IHS Student Handbook

In order to prepare for future education and careers, students organize their course work within one or more of four pathways of study – Advanced Academics, CTAE, Fine Arts or World Languages.   Several of the career pathway opportunities for students in SCCPSS provide certificates allowing students to go directly into the workforce.

Georgia State Board Rule 160-4-2.48 requires the following credits for GRADUATION:

Students at Islands High School are enrolled in a total of eight courses for the school year, with the majority of those courses being year-long. Some electives and some honors courses may be a .5 credit semester long class.  Our school uses a modified block schedule.  Students attend all eight classes on Mondays for an abbreviated class period. 

- Advisement Connections:These sessions are designed to strengthen adult to student relationships, strengthen peer to peer connections, position students for a successful week, promote personal growth/self awareness, and to provide students with college and career readiness information. 

- Mastery Monday: These 35 minute classes are designed to help students recover learning from previous week, makeup assignments, and/or accelerate learning and get ready for the week. 

  On Tuesdays and Thursdays students attend four classes and the other four classes on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Students have five minutes between classes that they may go to the restrooms. Students are encouraged to move quickly to their next class location and refrain from gathering in the hallways for an extended length of time. During class, we operate on our M&M schedule to ensure we maximize instructional time and minimize movement. On “A/B” days, there is no movement during the first and last 30 minutes of class.  On “C” days, there is no movement during the first and last 10 minutes of class. 

Schedule Changes

Schedule changes are made within the first 5 days of a semester for the following reasons only:

• The student has taken and passed the class in which he or she has been scheduled
• The student does not have the required prerequisite class(es) for the class in which he or she has been scheduled
• The student has failed a course taught by the teacher to which he or she has been assigned if another option exists. In this case, a schedule change request will be honored if another teacher/class can be scheduled which meets the requirements of the student’s course of study
• The student is removed from a class/program for failing to meet the class/program requirements/guidelines

 

Schedule changes will not be made for reasons such as the desire to be placed in a certain teacher’s classroom or take a class at a particular class period.

 

Teachers will calculate the following components to determine a numerical grade:

• Class assignments and homework assignments will constitute 40% of the grade.
• Student assessment activities including quizzes, projects, unit tests and nine-week tests will constitute 60% of the grade.
• For semester classes that earn .5 unit of credit: The final grade is determined by the average of the two marking periods.
• For courses that require a Georgia Milestones End of Course exam, the final grade is determined by averaging the marking period grades and the grade equivalency of the GMAS exam is factored in as 20% of the overall grade for the course.

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

• Passing (70% - 100%)
• Failing (below 70%)
• The report card will reflect a maximum grade of 100. For the purposes of scholarship determination or various NCAA grants, the following conversion should be used: “A” equals 90%-100%, “B” equals 80%-89%, and “C” equals 70%-79%.

Honor Roll

To be considered for the Honor Roll upon conclusion of the school year, a student must have an average of 90 or better. When computing this average all courses are to be included. Averages less than 90 may not be rounded up to 90. The student must also:

A. be enrolled in eight course periods, four of which must be in the academic areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language or health/PE.

B. have met all the guidelines of the attendance policy (JBA).

C. have no grade below 80.

D. have an overall conduct grade of E or S.

E. The principal may withhold a student's name from the honor roll if the student has a Level II or Level III offense as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.

High Honor Roll

To be considered for the High Honor Roll upon conclusion of the school year a student must have an average of 95 or better. When computing this average all courses are to be included. Averages less than 95 may not be rounded up to 95. The student must also:

A. be enrolled in eight course periods, four of which must be in the academic areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language or health/PE.

B. have met all the guidelines of the attendance policy (JBA).

C. have no grade below 80.

D. have an overall conduct grade of E or S.

E. The principal may withhold a student's name from the honor roll if the student has a Level II or Level III offense as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Credit Recovery 

Credit recovery opportunities are available to students who may not have demonstrated mastery of learning during the 9 weeks marking period of Q1, Q2, and Q3. Teachers will provide students with a Credit Recovery Contract in conjunction with the distribution of report cards where the failing grade occurred. Students will be expected to recover missed skills and concepts to demonstrate mastery of content area standards.  Students will have a defined period of time to complete any and all credit recovery work.  Students may earn up to a 70 for the marking period through the credit recovery process during the school year. All credit recovery work must be completed and submitted to the teacher within two (2) weeks of receiving the Credit Recovery Contract.

