Student/ Parent Handbook

Savannah Early College High School offers Internet access through the media center and selected classrooms. Access to information through the Internet is intended for appropriate education and research activities in support of class assignments and projects. However, the Internet can be misused and can provide access to inappropriate and non-Savannah-Chatham Board of Public Education approved material. In an effort to encourage appropriate Internet use and discourage inappropriate Internet use, students must have parental permission to receive access to the Internet on BOE facilities. (Savannah-Chatham Co. BOE Policy IFBG Computers: Instructional Program/Internet Use). Parents must sign a user authorization form before students can have Internet access.

When textbooks, library media materials and equipment are issued to students, the return of these materials to the school for further use shall be the sole responsibility of the student and their parent/guardians. When materials or equipment are not returned to the school in usable condition, it is the responsibility of the student and their parents/guardians to reimburse the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education for the cost of replacement or repairs.

Students who owe for lost or damaged textbooks, library media materials and/or equipment shall have their report cards withheld by the school administration.

Another textbook of the same subject area will not be issued until the school system has been compensated, although textbooks in the same subject area may be made available for use in the classroom.

Additional library media materials and equipment shall not be checked out to the student until the school system has been compensated. Students may continue to use the learning resources within the confines of the media center.

Students who are promoted to another school and have not compensated the school system for materials will have a record of their obligations forwarded to the receiving school. Students who transfer within or out of the Savannah-Chatham County School System and have failed to compensate the Board of Education for lost or damaged textbooks, library media materials, and/or equipment shall have their report cards and transcripts delayed until their financial obligations are settled.

At the time of withdrawal for the SCCPSS, the principal/designee shall check to see if the transfer and withdrawal form indicates that all records have been cleared. If compensation is due, the transfer and withdrawal form, report card and transcript shall be retained by the school until payment is made.

Students shall not be eligible to participate in graduation exercises and activities of the SCCPSS if debts related to loss of damaged textbooks, library materials or equipment, or dues remain unpaid.

Students/parents are to inform the school’s Information Specialist of any change in address, telephone number(s), and email address changes as soon as possible. This process can be completed on-line. For address changes, please make sure the appropriate documentation accompanies the request.

The 1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires annual notification of any asbestos containing building materials (ACM) within the school system. Under certain conditions, asbestos fibers could cause a health problem. Therefore, to minimize any hazard, an Asbestos Management Plan has been developed for each school. Each facility has an Asbestos Management Plan available, which identifies the location of ACM in the facility, available for public viewing during regular hours of operation. If you have any questions, please call the Maintenance and Operations Department at 912-201-5730.

When students are late or absent from school, an automated call out will go out to the number on file, informing the guardian of the absence. 

A written excuse is required from every student to re-enter school after an absence. Students must submit their excuse to the Attendance Officer upon their return; it will be determined by the Attendance Officer whether the absence was excused or unexcused. Absences are recorded as unexcused until documentation is received indicating otherwise. A zero will be recorded for all assignments missed. Consequences for excessive absences include after school ISS, and mandatory parent/guardian meetings prior to re-admittance.  Students who are consistently absent from school are in violation of attendance expectations and will be subject to additional interventions and consequences. 

* Note – Per Board Policy only 5 days of absence per school year will be excused with a handwritten parent note.

Students arriving on campus prior to 7:15am are to report to the cafeteria. 

Students not involved in a supervised activity are to exit the building immediately after 2:30pm and leave the campus.                                                                                     

Students are not allowed to leave the building during the school day without authorization. Only students who have signed out through the Main Office are authorized to leave campus. Consequences for leaving campus without authorization from the Main is Out of School Suspension (OSS). Students returning to the school must enter through the front doors and sign-in at the Main Office.  All visitors must report directly to the Main Office. (See: trespassing)

Students are required to obtain a Certificate of Attendance from their school to apply for an instructional permit or driver’s license. After completing the form, the student returns it to school administrators, who approve and notarize the form, certifying that the student follows attendance and discipline requirements. The form is returned to the student with 2-5 business days and for a $5.00 fee. The student delivers the Certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS). The form expires after a thirty (30) day period.

The law states that if a student is not in compliance with attendance and/ or discipline requirements, a Certificate of Noncompliance will be signed by a school administrator, notarized, and submitted within 24 hours to the system TADRA coordinator for submission to DMVS.

