32
R~
R~
Acknowledgment 3 School Choice On/Off Post 4 Graduation Requirements 5 End of Course Test (EOCT) 5 Georgia High Schools 6 Alabama High Schools 11 New Student Enrollment Requirements for Georgia 16 New Student Enrollment Requirements for Alabama 20 Private Schools in Georgia and Alabama 22 Interstate Compact Agreement 23
T A B L E
O F
C O N T E N T S
Starting a new school can be difficult at any grade, but starting high school is an overwhelming experience for any teenager. The average military student faces transition challenges more than twice during high school, and most military children will attend six to nine different school systems in their lives from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The challenges these children face include: losing and making new friends, adjusting to new cities and bases, and changing schools. The Fort Benning Directorate of Family and Morale and Recreation, Youth Education Support Services would like to express its deep appreciation to Breanne LaCamera for the inspiration of this high school guidebook. Breanne attended her sophomore and junior years at Columbus High School in Columbus, Georgia. As a school project, Breanne came up with the idea to do a guidebook to assist families in making informed decisions about school choices in the area. This guidebook is updated annually with the most current high schools in the Tri-Community. Please browse through each districts website. Provided there is information that will answer many of your questions and will give you a good overview of the school, enrollment procedures and extracurricular activities. Thank You, Tawanna Brown, Director Youth Education Support Services
For t Benning School L ia ison
Serv ices Ms. Tawanna Brown
Youth Education Support Services Director
Bldg. 2783 Eckel Avenue Fort Benning, Georgia
31905 (706) 545-3062 (o) (706) 575-8192 (c)
www.benningmwr.com
A
C
K
N
O
W
L
E D
G
E
M
E
N
T
5
School Choice On/Off post Students living on Fort Benning entering grades 9-12 in the fall automatically qualify for entry into either Spencer High School 4340 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia, Chattahoochee County High School 350 Hwy 25, Cusseta, Georgia or Russell Co HS, 506 14th street, Phenix City, Alabama. All three are considered assigned “neighborhood high schools” and provide advanced, on grade level and remedial classes to accommodate all academic levels. Students of military parents/legal guardians living on Post (Chattahoochee or Muscogee County) are allowed to attend Muscogee County School District magnet academies at no tuition. Students living with non-custodial (no legal guardianship) military families on post and choose to attend a MCSD school must pay tuition (out-of-county or out-of-state, depending upon residence of parent/legal guardian). MCSD requires documentation from post officials that the student is allowed to live on post. Students living off post students are generally zoned into their schools based on the location of their home - students go to the school that is nearest where they live. For additional information on required documentation visit the school district website at the links below: District Websites: Muscogee County School District www.muscogee.k12.ga.us Harris County School District www.harris.k12.ga.us Chattahoochee County School District www.chattahoochee.k12.ga.us Phenix City Public School www.pcboe.net Lee County School District www.lee.k12.al.us Russell County School District www.rcsd-al.schoolloop.net
Graduat ion Requirements All public high school students are required to meet statewide graduation requirements in order to earn a diploma. The goal is that more students will be better prepared to meet 21st-century demands in their working and personal lives. Both the State of Alabama and Georgia have graduation tests. Please browse through each districts website. Provided there is information that will answer many of your questions and will give you a good overview of their school and our enrollment procedure and extracurricular activities. Please visit Georgia and Alabama State Department of Education website. Provided there is information that will answer many of your questions and will give you a good overview of the specific state requirements. www.gadoe.org www.alsde.edu
End of Course Tests (EOCT) End of Course Test (EOCT) is an academic assessment conducted in many states by the State Board of Education. To ensure that students are making satisfactory academic progress, most high schools also have specific requirements that students must meet in order to advance to the next grade level. Please visit Georgia and Alabama State Department of Education website. Provided there is information that will answer many of you questions and will give you a good overview of the specific state requirements. www.gadoe.org www.alsde.edu
Georgia High Schools Muscogee County School District 2960 Macon Road Columbus, Georgia 31906 706-748-2000 https://www.muscogee.k12.ga.us
Muscogee County School District is a public school system that offers magnet academies. A public school is an educational institution run and funded by the government, usually through taxes. Public schools are actually independent and run by organizations other than the government.
Unlike charter schools or private schools, a magnet school is part of the local public school system. At regular public schools, students are generally zoned into their schools based on the location of their home - students go to the school that is nearest where they live. However, this may not always be true since boundaries can seem arbitrary and in some smaller towns schools are not zoned at all.
The high schools in Muscogee County are traditional high schools as well as, with the exception of Columbus High School and they have no application requirements.
Please browse through Muscogee County website. Provided there is information that will answer many of your questions and will give you a good overview of their school and our enrollment procedures.
Magnet Academies
The district's magnet academies of accelerated learning offer unique educational choices to the students of Muscogee County to meet their individual needs.
The academic program of each magnet academy offers a theme or focus that is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a special interest, gift, talent or skill. These schools attract top students and talented teachers who bring innovative ideas to the classroom. Teachers are chosen based on their academic preparation, professional experience, and specialized skills.
