• Student/Parent Handbook

     

     

    South Pointe High School

    Student/Parent Handbook 2022-2023

     

    Telephone:  803.980.2100      Fax: 803.980.2105

     

    801 Neely Road

    Rock Hill, SC  29730

    Website Address: sph.rock-hill.k12.sc.us

     

     

    * * * * * * * * * * * *

    Principal                                                                                                   Dr. Valarie D. Williams

     

    Assistant Principal                                                                                     Ms. Kenisha  Rivers-Williams    

     

    Assistant Principal                                                                                     Ms. Kay Runyans

     

    Assistant Principal                                                                                 Mr. Derek Shoup                                              

    Director of School Counseling                                                                    Mrs. LaSonya Williams              

     

    Advanced Studies Coordinator (AP, IB, and Dual-Credit)                         Mrs. Laura Hal

     

    Program Coordinators                                                                               Mr. Chris Howle

                                                                              Mr. Craig Galeota

     

    Athletic Director                                                                                        Mr. Carlos Richardson

    Office: 803.980.2160

     

    Resource Officer                                                                                        Officer Daniel Shealy

                                                                                                                Nelson            

                                                                                                                        Hotline: 803.980-2109

     

    School Safety                                                                                       Officer Barton Glenn

                                                                                                                DeAndre Johnson

                                                                                                   

     

     While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this handbook, changes in policies, procedures and/or practices may require adjustments in content after publication.  Students remain responsible for knowing and following updates and changes in policies, procedures, and practices.

    Follow South Pointe on Twitter: @SPHSstallions, @sphs_stuco

               

     

     

     

                         

                                                      

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     SCHOOL COLORS

    RED & SILVER

     

     

    ALMA MATER

    words and music by Beverly Laney

     

    Dear South Pointe, we salute you,

    wave your banner high.

    We pledge to honor you, be loyal and true;

    always in our hearts you will abide.

    Red and silver, your colors never fade as time goes by.

    We’re proud to stand for excellence and honor

    As Stallions of South Pointe High.

     

     

     

    MISSION STATEMENT

    Engage, Empower, Inspire, and Maximize Every Student, Every Day, for a Successful Future.

     

     

    MOTTO

    Living the South Pointe Way!

    Integrity.  Community.  Excellence.

    (ICE)

     

     

     

    South Pointe is… “A Five Star School, Providing Five Star Service”

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

     

    Academic Booster Club Awards                                                                                                                                   25

    Academic Patches, Letter, Bars                                                                                                                                     25

    Accelerate Program

    Adding or Dropping a Course                                                                                                                                        22

    Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars                                                                                                                              23

    Alma Mater                                                                                                                                                                      3

    Announcements                                                                                                                                                              26

    Arrival at School                                                                                                                                                             26

    Assemblies                                                                                                                                                                      27

    Athletics Information                                                                                                                                                      42

    Athletic Fees and Insurance                                                                                                                             32

    Behavior at Athletics Events                                                                                                                            43

    Eligibility Requirements                                                                                                                                  45

    Interscholastic Activities                                                                                                                                 44

    NCAA Clearinghouse                                                                                                                                      46

    Physicals and Insurance                                                                                                                                 44

    Sports Offered                                                                                                                                                 43

    Attendance Information                                                                                                                                                47

    Concerns                                                                                                                                                              

    Early Dismissal                                                                                                                                              48

    Guidelines                                                                                                                                                           

    Late Arrivals                                                                                                                                                  47

    Lock-out Policy                                                                                                                                              47

    Tardies                                                                                                                                                           47

    Bad Weather Make-up Days                                                                                                                                          2

    Beta Club                                                                                                                                                                      25

    Bus Regulations                                                                                                                                                            73

    Calendar (Assignments and Events)                                                                                                                               8

    Calendar (District)                                                                                                                                                           2

    Care of School Buildings and Grounds                                                                                                                         27

    Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices                                                                                                               27

    Personal Electronic Device Agreement                                                                                                         

    Classroom Courtesies/Expectations                                                                                                                              30

    Class Schedule/My Schedule                                                                                                                                          9

    Clubs and Organizations                                                                                                                                                41

    College Applications                                                                                                                                                      12

    College Days                                                                                                                                                                  21

    Content/Credit Recovery                                                                                                                                                17

    Course Selection                                                                                                                                                             21

    Crest (Seal)                                                                                                                                                                       3

    Diplomas                                                                                                                                                                         23

    Diploma Requirements                                                                                                                                                   17

    Directory Information                                                                                                                                                     75

    Disciplinary Information                                                                                                                                                49

    Alcohol and/or Drugs                                                                                                                                       66

    Administrators’ Role                                                                                                                                         52

    Appeal Procedures (Suspensions and Exclusions)                                                                                           66

    Code of Conduct                                                                                                                                                49

    Complaints and Grievances                                                                                                                              53

    Detentions                                                                                                                                                           63

    Discipline Policy                                                                                                                                                53

    Drug Dog                                                                                                                                                           66

    Eligibility Impact of Discipline on Extracurricular Activities                                                                         65

    Exclusion (Expulsion)                                                                                                                                       64

    Living the South Pointe Way                                                                                                                             53

    Re-admission Process                                                                                                                                       63

    Harassment and Intimidation                                                                                                                     67-68

    In-school Suspension (ISS)                                                                                                                              63

    Offenses and Consequences                                                                                                                            65

    Out-of-School Suspension                                                                                                                               64

    Parents’ Role                                                                                                                                                   51

    Saturday Detention                                                                                                                                            

    Search and Seizure Guidelines                                                                                                                       66

    Students’ Rights and Responsibilities                                                                                                            49

    Tobacco Use and Possession                                                                                                                         66

    Dress Code Policy                                                                                                                                                        31

    Early Graduation                                                                                                                                                           23

    Elevator Use                                                                                                                                                                  32

    Emergency Drills                                                                                                                                                           32

    Entering the Building                                                                                                                                                         

    Exam Policy                                                                                                                                                                   23

    Excessive Noise                                                                                                                                                                  

    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)                                                                                   75

    Fees/Fines                                                                                                                                                                      32

    Field Trips (School-sponsored Activities)                                                                                                                      39

    Gifts and Parties                                                                                                                                                              33

    Gifted and Talented                                                                                                                                                         12

    Grading Guidelines                                                                                                                                                          14

    Graduation-Commencement Exercises                                                                                                                          23

    Guidance Counseling Program                                                                                                                                       11

    Halls and Change of Classes                                                                                                                                           33

    Health Room                                                                                                                                                                   33

    Holding Elected Offices (Student Government)                                                                                                           34

    Homebound Instruction                                                                                                                                                 21

    Honor Code                                                                                                                                                                    11

    Honor Graduates                                                                                                                                                             23

    Honor Rolls                                                                                                                                                                     25

    I.D. Cards                                                                                                                                                                         11

    Inclement Weather                                                                                                                                                          34

    Initiations (Hazing)                                                                                                                                                         34

    Insurance                                                                                                                                                                         35

    International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidates                                                                                                                 23

    Internet Use                                                                                                                                                                     28

    Job Shadowing/Internships                                                                                                                                            22

    Junior Marshals                                                                                                                                                               25

    Laptop Program (1 to 1)                                                                                                                                                 28

    Leaving Class for Other Areas                                                                                                                                       35

    Lockers                                                                                                                                                                           35

    Lost and Found                                                                                                                                                               35

    Lunch Information                                                                                                                                                          35

    Mascot                                                                                                                                                                               3

    Media Center                                                                                                                                                                   36

    Medications                                                                                                                                                                     37

    Missed Assignments                                                                                                                                                        19

    Mission Statement                                                                                                                                                             3

    Motto                                                                                                                                                                                 3

    National Honor Society                                                                                                                                                   25

    News Media                                                                                                                                                                     37

    On Pointe Recognition Program                                                                                                                                      25

    Parent Portal (Student Grade Access)                                                                                                                             

    Parking (Student)                                                                                                                                                             39

    Alive at 25                                                                                                                                                          40

    Parent Organizations                                                                                                                                                        37

    Pledge of Allegiance                                                                                                                                                         11

    Prom Information                                                                                                                                                             38

    Promotion and Retention                                                                                                                                                  13

    Public Display of Affection                                                                                                                                             

    Recycling                                                                                                                                                                         38

    Release of Student Directory Information and Photos                                                                                                    74

    Re-taking a Course                                                                                                                                                          22

    Retesting policy                                                                                                                                                               20

    Returned Checks                                                                                                                                                              38

    Salespersons                                                                                                                                                                     39

    Scholarships                                                                                                                                                                     12

    School Colors                                                                                                                                                                     3

    Standardized Testing Dates                                                                                                                                              13

    Student Council                                                                                                                                                                41

    Supervision of Students                                                                                                                                                    48

    Telephone Privileges                                                                                                                                                         42

    Transcripts                                                                                                                                                                         12

    Test Dates (ACT/SAT)                                                                                                                                                      

    Uniform Grading Policy                                                                                                                                                    13

    Uniform Grading Scale                                                                                                                                                     16

    Valedictorian/Salutatorian                                                                                                                                                23

    Visitors                                                                                                                                                                            42

    Withdrawal/Transfer from South Pointe                                                                                                                         22

     

     

     

     

     

     

    STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

     The rules, regulations, and consequences in this handbook are based on policies of the Board of Trustees for Rock Hill Schools.  These policies are concurrent with state and federal laws and guidelines.  If the district policies, state, or federal laws or guidelines are updated, changed, or modified in any way during the school year, the rules, regulations, and/or consequences in this handbook may undergo modification.

     

     

     

    2022-23

    Students’ School Calendar

    January 2023

    1-4…..………….....…...………….....Winter Holiday

    3………………………………….....Teachers Return

    5………………………………….....Students Return

    16….…….......................Student Holiday (MLK Day)

    August  2022

    15………...………………First Day for Students

    February 2023

    17……………………………....Early Release Day

    20....................... Presidents’ Day *District Closed*

    September 2022

    6…………………..Labor Day *District Closed*

    March 2023

    10.............................................Early Release Day

    13…………..Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

     

    October 2022

    14…………………………….Early Release Day

    17…………......Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

     

    April 2023

    3-7…….…..………..Spring Break *District Closed*

    15……………………………………..RHSD Prom

     

    November 2022

    8……………….....Election Day*District Closed

    23-25…...Thanksgiving Holiday *District Closed

    May 2023

    25…………………………..Last Day 2nd Semester

    26…………………………………….....Graduation

    29…………………Memorial Day *District Closed*

     

    December 2022

    21………………………...Last Day 1st Semester

    22-31…....…….Winter Holiday *District Closed*

      

      

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     ARRIVAL AND ENTERING THE BUILDING

     

     Students may not enter the building prior to 8:30am. Upon entrance they should report to either their 1st block class or the cafeteria to eat breakfast. Students are not permitted to gather in the hallways or walk up and down the halls during this time. At 8:40 the bell will ring for students in the cafeteria to report to 1st block. The 1st block will begin at 8:45am. As part of our school security procedures, all students entering the building after 8:45 must enter through the main entrance at the front of the building and obtain a tardy pass.  All other doors will be locked in accordance with the school safety plan.

    Bus Riders - Enter through the doors near the gymnasium

    Car Riders - Enter through the doors at the front of the school

    Student Drivers - Enter through the doors at the front of the school

    If it is necessary to drop off/pick up students at a location that will require the student to cross a roadway to access/or leave South Pointe, students are to cross only at the designated crosswalksStudents are reminded that once they arrive on the South Pointe campus, they are not to leave without school personnel permission until the end of the regular school day.  Drivers are reminded they are never to use the grassy areas or roadways in front of the school for dropping off or picking up students. Students driving to school must be registered. All student unregistered drivers or vehicles are considered a safety and security concern and are deemed to be trespassing. Such vehicles are subject to tickets, school fines, or being towed. In addition, discipline consequences may occur.

       

    DISMISSAL

     

    School dismissal is at 3:45 p.m. Students may not leave school unless approved by a parent in writing and authorized by a school staff. This includes lunch. Such departures are considered leaving school without permission and disciplinary actions will occur to include loss of driving privileges. Only parents or guardians authorized in PowerSchool will be allowed to approve or check out a student. Students may not ride home with any student or parent. Such school transportation departures upon dismissal must be communicated by the parent or guardian in writing and approved and authorized by the designated school staff.

    During dismissal, students should exit the building through either the doors near the main office or near the gymnasium. Students should not exit through any other set of doors. Students who are car riders should be picked up in the front of the school. Student parking lots and areas behind the school should not be used for student pick up.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

                                                                                    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

    I pledge allegiance

    To the Flag of the United States of America

    and to the Republic for which it stands,

    one Nation under God, indivisible,

    with liberty and justice for all.

     

    SOUTH POINTE HIGH SCHOOL HONOR CODE

     

    As a student at South Pointe High School, I recognize the importance of academic honesty.  I understand this means I must be honest in all academic areas, including doing my own assignments, whether graded or ungraded, and neither giving nor accepting help in a testing situation. I am a citizen and future leader of this country; therefore, it is important for me to develop a sense of pride in my own accomplishments and awareness that I am ultimately responsible for my actions at all times.

     

    STUDENT I.D. CARDS

     

    All students must have an I.D. card for the school year.  All students should  have a card for identification purposes, for the use of the library and computer lab, and for participation in events such as the Junior-Senior prom.  Students are required to have IDs properly visible at all times.  First-time students to SPHS, as well as upperclassmen who have lost or damaged I.D. cards, must-have new ones made.  There is no charge for students being issued a card for the first time.  Replacement ID cards are $5.00.  Temporary badges are $1.00 and are available before 8:40 a.m. without consequence. To purchase a replacement ID or temporary badge: see Mrs. Davis-McCoy in the Admin Office. All badges must be paid for upon receipt.  Purchases after 8:45 a.m. will be treated as a dress code violation. Students with no IDs or temporary badges properly displayed will be considered in violation of the dress code.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM

     

    Students are very fortunate to have qualified counselors at South Pointe High School.  Each student has a counselor to serve him/her in many ways through individual and group counseling.  Most of our counselors' time is spent in the areas of personal and educational counseling.  Career counseling and college selection advice are available.  Many college and technical school catalogs, career brochures, and military information are available.  In addition, counselors conduct group-counseling activities in the classroom.  All matters concerning registration, course selection, grades, scholarship applications, credits, graduation, and counseling are processed through this office.

     

    School Counseling Department Members

    Mr. Brian Rogers                     9th- 12th grade A-D

    Mr. Gregory Tolliver                9th- 12th grade E-J

    Dr. Stephanie Cocchiaro           9th- 12th grade Li- Ri

    Ms. Jan McKiver                     9th -12th grade Ro- Z

    Ms. Kendra Sherer                   School Counseling Dept. Secretary

    Ms. Shimika Hunt                     School Registrar

     

    School Counseling Department Hours

    8:30am - 4:00pm

     

    Procedures to See Your Counselor

    Students may be counseled on personal or curriculum matters by contacting their counselor.  The guidance office operates on an open-door policy; however, there may be occasions when the counselors are not readily available. When a student needs to see their counselor, they should speak with the School Counseling secretary. If the counselor is unavailable, the student should fill out a conference request form and leave it with the secretary.  Counselors will contact the student within 24 hours.

     

    Students should complete a request to meet with their counselor for non-urgent matters. Once assigned, students must have a pass from their teacher to come to see a counselor.  Students who come to see the counselor without a pass will be asked to return to class to obtain one.  Counselors will not write passes for students who do not enter with one unless the counselor initiated the visit.

     

    TRANSCRIPTS

     

    Current students may request transcripts electronically through Parchment free of charge. Transcripts can be sent to colleges/universities or to the student for self-review. Students must have an account in order to use Parchment. Information on creating a Parchment account can be found on the SPHS Guidance website under Transcripts/Records Requests.

     

    Seniors will be given an unofficial copy of their final transcript at graduation practice. Seniors should submit a request via Parchment to have a final official copy of their transcript sent to their designated college/university. Instructions on doing so will be provided by school counselors in May of the school year.

    Note - May graduates have until July 31st to submit transcript requests free of charge via Parchment. After July 31st , graduates must submit transcript/records requests using Need My Transcript (see below).

     

    Alumni and former students must use the Need My Transcript service to request transcripts and records. There is a fee to use this service. The link to access this service can be found on the SPHS Guidance website under Transcripts/Records Requests.

     

    GIFTED/TALENTED ACADEMICS

     

    Students identified as academically gifted/talented are served through participation in the Honors, Advanced Placement, dual credit, and International Baccalaureate classes in the areas of advanced math, English, science, social studies, and foreign language.  Although admission into these classes is self-selecting, students qualifying as gifted and talented by the South Carolina State Department of Education guidelines are encouraged to participate in these academically advanced classes.

