Welcome to 6th Grade! - New Student FAQs

PGMS New Student FAQ Sheet

1:1 Chromebook Program

We are excited to announce that beginning this school year, all students in grades 6–12 will receive a district-issued Chromebook as part of our new 1:1 Chromebook Program.

In alignment with the new Forsyth County Schools Distraction Free Education Policy, personal cell phones and smart devices will no longer be allowed for student use during the school day. By providing Chromebooks, we are ensuring that students have the appropriate tools for learning while reducing distractions and improving focus.

Each middle school and high school student will be issued a Chromebook that is managed and monitored by the district. This means your child can safely and consistently access the tools they need both in and out of the classroom.

Parent Acknowledgement: Before a device can be issued to your student, you must acknowledge the FCS Chromebook Responsibility Guide. This will be included in your Beginning of Year forms in Parent Portal.

Device Accidental Damage Coverage: We strongly encourage all families to purchase the optional Chromebook Accidental Damage Coverage to protect against accidental damage. The cost is minimal compared to potential fees. The deadline to sign up for Accidental Damage Coverage is August 18, 2025. Click here to learn more about the Accidental Damage Coverage option and here to pay via School Pay.

Middle School Chromebooks will come with a protective case.

Thank you for partnering with us to support safe and focused learning.

Distraction Free Learning

We’re excited to partner with you to help your student feel safe, connected, and thrive this school year. One important way we’re doing that is by creating distraction-free classrooms that allow students to stay focused and engaged.

To support this goal, Forsyth County Schools has adopted the Distraction-Free Education Policy (JCDAF) for all students. It also reflects new statewide guidance from Georgia and incorporates input from Forsyth County families and educators.

See below for important information for our middle school families:

All personal electronic devices — including phones, earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets — must be turned off and stored away during the entire school day, from the first bell to the last.
Devices should be placed in a backpack, locker, or designated storage location. They should not be in pockets, hands, or worn during class.
Students may use a classroom or front office phone if they need to contact you.
If you need to reach your child during the day, simply call the front office — we are always happy to help.

How can you help at home?

Talk with your student about the importance of staying present and focused in class.
Encourage them to store devices before the first bell and leave them alone until the school day ends.
Reassure them that you’re just a phone call away if needed — and that school staff is always available to help.

We appreciate your support in helping students focus on what matters most — learning, growing, and making the most of their time in school. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community!

FCS Code of Conduct

As we begin a new school year, it’s important for all parents and students to read and understand the Forsyth County Schools Student Code of Conduct.

This document outlines the expectations for student behavior and the consequences for actions that do not align with those expectations. By reviewing it together, families can help ensure a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for everyone.

Clear understanding of the guidelines helps students make positive choices and reinforces our commitment to a strong school community.

Student Transportation

Please see the 2025-2026 Transportation Letter from FCS Transportation Department HERE.

As a reminder, we kindly ask that cars do not line up before 3:00 PM in order to keep our fire lane clear. Buses will begin dismissal at 4:17 PM, and all car riders should be picked up by 4:35 PM.

Join PTSO

We can’t do any of this without YOU! We have a few open positions on our PTSO board including Co-President, Vice President, VP of Fundraising, and VP of Programs. We also welcome parents who want to get involved in any capacity, big or small. If you have any questions, please email us at pineygroveptso@gmail.com.

To join the PTSO, click HERE.

School Pay

Families can conveniently purchase all school-related items—like field trips, spirit wear, and class fees—through SchoolPay, the school's secure online payment system. Just log in, select your items, and check out in one easy place—no cash or checks needed!

Click HERE to get started.

Lunch Accounts

Students can buy lunch in the cafeteria using their student account, which families can add money to online through the school’s payment system. Families who qualify can also apply for free or reduced-price lunch to ensure every student has access to healthy meals each day.

For information on school lunch accounts, please click HERE.

A Message from the Clinic

We are excited to welcome Nurse Jha to Piney Grove this year! If your child needs to take medication at school, please drop off all medications with the completed forms to the clinic as soon as possible. Families of rising 7th graders should also ensure required immunizations are up to date—more information is available on the district website or by contacting the clinic directly.

Check In/Check Out Procedures

Students who need to check in or check out during the school day must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with proper photo ID. Please note that no student check-outs are permitted after 3:30 PM; for all attendance-related questions or concerns, contact Anita Seay - aseay@forsyth.k12.ga.us - in the front office.

Item Drop Off

Only essential items like eyeglasses or medications will be allowed to be dropped off to students during the school day. Parents may leave forgotten items on a small table in the office, but students will not be called out of class; instead, they can stop by the office on their way to lunch to check if anything has been dropped off. No outside food or drinks are allowed to be dropped off (only lunchboxes left at home).