SCAS Philosophy

It is the fundamental belief of SCAS that all students are of value, and they need guidance to find and develop the positive qualities they possess. We understand that many will have histories of failure in the "traditional" educational setting. Therefore, it is our goal to strive to find creative approaches to their learning which will enable them to experience success that will continue with them throughout their lives. We are dedicated to offering a non-judgmental environment, to provide structured learning that is not rigid, and to actively support growth in student self-confidence.

Vision STATEMENT

Our vision is to provide an alternative school setting where a diverse student population has an opportunity to successfully integrate back into the home school environment, GED/adult education, or into the workforce.

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Dr. James A. Littlefield, Superintendent

P.O. Box 218

Campobello, SC 29322

Telephone: 864-468-4542 Transportation: 864-472-4117

Spartanburg County School District Two

Dr. Scott Mercer, Superintendent

4604 Parris Bridge Road

Boiling Springs, SC 29316

Telephone: 864-578-0128 Chesnee Transportation: 864-461-8901

Boiling Springs Transportation: 864-599-9564

Spartanburg County School District Three

Dr. James O. Ray, Superintendent

P.O. Box 267

Glendale, SC 29346

Telephone: 864-579-8000 Transportation: 864-579-8046

Spartanburg County School District Four

Dr. Rallie Liston, Superintendent

118 McEDCO Road

Woodruff, SC 29388

Telephone: 864-476-3186 Transportation: 864-476-3158

Spartanburg County School District Five

Mr. Scott Turner, Superintendent

Box 307

Duncan, SC 29334

Telephone: 864-949-2350 Transportation: 864-595-2361

Spartanburg County School District Six

Dr. Darryl Owings, Superintendent

1370 Cavalier Way

Roebuck, SC 29376

Telephone: 864-576-4212 Transportation: 864-342-8988 or 8989

Spartanburg County Alternative School

Administrative and Support Staff

Mr. Paul N. Hughes Director

Mrs. Audrey W. Lancaster Assistant Principal

Mr. Chris Morrow School Resource Officer

Mrs. Debbie Garrighty Truancy/Attendance Officer

Mrs. Vonne Mcclain/ High School Intervention Specialist

Ms. Yolanda Settles Middle School Intervention Specialist

Mrs. Harold Bridges In-School-Suspension

Mrs. Jamie Kendall Mental Health Department Counselor

Mrs. Melinda Dotherow School Nurse

Mrs. Brenda Montjoy Bookkeeper

Mrs. Debbie Rowe Secretary/Receptionist

Mrs. Roxanne Cloran Cafeteria Manager

Mrs. Tammy McCullough Cafeteria Assistant

Mr. Anthony  Foster Custodial Staff

Mrs. Lisa Waddell Custodial Staff

Mr. Rahn Scott Custodial Staff

Mr. Gerald Raines Maintenance

Spartanburg County Alternative School

McCarthy-Tesztler Clinical Day

Mrs. Pam Jobe Director, Counselor

Mrs. Lorena George Classroom Teacher

Mr. Ernest Rice Physical Therapist

Mr. Roosevelt Rice Teaching Assistant

Spartanburg County Alternative School

High School Instructional Staff

Mrs. Judy Justice High School Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Laurel Wiles Special Education, Resource

Mrs. Michele Andreas High School Art

Mrs. Marsheila Ksor Nova Net Computer Lab / English

Mrs. Shannon Carter High School English

Mrs. Margie Johnson High School Math

Mr. Dennis Settle Nova Net Computer Lab / Math

Mr. Dan Abraham Physical Education

Dr. Ross Penix Physical Science

Dr. Michelle Huff Science/Biology

Mr. Harold Bridges Global Studies/Social Studies

Mr. Doug McKenzie U.S. History

Ms. Vonne McClain Character Education

Spartanburg County Alternative School

Middle School Instructional Staff

Mr. Eric Tyus Middle School Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Laurel Wiles Special Education, Resource

Mrs. Susan Wilson Language Arts/English

Mrs. Terri Lancaster Language Arts/English/Math

Mrs. Cynthia Cole Science/Math

Mrs. Ellen Robbins Social Studies/Math

Mrs. Dail Grimm Character Education

Mr. Robert Smith Social Studies

Ms. Jana Rankin Math

Mrs. Oley Lewis Science

Mrs. Leslie Griffin Compass/Nova Net Computer Lab

Student Services

Guidance

Students are encouraged to visit the guidance office when they need to schedule an appointment to discuss class related issues, to seek assistance about a college, technical college, or the military, to address concerns regarding a job, or to talk in private about a personal problem or issue.