    During course selection in grade 10, students are encouraged to select AP, dual credit, STEAM Pathway, and/or International Baccalaureate courses in order to challenge themselves academically. These courses may enable students to prepare for the academic rigor of colleges and universities, as well as possibly receiving credit. See your school counselor for more information.

     

    SCHOLARSHIPS

     

    A number of scholarships are awarded to deserving seniors each year.  Information on scholarships and financial aid is announced and sent to all seniors.  Interested students should be alert to announcements, the scholarship handbook, posted flyers, and financial aid workshops.  Information may also be found on the school’s website.

    Students who are applying for scholarships are to submit completed applications, including all letters of recommendation, to the counselor one week before the due date.  This time gives the counselor an ample opportunity to review applications for errors and attach requested information. The counselor will mail applications for the student unless otherwise requested.

     

    COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

     

    Students can pick up college applications from the guidance office, or apply on-line.  Students should return the completed application, along with three stamps, to the counselor.  The counselor will complete the counselor’s page, attach a transcript and test scores (at no charge), and mail the application for the student within one week. Students who opt to apply on-line should print the counselor’s page (if applicable) and submit it to the counselor with one stamp.  The counselor will follow the aforementioned procedure.

     

    PROMOTION AND RETENTION

     

    Note: In order to comply with state law and ensure continuous and appropriate progress from grade 9 through grade 12, the high schools have established regulatory guidelines to follow the Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees Policy IKE (Promotion, Retention, and Acceleration of Students, revised 11/23/2015).

     

    The following language is included in the RHS High School Course Catalog.

    In Grades 9 through 12, in order to be eligible for promotion to the next grade classification, students must have earned a minimum number of units, as specified below.

     

    To be promoted to grade 10, a student must pass a minimum of 4 units of credit to include:

    One English credit (English 1)

    One math credit

    Two additional credits

     

     

    To be promoted to grade 11, a student must pass a minimum of 10 units of credit to include:

    Two English credits (English 1&2)

    Two math credits

     One science credit

    One social studies credit     Four additional credits

     

     

    To be promoted to grade 12, a student must pass a minimum of 16 units of credit to include:

    Three English credits (English 1, 2 and 3)

    Three math credits

    Two science credits

    Two social studies credits

    Six additional credits

     

     

    REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

     

    In grades 9-12 and in accelerated courses in the 8th grade, students earn one Carnegie unit for each one-block course successfully completed.  In order to receive a state high school diploma, a student must attend the school issuing the diploma for at least the semester immediately preceding graduation (except in the case of a bona fide change of residence where the sending school will not grant the diploma) and have earned a minimum of 24 Carnegie units which are distributed as follows:

     

    Subject Area

    SC Diploma

    4 yr college

    SC Diploma

    2 yr college/ military/work

    English

    4 Credits (1 per year 9-12)

    4 Credits

    Math

    4 Credits (1 per year 9-12)

    4 Credits

    Science

    3 Credits

    3 Credits

    Other Social Studies

    US History & Const

    US Government

    Economics

    1 Credit

    1 Credit

    .5 Credit

    .5 Credit

    1 Credit

    1 Credit

    .5 Credit

    .5 Credit

    PE/ROTC

    1 Credit

    1 Credit

    Computer Science

    1 Credit

    1 Credit

    Career Specialty

    0 Credit

    1 Credit

    World Language

    1 Credit

    Note:  4yr colleges require 2 or 3 units of the same World Language

    0 Credit

    Health

    1 Credit

    1 Credit

    Electives

    6 Credits

    6 Credits

    Total

    24 Credits

    24 Credits

     

     

    South Pointe High School is committed to setting high expectations for all students.  In keeping with this philosophy, which mirrors the philosophy of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) of which we are a part, we recommend that all students complete 4 units of science and social studies.  We also encourage students who began taking 9th-grade courses (English I and Algebra I) in 8th grade to take English and math through their Senior year.

    Research has shown that exposure to rigorous coursework throughout the entire high school experience will enhance the transition to the post-secondary environment or the workplace.  In addition, participating in rigorous courses such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit will likely enhance students’ SAT and/or ACT scores, increase scholarship opportunities, and make academic transcripts more attractive to colleges.

     

     

    STANDARDIZED TESTING DATES

     

    South Pointe personnel administer many academic achievement tests during the school year. Information and applications for tests such as the ACT, PSAT, and SAT are available through the Counseling Office.

     

    2022-2023 SAT TESTING DATES (www.collegeboard.org)

     

    2022-2023 ACT TESTING DATES (www.act.org)

     

    DISTRICT GRADING GUIDELINES

     

    During every nine weeks, the actual earned numeric grade will be recorded for each assignment.  Students earning a grade of "50" or below for the first or third nine weeks grading period will receive a grade of "50" on the grade report.   Students earning a grade of "40" or below for the second or fourth nine weeks grading period shall receive a grade of "40" on the grade report.  Year-long courses shall reflect the same policy with no grade less than "50" for the 1st and 3rd nine weeks, and no grade less than "40" for the 2nd and 4th nine weeks.  When recording the FINAL EXAM GRADE, the teacher shall record the actual earned numeric grade.

     

    CANVAS LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

     

    The Canvas Learning Management System provides real-time access for parents to their child's grades, attendance, assignments, and more. It is important to enroll within your Grade Level Canvas page, School Counselors, clubs and student activity announcements are shared within the grade level Canvas pages. To access Canvas, parents may click the link on the South Pointe's home page or go to rockhill.instructure.com.   You may create an account/log in through Canvas.

                

    UNIFORM GRADING POLICY FOR

    ROCK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT THREE

     

    In 2016, the South Carolina General Assembly and the South Carolina State Board of Education adopted a new ten-point grading scale for high schools.  The uniform grading policy applies to all students taking Carnegie credit courses.

    1.   Beginning 2000-2001 and thereafter, course grades on report cards and transcripts in Rock Hill School Districts Three high schools will be numeric, i.e. 93, 79, etc.  No Carnegie courses will carry letter grades (A, B, C, D, F), Pass/Fail, or be graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.  The numeric breaks for corresponding letter grades are:

                       90-100=A;   80-89= B;   70-79=C;   60-69=D; Below 60=F

     

    2.   A student’s grade point average and rank in class will be figured from a grade point conversion table.  The conversion table assigns “quality points” to each numeric grade depending on the grade earned and the category of weight assigned to the course taken.  College Prep and Tech Prep courses earn the base weight of one quality point.  Honors and dual credit courses earn a one-half quality point more, and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses earn a full quality point more than the base weight.  Earning the specified quality points in IB/AP courses is contingent upon taking the International/National exams for these courses.

     

    3.   The formula for figuring Grade Point Average (GPA) is:

    GPA = (Quality points X Carnegie units earned) divided by (Carnegie units attempted)

     

    4.   Students may not withdraw from a course without administrative recommendation.

     

    5.   Students who receive a Failure Due to Absence (F/A) in a course shall be assigned a grade of 50 and 0 quality points.  The grade will be calculated into the student’s overall grade point ratio and remains on the student’s transcript throughout high school.

     

    6.   If a student earns a numeric grade lower than 60 (F) in a course, the course may be retaken no later than the summer following the next academic year.  Both the original grade earned and the higher grade earned will remain on the transcript, only the higher grade will be figured into the overall GPA.  The ability to retake a course during the same academic year is based on space availability in the class.

     

    7.   Carnegie unit courses taken prior to the ninth grade can be retaken in the ninth grade if the student earned a numeric grade lower than an 80.  Unless retaken in 9th grade, the grade earned in middle school will be calculated in the student’s overall grade point ratio and remains on the student’s transcript throughout high school.

     

    8.   If a student transfers from another high school with letter grades, the letter grades will be converted to numeric grades on the following scale:

    A = 96  B = 88  C = 80  D = 73  F = 65

     

    9.   All students at SPHS follow the State Uniform Grading Policy.  This grading scale awards quality points based on the percent (%) grade earned and the type of course taken. The full scale along and other important aspects of the policy are given below. Earning the full extra quality point for IB/AP courses is contingent upon taking the exams for these courses.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale Conversions

    Numerical Average

    Letter Grade

    College Prep

    Honors

    AP/IB/

    Dual Credit

    100

    A

    5.000

    5.500

    6.000

    99

    A

    4.900

    5.400

    5.900

    98

    A

    4.800

    5.300

    5.800

    97

    A

    4.700

    5.200

    5.700

    96

    A

    4.600

    5.100

    5.600

    95

    A

    4.500

    5.000

    5.700

    94

    A

    4.400

    4.900

    5.400

    93

    A

    4.300

    4.800

    5.300

    92

    A

    4.200

    4.700

    5.200

    91

    A

    4.100

    4.600

    5.100

    90

    A

    4.000

    4,500

    5.000

    89

    B

    3.900

    4.400

    4.900

    88

    B

    3.800

    4.300

    4.800

    87

    B

    3.700

    4.200

    4.700

    86

    B

    3.600

    4.100

    4.600

    85

    B

    3.500

    4.000

    4.500

    84

    B

    3.400

    3.900

    4.400

    83

    B

    3.300

    3.800

    4.300

    82

    B

    3.200

    3.700

    4.200

    81

    B

    3.100

    3.600

    4.100

    80

    B

    3.000

    3.500

    4.000

    79

    C

    2.900

    3.400

    3.900

    78

    C

    2.800

    3.300

    3.800

    77

    C

    2.700

    3.200

    3.700

    76

    C

    2.600

    3.100

    3.600

    75

    C

    2.500

    3.000

    3.500

    74

    C

    2.400

    2.900

    3.400

    73

    C

    2.300

    2.800

    3.300

    72

    C

    2.200

    2.700

    3.200

    71

    C

    2.100

    2.600

    3.100

    70

    C

    2.000

    2.500

    3.000

    69

    D

    1.900

    2.400

    2.900

    68

    D

    1.800

    2.300

    2.800

    67

    D

    1.700

    2.200

    2.700

    66

    D

    1.600

    2.100

    2.600

    65

    D

    1.500

    2.000

    2.500

    64

    D

    1.400

    1.900

    2.400

    63

    D

    1.300

    1.800

    2.300

    62

    D

    1.200

    1.700

    2.200

    61

    D

    1.100

    1.600

    2.100

    60

    D

    1.000

    1.500

    2.000

    59

    F

    0.900

    1.400

    1.900

    58

    F

    0.800

    1.300

    1.800

    57

    F

    0.700

    1.200

    1.700

    56

    F

    0.600

    1.100

    1.600

    55

    F

    0.500

    1.000

    1.500

    54

    F

    0.400

    0.900

    1.400

    53

    F

    0.300

    0.800

    1.300

    52

    F

    0.200

    0.700

    1.200

    51

    F

    0.100

    0.600

    1.100

     

    Credit Recovery

     

    The district’s credit recovery program consists of a course-specific, skill-based learning opportunity for students who have previously failed to master content or skills required to receive credit in a given course. Students are welcome to access and read Policy IKADD (Content and Credit Recovery, issued 10/18/2018) on the district website, but important points are as follows:

    • Students must have previously failed a course to be eligible for credit recovery.
    • Students must have obtained a grade of 50 or higher in the initial credit course or the student is not eligible for credit recovery and must retake the full course to receive credit.
    • School administrators may elect to limit participation based upon parent/legal guardian and/or teacher recommendation.
    • Credit recovery courses must be taken in the next available grading period or summer after the initial course was failed, and must be completed within the academic year.  Credit recovery courses can be taken in the spring semester for courses failed in the fall and during summer school for courses failed in the spring.
    • Credit recovery course offerings may be limited by the availability of space, facilitators, and appropriate computer-based content and/or due to district budgetary constraints.
    • Students are not permitted to remain in a credit recovery course for more than 18 weeks or the equivalent of one semester.
    • Student grades in credit recovery courses are designed to be GPA-neutral, meaning that the student’s GPA will not be affected by the student’s grade in the course. The failing grade in the initial course will remain on the student’s transcript.
    • Student athletes and their parents/legal guardians should be aware that current National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules place strict limitations on credits earned through credit recovery programs. Participation in these programs are likely to affect a student’s eligibility for NCAA play.
    • The South Carolina High School League only allows for two courses to be recovered per year for eligibility purposes.

     

    If there are state- and/or Board-approved changes to credit recovery policies during a given school year, schools will notify teachers, students, and parents/legal guardians.

     

    Student Attendance and Make-Up School

     

    In order to receive credit for a one-unit class, a student must attend 120 hours per course. Students will not receive credit in classes if the 120 hour requirement is not met, regardless of the reason for the absence. A student must make up any deficit of time under 120 hours during the semester in which the absences occur, or by February 5th of the following spring semester, or by September 25th for SY2122.

     

    Beginning SY2223, students will have 30 days after the end of the semester to complete make-up school. Students graduating must make up any needed time during the actual semester of graduation. Make-up sessions are available; please see your attendance clerk at your home school and/or ATC for dates and information. Attendance interventions are also available during the semester. Students will not receive credit for a course if the time is not made up in make-up school or tutoring. Absences due to “skipping” or “cutting” class cannot be made up. School-sponsored tutoring with a teacher or an academic coach may count as make-up school time if outside of normal school hours and approved by administration.

     

     

    A student may apply for competency-based credit through his/her high school. He/She must meet all of the following conditions:

      • Course average of 70 or greater
      • Final exam of 60 or greater
      • All absences must be excused
      • Submission of application to the principal for approval  

    If the student does not apply for competency-based credit through his/her high school, he/she is required to attend credit retrieval sessions in order to receive credit. These sessions must be attended or the student will fail the course due to absences.

    Any student who misses school must present a written excuse, signed by a parent/legal guardian or a medical excuse. If this excuse is not turned after the student is back in school, this absence will be considered unexcused.

    If extended illnesses or medical conditions exist which may cause a student to miss over 10 days, the student’s parent should contact the guidance counselor to apply for homebound services. Automated phone calls will notify parents of each absence, and letters are mailed home when a student has missed three or more days. Students are responsible for maintaining accurate absence records.

    • Special Attendance Concerns: Students who accumulate 5 absences will be required to bring their parents/guardians and meet with school personnel to develop an attendance intervention plan. Violations of the plan will result in a court referral for truancy. If a student misses 10 consecutive days he/she will be dropped from enrollment. Please see your administrator if an appeal needs to be made.
    • Accountability: Keeping accurate records of absences, make-up school receipts, and tutoring sessions is the student’s responsibility.
    • Religious Holidays: If a student is going to be out due to religious reasons, documentations on letterhead verifying that this is a recognized religious holiday needs to be turned in.

     

    Make Up of Missed Assignments

     

    Students will be permitted to make up all work missed for lawful absences. It is the responsibility of students to contact their teachers within 3 days of returning to school concerning all make-up assignments. Parents/Guardians may request assignments through the counseling secretary for students who will be absent for 3 or more days. Students will be afforded a period of time equal to the number of days absent to make up missed assignments if other arrangements are not made with the teacher. Parents and students may also access Canvas from the school’s home page. Canvas provides access to class work and assignments, as well as due dates via the calendar. Students may ask teachers questions through their inbox.

     

    Reassessment Opportunity

     

    Students will be provided an opportunity for reassessments after re-teaching. Re-teaching occurs when the teacher or student determines that the student is not meeting learning goals. Re-teaching can occur with a teacher's face-to-face instruction, computer-based instruction, or additional practice opportunities at home.

    Reassessment opportunities will be offered to students that score below a standard as follows:

    • below an 80 in CP/Honors courses or below a 70 in Advanced Placement or IB courses on major assessments. Only one reassessment opportunity is offered per task/assessment. When tasks/assignments are reassessed, they may be reassessed partially, entirely, or in a different format, as determined by the teacher. However, all assessments will have the same level of difficulty.

     

     

    The following assessments/tasks indicate a final measure of learning and may not be reassessed:

     

    •  End of course or semester exam;
    •  An assessment that ends an instructional period such as cumulative assessment;
    •  Benchmark or midterm exam;
    •  Final research paper, report, or essay; or
    •  Culminating project or performance.

     

    When reassessment is offered, students scoring below the standard will have one opportunity to retest within five (5) school days for a maximum grade of 80 in CP/Honors courses or a maximum grade of 70 in an Advanced Placement or IB courses. This will not apply to dual credit courses because they are administered by outside institutions of higher education.

