Student Handbook

Dear Students,
School is a place for children. It is a place where we offer students a rigorous and challenging curriculum! It is a place where adults will respect your ideas, nurture your thoughts, and ask you tough questions. It is a place where you can feel safe to share your thoughts and opinions and enjoy your friends. Your high school was built in 1935 with classrooms and instructional spaces that have changed over the years. These instructional settings are designed especially for you along with the kind of learning activities you will enjoy this year. We know your teachers will make every effort to maintain a supportive and nurturing environment where listening and building relationships is first and foremost. Appreciate and enjoy every opportunity to learn and grow as we share our year together.

Each faculty and staff member has worked diligently to prepare a wonderful learning environment for you. We know that you will respect and treat the classroom materials, textbooks, technology, and furnishings as if they were your own. We will expect too, that you treat all of your peers and adults with courtesy and respect.

Savannah Arts students are expected to be responsible citizens in the school and while representing the school in the community. This means that each of you is in charge of what you do and how you choose to do it. In other words – you own it! Students must understand that all classrooms, the cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium, hallways, buses and carpool rules, as well as, required dress codes, and classroom procedures have been established for safety purposes. We want 100% of our students to feel safe on the school campus and as you travel to and from school. Therefore, when a difficult situation occurs, you are encouraged to speak with any teacher, your counselor or school administrator immediately and use the best problem-solving strategy to reach a solution. Making responsible choices is a sign of a successful student and a problem solver.

We know that you will enjoy a great experience in school this year. Exciting events and field trips have been planned to extend your learning experiences beyond the classroom. You can help us by doing your part and by paying close attention to the expectations and procedures described in this handbook. Be at school every day, dressed according to the SCCPSS dress code/uniform policy, be prepared with homework completed and ready for another day of excitement.

I look forward to working with you in the most positive way possible and thank you in advance for working with the faculty and staff to build the most respected school community in Georgia.

Sincerely, Dr. Anna Belue Principal

Dr. Anna Belue, Principal
Shanel Ferrell, Assistant Principal
Tarangula Scott, Assistant Principal
Dr. Aimee Taylor, Academic Dean
Melanie Hoffman, Gifted/Testing/Specialty School Coordinator
Melissa Relihan, Lead Counselor
Hollis Peck, Media and Technology Specialist
Karin Best, Athletic Director
Bilaal Muhammad, SRO

Savannah Arts Academy (SAA) opened in August 1998 as a visual and performing arts high school for students in grade 9-12. SAA is committed to offering talented students progressive and challenging academic and arts programs as we prepare each student for higher education or the workforce.

Savannah Arts Academy students pursue a program of study in one of five majors –Communication Arts (soon to be Film and Broadcasting), Dance, Theatre, Music (Vocal or Instrumental), and Visual Arts. Art courses are taken alongside a rigorous program of academic study.

The faculty and staff prepare students to interact successfully in an ever-changing environment conducive to the educational and artistic challenges offered at Savannah Arts Academy.

Contained within this handbook you will find:

• Board of Education Policies and Procedures
• Savannah Arts Academy Policies and Procedures
• Graduation and Promotion Policies
• School Information – daily schedule, grading and other useful information.

This handbook should be read in conjunction with the Savannah-Chatham County Schools Code of Conduct, which all students receive at the beginning of each school year. Additionally, a number of basic fundamental rights that will ensure the safety, respect and welfare of all our students, faculty and community are listed in “The Savannah Arts Academy Entrance Agreement Contract.” All students and parents/guardians are required to sign this contract before entrance requirements can be finalized.

Savannah Arts Academy offers Internet access through the media center and selected classrooms. Access to information through the Internet is intended for appropriate education and research activities in support of class assignments and projects. However, the Internet can be misused and can provide access to inappropriate and non-Savannah-Chatham Board of Public Education approved material. In an effort to encourage appropriate Internet use and discourage inappropriate Internet use, students must have parental permission to receive access to the Internet on BOE facilities. (Savannah-Chatham Co. BOE Policy IFBG Computers: Instructional Program/Internet Use). Parents must sign a user authorization form before students can have Internet access. E-mail access is not available to students at any time.

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 his/her parents/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 for lost materials. Students may continue to use the learning resources within the confines of the media center.

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

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

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

Students are to inform the school’s Information Specialist and their advisors of any change in address, telephone number(s), and email address changes as soon as possible. This should be done in writing. For address changes, please make sure the appropriate documentation accompanies the request.