Repeating a course

Students may retake previously failed courses during the district summer school program or through the school-based after school Twilight Program. Summer School information is not available until the last month of school.  Two Twilight sessions are generally offered during the school year. Students are required to attend the after school sessions and complete all assignments and assessments with a passing score of at least 80% in order to demonstrate mastery and be awarded credit. Student athletes may not use credit recovery courses with Georgia Virtual School as a means for determining eligibility according to GHSA.  

Honor Code/Academic Honesty 

The purpose of the Honor Code is to create an environment of academic integrity. The Honor Code recognizes the importance of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility within the school building. The Honor Code places responsibility for academic honesty on the student. 

Violations of the Honor Code are acts of academic dishonesty and 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 aforementioned 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, ISS, suspension, expulsion or removal from choice program. 

Definitions

• 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 in an effort to prevent the reporting of an Honor Code violation.

Missed Assignments and Assessments

The teacher will automatically enter a zero for any assignment or assessment which a student misses for any reason and will average that score into the student’s grade for the nine weeks and/or semester.

Teachers will permit students to complete any assignment or assessment within five school days after the student returns to school, provided the absence is approved for make-up work.

 Mandated Standardized Testing

Students enrolled in Algebra I, Biology, US History, and American Literature are required to take the End of Course Georgia Milestones exam (GMAS). GMAS includes open-ended and multiple choice questions to determine students’ content mastery. The GMAS grade equivalency score is factored in as 20% of the final course grade. Students that do not take the GMAS for the course will have a zero factored in as 20% of the overall course grade. More information about the GMAS will be provided to students during advisement and to our parents via our weekly shark newsletter. 

College Entrance Exams

The PSAT/NMSQT is offered each October for college-bound students in grades 10-11. SAT and American College Tests (ACT) information is available in the Counseling Office and registration for these exams can be completed online at Georgiafutures.com. Registration and testing dates are located in our weekly shark newsletter as well.  All students planning to attend college should take these tests. Numerous test-prep resources can be found in our weekly newsletter and in the counseling office.  An SAT/ACT Prep elective is also available for students to request during their Junior year.

Advanced Placement (AP) 

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. 

Suggested Recommendations  for entry into the AP Program include the following: 

• A grade point average of at least 85% 

• Teacher recommendations 

The following Advanced Placement courses are offered at Islands High School (based on student interest/enrollment): AP Statistics, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Chemistry AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, AP Psychology, AP US History, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP Government, AP Art History, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Music Theory AP Art and Design 

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment is an arrangement between the public schools and a regionally accredited post-secondary public or private institution wherein a student enrolls in post-secondary classes and earns units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and post-secondary credit hours.  Contact the Counselor for eligibility requirements for “Move on When Ready”.  Students have the opportunity to participate in Dual Enrollment courses on the campus of a local, regional or state college or university, and on campus through Point University. Students who attend dual enrollment classes off campus are required to sign in/out of the main office each day and time they attend class.

Class Rank

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 on the basis of all course grades from all high schools attended.  Letter grades earned in other high schools will be converted to numerical grades.

Honor Graduates

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 high schools for at least four semesters will be considered for designation as valedictorian or salutatorian of their class.

Gifted Education Program

The aim of the program for the gifted in Savannah-Chatham County is to provide an extension of learning opportunities through the development of student potential and self-esteem by offering enrichment and acceleration in the content areas, as well as unique areas of interest.  Gifted education services are designed to provide challenging opportunities within a student’s area of giftedness.

The rationale of the program for the gifted is to ensure that each student receives educational experiences appropriate to his/her individual abilities, interests and learning styles. Unique needs of gifted students are respected and enhanced through a differentiated curriculum of more advanced, more sophisticated content, process and product that seeks to challenge students to become lifelong learners and producers within society.

Referrals of potential gifted students enrolled in Savannah-Chatham Public Schools are made by classroom teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, staff or any responsible person who has knowledge of a student’s intellectual functioning.  Two types of referrals may be made:

Automatic – The automatic referral process provides all students in grades K-12 who score at or above the 90th national age percentile on the composite or total mathematics or total reading of a standardized achievement test is immediately referred for further testing.

Reported – A referral made by a classroom teacher, counselor, administrator, parent, self or any reliable person who is knowledgeable of a student’s ability may be referred through the reported process.

The “pull-out” class is not used at the high school level.  However, the program offers many advantages.  Under the Gifted umbrella, you will find such programs as Advanced Placement classes, Governor’s Honors, academic competitions and various student recognitions.  The Gifted Education program fosters academic excellence and creativity through a wide variety of enrichment experiences.