     

    ACADEMIC HONESTY

     

    A grade of  “0” will be assigned for the original work and a behavior referral will be issued to administration.  Work must be resubmitted to the teacher’s specifications within the number of days outlined by the teacher. Resubmitted work will not receive full credit. The maximum score a student may receive will be an 80. Subsequent offenses will result in a discipline referral and grade of zero (0) for the assignments. 

     

    HOMEWORK

     

    Homework is an essential part of learning. Teachers use homework to offer students practice on recently learned content to reinforce learning, preparation for new content that will be learned in future class periods, or elaboration and extension of rehearsed content. Rock Hill Schools recognizes that homework for daily practice and preparation is best used as a formative assessment to give students feedback on their learning and to inform instruction. It is not intended to be a summative assessment of mastery. Homework for practice or preparation may include but is not limited to the following:

     

    a. practice of taught skills

    b. introduction of a new skill

    c. reading to prepare for classwork

    d. drafting or revising a composition

    e. preparing for a performance

    f. generating ideas for a discussion

     

    LATE WORK

     

    Late work is categorized by approved and unapproved late work. All approved late work may be completed without grade penalty. Approved late work is categorized by an excused absence, school approved function that may not allow an assignment or assessment to be complete on the due date. Unapproved late work is an assignment of assessment due to an unexcused absence or unwillingness or failure of a student to submit an assignment or complete an assessment on the due date.

    Daily work such as homework, guided practice, classwork, warm-ups, class activities, and exit slips must be turned in on time as these are formative assessments that are designed to determine mastery of skills and guide instructional decisions.  Assignments such as projects, essays, labs, culminating unit products, “take-home” major assignments/assessments, mastery assessments, and summative presentations may be accepted late when it is submitted within a time frame defined by either

    a) the date when the assignment has been graded, recorded, and returned to other students in the class; OR,

    b) 5 school days after the original deadline or at the teachers or administration discretion.

     

    Students with missing assignments should work collaboratively with the class teacher to complete missed assignments by the last day of the course. If prior arrangements are made students may collaborate with the teacher before and/or after school and during lunch. Late work will receive a penalty of 20% of the total grade earned (maximum score 80).  Work submitted after the window has closed may be accepted at teacher discretion but before the end of the class (semester, quarter, or year). Failure to submit late work within the time frames defined above will receive a zero.  Students with special circumstances should work with teachers to determine alternate individualized due dates when appropriate.  Extensions to original due dates are subject to teacher discretion.  Please note the Late Work Policy does not grant students an implied extension simply because they feel unprepared.  The best educational practice is for students to complete work to the best of their ability and to submit this work on the due date so they may demonstrate mastery and competence of the skills learned at the appropriate scheduled times within a unit of instruction. 

      

    HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

    Homebound or hospitalized instruction is defined as teaching that:

    • Is offered to the student who has an acute or chronic medical condition that prevents him or her from attending classes at school.
    • Is conducted by an individual who holds a South Carolina Teacher’s certificate. 

     

    Approval is granted through school district personnel.  Parents/Guardians who wish such services for a student should contact South Pointe High School at 803-980-2100 for further information.

    Specifically, medical homebound instruction is provided for both non-disabled and disabled students who cannot attend school for a medical or physical condition that exists due to an accident, illness, or pregnancy. A licensed physician must certify that such a medical condition exists and must complete the medical homebound application that the local school district provides. The intent of medical homebound instruction is to keep the student connected to his or her regular curriculum until the time his or her return to the classroom setting is possible. The ultimate goal is transition back into the school environment as soon as possible. Any student participating in a program of medical homebound instruction must be approved by the district superintendent or his or her designee on standardized forms provided by the State Department of Education. All approved forms must be maintained by the district for documentation.

    Homebound placements are made based on medical recommendations and homebound placements are available for all students, including those with identified disabilities. Homebound is not a special education placement, but students with an IEP can be placed on homebound with the appropriate paperwork. Students with IEPs who are granted “homebound” will continue to receive special education services along with homebound services.

     

    COLLEGE DAYS

     

    Juniors and Seniors are allowed 2 excused days to visit colleges each year.  College days do not transfer to the next year.  Students must contact the college in advance to set up a tour, and bring a statement of attendance (including date and time) on the college’s letterhead to the Attendance Office.  Each student must have individual documentation. Statements of participation in a college visit must be turned in to the attendance office within 3 days of the college visit.

     

    JOB SHADOWING/INTERNSHIP

     

                Students may participate in job shadowing by completing the necessary forms BEFORE and AFTER the job shadowing activity.  Juniors and seniors may participate in internships, providing the eligibility requirements are met.  Interested students should discuss these opportunities with the career counselor and complete the appropriate paperwork to document the activity.  Any student approved for an internship and granted early release MUST contact the career counselor if the internship is terminated for any reason.

     

    COURSE SELECTION

     

                Students may select courses based on their educational interests. Course placements and course offerings will be made with the student’s selections in mind, however, course placement and course offerings will be finalized with the student’s and school’s scheduling best interest in mind. Final questions about schedule changes, course selections and the scheduling process must be directed to a counselor. Schedule changes may not occur once the course begins. Students must adhere to scheduling guidelines.  Students will receive a copy of their schedule at the beginning of each semester.

     

    ADDING OR DROPPING A COURSE

                A student may not add, drop, or change a course after the date on the student course selection sheet.  Administrative approval is required for all requests to add or drop after the deadlines.  Only exceptional cases will be considered.  All students are subject to further regulation as stated in Section 4 of the State Uniform Grading.

     

    WITHDRAWAL/TRANSFER

     

                Any student who leaves school during the semester should, on the last day (s)he attends, report to his/her counselor, and return all school property. A parent or guardian must complete the withdrawal/transfer form.  Unless this is completed, the school is under no obligation to give out information to prospective employers, armed services, or other schools.  No transcripts or references will be furnished. Student withdrawal will be done once it has been confirmed the student will legitimately enroll in another educational institution prior to or upon being withdrawn (1 day).

     

    RETAKING A COURSE

     

                Students may repeat a course if they scored in the “D” or “F” percentile range.  Both grades will remain on the transcript, however, only the highest grade will be used in figuring the GPA.

    Any student may retake a course at the same level of difficulty if the student has earned a P, NP, WP, FA, WF, D or an F in that course. If the same level course is not accessible, the course may be retaken at a different level of medium, for example online, virtually, etc. Districts may extend the policy to allow students to make any grade to retake any course per local board decision. A student who has taken a course for a unit of high school credit prior to the ninth grade year may retake the course at the same difficulty level regardless of the grade he or she has earned. Retaking the course means that the student completes the entire course again (not a subset of the course such as through credit or content recovery). If the course retaken has an EOCEP, the EOCEP must be retaken. All course attempts from middle and high school will show on the transcript. Only one course attempt and the highest grade earned for the course will be calculated in the GPA. ​

    A student who retakes a high school credit course from middle school must complete it before ​the beginning of the second year of high school or before the next sequential course (whichever comes first). A student in grades nine through twelve must retake a course by the end of the next school year or before the next sequential course (whichever comes first). ​For all grade levels, all courses will remain on the transcript and only the highest grade will be used in figuring the student’s GPA.

     

    EXAM POLICY

     

                There are no exam exemptions allowed for any course.  All students will take their appropriate course exams.  Students are expected to take all exams at their assigned time.  Exams and state End-of-Course (EOC) tests count for 20% of the course grade.

     

    GRADUATION, ACADEMIC AWARDS, HONOR SOCIETIES & RECOGNITIONS

     

    DIPLOMAS

     

                Students are eligible for two state credentials (certificate, SC diploma) upon completion of their course of study at South Pointe.  The types and their basic explanation are listed below.  Students should contact their guidance counselor for detailed information.

                SC Diploma:  A minimum of 24 Carnegie units as prescribed by the State of South Carolina. 

                Occupational Diploma: Students must meet guidelines for eligibility as a student with a disability under IDEA.

     

    EARLY GRADUATION

     

    Students wishing to graduate during the first semester of their senior year (or at the end of their junior year) must submit an application and a written request to Dr. Williams.  Applications are available from the guidance counselors and must be returned by the deadline (and prior to the start of the next school year).  The student must provide documentation verifying the reason for the request.  Should the request be granted, students are responsible for keeping abreast of information pertinent to seniors.  Counselors can not guarantee that schedules will accommodate requests.

     

    GRADUATION-COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

     

    Information concerning graduation practice, baccalaureate services, and commencement exercises will be provided to seniors at a senior meeting in the spring of their graduating year. In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, students must earn all 24 required credits for a diploma.

     

      Students must clear ALL financial obligations BEFORE GRADUATION PRACTICE to be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony and meet all requirements to participate in graduation. The principal reserves the right to allow or disallow any student from participating in the graduation ceremony based on the requirements of graduation or if just cause is determined to allow or disallow a student from participation.

     

    INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA CANDIDATES

     

    International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates have completed the academic and extra-curricular requirements for the International Baccalaureate Diploma and have taken IB examinations in six subjects.  In July, with acceptable scores on their examinations, these students will receive IB diplomas.

     

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) SCHOLARS

     

    Advanced Placement Scholar candidates have taken Advanced Placement examinations in three or more subjects.  The Advanced Placement Scholar award recognizes students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through Advanced Placement courses and examinations.  This award will be granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more examinations.      

     

    HONOR ROLLS

     

    Students with a grade point average of 4.0 or above will make the Principals Scholars list.  Students with a grade point average of 3.5 or 3.99999 will make the Honor Roll.  Additional quality points awarded to courses will be used in compiling the grade average.

    If a student has an incomplete grade at the time the honor roll is compiled, (s)he cannot be placed on the list.  Grades will not be rounded to either raise or lower a student’s GPA.  Honor Rolls will be published 3 weeks after each grading period.

     

     

    JUNIOR MARSHALS

     

    Junior Marshals represent the top 10% of the junior class.  Ex: A junior Class of 450 students would equal 45 Junior Marshals.  They are selected based on a weighted GPA cumulative through the first semester of the junior year.  Students must have attended South Pointe for at least the first semester of their junior year to be eligible for selection. Grades will not be rounded to either raise or lower a student’s GPA.

     

    SOUTH POINTE ACADEMIC BOOSTER CLUB SPONSORED AWARDS

     

    Each department will select students at the end of the school year to receive certificates for the highest average, hardest worker, and most improved.  Certificates are presented at Academic Awards Ceremonies at the end of year.  Events to honor the academic students in each grade are held at the end of each year.  Criteria for invitations to these events will be publicized in the booster club newsletter.

     

    ACADEMIC PATCHES, LETTERS, AND BARS

     

    The school awards academic patches, letters, and bars to students in the spring of their 10th, 11th, and 12th grades based on a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75.

     

    “ON POINTE” RECOGNITION PROGRAM

     

                The OnPointe Recognition Program seeks to recognize South Pointe High School seniors for their efforts throughout high school to “Live the South Pointe Way” in the classroom, throughout the school day, during school events, and within the community.  Students that successfully complete defined requirements within the areas of Integrity, Community, and Excellence and submit an application, will receive an OnPointe cord to wear during the graduation ceremony.  

     

    BETA CLUB

     

    The National Beta Club is an academic and service organization.  Consideration for membership currently requires a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and favorable teacher recommendations.  Membership carries a mandatory service component.  Interested students with freshman status or above need to see the Beta Club advisor.

     

    NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

     

    Each fall students in the junior and senior classes who have met the GPA, discipline, and academic integrity requirements are invited in writing to apply for admission to the National Honor Society.  All applications submitted by the announced due date will be reviewed by a five-member faculty committee.  Using the Selection Criteria below, this committee will select students for membership in the National Honor Society.  The advisors to the National Honor Society will not be involved in the selection process.

     

    Class: A student must be either a junior or senior in order to join the National Honor Society at South Pointe. Membership requires a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher.

    Enrollment: Students must have been enrolled at South Pointe High School for a minimum of one semester, at the time of the fall application process, before being considered for selection.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    GENERAL INFORMATION

     

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

     

                Announcements are made via the PA system and closed-circuit television.  PA announcements, when necessary, are made at specific times during the school day.  All announcements must have the approval of a school administrator.  Announcements must be dated and must specify the exact dates they are to be made. 

     No one is permitted to make an announcement over the public address system without prior approval of an administrator.  Parents should make certain that students know how they are to get home each day.  PA announcements will not be made to inform students how they are to be transported home.

     

    CLASSROOM COURTESIES/EXPECTATIONS

     

    1.   Upon entering the classroom, take your seat promptly and quietly.

    2.   Cellphones and other PEDs should be off and not visible unless specifically approved by the teacher for instruction that day. Teachers will post in their classroom a Red (devices put away) or Green (devices can be out) sign to signify when use is permitted.

    3.   Bring proper materials to class:  LAPTOPS, TEXTBOOKS, HOMEWORK, PAPER, PENS, and NOTEBOOKS.

    4.   Class will be dismissed by the teacher, not by the bell. No gathering at the door waiting for the bell.

    5.   Speaking out or expressing disapproval when another has the floor is both rude and unfair.

    6.   No food or drink should be brought into the classroom without the permission of the teacher.

    7.   Students are not allowed to leave class to purchase items from the vending machines. All items purchased during class time will be confiscated. 

     

    STUDENTS ATTENDING EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

     

    All students must exit the building by 3:50 p.m. each day during dismissal. Students who are a part of a club, team, or extracurricular activity must report to their sponsor or coach immediately after dismissal.  Students attending an athletic event or school event is a privilege. School administration reserves the right to disallow any student from attending for a specific just cause/ reason. All students attending athletic games are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. It is the expectation that all students under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult. Upon the end of all games, students must vacate the school premises immediately (no later than 15 minutes of the time the game ended). Students may not loiter after any school event for any reason. It is the responsibility of the parent to coordinate a departure for his/her student so the student may depart immediately after the game. Any student loitering after games or on school premises unauthorized are subject to a trespass punishable by law enforcement.

     

    ASSEMBLIES

     

    Student Assemblies and Pep Rallies will occur during the year aligned to our school vision. All students on campus at the time of the assembly must attend. Students’ behavior should be refined and courteous at all times.  An indication of the cultural level of a school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly.  Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole.  Unacceptable conduct would include whistling, uncalled-for clapping, boisterousness, and talking during programs.  Students who misbehave will be removed from the assembly and referred to the principal.

     

    CARE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

     

    Every student at South Pointe High School should take personal pride in the appearance of the school buildings and surroundings.  Students who deface/destroy school property are subject to suspension, expulsion, police charges, and/or financial restitution for damages.

    A few guidelines are:

    1. Put waste paper in receptacles found in the cafeteria, classrooms, restrooms, corridors, parking lots, and on sidewalks.
    2. Keep desks and walls clean.
    3. Exercise special care in the restrooms to keep them clean at all times.
    4. Shrubbery and flowerbeds are off-limits.  Please use the sidewalks and benches provided.

     

    CELL PHONES, PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN SCHOOL

     

    (District Policy Code JICJ)

    For purposes of this policy, a personal electronic device includes, but is not limited to: cell phones, gaming devices, or other devices that emit an audible signal, vibrate, display a message, display or record an image, or otherwise summon or deliver a communication to the possessor.

    Cell Phones and Ear Buds are allowed before school, after school, during lunch and during class changes. When in class, cell phones and ear buds should be off and out of sight, unless being used for instructional purposes. Teachers will signal the appropriate time during class for use of electronic devices verbally and with a Red (No Cell phone) or Green (Cell phone can be used) sign. NOTE: Headphones that cover the ears are not allowed.

    School Rule Unauthorized Cell Phone Use: Students should not use cell phones during the school day to contact other students, parents, or guardians without prior authorization from school faculty or staff members.

    • Students may not video record any classroom teacher, classroom instruction, school administrator, or other students unknowingly or without approval. Any such school video(s) recording that are shown/shared is not allowed and will be considered a violation of creating a school disturbance and may be punishable by law enforcement.
    • Students may not use cell phones or any other electronic device to record or post videos of fights or any other acts which pose a threat to the physical or mental welfare of students, teachers or other school personnel or school facilities; or which creates a disruption in the orderly operation of any phase of the school program. Doing so will result in an immediate level 2 or 3 consequence.
    • Other Unauthorized use of a cell phone or other personal electronic device may include, but is not limited to: taking pictures or recording without permission, cheating, harassment or bullying, use during any emergency drill, use while being transported on state or district-owned vehicles, use during unauthorized times or use for unlawful activities.