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

A written excuse is required from every student in order to re-enter school after an absence. Students must submit their excuse to the Information Specialist upon their return; it will be determined by the Information Specialist whether or not the absence was excused or unexcused and the student will be given an Admit Slip indicating this information. It is the student’s responsibility to present the Admit Slip to each teacher. Each classroom teacher records whether an absence is excused or unexcused via the computerized attendance system. Absences are recorded as unexcused until the Informational Specialist 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. Consequences for excessive absences include detention and Saturday School. Students who are consistently absent from school are in violation of their Entrance Agreement and shall be withdrawn from enrollment.

All excuses for Student Absences should be submitted to Matilda Salaam – Matilda.salaam@sccpss.com

Students arriving on campus prior to 7:30am are to report to the cafeteria. Students are not permitted in the school building prior to 7:00am. Students not involved in a supervised activity are to exit the building immediately after 2:40pm and leave the campus.

2024-25 Tardy Policy
All students who report to school after 7:40 AM must adhere to the following procedures to be admitted to class:

1. If a student is late, he/she should report to the front office to sign in.
2. The front office will issue the student a tardy pass to report to class.
3. The student will give his or her teacher the tardy pass and the teacher will record the student as tardy in PowerSchool.
4. Students may submit up to 5 parent notes per year for being tardy to school. Doctor’s notes, (with the time the student was at the doctor) are always considered excused tardies.
5. Excuses for tardies must be submitted to Mrs. Salaam in the main office. Attendance excuses are also submitted to Matilda Salaam.

Consequences for Unexcused Tardy(s) to Class (*Cumulative total of tardies, not per class). Consequences are given each 9 weeks.

• 1st – 5th Offense: Warning
• 6th Offense: Lunch Detention
• 7th – 2 Days of Lunch Detention
• 8th Offense: ISS - Saturday School 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 9th Offense: ISS – 2 Days
• 10th Offense: OSS until Attendance Contract/Parent meeting is held. On the 10th Offense, a parent conference will be assigned, and the student will be placed on probation.

Students are NOT allowed to leave campus during the school day for scheduled appointments without authorization. Parents/Guardians are required to send a note to the office before 8:00am requesting their child be excused for appointments. School personnel will call parents to verify the note. Only students who have signed out through the Main Office are authorized to leave campus. Leaving campus without permission is considered SKIPPING. Consequences for leaving campus without authorization from parents will be In School Suspension (ISS), or Out of School Suspension (OSS). Students returning to the school must sign-in through the Main Office.

Important, Please note!
Please see the 2024-2025 SCCPSS Student Code of Conduct for the complete policy on attendance and truancy.

• School officials will notify students aged fourteen (14) or older via first class mail when they have only three absences remaining (after seven (7) unexcused absences) prior to violating the attendance requirements contained in subsection O.C.G.A. 40-5-22(a.1) (GA Driver’s License Law/ School Attendance Law). Student Warning Letter
• Students are required to obtain a Certificate of Attendance from their school to apply for an instructional permit or driver’s license. After completing the form, the student returns it to school administrators, who approve and notarize the form, certifying that the student is in compliance with attendance and discipline requirements. The form is returned to the student with 2-5 business days and for a $5.00 fee. The student delivers the Certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS). The form expires after a thirty (30) day period.
• The law states that if a student is not in compliance with attendance and/ or discipline requirements, a Certificate of Noncompliance will be signed by a school administrator, notarized and submitted within 24 hours to the system TADRA coordinator for submission to DMVS.
• Students will be notified only by DMVS that their license has been suspended. The suspension is for a period of one year or until the student reaches age eighteen (18).
• If the Certificate of Noncompliance has been submitted in error, the school must complete a Certificate of Re- Enrollment/ Reinstatement and submit it to the DMVS.
• With the above exception, reinstatement of an instructional permit or driver’s license is solely the responsibility of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.
   
• Important, Please note!
  Please see the 2024-2025 SCCPSS Student Code of Conduct for the complete policy on attendance and truancy.

Early dismissal is strongly discouraged except when absolutely necessary. A student who wishes to be released from school early is to bring a note from a parent or guardian. The note is to be taken to the office before 8:00AM. The authenticity of the note will be verified before the student is released early. Students must sign out in the office. After receiving a dismissal pass students are to leave campus immediately.