Students will be notified only by DMVS that their license has been suspended. The suspension is for a period of one year or until the student reaches age eighteen (18).

If the Certificate of Noncompliance has been submitted in error, the school must complete a Certificate of Re- Enrollment/ Reinstatement and submit it to the DMVS.

With the above exception, reinstatement of an instructional permit or driver’s license is solely the responsibility of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.

Please see the SCCPSS Student Code of Conduct for the complete policy on attendance and truancy.

Early dismissal is strongly discouraged except when absolutely necessary. A student who wishes to be released from school early is to bring a note from a parent/guardian. The note is to be taken to the Office. The authenticity of the note will be verified before the student is released early. Students must sign out in the Office. After receiving a dismissal pass, students are to leave campus immediately. Students may not be picked up after 2 PM.

Students are responsible for any work missed due to absences from school.  All missed work will be assigned a zero until it is made up. Teachers will permit students to make-up work missed due to excused absences for any of the following reasons: participation in school sponsored activities, personal illness, medical requirements, death of a family member, hazardous conditions, observance of religious holiday, and orders of governmental agencies.

Teachers must permit students to complete missed homework, tests, or examinations within five school days after the student returns to school. If it is the fourth marking period, the teacher must permit the student to complete the homework, test, or examination by the end of the teacher’s post-planning days, provided the absence is approved for make-up work.

Teacher discretion may be used to extend the make-up time in extenuating circumstances. Teachers must be able to document multiple attempts to communicate with the parent and student regarding missed assignments and/or tests.  It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to make up and complete missed assignments and/or tests.

Students are to be on time for school and all classes; first block begins promptly at 7:30am. Punctuality is essential for uninterrupted instruction. After 8:00 AM parents are required to sign students in in the front office.

Skipping class is a serious infraction and will not be tolerated at Savannah Early College High School. A student who does not attend / skips assigned class(es) will be assigned Out of School Suspension (OSS) and/or a mandatory parent/guardian meeting prior to returning to school.

                        Advisement Bell Schedule

Academic integrity is expected of Savannah Early College High School Students. The characteristics of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility are always expected.

Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, aiding academic dishonesty, lying, bribery and/or threats related to academic matters, or attempts to do any of the above-mentioned violations.

Violations will be handled as disciplinary matters and will be handled by the principal and/or his designee. Consequences will include any of the following, depending on the circumstances of the incident: no credit/zero on assignments, suspension, expulsion, removal from Savannah High School.

• Plagiarism: portrayal of someone else’s work or ideas as your own.
• Cheating: using unauthorized notes or study aids, allowing another person to do your work, submitting the same or similar papers in a course without permission of the teacher.
• Fabrication: falsification or creation of data, research, or resources, altering a graded work without permission of the teacher.
• Aiding Academic Dishonesty: intentionally facilitating any act of academic dishonesty or failing to report an observed violation of the Honor Code.
• Lying: deliberately deceiving a teacher, in written or verbal form, regarding an academic submission.
• Bribery: providing, offering, or taking rewards in exchange for a grade, an assignment, or the aid of academic dishonesty.
• Threat: an attempt to intimidate a student or teacher for the purpose of receiving an unearned grade or to prevent the reporting of an Honor Code violation.

Savannah Early College High School participates in numerous athletic sports and competitions. Any student interested in participating should see the Athletic Director(s). Any student participating in athletics must be academically eligible, meet all GHSA rules, and adhere to the student code of conduct.

The Code of Conduct for the district requires all book bags, backpacks, athletic bags and other similar items used by students while on any Board of education property, attending school sponsored events or activities, riding on Board operated vehicles, or within safety zone must be made of a material or design that allows the contents to be clearly visible; either see-through mesh or clear plastic.

The mesh fabric must have the opening wide enough that items inside the bag are clearly identifiable. Handbags, purses, pocketbooks, and similar items must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, three or four inches deep, and must not be large enough to contain a standard textbook. Purses do not have to be transparent or made of mesh if they are within these size limitations.

State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletics programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. 20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System does not discriminate based on gender in its athletics programs. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in this school system may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator at 208 Bull St., Savannah, Ga. 31401, phone 395-5531.

Policy IDFA, Equity in Sports can be found on the web page (https://www.sccpss.com/) under athletics for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

Students participating in Physical Education classes are required to wear the appropriate attire for physical exercise.  Your PE instructor will provide you with specific guidelines. 