     

    SCHOOL ISSUED LAPTOPS

     

                All students in grades 9-12 will be issued a laptop for use at school and at home. Issued devices include the laptop, charger and a carrying case. When devices are collected all distributed items should be returned. Failure to return items will result in a fee being added to the student account.  Devices are distributed each year to students who have signed  the RHSD Agreement and whose parents have viewed the orientation video and completed the technology protection plan form and paid the laptop fee. Students have access to an onsite laptop shop during the school day for laptop repair or technology issues. Students and families should follow the Rock Hill Schools Mobile Computing Guide which can be found on the district website.

     

    Parents should complete STUDENT TECHNOLOGY USAGE ASSURANCES when completing their returning student verification each year.

     

     

     

    PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE AGREEMENT

     

    In response to the request to use your personal electronic device (PED*) during the school day, you agree to abide by the following requirements.  Parents/Guardians should also complete the Any violation of this agreement may result in the suspension of this privilege and/or disciplinary action.

     

    • The sole purpose of the use of PED during the school day is for educational reasons.
    • The PED is only to be used during the instructional class period with permission of the classroom teacher.  This may mean that the device will be permitted for some instructional activities but not for all.  The student must comply with all District policies and procedures, including the District's Student Behavior Code and Policy JICJ (Use of Cell Phones, Personal Electronic Devices in School) when using the PED.
    • Students must connect to the district’s guest WIFI.  By doing so students access the district internet filters.
    • The PED will not be giess to the District’s secure online resources.
    • The Rock Hill School District (RHSD) will NOT provide any support for the PED at any time.
    • ALL PED’s ARE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL AT THE OWNER’S RISK.  Neither RHSD NOR THE SPHS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT OR DAMAGE TO THE PED.
    • The use of the PED for unauthorized gaming is prohibited on school property.
    • Administrators may ban an individual from using a PED as deemed necessary.  PED may be confiscated at any time if these guidelines are not followed.  The return of the device is contingent on the outcome of a meeting with the student and parents.

    *A PED is any personal electronic device that includes, but is not limited to, laptops, iPads, iPods, and cell phones.

     

    DRESS CODE POLICY JICA

                District board policy states that the board reserves the right to bar from school students whose personal appearance is disruptive to the educational process and orderly operation of the school.  Discretion to formulate reasonable dress codes is left to the school administration.  Parents are strongly urged to pay particular attention to the cleanliness, modesty, and appropriateness of their child’s attire.

    In order to carry out this policy, the administration has adopted the following guidelines regarding dress.  These rules should cover the vast majority of situations that might arise; however, the administration reserves the right to make decisions regarding the appropriateness of any item not specifically covered in this policy.  The provision of this policy applies to all students, regardless of sex.

     

    STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

                In order to provide a school climate that is optimally beneficial to ALL of our students, we must consider any element of distraction that may deter us from that goal.  The sole intent is to eliminate elements of distraction from the daily mission of the school...teaching and learning.  School should be an environment of dignity and respect, and the dress of those attending should be respectful in that regard.  School is also a “minds-on” activity, requiring student minds to be focused on giving attention to matters of educational importance.

    We ask for the support of our students, parents, and community in helping us create an educational environment of dignity and respect…even though it may require a little more change for some than others.

    *********

     

     Students out of dress code will be required to immediately change into attire aligned with the dress code or report to and remain in ISS until proper attire is obtained.

     

    Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Skorts: Pants, shorts, skirts/skorts must be worn at the waistline.  No sagging (wearing of outer pants, shorts, etc. below the waist) will be allowed.  Shorts, skirts/skorts, and splits in shorts/skirts must not be more than 4 inches above the knee.  Boxer shorts may not be worn as outside clothing. Yoga pants, biker shorts, leggings, and jeggings must be worn with a shirt or dress that is no more than four inches above the knee.   Pants/shorts/skirts/skorts that have been intentionally or unintentionally tattered, torn, or have holes in them four inches above the knee and exposed skin are not allowed.  No clothing that is see-through is allowed.

    Shirts/Blouses/Dresses: All shirts/jerseys, though recommended to be tucked in, can be worn untucked provided the length of the garment does not extend past the fingertips of the person wearing the garment. Blouses, shirts or dresses should be worn as the designer intended provided they do not expose the undergarments, midriff and/or cleavage, while seated or standing. Dresses must not be more than four inches above the knee. If questionable, measurements will be taken. Jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, cardigans, or other layered clothing will be permitted over appropriate shirts/blouses meeting code requirements.  

    Shoes: All students must wear shoes for reasons of safety and health.  Shoes must be worn as the manufacturer intended.  No bedroom or house shoes are allowed.

    Accessories:

    1.  Head coverings including, but not limited to bonnets, durags, bandannas, etc. ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL and may not be worn under hoodies.
      1. Hats may be worn in the hallways. It is up to the discretion of each individual teacher if hats may be worn in the classroom.
    2.    Sunglasses may not be worn in the buildings or classrooms.
    3.    Curlers, combs, and picks may not be worn in the hair.
    4.    Jewelry with spikes is not permitted. This includes chokers, wristbands, dog leashes, chains, etc.   
      1. Items that could be used as a weapon may not be worn or brought to school. 
    5.   All items that violate dress code policy will be confiscated.

     

    Miscellaneous:

    1. Clothing and/or accessories that advertise drugs, alcohol, weapons, anything suggestively profane, obscene, racial, or gang/neighborhood-related may not be worn or brought to school.  The school administration will determine and communicate what clothing may or may not be worn.
    2. Appropriate undergarments must be worn but not visible.
    3. Pajamas and similar loungewear may not be worn. To include bedroom shoes or slippers.
    4. Deliberately tattered or torn clothing with holes exposing skin 4 or more inches above the knee may not be worn.
    5. See-through garments including, but not limited to shirts or blouses, tights, and jeggings may not be worn.
    6. Team uniforms not meeting school dress code guidelines cannot be worn during the school day unless wind suits are worn.
    7. Students enrolled in programs at the Applied Technology Center  (or other sites) will dress according to their school guidelines.
    8. Students are required to wear I.D.s so that they are properly displayed and visible at all times.
    9. Blankets or additional body covering are not permitted at school and will be confiscated.
    10. Head garment affixed to the hair may be acceptable or may not depend on the way it is worn as a hair garment.
    11. Hair and makeup should not be so unusual as to be distracting. Hair and makeup should not disguise a student so they cannot be recognized (full face painting).Students can be asked to modify hair and makeup to be recognized.

     Students out of dress code will be required to immediately change into attire aligned with the dress code or report to and remain in ISS until proper attire is obtained.

     

    The Principal may waive any of these rules on special dress-up days.

     

    ELEVATOR USE

     

                The use of the elevators requires special permission from the school administration.  Only students with proof of medical need may receive a temporary elevator pass from an administrator to allow use of the elevator.

    EMERGENCY DRILLS

     

                The goal of the South Pointe High School administration, faculty, and staff are to ensure prompt, safe emergency drills.  Students are expected to take all the drills seriously, following the specific directions of their teachers and administrators.  When an alarm sounds, students should move immediately to their designated area.  Students should not run; rather, they should move at a brisk, but orderly pace.   Students must remain with their teachers at all times.

     

    FEES AND FINES

     

                Students are expected to keep copies of any receipts issued to them for any financial transactions conducted with the school.  Students will be asked to produce their copies of the receipts whenever any transaction is in question.

                Students enrolled in AFJROTC are responsible for paying a uniform cleaning charge.  Those not wishing to use the school contractor must have their uniform commercially cleaned and pressed before returning it to AFJROTC.  Students enrolled in physical education will be required to purchase PE uniforms at a cost of $15.00.

                Students are responsible for maintaining and returning all textbooks or other South Pointe property issued to them.  Students will be responsible for paying full replacement costs for any lost or severely damaged textbook or other materials.  Damage fees will be collected for minor damages.  Sharing lockers, not locking lockers, leaving books in classrooms, and or leaving books/book bags unattended are strongly discouraged.  South Pointe is NOT responsible for the care of books or other South Pointe property issued to students.

                Students receiving fines will be given a payment due date.  Parents of students that fail to meet their financial obligations to the school within the prescribed time will be notified.  Students owing the school money for textbooks or other materials will not receive parking permits, or participate in certain privileges such as the prom until the financial obligation is met or the school or district authority approves a plan of payment.  Students must clear ALL financial obligations BEFORE GRADUATION PRACTICE to be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.

     

    GIFTS AND PARTIES AT SCHOOL

     

                Students are discouraged from the exchanging of gifts among themselves and the giving of gifts to teachers while at school.  There will be no parties held during the instructional hours or other times during the regular school day. Gifts delivered to the school will remain in the front office until the end of the day and will NOT be able to be transported on the bus.

     

    HALLS AND CHANGE OF CLASS

     

                Students should not run in the hallways; walk briskly to your destination.  Loafing or loitering anywhere in the halls is not permitted.  Students are also instructed not to block doorways or hallways, stairwells, or covered walkways at any time.  All students must have a written and signed white hall pass to be out of a classroom during instructional time. Students have five minutes between classes.

     

    HEALTH ROOM

     

                Students who become ill during school hours should report to the Health Room with a pass.  The school nurse will make arrangements for them to go home or report back to class as necessary.  Students without a pass will be referred to an administrator for cutting class.

    The health room is for students having emergency health situations such as: fever, moderate to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, COVID symptoms, or first aid needs.  Simple headaches and colds cannot be accommodated.  Students will be allowed to stay in the health room for only a short period of time while a determination is made on their need to go home or return to class.  The number of health room visits by individual students will be monitored.  If a pattern of misuse is identified, the parent will be notified and disciplinary action may be taken.  Students with a documented chronic illness may be an exception to this rule.

    The school nurse or other designee will determine when to call EMS.  Calling EMS is not limited to just the nurse.  We would rather err on the side of caution.  If a parent is not able to arrive at the school prior to EMS leaving, a district employee must accompany the student to the hospital.

     

     

    HOLDING ELECTED OFFICE (STUDENT OFFICERS)

     

                Any candidate for any major office must plan to be enrolled for a full school year.  A student will be permitted to hold only one major office.  A student may hold one major office and one minor office.

    The following offices constitute major offices: all Student Council offices; presidents of Honor Societies, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Junior Civitans; editor-in-chief, business manager and managing editor of the yearbook staff; editor-in-chief, business manager, and managing editor of the school newspaper.  All other offices of the school are regarded as minor offices.

                To hold a major office a student must have and maintain a “C” average in every subject. To hold any office, a student must have earned four Carnegie units of credit the previous school year and must have not been suspended for poor citizenship, misconduct, plagiarism, or cheating.

     

    INCLEMENT WEATHER

     

    Rock Hill School District Three administration informs parents of school opening delays, shortened school days, or school cancellations by 6:30 a.m. through its automated phone system. Information should also be available on the district website at www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us .

     

    INITIATIONS (HAZING)

     

                No initiation/hazing is required to be admitted to any school-sponsored club, sport, or organization. All forms of initiation/hazing are banned.

     

    The RHSD District Policy JICFA Hazing (Issued 1/16):

    Purpose: To establish the basic structure for maintaining a safe, positive environment for students and staff that is free from hazing.

    The district prohibits hazing by students, staff, and third parties as a part of any school-sponsored activity. All students and employees must avoid any action that could be viewed as planning, directing, encouraging, assisting, or engaging in any hazing activity. Further, no administrator, coach, sponsor, volunteer, or district employee will permit, condone, or tolerate any form of hazing.

     

    INSURANCE

     

                Insurance is available at the beginning of each school year for a small fee.  Two policies for health and accident insurance are available to students.  One is a limited-coverage policy beginning one hour before school and extending one hour after the school day.  The other is a full twenty-four-hour coverage policy.  Insurance information including costs will be distributed at the beginning of the school year.

    *ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL SPORTS MUST TAKE THE SCHOOL TIME COVERAGE OR PROVIDE PROOF OF COVERAGE.  School insurance should be considered to be only supplementary.  It does not take the place of regular policy coverage.

     

    LEAVING CLASS FOR OTHER AREAS OF THE SCHOOL

     

                Any student who leaves a classroom must have a pass signed by the classroom teacher that they are assigned to at the time or he/she will receive a referral.  The student must go directly and return promptly, returning the pass to the teacher who originally issued the pass.  The permit must have the signature of the contacted teacher and indicate the time the student left to return to his/her class. Students will not be allowed to receive a hall pass to visit the vending machines during class. Failure to follow these procedures could result in a referral.

     

    LOCKERS

     

                Each student is entitled to the use of a locker.  See a staff member in the administrative office to receive a locker. Students are asked to keep the lockers locked at all times.  South Pointe will not assume responsibility for the contents of the locker.  Students are not to share their lockers.   Students are to use ONLY those lockers issued to them by the school.  Students are not to use their cars as lockers. 

                All school lockers are subject to administrative searches in the interest of school safety, sanitation, discipline, and enforcement of school regulations. Law enforcement officials may conduct searches upon presentation of a proper warrant.  Students are responsible for cleaning their lockers at the end of the school year.  All items left in lockers become the property of the school to be disposed of at the discretion of the administration.

                All gym lockers are to remain locked at all times when not under the direct supervision of the student to whom the locker was issued.  Students are not to be in the gym locker rooms without adult supervision.  No personal belongings are to be left outside the gym lockers at any time.  Students should not bring cell phones, wallets, money, personal electronic devices, or other valuables to the P.E. Locker rooms.

     

    LOST AND FOUND

     

                Students who have lost an item during the school year should first check with their teachers to see if the item has been found.  If necessary, students should visit the school’s lost and found located in the media center to inquire about any missing item before or after school or during lunch.  Found items will be kept until the end of the semester and then will be disposed of at the principal’s discretion.

    Parents are reminded that personal items should be clearly and permanently marked.   This will aid school personnel in helping your student recover lost items.  Items of significant value should not be brought to school. South Pointe assumes no responsibility for personal items that are lost or stolen from students.

     

    LUNCH PROGRAM

     

                The Rock Hill Schools offers healthy meals every school day.  The Food Service Department will handle all procedures designed to provide students with meals.  Your children may qualify for free meals or reduced-price meals. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, use the Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application or pick up a paper application in the main office.  The Office of School Food Services has chosen a multi-child application.  You need to complete only one application for all the children in the household regardless of the school they attend within the Rock Hill School District.  Applications should be returned as soon as possible.  Failure to return the application on time could result in a change of your child’s eligibility for free or reduced lunch.  Any debts incurred by the student during this period will be the parent’s responsibility. The Food Services Department determines approval for free/reduced lunches.  They cannot approve an application that is incomplete.  Be sure to fill out all required information and return the completed application to one of your children’s schools.  All students on the application will be processed at the same time, thus eliminating possible delays for siblings.

    The Point of Sale system used in our cafeterias uses the student’s school ID number as the PIN for the student’s account.  This number will not change even if your child transfers from one school to another.  If your child has a positive or negative balance in his/her cafeteria account, the balance will transfer from one school to the other.  Parents are encouraged to prepay for lunches using the cash payment for all children in the same school to use.  Cash, check or a certified check can be used for pre-payment of lunches.  Students are never to share PIN numbers. (Adults and students in middle school or high school will not be served unless payment is received at the time of service.)

     

    LUNCH PERIOD

     

    Students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch.  Students will be assigned to a specific period based on a number of factors including the need to balance the number of students eating at given times to maximize the efficiency and quality of service afforded students.  STUDENTS ARE NOT TO HAVE FOOD DELIVERED TO THEM INDIVIDUALLY OR IN GROUPS FROM ANY OUTSIDE SOURCE. THIS INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS, DOORDASH, UBEREATS, AND ANY OTHER FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES, ETC. 

    Students are to use only the gallery restrooms during lunch periods.  Students may gather in the cafeteria and outside patio during lunch. While in the cafeteria students should remain seated. Other than for necessary class movements, all stairway areas are off-limits during lunch periods.  Students choosing to eat outside are to remain in the patio area. Students are not allowed to eat in a teacher's classroom. Students are reminded they are responsible for discarding paper, leftover food, drink cans, etc. that result from eating their lunch.  Trash containers are readily available.

     

    MEDIA CENTER

     

              The media center is open throughout the school day, fifteen (15) minutes before school, and thirty (30) minutes after school.  The media center offers a collection of books, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials.  The atmosphere must be quiet, conducive to reading and studying.   

    Students may come from study labs or classes with a pass only.  Individual students should study in a designated area so that classes in the media center will not be disturbed.  Students who are in the media center, but who are not with a specific class, are requested to sit one person per table.

    Books may be checked out for two weeks and renewed as needed.  Reference materials may be checked out overnight.  The cost of damaged or lost materials will be charged, and overdue materials will be fined twenty-five cents ($.25) per day.  The fine for overdue reference materials will be one dollar ($1.00) per day.  The fine stops when the material is returned.     