Admission into magnet academies is open to all eligible students, but spaces are limited. Students may apply to more than one magnet academy. Applications are scored based on four criteria: attendance, discipline, grade average and a student statement indicating why the student would like to attend the magnet academy.
Magnet Academies
G.W. Carver High School 3100 8th St
(706) 748-2449 Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics Magnet http://www.carverhighschool.com
Columbus High School 1700 Cherokee Ave.
(706) 748-2534 Liberal Arts Magnet
http://www.columbushighga.org
Hardaway High School 2901 College Dr. (706) 748-2766
International Baccalaureate Programme http://hardaway.muscogee.k12.ga.us/
Jordan High School 3200 Howard Ave.
(706) 748-2819 Muscogee County Career Academy https://schools.muscogee.k12.ga.us
/s ites/jordan
Early College Academy 2701 11th Avenue
(706) 748-2948 https://www.muscogee.k12.ga.us
/Schools/Pages/ EarlyCollegeAcademy.aspx
Northside High School 2002 American Way
(706) 748-2920 Engineering and Engineering Design
Magnet https://schools.muscogee.k12.ga.us
/sites/northside Shaw High School
7601 Schomburg Rd. (706) 569-3638
Mass Communications Academy http://shaw.muscogee.k12.ga.us/
Spencer High School 4340 Victory Drive
706-683-8701 Academy of Computer Science and
Electronic Game Design Magnet http://www.spencerhighga.org/
Kendrick High School 6015 Georgetown Drive Columbus
706-565-2960 Academy of Communication Arts and
Design Magnet http://www.khscherokees.org/
G. W. Carver * Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Magnet is a college preparatory nontraditional approach to the teaching of math and science with an emphasis on the use of high technology. The goal of the IMST program is to provide a strong hands-on curriculum in math/science/technology for students with a demonstrated interest in those areas. Columbus High School *Liberal Arts Magnet is a Liberal Arts Magnet is 100% college preparatory. A liberal arts education provides a strong background in all academic areas. The curriculum includes in-depth studies in mathematics, sciences languages, literature, social studies, and fine arts, as well as opportunities to explore technology, athletics, and life skills. Students grow in their abilities to read, write and speak effectively, and to examine ideas critically. The rigorous curriculum of the liberal arts magnet is designed to serve students who are highly motivated and are seeking a challenging curriculum to better prepare them for college success. It requires the student to stretch academically, complete homework in all classes, and meet high expectations in behavior. Early College Academy of Columbus is one of seven Early College high schools in Georgia, and the only one in Columbus and the surrounding West Central Georgia area. ECAC, one of Muscogee County School District’s nine high schools, is located on the campus of Kendrick High School at 6015 Georgetown Drive. ECAC is proud of its
faculty, staff and unique curriculum designed to increase high school graduation and college-readiness rates by providing students with rigorous college-level courses and meaningful student-teacher relationships. Each early college high school of Georgia works closely with a local college or university, and the Early College Academy of Columbus is partnered with Columbus State University (CSU). This partnership will provide students with opportunities and resources for rigor and intensity of college-level academics. Students will be placed on a fast track to complete Georgia high school requirements during the freshman and sophomore years. Students begin college course work on the CSU campus during the junior and senior high school years. Students maintain close contact with ECAC personal advisors who support and guide them toward academic success. Hardaway High School *The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging pre-university curriculum. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. Students learn more than a collection of facts. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) works closely with universities in all regions of the world to gain recognition for the IB diploma. To aid this process, university admissions officers and government officials have direct online access to all syllabuses and recent examinations. Jordan High School*The Muscogee County Career Academy (MCCA) will extend advanced technical skills and post-secondary opportunities for a variety of career pathways to all juniors and seniors in the Muscogee County School District. The career pathways will provide career-themed instruction weaved with academic curriculum as students prepare themselves within a program of study. The career pathways will provide challenging studies that offer work-based learning internships and apprenticeships. Students may receive national and/or industry specific certification upon completion of the course work and successful testing. Northside High School’s Engineering and Engineering Design and Technology Academy will offer the best, most intensive pre engineering and engineering technology preparation available. Summer program and partnerships with regional universities and technical schools will enhance a rich exposure and education for the students in the Academy. From Introduction to Engineering Design, where the student will render and construct simple machines up to complex interdependent systems, to Digital Electronics where students construct circuits virtually and in reality, to the final design and development project as a senior, students will be immersed in a thorough preparation for further college and technical training. Support courses in technical writing and humanities, plus standard student chosen electives will complete a well-rounded yet focused high school education. Shaw High School*Mass Communication Academy program, developed in cooperation with SHS Partners TSYS and MediaCom, offers college prep and tech prep
students a cross curricular path to skills and opportunities in communications careers and post-secondary options. Expanded course offerings include video production, writing for media, announcing, graphics production, news reporting, media law, business advertising, speech/forensics, and internships in print and journalism with media related businesses. The GMR curricular vision includes attractive opportunities for students in every subject area designed to enhance student skills in written, verbal, and broadcast communications. Academic achievement, projects, and community service will be documented on personal CD portfolios. Wil l iam Henry Spencer High School *The Academy of Computer Science and Electronic Game Design is a combination of Advanced Placement and computer science classes dedicated to attracting and retaining diverse learners who seek to gain college and real world experiences while completing their high school requirements. In tandem with Columbus State the Academy of Computer Science and Electronic Game Design will bolster the school’s vision of “. Increased student achievement and improved overall school performance.”
