For Students

Grading Reporting

Students will be issued progress reports at the midway point of each grading period and report cards at the end of each marking period.  The report card dates are listed on the Fort Mill School District calendar. Students will be graded on the State Uniform Grading Policy.

Students are graded as indicated: A 100-90; B 89-80; C 79-70; D 69-60; F 59-0.

Make-Up Work

Students are required to make up work regardless of reasons for absences. Students must make up all work within ten days of the semester ending. In cases of extended absences over four consecutive school days, a plan of action for make-up work will be developed by the teacher and the student. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule with the teacher the collection of all assignments missed. Parent/Guardian concerns or requests for makeup work are addressed through individual teachers.

Arrival

The building will open for students at 8:25AM and the instructional day will begin at 8:45AM. Upon arrival students will check in and report to their homeroom classroom.

All students will enter through the front doors and complete the morning check in process and proceed to their homeroom class.

The check in process is as follows:

• Students are not permitted to bring backpacks and are highly encouraged to keep ALL personal belongings at home.

• Students will store any personal items (cell phones, headphones…etc).

• All items will be locked up and returned to students as part of the dismissal process.

Student Tardies

Students arriving after 8:45AM are considered tardy and must sign in at the front office. All tardies will be considered unexcused unless documentation is provided.

Dismissal

Students will not be permitted on school grounds past 3:15PM daily.

Transportation

Transportation is established during the orientation process. Any changes to the student transportation plan for dismissal must be communicated in writing prior to dismissal. Please email transportation changes to Kristin Prater (praterk@fortmillschools.org).

Attendance:

Punctuality and regular school attendance are imperative to the academic success of all students. Students are required to submit documentation for each absence. Excuses must originate from a medical office, juvenile justice courts, etc.  No more than five parent notes are permitted in the entirety of a school year. Students who have missed five or more unexcused absences will be placed on an Attendance Intervention Plan. Students who have ten or more unexcused absences will be referred to the Truancy Alternative Program (TAP) through the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor for York County.  

Dress Code

In compliance with the FMSD school board dress code policy, the following guidelines are in addition to students who are being served at Oak Grove Academy:

1. Students will wear solid colored shirts. (Tshirts, polos, long sleeve shirts are allowed.)

• Jerseys of any type are not permitted

• No Hoodies allowed in the program

• Solid colored crew neck or V-neck sweatshirts can be worn.

• Shirts must be tucked in and covering the midriff area at all times.

• No logos or graphics on shirts. Solid color only.

2. Students must wear pants with belt loops (i.e. jeans, khaki pants, black pants, etc)

• All pants must be a solid color (only Blue, Black, White, Khaki or Gray colors will be permitted)

• Pants can only have front or back pockets - no cargo pockets

• No camo pants may be worn

• Jeans or pants that have a shredded look or holes exposing skin are not permitted.

• Leggings or Jeggings are not considered pants and should not be worn as such.

• No shorts/skirts may be worn.

• Pants should sit along the waistline and undergarments should not be visible.

3. Proper shoes must be worn at all times.

• All shoes must have a permanent heel strap

• Crocs, Slides, flip-flops, shower, or bedroom shoes are prohibited

4. Accessories such as jewelry, chains, grilles, bracelets, and gloves are prohibited and should not be worn.

5. Piercings are allowed as long as they do not become a distraction in class.

6. No headbands or other hair accessories such as hats, head coverings, bonnets, brushes, picks, combs,  etc are allowed.

The administration will make the final judgment on all dress code violations. If a student violates the dress code a verbal reminder and opportunity to resolve the issue will be given. Refusal to comply, will result in additional disciplinary action.

OGA students are valued and contributing members of the school community. Due to the nature of this program students are held to a high level of accountability therefore any behavior infractions may result in additional disciplinary consequences at the discretion of the administration. Rules are a matter of common sense and courtesy to others and are in place to make OGA a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff. Students' behavior will be tracked by an electronic software called Educator Handbook. Students are encouraged to inform their teachers, counselors, or administrators of any situation which may cause harm to themselves or other students.

Disciplinary Actions/Consequences for Poor Choices

Refer to the chart in the appendix section of the handbook (page 22-28). Administration will use discretion when determining disciplinary action based on all information obtained in each situation.