Intervention Specialists

SCAS employs Intervention Specialists to monitor student needs and work with guidance and the school’s administration to develop programs which provide aid and assistance to students.

The Intervention Specialists refers students who may experience difficulty and need special counseling to school counselors to address a wide range of issues.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

SCAS employs the services of a Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Deputy. He serves in the capacity as the School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO has the legal authority to detain, arrest, and/or place in custody any student or person in violation of the laws of the State of South Carolina.

The primary purpose of the SRO is to insure that students attend school in a safe environment. In addition, the SRO assists in developing student programs, counseling students, and teaching legal issues to classes.

The role of the SRO is not to deal with routine disciplinary matters. That role is the responsibility of the school administration. However, the SRO does provide law enforcement support in disciplinary actions when it is deemed necessary and appropriate.

Mental Health Counselor

SCAS offers to students and their families mental health services provided by the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center. A counselor is located within the school and is available to provide counseling and treatment alternatives during the school day.

School Nurse

The School Health Room is located on the middle hall between high school and middle school. The nurse will be available to see students if they become ill during the school day. All medications must be turned into the school nurse to dispense properly. Please be aware that any medications must be brought by the parent or guardian. Students are not allowed to bring medications to school.

SCAS Health Room

Attendance and Truancy Intervention Officer

The Truancy Attendance Officer tracks students’ attendance on a daily basis. Phone calls for student absences will be placed by the computerized phone messenger program and/or by a staff member in some cases. The officer will meet with students and/or parents for interventions as needed and may make referrals when deemed necessary to assist in getting the child to attend school as mandated by law.

Dress Code

Video Discussing Dress Code Policy

tanburg County Alternative School has a prescribed dress code for all attending students.

Students are required to comply with the following:

** School Uniform Shirt **

High School: Gold Shirt

Middle School: Purple Shirt

* Shirt Tails Must be worn tucked into the pants while on school property. *

** School Pants **

Blue Jeans: Plain 5 Pocket Blue Denim Jeans

* NO Parachute Pants, Painter ’s Pants, Cargo Pants, Dresses, Skirts, or Shorts*

** Plain Belt **

* Belt must be worn through the belt loops *

Failure to comply with the mandatory dress code will result in disciplinary action by the administration.

NOTE… Defacing of school clothing, such as writing on the shirt will require correction or the purchase of new clothing. Parents will be expected to insure that your child is properly dressed for school each day. In the event that a student comes to school improperly dressed, the parent will be expected to bring the appropriate clothing to the school for your child.

School Shirts… Additional shirts may be purchased through the school for $10.00 each. To purchase a shirt please see any school official.

SCAS Disciplinary Code

Infractions and Consequences

School administrators will review each referral, collect facts, and hear all parties involved before making a decision on a disciplinary action. The following levels of rule infractions and consequences will be followed as long as it is in the best interest of the school and the students involved.:

Level I

[Infractions which may warrant teacher intervention with a possible parent conference]

ÿ Tardy to class or school

ÿ Violation of dress code

ÿ Use of profanity on school grounds

ÿ Minor classroom disruptions

ÿ Horseplay

ÿ Other actions deemed inappropriate at

the discretion of the classroom teacher

Level II

[ Infractions which warrant parent notification and/or conference, and possible suspension]

ÿ Repeated tardiness to class/school

ÿ Repeated violation of dress code

ÿ Public display of affection

ÿ Student in off limits area

ÿ Other actions warranting possible suspension at the discretion of the school administration

Level III

[Infractions which warrant parent notification and/or suspension]

ÿ Threatening another student

ÿ Sexual Harassment

ÿ Gross and willful disrespect

ÿ Destroying/defacing school property

ÿ Class Disruption and/or School Disturbance

ÿ Verbal altercation

ÿ Smoking/possession of tobacco related products

ÿ Repeated violation of school rules

ÿ Other actions warranting suspension at the discretion of the school administration

Level IV

[Infractions which warrant parent notification and/or parent conference, suspension, police intervention, and a possible recommendation for expulsion]

ÿ Possession of drugs / alcohol

ÿ Possession of weapon(s)

ÿ Drug trafficking

ÿ Fighting

ÿ Ganging and related gang type activities.