Savannah Early College High School offers an ever-growing variety of after school clubs and organizations, including: Student Government Association (SGA), Student Leadership Program (SLP) and many others.   Students are encouraged to get involved in after school activities.  Your advisor will share a complete list of clubs and organizations at SECHS.  

School attendance is a right guaranteed to students as citizens. The right will not be denied without due process. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper and lawful manner. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s Code of Student Conduct is distributed to all students at the beginning of the year for students and parents/guardians to familiarize themselves with these behavior expectations. All students are expected to abide by the Code of Student Conduct Board of Education discipline policies, and Savannah Early College High School policies. Students will be held personally accountable for their behavior at all times when they are on any property of the Board of Education, attending school sponsored events or activities (field trips), or riding as a passenger on a vehicle operated by the Board of Education. Refer to the Code of Conduct for a description of all discipline policies and procedures and dress code criteria. A thorough review of this document, by both parents and student, is strongly recommended.

All high schools will follow a consistent plan which governs implementation of the procedures for BYOT:

• Principals will review the implementation plan with all staff during preplanning and at the change of the semester.
• If a teacher allows the use of a cell phone, it must be for instructional purposes and they must reflect use of the cell phone for educational use in their weekly lesson plan, to include but not limited to the following:

o      Exactly when the technological device will be used

o      What the teacher will do, what the students will do

o      How the technology will support and extend student mastery of the standards/learning

• Cell phones/I-pods may be used before and after school (2:30pm). They must be turned off/silenced upon entering classes (7:20am). The use of cellphones/ I-pods can result in Detention, In School Suspension (ISS) or Saturday School.

• Cell phones should always remain on silent/off during class and should not be visible.  Under no circumstances should the noise from these devices disturb the learning of others.

• Principals and assistant principals will review the expectations with all students through assemblies and/or advisement during the first week of school.

• Students will submit a signed document outlining their and their parents/guardians understanding of the procedures and guidelines for cell phone guidelines while at school.  See SCCPSS Code of Conduct as well.

• First Offense – A student conference will be held on proper use of electronic devices within the school environment. Warning given.
• Second Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and required to be collected from the front office by a parent.
• Third Offense – The student will receive an office referral and the phone will be held in the front office for 30 days.

The bell schedule allows for ample time between classes.  Students will not be issued hall passes during academic time and are to remain in class.  Students are not to be in the halls at any time without a hall pass.  All hall passes must be approved by the teacher prior to being issued.  Should an emergency arise, the teacher will call for an administrative escort to assist. 

Under the Safe School Climate/Zero Tolerance Policy in the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, site administrators may conduct searches of school property such as lockers, desks and other property assigned to students and of students and their personal possessions if site administrators have reasonable grounds to believe that students have in their possession any items or materials that are forbidden by School Board policy and/or procedure, school rules and regulations, or state or federal laws. Additionally, site administrators may conduct searches for any items or materials which may pose a danger to either students or school personnel or which may be used to cause disruption of any educational process. Searches include periodic school-wide searches conducted in agreement with local law enforcement agencies. (See Code of Conduct)

As part of an initiative to enhance the overall safety of our schools, the Superintendent has implemented Random Administrative Inspections that will be conducted using each site’s staff members. Inspections will be conducted by personnel trained in the safe use of a magnetometer. A minimum number of staff members will be trained to minimize the impact on the school’s educational mission, keeping staff members in their usual assignments and duties as much as possible.

Students found to be in possession of contraband during these inspections will be appropriately disciplined.

Random Administrative Inspections conducted as an administrative function will not involve Campus Police unless there is a safety issue, fight, violent outburst or threat, or violations of criminal law. Campus Police may assist in securing the inspection area or escorting and/or monitoring students to be inspected but will not actively participate in the Random Administrative Inspections.

Students are not to sell any items, consumable or non-consumable while on school property without approval from the principal and a faculty advisor. Only school sponsored organizations may conduct fund raising activities on campus. Students attempting to sell items will have those items confiscated. 