Lunch Detention

Lunch detention is a consequence given by the administration in which a student will eat his/her lunch independently. Assignment to lunch detention is at the administration’s discretion.

Morning Detention

Morning detention is a consequence given at administration’s discretion. Morning detention hours are from 7:45 AM-8:25 AM.  Parents will be notified by OGA staff to arrange the date(s) for a student to serve morning detention. Parents are required to provide transportation to school for morning detention. Students who fail to attend will face additional disciplinary action such as suspension. 

Office Phone

Use of the office phone is restricted to emergencies only.  All use of the office phones is at the discretion of the staff.

Parent Communication

As a team of professionals at OGA we are committed to supporting all students. Should a concern arise about your child's academic, attendance, or behavior progress please address the concern with appropriate staff member(s). If after communication with staff, the matter remains unresolved please contact OGA administration. Please allow 24 hours for communication responses.

Mental Health Counselor

OGA’s mental health clinician will provide services to support the needs of your student. Upon admission to OGA, mental health services will continue (as previously received at your student’s homeschool) OR your student may receive a referral to work with OGA’s mental health clinician if they meet FMSD criteria. If they do not meet FMSD criteria your student may be referred to meet with a clinician from Atrium Behavioral Health virtually.

Personal Counseling

Guidance counselors are committed to helping students make adjustments to difficult situations they encounter. By actively working with students, the counselor strives to help the student adjust in areas such as peer relations, school adjustment, self-concept development, and human relations skills. This service is available to all students at their request.

Fort Mill School District (FMSD) provides students with a variety of technology to support and enhance the academic, social, and emotional achievement of students in the district. In alignment with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP*) established by our district, we have created a set of rules and regulations, hereby known as the FMSD Responsible Use Plan (RUP). This plan is intended to ensure the safety and privacy of our students, protect data and our resources, and safeguard the overall integrity of both the FMSD and its students.  We request that parents/guardians and students familiarize themselves with the RUP as outlined below.

Fort Mill School District Responsible Use Plan

Fort Mill School District (FMSD) provides students with a variety of technology to support and enhance the academic, social, and emotional achievement of students in the district. In alignment with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP*) established by our district, we have created a set of rules and regulations, hereby known as the FMSD Responsible Use Plan (RUP). This plan is intended to ensure the safety and privacy of our students, protect data and our resources, and safeguard the overall integrity of both the FMSD and its students. We request that parents/guardians and students familiarize themselves with the RUP as outlined below.  

The following rules and procedures apply to all students enrolled in district schools on and off campus.

Access to district internet is for educational purposes only.

Students must:

1. Respect their own privacy and the privacy of others

     a. Use only assigned accounts, keep personal information such as name, address, phone number, etc., offline, keep  passwords  secret
     b. Have permission to photograph/videotape others and to subsequently save and/or post these images/videos to
     the Internet
     c. FMSD cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen information sent or received via the district’s  communication 
     resources
     d. Documents may not include: the student's phone number, address, the full name of self or others (first name only)

2. Respect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources
        a. Observe all network security practices while also protecting and sharing these resources with other users
        b. FMSD is not responsible for damages to personal digital technologies or electronic communication devices
        c. Treat digital technologies with care and report any damages, security risks, or violations to a teacher or administrator

3. Respect the copyrighted/intellectual property of others to assure academic integrity
        a. Cite all sources appropriately and follow all copyright laws and utilize electronic communication devices properly

4. Respect and practice the principles of community
        a. Communicate only in ways that are kind, responsible, respectful, and lawful
        b. Use electronic communication devices (including FMSD email) for schoolwork only
        c. Report threatening or offensive materials to a teacher or administrator

5. Prohibited email usage, including all of the following

     a. Create or transmit any emails containing content reasonably perceived as threatening, obscene, sexual, racist, or discriminating
     b. Setting up or operating a commercial business
     c. Email signatures should not include religious statements, political statements, or group affiliations

Students who witness, experience, or otherwise learn about a suspected violation should report the matter to a teacher or administrator.  FMSD reserves the right to monitor and/or review all uses of the district network, Internet usage, and activity.

