FLINT HILL 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

2026 - 2027

We focus on growth, act with integrity, and lift each other up every day.

(803)  396-2800

https://fhms.fortmillschools.org

Facebook: @FHMSRedfoxes 

Instagram: flinthillmiddleschool

We are FLINT HILL!

All district programs are operated without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national  origin, or handicap in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, section 504 and all other applicable  Civil Rights Laws. The Director of Special Services has been designated to coordinate activities  related to nondiscrimination. The director may be contacted at Fort Mill School District No. 4, 2233  Deerfield Dr., Fort Mill, S. C. (803-548-2527)                  

     OUR VISION AT FLINT HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL 

At Flint Hill Middle School, we cultivate a welcoming community where curiosity drives learning and challenges fuel growth, empowering students to become the innovative, critical thinkers and ethical leaders of tomorrow.
 

OUR MISSION AT FLINT HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL 

Today and every day, we are a community of curious, resourceful, and adaptable learners. We show up to think critically, collaborate deeply, and embrace challenges with grit and integrity.

TO OUR STUDENTS…

We are incredibly excited about the upcoming school year and are thrilled to have you as part of our Red Fox family. Middle school is a time of incredible growth, and you can make the most of it by bringing a positive attitude, diving into school activities, and staying engaged in your classes.

Our teachers, administrators, and dedicated staff are here to support you in reaching your academic goals and navigating your path through these important years. At FHMS, we believe that every day is a fresh opportunity to be smart, show kindness, and challenge yourself to learn something new. We value a community where students are thoughtful, stay connected, and most importantly have fun while they grow.

By working together, we will create an engaging, high-quality learning experience for every student in our building. This handbook is designed to be your guide, acquainting you with our school procedures, policies, and the daily "fox habits" that will help you succeed.
 

Please read our student handbook thoroughly each year. Every parent and student are  responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook. If you have any questions about the information in this handbook, please contact the school or reach out to the administration.

Supportive

caring for our fox family 

Mindset

focused on growth

Accountable

accept responsibility

Respectful

of rules, adults, teachers, and boundaries

Trustworthy

high integrity and honest

FHMS Bell Schedule

TRANSPORTATION TO SCHOOL

Students may get to school by bus, car, or walking. Parent permission forms for walkers must be completed with the front office. E-bikes are not allowed on campus for any reason. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL 

Regular communication between the home and school is an excellent way to support your student.

• To help keep parents up to date with school events and learning, administration and grade level teams will send weekly emails. The principal’s weekly newsletter will be sent out every Sunday around 4pm, and teachers will update the Peek at the Week site every weekend. 

• Parent Portal is also another great resource to stay up to date on your child’s grades and classwork. Report  cards are available virtually at the end of each nine week period. In addition to report cards, Parent Portal allows parents and students to  review grades/attendance on a daily basis – if you are not registered for this, please ask our receptionist  how to register. 
• Sometimes parent conferences are needed to provide more information. Conferences  must be scheduled. If you would like to schedule one, please call the school, email the teacher, or send a note.
• Every teacher maintains a Google Classroom where class assignments, notes, and homework may be viewed. Parents can sign up to receive notifications from their child’s Google Classrooms. 
• Our  school website (Click Here) is regularly updated with information. 
• For information on school and district camps and activities, parents can register at Peachjar.com.
• If at any time a parent has a question or concern, they are encouraged to call the school. We are happy to help. (803) 396-2800 

SCHOOL VISITORS 

All visitors in the building, including parents and volunteers, must sign in at the office and receive a visitor pass. In middle school we do not allow parents to eat lunch with their child.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 

A student who is involved in school activities is a well-rounded student. We have many clubs and activities with which students may become involved. Sports, band, chorus, school musical, and academic activities are available.  Students must be at school for at least half of the school day in order to participate in an extracurricular  activity that day. 

Students who are assigned a full day of In or Out of School Suspension (ISS/OSS) are not eligible to participate in their after school activity on that day including as a spectator. All sports are governed by the South Carolina High School League. Eligibility is  determined by the SCHSL in conjunction with school board policy. In addition, students must follow our FHMS Student Athletic Policy. 

Lastly, Students must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after the termination of all school functions. Failure to abide by this policy may result in the student not being allowed to attend after school activities. 

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER 

Listen to television and radio announcements for FORT MILL SCHOOL DISTRICT # 4 (not York  County) schools. The school district website, Click Here will have information related to  closing of schools.  The FMSD and FHMS will contact all homes when there is a closing with the aid of our Blackboard  messaging system. Please keep phone numbers and email addresses current.

SCHOOL HOURS 

School hours are from 8:10 AM to 3:10 PM. Students can enter the building each morning at 7:40 AM and  may go to the gym or the cafeteria at that time. The homeroom bell rings at 8:00 AM. All students should  be seated in homeroom by the 8:10 AM bell. Students are marked tardy if not in their seats at 8:10 AM.  All car riders must enter the building by 8:08 AM. If a staff member is not in the car rider loop upon arrival, students should enter the front office door to sign in.  

TARDY TO SCHOOL 

To avoid the loss of instructional time, students must arrive at school on time. Students are considered tardy if he/she is unable to be in his/her homeroom seat by the 8:10 AM bell. Coming in tardy interrupts the learning process for everyone else in the classroom. The following are the consequences for being late to school  during each semester.