 

Islands High School participates in numerous athletic sports and competitions. Any student interested in participating should see the Athletic Director or coach.  Any student participating in athletics must be academically eligible and meet all Georgia High School State Association rules.
Eligibility for Athletics: Hybrid Program
Georgia High School Association requires:

1.  You will not have turned 19 before May 1.
2.  You have not enrolled in more than eight (8) semesters in high school.
3.  You take eight courses at some time during the term, and each course is worth one-half unit.
4.  You must pass at least (5) five courses the semester prior to participating.
5.  Unit requirements are the same in all curricular programs and are accumulated towards graduations:

Students must accumulate Carnegie units towards graduation according to the following criteria according to the Georgia High School State Association:
      a.     First-year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically.
              Second semester first-year students must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units the previous semester in order to participate.
      b.     Second-year students must have accumulated five (5) total Carnegie units in the first year, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie

units in the previous semester.
      c.     Third-year students must have accumulated eleven (11) Carnegie units in the first and second years, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie

units in the previous semester.
      d.     Fourth-year students must have accumulated seventeen (17) Carnegie units in the first three years AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie

units in the previous semester.
      e.     Students may accumulate the required Carnegie units for participation during the school year and eligibility will be reinstated at the beginning of the next semester.
6.  You have not changed schools without a corresponding move by your guardian.
7.  You have not been recruited and/or undue influence used to induce a transfer.
8.  You have not received money or other valuable considerations for participating in sports.
9.  You represent your school as an amateur athlete solely for the physical, mental, social, and pleasure of participating.
 

Athletic  Concerns/Questions

Student-athletes or parents having questions or concerns are encouraged to speak directly with their child’ coach first , then athletic director, assistant principal of athletics to seek information/resolution.  The coach is the first point of contact and an appointment should be scheduled with them to discuss the issue/concern.  If the issue/concern is not resolved, the Athletic Director is the next step.  The Athletic Director will work with the Assistant Principal for Athletics to resolve the issue/concern.  All parents of student-athletes should refer to the Islands High School Athletics Handbook for more information. IHS Athletics Handbook

Islands Sharks Athletics Booster Club

All parents/guardians of an Islands High School student-athlete are strongly encouraged to join the Athletics Booster club each year.  Meeting dates and times will be provided by the coaching staff and announced at school, on the school website and via social media. 

Equity in Sports

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 on the basis of gender in its athletics programs.  Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in this school system may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator, The Director of Athletics at 208 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401, phone 912-395-5531. 

The following sports are offered at Islands High School:

Baseball

Golf

Tennis

Cheerleading-Spirit Squad

Basketball                

Soccer

Track and Field Lacrosse

Cross Country

Softball

Volleyball

Flag Football

Football                   

Swimming Wrestling

Clubs and Student Organizations

Islands High School provides a wide variety of clubs and organizations to address the needs and interests of students.  

Many clubs and student organizations hold meetings after the regular school day.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the student has reliable transportation available as soon as the meeting or activity has ended.  Students that are not picked up on time may be excluded from future club/organization meetings and events.

 

Students are expected to attend school every day, be on time and remain throughout the school day. Students may not leave campus at any time during the school day unless they are a part of the Work Based Learning Program, Dual Enrollment or have been pre approved for an early release.

If a student is absent from school, a written excuse or proper documentation is required in order to excuse an absence.  Students must submit their excuse to the Attendance Secretary upon their return.  It will be determined by the Attendance Secretary whether or not the absence was excused or unexcused based on the Board of Education attendance policy guidelines.  Excused absences include 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.  Proper documentation is required.  Absences are recorded as unexcused until an authorized note indicates otherwise.  No makeup work will be given, including tests, for unexcused absences.  A zero will be recorded for all assignments missed due to unexcused absences.  *Note – Per Board Policy only 5 days of absences per school year will be excused with a handwritten parent note for any excused absence requirements.  Please see the SCCPSS Student/Parent Handbook for Success for the complete policy on attendance and truancy.

Students arriving on campus prior to 7:15 a.m. are to report to the main hallway, cafeteria, or other designated area on campus.  Students are not permitted in the school building prior to 7:00 a.m. Students not involved in a supervised activity are to exit the building immediately at dismissal and leave the campus unless they are staying after school for a supervised tutorial, detention, club meeting or participation in an athletic program.