Students 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.

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

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

Students are to be on time for school and all classes; this includes advisement which begins promptly at 7:40am. Punctuality is essential for uninterrupted instruction. Consequences for excessive tardies include lunch detention, Saturday School, In School Suspension (ISS) or removal from SAA. Students who are consistently tardy to school and/or to class are in violation of their Entrance Agreement and shall be withdrawn from enrollment.

Skipping class is a serious infraction of Savannah Arts policies. Appropriate disciplinary action will be determined during the parent conference.

Skipping – all offenses are required to implement behavior contract

• 1st Offense - One block on campus – lunch detention
• 1st Offense – off campus – One day ISS – on foot
• 1st Offense – off campus driving with other students in car – two days ISS
• 2nd Offense on campus – two days ISS
• 2nd Offense off campus – 3 days ISS
• 3rd offense – All – 2 days OSS (Behavior Contract subject to removal from SAA.

2024-2025 Bell Schedule

1st lunch: 11:05 - 11:30
2nd lunch: 12:40 - 1:05

Savannah Arts Academy participates in numerous athletic sports and competitions. Any student interested in participating should see the Athletic Director. Any student participating in athletics must be academically eligible and meet all GHSA rules.

Eligibility for Athletics:
Block Eight 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 and each course is worth one unit.
4. You must pass at least (5) five courses the semester prior t0 participating.
5. Unit requirements are the same in all curricular programs and are accumulated towards graduations:
   1. 9th Grade = E 10th Grade = 4 Units
   2. 11th Grade = 10 Units 12th Grade = 16 Units
6. You have not changed schools without a corresponding move by your guardian.
7. You have not been recruited and/or had 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.

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, Dr. Kenneth Traylor at 208 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, phone 912-395-5531.

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

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

School attendance is a right guaranteed to students as citizens. The right will not be denied without due process. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper and lawful manner. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s Code of Student Conduct is distributed to all students at the beginning of the year in order for students and parents/guardians to familiarize themselves with behavior expectations. All students are expected to abide by the Code of Student Conduct Board of Education discipline policies, and Savannah Arts Academy 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. Students who exhibit behavior problems will be withdrawn from Savannah Arts Academy and returned to their home school. Refer to the Code of Conduct for a description of all discipline policies and procedures and dress code criteria. A thorough review of this document, by both parents and student, is strongly recommended.

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

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

All high schools will follow a consistent plan which governs implementation of the procedures for BYOT: Principals will review the implementation plan with all staff during pre-planning and at the change of the semester.

• If a teacher allows the use of a cell phone, it must be for instructional purposes and they must reflect use of the cell phone for educational use in their weekly lesson plan, to include but not limited to the following:
  • Exactly when the technological device will be used
  • What the teacher will do, what the students will do
  • How the technology will support and extend student mastery of the standards/learning
• Cell phones/I-pods may be used before and after school (2:40pm). They must be turned off/silenced upon entering the building (7:40am). The use of cellphones/ I-pods can result in Detention, In School Suspension (ISS) or Saturday School.
• The principal at each site may designate common areas/grounds and a time for cell phone calling/I-pod use during the students’ scheduled lunch period. The site’s designated areas must be clearly identified and communicated to students and parents. Any use outside of the classrooms (without teacher approval for instructional purposes) or the designated areas will constitute a violation and the student will be subject to consequences as outlined in policy JCDAF, and School Board Regulation JCDAF – R(1) – see below.
• Cell phones should always remain on silent/off during class/class changes and should not be visible. Under no circumstances should the noise from these devices disturb the learning of others.
• Principals and assistant principals will review the expectations with all students through assemblies. Advisors will conduct a follow up review at the end of each marking period.
• Students will submit a signed document outlining their and their parents/guardians understanding of the procedures and guidelines.

Consequences for violation of policy JCDAF: Administrative Regulation

• First Offense – Personal electronic device will be taken up and returned to the student at the end of class or the day. A student conference may be held on proper use of electronic devices within the school environment.
• Second Offense – Personal electronic device will be taken up and parent/guardian called to come to the school to retrieve the device. Parent conference may be held on proper use of electronic devices within the school environment.
• Third Offense and beyond – Administrative detention, In School Suspension (ISS) or Saturday School will be given to the student.

The purpose of the Savannah Arts Academy 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.