• 1st - 3rd tardy – warning and parent notification
• 4th, 5th, and 6th tardies will result in lunch detention on the day of the tardy
• Subsequent tardies will result in after school detention and notification from district attendance/residency interventionist

EARLY DISMISSAL 

Students will not be dismissed from school between 2:50 PM and 3:10 PM. Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments should be made after school hours. Students will not  be called from class until the parent arrives to sign them out. If possible, please try to time your dismissal between class periods to avoid classroom disruptions.  Students may not leave school and return  unless they have a doctor’s note or administrative approval. Only the people listed on file at school will be  allowed to remove a student from school. A picture ID may be requested. Exceptions to these rules must  be cleared by the administration. 

       AFTER SCHOOL DISMISSAL 

All students are to exit the building immediately after they are dismissed. No students may remain at school unless they are participating in a school sponsored activity or sport. 

• Car riders will report to the front  of the school where they will watch for their ride. For the safety of our students and parents, please follow merging procedures, drive slowly, and be on the lookout for students. 
• Bus riders will report to the side of the school where they will load their assigned bus. Buses will leave as soon as buses are loaded. If a student misses his/her bus, parents will be notified for pickup.  Please note that students may not guest ride other buses. 
• To help answer any after school questions, the front office will close at 3:35 PM.

ABSENCES 

The following absences will be excused: 

• Personal illness when a doctor/parent note is received within one week of the absence
• Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family when a note is received within one  week of the absence (three day limit) 
• Religious holidays requested in advance 
• Prearranged absences for other reasons when approved by the Principal (very rare).

Five days may be covered by parent notes during the school year. All make-up work must be turned  in within five days of the student’s return to school. Students should give their absence notes to homeroom  teachers. Accrued student absences may not exceed ten (10) days (excused or unexcused) during the school  year. Absences in excess of ten days may result in the student’s loss of credit for the year.

CAFETERIA 

Our cafeteria staff serves breakfast and lunch at school every school day in the cafeteria.  Menus, nutritional and allergen information are available on our website (fmsdstudentnutrition.com) and on screens in the cafeteria. There is also a free App available for your smartphone called LINQ Connect. Menus are planned by a Registered Dietitian and include input from parents, staff and students.  The menus must meet dietary guidelines that include calorie, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium restrictions.  We believe in giving students a variety of healthy options and we offer several fruits and vegetable choices daily.

• A lunch meal includes foods from the five food groups- 2 oz of grains,  2 oz of protein, 1/2 cup fruit, 1/2 cup vegetable, 1 cup of milk.  Students may choose all of five groups or at the minimum three food groups out of the five. One choice must be 1/2 cup of a fruit or a vegetable. Students have the option to select up to a cup of fruit and a cup of vegetable with their meal. 
• A breakfast meal includes 4 items and students must select 3 of the 4 items and one choice must be a fruit. 
• If a student does not take the required food components, then each item on the tray must be charged at a la carte pricing. Our cafeteria staff reminds students to take the required food groups. 
• The cafeteria also offers extra sale items like milk, juice, water and snacks to purchase. If you do not want your student to purchase extra sale items, please complete the online form Opt Out for Snacks and Extras. 
• All foods served by the cafeteria meets State and Federal guidelines. 
• Our kitchens are tree nut and peanut safe.

PIN Number

Each student is set up with a unique meal account identification number to use in the cafeteria to purchase breakfast, lunch and ala carte items. This is a 6 digit number and is the last 6 digits of your student’s PowerSchool number.  This number should never be shared with other students. Please help your student memorize their pin number. 

Meal Payments

Please take advantage of the options to prepay for your student's meals. Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and gives students more time to eat, relax, and socialize. It also gives you the peace of mind of not having to worry about money every day or that the money might get lost, stolen or used for items other than meals.

There are three easy ways to pay for meals and extras.

1. Online via the district website’s Pay Fees lunch card feature: Quick Pay  . This is a free service for adding money to your student’s meal account. You are also able to see meal purchases and balances. You can set up email alerts for balances on Parent Portal.
2. By a separate check made out to your school’s cafeteria. The check should not include other school fees. Please note the child's cafeteria account number on the check - if the check is written for more than one child, each child's account number and the amount to credit to each child should be noted on the check. The check must include a phone number.
3. Cash is also accepted as payment but is strongly discouraged as it can be lost.

Transfer of funds from one sibling to another is also available by completing this form: Transfer form

 Meal Pricing

Meal prices are set to cover the cost of food and labor.  Our department is self-funded and our goal is to break even at the end of the school year. We depend on our students paying for their meals.  If you are unable to pay for your meals, please apply for free and reduced priced meals.

Breakfast=$1.85  Free to students who qualify for free

Lunch=$3.75  Free to students who qualify for free

The price for adult breakfast is $3.35; adult lunch is $5.75.
 

Free and Reduced Meal Application Program

Our district participates in the USDA Free and Reduced Meal Program. We encourage families to apply if they meet or fall at or below the income guidelines found on each application. Applications are printed in English and Spanish and we can provide any language needed. If another language is needed, please contact our office at 803.802.1968.

To qualify for free or reduced priced meals, students must complete a meal application and have it approved. Applications are available in the school office, cafeteria, district website and you can apply online at https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new . Students must reapply each year.