Non Magnet High Schools
Chattahoochee County High School 360 Highway 26 Cusseta, GA 31805 Phone: 706.989.3678 http://www.chattahoochee.k12.ga.us Principal: Mr. Jim Sims The mission of Chattahoochee County High School is to prepare students for post-secondary options (universities, technical colleges, or work) by providing a rigorous academic, vocational, and technological curriculum balanced with fine arts, fitness, and athletics. With the support of parents and community, we will prepare students to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens. Chattahoochee County High School is a year-round school which gives two-week breaks every six weeks. It opened in 2004 and is very new with limits on sports, classes, and extra-curricular activities. Chattahoochee County High School is a charter school that serves approximately 400 students in grades 9-12. Alternative education is also available for non-traditional students through the ACE program. Sports Clubs Football Tennis JROTC Cross-Country Wrestling Future Business Leaders Baseball Soccer FCCLA Softball Track & Field Academic Decathlon Basketball Golf National Honor Society Cheerleading Volleyball Concert Band Marching Band Harris County High School 8281 Highway 116 Hamilton GA 31811
Phone: 706- 628-4278 Fax: 706-628-4335 http://www.harris.k12.ga.us Principal: Roger Couch The mission of the Harris County School District, the foundational rock upon which futures are built, is to ensure each student succeeds in life, through a system distinguished by • students that advance at their own pace through nontraditional pathways. • student-driven, project-based learning. • teachers empowered to be creative facilitators. • the use of state-of-the-art technology to become global learners. • authentic assessment aligned with real world experiences. • the use of our community as a support system Beliefs Maintaining a safe and healthy environment conducive to learning, promoting high academic standards and achievement, equipping individuals with an awareness of life choices that enhances personal growth, inspiring confident, independent life-long learners, providing a variety of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities, fostering parental involvement through effective communication, and collaborating with the community to develop self-sufficient citizens contributing to society. School Philosophy It is the philosophy of the administration, faculty and staff of Harris County High School that every student has the right to learn; teachers have the right to teach; and parents/guardians have the right to guide and support their children in an environment conducive to learning. In an effort to provide an environment that is safe and promotes achievement and learning, the rules and guidelines that are described in the student and parent handbooks will be practiced by each Sports Clubs Football Tennis Band HOSA Cross-Country Wrestling FBLA Theatre Baseball Swimming FCCLA Drama Softball Track & Field NHS Creative Writing Basketball Volleyball JROTC Math Team Cheerleading Shotgun Team Soccer
ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOLS
Central High School 2400 Dobbs Drive Phenix City, AL 36870 Phone: (334)298-3626 Fax: (334)298-0970 www.pcboe.net Principal: Mr. Thomas Vickers
School Philosophy The purpose of Central High School is to provide learning opportunities for the development of each student to his/her fullest potential. This philosophy is best expressed by promoting academic achievement and positive self-concepts. Students are encouraged to develop and utilize their talents and abilities in an effort to promote their physical and social well being. Students should develop an appreciation of the democratic ideal with realization and acceptance of their civic responsibilities. Students are given the opportunity to accept individual responsibility, develop self-discipline, and make constructive use of their leisure time. The curriculum is flexible and is periodically revised and improved in order to meet the needs and interests of students. The educational program provides options for students to find employment, enter the military, pursue post-secondary career and technical training, or go to college. It is expected that students view the school as a supportive and well-organized place in which to work and learn. It is the belief of Central High School that career/technical education is an integral part of the individual's total education. It is the general belief that when opportunities arise, the school, home, and community should work together in the educational process to create in the student a desire for learning. Emphasis on the necessity of learning in order to cope with the diverse and complex problems of daily living is an integral part of the educational process. Academic Information The curriculum at Central High School includes all the college preparatory and career/technical programs necessary to prepare the student for graduation. The goal of Central High School’s Career Technical Education curriculum is to provide students access to a flexible system of rigorous school- and work-based learning, planned collaboratively by students, parents, educators, and employers. This system will result in graduates having industry-recognized credentials and preparation for advanced study or employment. The courses are designed to provide content that is student-centered; allowing career pathways that include academic and Career/Technical Education
courses specifically directed to students’ key interest and required skills. Upon graduation, students are prepared for postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, employment; as well as individual, family, employer, and community success. Central High School’s Career/Technical Education curriculum keeps pace with the rapid changes in business and industry by offering students high caliber learning experiences that are in a continuous process of review and improvement. The curriculum is designed to address students’ needs both now and for the future. Sports Clubs Football Tennis Band HOSA Cross-Country Wrestling FBLA Theatre Baseball Swimming FCCLA Drama Softball Track & Field NHS Creative Writing Basketball Volleyball JROTC Math Team Cheerleading Shotgun Team Bass Soccer CMPS/FPS Encore Productions French Club Gifted History Day Keyhole Red & Black Scholar’s Bowl CTE FOCUS Centrala Beta
Russell County High School 4699 Old Seale Highway Seale, AL 36875-9228 Phone; (334) 855-4378 Fax: (334)855-4334 http://rchs-rcsd-al.schoolloop.com Principal: Mr. Ken Britford
The mission of the Russell County High School Guidance and Counseling Program is to promote and enhance the academic performance of ALL students by providing opportunities leading to academic success, career awareness, and personal/social development. The program follows the guidelines outlined by the Alabama State Guidance Plan that follows ASCA national standards for counseling. The comprehensive guidance program shall organize the full resources of RCHS and all available community resources to help students become life-long learners and reach their fullest potential.