Students are not allowed to leave campus during the school day without prior authorization.  Only students who have signed-out through the Attendance Secretary/Main Office are authorized to leave campus. Students returning to the school must sign-in through the Attendance Secretary.  All visitors must report directly to the Main Office. (See: Trespassing)

Early dismissal

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 which includes a daytime telephone number of the parent/guardian.  The note is to be taken to the Attendance Secretary prior to 9:00 a.m.  The authenticity of the note will be verified before the student is released early.  Students must sign out in the Main Office.  After receiving a dismissal pass students are to leave campus immediately.  Students are not permitted to sign themselves out without the above documentation. All work based learning and dual enrollment students will also be required to sign out in the attendance office prior to leaving campus for the day. 

Missed work due to absence

Students are responsible for any work missed due to absences from school.  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.

An unexcused absence merits a “0” for any work missed in class on the day of any absence.  Missed assignments due to an excused absence should be completed within five days after returning to school. Requests for assignments while a student is absent due to illness or other approved absence are to be made as early as possible through the Attendance Clerk’s Office.  Assignments will not be collected through the Attendance Office for absences of less than 3 consecutive days.  Teachers must have a minimum of 24 hours notice to prepare work for pick up.  Sufficient notice will assist teachers in gathering all needed materials.

Tardy to School 

Students are to be on time for school each day.  The school day begins at 7:30 am and all students are expected to be in their assigned class at that time.  Students who are consistently tardy will receive progressive consequences as noted below.  Students with parking passes may have their parking privileges revoked for excessive tardies to school. Students arriving at school after 9:00 AM are required to either have their doctor note in hand or be signed in by their parents in the attendance office.  Students will not be permitted in the building without one or the other. Any student with a valid parking pass may enter with a handwritten note from parent. 

Tardy to School Policy 

Students are considered late to school if they are not in the building when the bell rings at 7:30am. Late students will be marked tardy.

• 1st and 2^nd tardy – Documented Attendance Reminder

• 3rd tardy - Parent Contacted 

• 4th tardy – Administrator After School Detention

• 5th tardy-ISS

• 6th tardy-Parent Conference with Attendance Team 

• 7th tardy-Social Worker Referral

*Failure to attend Administrator After School Detention will result in required parent conference and progressive consequences.  

Chronic tardiness to school will be referred to the school social worker.  Students with parking permits will lose parking privileges for the remainder of the semester after 10 tardies to school. 

Tardy to Class

Students are expected to report to all assigned classes on time each day.  The below progressive consequences apply to tardies to class.  Privileges and opportunities to participate in special events may also be removed due to a student being late to class.  As part of our efforts to Maximize Instruction and Minimize Movement, no student passes will be issued during the first and last 30 minutes of class. Punctuality is essential for uninterrupted instruction.

Tardy to Class Policy 

Students are considered late to class if they are not in the class when the bell rings. The below progressive actions will be taken for excessive tardies.

• 1st and 2^nd tardy – Documented Attendance Reminder

• 3rd tardy - Parent Contacted 

• 4th tardy – After School Detention with Teacher

• 5th tardy-ISS

• 6th tardy-Parent Conference with Attendance Team

 *Failure to attend After School Detention will result in required parent conference and progressive consequences.

Skipping Class

Skipping class is a serious infraction of IHS policies.  Parents will be notified by the teacher when a student skips class.  Appropriate disciplinary action will be administered to any student who skips class. 

College Visits

Students are encouraged to begin visiting various colleges and universities during their Junior and Senior year as a part of their post-secondary planning process.  Students planning their college visits (to include travel days) on a regular scheduled school day must notify the attendance secretary at least one week in advance as well as obtain a college visit authorization form from the guidance office.  The authorization form is to be signed by the school and college admissions.  Upon returning from the college visit, the student must present this form along with documentation from the institution visited in order to have the absence(s) excused.  Juniors and Seniors may have up to four (4) days excused for college visits per year provided that adequate documentation is presented to the attendance secretary. 

Certificate of Enrollment Forms for Driver’s License- 

This certificate is needed for both your learner’s permit and driver’s license.  Students/Parents are required to pay ($6.00) for this Certificate on www.schoolcashonline.com prior to the end of the day on Wednesday and then email the receipt to Ms. Smoak (Cheryl.Smoak@sccpss.com). Once Ms. Smoak receives the receipt, she will respond via email letting you know when your student can pick up the completed form.  Pick-up is on Fridays during Lunch ONLY!  Certificates of Enrollment will not be available in same day service!!  If applying for your driver’s license you will also need your ADAP Certificate.  Please let Mrs. Smoak know this when requesting your DDS Form.  There are no additional charges for the ADAP Certificate. The Certificate of Enrollment is a notarized document and cannot be emailed to you.  REMINDER: This form is only valid for 30 days once it is processed by Ms. Smoak.