Under School Board Policy JD (14) sexual harassment includes but is not limited to the following: “Unwelcome sexual advances; request for sexual favors, request for unsolicited physical contact; verbal conduct of a sexual nature that causes an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment; physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment; writing sexually explicit notes or graffiti about another student; obtaining or attempting to obtain property or sexual favors through the use of force, menace or fear; acts initiated by a student against the chastity, common decency and morals of another accompanied by threats, fears or danger; intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another in an offensive or provocative manner; and, intentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent physical or psychological injury.” Students are to report immediately any violations of this policy to the school administration.

Smoking is a serious health hazard and is not allowed on school board property. Students smoking on campus or in possession of tobacco products, vape products, and cigarette lighters will be suspended.

Choice Program Expectations

Savannah Early College High School students are expected to maintain an 80 or better overall GPA in all core courses (and a grade of C or better in all college courses) and to follow the school district’s policies regarding standards of conduct and attendance.

DUAL-ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

●        Meet the minimum sub-scores on the college placement exams

●        Complete and pass all courses with a minimum course average of 80 (and a grade of C or better in all college courses)

●        Adhere to the school district’s and program’s attendance & discipline policies                                               

Savannah Early College High School students are expected to maintain good academic, behavior, financial, and/or attendance related standing.  Students who are not in compliance with the district’s and school’s academic, behavior, financial, and/or attendance requirements may be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, ceremonies, and other related special school activities.  Savannah Early College High School personnel will offer rigorous instruction, varied supports, and targeted assistance, as students diligently work to meet and exceed their specialty program expectations.    

Evaluation of Students

GMAS End of Course (EOC) Assessments: GMAS EOC Assessments are required to assess instruction and student achievement in the areas of 9th Grade Literature and Composition, American Literature and Composition, GSE Algebra I, GSE Geometry, Physical Science, Biology, U.S. History, and Economics.  

NEXT-GEN/ACCUPLACER:  Savannah Early College High School, in conjunction with the University partner, offers students the opportunity to take the ACCUPLACER to become eligible to participate in the Dual-Enrollment Program their junior and senior years of high school. The NEXT-GEN/ACCUPLACER is a suite of computer-adaptive tests that assesses reading, writing, math, and computer skills. The NEXT-GEN/ACCUPLACER tests use a multiple-choice format, and there’s no time limit on the tests. If a student does not pass the required section(s) on the NEXT-GEN/ACCUPLACER (or SAT/ACT), the student may be dismissed from Savannah Early College High School or the student’s schedule may be adjusted to an alternative plan of study. 

PSAT and College Entrance Exams:  The PSAT/NMSQT is offered each October for college-bound students in grades 9-11.  Information how to register for the SAT-I: Reasoning, SAT-subject tests, and American College Tests (ACT) are available in the Counseling Office.  SAT/ACT online study programs are accessible in the Counseling Office and computer lab.

College-bound juniors are urged to take the SAT or ACT in their junior year.  A junior may take the test more than once, but one administration prior to the senior year is recommended. College-bound seniors must take the SAT or ACT.  Check with the Counselor for the requirements of various colleges and universities. 

The SAT II is another name for the Achievement Tests. Some colleges require that you take two (2) or three (3) achievement tests.  You must check the college admission requirements for the colleges you are interested in attending.  Many colleges accept either the ACT or SAT as part of the admission process.  Check with the Counseling Office for applications to sign up for the tests. 

End of Pathway Assessment: State CTAE Program Specialists, along with their respective advisory councils, and other program area subject matter experts, have worked to identify over 60 credentialing opportunities for students who successfully complete the three or four designated courses in their pathway. Once students complete their pathway, they will have an opportunity to sit for the test in their area which will measure key components under: 

●        National industry certifications, 

●        National occupational assessments, and 

●        State licensures and state developed assessments 

Student learning is the primary purpose of school.  Teachers must be able to deliver engaging instruction in a safe and orderly environment.  Every student has a right to learn and must respect the right of his/her fellow schoolmates.  All students can experience success in a respectful and supportive learning environment.  Every student at Savannah Early College High School is expected to put forth his/her best effort to achieve such success.

The following grading scales will be used to report student achievement in the school subjects:

90 -100 = A  (4 points)

80 - 89  = B  (3 points)

70 - 79  = C  (2 points)

  0 – 69 = F  (0 points) 

Teachers will calculate the grades for each of the following components to determine a numerical grade:

1. Class assignments, homework assignments, group participation, including make-up and extra credit work will constitute 40% of the grade.