Charge Policy

Our cafeteria does not deny students meals and we allow students to charge meals up to $15. Automated calls, emails and letters are sent out weekly for students who owe the cafeteria money. Our cafeterias depend on meal payments to provide funding for our program.

Food Allergies & Special Dietary Needs

Due to the number of food allergies, homemade or home baked foods are not allowed to be distributed to students within the classroom or applicable classroom setting.  Acceptable foods for distribution are those items that were prepared in a commercial and/or licensed kitchen, and most importantly, are packaged with a label clearly listing the contents and ingredients of the food item.  This policy is designed to provide consistency and minimize allergy risks in all classrooms, while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students. (Board Policy J LCDD)

Students with Special Dietary Needs will need to have documentation of their diet changes signed by a medical provider. Please contact the school nurse for the forms to complete.

Wellness Policy

Our district has a Wellness Policy (Board Policy ADF and EFE). Information on the wellness policy and how you can be a part of this committee can be found here -FMSD Wellness Policy info . 

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES/CELEBRATIONS – ACCEPTABLE FOOD  GUIDELINES 

Homemade or home baked foods are not allowed to be distributed to students within the classroom or  applicable classroom setting. Acceptable foods for distribution are those items that were prepared in a commercial and/or licensed kitchen, and most importantly, are packaged with a label clearly listing the contents and ingredients of the food item. With the continued rise in severe and often life-threatening food  allergies, this policy is designed to provide consistency and minimize allergy risks in all classrooms district wide, while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students. This policy does not apply  to a student’s personal lunch. 

The policy is part of a larger, comprehensive Food Allergy Guideline approved by the Board of Trustees in  May 2014, which can be found on the district’s website  under “Board Policies.”  Further questions can also be directed to the principal, school nurse, or by contacting the district office at  803-548-2527. 

Students may bring in a water bottle from home. The only allowable liquid is water, students may not bring energy drinks, coffee, soda, or any other non-water drinks.

PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS 

Report cards are sent after each nine week grading period. Report cards are now electronic and can be found on Parent Portal. At the end of the school year, if a student owes any fees, the report card will be withheld until all  fees are paid. 

Grading Scale 

A 90 – 100 Excellent 

B 80 – 89 Above Average 

C 70 – 79 Average 

D 60 – 69 Below Average 

F 59 Failing 

FMSD Grading Policies

Grade Floor

• All middle school teachers will use a grade floor of 50 for individual assignments.*

• Scores lower than the grade floor will be entered as a “GFA” (grade floor applied) and the original score will be entered in the notes section of PowerSchool.

• Unattempted assignments will be marked “Missing” in PowerSchool and teachers will input a GFA.

*Geometry with Stats and English 1 will follow high school grading policies

Retakes

• At least ONE retake, retest or test corrections will be offered on all major assessments that can result in 90% credit.

• Students must attend at least one remediation session in order to retake or retest.
• Teachers will set the re-take/retest deadline.

Late Work

• For late work, students will receive a 10% reduction on that assignment. 
• Students can turn in graded work up to the end of the unit (all work due the day of the unit test). 
• This does not change the district policy on student late work related to absences.

HOMEWORK POLICY 

Students may have nightly homework. Different classes have different workloads. Please refer to each teacher’s class syllabus for more information about how often homework is given and how it is graded. 

At FHMS, homework serves several purposes:

•  It allows students to independently practice content taught in class. 
• It  is an essential opportunity for students to refine life skills such as responsibility, autonomy, perseverance, and time management. 

If your child is having a problem with the difficulty level of homework, please reach out to his/her teachers. We are here to help. Students are responsible for making up missed work when absent from  school including homework. Students have 5 days to submit work if absent. This also applies when a student is on a school related trip. 

PROMOTION GUIDELINES 

● Sixth grade students must pass three of the four core academic classes in order to be promoted to  seventh grade. The team could recommend summer school.  

● Seventh and eighth grade students must pass three of the four core classes in order to be  promoted. However, seventh and eighth grade students will not be promoted if they fail the same  core subject in two consecutive years. The team could recommend summer school. 

● Parent conferences for students who face potential retention will be conducted. Parents/Legal  Guardians may appeal a retention decision to the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. The  

appeal must be made in writing with the reasons for disagreement with the decision within two  weeks of the notification of the retention.  

● Successful completion of summer school will be required for students who fail two or more core courses in order to be promoted to the next grade.

• Seventh and eighth grade students who are planning on participating in athletics must be promoted to the next grade in order to be eligible for participation per the South Carolina High School League rules.
• Eighth Grade students that fail more than one core subject and therefore have to attend summer school may not walk at the Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony at the end of the year. 

SUMMER SCHOOL 

Students may attend summer school to take language arts, math, science, or social studies. A fee may be charged for each session. Summer school may be located at any of the middle schools in the Fort Mill School District. Parents  will be notified at the end of the school year if their child will be required to attend. 

FERPA INFORMATION 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of  student education records. The law applies to all schools, which receive funds under an applicable program  of the U.S. Department of Education. For further information regarding your rights under FERPA, please  refer to the “For Parents” section of the school district’s webpage.

Class interruptions shall be limited to emergencies. During instructional time, general announcements and  calling of students will not take place. Students will be called to the office only at lunch and after school to  retrieve items/messages. Parents may visit a classroom when invited by the teacher or after  prior approval has been given by the principal. THE SCHOOL DOES NOT ACCEPT DELIVERIES  OF FLOWERS, FOOD, OR BALLOONS FOR STUDENTS.  

