I. Parent Phone Calls
In order to avoid disruptions to the classroom, we do not forward calls to the classrooms during the day for students or teachers. We can, however, take messages, and have calls returned between classes. Parents should not call or text students on cell phones during the school day.
II. Absentee Notes
According to Fayette County Student Code of Conduct, students have three days to submit absentee or tardy notes, either parent or doctor. Students should submit notes the day they return to school to the attendance office. An absentee note box is placed outside the attendance clerk office door.
III. School Times/YMCA
School hours are 8:35-4:05. Due to safety and supervision, students are not allowed in the building prior to 8:35, unless accompanied by an adult. Students may also enter the building with a pass from a teacher for morning activities. Students who need supervision prior to 8:35, or after 4:05, may attend the YMCA Program through the Division of Parks and Recreation. There is a fee for this service, and applications are available on our website and in the front office.
IV. Early Checkout
Students who need to be checked out of school early must remain in their classrooms until their parent or guardian arrives. Per state law, and in order to ensure the safety of all students, students cannot be released to an adult unless the adult has proper photo identification and is on Infinite Campus.
V. Fast Food Deliveries
Parents may drop off lunches, however we cannot accept deliveries for fast food orders for students.
VI. Flower/Balloon Deliveries
We can accept flower or gift delivery for students but will not interrupt instruction. Please try to work around your student’s schedule for these special occasions.
VII. Lost and Found
Lost and found items are retained for two-week periods. After two weeks, all items will be discarded.
VIII. Bus Passes
Students needing bus passes must have a written note from their parent or guardian. This note cannot be an email and needs to be submitted to the front office prior to lunch. Students who do not have a valid bus pass will not be allowed entry onto the requested bus. Please know this is for the safety and well-being of your student.
IX. Homework Requests
Homework requests for students who are absent need to be made early in the school day in order to provide ample time to collect all books and assignments for your student. Teachers will do their best to gather all assignments before the end of the day. For students absent more than 2 days, we request 24-hour notice for homework requests.
X. Electronic Devices (i.e., cell phones and MP3 players)
Mobile device use will be allowed in the cafeteria and classrooms prior to the start of school only. Educational use is allowed at teacher discretion. For first and second offenses, if electronic devices are confiscated by school personnel, they will be returned to the student at the end of the period or school day (parent/guardian will be called on 2nd offense). Electronic devices confiscated a third time may require a parent/guardian to retrieve the device from the Associate Principal. After multiple confiscations devices can be kept for five school days or an alternative consequence will take place as agreed to by administration and parent/guardian, per the guidelines established by the Fayette County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct (pg. 33, section X.)
While we recommend students keep electronic devices in their lockers at all times during the school day. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.
XI. E-mail Distribution Lists
All parents and guardians are encouraged to keep their email contact up to date in Infinite Campus. Log on to the Parent/Student Portal at the top of our home page at www.southernmiddle.fcps.net to access.