ÿ Sexual Harassment

ÿ Disturbing School

ÿ Attacking school personnel

ÿ Theft

ÿ Extortion

ÿ Destroying / defacing school property

ÿ Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on school grounds

ÿ Other actions warranting expulsion at the discretion of the school

administration

S. C. Code of Law Section 16-17-420

Disturbing Schools

It shall be unlawful:

For any person willfully or unnecessarily (a) to interfere with or to disturb in any way or in any place the students or teachers of any school or college in this State, (b) to loiter about such school or college premises or (c) to act in an obnoxious manner thereon; or

For any person to (a) enter upon any such school or college premises or (b) loiter around the premises, except on business, without permission of the principal or president in charge.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction thereof, shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or be imprisoned in the county jail for not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days.

Paging Devices

It is against SCAS policy for students to bring paging devices or cell phones to school.

1st infraction will result in the confiscation of the device, which will be returned to a parent/guardian only.

2nd infraction may result in the confiscation of the device, which will be returned to parent/guardian at the end of the school year.

S. C. Code of Laws Section 59-63-280

"Paging device" defined; adoption of policies addressing student possession.

For purpose of this section, "paging device" means a telecom-munications, to include mobile telephones, device that emits an audible, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt a policy that addresses student possession of paging devices as defined in subsection (A). This policy must be included in the district’s written student conduct standards. If the policy includes confiscation of a paging device, as defined in subsection (A), it should also provide for the return of the device to the owner.

Contraband

Contraband consists of items that are prohibited from the school campus. Contraband items will be confiscated and held by either school officials or the school resource officer. Such items will be returned in the following manner:

Contraband includes, but is not limited to the following: lighters, cigarettes, jewelry, chains, necklaces, cards, CDs, CD players, Walkmans, cell phones, beepers, cameras, sunglasses, containers, or similar items.

1st infraction will result in the confiscation of the article, which will be returned to a parent/guardian only.

2nd and subsequent infractions --- article will be returned to parent/guardian at the end of the school year.

NOTE: Lighters and tobacco products will not be returned to the student or parent/guardian.

Rights to Search

Under South Carolina Law, anyone on school property may be searched.

SCAS actively encourages appropriate police agencies to search the buildings, grounds, and vehicles for controlled substance, weapons, or other such objects as may jeopardize the health and safety of students, staff, or other persons. These searches may include the use of specially trained dogs.

Violations of school rules and regulations concerning drugs, alcohol, smoking, damage to school property, verbal or physical abuse to peers or teachers, or verbal or physical threaten of school faculty, staff, or students will be handled in accordance with the discipline policies of SCAS and the Spartanburg School Districts served by this school.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is the temporary removal of a student from school.

No student may be suspended in excess of ten (10) consecutive days for any one offense unless recommended for expulsion. No student may be suspended for more than thirty days in any one school year unless expulsion is recommended.

If it becomes necessary to suspend a student from school, parent/guardian are notified in writing of the reason for suspension, the length of the suspension, and given an opportunity to come in for a conference with the school official.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from school and the cessation of educational services for the remainder of the school year. The local school board may determine the length of the expulsion.

Expulsion Procedure

When a student commits a rule infraction whose consequence is recommendation for expulsion, the student’s home school district is contacted. Upon receipt of the recommendation, the home school district will contact the parents with information regarding the process in accordance with their district policy. At that time, parents will be advised of the time and place for the hearing, as well as the appeals process.

Since SCAS serves six different Spartanburg school districts, information regarding specific process and procedures may be obtained form the superintendent’s office within each district.

GRADING

The basis for academic reporting is the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s performance in a course. This evaluation is expressed as a grade. A grading system is used to indicate the specific level of a student’s achievement of the mastery of the subject. Under South Carolina law, a student must earn a minimum grade of 70 (i.e., D-) in order to receive credit for a subject.

SCAS follows the South Carolina grade reporting system:

93 to 100 = A

85 to 92 = B

77 to 84 = C

70 to 76 = D

0 to 69 = F

HONOR ROLL

The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize conscientious students who have maintained outstanding high scholastic achievement.

SCAS uses two levels of academic recognition:

High Honors – All A’s

Honors – A’s and B’s

Insuring that students attend school regularly is necessary for learning. SCAS requires the attendance of all students to comply with the home school district ’s attendance policy and in accordance with the South Carolina Attendance Law (Regulation R43-274).

Given the proven, positive results of regular school attendance upon student performance and growth, parents – with the support of the school – should insure and promote the daily attendance of their child(ren).

ATTENDANCE POLICY

All children are required to attend school until their 17th birthday.