Please notify the school office immediately upon any change of address or telephone number. In case of an emergency, we need to locate parents quickly. If your student is withdrawing from FHMS, a withdrawal  form must be completed. You can get this form in our front office. All books must be returned and all fees  paid before the transfer will be complete.

Telephones in the office are for emergency uses and  for students to contact parents in regards to transportation or after school activities. Our front office staff will help students contact parents when needed.

Any student who is not feeling well will be sent to the health room to be evaluated by our school nurse. If  the student needs to go home, our nurse will call the parent. Students who call parents without permission  are in violation of our cell phone use policy. Student medication policies for prescription and non- prescription medicines are detailed below:  

Permission for School Administration of Prescription Medication 

Prescription medications are medicines that require a written prescription from a health care practitioner. In  order for a child to be given prescription medicine at school, the child’s health care practitioner and the  child’s parent or guardian must sign a permission form. This form can be found on our website under  “departments: school nurse” or you may pick up a copy from the nurse’s office. A form must be submitted  for each medication. 

A parent or guardian should deliver the medicine and the permission form to the school nurse. The  medicine MUST be in its original container with the pharmacy label on it. The label should list the child’s  name, dosage instructions and the name of the medication. We cannot accept medicines loose in plastic  bags. 

If a prescription medicine is needed while your child is on a field trip, you must bring a separate supply to  school on the day of the field trip. It must be in the original, marked container. Additional labeled bottles  may be obtained from your pharmacy. We cannot accept medicines loose in plastic bags. 

Permission for School Administration of Non-Prescription Medication 

Non-prescription medications are medicines that you can buy without a written prescription.  Non-prescription medications are sometimes called “over-the-counter” medicines.  This also includes dietary supplements and herbal supplements.

In order for a child to be given non-prescription medicines at school, the child’s parent/guardian must sign  a permission form. This form can be found on our website under “departments: school nurse” or you may  pick up a copy from the nurse’s office. A form must be submitted for each medication. 

A parent or guardian must deliver the medicine and the permission form to the school. The medicine must  be in the original container with the label on it. The dosage of the medicine must not exceed the  recommended dosage from the manufacturer without a prescription from the child’s health care  practitioner. 

ACCIDENT INSURANCE 

Accident insurance is available to cover the student while at school and while traveling to and from school.  It is strongly suggested that you consider this coverage for your child while at school. Information will be  sent home at the beginning of the school year. The school will not pay medical bills for injuries that occur at school. 

Internet accessibility is provided to FHMS students to support the instructional program. Students are expected to exercise responsibility for the appropriate use of the Internet. Failure to comply with this request will result in denial of access to the Internet and/or disciplinary action. 

Students riding the school bus must follow all district bus policies and rules which will be provided to them  by the bus driver. Riding the school bus is a privilege and students may lose that privilege if their behavior  is disruptive and contrary to the safety of other students. Students may not ride a different bus to go home  with a friend except in rare cases and then only with advance approval from the transportation department. 

LOST AND FOUND

Please write your child’s name on all personal articles including lunch boxes, jackets, gym clothes, etc. Items  found with a name will be returned to students. We do maintain a lost and found closet; however, items left over nine weeks will be donated.  

TEXTBOOKS 

Students must take care of their textbooks. If a textbook is damaged, lost or stolen, it is the student’s  responsibility to pay for the book. Also if the barcode on the back of the textbook is missing when the  book is returned, the student will be charged the full book price. 

Although the responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with each student and his/her parent/legal guardian, students are expected to show pride in themselves and their schools by having their dress and appearance in accordance with good, acceptable standards. The school administration and board discourage extreme styles of dress and grooming.

Students will dress in appropriate attire. Students are expected to dress in clothing that abides the district dress code policy. Logos or clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco, racism, hate, gang affiliation, nudity, violence, or profanity is not allowed. No clothing or accessories are allowed to disrupt the educational process. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for school.

Dress code violations will be handled with dignity, discretion, and respect toward all students by school staff members throughout the district.

The board may establish such administrative rules and procedures as necessary to enforce this policy.

Proper shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons. Shoes with cleats may not be worn outside of sanctioned athletic events.

Students may wear shorts, dresses, skirts, etc. whose length is no shorter than the mid-thigh. Tops must be long enough that they can be tucked into pants or shorts. No sunglasses may be worn in the building by students upon arrival and until dismissal. Headwear may be worn if a face covering is attached.

The following items are not appropriate for school:

• Undergarments that are visible
• Pants or jeans with holes, tears, or tattered to the extent that skin or undergarments are visible above the mid-thigh
• See-through garments showing skin or undergarments above the mid-thigh are not allowed
• Tops with straps that are less than 3-fingers wide of the student

If there is a disagreement between students and/or parents/legal guardians and the staff regarding the appropriateness of clothing, the administration will use discretion to make the decision. Disciplinary action regarding the enforcement of this policy is listed below.