Vision Statement All children will receive a quality education which is their fundamental right, through the opportunity to build the knowledge and skills to be successful contributing members of a global society Home of the WARRIORS! RCHS provides our students with a safe and comfortable learning environment where every student can succeed. We believe that learning is a lifelong process and the endeavor that is required is the shared responsibility of our faculty, student, parent and the community. TOMAHAWK COUNTRY!!!!! Go Warriors! Sports Clubs Football Tennis Book Club HOSA Cross-Country Wrestling FBLA Culinary Arts Baseball Swimming FCCLA CTE Softball Track & Field NHS SGA Basketball Volleyball JROTC Cheerleading Chorus Soccer Prayer Warriors Skills USA Auto Teach
Smiths Station Jr. High School 1100 Lee Road 298 Smiths Station, AL 36877 http://smithsstationjh.lcm.schoolinsites.com/ Principal: Mr. Rick Harris Smiths Station Junior High houses the 7th and 8th grade students from the Smiths Station attendance area. We are located at 1100 Lee Road 298 in Smiths Station, Alabama, in the former Smiths Station High School facility Enrollment: approximately 1000 students Curriculum: Students have 5 core classes of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education. Students also take exploratory classes which include Music, Art, Creative Writing, Technology Education, Computer Applications, Literature, Band, Yearbook Staff, and Library and Office Aides. The staff at Smiths Station Junior High expects its students to following the PRIDE guidelines: P - Preparation for school everyday R - Respectfulness for yourself and others at all times I - Integrity - do the right thing D - Dedication - to strive toward excellence E - Encourage others to be successful Mission Smiths Station Junior High School and the Lee County School System will take a prominent role advocating a progressive education for each student in our schools. The mission of SSJHS and other Lee County Schools is to educate every student through a comprehensive and academically challenging curriculum taught in a safe and nurturing environment. We challenge students to pursue dreams, succeed with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse society.
Smiths Station High School 4228 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station, AL 36877 Phone: (334) 298-0969 http://smithsstation.lch.schoolinsites.com Principal: Dr. Jason L. Yohn Smith Station High School enrollment consists of grades 10-12. The school enrolls 1,830 students, and is one of four high schools in the Lee County School District along with Beauregard, Beulah and Loachapoka High Schools. Mission To educate every student through a comprehensive and academically challenging curriculum taught in a safe and nurturing environment. We challenge students to pursue dreams, succeed with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse society. Vision The faculty and staff have the responsibility to ensure every student learns at his/her maximum potential and to set standards and expectations for the quality of education through the establishment of graduation requirements, accreditation of local schools, and certification of professionals:
§ Preparing students for a knowledge-based, technologically enhanced, and culturally diverse 21st century.
§ Supporting each student's success in a learning community. § Ensuring a partnership with families and communities to support student
learning. § Communicating a vision for improving public education for ALL Lee County
students. § Guaranteeing that students have an opportunity to learn the skills necessary for
their future, either for jobs or further education. § Maintaining a strong partnership between the communities and the schools. § Opening pathways of communication between all groups concerned with
education. § Proactively implementing continuous improvement for grades K-12. § Advocating professional development and teacher education programs.
Sports Clubs Football Golf Literary Club HOSA C.O.G Cross-Country Wrestling FBLA Culinary Arts DECA Baseball Swimming FCCLA CTE JAG Softball Track & Field NHS SGA Basketball Volleyball JROTC Animal House Key Club MU Alpha Theta
New Student Requirements Georgia
Transfer & Admissions Procedures New families moving to Georgia and planning to enroll children in school should contact the office of the school superintendent in the county or city school system where they will be living. Registration of new students is usually held in the spring, and registration procedures vary from system to system. You should contact your local school district for specific registration information. Most schools are closed during the summer, but the administrative offices operate year-round. Each local board of education determines attendance zones for the schools in the system.
Local boards also establish their own school calendars which include opening and closing dates, holiday schedules, and teacher staff development days.
Each system determines what credits or grades it will accept for transfer students in accordance with local board of education policy and State Board of Education rules. The public school will verify credits of a student who transfers from a non-accredited school or home study program through either trial placement or achievement testing.