Because 170 days are the minimum required by the state, the first five (5) absences per semester at the high school or the first ten (10) at the middle school may be unlawful, lawful, or a combination of both. All absences beginning with the sixth (6th) at the high school and the eleventh (11th) at the middle school must be lawful and fall within the following guidelines:

Excused Lawful Absences.

The student is ill and his/her attendance at school would endanger the student’s health or the health of others.

There is a death in the immediate family. Immediate family includes father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, or resident of the same household.

There is a recognized religious holiday of the student’s faith. Notification from the head of a church must be sent to the school prior to the absence.

The student has a doctor, dentist, or orthodontist appointment and brings a note from the physician verifying the appointment.

The student has a period of hospitalization or extended medical care by a physician.

The student has a chronic illness, certified by a physician, that may cause him/her to be absent in excess of the lawful number of absences permitted by law. Such illness must be approved through the school.

A senior may be allowed one college visit per semester with the prior approval of the school and with proper documentation from the college.

B. Unexcused Unlawful Absences

The student is willfully absent from school without the knowledge of the parent/guardian.

The student is absent from school without acceptable cause with the knowledge of the parent/guardian.

An absence is not covered by a parent or doctor excuse within three (3) days of the students return to school.

The student is absent for sickness for more than ten (10) cumulative days not covered by a doctor’s excuse.

Procedure for Missed Work

Students may make up any school work missed due to lawful or unlawful absences.

The student has five (5) days to complete any missed work.

Tardiness

Students are expected to report to school and to class on time. The school day and first class begin at 8:45 a.m. for high school and 8:40 a.m. for middle school.

Tardy procedures are as follows:

Late Bus: Students riding a late bus to school must report to the office to obtain a tardy excuse to class. Late bus arrivals will be counted as an excused tardy.

Class Tardy : All students are expected to report to class on time. Students who report 10 minutes or later to class will be sent to the appropriate administrator to obtain a pass.

For normal instances of class tardiness, teachers will use the following procedures:

1st offense: The teacher will record the tardy and give the student a verbal warning.

2nd Offense: The teacher will record the tardy, warn the student verbally, and mail a notice to the parent/guardian.

3rd Offense: Teacher will record the tardy and contact the parent/guardian to come in for a conference.

4th and Subsequent Offenses:

Teacher will record the tardy and refer the student to the appropriate administrator.

Early Dismissal

Early dismissal, leaving before the end of the school day, is discouraged. All early dismissals are classified as either excused or unexcused absences. Time missed due to early dismissal will count against a student’s attendance record in the class(es) missed. Therefore, whenever possible, parents are strongly encouraged to arrange appointments after school hours for students.

The following are classified as lawful excused dismissals:

Medical appointments, with a doctor’s statement required to change from unexcused.

Illness of student, as verified by the school nurse or administrator, and contact established with a parent.

Illness in the immediate family that is verified by a parent or doctor.

Death in the immediate family.

Court appearance, with appropriate documentation.

Request for early dismissal must be given to the office secretary at the beginning of the school day. All early dismissal requests must be in writing and contain the following:

- Student’s full name and current date,

- Reason and time for dismissal,

- Signature of legal parent/guardian, and

- Telephone number where parent can be reached.

All early dismissal requests will be verified by telephone. Students will remain on campus if dismissal cannot be verified with parent/guardian.

Attendance Excuses

If a student has to be absent from school, he/she must bring to the school a written excuse for the absence to be excused. The excuse should be turned into their first period teacher. The excuse should be brought in on the first day that the student is able to return to school. Lawful absences that can be excused with documentation is listed under Excused Lawful Absences on pages 8 and 9.

Visitor Policy

All visitors must report to the main office or school administrator when they enter the building. Students are not permitted to bring friends, relatives, or other visitors to the school without prior permission from an administrator. Unauthorized persons in the school building or on the campus will be asked to leave. Refusal to leave school property in response to a reasonable request will result in arrest for trespass and for disruption of the school.

Return to Home School

At the end of the first semester and the end of the school year, the Director and Assistant Director will recommend the names of students to return to their home schools via a student list to the school district accordingly. Student recommendations will be based on the following criteria:

Passing grades in all classes

Good discipline record

Good attendance

The home school district reserves the exclusive right to accept or reject the recommendation of SCAS. Appeals for rejections must be made to the home school district.

Parent Conferences

Parents are encouraged to contact the school for a conference with the student’s teacher, counselor, or administrator. To make an appointment for a conference, please telephone the school for a time suitable to all.

