vento Act and the services it provides, or if you or someone you know is facing a hardship that has lead to homelessness, please contact Mohra Hill-Smith, School Social Worker and District Homeless Liaison, at [email protected].

I have reviewed the school’s website, and I am aware of the extracurricular activities available to my child. (If internet access is not available, parents should ask for a copy of this list from the school.)  Please notify your child's school directly to opt out of any of the activities/clubs stated on their website. 

Once your child becomes a teenager, water safety becomes even more challenging. Even if adolescents have completed a swim program and are confident in the water, many enjoy hanging out with friends at the pool or beach - away from your supervision. Therefore, while childhood drowning risk decreases after age 4, it actually goes up again during a child’s teen years - even among strong swimmers. In fact, adolescents (15-19 years old) have the second-highest fatal drowning rate out of any age group, after toddlers ages 12-36 months, who have the highest risk.

Please review the following swim and water safety resources available in our area:

• CSRA Kids - Swim Lessons around the CSRA (csrakids.com/swim-lessons.org)
• Dolphin Academy Swim School (iswimdolphin.com/classes/)
• The Family YMCA (thefamilyy.org/swim/)
• The Kroc Center - Augusta (augustakroc.org/krocaugusta/aquatics#3Cards-3)

For Students attending the Columbia County School District

(NOTE: If a user is under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian of the student must read and sign this agreement.)

The use of Columbia County Information Technology (IT) resources are meant to enhance and facilitate the learning process. By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Columbia County Instructional Resources Policy (IF) and related procedures. I further understand that any violation of any Federal, State, or Local law relating to illegal or unethical use may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, I understand that the use of Columbia County School District IT Resources may be revoked; disciplinary action taken; and/or legal action pursued.

As the parent or legal guardian of this student, I have read the terms and conditions for the use of Columbia County School District IT resources. I understand these privileges are designed for educational purposes. I will not hold the Columbia County School District responsible for materials acquired or problems related to their use while utilizing these resources.

I hereby (grant)             (do not grant)                 permission for my child to utilize Columbia County School District IT resources and certify that the information contained on this form is correct. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use in not in a school setting.

Unless a parent or legal guardian objects in writing to the principal of the school where the child is enrolled, the Columbia County School District and each school may periodically acknowledge student work activities and/or achievements on school or district websites and social media sites. Such information will be limited to the students’ names, work, grade level, and image.

Baker Place Elementary 2011 Hero Way Grovetown, GA 30813 (706)-447-2115 bakerplacees.ccboe.net	Martinez Elementary 213 Flowing Wells Rd. Martinez, GA 30907 (706) 863-8308 martinezes.ccboe.net
Blue Ridge Elementary 550 Blue Ridge Dr. Evans, GA 30809 (706) 868-0894 blueridgees.ccboe.net	North Columbia Elementary 2874 Ray Owens Rd. Appling, GA 30802 (706) 541-1158 northcolumbiaes.ccboe.net
Brookwood Elementary 455 S. Old Belair Rd. Grovetown, GA 30813 (706) 855-7538 brookwoodes.ccboe.net	North Harlem Elementary 360 W. Trippe St. Harlem, GA 30814 (706) 556-5995 northharlemes.ccboe.net
Cedar Ridge Elementary 1000 Trudeau Trail Grovetown, GA 30813 (706) 447-2100 cedarridgees.ccboe.net	Parkway Elementary 2660 William Few Parkway Evans, GA 30809 (706) 868-2346 parkwayes.ccboe.net
Euchee Creek Elementary 795 Old Louisville Rd. Grovetown, GA 30813 (706) 556-4000 eucheecreekes.ccboe.net	River Ridge Elementary 4109 Mullikin Rd. Evans, GA 30809 (706) 447-1016 riverridgees.ccboe.net
Evans Elementary 618 Gibbs Rd. Evans, GA 30809 (706) 863-1202 evanses.ccboe.net	Riverside Elementary 4431 Hardy McManus Rd. Evans, GA 30809 (706) 868-3736 riversidees.ccboe.net
Greenbrier Elementary 5116 Riverwood Parkway Evans, GA 30809 (706) 650-6060 greenbrieres.ccboe.net	Stevens Creek Elementary 3780 Evans-to-Locks Rd. Martinez, GA 30907 (706) 868-3705 stevenscreekes.ccboe.net
Grovetown Elementary 300 Ford Ave. Grovetown, GA 30813 (706) 863-0800 grovetownes.ccboe.net	Westmont Elementary 4558 Oakley Pirkle Rd. Martinez, GA 30907 (706) 854-5838 westmontes.ccboe.net
Lewiston Elementary 5426 Hereford Farm Rd. Evans, GA 30809 (706) 650-6064 lewistones.ccboe.net