Each student will sign the Honor Code Pledge at the beginning of each school year and will return the signed document to his/her advisor. 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, removal from Savannah Arts Academy.

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.

Savannah Arts Academy Honor Code
Savannah Arts Academy embodies a spirit of mutual trust and intellectual honesty that is central to the very nature of learning,
and represents the highest possible expression of shared values among the members of the school community.

The core values underlying and reflected in the Savannah Arts Academy Honor Code are:

• Academic honesty is demonstrated by students when the ideas and the writing of others are properly cited; students submit their own work for tests and assignments without unauthorized assistance; students do not provide unauthorized assistance to others; and students report their research or accomplishments accurately, respect for others and the learning process to demonstrate academic honesty, trust in others to act with academic honesty as a positive community-building force in the school, responsibility is recognized by all to demonstrate their best effort to prepare and complete academic tasks, fairness and equity are demonstrated so that every student can experience an academic environment that is free from the injustices caused by any form of intellectual dishonesty, and integrity of all members of the school community as demonstrated by a commitment to academic honesty and support of our quest for authentic learning.

Developed from The School For Ethical Education – Integrity Works! – www.ethicsed.org

This Honor Code summarizes the Honor Policy, which defines the expected standards of conduct in academic affairs. The Honor Policy is published on our school website at saa.sccpss.com. The Honor Council is the school body charged with enforcement of the Honor Code. The student body and faculty at Savannah Arts Academy will not tolerate any violation of the Savannah Arts Academy Honor Code.
In the event of academic dishonesty, teachers will make a referral to the appropriate administrative team member. Disciplinary action will be determined by an administrative member. Students/Parents may appeal disciplinary action to the SAA Honor Council within five (5) school days.

Students are to remain in class during the entire instructional period. If an emergency arises, hall passes may be obtained from the teacher at his or her discretion. Students are not to be in the halls at any time without a teacher issued hall pass.

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

As part of an initiative to enhance the overall safety of our schools, the Superintendent has implemented Random Administrative Inspections that will be conducted using each site’s staff members. Inspections will be conducted by personnel trained in the safe use of a magnetometer. A minimum number of staff members will be trained to minimize the impact on the 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, fight, violent outburst or threat, or violations of criminal law. Campus Police may assist in securing the inspection area or escorting and/or monitoring students to be inspected but will not actively participate in the Random Administrative Inspections.

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

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

Smoking and vaping present a serious health hazard and are not allowed on school board property. Students smoking or vaping on campus or in possession of tobacco/vaping products will be disciplined appropriately. The use of vaping devices is strictly prohibited on campus.

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

• Class assignments, homework assignments, group participation including make-up and extra credit work will constitute 40% of the grade.
• Student assessment activities including oral tests, teacher made tests, nine-week tests, semester test, term papers and research will constitute 60% of the grade.
• First marking period grade and second marking period grade are averaged together for the first semester grade. Third marking period grade and fourth marking period grade are averaged together for second semester grade. A semester grade determines pass/failure of a semester course for 0.5 unit of credit. First and second semester grades are averaged for year-long courses for
• 1.0 unit of credit.
• 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%.
• End of Course Tests count 20% towards the final average.

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

College Entrance Exams
The PSAT/NMSQT is offered each October for college-bound students in grades 9-11. SAT-I: Reasoning, SAT-Subject tests and American College Tests (ACT) applications are available in the Guidance Office. All students planning to attend college should take these tests. SAT study programs are available on computers in the labs challenging opportunities within a student’s area of giftedness.
 

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

The SAT Subject Tests is another name for the Achievement Tests. Some colleges require that you take two or three achievement tests. You must check the college admission requirements for the colleges you are interested in attending. Many colleges accept either the ACT or SAT as part of the admission process. Check with the Guidance Office for applications to sign up for the tests or go on-line for applications.

Advanced Placement (AP) College Board Classes
The AP program is a program of rigorous courses and examinations that offer high school students the opportunity to receive advanced placement or college credits. Requirements for entry into the AP Program include the following:
✔ Score of 500 verbal and 500 mathematics on the SAT or 50 on the PSAT
✔ A grade point average of at least 85%
✔ Teacher recommendations
✔ Commitment to summer reading in specified subject areas
 

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 your counselor for eligibility requirements.