All students are entitled to a learning environment that is SAFE and free of unnecessary disruptions. Major offenses that may result in suspension or expulsion are stated in the following School Board policy (JICDA-R):

Students are required to conduct themselves, at all times and places, in a manner that will not be contrary to the best interest of themselves or the school. Conduct of the student in any manner which materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the right of others is a basis for suspension or expulsion. This code applies to any of our students whether on this campus or any other Fort Mill School campus or properties of the district.

The Following Are Examples of Code of Conduct Level One Violations - Disorderly Conduct

Disruption of Class - Any student acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process.

Loitering/Present After Hours - Students should not be on campus during non-school hours unless they are present for a school event or practice.

Horseplay - Rough or boisterous play/pranks including but not limited to playful hitting, touching, shoving, etc.

Profanity - Acts of profanity by students will be disciplined by a principal.

Skipping/ Staying On Campus/Leaving Class Without Permission - Students must be in their assigned classes. Any student who skips a class, but does not leave campus, will be subject to disciplinary action and receive an unexcused absence for the class.

*Lunch Detention (LD); Morning Detention (MD); In School Suspension (ISS); Out of School Suspension (OSS).

The Following Are Examples of Code of Conduct Level Two Violations - Disruptive Conduct

Cheating - Any act, which in itself would be considered as providing or receiving unapproved help on any schoolwork, will be dealt with as cheating. As a result, the student may be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, and the incident may be included in their permanent file. Any student who allows a peer to copy their work will also receive disciplinary action. Students caught cheating will redo the assignment for credit up to a 60 on the work and parents will be contacted by the teacher.

Plagiarism - Any student found to be plagiarizing or taking ideas from another’s work and claiming as their own will be dealt with as plagiarism.  As a result, the student may be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, and the incident may be included in their permanent file. Students caught plagiarizing will redo the assignment for credit up to a 60 on the work and parents will be contacted by the teacher. Failure to use citations will be considered plagiarism.

Abusive Language - Acts of abusive language by students will be disciplined by a principal who may give a suspension or recommend expulsion. No student shall direct toward any person any language (verbal/written/symbol) which is abusive or insulting or any sign or act which is abusive. This includes 1) engaging in malicious gossip or cursing, 2) using vulgar or obscene language, 3) using abusive language, including slurs or insults intended to mock a person’s race, religion, sex, national origin, disability or intellectual ability, or 4) using sexually offensive or degrading language.

Abusive Language to a Teacher - A student who directs profane language or gestures to a staff member will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Blackmail - Threats - Intimidation - A student who attempts to blackmail, intimidate or bully another student or a staff member or who makes bodily or intimidating threats will be subject to suspension or expulsion. (Included is extortion which is the act of obtaining money or other things of value from a person by threat or accusing or revealing injurious information

Defiance or Disrespect of School Personnel - Any student who displays bold disobedience to school personnel and/or willfully defies an order from school authority meant to promote an orderly operation of the school will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Disrespect to Any School Official - Any student whose actions undermine the authority of a staff member will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Disrespect to a Student or Precarious Situation - No student shall take any action or make any comments or written messages (including messages sent via text, social media platforms, etc.) intended to cause others harm or which might reasonably be expected to result in a fight. Police will be called by the principal whenever appropriate.

Fighting/Simple Assault - No student shall intentionally hit, shove, scratch, bite, block the passage of, or throw objects at a student or other person. A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense but only to the extent to free themself from the attack and notify proper school authorities. A student who exceeds this reasonable force may be disciplined even though he may not have provoked the fight.

Student Endangerment - Any action that intentionally places another student at serious risk or jeopardy of their health or well-being.

Student Disorder - A student or group of students who is involved in student disorder, which includes seizure of a building or grounds or attempted control of such, or any type of disorder which attempts to disrupt the activities of the school by sit-ins, walk-outs, boycotts of classes, etc., will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Obscene Literature/Material - A student who is found with obscene or pornographic literature/materials in their possession while at school will be subject to suspension or referral to the alternative school. This includes slides, motion pictures, videos, computer programs, CDs, tapes, and other materials.

Theft (Minor - $50 or less) - Left to the discretion of the administration. Disciplinary action will be determined according to value/content, and circumstances surrounding the theft.

