What is the Ten Day Policy?

Florence School District One's attendance policy provides that students with too many absences can fail their grade, even if they are passing academically.  Middle school absences are counted by class.

Students are limited to ten (10) absences with a doctor's excuse and ten absences of any other kind.

When returning from an absence, students must present a parent's note or doctor's excuse to the attendance clerk.  Parent's or physician's note must be submitted for ALL absences - including sign-outs - within three (3) days of returning to school. Written excuses submitted more than three days after the student's return to school will not be accepted.

What happens if I am tardy to school or class?

Tardies are recorded in the office.  Tardies are cumulative rather than each scheduled period being independent of each other. See the FSD1 Pupil Discipline Code book for the consequences. Offense # 50.

If you bring your child to school after the 8:30 tardy bell, your student(s) will be tardy to school and will receive the consequences outlined in the FSD1 Pupil Discipline Code book.  The only way to avoid these consequences is to have the adult who brings the student to school sign the child in.

Excessive tardiness to school could result in a report to DSS.

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When a student must be signed in to or out of school, please do so during the change of classes.  (See bell schedule for times).  By law, we cannot interrupt class instruction to get a student.  Please plan ahead when appointments are scheduled during class time.  You must be in class forty minutes in order to be counted present.  Please call the attendance office (664-8485) if you need assistance.

Students should not be dropped off on the school grounds before 7:30 a.m. and should not be left on the school grounds after 4:00 p.m.

*Students are NOT allowed to loiter across the street and are NOT to be dropped off there.  All school rules apply to this area.!

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Rational

Student dress affects his or her school performance. Students in schools with identified guidelines tend to have fewer discipline referrals and better grades. An established dress code prepares students for standards in their future employment. Clothing for students should consist of normal school attire. Any clothing that promotes negativity or is considered a disruption to the learning process will not be tolerated.

In light of the above, the following guidelines shall be observed by students in Florence School District One:

1. No hats, caps, hoods, bandannas, visors, sweat bands, etc., or any type of head gear worn on the head in the building at any time.
2. Bandanas, head sweat bands, and writs sweat bands are not allowed on campus
3. No clothing or accessories promoting the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, weapons, or gang activity are to be worn at any time.
4. Attire that is immodest, having stated or implied profanities, obscenities, or sexual references may not be worn at any time.
5. Shirts, tops, blouses, etc., must cover the midsection.
6. Shorts, skirts, etc., must be long enough so that when hands are extended by the side, the student does not touch skin. Garments should be of adequate length to assure modesty when the student is seated or engaged in school activities.
7. Tank-tops are not allowed. All shirt straps must be at least the width of two fingers.
8. See-through tops, pants, fishnet tops, and tops which have arms cut to the waist must have a shirt under them.
9. Shoes must be worn at all times.
10. No pajamas or bedroom shoes are allowed
11. All clothing is to be worn appropriately and as designed.

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Who can use the Media Center?

Everyone!  The Southside Middle School Media Center provides over 23,000 books, magazines, and non-book resources to be used by students for their pleasure and informational needs.  We offer chess games for quiet and thoughtful play.  There are quite a few computer software programs available subject to demands on the computers.  We encourage students to use all these resources to their advantage.

Library hours are as follows: we open at 7:50 a.m. each morning and close at 3:50 p.m..  Before school no passes are required.  During the day, as well as lunch, students must have a pass and it is expected that media center procedures will be followed.  Any student who has difficulty finding a time when he/she can come to the media center should see the media specialist.

Students need to make it a point to keep up with material charged to their names.  Fines are charged at a rate of $0.05 per day for regular materials and $1.50 per day for overnight materials.  Lost books will be paid for as follows: $10.00 for paperbacks, and $16.00 for hardbacks.  In order that as many books as possible are accessible to as many students as possible, students may have in their possession a maximum of four books at a time.  Fines and books that are overdue must be taken care of before the end of each grade reporting period.

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How do I take medication at school?

Internal medication (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.) may not be administered without written request from a doctor and parent.

All medicines must be kept in the main office unless the student is approved to keep it with him/her (e.g., asthma inhaler, bee sting kit).  If this is necessary, a doctor's order is required.  It is a blue book offense for students to have medication in their possession without a doctor's order.

In accordance with district policy on medication, medicine will be given during school hours only when other arrangements cannot be made.  Medicine must be given by the school nurse or a person designated by the principal.  The school needs written permission from the parent or guardian AND the doctor on a Florence County School District Medication Form (Parent Request fro Administration of Medication by School Personnel) before medicine will be given.  The form is available in the school office.

The medication must be in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.  The dosage and time must be given so the medication can be administered correctly.

PLEASE do not send medication in other containers.  The student must bring the Medication Form to the office with the medication to be taken.

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The school is concerned with the students' well-being and safety; we encourage parents to discuss with their children the importance of taking medication only when necessary.

Unnecessary visits to the health room should be avoided.  Staying in the restroom during class time because of illness will be considered cutting class.  Any student reporting to the health room (located next to guidance area) MUST come with a PASS from his/her teacher and must be signed into the health room by the nurse or by an office staff member.

All parents are asked to please make sure the school has current emergency information, especially a phone number where parent/guardian/neighbor may be contacted during the school day in case of illness or injury.

Students must have a pass to come to the health room unless it’s an emergency or they are coming from the court yard.  PE teachers can let me know a student is coming by calling on the radio.  An emergency would be a possible fracture, bleeding, blood sugar problems, etc… Do not tell students to go in between classes.  I may have a line of students waiting to see me.  Sometimes it may take awhile before I’m able to see them.  Conjunctivitis (pink eye) does not necessarily mean the student needs to go home.  Please have tissue and hand sanitizer available for students. 

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When can I use the Office Phone?

Students may use the office phone, only in case of an emergency.  Wanting to go home with a friend is not an emergency.  Calling to get your ID is not an emergency.  Please make transportation plans before coming to school.  Before going to the office, students will need a pass from a teacher.  If you are sick, you will need a pass to see the nurse who will call for you.

We have limited office staff and cannot take phone messages for students except in extreme emergencies.

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What happens if I lose one of my books?

If you lose one of your books, you must pay for it before you may receive another.  Get the price form your teacher, and pay in the office.  If your book is found later, your money will be refunded.   NOTE:  Check the lost and found in the office before giving up your search.  Also check with your teachers.

Textbooks are very expensive and should not be abused.

1. Never write in your books, throw them, sit on them, or leave them outside.  Do not keep pencils in books.

2. And above all, keep up with your books: put them in your locker when they are being used; don't let anyone borrow them; don't put them in someone else's locker; and never leave them unattended (someone may take them).  Please keep books covered at all times.

3. Keep books covers on all books.

Remember, the books you are issued are your responsibility, and you will have to pay for any damages or loss at the end of the school year.  Click here to see price list of textbooks.

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Who are the guidance counselors and how do I get to see them?

Mrs. Kim Osborne Mrs. Alethia King are the guidance counselors.  The purpose of the guidance program is to help each student discover and develop the potential for personal growth through both individual and group counseling.  Private counseling is available upon request.  Counselors also set up parent conferences.

A student must have a teacher's pass to go to the guidance office.

Counselors are available to assist in matters concerning academics, placement, class schedules, testing, test score interpretation, peer relations, family, or any personal concerns.