Transportation

Buses

Bus transportation is a privilege provided for the students by the home school district. The home school /district retains the right to discipline students according to their transportation guidelines. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding bus transportation matters, please contact your home school’s district office.

Personal Vehicles – Driving Privileges

Students may earn the privilege of driving to SCAS by meeting the following guidelines:

Students must be in attendance at the school for at least one (1) nine week grading period.

Students must have passing grades in every subject.

Students must have an excellent disciplinary record.

Students must have an excellent attendance record with no problem absences or tardiness.

For students who qualify to drive, they must obtain a driving privilege form from the school administration. Students should remember that their "privilege" to drive may be removed at any time.

Medication

The following guidelines have been implemented for the protection of all children. Parent cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Medication will be given at school only when prescribed by a licensed physician. Parents may sign the student health form to give permission for: Tylenol and Advil for minor pain, Benedryl for emergencies, Ambesol for minor toothache, Calamine lotion for minor skin irritations, Chloroseptic spray for throat pain, and antibiotic ointment for minor abrasions. No medications will be given without signed parent permission. These medications will only be administered by the school nurse.

The medication must be prescribed to be given at least 4 or more times per day or at a specific time of the day in order to be given at school. Medication that is prescribed for three times a day or less needs to be given at home, before or after school hours.

A parent or guardian must bring the medication to the school nurse in the original container with the prescription label attached. Students are not allowed to transport medicine to or from school. Please do not bring medications to school in baggies, etc. If you anticipate your child needs to take medicine at school, you may ask your pharmacist for two prescription bottles.

A parent or guardian must complete a written permission form for medicine to be given at school. These forms are available from the school nurse and will be given at orientation.

Please note that DHEC regulations prohibit the schools from keeping more than a thirty day supply at a time and plan refills accordingly.

Asthma inhalers need to be kept with the school nurse. The student will be allowed to use the inhaler, with nurse supervision, as instructed by the physician. Other arrangements need to be made through the school nurse.

All emergency medication needs: insulin, glucagons, Epi-pens, etc., will need to be arranged through the school nurse.

Students are not allowed to see the Nurse without an Agenda/Pass unless escorted by a faculty or staff member.Criteria for students remaining home or being sent home due to illness:

There are times when a student should not be in attendance at school for his/her own welfare and for the protection of other students. Students should remain home or be sent home l if they have any of the following symptoms:

Fever, temperature of 100 degrees or higher within the past 24 hours, with or without other symptoms.

A cold in the contagious stage: Severe nasal discharge that is not clear in color.

Any communicable disease (chicken pox, measles, etc.)

Undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions.

Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

6. Untreated head lice or scabies.

Daily Arrival and Dismissal from School

High School Students (Gold Shirts)

Car Riders: Enter and exit the building through the Front Entrance doors.

Bus Riders: Enter and exit the building through the Bus Port Entrance on the Art Wing.

Middle School Students (Purple Shirts)

Car Riders and Bus Riders are to Enter and exit the building through the main doors of the middle school hallway.

Middle School students are dismissed at 2:30 P.M. Student(s) will be called for dismissal as their bus or car arrives.

Late Arrivals (Tardy to School)

All late arrivals should enter through the Main Front Entrance of the building. Sign in as a late arrival in the front office, obtain a tardy pass before proceeding to your regularly scheduled classroom.

Early Dismissal

Any student leaving campus before the established dismissal time is required to have a Parent or Guardian sign the student out in the front office of the school building.

Seat Assignments will be organized by class and/or teachers.

Room permitting, there will be an empty seat between each student.

Once seated, students may not get up to go back for items forgotten unless permitted by the staff member(s) on duty.

Students will remain seated until dismissed. At that time, students will throw away all trash and clean up their eating area before leaving the cafeteria.

No food or drink will be taken out of the cafeteria.

School beverages and snacks will be available for sale at the daily discretion of the staff member(s) on duty.

Talking is not permitted unless permission is granted by the staff member(s) on duty.

Restroom use is permitted with the permission of the staff member(s) on duty.

No food, beverages, candy, or snacks from outside the building are permitted on campus.

Hallway Rules

An Agenda/Pass is required of all students leaving the classroom for any reason.

Students should walk single file on the right side of the hallway.

Classroom Rules

Students will show respect to all adults and peers.

Profanity or obscene language/gestures will not be allowed.

Sleeping will not be allowed during instructional time.

Students must bring appropriate materials to class.

Students are not allowed to leave the classroom without an Agenda/Pass.