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 a college preparatory or tech/prep seal of endorsement may be designated as honor graduates. Only graduating seniors who have earned at least four units in advanced courses and who have attended Savannah-Chatham County high schools for at least four semesters will be considered for designation as valedictorian or salutatorian of their class.

Field Trips
Students represent Savannah Arts Academy when on any type of field trip and appropriate behavior is expected at all times. All policies of the Board of Education and Savannah Arts Academy apply while on field trips. In addition, field trip sponsors and chaperones can establish additional policies and behavior guidelines specific to the field trip circumstances.
Violations of any Board of Education or Savannah Arts Academy or sponsors/ chaperones guidelines will result in appropriate disciplinary action during the trip and/or upon return to the school. Trip sponsors and chaperones have the authority to end a field trip at any time during the field trip and return to the school. If such a return is made after a regular instructional day, parents will be called as soon as possible upon arrival to the school to pick up the students.

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 are 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.

Students or parents who wish to express a grievance should first consult with their child’s teacher. If the issue is not resolved with the teacher, the following persons should be the next point of contact: school counselor, assistant principal, and finally, principal. At Savannah Arts Academy 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 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. 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. Only school owned locks may be used.

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. All other areas of campus are restricted areas for students during their lunch period. 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 plastic containers or personal water bottles. Students arriving on campus late or returning from appointments are not to bring restaurant food and/or beverages into the cafeteria or on campus. Students are not allowed to have restaurant food delivered to them at any time during school. Students may not leave campus for lunch. Visitors on campus are not admitted during the lunch block.

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

Illness during school
In the event a student becomes ill during the school day, students will obtain a pass from their 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. Students with more serious medical emergencies will receive an emergency response as outlined within the school emergency response guidelines as set forth by the Board of Education.

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

Injury or illness requiring the use of an elevator
The elevators at SAA must on be accessed by students with medical passes. Students who need use of the elevator because of illness or injury must bring a doctor’s note requesting use of the elevator. The nurse will give the student a pass to ride the elevator. The student will be given sufficient time to arrive to class without penalty of a tardy.

In order to prepare for future education and careers, students organize their course work within one of four programs of study – College Prep, College Prep with Distinction, Vocational-Technical or Vocational -Technical with Distinction. All programs of study provide students with strong academic preparation. The traditional College Preparatory curriculum prepares students to enter a four-year college following graduation. The instructional focus of the Tech Prep curriculum is the application of knowledge gained, preparing students to immediately enter the world of work, attend a technical institute/junior-college or continue in a traditional college setting. Students who plan a Tech. Prep program of study can meet college admission requirements by carefully planning their course work with their counselors. Only students in the Communication Arts Program are eligible for a Tech Prep or Tech Prep with Distinction Seal of Endorsement.

General Requirements for All Diplomas: Attend Savannah Arts Academy for at least one full semester and pass all courses for that semester; complete at least 10 hours of community service per year; earn the required credits for the diploma as specified below:

• The complete graduation requirements, including additional information regarding specific required courses can be found on the Board Website (Board Policy Manual IHC-R (1) and IHC-R (2).
• For College Preparatory with Distinction, an additional 2.0 credits must be obtained from core course electives in English, math, science, social studies or world languages. Also, the student must have an overall 80% or higher average.
• For Tech Prep/Vocational with Distinction, an additional 2.0 credits must be obtained from core course electives in English, math, science, social studies or world languages. Also, the student must have an overall 80% or higher average.

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

Schedule changes are made within the first 10 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. 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 frivolous reasons such as the desire to be placed in a certain teacher’s classroom.

Cell phones are allowed on campus during regular school hours; however, during instructional time, all students are required to place their phones in the classroom phone tree. Cell phones should not be used in the cafeteria or hallway when changing classes.

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

Students needing to send an official transcript for college admission, scholarship, or military consideration must complete a transcript request form in the Guidance Office. Official transcripts must remain in a sealed envelope if the transcript is hand carried to a specific destination, the transcript will be mailed with other required documents. Transcript requests cannot be filled in less than 24 hours. Students and parents are requested to be mindful of this process and make all requests with sufficient notice. Each graduate transcript request costs $2.00.

Student Parking/Driving Privileges
Student parking is only in the west lot adjacent to the main school building. Parking in this 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. The cost for a parking permit is $25.00. Seniors only are given this privilege. Students who do not have a parking pass are subject to being towed.

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.