Withdrawing from School

Withdrawal from high school is a lengthy process which requires at least 24 hours’ notice to the Counselor in order to prepare the withdrawal form. Only the parent(s) that enrolled the student is authorized to withdraw him/her from school.  Upon withdrawal, all school items are to be returned and fees paid at www.schoolcashonline.com. The parent will be provided with an enrollment verification form to take to the new school.  Once the student is enrolled in their new school, all records will be released to the new school upon request.

 

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 Student/Parent Handbook for Success is available on the SCCPSS website at the beginning of the year in order for students and parents/guardians to familiarize themselves with these behavior expectations.  All students are expected to abide by the Handbook for Success Board of Education discipline policies, and Islands 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 Student Handbook for Success 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. SCCPSS Student Code of Conduct

Restorative Practices

The purpose of restorative practices at Islands HS is to build community and strengthen relationships, thereby taking a proactive approach and shift in how we address discipline issues and individuals.  The fundamental hypothesis of restorative practices is that human beings are happier, more cooperative, more productive and more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them. 

Advisement Connections:  Monday’s @ 7:30A  

Affective Language:  Utilize personal expressions of feeling in response to specific positive or negative behaviors of others.  Provide feedback on the impact and scope of intended or unintended harm resulting from negative behaviors. 

Restorative Circles:  Students will participate in proactive circles that provide opportunities for students to share feelings, ideas, and experiences in order to build trust, mutual understanding, community, and shared values.  They are based on topics intentionally selected and sequenced.  Lesson plans will be provided for each teacher’s use. 

 

 

1. The expectation is that students are to bring a fully charged keyboard supported device (not a phone) to school each day that will allow them to access online texts, assignments, etc. – much as one would bring pencils, paper and textbooks to class, the computer/Chromebook is now an essential tool for your student’s education.
2. The school will issue a year-long school supported device to any student that wishes to use one (long term device checkout ensures that the device is only used by one person/household, which is recommended to protect against the spread of viruses).  This device will need to be signed out by a parent/guardian and optional insurance will be offered on the device (details to come on that).  The school technical support staff will provide support for this device.
3. If a student/parent prefers to use a personal device, they can.  Please be aware that the school technical support staff will be unable to provide any support for personal devices aside from assistance in logging in to school supported applications and connecting to the school network.
4. We know that occasionally a student will forget a device and we will have a small pool of devices to help cover that situation.  However, we strongly discourage sending students to come in every day to check out computers – please check them out for the full school year!
5. Finally, the device and its charger will be returned to the school at the end of the school year (students will not keep them over the summer) for updating, testing, cleaning, etc.  Your student will receive the same Chromebook back for checkout each year, so make sure they treat it well!

Cell Phones 

All students will adhere to the cell phone policy and will be expected to use the Cell Phone Parking Lot in each classroom. 

1. When entering the classroom you may keep your phone out of sight in your purse or pocket Or, you may store  your phone in the cell phone parking lot. 
2. If you choose to use the cell phone parking lot for storage, place your phone in one of the numbered pockets. Remember the number where your phone is “parked” or write it down in your notebook. 
3. The cell phone parking lot is only accessible before and after class.  If you plan to store your phone, you may not go and get it during class time. 
4. If your phone is not in the cell phone parking lot and is causing a distraction from work in class, you will be directed to “park” your phone and you may pick it up after class. 
5. Students who do not comply or have repeated requests to park their phones may have their phones “towed.”  A “towed” phone will be stored in the teacher’s desk and will not be returned until parents have been contacted. 

Cell phones may be used before and after school and during the assigned lunch period.  Students should minimize use of cell phones during class transition to ensure they are arriving at class on time. 

Note:  earbuds, headphones, airpods, etc. are not to be used during class time unless permission is granted by the teacher otherwise headphones, airpods, etc. should be out of sight in a purse or pocket. 

The Student/Parent Handbook for Success for the district requires all book bags, backpacks, 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 a safety zone must be see-through mesh or clear plastic that allows the contents to be clearly visible.