Tobacco/E-Cig/Vape Policy - Students shall not be permitted to use or possess tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or smokeless electronic devices while on school grounds, in the school buildings, on buses, or during any other time that the student is under the direct administrative jurisdiction of the school whether on or off school grounds. Lighters and matches are strictly prohibited. Lighters and matches will be confiscated.

Under the Influence/Drugs and Alcohol - No student shall use or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or other controlled substance, any alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic or pseudo-beer or any other intoxicating liquor, drug paraphernalia; or inhale or ingest any chemicals or products with the intention of altering the student’s mood or behavior. The student may be asked to complete a Drug/Alcohol Intervention Program.

The Following Are Examples of Code of Conduct Level Three Violations - Criminal Conduct

*Aiding, abetting or concealing any of the behaviors listed may result in punishment as a principal participant at the discretion of the administration.

Accumulated Suspensions - A student who is subject to repeated suspensions in any given school year may be recommended for expulsion or alternative placement.

Aggravated Assault - An attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another person is prohibited.

Assault of School Personnel - Any student who attempts to assault, or assaults, school personnel will be subject to permanent expulsion. (This includes spitting on or at a teacher.)

Brawling - Two or more students must not assault or attack or cause or attempt to cause physical injury to another student or behave in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to another student. A student who commits such offenses will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Fireworks - A student who is found with fireworks in their possession or discharges fireworks on the school grounds is subject to suspension for the first offense and expulsion for the second offense. (Fireworks include any explosive or incendiary devices including smoke bombs, stink bombs, and noise producing devices.  Possession includes handling, transmitting, or using such items.)

Possession/Distribution of Drugs and/or Alcohol (Other than Under the Influence) - It is the policy of the board that the possession of marijuana or any other illegal drug or substance by any student while on school property or while engaged in any school sponsored or school connected activity is grounds for expulsion of such student. If, because of mitigating factors, expulsion is felt to be inappropriate, the student shall be suspended for ten days and may be suspended from co-curricular activities (such as sports-related/band-related activities) for the remainder of the school year. The student must also complete a Drug/Alcohol Treatment Program.  (No student shall possess, transmit, purchase, barter, distribute, any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or other controlled substance, any alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic or pseudo-beer or any other intoxicating liquor, drug paraphernalia, etc. No student will market or distribute any substance, which is represented to be or is substantially similar in color, shape, size or markings of a controlled substance.)

Possession of Weapon - No student will bring to school with them and/or have in their possession at school weapons including, but not limited to, knives, pistols, brass knuckles, blackjacks, razor blades, mace, pepper spray, or fac-simile/make-believe objects that resemble weapons, or other objects used for the purpose of a weapon. A student who commits such offenses will be subject to suspension or expulsion. The board will expel any student who brings a weapon to school. For purposes of this policy, a weapon means a firearm. The term firearm is defined extensively in the U.S. Code, but generally means a weapon (gun) or destructive device (explosive, incendiary). The period of expulsion will be no less than a year.

Sexual Acts/Offenses - This includes any sexual harassment or indecent exposure. Students may be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Sexual Harassment - The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by district employees, other students or third parties. All students and employees must avoid any action or conduct which could be viewed as sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the following occurs:

• Submission to such conduct is made whether expressly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s education.

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for any decisions affecting a student.

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s education or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment.

Any student who feels they have been subjected to sexual harassment is encouraged to file a complaint in accordance with administrative rule JI-R. All allegations will be investigated promptly and confidentially. The district prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student who has filed a complaint of sexual harassment.

Theft/Possession of Stolen Item(s) (Major - $51 or more) - Serious thefts or repeated offenses may result in expulsion of the student.  Disciplinary action will be determined according to value, content and circumstances surrounding the theft.

Vandalism/Damage to School Property - Students who maliciously damage school property will reimburse the school the cost of damages incurred and will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

Other

Any act or acts which are not covered by these regulations and which are of such nature as to pose a threat to the physical or mental welfare of the students, the teachers, and other school personnel or which create a disruption in the orderly operation of any phase of the school program or any of its services or which cause destruction or defacement of any school property will subject offenders to suspension or expulsion. These acts may include forgery, committing arson, pulling fire alarms, making bomb threats, dialing 911, or hazing.