2. Student assessment activities including oral tests, teacher-made tests, nine-weeks tests, semester/year tests, term papers, and research, will constitute 60% of the grade.

3.  For students who entered ninth grade for the first time after July 1, 2014, the numeric score on the Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) assessment shall count for a percentage of the student's final numeric grade in the course assessed by the Georgia Milestones End of Course or Student Learning Objectives. 

For students who entered ninth grade between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2014 the numeric score on the Georgia Milestones End of Course shall count for 20% of the student's final numeric grade in the course assessed by the Georgia Milestones End of Course.

All approved AP/IB diploma/Dual Enrollment courses will have five (5) bonus points added to the final semester/year numerical grade of 70 or higher.  All approved honors courses will have three (3) bonus points added to the final semester numerical grade of 70 or higher. These points will be added by the Student Information Systems

The teacher will automatically give a zero on any homework, test, or final course examination which a student misses for any reason and will average that score into the student’s grade for the nine weeks and/or semester. The teacher will permit the student to complete the homework, test, or examination within five school days after the student returns to school, provided the absence is approved for make-up work. If it is the fourth marking period, the teacher will permit the student to complete the homework, test, or examination by the end of the teacher’s post-planning days, provided the absence is approved for makeup work. After a student completes a make-up homework assignment, test or final examination, the teacher will initiate a grade change authorization. Upon administrative approval of the grade change, the School Information Specialist will update the student’s report card and transcript.

The AP program is a program of college-level courses and examinations that offer high school students the opportunity to receive advanced placement or college credits. Requirements for entry into the AP Program include the following:

• A grade point average of at least 85%
• Teacher recommendations
• Commitment to summer reading in specified subject areas

Students will be assigned a class rank based on the numerical average of all class grades. Students who transfer from another high school will have class rank computed based on all course grades from all high schools attended. Letter grades earned in other high schools will be converted to numerical grades.

A student with a cumulative average of 90% or above will be classified as an honor graduate. A student’s average will not be rounded off to the next highest number to meet the honor graduate requirement. Only students who have attended Savannah-Chatham County high schools for at least one semester will be considered for designation as honor graduates. Only graduating seniors who have earned at least four units in advanced courses and who have attended Savannah-Chatham County high schools for at least four semesters will be considered for designation as valedictorian or salutatorian of their class.

Students represent Savannah Early College High School when on any type of field trip and appropriate behavior is always expected. All policies of the Board of Education and Savannah Early College High School apply while on field trips. In addition, field trip sponsors and chaperones can establish additional policies and behavior guidelines specific to the field trip circumstances.

Field trips are a means of enhancing and applying classroom learning.  To attend ANY field trip, students are required to be passing all of their classes.  Students with failing grades will not be allowed to participate. 

Violations of any Board of Education or JHS or sponsors/ chaperones guidelines will result in appropriate disciplinary action during the trip and/or upon return to the school. Trip sponsors and chaperones have the authority to end a field trip at any time during the field trip and return to the school. If such a return is made after a regular instructional day, parents will be called as soon as possible upon arrival to the school to pick up the students.

Students or parents who wish to express a grievance should first consult with their child’s teacher. If the issue is not resolved with the teacher, the following persons should be the next point of contact: school counselor, assistant principal, and finally, principal. At Savannah Early College High School we strive to address any concerns from parents as quickly and effectively as possible. We encourage parents and guardians to remain in close contact with the teachers and the school staff.

Savannah Early College High School does not have lockers in the hallways for students.  There are lockers in the PE locker rooms.  The Physical Education staff will provide instructions for the use of the PE lockers.

The school cafeteria offers well balanced, nutritional meals at a reasonable cost. Students who purchase lunch can bring cash or create a lunch debit card on the MySchoolBucks.com web page.  Students who choose to bring lunch from home may do so. During lunch periods, students must eat lunch in the cafeteria or other designated lunch areas. Open containers are not allowed in the halls or in classrooms at any time. Glass containers are prohibited. Students may bring water to school in approved plastic containers. Students arriving on campus late or returning from appointments are not to bring restaurant food and/or beverages into the cafeteria or on campus. Students are not allowed to have restaurant food delivered to them at any time during school this includes Uber eats.  Federal guidelines prohibited outside food to brought to school.  Students may not leave campus for lunch. Visitors on campus are not admitted during the lunch block.