If possible, it is a good idea for parents or guardians to request the student’s academic and discipline records be forwarded to the student’s new school at the time the student officially withdraws from the previous school. Otherwise, the student’s new school will request the records from the previous school.
Immunizations and Health Certificates (Forms 3300 and 3231) Form 3300 (Certificate of Eye, Ear, Dental Exam) A student, regardless of grade level, who has never been in a Georgia public school, must provide certification of eye, ear and dental examinations on the Georgia Department of Human Resources Form 3300. Any child admitted to school without a certificate must present one within 120 calendar days. Forms may be obtained and completed at the local public health departments or physician offices.
Form 3231 (Certificate of Immunization) Georgia Law requires children attending school (Kindergarten – 12th grade) to be age appropriately immunized with all the required vaccines at the time of first entry in school. A new entrant is a child entering a school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year. All students, regardless of grade and including foreign exchange students, must
have the Georgia Department of Human Resources Form 3231 immunization certificate marked “Complete for School” unless any of the following situations exist:
1. Medical exemption: in this case the 3231 has an expiration date no more than 12 months from date of issue. There must be an annual review of the medical exemption and the certificate must be reissued with or without indication of the medical exemption.
2. Religious exemption: For a child to be exempt from immunization on religious grounds, the parent or guardian must furnish the school with a notarized statement and it must meet the following criteria: (A) State that their religious beliefs conflict with immunization requirements; (B) the statement must be signed and dated by the parent/guardian; (C) The statement must be notarized, dated, and signed by a Notary Public; (D) The statement should be submitted to the school in lieu of an immunization certificate (form 3231); (E) The statement does not expire.
3. Waiver of 30 calendar days granted to new entrants by the superintendent or designee.
4. Waiver of 90 calendar days may be granted by the superintendent or designee to students entering Georgia public schools from out of state, if documentation is on file from the county health department or a medical doctor stating that an immunization sequence has been started and can be completed within the 90 day waiver period.
5. Immunizations are required for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). Protection against each of these diseases must be addressed on the form 3231. The form can be computer generated and if the child attends more than one school, an original or a photocopy of the form must be submitted to the second school.
Sixth Grade Requirements All currently enrolled children entering sixth grade on or after July 1, 2007, must meet the following requirements: 1. Two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, one dose of Rubella vaccine, or laboratory proof of immunity against each of these three diseases.
2. Two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity. At the time your child entered school, only one dose of this vaccine was required. For more information about Georgia's immunization program or the immunization requirements for school entry and attendance, please click on the following link to the Georgia Department of Human Resources: health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization/index.asp.
Compulsory Attendance Policy Georgia law requires that students attend a public or private school or a home study program from their sixth to their 16th birthdays. Public Kindergarten is available in every school system, but it is not mandatory. Entry Age for Public Kindergarten and First Grade A child must be five years old on or before September 1 to enter a public Kindergarten. The child must be six years old on or before September 1 to enter first grade. School systems must verify age before enrollment. A child who was a legal resident of one or more states for a period of two years immediately prior to moving to Georgia and who was legally enrolled in either a public Kindergarten or first grade, or a private Kindergarten or first grade accredited by a state or regional association, would be eligible to enroll in Georgia schools, provided that the Kindergartner is five years old by December 31 or the first grader is six by that date.
Pre-K Georgia also provides a public Pre-Kindergarten Program for students who are four years old on or before September 1. This program is administered by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. For more information about Georgia’s Pre-K programs, click on the link below: http://decal.ga.gov/
Social Security Numbers Students enrolling in Georgia public schools for the first time will be asked by the school or school system to furnish a Social Security number. However, the Social Security Number is not required for enrollment in public schools. If they prefer, parents or guardians may sign a statement declining to provide the number without giving a reason. Students for whom Social Security numbers are not available will be assigned other student identification numbers.
Registration Requirement IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, you will need: Proof of Address (current utility bill and one of the following documents: a valid residential lease or rental agreement, a current property tax statement, property deed, or settlement statement for the home) indicating parent's name and address. If none of these documents are available in the parent's name due to living with someone else, a notarized Affidavit of Residency must be completed by both the owner/tenant and the parent. The owner/tenant must provide the documents required for proof of address. The Affidavit of Residency must be completed at the Department of Student Services, Central Registration, and both parties are required to be present. Child's Certified Birth Certificate or other approved documentation Child's Social Security Card or Waiver Form (can be obtained from school) Current Georgia Certificate of Immunization (may be obtained by taking current immunization record to Muscogee County Health Department, Martin Army Hospital, if military, or to a Georgia physician) Certificate of Ear, Eye, and Dental Examination (may be obtained from Muscogee County Health Department, Martin Army Hospital, if military, or a Georgia physician) Withdrawal form from previous school or report card (if during summer months) IF YOU HAVE MOVED WITHIN THE SYSTEM, you will need: Proof of Address (current utility bill and one of the following documents: a valid residential lease or rental agreement, a current property tax statement, property deed or settlement statement for the home) indicating parent's name and address. If none of these documents are available in the parent's name due to living with someone else, a notarized Affidavit of Residency must be completed by both the owner/tenant and the parent. The owner/tenant must provide the documents required for proof of address. The Affidavit of Residency must be completed at the Department of Student Services, Central Registration, and both parties are required to be present. Withdrawal form from previous school or report card (if during summer months) Entering Kindergarten and First Grade According to Georgia law, children must be five years of age on or before September 1 to attend kindergarten and six years of age on or before September 1 to attend first grade. Exception - Children Who Meet All Three of These Requirements children who were legal residents in another state(s) for a period of two years immediately prior to moving to Georgia children who were legally enrolled in a public kindergarten or first grade children who will attain the age of five for kindergarten or six for first grade by December 31
New Student Requirements Alabama www.alsde.edu Registration Procedures The Alabama State Department of Education requires several things for a child to be officially enrolled in kindergarten. You will need to have: 1. Proof that your child lives in the appropriate attendance zone by providing a signed lease or deed/mortgage/letter from property manager AND a recent utility or phone bill addressed to the parent/guardian at the address in the school zone. Note that these are two separate proofs and are both required.