Violations will result in the following:

• If violation can be resolved in a timely manner, students will remain/return to class without further disciplinary action. If the issue cannot be remedied then the student will have to stay in ISS or the main office until suitable clothing can be obtained- either from a parent bringing it or through our clothing closet at school.  
• Following 3 violations, all subsequent violations will require parent/legal guardian conference and a detention

At Flint Hill Middle School, we believe in maintaining a respectful, supportive, and safe learning environment for all of our students that promotes high expectations for student achievement and behavior. We believe in a school that provides productive and  mutually respectful relationships among staff and students. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action. At FHMS, rules are in place with the best interest of all of our students. FHMS students should be well-behaved and contributing members of our community that take pride in their school. Students, faculty, and staff have the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. To help maintain a positive learning environment, FHMS teachers and staff can enforce both classroom level consequences and administrative level consequences. Through these consequences, students are able to learn and grow. Students are encouraged to inform their teachers, counselors, or administrators of any situation which may cause harm to themselves or other students.

                FHMS Classroom Level Consequences

STOP ROOM: While in class, students are expected to actively participate in the instruction and activities of the day without creating a disruptive learning environment for themselves or other students. Students that are disruptive during class may be sent to the STOP (Student Time Out Period) room for the remainder of the class period. A student that is sent to the STOP room three or more times will be assigned a full day  of in-school suspension.  

Point Loss: Teacher may “take a point” in the student’s agenda for minor infractions such as talking (not repeated), gum, forgetting materials, being off task, or playing on their Chromebook instead of working. These are used as a warning to the child that the behavior needs to be changed without a need to go to the office to see an administrator. Should the behavior continue then an office referral would be issued.  

       FHMS Administrative Level Consequences

Level 1 Consequences

The following are examples of Level One Violations:

*Aiding, abetting or concealing any of the behaviors listed may result in punishment as a principal participant at the discretion of the administration.

• Cheating - Any act, which in itself would be considered as providing or receiving unapproved help on any schoolwork, will be dealt with as cheating. As a result, the student may be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, and the incident may be included in their permanent file. Any student who allows a peer to copy their work may also receive disciplinary action. Students caught cheating will receive a zero on the work and parents will be contacted by the teacher.
• Plagiarism - Any student found to be plagiarizing or taking ideas from another’s work and claiming as their own will be dealt with as plagiarism.  As a result, the student may be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, and the incident may be included in their permanent file. Students caught plagiarizing will receive a zero on the work and parents will be contacted by the teacher. Failure to use citations will be considered plagiarism. 
• Disruption of Class - Any student acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process.
• Violations at Afterschool Events - All students must abide by school rules at any events on school grounds.  This includes school events at other schools or locations.  This also includes any events sponsored by the Fort Mill School District (ex. High school football games, musicals, etc.)
• Loitering/Present After Hours - Students should not be on campus during non-school hours unless they are present for a school event or practice.
• Horseplay - Rough or boisterous play/pranks including but not limited to playful hitting, touching, shoving, etc.
• Profanity - Acts of profanity by students will be disciplined by a principal.
• Any act of Public Display of Affection on school property or during school-sponsored activities is strictly forbidden. PDA includes any kissing or any contact that may be construed as having a sexual connotation.
• Setting Own Schedule - All students are assigned a school schedule they must adhere to except when excused by the principal or an authorized teacher. Should it become apparent a student is not adhering to their set schedule, then the student and parents will be contacted and the student will be subject to disciplinary action. Truancy charges may be filed.
• Skipping - Once a student arrives on campus, they may not leave school grounds for any reason without properly signing out through the Front Office. This includes the time BEFORE school starts in the morning. 
• Skipping/ Staying On Campus/Leaving Class Without Permission - Students must be in their assigned classes. Any student who skips a class, but does not leave campus, will be subject to disciplinary action and receive an unexcused absence for the class.

The following are examples of Level 2 Violations:

*Aiding, abetting or concealing any of the behaviors listed may result in punishment as a principal participant at the discretion of the administration.