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.  Book bags, backpacks, gym bags, etc. are not allowed on campus the last week of the school year.

DRESS CODE:  IHS Dress Code Expectations

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.  All students (except those deemed exempt) must adhere to the mandatory school uniform policy with the following (PRIORITY EMPHASIS - Clarification on specific items that are common violations and will be enforced)and (FLEX- Items that will permitted for this school year or that we offer flexibility to students/parents this school year) 

• Tops must be solid white, teal, or black.  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. 

(FLEX- small logo/insignias/ornamentation will be permitted on shirts as long as it is not considered disruptive, inappropriate, or vulgar as determined by school administration.) 

• 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.  Oversized tops may not be worn.

• Solid black or khaki shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, capri pants or pants/slacks (no knit pants, pajama pants, jogging or cargo pants; no zippers or pockets on pant legs). Plaid skirts and jumpers may be worn. 

(FLEX: Pockets on shorts or pants will be permitted) 

(FLEX: Black jumpers or dresses will be permitted) 

(FLEX- Fishing style shorts will be permitted as long as they meet the color and length requirement - 3-4 inches above the knee-as per the arm length test) 

(FLEX: Pants/slacks must be belted) and made of standard uniform material (cotton and/or twill).  Pants/slacks must be of appropriate size, be worn at the natural waist, and not drag the floor. 

• Pants should not be too tight.  No denim jeans, skirts, etc.  Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers must be no shorter than three inches above the knee.  Pants/slacks, skirts, skorts, shorts and jumpers must have a finished hem. 

• All shoes must be enclosed and fastened/tied properly. 

(PRIORITY EMPHASIS- No slides, crocs, flip flops, slippers, sandals,  clogs)

• Tights, leggings, hose or socks may be worn.  Tights and socks must be solid navy, black or white with no design.  Hose without design may be worn.  Tights and leggings may not be worn as an outer garment or pant bottoms. 

(FLEX: Varied color and design socks and tights will be permitted) 

• Solid colored sweaters, vests or sweatshirts may be worn over uniform shirts.  Hooded sweatshirts are not allowed at any time. 

(FLEX: Design/colored hoodies and sweaters will be permitted as long as uniform tops are visible and the hoodie design is not considered disruptive or vulgar as determined by school administration.  The hood can NOT be worn on the head in the building). 

• No hats, caps, or sunglasses may be worn in the building.

(PRIORITY EMPHASIS: Skullies, beanies, bandanas or head scarfs are NOT permitted)

•  Coats and jackets must be worn open while in the building. 

(FLEX- Coats and Jackets may be zipped or buttoned- as long as uniform tops are visible) 

• (FLEX:  Extreme hair color/style that causes a disruption, or interferes with the learning environment will not be allowed. • Body piercing that causes a disruption, or interferes with the learning environment will not be allowed. 

• (FLEX: Belts must be worn if pants, skirts, skorts or shorts have belt loops.  Belts must be solid navy, black or brown and worn inside the belt loops.  Belt buckles must not be oversized, computerized or have any writing that is considered offensive. 

• No oversized/baggy garments. 

• No oversized jewelry and/or accessories with inappropriate emblems and/or writing may be worn. 

• (FLEX: Only white T-shirts may be worn under uniform shirts). 
•  Undergarments must not be visible. 

• School ID badges must be worn and visibly displayed while on campus and while attending all school sponsored field trips (grades 6 through 12). 

• Handbags, purses, pocketbooks, 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 the contents clearly visible (see-through clear 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. 

(FLEX:  Solid handheld bags specifically designed for laptops, chromebooks, and other school related electronic devices will be permitted) 

(FLEX:  Athletic bags are permitted but they must be stored in designated location as determined by coach or administration at the beginning of the day) 

DRESS CODE Compliance/Disciplinary Measures

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

Progressive discipline will be used to enforce the policy.  The school principal/site administrator has the authority to use his/her discretion in implementing this plan as deemed appropriate.

The discipline plan has been established to address incidents of noncompliance to the Dress Code Policy.  Noncompliance, as outlined in the plan, 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 student will be expected to contact the parent to bring items for compliance and or report to the uniform closet to get in compliance. 

Dress Down Days

Occasionally there will be non-uniform or dress down days for students.  All dress down days will be communicated to students and parents in advance.  Communication will include the reason for the dress down, the associated cost for the dress down (if applicable), and dress down guidelines.

Students are expected to adhere to the school policy for dress down.  