Assigned Consequences for All Offenses

School Board policy provides consequence guidelines for Code of Conduct violations.

**Students who have out of school suspension (OSS)  or are attending OGA as part of a disciplinary action are not allowed on school grounds for any reason without prior approval from the administration.  The student will be charged with trespassing. *

Fort Mill School District classifies the following student information as directory information: name; address;
telephone number; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; dates of attendance; school and grade
level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic team(s);
degrees, honors or awards received; the most recent educational agency or institution attended; and
district-assigned student identification number (not Social Security number), user ID, or other unique personal
identifier.

During your child’s school career, your child will participate in a variety of academic, athletic, fine arts and other
events and activities. During these events/activities, your child may be photographed and/or interviewed by the
district or school staff, other students, or news media. Information about your child may appear in newspaper articles,
on television, in radio broadcasts, on displays, on the Internet, or in district and/or school promotional pieces
including, but not limited to, district or school websites, school annuals or yearbooks, brochures, fliers, honor roll or
other recognition lists, newsletters, playbills, programs (including graduation and athletic programs), television
shows, videos, etc.

The district may include directory information in these school, district, or media communication pieces and may
disclose, without prior written consent, directory information to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written
consent unless you have advised the district to the contrary. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to,
companies that manufacture class rings, take school photographs or publish yearbooks.
You may change your mind and revoke or revise this authorization at any time (except when action has already been
taken) by filling out another copy of this form (available on our website at www.fortmillschools.org) and returning it to
your child’s principal.

Please check ONE of the following options. If you do NOT want the district to release some or all of your child’s directory information without prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing by completing this Directory Information Form online in Registration Gateway, the district’s online registration system, or by returning a printed copy of this form to your child’s school by the 15th day of school.

____ OPTION 1 — RELEASE OF ALL INFORMATION
We, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and student or — I, the student (if 18 years of age or older), hereby GRANT Fort Mill School District permission to release all directory information.

____ OPTION 2 — RELEASE OF SOME INFORMATION
We, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and student or — I, the student (if 18 years of age or older), hereby GRANT Fort Mill School District permission to release all directory information EXCEPT for student’s home address and student’s home telephone number. This means that no directory information about this student will be released to military recruiters and the student’s home address and telephone number will not be released to third parties such as companies that manufacture class rings, graduation supplies, or take senior class portraits. I understand that this means my child’s directory information such as student’s picture, student’s name, student’s school and grade level, student’s weight and height if he/she is a member of an athletic team(s), student’s degrees, honors, or awards received could be in the school year book, honor rolls, playbills, graduation and athletic programs, and other publications such as newspapers, television, radio, and media websites.

____ OPTION 3 — RELEASE OF NO INFORMATION
We, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and student or — I, the student (if 18 years of age or older), hereby ask that Fort Mill School District NOT release ANY directory information. This means that no directory information about this student will be released to military recruiters; companies that manufacture class rings, take school photographs or publish yearbooks; newspapers, television, radio, or media websites and that no information will be put in district/school promotional pieces including, but not limited to, district or school websites, school annuals or yearbooks, brochures, fliers, honor roll or other recognition lists, newsletters, playbills, programs (including graduation and athletic programs), television shows, videos, etc. I understand that this means my child’s photograph will not be in the school yearbook, honor rolls, or any other publications.

The NFHS cafeteria provides meals for breakfast and lunch each school day and will be delivered by an OGA staff member. Students will utilize a google form to place orders and will not be able to modify meal selections after form submissions.

• Breakfast is at 9:20AM and Lunch is at 12:05 PM

• All meal selections are made by 8:45AM via a google form

• Students are not permitted to bring any outside food or drink on campus

Menus and Nutritional and Allergen Information

• Available at Menu Information and posted in classrooms.

• Free app available: LINQ Connect.

Meal Prepayment Options:

• Online via Quick Pay on the district website (free service).

• Check (include student name, account number, and phone number).

• Funds can be transferred between siblings—complete the Transfer Funds Form

• Refunds can be requested by completing the Refund Form

Meal Pricing

Free & Reduced Meal Program

• We encourage families to apply if your family income meets USDA income guidelines.