    Students are expected to return media center materials in the same condition in which they left the media center.  Damages will be assessed as necessary.  Students must have their own SPHS student ID to check out library materials.  It is strongly advised not to lend out your ID to another person or checkout materials for others.  You are responsible for all items checked out in your name.  NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE MEDIA CENTER

     

    STUDENT MEDICINES AT SCHOOL

     

    Students are allowed to bring and take over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, cough drops, Oragel etc. while at school. They should not share medicines with other students.

    Students who need prescription medication during school hours must have a signed RHSD 3 medication form from their physician. One signed form per medicine is required for each school year. These forms can be found on the Rock Hill School District 3 website. All prescription medications must be stored in the Health Room.

    No medicine is to be shared or given to any student other than the student who has permission to carry the medicine. Per District Policy: Penalty for distributing medication to other students is suspension or expulsion from school and possibly police charges.

    Students may be authorized to carry, monitor, and self-administer inhalers, insulin pumps, glucometers, or epi-pens with written permission from the student’s health care provider and parent/legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian will sign a statement acknowledging that the district will incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from taking or using medications or self-monitoring devices by the pupil and that the parent/legal guardian will indemnify and hold harmless the district and its employees and agents against any claims arising out of the self-monitoring or self- administration of medication by the pupil.

    Receipt of the above will authorize a student to possess and administer medication while in the classroom or on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, in transit to and from school or school-sponsored activities, or during before or after school activities on school operated property.

    Neither the school district nor its personnel will be responsible for the occurrence of any adverse drug reactions when the medication has been given in the manner prescribed. The district may revoke a student’s permission to self-administer medication if the student endangers him/herself or others through misuse of the monitoring device or medication.

    SC Law 5l9-64-80 (See the school nurse for Medication Permission Form for Medicines at School)

     

    NEWS MEDIA

     

                No media representative will be permitted to consult with any student or group of students without prior permission from a school administrator.  All district policies and procedures will be followed in granting or denying media contact with students.

     

    PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

     

                South Pointe parents have organized several groups that fulfill a vital role in supporting South Pointe programs.  Booster clubs support their selected areas through assisting with activities, sponsoring social events, and fundraising.  South Pointe also has a very active volunteer program.  Parents in this group assist in a wide variety of capacities based upon their interests and the school’s needs.  Information about membership is included in school newsletters or can be obtained by calling the school office or checking the school’s website.  We invite our parents and community to become active in these organizations.  Come be a part of South Pointe! Parent and support organizations are a separate function of the school operated by the support organization executive committee.

     

    Academic Boosters                    Band Boosters        

    Choral Boosters                          Drama Boosters    School Improvement Council

    Stallions Club-Athletics           

      Volunteers

     

     

    PROM QUALIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES

     

    A student must be classified as a junior or senior by the end of the first semester in order to attend the prom. All outstanding fines and dues must be paid before a student is eligible to purchase a ticket.  Any eligible student wishing to purchase a ticket for an outside guest must complete an outside guest application and receive approval from the principal.  The outside guest must be at least a junior with no outstanding fees or discipline records. The outside guest may not be older than the age of 20.  Students are required to attend school the Friday before the scheduled date of the prom.  Students and all guests must provide a picture ID with a ticket to enter the prom.  Students leaving the prom will not be allowed to re-enter.

    Students are reminded to dress appropriately.  The dress code for the prom may vary from year to year due to the latest trends and fashion.  However, the general dress code is as follows:

    Ladies:

    1) Dresses may not reveal the midriff section of the body.

    2) The dress line in the back should be no lower than the mid-back line. Areas of the body below the mid-back line should not be exposed.

    3) Dresses should not have a plunging neckline.

    4) Dresses may be no more than four inches above the knee.

    Gentlemen:

    1) The dress may be semi-formal or formal. (Tuxedos, suits and ties, and/or dress pants with a shirt, and tie are appropriate)

    2) Jeans are not appropriate

    Shoes:

    Appropriate shoes/and or footwear are required.

                  

    RECYCLING

     

    All members of the South Pointe community should recognize the need for and the benefits of recycling.  Therefore, students, staff members, and visitors are asked to place recyclable materials in the designated areas on campus.  Please join in making South Pointe campus a clean and attractive learning environment for everyone.  South Pointe High School must be a leader in the Rock Hill community’s recycling efforts!

     

    RETURNED CHECKS

     

                Due to the volume of uncollectible checks that the Rock Hill School District receives, we have contracted with Federal Automated Recovery Systems, Inc. (FARS) for the electronic collection of checks returned for insufficient funds (NSF).  The School District or school staff will no longer arrange for the repayment of checks returned.

                We will gladly continue to accept your checks with the following information: Drivers License #, Full Name, Street Address, and Phone Number.  However, in the event your check is returned, it will be turned over to FARS for collection.  FARS will debit your account electronically for the face amount of the check plus a fee of $30 as allowed by State law.

     

    SCHOOL-SPONSORED TRIPS (FIELD TRIPS)

     

                By law, students who travel to participate in group activities such as band, athletic contests, or any activity where they represent the school or participate in a school-sponsored program are the responsibility of and are under the jurisdiction of the school while at the activity and are governed by the regulations of the school.

    ·   Students who attend an activity with a group sponsored by the school must conduct themselves in an orderly fashion.  All school rules apply.

    ·   Any student, while in a uniform of the school such as band, cheerleader, athletics, etc., will conduct himself/herself at all times in an orderly fashion, whether he/she is with a group or alone.  All school rules apply.

    ·   For any school-sponsored trip, each student must bring written permission signed by his/her parents.

     

    STUDENT PARKING

     

    Parking Passes and General Parking Information

                 Parking on school property is a privilege extended to students in grades 10, 11, and 12, and any others who in exceptional circumstances are authorized by the Board of Trustees. (JLIE)

    Parking tags will be issued according to the following guidelines:

    1. Students must complete the Alive at 25 course requirement. (See below).
    2. Only one tag will be issued per student. See Mrs. McAteer  for parking tags
    3. Student parking is limited to the assigned spot that coordinates with the student parking tag within the designated student parking lot (see picture below). No one is allowed to park or drive on grass areas.
      1. No student may park in the Faculty Parking Lots behind the Gym, at the Bus loop, behind the school for any reason. This includes participation in extracurricular activities. This will result in a $25 fine for the 1st offense.  
      2. No student may park in the front visitor parking lot. This will result in a $25 fine for the 1st offense.
      3. If you park in any handicap parking at anytime, you are subject to loss of your driving privileges for the remainder of the year. This will result in a $25 fine for the 1st offense.

    1. Vehicles are not to be operated on campus in any unsafe manner or at a speed in excess of 10 MPH.  Parking lots are not for “cruising”.
    2. Only students who are registered drivers will be allowed to drive to school. Any unregistered driver or vehicle is considered a safety concern. In such cases, tickets or fines may be given and vehicles are subject to be towed.
    3. A fee of $20.00 will be charged for parking on campus.  All financial obligations to the school (academic fees, lost books, library fines, athletic equipment, AFJROTC uniforms, etc.) must be paid before a parking permit may be purchased.  Student operated vehicles are not to be located on campus without a current parking tag properly displayed on the vehicle.  This tag must be attached to the rearview mirror in the front windshield.  There is a $10.00 replacement fee for lost or damaged parking tags.
    4. Students are not to litter the parking area.
    5.  Failure to follow parking rules and regulations may result in any or all of the following sanctions:
      1. Reprimand
      2. $10.00 fine.
      3. $10.00 fine and a week of loss driving privileges
      4. $10.00 and loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the semester
      5. $10.00 and loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the year

    NOTE:   Students who use their vehicles to transport themselves or others off-campus during the school day without permission from school personnel or the administration face the same penalties listed above.

    1. A student may be issued a temporary parking tag for $1.00 a day in the event that the student has a parking tag and must, for some reason, drive another vehicle temporarily, or if the student has a special temporary need to drive to school and does not have a parking permit.  Students may apply for temporary permits in the main office before or after school.
    2. All vehicles should be locked.  No valuables should be left in vehicles.  Items, if left in vehicles, should be removed from sight, preferably being locked in the trunks of the vehicles.  South Pointe High School is not responsible for a vehicle or its contents while parked on the South Pointe Campus.
    3.  Any theft from or damage to a vehicle on the school’s campus should be reported immediately to the main office.  The campus resource officer will be notified if he/she is available.  If the resource officer is unavailable, the Rock Hill Police Department should be contacted (329-7211).
    4.  If a car has been wrecked or traded, the parking tag must be brought to school in order to obtain a new tag.  Information on the new vehicle will be taken at this time.
    5. A student must not transfer his/her parking tag to another student.
    6.  Students experiencing chronic tardiness to school are subject to loss of their campus driving privileges.
    7. The parking lot is off limits during the school day, with the exception of students going to and from ATC or students who have obtained a pass from their administrator. All other students must leave the parking area immediately after parking their vehicle, and should not return until after school. Loitering in the parking lot or inside cars during breaks, lunch periods, or upon arrival to and dismissal from school is prohibited.  Students violating this rule are subject to disciplinary action.
    8. After school, students must leave school property immediately unless involved in extracurricular activities.
    9. Students are not to use their cars as lockers.
    10. All vehicles are subject to search while on the school campus. (Policy JLIE and Policy ARJIH-R)
    11. Only Rock Hill High School and South Pointe High School students with sophomore status or above may receive parking stickers for the ATC.
    12.  Student drivers are not permitted to transport passengers to and from ATC or to other schools with the exception of siblings living in the same household.         
    13.  Each student driving to the ATC must register his/ her car.  Driving registration forms may be obtained in ATC “A” office or from the student’s teacher.  The form must be completed and signed by the student along with the student’s parent.  All driving registration forms must be turned in to “A” office at ATC along with the student’s RHHS or SPHS hangtags. Per district policy, all ATC students must ride the bus to ATC. Registered drivers may drive alone and unaccompanied by a passenger                                 

    Alive at 25 Course Requirement

                Rock Hill High, and South Pointe require all students who wish to park vehicles on their school campuses, or the Applied Technology Center (ATC) campus, to complete the safe-driving course, Alive at 25.  Since Alive at 25 was launched in 2007, more than 55,000 students from ninety-eight South Carolina high schools have taken the course that emphasizes safe driving habits and the state's death toll among drivers 15-24 has dropped by 37%.

    The 4 ½ -hour program, taught by former South Carolina Highway Patrol officers, teaches students about the dangers of speeding, using a cell phone/texting while driving, driving while intoxicated, as well as how to drive defensively. It is important that students take this class to understand the precautions and safety guidelines they should take when driving and obtaining driving privileges.        

    Only eligible students who complete the Alive at 25 course will be able to purchase the $20.00 parking passes.  Once the course is completed, the school will be provided with the students’ names.

    Students will only need to successfully complete the course once during his or her high school career.

    The cost of the Alive at 25 course is $35.00; however, any student who cannot afford the fee should contact the South Carolina National Safety Council and ask about financial assistance.  Alive at 25 is sponsored by the National Safety Council, SC Chapter, and is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.  You may view available session dates and register online through our school’s website or at www.scaliveat25.org .

     

    STUDENT COUNCIL

     

                South Pointe High School’s Student Council provides a democratic forum in which students can address those school-related issues which affect the lives of our students. The Student Council provides a continuous communication channel between students, faculty members, and administrators. A year-long program of social functions and community projects is provided for students.  Training in the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship is offered, using the school environment as the primary training ground. South Pointe students are encouraged to seek positions in the Student Council. Positions range from officers to representatives.  Students who wish to run for election to Student Council offices should contact the Student Council advisor(s).

     

    STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

     

                Students who are actively involved in their school are more likely to feel as though they are a part of the larger school environment.  They also develop important social and leadership skills that will serve them well long after high school.  South Pointe offers a wide variety of club and organizational opportunities in which students can participate.  All clubs are student-led with a teacher serving as sponsor.  Listed below are short summaries of several of these organizations and clubs in order that students may channel their energies into service and interest projects.  This listing was accurate as of the time of printing.  Some clubs may not be available due to low student interest/participation.  Others may be added as the year goes along if there is enough student interest and a teacher is willing to serve as sponsor.  Interested students are encouraged to contact the sponsor of these programs.

     

    2022-2023 SPHS CLUBS/ORGS LIST

    Club/Organization Name

    Advisor Name(s)

    Academic Challenge Team

    Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Alford

    Beta Club

    Dr. Gordon, Ms. Madsen

    Drama Club

    Ms. Demato

    Engineering & Robotics Club

    Mr. Johnson, Ms. Chintapalli

    Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

    Ms. Moore

    Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

    Ms. Padgett

    Freshmen Class

    Dr. Gordon

    Gaming Club

    Mr. Machin

    General Council

    Ms. B. Hall

    Impulse Literary Magazine

    Ms. Dawson

    International Thespian Society

    Ms. Demato

    Junior Civitans

    Ms. Watson

    Junior Class

     

    National Honor Society

    Ms. Bradford

    Senior Class

     

    Sophomore Class

    Ms. Thomas

    South Pointe In the News (SPiN)

    Ms. Dawson, Mr. Ruff

    SPHS Pointed Praise Gospel Choir

    Ms. Dawson, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Washington,

    STAMPEDE Student Section

    Ms. B. Hall

    Student Council (StuCo)

    Ms. B. Hall

    Yearbook Club

    Ms. Padgett

     

     

    TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES

     

    Students will not be called to answer the phone during school hours.  Parents, friends, and employers should NOT call South Pointe to leave student messages.  Classes will not be disruptedp to deliver a message except in a serious emergency.  Telephones in school offices are designated for faculty and administrative use only.  If a student needs to make an emergency phone call to his/her parent or guardian, he or she should request to use the office phone.

    VISITORS

     

                Parents and all other visitors are requested to report directly to the office upon arrival at school.  The office staff will be happy to assist you in any way possible.  Only visitors who are on school business will be permitted on the grounds during school hours.   Immediately upon arriving on school grounds, all visitors must state their business with the proper authority and “check-in” at the main office.  As a part of the check-in procedure, visitors must present a valid driver’s license to be scanned as a part of our security procedures.  A visitor tag will be issued.  Pursuant to State Law, persons entering the school property are deemed to have consented to search of their person and property (Act 373 of 1994).

     

    SOUTH POINTE STALLION ATHLETICS

     

    South Pointe offers competitive extracurricular activities to all students.  The coaching staff encourages all students to become involved in our programs.  We strongly believe that a sound physically fit body will enhance the mind.  Physical fitness, exercise, strength and speed development, flexibility and endurance are important to the overall growth of the individual.  Combined with competition on the interscholastic level, we prepare ourselves for the days ahead in a very competitive society.

                South Pointe High School is a member of the South Carolina High School League, the AAAA Conference, and Region 3 which includes: Catawba Ridge, Indian Land, Lancaster, Northwestern, and York. We are required to meet the rules, regulations, and by-laws of the above organizations.  As participants, students must comply with certain requirements as well.  The coaches of each individual sport are here to assist students in any way.  Students must maintain the academic requirements prior to enrolling in the athletic program.  Academics have priority over athletics, although the two combined can be very worthwhile and rewarding to all participating students.

    We encourage student involvement and participation in representing our school, community, and family.  If we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to as

     

    FALL SPORTS

    Football: 9th Grade, Junior Varsity, Varsity

    Girls Tennis

    Girls Golf

    Competitive Cheerleading

    Cross Country

    Swimming

    Volleyball Boys: Varsity

    Volleyball Girls: JV & Varsity

     

    WINTER SPORTS

    Basketball Boys: 9th grade, Junior Varsity, Varsity

    Basketball Girls: Junior Varsity, Varsity

    Cheerleading

    Wrestling

     

     

    SPRING SPORTS

    Baseball: 9th Grade, Junior Varsity, Varsity

    Softball: Junior Varsity, Varsity Junior

    Boys Golf

    Boys Tennis

    Track and Field

    Soccer Boys: Junior Varsity, Varsity

    Soccer Girls: Junior Varsity, Varsity

     

     

     

     

    ATHLETIC PHYSICAL

     

    Any student engaging in any athletic competition that is sponsored by a school of the District or is played under the name of the school of a District shall be required to furnish a statement by a medical doctor certifying the student’s physical fitness. 