• Abusive Language - Acts of abusive language by students will be disciplined by a principal who may give a suspension or recommend expulsion. No student shall direct toward any person any language (verbal/written/symbol) which is abusive or insulting or any sign or act which is abusive. This includes 1) engaging in malicious gossip or cursing, 2) using vulgar or obscene language, 3) using abusive language, including slurs or insults intended to mock a person’s race, religion, sex, national origin, disability or intellectual ability, or 4) using sexually offensive or degrading language.
• Abusive Language to a Teacher - A student who directs profane language or gestures to a staff member will be subject to suspension or expulsion.
• Blackmail - Threats - Intimidation - A student who attempts to blackmail, intimidate or bully another student or a staff member or who makes bodily or intimidating threats will be subject to suspension or expulsion. (Included is extortion which is the act of obtaining money or other things of value from a person by threat or accusing or revealing injurious information)
• Defiance or Disrespect of School Personnel - Any student who displays bold disobedience to school personnel and/or willfully defies an order from school authority meant to promote an orderly operation of the school will be subject to suspension or expulsion.
• Disrespect to Any School Official - Any student whose actions undermine the authority of a staff member will be subject to suspension or expulsion.
• Disrespect to a Student or Precarious Situation - No student shall take any action or make any comments or written messages (including messages sent via text, social media platforms, etc.) intended to cause others harm or which might reasonably be expected to result in a fight. Police will be called by the principal whenever appropriate.
• Fighting/Simple Assault - No student shall intentionally hit, shove, scratch, bite, block the passage of, or throw objects at a student or other person. A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense but only to the extent to free themself from the attack and notify proper school authorities. A student who exceeds this reasonable force may be disciplined even though he may not have provoked the fight.
• Physical Abuse of a Student - Penalties for fighting among students will be left to the discretion of the principal. Under normal circumstances, a first offense is a three-day out-of-school suspension. A second offense is suspension and an arrest. A student who attempts to use, or uses, a lethal weapon (knife, ice pick, blackjack, firearm, pipe, belt buckle, etc.) will be suspended immediately and the principal will file a request for expulsion of the student. (Specifically prohibited are the following: Any threat, physical or verbal, directed towards another student; fighting or any conflict that would create a precarious situation within the jurisdiction of the school.)
• Student Endangerment - Any action that intentionally places another student at serious risk or jeopardy of their health or well-being.
• Student Disorder - A student or group of students who is involved in student disorder, which includes seizure of a building or grounds or attempted control of such, or any type of disorder which attempts to disrupt the activities of the school by sit-ins, walk-outs, boycotts of classes, etc., will be subject to suspension or expulsion.
• Obscene Literature/Material - A student who is found with obscene or pornographic literature/materials in their possession while at school will be subject to suspension or referral to the alternative school. This includes slides, motion pictures, videos, computer programs, CDs, tapes, and other materials.
• Theft (Minor - $50 or less) - Left to the discretion of the administration. Disciplinary action will be determined according to value/content, and circumstances surrounding the theft.
• Tobacco/E-Cig/Vape Policy - Students shall not be permitted to use or possess tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or smokeless electronic devices while on school grounds, in the school buildings, on buses, or during any other time that the student is under the direct administrative jurisdiction of the school whether on or off school grounds. Lighters and matches are strictly prohibited. Lighters and matches will be confiscated.

• Law Enforcement - A student under 18 will receive a citation for each tobacco related incident, in accordance with South Carolina law. (SC Law 16-17-500)

• Under the Influence/Drugs and Alcohol - No student shall use or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or other controlled substance, any alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic or pseudo-beer or any other intoxicating liquor, drug paraphernalia; or inhale or ingest any chemicals or products with the intention of altering the student’s mood or behavior. Violation of this policy may lead to a referral to the alternative school. If, because of mitigating factors, alternative school is felt to be inappropriate, the student may be suspended for ten days and may be suspended from co-curricular activities (such as sports-related/band-related activities) for the remainder of the school year. The student may be asked to complete a Drug/Alcohol Intervention Program.

The following are examples of Level 3 Violations:

*Aiding, abetting or concealing any of the behaviors listed may result in punishment as a principal participant at the discretion of the administration.

• Accumulated Suspensions - A student who is subject to repeated suspensions in any given school year may be recommended for expulsion or alternative placement.
• Aggravated Assault - An attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another person is prohibited.
• Assault of School Personnel - Any student who attempts to assault, or assaults, school personnel will be subject to permanent expulsion. (This includes spitting on or at a teacher.)
• Brawling - Two or more students must not assault or attack or cause or attempt to cause physical injury to another student or behave in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to another student. A student who commits such offenses will be subject to suspension or expulsion.
• Fireworks - A student who is found with fireworks in their possession or discharges fireworks on the school grounds is subject to suspension for the first offense and expulsion for the second offense. (Fireworks include any explosive or incendiary devices including smoke bombs, stink bombs, and noise producing devices.  Possession includes handling, transmitting, or using such items.)
• Possession/Distribution of Drugs and/or Alcohol (Other than Under the Influence) - It is the policy of the board that the possession of marijuana or any other illegal drug or substance by any student while on school property or while engaged in any school sponsored or school connected activity is grounds for expulsion of such student. If, because of mitigating factors, expulsion is felt to be inappropriate, the student shall be suspended for ten days and may be suspended from co-curricular activities (such as sports-related/band-related activities) for the remainder of the school year. The student must also complete a Drug/Alcohol Treatment Program.  (No student shall possess, transmit, purchase, barter, distribute, any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or other controlled substance, any alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic or pseudo-beer or any other intoxicating liquor, drug paraphernalia, etc. No student will market or distribute any substance, which is represented to be or is substantially similar in color, shape, size or markings of a controlled substance.)
• Possession of Weapon - No student will bring to school with them and/or have in their possession at school weapons including, but not limited to, knives, pistols, brass knuckles, blackjacks, razor blades, mace, pepper spray, or fac-simile/make-believe objects that resemble weapons, or other objects used for the purpose of a weapon. A student who commits such offenses will be subject to suspension or expulsion. The board will expel any student who brings a weapon to school. For purposes of this policy, a weapon means a firearm. The term firearm is defined extensively in the U.S. Code, but generally means a weapon (gun) or destructive device (explosive, incendiary). The period of expulsion will be no less than a year.
• Sexual Acts/Offenses - This includes any sexual harassment or indecent exposure. Student may be subject to suspension or expulsion.
• Sexual Harassment - The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by district employees, other students or third parties. All students and employees must avoid any action or conduct which could be viewed as sexual harassment.
• Sexual Harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the following occurs:
  • Submission to such conduct is made whether expressly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s education
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for any decisions affecting a student.
  • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s education or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment.
• Any student who feels they have been subjected to sexual harassment is encouraged to file a complaint in accordance with administrative rule JI-R. All allegations will be investigated promptly and confidentially. The district prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student who has filed a complaint of sexual harassment.
• Theft/Possession of Stolen Item(s) (Major - $51 or more) - Serious thefts or repeated offenses may result in expulsion of the student.  Disciplinary action will be determined according to value, content and circumstances surrounding the theft.
• Vandalism/Damage to School Property - Students who maliciously damage school property will reimburse the school the cost of damages incurred and will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

• Other

• Any act or acts which are not covered by these regulations and which are of such nature as to pose a threat to the physical or mental welfare of the students, the teachers, and other school personnel or which create a disruption in the orderly operation of any phase of the school program or any of its services or which cause destruction or defacement of any school property will subject offenders to suspension or expulsion. These acts may include forgery, committing arson, pulling fire alarms, making bomb threats, dialing 911, or hazing.
   