2. Be prepared to show a picture ID, such as a drivers license, when enrolling your child. Also, please be prepared to bring any Custody or Guardianship papers if appropriate.
3. The child must have current Alabama immunizations for Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, 2nd dose of MMR, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Varicella or immunity to chicken pox. The school must keep this ‘blue card' on file.
4. The child must have a valid social security number and card. The school will make a copy and keep it in a secure file. The social security number is not used for any routine identification.
5. Emergency contact names and phone numbers are helpful at registration and required when school begins, in case a child is hurt or sick. We ask that numbers be updated when changes occur so parents/guardians can always be contacted.
All items must be complete before a student will be enrolled and assigned a teacher for the upcoming school year.
Compulsory Attendance Policy Subject to parental guidance, each student must be responsible for his/her own attendance. Administrators and teachers will make every effort to encourage regular attendance by students and to solicit assistance from parents/guardians in accomplishing this objective.
Alabama law requires all children between the ages of six and seventeen to attend school. Administrators and teachers will make reasonable efforts to encourage attendance by students and to inform parents when there are attendance problems. The final responsibility for each student to comply with Alabama attendance laws, however, rests with each student and his/her parent/custodian. Students should make every effort to do the following: to attend all classes daily; to be on time; to provide appropriate documentation for all absences; and to request, complete, and turn in on time all make up work given for excused absences. Absences should be followed by a written statement of the parent/guardian giving date(s) and reason(s) for the absence(s). A
maximum of 5 days will be excused with a parent note per semester, after which, in order for an absence to be excused there must be a doctor’s excuse. Students have three (3) days to provide this written explanation. Absences are excused as follows: pupil too ill to attend school; inclement weather which would be dangerous to the life or health of the child if he/she attends school; legal quarantine; death in the immediate family; emergency conditions as determined by the superintendent or the principal; and permission from the principal and consent of the parent(s)/custodian. All other absences are unexcused. Repeated unexcused absences or a pattern of absences will not be tolerated and may be considered a violation of the Alabama attendance law.
Private Schools in Georgia & Alabama Brookstone www.brookstoneschool.org 440 Bradley Park Drive Columbus, Georgia 31904 Phone:706-324-1392 St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School http://www.sasphs.net 2020 Kay Circle Columbus, GA 31907 Phone: 706- 561-8232 Calvary Christian School http://www.calvaryknights.com 7556 Old Moon Road Columbus, GA 31909 Phone: 706.323.0467 Hallie Turner Private School www.hallieturner.com 2917 University Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31907 (706) 561-3518
Wynnbrook Christian School www.wynnbrooksc.org 500 River Knoll Way Columbus, GA 31904 706-323-0795
Westminster Christian School www.westminsterchristianschool.org 2303 Double Churches Road Columbus, GA 31909 Phone: 706-323-4441
Pinehurst Christian School http://www.pinehurstchristianschool.com/ 4217 St. Marys Rd. Columbus, Georgia 31907 706-689-8044
Waverly Hall Christian Academy www.whchristian.org 8365 GA Highway 208 - P.O. Box 40 Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831 706-582-2228
Phenix Christian www.phenixcityfirst.org 3777 Highway 431 North Phenix City, Al 36870 334.298.9890
Grace Christian School www.gcscolumbus.org 2915 14th Avenue Columbus, GA 31904 706-323-9161
Fact Sheet on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Mil i tary Children
www.MIC3.net
Legislation aims to ease school-to-school transfers for military children.
While the Compact is not exhaustive in its coverage, it does address the key school transition issues encountered by military families: eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation. Read on to find out what the Compact does and does not include and how it works.
Goal of the Compact
The mobile military lifestyle creates tough challenges for children who attend, on average, six to nine different school systems from kindergarten to 12th grade. In addition, these children often endure anxiety as a result of parental separation during deployments.