     

    ATHLETIC FEE/INSURANCE

     

      The Rock Hill School District collects a sixty dollar ($60) athletic fee each year from all athletes who are selected and participate in the Middle Schools’ and the High Schools’ athletic programs.  The fee is due once the athlete is selected to participate on a team.  Athletes may participate in multiple sports seasons after paying this one-time fee.  Ten dollars ($10) of the fee goes to mandatory supplemental insurance for each participating athlete.  The remainder of the fee goes towards the replacement of uniforms, equipment, and other athletic-related expenses.  In the event an athlete chooses to no longer participate or is removed from a team, the athletic fee will not be reimbursed.

     

    INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES

     

      Students who participate in interscholastic activities sponsored by the school shall be required to meet all the standards or requirements as prescribed by the State High School League and school district.

     

    Intra-District Transfers

    Rock Hill School District Athletic Rules

    Effective May 31st 2022

    1. Any student athlete who has an in-district transfer request (lack of a bona fide move of address) during the 2nd semester of the 8th grade year through the 12th grade year will result in ineligibility to participate in sports for 365 days from the date of transfer request.
    2. An appeal of eligibility may be made to the Athletic Appeals Committee within five days of ineligibility notification. Appeals committee consists of 3 high school principals, one middle school administrator, and the associate superintendent for athletics.
    3. High school coaches will work with the middle school athletic departments to develop opportunities to meet with students zoned for their high school. High school coaches will develop relationships with middle school students zoned for their school. Athletics will be a part of the parent orientation for high school and “jump up” days for middle school students transitioning to high school. Middle school athletic departments will work with high school athletic departments to create opportunities for coaches to meet with students during middle school years.
    4. High school coaches attending middle school events will attend as spectators. High school coaches will not be permitted on the middle school event sidelines, locker rooms, or team meeting spaces. High school coaches may talk with middle school athletes before or after a game.
    5. No middle school student or rising 9th grade student should try out for a high school team unless the student resides in the high school zone or has applied to attend a school of choice at the time of the tryout.
    6. No middle school student or rising 9th grade student should practice with a team, or workout with a team unless he/she resides in the high school zone or has applied to attend a school of choice at the time of the workout or practice.
    7. If a coach, assistant coach, volunteer coach is found to be recruiting, or utilizing others in the community to recruit, he/she will be subject to losing his/her coaching position,

    ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA

    1. A student who becomes 19 years of age prior to July 1of the upcoming school year will not be  eligible to compete in any athletic activities during the upcoming school year.
    2. A student must not participate under an assumed name.
    3. A student must be a bona fide student carrying the equivalent of at least four units of credit for which no previous credit has been received.
    4. A student must not have received a high school diploma or its equivalent.
    5. To be eligible to participate in athletic contests during fall semester, a student must meet the following criteria:
      1. Have an overall passing average for the preceding year (1.0 GPR);
      2. Have made a passing grade (D) the preceding semester in at least 2.5 full block subjects;
      3. If a student passes only two (2) courses in the preceding semester, he/she must pass all required courses up to two (2).
      4. Be regularly enrolled, in regular attendance, and carry at least 2 block courses during the school year.
    1. To be eligible to participate in athletic contest during spring semester, a student must meet the following criteria:
      1. Have an overall passing average for the preceding semester;
      2. Have made a passing grade (D) for the preceding semester in at least 2.5 full block subjects;
      3. If a student passes only two (2) courses the preceding semester he/she must pass all required courses spring semester.
      4. Be regularly enrolled, in regular attendance, and carry at least two (2) full courses during the school year.

    NOTE:  Physical Education (weight training) will not count toward eligibility once a student has completed two (2) years of physical education.  Two (2) courses in summer school may be used to gain eligibility.

    1. A student will be ineligible at the end of the fourth school year from the time he first entered 9th grade.
    2. A student must have attended school at least 60 days in the semester immediately preceding the present semester.
    3. A student must live with his parents or legally appointed guardian and attend the high school in his/her attendance area.  (See your principal for exceptions to this rule).
    4. A student is eligible immediately if a transfer is the result of a real change of residence of his parents or guardian.  (See your principal for exceptions to this rule).
    5. If guardianship is involved, a student must live with the appointed guardian for one calendar year following the filing of guardianship papers in the county clerk of court’s office.  (See your principal for exceptions to this rule)
    6. A student must not violate his or her amateur status.
    7. A student must not have transferred as a result of recruiting or undue influence.
    8. A student must not practice with, nor participate on, any athletic team other than a team representing his/her school during the school session.

    NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA)

    Eligibility Center Information for Athletes

    NCAA rules require that the NCAA Clearinghouse certify a student before the student can enroll as a student-athlete.  All prospective athletes must create a free profile page and get an NCAA ID, and they will receive important reminders as you complete high school.  See your counselor or coach for more information.

     

    BEHAVIOR AT ATHLETIC EVENTS

     

                SPHS is known for its school spirit, a spirit that is noted by anyone who visits the school or attends one of its athletic events.  As the players on the field or court have a responsibility to do their very best, so also do the fans in the stands.  Fan support is best when it is positive, good-natured, and sportsmanlike.  Booing, taunting, or deriding an opposing player, fan, or official is unacceptable.  Cheers, chants, signs, or gestures that are obscene, mocking, or derogatory are not reflective of Stallion spirit.  Any violation of this code of conduct for athletic events could result in any or all of the following consequences depending on the severity of the offense as deemed by school administration:  removal from the event, school punishment including but not limited to in-school suspension or out of school suspension, and banning of student from future school-sponsored events.

     

    TARDIES TO SCHOOL AND/OR CLAS

     

                It is the desire of the South Pointe administration and faculty for students to  have “0” tardiness to school in the morning and to classes during the school day.  Tardy students disrupt the learning of all students when they enter a classroom.  Tardiness causes a valuable loss of time.  Tardiness is also evidence of a lack of self-discipline and should NEVER be tolerated as habitual behavior.  Tardy to class/school is defined as: not in your classroom when the tardy bell rings.  Physical Education students are to be in their assigned roll call areas when the tardy bell sounds.

    Please note that tardiness due to running out of gas, oversleeping, flat tires, loss of electrical power, eating school breakfast, etc., are NOT excused tardies.  Excuses for tardiness should be submitted to the attendance office.  Students are advised to not waste tardies on situations like those listed above; rather, be on time so that serious penalties for excessive tardies can be avoided.

     

    Tardy Lock-out Policy

     

    South Pointe has enacted a lockout tardy policy, meaning teachers will close the doors to classrooms when the tardy bell rings.  (There will NOT be a warning bell that will ring one minutes prior to the tardy bell ringing.)  Students who are locked out will report to the designated area to receive one of the consequences listed below.

    Tardies will be accumulated per nine-weeks. This means that a student can reach levels of consequences as a result of a combination of tardies from various classes during the quarter.  It is possible to receive more than one tardy a day if a student is late to more than one class.  The consequences are as follows:

    Tardies 1-4: Automated Warning Call to Parent

    Tardy 5:  Phone Conference with Student and Parent

    Ripple Effects Assignment

    Tardy 6: 1 Block of ISS - Automated Call to Parent

    Tardy 7: 1 Day of ISS - Call to Parent

    Tardy 8: 2 Days of ISS - Call to Parent

    Tardy 9: 2 Days of ISS and Parent Conference

    Tardy 10: 1 Day of OSS and Parent Call

    Tardy 11: 1 Day of OSS and Parent Call

    Tardy 12: Long Term Suspension Hearing

     

    Note: In the event students are tardy to class, administrators will assign ISS, taking into consideration the class period that will be assigned.

     

    LATE ARRIVALS TO SCHOOL

     

                All non-bus riding students who arrive at school after 8:45 should report to the attendance office to sign in and receive an admittance pass before going to class.  This includes students that arrive during class change times.  Failure to sign in at the attendance office will result in a referral to the office.

    When a student fails to sign in, their absence is not changed to reflect attendance in school.  Failure to comply with this rule will affect attendance and cutting.

     

    LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL DUE TO BUS

     

    Should a student arrive at school on a late bus, the following procedures will be followed.  If a student is not eating breakfast, a time-stamped pass will be issued to the student to enter class.  The student will be allowed five minutes to get to class.  The teacher will not accept a pass without a timestamp. If they arrive over the five minutes they are considered late to class and will not be allowed in the classroom.  If a student is eating breakfast they will be issued a breakfast pass.  They will report directly to the cafeteria.  They now have ten minutes to eat breakfast. Once they are finished eating, the teacher on duty will time stamp the pass so they can report to class.  They will be allowed five minutes to get to class.  The teacher will not accept a pass without a timestamp.  If they arrive over the five minutes they are considered late to class. The student will be allowed in the classroom but the teacher will document the lateness to class.

     

    EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL

     

                Students must have the school’s permission to leave campus once they arrive on the school grounds.  A student may be dismissed from school with written permission from the parent or legal guardian once school personnel approves it. Permission will not be granted allowing students to leave campus for lunch. Early dismissal notes should be submitted to the attendance office before school.  Only those parents and emergency persons listed on the student information card will be allowed to pick up students for early dismissal.  Emergency contact information should be verified at the beginning of each year through completion of the returning student online registration.  The school needs to be informed in a timely manner if any changes may occur during the academic year in the information provided to the school.  In case of student emergencies occurring at school, the attendance clerk will notify parents by telephone.

    STUDENTS MUST ALWAYS SIGN OUT WITH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE BEFORE LEAVING CAMPUS.  This applies whether the student brought an early dismissal note or if the student was notified by Attendance during the day that they were to be dismissed early.  Failure to sign out or failure to leave campus immediately upon signing out could result in suspension.

     

    SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS

     

                Students are not permitted to leave school property once they have arrived in the morning without administrative approval until the regularly scheduled school closing time.  Once on campus, students may not leave to go to nearby stores, return home for needed items, etc.  STUDENTS MUST HAVE THE SCHOOL’S PERMISSION TO LEAVE CAMPUS ONCE THEY ARRIVE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

    Supervision will be provided in designated areas for a reasonable length of time before and after regular school time for classes or an extracurricular activity.  Supervision will be provided for students who ride a bus upon arrival and until such time as the bus departs after classes are dismissed.  All other students will be provided supervision no more than fifteen(15) minutes prior to the opening of school and fifteen(15) minutes after classes are dismissed.

    Supervision will be provided for students participating in extracurricular activities ten minutes prior to the designated arrival time and until all students have been picked up after the conclusion of the activity.  This will include time that may be required for dressing after athletic events.  Students who are repeatedly on the school premises after the designated time for supervision may be excluded from future extracurricular activities.

    School officials are not required to maintain direct supervision of spectators before or after extracurricular activity.  School officials will, at all times, provide reasonable supervision for crowd control during all extracurricular activities.

      

    DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION

    STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

     

    Across the nation and the state, a rash of serious incidents, accidents and injuries have awakened educators, parents, and law enforcement officials to the need for more emphasis on maintaining order in the schools.  South Pointe High School has enacted and will enforce a strong Code of Student Conduct designed to deter unacceptable behaviors and teach students to abide by the rules.  The basis of the strict code is the concept of RESPECT…respect for others, for property, for authority, and for self. The code of student conduct also emphasizes PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.  Each STUDENT is responsible for his/her own behavior and for knowing the rules of his/her school.  TEACHERS are expected to handle minor misconduct thus avoiding referral to the principal or the principal’s designee. PARENTS shall be involved early in the process by working directly with their child’s teacher, as well as the school administration.  The offenses listed in this code of student conduct are considered serious and will be enforced by the school administration.

    Unacceptable behaviors are defined uniformly, but the consequences may vary depending on the degree of misconduct, the age, and record of the student, any special services the student may be receiving, and the judgment of the principal or the principal’s designee.

    All behaviors cannot be measured on an objective scale of deficiency, nor can such behaviors be attributed to the same motives.  Therefore, the consequence section of the code of conduct is established as a MINIMUM guide for school officials to follow.  The Principal reserves the right to assess each offense on its individual merit, and on the basis of its severity, and may impose any reasonable consequence.

    All discipline rules and regulations shall apply at all school functions including the regular school day, school-sponsored events including extracurricular activities, student activity trips, field trips, and summer school-sponsored activities.  Disruptive or poor behavior may result in a student being banned from attending future extracurricular activities.

     

     

    STUDENT’S RIGHTS

    STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES

    1.  To be informed of all school rules and the consequences if violated.

    1.   To observe all school rules and accept personal consequences if violated.

    2.  To be shown personal respect by all other students and school personnel.

    2.   To demonstrate respect to all other students and school personnel.

    3. To use school facilities, properties, and materials in an appropriate manner.

    3. To respect and protect school facilities, properties, and materials.

    4.  To attend school and benefit from quality educational opportunities.

    4.   To attend school and all classes on time and on a regular basis.

    5.  To have access to an appropriate education, including instruction and use of materials and tests, at a level that allows an opportunity for success.

    5. To actively participate in educational opportunities, completing classroom assignments and homework to the best of their ability.

    6.  To hear, examine, and express divergent points of view, including freedom of speech, written expression and symbolic expression.

    6.  To consider and respect the divergent point of view of others.  Being sure that personal expressions, either spoken, written or by symbol, do not infringe on the rights of others.

    7.   To know in advance how grades in a class will be determined.

    7.  To understand the teacher’s grading systems, monitoring his or her own progress in each class.

    8. To enjoy a reasonable degree of personal privacy.

    8. To keep their persons and property free of dangerous or illegal objects, materials, and substances.

    9.   To participate in extra-curricular activities and clubs if they qualify academically or otherwise.  Students may not be excluded on the basis of sex (except as allowed under Title IX), color, race, ethnic origin, religion or disability.

    9. To abide by the rules of extra-curricular, activities, as well as display school spirit and good sportsmanship.

    10. To choose whether or not to participate in patriotic or religious activities.

    10. To respect the rights of others to participate in patriotic or religious activities.

    11.  To receive personal, academic, and vocational counseling.

    11. To seek personal, academic, and vocational counseling.

    12. To receive due process in all disciplinary actions, including an appeal procedure.

    12. To cooperate with school personnel in cases involving disciplinary actions, following prescribed steps for an appeal, and accepting final decisions.

    13. To dress comfortably in a manner appropriate to a school setting.

    13. To dress in a way not offensive to others, nor in violation of the school dress code.

    14. To assemble peacefully on school grounds.

    14. To assemble so as not to disrupt the educational process.

    15. To participate in school government based on a democratic process.

    15. To take an active interest in student government.

     

    16.  To remain in the school program if married, if a parent, or if pregnant.

    16. To seek appropriate medical advice regarding school attendance and communicate with school officials about their attendance status.

           17.  To have access to records and/or transcripts

                As provided by statute.

    17. To provide the school with all information relevant to making educational decisions.

    18. To be free from all forms of sexual harassment by any person at school or school-sponsored events.

    18.  To avoid making unwelcome and inappropriate verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

    19. To attend a school that is safe and free from unlawful drugs and alcohol.

    19.  To not possess or use any unlawful drugs and/or alcohol at school or school-sponsored events.

    20. To attend a school that is safe and free from weapons and weapon look-a-likes.

    20.  To not possess or use weapons or weapon look-a-likes at school or school-sponsored events.

     

    PARENT’S ROLE

                South Pointe High School seeks to provide all students with the best opportunities for academic and personal growth. To successfully meet our goal we must work with and have the cooperation of all parents.  It is the school’s responsibility to provide a safe, non-threatening environment for all students, and we ask that all parents...

    • Teach your child self-respect, respect for the law, respect for the authority in the school and respect for the rights and property of others;
    • Show a positive attitude toward the school and toward your child’s learning progress;
    • Make certain your child attends school ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, except for serious emergencies or when his/her illness is debilitating or may be contagious.
    • Know your child’s school, the teachers and the administration, and the expected curriculum;
    • Work closely with school personnel to solve any disciplinary or academic problems;
    • Teach your child to dress properly and neatly and to be clean and well-groomed;
    • Make sure the school has your correct/current home and work telephone numbers, home address, and at least two emergency contacts (name/number);
    • Encourage your child to get personally involved in school activities by participating in extracurricular programs.

                Research continues to show that students are much more successful academically and personally when their parents get actively involved in their child’s school experience.  We look forward to getting to know and working with all our parents.