Tank/halter tops, pajamas, ripped/torn jeans/pants are not allowed.  Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be fingertip-length or longer.  Leggings must be worn under the appropriate length jumper, skirt, or dress.  Leggings are not to be worn as outerwear or pant bottoms. 

All shoes must be enclosed and fastened/tied properly. Slides, flip flops, slippers, and Crocs are not allowed at any time. No hats or hoods are to be worn on the head while in the building. Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building. Masks that cover the entire face and/or head are not allowed.

Student Photo ID Badges

The SCCPSS Student Dress Code requires that students in grades 6-12 maintain and visibly display a current, valid school ID on a lanyard around their neck at all times while on campus, on school buses and at school sponsored events.  The school will provide each student with an ID badge at the beginning of the year at no charge.  Students may not draw on or otherwise damage or deface their school ID badge.  The student’s full picture and full name must be visible at all times.  Students arriving at school without a current, valid ID badge should immediately report to the attendance office to purchase a temporary ID sticker for $1.  If the student does not have $1 to purchase the temporary ID, the money owed becomes a fine and must be paid as soon as possible.  If a student accrues fines, the fines must be paid off before report cards will be issued and he/she is ineligible for special awards and recognitions.  If a student loses his/her ID badge a replacement should be purchased.  Payment for replacement and Temporary IDs can be made through schoolcashonline.com. The replacement charge is $5.00 for the ID badge. 

 

Student parking is in the lot adjacent to the main school building.  A specially designated lot is available for students on Work Release or Dual Enrolled.  Parking in any lot requires a student parking permit. 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 permit, a student must complete a Parking Permit Application form, present proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.  Initial Parking Permits cost $25 and will be available for purchase through the main office while spaces are available.  Seniors get first priority for parking permits and then juniors.  Underclassmen parking will be available at a designated time after upperclassman if space is available.  

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.

Students are assigned parking spaces.  Parking availability is on a first come basis.  Students are not to park off campus or in any spot not assigned to them.  The school reserves the right to tow any vehicle that 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.  Student vehicles may be searched by the administration, other BOE and/or public law enforcement agencies at any time.  The registered driver of the vehicle is responsible for any items found in the vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers that they may transport to and from school. 

Driving onto campus is a privilege which will be revoked if students do not follow school rules. 

 

Nurse’s Office/Clinic

Islands High School has a full time school nurse in the clinic each day from 7:00am until 3:00pm.  Our school nurse will always work to ensure that our students and staff are healthy and safe.  In the event a student becomes ill during the school day, students will obtain a pass from their subject 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.  In the event that the school nurse feels that it is necessary for an injured or ill student to be picked up from school, the parent/guardian is expected to make arrangements immediately.  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.  This may include the nurse calling for an ambulance that is staffed with first responders. 

Immunizations and EED Certificates

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

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 the school campus.  Only the School Nurse can dispense medications to students.

Amnesty Box

Students should not bring any dangerous, illegal, or unnecessary item to school.  If a student discovers that they have such an item on his or her person, they should immediately, upon arriving at school, place it in the amnesty box which is outside of the College and Career Center.  Such items should not be shown to other students.  Items placed into the box will not be returned.

Reporting Safety/Security Concerns 

Students and parents are encouraged to promptly report any safety/security concerns to a school administrator, school counselor or Campus Police for investigation.  Any situation that requires immediate attention should be reported to the school via phone or email. 

Property Searches

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.  Any vehicle parked on the Islands High School campus is also subject to being searched. Additionally, site administrators may conduct searches for any items or materials which may pose a danger to either students or other 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 Handbook for Success)

Random Administrative Inspections

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.  A minimum number of staff members will be trained to minimize the impact on the schools 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, flight, 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.

Random administrative inspections include school lockers and any vehicle that was driven on to the Islands High School campus by a student.

Selling Items on School Property

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.

Smoking/Use of Tobacco or other Nicotine-related Products

Smoking and the use of any tobacco or nicotine-related product is a serious health hazard and is not allowed on school board property.  Students smoking on campus or in possession of tobacco products or cigarette lighters will receive administrative consequences outlined in the Handbook for Success. E-cigarettes/vapor cigarettes and associated paraphernalia are included in this regulation and may not be in the possession of any student at any time while on school grounds. 

Sexual Harassment

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.