Assigned Consequences for All Offenses

School Board policy provides consequence guidelines for Code of Conduct violations.

***Students who have out of school suspension are not allowed

on school grounds for any reason without prior approval from the administration.

The student will be charged with trespassing***

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

Electronic devices including cell phones may be brought to school and used before or after school to  communicate with parents. They must be turned off and placed in the student’s bookbag from 7:45 AM until 3:10 PM. A cell phone may not be used during the day unless an employee of FHMS gives permission, even to call or text parents. Earphone usage follows the same guidelines.  

                                   MIDDLE SCHOOL CELL PHONE CONSEQUENCES

1^st Violation:  warning and confiscation of device until the end of the day

2^nd Violation:  lunch detention and confiscation of device until the end of the day

3^rd Violation: after school detention and confiscation of device

4^th Violation:  one day of ISS and confiscation of device until the end of the day

5^th Violation and beyond:  one day of ISS for each offense and a plan for future cell phone use at school involving a conference with the parent.

**Violation and refusal to give school employees the electronic device will result in additional punishment and  will result in no less than one day of in-school suspension. 

Disclaimer: Students will be given more serious consequences for the following inappropriate uses: inappropriate  taking of pictures or videos, texting or messages, any use to threaten anyone or anything at FHMS, or any major  violation of our district’s acceptable use policy. Any acts which are not covered by these regulations and which are of  such a nature as to pose a threat to the physical or mental welfare of students, teachers or other school personnel or  which create a disruption in the orderly operation of any phase of the school program may result in suspension or  expulsion. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. Calling/Texting parents or others from the school without permission is a violation. 

*** Wired headphones are allowed in class at the discretion of teachers. However wireless headphones, airpods, etc. are not permitted in classrooms, hallways, lunch or during school hours.

The safety and security of all students is of the utmost importance to our faculty and staff. Should a  concern arise about a student being a danger to him/herself or others, District protocols for conducting a  risk assessment (suicide and/or threat) will be followed to the extent appropriate. These assessments may  include interviews with students and staff, a review of student records, and consultation with district mental  health staff, local law enforcement, or other community agencies that help support our schools and  students. If, as part of its assessment and response, the District determines there is an articulable and  significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose personally  identifiable information from education records to any person whose knowledge of the information is  necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. 

It is important for students and parents to understand the importance of academic honesty. It is expected  that what a student turns in represents his/her academic skill and efforts, and not that of someone else.  Each teacher establishes their classroom policy and procedures for tests, quizzes, and academic work.  Students are expected to follow those rules. 

We consider academic dishonesty a serious violation of school rules. The following statements are what are considered to be academic dishonesty: 

• Receiving or providing information during an assessment or for an assessment given in an earlier period. 
• Using AI to complete an assignment for you.
• Using materials for tests/quizzes without the teacher’s permission. 
• Violating the teacher’s testing rules and procedures. 
• Using or copying someone else’s writing or work (word-for-word – or almost so), calling it your  own, and not giving credit to the author (plagiarism.) 
• Using or copying another student’s work/assignment to turn in as your own work.  
• Allowing other students to use your work on assignments with the exception of specific group, lab,  or collaborative projects. 
• Having a parent or guardian complete school work.

**The above list identifies the most common forms of academic dishonesty, but other actions may be  considered.  

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 on official school bus stop, at a school-sponsored activity or event  whether or not it is held on school premises, or at another program or function where the school is  responsible for the student. 

For purposes of this policy, harassment, intimidation or bullying is defined as a gesture, electronic  communication, or a written, verbal, physical or sexual act reasonably perceived to have the effect of  either of the following. 

• harming a student physically or emotionally or damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in  reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage 

• insulting or demeaning a student or group of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial  interference with, the orderly operation of the school 

Any student who feels he/she has been subjected to harassment, intimidation or bullying is encouraged  to file a complaint in accordance with procedures established by the superintendent. Complaints will be  investigated promptly, thoroughly and confidentially. All school employees are required to report  alleged violations of this policy to the principal or his/her designee. Reports by students or employees  may be made anonymously. 

The district prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student or employee who has filed a  complaint or report of harassment, intimidation or bullying. The district also prohibits any person from  falsely accusing another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying. 

The board expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful  manner. Students and employees have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and  regulations of the school and district. Any student or employee who is found to have engaged in the  prohibited actions as outlined in this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including  expulsion in the case of a student or termination in the case of an employee. Individuals may also be  referred to law enforcement officials. The district will take all other appropriate steps to correct or  rectify the situation. 