     

    ADMINISTRATOR’S ROLE

     

    • The administrators will, with the assistance of the faculty and staff, develop a Code of Conduct that is based on the school’s philosophy.  Emphasis will be placed on RESPECT and RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING.
    • The principal or principal’s designee will have statutory powers, which permit them to determine disciplinary action appropriate to student misconduct.  The Principal shall always protect the students’ rights of due process and appeal.
    • The principal, or the principal’s designee, shall give strong consideration to the recommendation for discipline made by a teacher, other members of the instructional staff, or a bus driver when making a decision regarding student referral for discipline.
    • The principal, or the principal’s designee, may recommend to the Superintendent the exclusion of any student who has committed a serious breach of conduct, including, but not limited to, willful disobedience, open defiance of authority against a member of the school staff, violence against persons or property, or any other act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of the school.  Any recommendation of exclusion shall include a detailed report by the principal, or the principal’s designated representative, on the alternative measures taken prior to the recommendation of exclusion.
    • The principal, or the principal’s designee, will make a reasonable attempt to contact the student’s parents or guardians and inform them of the investigation of cases that may lead to a recommendation of exclusion for their child.
    • The principal, or the principal’s designee, shall make a good faith effort immediately to inform a student’s parent or guardian by telephone of a student’s suspension and the reasons for the suspension.  A copy of all discipline referrals will be sent to parents.
    • Principal’s, or the principal’s designee, will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent or guardian of a student who may be placed in personal or legal jeopardy due to interrogation by a law officer, and given the opportunity to be present during questioning.  If the parent cannot be present, the principal or his designee may be given permission to be present in the absence of the parent.  This does not include questions concerning any other matter pertaining to school or a school-related activity or event.
    • The principal, or principal’s designee, must release a student to law enforcement officers when a warrant is presented for the student’s arrest. In this case, the principal should make a reasonable attempt to contact the parent or guardian.
    • It is understood that disciplinary decisions are based on the judgment of the individual administrator according to the details of each specific case.
    • The Code defines minimum consequences to be assigned for certain violations of school policy, procedures, and expectations; however, the principal or his designee determines the consequence.  The administration may assign more than the minimums indicated in this Code.
    • The student’s record may be considered.  Consequences will be increasingly severe if rules are broken repeatedly or habitually.  Repeated disruptive behavior may constitute “defiance of authority,” and may result in exclusion.
    • The principal is required to report certain infractions to law enforcement authorities and may press charges if the violation warrants such action.

     

    LIVING THE SOUTH POINTE WAY”

     

    "The South Pointe Way" is an initiative that is centered upon the principles of PBIS, Positive Behavior Intervention, and Support.  The goal of "The South Pointe Way" is to express the importance of our three core values, which are Integrity, Community, and Excellence, while at the same time rewarding positive behaviors that take place in our school every day. 

    Our goal is to provide numerous opportunities for students to experience success at South Pointe High School. For this purpose, we have school wide expectations for behaviors we expect of our students here at South Pointe High School. We have incentives in place in order to help us accomplish our goal. We are excited about the fact that our students are rewarded for their positive contributions to our school culture. We are proud to say that we are “Living the South Pointe Way”.  

     

    COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

                Students who have complaints or grievances concerning school matters are to discuss such complaints or grievances with the appropriate assigned administrator.  The decision of the principal may be appealed to the Superintendent.  The decision of the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board.

                The Board will only hear complaints and grievances when such have been presented through the channels outlined above. JICDA Code of Conduct Issued 5/16

     

    Purpose: To establish the basic structure for a code of conduct and discipline for students.

    The board expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified, and respectful manner. This requirement refers to their actions toward other students and teachers, their language, their dress, and their manners. The board believes self-discipline is an interpersonal goal of public education.

    Students have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules, and regulations of the school and district. Violations of such policies, rules, and regulations will result in disciplinary actions.

    The district's code of conduct and discipline is established to achieve and maintain order in the schools. In administrative rule JICDA-R, the administration offers a list of offenses along with the required or recommended dispositions for the information of students, parents/legal guardians, and school personnel.

    Disciplinary actions will include appropriate hearings and reviews. The removal of a student from the learning environment will occur only for just cause and in accordance with due process of law. The board authorizes its school authorities to employ probation and suspension and to recommend expulsion, if necessary, to enforce this policy (see policies JKD and JKE). The administration will consider extenuating circumstances when taking disciplinary action.

     

    The administrative rule is effective during the following times and in the following places:

    • on the school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours

    • on the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group

    • off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event

    • en route to and from school on a school bus or other school vehicle or at an official school bus stop

    • at any time or place that has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the Rock Hill School District

     

    Administrative Rule: JICDA-R Code of Conduct

    Issued 5/16

    Level I - Disorderly Conduct

    Disorderly conduct includes any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which disturb the classroom or school.

    Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • classroom tardiness

    • cheating on examinations or classroom assignments

    • lying

    • acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process

    • abusive or profane language between or among students

    • failure to complete assignments or carry out directions

    • use of forged notes or excuses

    • cutting class

    • leaving school without permission

    • school tardiness

    • truancy

    • excessive unexcused absences

    • cell phone violation

    • dress code violation

    • failure to display ID when one is required

    • internet violations

    • unauthorized or inappropriate use of electronic devices

    • unauthorized distribution or presentation of a publication or material

     

    The staff will follow these basic enforcement procedures in instances of disorderly conduct:

    • When the staff member observes (or is notified about and verifies) an offense, the staff member will take immediate action to correct the misconduct. The staff member will use an appropriate sanction and maintain a record of the misconduct and the sanction.

    • If particular misconduct is not immediately correctable, the staff member should refer the problem to the appropriate administrator for action specified under this administrative rule.

    • The administrator should meet with the reporting staff member, and, if necessary, the student and the parent/legal guardian, and should apply the appropriate disciplinary action.

    • The administrator will maintain a complete record of the procedures.

    • The staff may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    - verbal reprimand

    - withdrawal of privileges

    - detention

    - in-school suspension

    - out-of-school suspension

    - confiscate item

    - academic penalty (cheating)

    Level II - Disruptive Conduct

    Disruptive conduct includes those activities in which students engage that are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative sanctions and court proceedings.

    The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student frequently engages in (Level I) disorderly conduct offenses.

    Acts of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • use of an intoxicant
    • use or possession of tobacco products or materials
    • fighting
    • recording, posting and/or sharing videos of a fight
    • inciting others to violence or provoking a fight
    • vandalism (minor)
    • stealing
    • threats against others
    • harassment, intimidation, hazing, or bullying
    • trespassing
    • profane or abusive language to staff
    • refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aides or chaperones) whose responsibilities include supervision of students
    • possession or use of unauthorized substances
    • possession or use of a controlled substance or paraphernalia associated with the use of controlled substances, as defined by law or local school board policy
    • illegally occupying or blocking school property in any way with the intent to deprive others of its use
    • noncompliance of administrative direction during a school emergency
    • unlawful assembly
    • failure to cooperate fully with school officials in the investigation of a Level II offense
    • disrupting a lawful assembly
    • bus misconduct
    • horseplay, hitting, tripping, or pushing that could cause injuries or damage to property
    • gambling

     

    The staff will follow these basic enforcement procedures in instances of disruptive conduct:

    • When the administrator observes (or is notified and verifies) an offense, he/she will investigate the circumstances of the misconduct and confer with staff on the extent of the consequences.
    • The administrator will notify the parent/legal guardian of the student's misconduct and related proceedings. The administrator will meet with the student and, if necessary, the parent/legal guardian, confer with them about the student's misconduct, and apply the appropriate disciplinary action.
    • The administrator will keep a complete record of the procedures.
    • If appropriate, school officials should notify law enforcement authorities.
    • The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to the following:

    - temporary removal from class

    - temporary or permanent removal from the bus

    - alternative education program

    - in-school suspension

    - out-of-school suspension

    - transfer

    - referral to an outside agency

    - expulsion

    - restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

    Level III - Criminal Conduct

    Criminal conduct includes those activities in which students engage that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which poses a direct and serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school. These activities usually require administrative actions that result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the board.

    Acts of criminal conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • assault and battery

    • extortion

    • bomb threat

    • false fire alarms

    • possession/use of fireworks or explosive devices

    • failure to report knowledge of weapons or explosive devices to school authorities

    • possession, use, or transfer of dangerous weapons

    • possession or transfer of look-a-like weapons

    • sexual acts/offenses

    • vandalism (major)

    • theft, possession, or sale of stolen property

    • arson

    • furnishing or selling unauthorized substances, as defined by board policy

    • furnishing, selling, or possession of controlled substances (drugs, narcotics, or poisons)

    • distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture, or unlawful possession of a controlled substance while in or within a radius of one-half mile of school grounds

    • threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a teacher, principal, or members of their immediate family

    The staff will follow these basic enforcement procedures in instances of criminal conduct:

    • The administrator will contact law enforcement.

    • When an administrator observes (or is notified of and verifies) an offense, the administrator will confer with the staff involved, apply the appropriate disciplinary action, and, if appropriate, meet with the student.

    • If warranted, the administrator should immediately remove the student from the school environment. The administrator will notify a parent/legal guardian as soon as possible.

    • Staff will follow established due process procedures when applicable.

    • The administrator will keep a complete record of the procedures.

    • The administration may apply sanctions in cases of criminal conduct that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    - out-of-school suspension

    - assignment to alternative schools

    - expulsion

    - restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

    Extenuating, Mitigating, or Aggravating Circumstances

    The board may give the appropriate administrator the authority to consider extenuating, mitigating, or aggravating circumstances that may exist in a particular case of misconduct. The administrator should consider such circumstances in determining the most appropriate sanction.

    Student Conduct Away From School Grounds or School Activities

    Administrators are to take appropriate action when student misconduct away from school grounds or school activities has a detrimental effect on the educational environment, safety, or general welfare of students or staff of the district. Student misconduct includes any action performed in person, in writing, or electronically. The administrator should take into consideration the protection of students and staff from the effects of video recordings, violence, drugs, and/or disruptions. At a minimum, administrators or their designees should meet with the student upon his/her arrival at school, give the student notice of the concerns, and allow the student an opportunity to present his/her side of the story. The administration may either permit the student to attend classes as usual or may take appropriate disciplinary action including, but not limited to, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension in order to conduct an investigation into the matter. The parents/legal guardians of students will be notified of any action taken by the administration and offered the opportunity for a conference with the administration.

    In the event the student is incarcerated based on his/her out-of-school conduct, the principal or his/her designee will notify the student that he/she is to meet with the administration prior to returning to school. At the conclusion of the inquiries to obtain more information on the matter, the administrator or his/her designee should take appropriate action which may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

    • returning the student to his/her normal class schedule and removing all evidence of suspension

    • placing the student on probation and allowing the student to resume his/her normal class schedule

    • placing the student on probation, allowing the student to continue classwork, but restricting the student's participation in extracurricular activities and/or designated school activities; for example, clubs, study halls, pep rallies, student government activities, and so forth

    • suspending the student

    • recommending expulsion of the student from regular school and placement in the district's alternative school

    • recommending expulsion but allowing access to virtual school programs through the district's alternative school (these students are only allowed on the alternative school campus for coursework and exams that require a proctor in a virtual school accessed through our district's alternative school); students not able to successfully enroll will be expelled for the remainder of the school year

    • recommending expulsion of the student for the remainder of the year

     

    IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM (ISS)

    Students who are suspended in school for violating school rules will serve the suspension in the in-school suspension classroom. Students will only be assigned to ISS by a school administrator.  Assigned students should report to ISS by 8:45 a.m. on the days assigned.  The student will remain there until school is dismissed.  If a student has an early release, he/she will be permitted to leave at that time but will be required to make up this time in ISS the following day.  While in ISS, the student must do the work that is assigned by the supervising teacher and obey the rules. ISS Rules are as follows:

    • Students will be assigned seats and will remain in the seat assigned to them unless otherwise instructed, desks should not be moved, turned, or altered in any way.
    • No Talking unless asking a question to ISS Monitor
    • Laptops will be collected when entering, time will be set aside for completion of Canvas assignments
    • Cell phones will be collected upon entry; they will be secured and returned at the end of the day
    • No video streaming of any kind is permitted
    • Bathroom breaks are taken ONCE per class period
    • Disrespectful language will not be tolerated
    • Students should not open the door for visitors or other students
    • Assignments are expected to be completed once laptops are returned, failure to do so will result in trip to admin and possibly an additional day of ISS
    • No vending machine trips. All students will have a chance to eat lunch.
    • No sleeping

    Students must serve all days assigned in ISS.  Failure to serve will result in an absence for the days missed and upon the student's return to school, he/she must complete the suspension in ISS.  Students who report to regular classes after being assigned to In-School Suspension or fail to follow ISS rules will receive further disciplinary action.

    Students who serve ISS will be counted present in school for those days. It is the student's responsibility to go to each teacher and find out what was missed.  This should be done before and after school on the suspension days. Those who wait until after their suspension days to ask for makeup work will find themselves further behind in their classes.  Failure to make up the work within three days may negatively impact any graded assignments. Students in ISS will need to bring work to complete, they will have limited access to CANVAS. They should ask the teacher for a paper copy of any assignment.

     

    OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

    Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will be in the best interest of the school at all times.  Conduct, which disrupts class, or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others, is a basis for suspension or exclusion of the student. The student's administrator may assign OSS for a period of one to ten days based on the severity of the incident.

    Assignments can be made up during OSS. Students should locate assignments on Canvas and contact their teacher via email if they have any assignment specific questions.

     

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXCLUSIONS (EXPULSION)

    The administrative staff at South Pointe High School has developed guidelines for semester exclusions. A student will be recommended for exclusion from school when the student has accumulated 10 days of Out of School Suspension. Students may be recommended for immediate exclusion if the violation falls under our Safe School policy that recommends student exclusion. Examples of conduct that may lead to suspension or exclusion are indicated in the discipline section of the handbook. Please read and fully understand the contents of this policy.

    Students who are recommended for exclusion will be provided an opportunity for a hearing before the district exclusion hearing officer. The hearing officer may recommend that the student be readmitted to school immediately, that the student be excluded for less than the remainder of the year, or that the student be excluded for the remainder of the year. 

    Suspension or exclusion recommendation in no way rescinds the right of the principal to have a student arrested when the conduct of the student has violated "the law" or poses a threat to property or the well being of other students or staff.  

     

    PETITIONS FOR READMISSION FROM EXCLUSIONS (EXPULSION)

    Students who have been expelled for the remainder of the current school year or for the remainder of a semester in some cases in high school may make a written request to the superintendent, or the superintendent’s designee, for readmission for the subsequent semester or school year.  The request must be in the form of a reflection letter written by the student and signed by both the parent and the student.  The letter should meet the guidelines described in the attached Expulsion Reentry Course Description.  All students must complete the mandatory portion of the Expulsion Re Entry Course. Students in high school who are expelled and enroll and successfully matriculate in one of the school district’s alternative program opportunities, such as the Renaissance Academy or Alternative Educational Services, will not have to complete all parts of the Expulsion Re Entry Course.  As well, middle school students will not have to complete all parts of the Expulsion Re Entry Course.

    If a student fails to complete the reentry requirements as specified in the Expulsion Reentry Course or chooses not to attempt the Expulsion Re Entry Course, the student may return to school on a strict behavior contract.  If a student fails to initiate the reentry process and is under the age of 17 years old, he/she will be referred to Family Court for truancy according to the Compensatory Attendance Regulations for South Carolina.

    If the superintendent, or the superintendent’s designee, denies the student’s request, or in all cases of permanent expulsion, the student may make a written request to the Rock Hill School District Three of York County Board of Trustees for readmission and may include a request to appear before the board.  If the request is denied by the board, the student may submit another request prior to the following school year.

     

    STUDENT DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

    FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

                An activity often entails activities of public interest, visibility, and focus of attention.  Students who take part in such activities, in effect, serve as special ambassadors of the school they represent.  Consequently, the behavior of those students who choose to participate in these activities draws such public interest and attention that is unique in its capacity to elevate or diminish the School District’s standing in the public mind.  A strong public education program cannot exist without strong public support.

            Therefore, all students participating in extracurricular activities who are charged by law enforcement authorities with criminal conduct or who engage in other acts of “gross misbehavior”, e.g. (A) possession or use of controlled substances at school or at school-sponsored activities, (B) acts of disrespect to a teacher or other school authority, (C) acts of cruelty or violence either physical or emotional, (D) use of profane or vulgar language – shall, at the discretion of the principal, be subject to suspension and/or possible exclusion from participation in extracurricular activities.

     

    Notice of Decision and Right to Appeal Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities

     

                 Notice of a decision by the principal to suspend or exclude shall be given to the student’s parent/guardian in writing.  In those instances where the principal’s decision is to suspend the student from participation in activities for more than five (5) consecutive school days, the notice shall conclude with a final sentence that stands alone and in bold print that reads as follows:

    “This decision may be appealed to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee within five (5) days of this decision by submitting the following request in writing and addressed to Superintendent, Rock Hill School District, P.O. box 10072, Rock Hill, SC 29731: Please schedule at the earliest available time a hearing to review the decision of ____________________________,

    Principal of _____________________________ school, to (suspend) (exclude) my son/daughter, _________________________________, from participating in activities.