To help overcome these educational transition issues of children of military families, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, working through its Defense-State Liaison Office, collaborated with the Council of State Governments to develop the Compact. A variety of federal, state and local officials as well as national stakeholder organizations representing education groups and military families were included in the creation of this interstate agreement.
The goal of the Compact is to replace the widely varying treatment of transitioning military students with a comprehensive approach that provides a uniform policy in every school district in every state that chooses to join
Quick Example of the Compact in Action
The following scenario is just one way the Compact can help children of our military families as they move from state to state:
Cathy’s father was deployed to Iraq during her junior year, leaving her and her mother in Maryland. When he returned this spring, he was reassigned to Texas where Cathy and her mother joined him in May. While Cathy had passed the Maryland state assessment requirements and just needed to finish a few credits in order to graduate, she was told that she would not be able to complete those credits, plus the four additional needed to meet the Texas graduation requirements in time to graduate in June. She was also told that she needed to pass all of the Texas assessment requirements in order to be eligible to graduate. Because Maryland and Texas both belong to the Compact, the school district in Texas was able to work with the school district in Maryland to get Cathy her diploma. Thus, she was able to graduate on time instead of having to go to summer school and take tests that measure standards in a state where she had not attended
school.
BACKGROUND
What Is an Interstate Compact?
Interstate compacts are a powerful, durable and adaptive tool for ensuring cooperative action among the states. Unlike federally imposed mandates that often dictate unfunded and rigid requirements, interstate compacts provide a state-developed structure for collaborative and dynamic action: developing and enforcing stringent standards, while providing an adaptive structure which can evolve to meet new and increased demands over time.
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is, in essence, an agreement among member states that they will address certain school transition issues for military children in a consistent manner; however, there are limitations to what it covers. The Compact is designed to resolve transition issues (primarily procedural and policy concerns) only and does not impact the quality of education nor require a state to waive any of its state standards or exit exams. The Compact provisions specifically provide for flexibility and local discretion in course and program placement and on-time graduation within the criteria established by the state.
The Compact is a living document. Each member state passed very similar pieces of legislation that outline agreement to general policies. The Interstate Commission, made up of the commissioner from each state, meets annually and develops any specific rules necessary to clarify the provisions of the Compact. Updates will be posted on the Compact website. The rule-making process is a public one, and families and schools will be permitted input during the process.
What the Compact Does and Does Not Include
Compact provisions apply only to students transferring between member states. If either state is not a member of the Compact, they are not required to comply with its provisions.
The remainder of this article clarifies some of its key components to let military families and school districts know what the Compact does and does not cover.
I. ENROLLMENT
A. Educational Records
When a family leaves a school district in a member state, they may request a copy of a
complete set of unofficial records to carry to the new school. What constitutes “a complete set” will be determined in the rule-making process of the Compact Commission. It will probably include those papers needed to enroll the child in the new school such as current schedule, grades and test scores. The Compact does not give parents the right to request a copy of the entire cumulative file. In addition, some school districts may charge parents for providing these unofficial records.
The receiving school of a member state agrees to accept the unofficial student records to enroll and place the student, pending receipt of official records. Once a student is enrolled, the new school will request official records. A school district in a member state must send these records within 10 days of receiving a request.
B. Immunizations
A child transferring to a member state who needs additional immunizations is allowed to enroll and begin attending school. He or she is then given 30 days to obtain the needed immunizations. If a series of immunizations is required, it must be started within 30 days of enrollment.
Tuberculosis testing is not covered under the Compact since the TB test is not an immunization but rather a health screening.
C. Kindergarten and 1st Grade Entrance Age
A student who moves to a member state may continue in the same grade in the receiving state regardless of the entrance age requirements in that state if he or she has already started kindergarten or 1st grade in a state accredited school in the sending state. For example:
A student born Oct. 20 started kindergarten in California where a student must be 5 by Dec. 2 in order to enroll. The family moves during the year to Hawaii, where the child must be 5 by Aug. 1. Even though the child would not have qualified for kindergarten in Hawaii, that child may continue in kindergarten because he or she was enrolled already in California. If the family did not enroll the child because they were moving soon, then that child would not be able to enroll in the new school.
This provision also allows children to go into the next grade level (1st or 2nd grade) regardless of age requirements if they successfully completed kindergarten or 1st grade in the sending state.
PLACEMENT AND ATTENDANCE
A. Course and Educational Program Placement
A receiving school district in a member state agrees to initially honor placement of a student based on the student’s enrollment in the sending state as long as that school has a similar or equivalent program. For example, if a student was in AP Calculus class,
a Gifted and Talented Program, or an English as a Second Language Program in their previous school, they will be placed in that course/program in the receiving school.
However, the Compact allows the school to subsequently perform an evaluation to ensure the child is placed appropriately according to the new school’s requirements. This provision ensures students will not be put in a “holding” class while they are awaiting assessment, thus missing out on valuable instruction, but does not take away the new school’s right to set their own criteria for placement in programs or courses. In addition, the Compact does not require the receiving school district to create a course or program that is not currently offered or where space is not available, but does require that the district demonstrate reasonable accommodation.