• Students must Reapply every year.

• Apply online: LINQ Connect Application  or complete a paper application available at your school or on our website after July 1st. Applications are available in multiple languages.  Call 803-802-1968

Important Policies

• Charge Policy: Students may charge up to $15. Negative balance reminders are sent weekly. (Board Policy AR EF-R)

• Nut Safety: All cafeteria kitchens are tree nut and peanut safe. Coconut oil can be found in a few of our products. All allergen and nutrient information is found on our website.

• Special Diets: Contact the nurse for required medical documentation.

• Extras: Snacks, milk, juice, and water are available for purchase.

• To opt out of extras, submit the OPT Out Form for Snacks and Extras

Any student not feeling well will be sent to the health room to be evaluated by our school nurse. If the student needs to go home, our nurse will call the parent. When a parent contact cannot be reached, emergency contacts will be called. The administration and/or the nurse will call 911 if needed. It is imperative that parents/guardians contact the nurse if their student has any health concerns or allergies that might impact his/her school day.

Medication Policy

When possible, all medications should be given to students before or after school by the parent or guardian.  Please note that the school district may reject requests for certain medications to be given at school according to district guidelines.  A signed Medication Authorization form (M105) must be on file in your child’s school health room and signed by your child’s health care provider for prescription medications and parent /guardian for over-the-counter medication in order for any medication to be administered at school.

Permission for School Administration of Prescription Medication

• Prescription medications are medicines that require a written prescription from a health care practitioner. In order for a child to be given prescription medication at school, the child’s health care practitioner and the child’s parent or guardian must sign a permission form. This form can be found on our website under “Departments: School Nurse” or you may pick up a copy from the nurse’s office. A form must be submitted for each medication.

• A parent or guardian should deliver the medicine and the permission form to the school nurse. The medicine MUST be in its original container with the pharmacy label on it. The label should list the child’s name, dosage instructions, and the name of the medication. We cannot accept medicines loose in plastic bags.

• If a prescription medication is needed while your child is on a field trip, you must bring a separate supply to school on the day of the field trip. It must be in the original, marked container. Additional labeled bottles may be obtained from your pharmacy. We cannot accept medications loose in plastic bags.

Permission for School Administration of Non-Prescription Medication 

• Non-prescription medications are medicines that you can buy without a written prescription. Non-prescription medications are sometimes called “over-the-counter” medicines.

• In order for a child to be given non-prescription medication at school, the child’s parent/guardian must sign a permission form. This form can be found on our website under “Departments: School Nurse” or you may pick up a copy from the nurse’s office. A form must be submitted for each medication.

• A parent or guardian must deliver the medication and the permission form to the school. The medication must be in the original container with the label on it. The dosage of the medication must not exceed the recommended dosage from the manufacturer without a prescription from the child’s health care practitioner.

Accident Insurance

The district makes an optional student accident insurance program available to parents/guardians at a minimal cost. Parents/guardians make payments for this coverage directly to the company offering the insurance.

Risk Assessments

The safety and security of all students is of the utmost importance to our faculty and staff. Should a concern arise about a student being a danger to him/herself or others, district protocols for conducting a risk assessment (suicide and/or threat) will be followed to the extent appropriate. These assessments may include interviews with students and staff, a review of student records, and consultation with district mental health staff, local law enforcement, or other community agencies that help support our schools and students. If, as part of its assessment and response, the school determines there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose personally identifiable information from educational records to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

Student Searches

Per South Carolina law, any person entering the premises of any school in this State shall be deemed to have consented to a reasonable search of his person and effects. School administrators and officials may conduct reasonable searches on school property of lockers, desks, vehicles, and personal belongings such as purses, bookbags, wallets, and satchels with or without probable cause. Students found in bathroom stalls together will be searched.

Middle School Students

SC READY Assessments and STAR: All middle school students participating in STAR testing and SC READY state assessments will be provided access at OGA. Testing dates will be communicated with families in advance.

High School Students

State Testing and EOC: All high school EOC assessments will take place at OGA.  High School standardized assessments may take place at OGA or the child’s home school. Details will be shared with families in advance.

All students attending OGA will participate in a structured behavior management program designed to promote accountability, academic focus, and positive decision-making among students.