Immunizations and EED Certificates

All students enrolled at Savannah Early College High School must have a Georgia Certificate of Adequate Immunization and EED Certificate on file in the school Guidance Office. These forms may be secured from a student’s personal doctor or the Chatham County Health Department.

Illness during school

In the event a student becomes ill during the school day, students will obtain a pass from their classroom teacher and will report directly to the School Nurse. The School Nurse, in cooperation with the parent/guardian, will determine if early release is necessary. Students with more serious medical emergencies will receive an emergency response as outlined within the school emergency response guidelines as set forth by the Board of Education.

Medication

Any student bringing medication to school must report to the School Nurse. Medication prescribed by a licensed physician must be in the original container and list the name of the patient, prescribing physician and the name of the pharmacy filling the prescription. The School Nurse will dispense medication after securing parental permission. Other drugs are prohibited on school campus. Only the School Nurse can dispense medications to students.

General Requirements for all Diplomas:

Attend SECHS for at least one full semester and pass all courses for that semester; complete at least 20 hours of community service; earn the required credits for the diploma.  The complete graduation requirements, including additional information regarding specific required courses can be found on the Board Website (Board Policy Manual IHC-R (1) and IHC-R (2).

When a student repeats a course previously failed, the grade for the second course (repeated course) will appear as a separate grade on his/her transcript. The original failing grade will not be replaced.

Students may not use the office phones for personal calls except in an emergency and with prior approval. Calls are to be limited. Students will not be dismissed from class to use the telephone. Only emergency messages will be forwarded to students. Students will not be called to the office phone during instructional time unless the parent calls with a stated emergency.

Students needing to send an official transcript for college admission, scholarship, or military consideration must complete a transcript request form in the Guidance Office. Official transcripts must remain in a sealed envelope if the transcript is hand carried to a specific destination, the transcript will be mailed with other required documents. Transcript requests cannot be filled in less than 24 hours.

Bus Students

Bus students may only ride the bus they are assigned to and they are always expected to behave appropriately. Missing the bus is not considered an excuse for tardiness or absence. Bus students will board and exit their assigned bus at the bus ramp located at the gym entrance. School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior.  Bus transportation is not provided at this time.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Students may be dropped off for school or picked up on dismissal at the front of the building only. The bus ramp is for unloading and for loading of school buses only. Please adhere to this procedure for safety reasons.

Student Parking/Driving Privileges

Student parking is located at the SECHS front entrance. Parking in this lot requires a student parking decal. However, students park at their own risk. The school is not responsible for the monitoring of cars parked in the school parking lot, damage to cars, nor items stolen from cars. To register a vehicle and receive a parking decal, a student must complete a Parking Permit Application form, present proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. The cost for a parking permit is $10.00. 

Parking permits are to be displayed hanging from the rear-view mirror with a parking permit number visible from outside the vehicle. The parking permit is to be used in the vehicle that is registered; however, the parking permit can be used in a different vehicle for a maximum of three days due to automotive repairs, etc. If a permanent change is made in the vehicle driven to school, that vehicle must be appropriately registered.

The school reserves the right to tow any vehicle that does not have the required parking decal or is improperly parked and to revoke student parking privileges for violation of parking guidelines. Students are not to loiter in the parking lot before or after school. Students are not allowed to go to their cars or be in the student parking lot during class time or during lunch.  Student vehicles may be searched by the administration, other BOE and/or public law enforcement agencies at any time. Driving onto campus is a privilege which will be revoked if students do not follow school rules.

With the understanding that a student’s behavior is influenced by the way the student is dressed and with the understanding that no student should dress in a manner that is disruptive or has an adverse effect on school activities, the following mandatory uniform standards for student attire have been developed. Students are expected to dress in the school uniform during the school day and during school related activities. The school principal/site administrator will make the final determination of whether a student’s attire or appearance conflicts with these standards. The school will loan students uniforms when necessary, if available; however, the appropriate consequences will be administered for dress code violations. The procedures described below are applicable to all secondary schools (beginning in 2007-2008). All students must adhere to the mandatory school uniform policy with the following dress code being applied at Savannah Early College High School:

• Solid black or khaki shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, Capri pants or pants/ slacks (no knit pants, leggings, jogging or cargo pants; no zippers or pockets on pant legs.) No denim jeans, skirts, etc. Uniforms must be worn at the natural waist and made of standard uniform material (cotton and/or twill).  No denim jeans, skirts, etc. Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Pants/slacks, skirts, skorts and jumpers must have a finished hem.
• Solid white or burgundy  tops.  Tops may be polo-style shirts, collared blouses, or turtlenecks. Shirts may have the school insignia, if one is available, but no other ornamentation is permitted. Tops must not expose any of the midriff or lower back. Fishnet tops, halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, tanks tops, spaghetti straps and other forms of transparent or revealing clothing are prohibited and should not be visible at any time. Oversized tops may not be worn.  
• All shoes must be completely enclosed and fastened/tied properly.
• Tights, leggings, hose, or socks may be worn under an appropriate length skirt or dress.   Tights or leggings may not be worn as an outer garment.
• Solid black, white, or burgundy sweaters, vests or sweatshirts may be worn over uniform collared shirts.
• No hats, scarves, caps, or sunglasses may be worn in the building.
• Coats, jackets, and zippered sweatshirts must be solid black, white, or red and must be worn open (unzipped) in the building.
• Belt buckles must not be oversized or have any writing that is considered offensive.
• School team or club shirts/ jackets may not be worn to school without permission from administration.

Acceptable dress for non-uniform days will be consistent with the dress code:

1. Body piercing that causes a disruption or interferes with the learning environment will not be allowed.
2. Tops must not expose any of the midriff or lower back.  Fishnet tops, halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps and other forms of transparent or revealing clothing are prohibited and should not be visible at any time. 
3. Pants must be of appropriate size, be worn at the natural waist, and not drag the floor.  
4. Shorts, skirts, jumpers, and dresses must have a finished hem and extend to the length of the tip of the longest extended finger when student is standing upright with hands by his/her side.
5. Undergarments must not be visible.

In addition:

School ID badges are issued to every student and must be carried throughout the school day, while on campus and while attending all school sponsored field trips.

School ID badges are required to transact business in the cafeteria or media center.  Student ID badges are required to obtain a hall pass for any reason. 

Handbags, purses, and similar items must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches (size of a regular sheet of paper), 3 to 4 inches thick, and must not be large enough to contain a regular sized textbook.

All book bags, tote bags, backpacks, athletic bags, and all other similar items must have contents clearly visible (see-through plastic or mesh). Any bag needed for after school events, which is not mesh or clear plastic, must be checked in at the beginning of the day and left with the student’s teacher or with the student’s coach during the school day.

Uniform Compliance/Disciplinary Measures

Savannah Early College High School will strive for full compliance using positive reinforcement. Disciplinary action will only be used when all positive measures have been exhausted.

Progressive discipline will be used to impose the policy. The school principal/site administrator has the authority to use her discretion in implementing this plan as deemed appropriate. The discipline plan below has been established to address incidents of noncompliance to the Dress Code Policy. Noncompliance, as outlined in the plan below, interferes with the operation of school and such interference will not be tolerated. Any incident, occurrence or display that disrupts the delivery of instruction or other school activities is considered interference with school operation.

If a student comes to school out of uniform, the following measures will be taken:

• 1st offense –the classroom teacher will contact the parent to bring uniform
• 2nd offense – the classroom teacher will contact parent and send to administrator
• 3^rd offense and beyond- the teacher will write a referral and consequences will be determined by administrator to include after school detention,  Out of School Suspension (OSS) and/or mandatory parent/guardian meetings prior to re- admittance to school.

Visitors must check in at the Main Office. If approved by the administration, authorized visitors will be issued a visitor’s pass. Students who are not enrolled at Savannah Early College High School are not to be on campus at any time for any reason. SECHS students are not permitted to bring friends or guests to school with them.

Trespassing

All visitors to campus must report to the main office. Students on campus who were not in their first class and who did not sign in through the Attendance Office, students who sign out but do not sign in upon return to campus and students who leave campus for early release programs and who return to campus without signing in are trespassing. Appearance on campus while suspended is trespassing. Anyone on campus who is not an authorized visitor is trespassing. Any person on campus after the conclusion of the instructional day and school sponsored activities is trespassing. Appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action will be taken for trespassing. The school day ends at 2:30 p.m. and all students must leave the campus immediately unless they are part of a supervised, school sponsored activity.