There are no assigned spaces. 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 without permission. Student vehicles may be searched by the administration, other BOE and/or public law enforcement agencies at any time. Driving onto campus is a privilege which will be revoked if students do not follow school rules.

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

• Solid black or khaki shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, Capri pants or pants/ slacks (no knit pants, leggings, jogging or cargo pants; no zippers or pockets on pant legs.) No denim jeans, skirts, etc. Uniforms must be worn and belted at the natural waist and made of standard uniform material (cotton and/or twill). No denim jeans, skirts, etc. Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Pants/slacks, skirts, skorts and jumpers must have a finished hem.
• Solid white, hot pink, or black tops. Tops may be polo-style shirts, collared blouses, or turtlenecks. Shirts may have the school insignia if one is available, but no other ornamentation is permitted. Tops must not expose any of the midriff or lower back. Fishnet tops, halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, 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. All shirts must be tucked and completely buttoned up.
• All shoes must be completely enclosed and fastened/tied properly.
• Tights, leggings, hose, or socks may be worn under an appropriate length skirt or dress. Tights and socks must be solid black or white with no design. Hose without design may be worn. Tights or leggings may not be worn as an outer garment.
• Solid black or white sweaters, vests or sweatshirts may be worn over uniform collared shirts. Hoodies can be worn if they are a solid black, white or hot pink or an SAA hoodie.
• No hats, scarves, caps or sunglasses may be worn in the building.
• Coats and jackets must be solid black, hot pink, or white.
• Belts must be worn if pants, skirts, skorts, or shorts have belt loops. Belts must be solid brown or black and worn inside the belt loops. All belts must be buckled.
• Belt buckles must not be oversized or have any writing that is considered offensive.
• No oversized jewelry and/or accessories with inappropriate emblems and/or writing may be worn.
• Only white tee-shirts may be worn under uniform shirts.
• School team or club shirts/ jackets may not be worn to school without permission from administration.

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

• Body piercing that causes a disruption or interferes with the learning environment will not be allowed.
• 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.
• Pants must be of appropriate size, be worn at the natural waist, and not drag the floor. Belts, if worn, must be buckled.
• Shorts, skirts, jumpers, and dresses must have a finished hem and extend to the length of the tip of the longest extended finger when the student is standing upright with hands by his/her side.
• Undergarments must not be visible.

In addition:

• Pants must be of appropriate size, be worn at the natural waist, and not drag on the floor.

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

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

Uniform Compliance/Disciplinary Measures
Savannah Arts Academy will strive for full compliance using positive reinforcement. Disciplinary action will only be used when all positive measures have been exhausted.

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

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

• 1st offense – uniform items provided (based on availability), parent contacted and uniform violation letter sent home. The student will need to change clothes with clothing provided by the uniform closet. If the student does not obtain clothing from the uniform closet, the student will be sent to ISS for the remainder of the day.
• 2nd offense – Consequences as determined by the administrator including lunch detention or Saturday School.
• 3rd offense – Consequences as determined by administrator including In-School Suspension (ISS) and/or Saturday School (8:00 am-noon).
• 4th offense and beyond- Consequences as determined by administrator including one (1) day of Out of School Suspension (OSS), behavior contract (subject to removal from SAA).

Visitors must check in at the Main Office. If approved by the administration, authorized visitors will be issued a visitor’s pass. Students who are not enrolled at Savannah Arts Academy are not to be on campus at any time for any reason. Savannah Arts Academy students are not permitted to bring friends or guests to school with them. Visitors are not allowed to go to the parking lot or the school’s classroom wings. (See: trespassing)

All visitors to campus must report to the main office. Students on campus who were not in their first class and who did not sign in through the Attendance Office, students who sign out but do not sign in upon return to campus and students who leave campus for early release programs and who return to campus without signing in are trespassing. Appearance on campus while suspended is trespassing. Anyone on campus who is not an authorized visitor is trespassing. Any person on campus after the conclusion of the instructional day and school sponsored activities is trespassing. Appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action will be taken for trespassing. The school day ends at 2:40 p.m. and all students must leave the campus immediately unless they are part of a supervised, school sponsored activity.

Withdrawal from high school is a lengthy process which requires at least 24 hour notice in order to prepare the withdrawal form. Students or parents should contact their school counselor.

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, parents may request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested:

1. Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived.
3. The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
4. Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

To request information concerning the qualifications of your child’s teacher(s), please contact the principal.