                 Nothing herein shall be construed as limiting the responsibility or authority of school officials to initiate standard disciplinary processes or take other disciplinary actions as may be deemed appropriate.

       Any student formally charged by law enforcement with criminal conduct about which school officials neither know nor are able through their own investigative efforts are able to determine the facts will be required to cease participating in extracurricular activities pending resolution of the criminal charge.  Upon resolution of the charges, the matter will be reexamined and a decision made regarding any further exclusion from extracurricular activities.

     

    ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS

    The possession, use, being under the influence of, or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances on school campuses will result in OSS, mandatory participation in the District Keystone program, referral to law enforcement, and possible expulsion.  Students can attend Keystone only once per academic year.  A second offense during the same academic year will result in a recommendation for expulsion.  All suspected illegal substances will be confiscated.

     

    TOBACCO/VAPES USE AND POSSESSION

    Rock Hill Schools prohibits the use and/or possession of all tobacco/vape products or paraphernalia including, but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and snuff by all students, staff, and visitors. Rock Hill Schools is a 100% tobacco-free, smoke-free environment for all students, staff, and visitors within all district facilities, vehicles, and grounds and at all district-sponsored events or when district facilities are being used.

    Beginning with the 2022/2023 School Year, possession of a vaping device, use of a vaping device, or selling “hits” on a vaping device may yield the following consequences:

    1st Offense

    • School Consequences – 2 days of ISS

    • Parent contact

    • Successful completion (score of 100 on each of the four modules) of on-line vaping course (to be taken while in ISS).

    Charges filed by RHPD or YCSO if on-line vaping course is not successfully completed

    2nd Offense

    • School Consequences – up to 2 days OSS

    • Parent meeting

    • Behavior contract (signed by parent and student) to include vaping cessation expectations

    • Referral to a 2-hour F2F vaping cessation course at a central location 

    • Charges filed by RHPD or YCSO if F2F vaping cessation course is not successfully completed

    3rd Offense

    • School Consequences – up to 3 days OSS

    • Parent Meeting

    • Review of behavior contract with student/parent.

    • Referral to individual counseling with Keystone 

    • Charges/Fines by RHPD or YCSO if individual counseling is not successfully completed Subsequent

     

    Offenses may shift to “insubordination” or “refusal to comply with school rules”, etc. Consequences should be provided accordingly.

     

    Vapes that contain THC, or any other illegal substance will be disciplined per the Code of Conduct for drug possession, under the influence, and/or distribution, as applicable.

     

    Board policies that support mandatory enrollment in a tobacco prevention education program:

    GEBD – Tobacco Free Workplace

    JICG –Tobacco Use by Students

    JICG-R

    ADC – Tobacco Free School District

     

    SEARCH AND SEIZURE AND THE USE OF TRAINED DRUG DOGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTIES

    In compliance with RHSD policy and as authorized by state law, school administrators and officials may conduct reasonable searches on District property of lockers, desks, vehicles, and personal belongings such as purses, book bags, wallets, and satchels, with or without probable cause, subject to the limitations and requirements of this policy to include random searches.  Board policy permits district personnel to conduct random blanket searches of school property with professionally trained handlers and dogs for the purposes of detecting the presence of illegal materials.  - Policy JIH and Administrator Rule JIH-R

     

    DRUG DOG

                The Rock Hill School District and the Rock Hill Police Department established a drug prevention program designed to keep school premises free of controlled substances.  An officer of the Police Department and a dog trained to detect drugs will periodically visit schools to inspect lockers and automobiles parked on the premises.  The program is designed for the dog to sniff property only.  Should a student with a controlled substance on his/her person come close to the dog, the animal will pick up the scent.  This may be the reason for the principal to investigate further.  The principal or his designee will accompany the officer while on school grounds.  Students found to be involved in bringing controlled substances to school will be disciplined according to district policies.

    The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that random drug testing for students who participate in extracurricular activities is constitutional as long as certain procedural steps are followed.

                Before taking disciplinary action, pursuant to this rule, the principal shall meet and confer with the student’s teacher and extracurricular sponsor(s).  The principal’s decision shall be final unless reversed or modified on appeal to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee, in which event the decision of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall be final.

                If a student is found to be in violation of the above rule, the following consequences shall be applied:

    FIRST OFFENSE:  The student shall be suspended from all extracurricular activities for not less than five (5) consecutive school days.  If the offense involves the use or possession of a controlled substance, the student must enroll in the Keystone program and complete the program.  If at any point, the student fails to follow all rules and regulations for attendance and participation in the program, he/she will immediately become ineligible to participate in any activity until the program is fully completed.  The student’s eligibility to resume participation is contingent upon his/her agreement to participate in a random controlled substance testing program for a period of not less than six school months.

    SECOND OFFENSE:  The student shall be suspended from all extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year.  However, if the second offense occurs with less than six(6) weeks remaining in the school year, the principal may, if he/she chooses, extend the suspension period to include the first six (6) weeks grading period of the ensuing school year.

    FELONY CRIMINAL CHARGES:  Charges brought by law enforcement of felony criminal offenses shall result in immediate ineligibility for a calendar year from the date of the charge.  If a student is found not guilty of such charges, he/she shall be eligible, following review by the principal, for immediate reinstatement.  If a charge brought forth by law enforcement is of high and serious nature, but may not be classified as a felony, the charge may be determined, by review of the principal, to be treated just like a felony for purposes of this rule.

                Any violation of this rule under a court-ordered penalty or performance obligation (i.e. pre-trial intervention) of some kind would remain ineligible, as the rule should apply until the court order has been fully satisfied.

     

    DISTRICT POLICY ON HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION OR BULLYING

    Code JICFAA Issued 1/16

    Purpose: To establish the basic structure for maintaining a safe, positive environment for students and staff that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

     

    The board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student by students, staff, and third parties that interfere with or disrupt a student’s ability to learn and the school’s responsibility to educate its students in a safe and orderly environment whether in a classroom, on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises, or another program or function where the school is responsible for the student.

     

    HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION

            Harassment is unwelcome behavior that makes a student or staff member feel uncomfortable or unsafe.  Such behavior is detrimental to the learning environment and can add to poor self-esteem on the part of the person being harassed.  Such behavior goes beyond what would be considered innocent fun.  Harassment can take the form of physical, verbal, and/or nonverbal behavior.  Some examples of this inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to the following unwelcome behaviors: physical contact, threats, insults, name calling, obscene gestures, telephone calls, text messages, electronic or online communications (Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, etc.), jokes, notes, starting/repeating rumors about someone, continuous staring at someone which brings about obvious discomfort, and other inappropriate behaviors which have the same effect on someone.

                No one deserves such treatment as that stated above.  If a student feels he/she is being harassed, the student should first ask the harasser to stop the unwanted behavior.  If the behavior continues, the student should report the problem to a teacher, a counselor, an administrator, or another school person in whom the student has trust.  In addition, the victim should refrain from using harassing behaviors himself/herself in retaliation for the treatment (s) he is receiving.  It is most important that the problem be addressed in the proper manner.

                If a student is unsure whether his/her behavior is harassing in nature, the student should ask himself/herself if the behavior is one that would be appropriate to display in front of an adult that I (the student) respects.  Or, would the behavior be unwelcome if it were directed toward someone that I (the student) love?  If the answer to either of these questions is “No,” then the behavior is likely to be harassing or offensive and should be eliminated.

                Students who continue to allow themselves to be the victims of harassing people are, in effect, condoning such behavior.  A student should not be afraid to seek help if he/she cannot get the harasser to terminate the undesired behavior.  All reported incidents will be investigated by administrative personnel.

    Policy JIAA Sexual Harassment of Students (Issued 11/21):

    Purpose: To establish the board's vision for student rights and responsibilities with regard to sexual harassment.

    Any student who feels he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment is encouraged to file a complaint in accordance with administrative rule JIAA-R.

    District Policy AR JIAA-R Sexual Harassment of Students (Issued 11/21).

     *Note: Upon receipt of a complaint under this policy, the administrator shall consult with the Title IX coordinator for guidance. This policy does not apply to any conduct that rises to the level of sexual harassment, as determined by the Title IX coordinator, consistent with the 2020 Title IX regulations addressed in Board policies GBAB and JBAB.

     

    A parent/legal guardian may also file a complaint on behalf of his/her child, using the district form JIAA-E. All allegations will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and impartially to determine what occurred. In the interim and at the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate steps will be taken to effectively address the situation.

    FILE: JIAA-E SEXUAL HARASSMENT FORMAL COMPLAINT FORM

    Note: Form may be printed from an online handbook or it may be picked up anonymously from the guidance and administrative areas of the building.

     

    SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

                Students are not to enter buses at any time during the day. All students are instructed to obey the bus driver’s orders while on the bus.  Students are reminded that all rules of conduct applying in the school also apply on the bus.  RIDING A STATE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE AND NOT A RIGHT.

     

    MEETING THE BUS

    1.   Students must be on time.

    2.   In approaching the bus stop, if a pupil has to walk along the highways, he/she should always walk on the left, on the shoulder, facing traffic.

    3.   When crossing the highways, he/she should walk, not run.

    4.   Pupils should not run alongside the bus when the bus is moving, but should wait until it stops and then walk to the door.

    5.   Balloons and flowers are not permitted on school buses.

     

    ON THE BUS

    1.   Passengers should go to their assigned seats, without crowding or pushing, and remain seated while the bus is in motion.

    2.   Passengers must never extend arms, legs or head out of the bus.

    3.   Passengers should not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion, except in an emergency.

    4.   Passengers must never tamper with the emergency door or any other part of the bus equipment.

    5.   Passengers must not mark nor deface the bus, and seat coverings must not be damaged in any manner.  Any damage to the bus or the seats should be reported by the pupil to the driver as soon as possible.

    6.   Only the driver or other authorized person should remove the First Aid Equipment, which is to be used only for emergency treatment.

    7.   Passengers must not tamper with The Fire Extinguisher, which is to be used only by the driver in an emergency.

    8.   Passengers must not fight or scuffle in the bus or create any disturbance.  Classroom conduct should be maintained.

    9.   Passengers must not wave or shout at pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles and must not throw objects from the windows.

    10.  Books, lunch boxes, or other objects should not be placed in the aisle of the bus.

     

    LEAVING THE BUS

    ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

    1. Passengers must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.  They must never attempt to leave until the bus has come to a full stop and the door is opened to indicate they may leave.

    2. Passengers should leave in an orderly manner.   Pupils in the front seat leave first.

    3. Pupils must not loiter nor play around the stopped or parked bus.

    4. Pupils should not enter a restricted area set aside for bus parking or loading.

     

    ON THE TRIP HOME

    1. Passengers are permitted to leave only at regularly designated stopsAny changes must be made with the parent’s request and approved by the school official.

    2. A student who must cross the highway after exiting the bus should go around to the FRONT of the bus and wait for the bus driver of the school bus patrol to direct him/her to cross the highway.

     

                Specific student behavior expectations are established for the safe and efficient operation of the school district transportation system in accordance with state laws and regulations.  Transportation is considered an extension of the regular school.  Students who violate behavior expectations while riding a bus are subject to suspension from riding the bus and/or all other penalties established for misbehavior while students are on the school premises.  Copies of these regulations are provided annually to all students.  Additional copies may be obtained from the school principal or the director of the district bus transportation system.

     

    BUS INTERFERENCE

                It is illegal to interfere with the operation of any school bus.  Other than authorized school personnel and students, no one is to board a bus, restrict the movement of the bus in any way, or use any form of threat (physical or verbal) to the driver or any passenger.  Orders issued by school bus drivers must be followed explicitly.  Legal action can be taken against any person violating this law (State Law 59-67-245).

                School bus drivers are not permitted to allow students to leave the bus or to be removed from the bus by anyone while enroute to their assigned bus stops.  Therefore, parents may not stop the bus to remove a student prior to the student’s arrival at his/her regular bus stop.

     

    PHOTOS AND RELEASE

    OF STUDENT INFORMATION

    The following information is releasable upon request at the direction of the student’s school principal: the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, photo, subjects of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance (on both annual and daily basis), diplomas and awards received, and the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student.

     

    Any parent or guardian of a student attending Rock Hill Schools who would prefer that any or all of the information designated above not be released without the parent’s or guardian’s prior consent must complete the Directory and Military Information Opt Out Form.

     

    Notification of Rights under FERPA for

    Elementary and Secondary Schools

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

    (1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.

    Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

    (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

    Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

    (3) The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

    One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

    A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

    [Optional] Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]

    (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

    Family Policy Compliance Office

    U.S. Department of Education

    400 Maryland Avenue, SW

    Washington, DC 20202-8520

    South Pointe High School

    2022 Fall Schedules

    Swimming

    DATE     TEAMS                        HOST        LOCATION              WARM-UP               MEET START

    8/18           CAT, RKH, RWA, YRK    YRK          RHAC                    TBD                           6:00 PM

    8/25           ILD, CAT, RWA                CAT              FMAC                    TBD                           6:00 PM

    8/30           FOM, YRK, RWA             SOP              RHAC                     TBD                          6:00 PM

    9/6             BLY, CLO, RKH               RKH             RHAC                     TBD                           6:00 PM

    9/10           UPSTATE INVITE            FOM           FMAC                     TBD                        10:00 AM

    9/15           LAC, NFD                        SOP              RHAC                     TBD                          6:00 PM

    9/22          CROSSTOWN THROWDOWN  RKH   RHAC                   TBD                           6:00 PM

    10/1           4A REGIONAL III           SOP             RHAC                     TBD                         10:00 AM

    10/7 or 8    STATE CHAMPIONSHIP                                                       ???                                 TBD                                  

     

    BLY:  Blythewood                                   ILD: Indian Land                                     RKH:  Rock Hill

    CAT:  Catawba Ridge                                          LAC:  Lancaster                                       RWA:  Riverwalk

    CLO:  Clover                                            NFD:  Nation Ford                                  SOP:  South Pointe

    FOM:  Fort Mill                                       NOW:  Northwestern                              YRK:  York

     

    Volleyball

    August

    23 Rock Hill

    25 Gaffney

    29 @ Phillip O’Berry (4:30)

    31 @Rock Hill

     

    September

    6      Catawba Ridge

    8      @Lancaster

    13     Indian Land

    15     NorthWestern

    19     Olympic

    20    @York

    22    @Catawba Ridge

    27     Lancaster

    29    @Indian Land

     

    October

    4      @NorthWestern

    6      York

    11     @Chester

     

    Cross Country

     

    8/27/2022 McAlpine Greenway Charlotte

    9/3/22 Milliken Complex Spartanburg

    9/6/22 SPHS NWH Clover Rock Hill

    9/10/22 NWHS Rock Hill Cavalier Classic

    9/24/22 Dorman HS Spartanburg Wendy’s Inv

    10/1/22 McAlpine Greenway Charlotte Home Meet

    1 10/5/22 NWH Chester Gaffney SPHS Coaches Classic

    10/8/22 TBD County Meet

    10/22/22 NWHS Rock Hill Region Meet

    10/26/22 TBD Home Meet

    10/29/22 NWH RHHS

     

     

    Golf

    August

    16 NWHS, RHHS @ Waterford

    18 CR @ Fort Mill CC

    22 York @ Spring Lake

     

    September

    1 NAFO, NWHS @ Waterford (Host)

    6 RHHS, NWHS @ Rock hill CC

    12 Trojan Invitational @ Rock Hill CC

    13 NAFO @ Springfield

    15 Clover Fort Mill @ Waterford (Host)

    22 York CR @ Waterford (Host)

    27 Fort Mill @ Tega Cay

    29 NWHS, York @ Waterford

     

    October

    4 Clover @ River Hills CC

    10 Region Match

    17 Upper State

    24/25 State Cup

     

     

     

    Football (Varsity)

    August

    19      Gaffney

    26      @Rock Hill

    September

    2         Mallard Creek

    9         @Chester

    16       @South Florence

    23        Bye

    30        Catawba Ridge

    October

    7           @Lancaster

    14         Indian Land (Homecoming)

    21         Northwestern (Senior Night)

    28        @York

     

     Football (JV/ 9th grade)

    August

    19

    25      Rock Hill

    September

    1         @Mallard Creek

    8         Chester

    15     

    23        Bye

    29        @Catawba Ridge

    October

    6           Lancaster

    13         @Indian Land

    20         @Northwestern

    27        York