• Clear expectations: Students will be taught explicit expectations during the orientation session.

• Behavior Leveling system: Students will begin at OGA on the silver level. Based on their actions, students will be able to move up and down on the leveling system.

• Points: Students will earn points throughout the day for demonstrating expected school appropriate behavior.

Program Levels:

Mandatory FLEX for Not Meeting Daily Expectations

Students who fail to meet daily behavior and academic expectations will be required to attend a working lunch/FLEX time during the school day. During FLEX students will have the opportunity to work on academic assignments or reflect on their behavior from the day.

• Mandatory FLEX provides an opportunity for students to make up missed academic work or acknowledge their missteps and consider ways to improve.

Early Release Fridays

High Schools students who are at the Gold level are eligible for early release Fridays. In order to be released on Friday at 12:30 students must meet the following expectations during the week:

• Passing grade in all courses
• No missing assignments for the week
• No major discipline referrals for the week
• Attendance of 100% for the week

Students who are not eligible for early release will be provided opportunities to work on academic or behavior work until the end of the school day.

The behavior system at OGA balances accountability with positive reinforcement, ensuring students learn from their choices while recognizing and rewarding their success.

Career or College Planning

OGA utilizes a Career Development Facilitator Friday of each week to assist high school students in the planning of a high school program that will help them to realize their educational and career goals. Each student will meet with the CDF in groups or individually to complete assessments to plan for the steps they must take to access their career or college plan.

Middle school students will have access to a career or college-based activity once a week in a group setting.

Career Goals

Career planning is another important area in which counselors work with students.  Two major goals in this area are the following: (1) to make the students aware of the many vocational/career areas available in our society, and (2) to assist students in determining which vocational areas are most related to their individual interests and abilities. Two means used to accomplish the above goals are (a) vocational literature that provides information in the areas of job descriptions, training programs, working conditions, and salaries for most occupations; and (b) testing.  

Orientation

Each student will be required to attend and participate in an in-person OGA orientation with their legal guardian. OGA staff will reach out to families to schedule orientation. In the event, orientation is delayed due to parental choice, the student will be coded as an unexcused absence for each subsequent day.

The purpose of orientation will be to:

• Familiarize students & families with OGA staff, building layout, and daily schedule

• Review student academic, attendance, and behavioral expectations

• Discuss individual student goals and exit criteria (academic, attendance, and/or behavioral) for transferring back to a traditional setting

• Gather comprehensive information regarding student needs and services (medical, educational, behavioral, transportation, outside support release of information & special education services if applicable)

• OGA policies and procedures

Students and legal guardians will be required to sign an orientation agreement at the conclusion of the orientation meeting. Parents will be provided a copy and information will be shared with OGA staff prior to the student beginning at OGA.

High School Scheduling

OGA will attempt to meet the scheduling requirements of any high school student enrolling in the program. However, alternate scheduling may be necessary. Counselors and administrators will determine and communicate available course offerings during the orientation process.

Middle  School Scheduling

Middle school students will continue to be enrolled with their home school for all content areas. OGA staff will provide support to ensure students are staying aligned with class pacing to support a successful transition back to their home school.

High School Re-entry

Each student will be required to meet exit criteria determined during their orientation process to be eligible for re-entry to the traditional school setting. Students will only be considered for re-entry at the end of each academic quarter or semester. Re-entry will consist of:

• Capstone project

• Collaborative re-entry meeting between OGA staff and home school staff 

• Progress at OGA

• Course offerings/schedule

• Layers of support

• Provisional guidelines (applicable for students who attended OGA for behavior infractions)

**If your child has a 504 or IEP in place, the re-entry meeting will be a special review meeting.

Middle School Re-entry

Each student will be required to meet exit criteria determined during their orientation process to be eligible for re-entry to the traditional school setting. Student placements at OGA will be for a minimum of 30 school days, but may be extended based on student progress. Re-entry will consist of:

• Capstone project

• Collaborative re-entry meeting between OGA staff and home school staff 

• Progress at OGA

• Layers of support

• Provisional guidelines (applicable for students who attended OGA for behavior infractions)

**If your child has a 504 or IEP in place, the re-entry meeting will be a special review meeting.