B. Special Education Services
Similar to the above, the Compact requires that students covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) receive the same services (although not necessarily identical programs) identified in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) from the sending state. The receiving state may subsequently perform an evaluation to ensure the appropriate placement of the student.
C. Placement Flexibil i ty
The Compact encourages school districts to take extra steps to determine if they can waive course or program prerequisites where similar coursework has been completed in the sending school district. This will allow students to take more advanced courses rather than repeating similar basic courses. For example:
If a student came from a school that sequenced math courses Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and moved to a school district that sequenced them Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and the student was in Geometry, he or she would not have to drop Geometry and take Algebra II before going back and finishing Geometry. The student would be allowed to finish out Geometry and then take Algebra II.
Many principals report that before the Compact existed they wanted to make these kinds of accommodations but did not feel they were allowed to do so. Now they have that local authority. However, the Compact does not require that schools grant waivers of prerequisites or preconditions; that remains a decision to be made by the local school district.
D. Absence Related to Deployment Activit ies
The Compact allows students to request additional, excused absences to visit with their parent or legal guardian during deployment, which is defined as one month before the service member’s departure from their home station through six months after return to their home station. As with other provisions, school districts are given leeway in determining whether or not to grant these additional absences. If a child already has excessive absences, a district may correctly feel additional time out of school would be
educationally unsound. In addition, one state amended their Compact legislation to say that students could not take these additional absences during state testing.
It is hoped that this Compact provision will raise awareness and provide the flexibility to allow families time to reintegrate as needed. It is also expected that families will not abuse this provision and understand the importance of consistent school attendance.
ELIGIBILITY
A. Enrollment
During deployments, it is often necessary for students to stay with a non-custodial parent or someone serving in loco parentis. If that person resides outside of the student’s current school district, the new school district may not charge tuition to the student. If the non-custodial parent or person serving in loco parentis lives outside of the student’s current school geographic area and is willing to transport the student back to the current school, the child may continue to attend his or her current school. Remaining in the same school will help to provide much needed consistency for the child during deployment.
The Compact also stipulates that the power of attorney for guardianship given during deployment is sufficient for enrollment and all other actions requiring parental participation or consent.
This section of the Compact only applies during deployment (including deployments for training) of the Service member parent.
B. Extracurricular Participation
Member states agree to be creative in providing transferring students the opportunity for inclusion in extracurricular activities regardless of the deadlines for application as long as the child is otherwise qualified. Although the receiving school must demonstrate they are making reasonable accommodation for military students, they are not required to hold open or create additional spaces. Also, some state student athletic associations are private organizations, not run by the state, and consequently do not fall under the umbrella of the Compact.
GRADUATION
A. Course Waivers
The Compact allows school districts to waive courses required for graduation if similar coursework has been completed in another school district. For example:
If a student has taken Western Civilization but the receiving state requires European History, the receiving school district should evaluate to determine whether the course content is similar enough to count as meeting the state requirement. Another example
might be that a student has completed Kansas state history and would not have to take Maryland state history in the new school; thereby freeing up time to take an additional advanced math or science course.
Such waivers are not mandatory under the Compact but a school district must show reasonable justification for denial of a waiver.
B. Exit Exams
School districts also agree to demonstrate flexibility in accepting sending state exit or end-of-course exams, national achievement tests, or alternative testing in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the receiving state. Mandatory waiver of the exit exams or acceptance of alternative results is not required under the Compact and each state may determine what they are willing to accept or require.
C. Transfers During Senior Year
If a student moves in his or her senior year and the receiving state cannot waive graduation requirements for similar coursework or make accommodations in testing (A & B above), then the receiving school district agrees to work with the sending school district to obtain a diploma so the student can graduate on time. Of course, the student must have met the graduation requirements in the sending state. For example:
A student moves from a state that requires two years of math to graduate. The new state requires three years of math and the student does not have time to complete that third year to be able to graduate on time. If this is a requirement the receiving school district believes should not be waived, then they would work with the sending school district to get a diploma from the sending state.
How the Compact Works
Each member state of the Compact establishes a State Council and appoints a state military education liaison to assist military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of the Compact. Each state also appoints a state commissioner who is their voting member of the National Interstate Commission.
Because interstate compacts are agreements (contracts) between states, states are held accountable by other states in the Compact and by the Interstate Commission. Parents do not have any personal right of action based on a state’s membership in the Compact, which means parents cannot take member states or the Interstate Commission to court. It is anticipated that compliance issues which cannot be handled school district to school district, or state council to state council, will be handled through the Interstate Commission where “extra-judicial” dispute resolution processes, such as mediation or arbitration, can be initiated.
Many provisions of the Compact are written very broadly. Rule-making will clarify some of the procedures and policies but individual cases will always be unique. Refinement and clarification will be an on-going process.
The Department of Defense is not a state and so cannot be a member of the Compact. However, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) participates as an ex-officio member of the Interstate Commission and Dr. Shirley Miles, director of DoDEA, has stated that DoDEA will comply with the provisions of the Compact in both the overseas and domestic schools.