The superintendent will be responsible for ensuring notice of this policy is provided to students, staff,  parents/legal guardians, volunteers and members of the community including its applicability to all areas  of the school environment as outlined in this policy. 

The superintendent will also ensure that a process is established for discussing the district policy with  students. 

Adopted  

2/5/07

Per South Carolina law, any person entering the premises of any school in this State shall be deemed to have consented to a reasonable search of his person and effects. School administrators and officials may conduct reasonable searches on school property of lockers, desks, vehicles, and personal belongings such as purses, bookbags, wallets, and satchels with or without probable cause. Students found in bathroom stalls together will be searched.

The key to a good school lies in the pride that we have in our school and the degree to which each of us accepts our personal responsibility for the welfare of the school as a whole.  The procedures that have been listed herein are simple reminders about things that a good citizen would do on one's own.  It is important that all students clearly understand the expectations and consequences if privileges are abused or rules are broken. 

It is our goal to have a successful and rewarding year for the faculty, staff, students, and parents at Fort Mill Middle School.  Thanks for taking the time to read through this student-parent handbook.  Hopefully, it has been helpful in giving you important information about our school.  We invite you to talk to your student’s teachers or contact the office if there are other questions.  We hope this is your best school year ever. 

Kindest Regards, 

Dr. E. McQuay, Principal 

Mr. M. Joslin; Mrs. D. Sanders; Mr. C. Espich

Fort Mill School District (FMSD) provides students with a variety of technology in an effort to support and enhance the  academic, social, and emotional achievement of students in the district. In alignment with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP*)  established by our district, we have created a set of rules and regulations hereby known as the FMSD Responsible Use Plan  (RUP). This plan is intended to ensure the safety and privacy of our students, to protect data and our resources, and to  safeguard the overall integrity of both the FMSD and its students. We request that parents/guardians and students familiarize  themselves with the RUP as outlined below.  

The following rules and procedures apply to all students enrolled in district schools on and off campus.  Access to district internet is for educational purpose only. 

Students must: 

1. Respect their own privacy and the privacy of others 

a. Use only assigned accounts, keep personal information such as name, address, phone number, etc. offline,  keep passwords secret 

b. Have permission to photograph/videotape others and to subsequently save and/or post these  images/videos to the internet 

c. FMSD cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen information sent or received via the district’s  communication resources. 

d. Documents may not include: student phone number, address, full name of self or others (first name only) 2. Respect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources 

a. Observe all network security practices while also protecting and sharing these resources with other users b. FMSD is not responsible for damages to personal digital technologies or electronic communication devices c. Treat digital technologies with care and report any damages, security risks, or violations to a teacher or  administrator 

3. Respect the copyrighted/intellectual property of others to assure academic integrity 

a. Cite all sources appropriately and follow all copyright laws and utilize electronic communication devices properly 4. Respect and practice the principles of community 

a. Communicate only in ways that are kind, responsible, respectful and lawful 

b. Use electronic communication devices (including FMSD email) for schoolwork only 

c. Report threatening or offensive materials to a teacher or administrator 

5. Prohibited email usage including all of the following 

a. Create or transmit any emails containing content reasonably perceived as threatening, obscene, sexual, racist, or  discriminating 

b. Setting up or operating a commercial business 

c. Email signatures should not include religious statements, political statements, or group affiliations

**Students who witness, experience or otherwise learn about a suspected violation should report the matter to a teacher or  administrator. FMSD reserves the right to monitor and/or review all uses of the district network, internet usage, and activity. 

Flint Hill Middle School  

Personal Chromebook and Mobile Computing Discipline Plan 

Level 1 Violations 

Include but are not limited to: repeated uncharged device, unprepared for class, careless or irresponsible use,  off task behavior. 

1^st offense – signed SMART Tracker (in agenda) 

2^nd Offense - signed SMART Tracker (in agenda)  

3^rd Offense - signed SMART Tracker (in agenda) 

Examples of teacher-based discipline include: 

• Verbal redirection 

• Student/Teacher conference 

• Restricted use in the classroom 

• Alternate assignments 

• Teacher assigned detention 

• Parent/teacher communication/conference 

Level 2 Violations 

Include but are not limited to: acceptable use policy violations, photographing/filming others without  permission or against their will, bullying with the device, harmful or malicious activities, accessing and/or sharing  inappropriate websites, materials, videos, or photos. 

Any offense classified as level 2, a major classroom disruption, or criminal conduct will be referred immediately  to an administrator and/or the School Resource Officer. The administrator will notify parents and determine  discipline. Only an administrator can assign ISS or OSS. 

Examples of administrator discipline include: 

• Student/Administrator Conference 

• Restricted use of device/restricted user 

• In-school Suspension (1-5 days) 

• Out of school suspension (1-5 days) 

Level 3 Violations 

Include criminal offenses that require the involvement of law enforcement and may require arrest and/or a  recommendation for expulsion.  

Possess and use of a personal and/or school issued electronic devices on school property acknowledges consent  to search the contents of the device in a school or criminal investigation. In such  investigations, students will provide necessary login information as needed. Misuse of technology outside of  school that impacts the people or environment on campus may also necessitate similar disciplinary  consequences and searches. 

The administration reserves the right to handle any of the above action or any other action determined to  be a misuse of technology in the manner they feel is the most appropriate for all concerned. For additional information on acceptable  use of technology, please refer to the FMSD Technology Acceptable Use Policy.