Visitors

Visitors must sign in at the Main Office and must have a valid picture ID.  Authorized visitors will be issued a visitor’s pass.  Students who are not enrolled at Islands High School are not to be on campus at any time for any reason.  Islands High School students are not permitted to bring friends or guests to school with them.  Potential students and their parents who would like to receive information about IHS and arrange a tour of the school are to contact the Counseling Office.  All visitors are to remain in the front office until retrieved by their scheduled meeting attendant. 

Trespassing

All visitors to campus must report to the Main Office.  Students on campus who were not in their first class, 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

 

Counseling Office

Islands High School has professional school counselors who strive to provide a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate guidance and counseling program to all students.  School counselors are specially trained, certified professionals who must at least hold a Master’s degree in School Counseling.  

Our counselors help students reach their academic potential by providing the following services:  small/large group counseling; individual counseling; parent/teacher consultation and collaboration; and making appropriate referrals.  The primary goal of school counselors is to help students deal with issues affecting their academic success.  Because school counselors are responsible for providing services to all students, on-going individual counseling services are not available.  A counselor may refer students who require in-depth counseling to outside agencies.

Students that would like to schedule an appointment to meet with their counselor should fill out an appointment request form.  If it is an emergency or time-sensitive situation, the first available counselor or school social worker will assist.  The student will either be called to the Counselor’s Office when available or be given a designated appointment time. 

Transcripts and Permanent Records

Students needing to send an official transcript for college admission, scholarship, or military consideration must complete a transcript request form in the Counseling Office or online.  Official transcripts must remain in a sealed envelope if the transcript is hand carried to a specific destination, otherwise the transcript will be mailed with other required documents.  Transcript requests cannot be fulfilled in less than 24 hours.  Students and parents are requested to be mindful of this process and make all requests with sufficient notice.  

Current students can make two requests for transcripts without charge.  One form counts as one request, and on that form a student can list several colleges.  After a student has made two requests, a fee will be charged for each subsequent request.  Fees must be paid prior to the transcripts being sent.  Fees are $3 per request if paid in cash to the Counselor Clerk, or $4 per request if paid via credit card using SchoolCashOnline.com. 

Graduates will be allowed 3 free graduate transcripts.  Each graduate transcript requested thereafter costs $4.00 for the 1st and $3 for each additional transcript. 

School Nutrition Program

The school cafeteria offers well balanced, nutritional meals at a reasonable cost.  Students who choose to bring lunch from home may do so.  During lunch periods, students must eat lunch in the cafeteria areas.  All other areas of campus are restricted areas for students during their lunch period, unless otherwise approved by administration.  Soft drink cans, squeeze bottles, cups and other open containers are allowed in the cafeteria area only.  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 clear 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 bring or have restaurant food delivered to them at any time during school.  Students may not leave campus for lunch.

Transportation 

Bus Students

Bus students may only ride the bus they are assigned to and they are expected to behave appropriately at all times.  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 in the front of the school. Students that ride a bus to school may not leave the school campus for any reason once they have arrived.  School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Students may be dropped off for school or picked up on dismissal on the side of the building closest to the Islands Public Library.  Morning drop-off in this area is from 7:00-7:25am.  After 7:25am students must enter through the front of the school.  Between 7:00-7:25am and 2:00-2:40pm the front of the school is limited to bus traffic only.  Please adhere to this procedure for safety reasons.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR BOE PROPERTY

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 library 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 SCCPSS 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 from an SCCPSS school, 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 if debts related to lost or damaged textbooks, library materials or equipment, or dues remain unpaid.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

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 points of contact: school counselor, assistant principal, and lastly, principal.  At Islands 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.  The administrative team is not available for unscheduled parent conferences during the school day.  If you wish to set up an appointment please contact the main office. 

LOCKERS

Students will NOT be issued lockers. However, students may rent the use of a locker for $6 using school cash online and by completing the application below.  Email a copy of the receipt to Ms. Smoak after completing the application request. Ms. Smoak will contact the student to assign a locker.  However, lockers will not be available during the first 2 weeks of school.  The use of lockers is at the student’s own risk and the school will not be held responsible for the loss of any textbooks, valuables, materials or property.  Lockers may be opened for inspection by school authorities at any time if there is reason to believe the locker contains any item that should not be at school.  Lockers may be searched at any time without the student’s knowledge and/or presence.  Students are responsible for the contents of the locker assigned to them. Students should never give another person access to their assigned locker.  Lockers may not be decorated, written on, or altered in any way.  A fee will be assessed along with a vandalism referral should a student violate this rule.  Lockers must be kept locked.  School Locker Application Request