Principal Franklin's Blog

July 23, 2010

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I know that your children have relished their summer break, but that time is quickly drawing to an end.  We made strides academically last year in almost every academic area.  While that is true, we, like many schools you may have recently read about, still have work to do with a couple of our subgroups.  As such, Bear Creek did not meet expectations for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).  Because we struggle to help one segment of our students to experience success at an AYP identified level, the entire school is characterized as not meeting AYP.  I vigorously refute that assertion.  I am willing to share with any parent who inquires how we did make improvement last school year.  As a NASA Explorer School, Bear Creek we continued to expose our entire school community to several NASA initiatives.  Like last year, Bear Creek had several students who competed at the State Science Fair.  Moreover, our girls and boys track team continued their annual tradition of winning the county’s track meet.  Bear Creek continues to struggle in identifying the best means to have the majority of its parents integrally involved in the lives of their children in conjunction with their educational pursuits   Despite that, we had a number of parents to participate and graduate from our PASSPORT class which focuses on assisting parents to further build their skills in ensuring the success of their children.  We are making progress, but I am not satisfied with the rate in which that progress is being realized.  I implore you to deepen your investment in the life of your child and Bear Creek this year.

Parents continue to express the desire to have their children wear uniforms.  This was overwhelming supported at the inception of last school year, but that support fizzled after the first month as the mandate was not enforceable.   The uniforms pants are khaki/cotton.  The acceptable colors are navy blue, beige, or black.  The shirt colors are white, royal blue, black and official yellow. You should be aware that other stores like Walmart, Conway, Maxway, Target and J.C. Penny’s carry most of the colors.  I want to encourage parents to continue to send their children in uniform wear Monday – Thursday.  Fridays are designated as school spirit days where we encourage students to wear school paraphernalia.  They may also wear their regular clothes on Fridays; however, their attire must meet the dress code which is included further in the body of this correspondence.

Here is important information about Bear Creek’s Orientation, Registration and Open House. We will have an orientation where students will have the opportunity to pick up their schedules, purchase lockers, find their bus route, and other pertinent information.  The schedule is below.

Surviving Middle School for in-coming 6th graders and their parents        

August 14, 2010   Morning Session 8:30am - 12:30pm

Afternoon Session 12:30pm - 4:30pm               

Orientation for all students                                               

August 18, 2010                  6:30 p.m.  to  8:00 p.m.

Bear Creek’s Registration has been on-going all summer but in a limited manner because of reductions as a result of the economic downturn. Students who did not attend Bear Creek or any Fulton County Elementary School, should complete the registration packet available in the front office.  When staff returns, those parents will be called to have their registration completed.  Please pass that word on to your neighbors.  As a reminder, all students will all students will be required to complete an Affidavit of Residency (AOR) verifying their address.  Additionally, all 6th Graders must have proof of their current immunizations.  Students who do not have their AOR or immunizations current will be not be enrolled or will be withdrawn.

Bear Creek’s Open House will be September 7, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is not a conference time, but parents will be able to meet all of the teachers of their child(ren).

Bear Creek Dress Code Procedures

Bear Creek continues to implement the following expectation as a part of our vision for students and parents.

Dress Code:

Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness, and safety.  All students shall be modestly dressed and groomed so as not to distract unreasonably the attention of others or to cause disruption or interference with the educational program or the orderly operation of the school.  Extremes in dress will not be permitted.  The principal or other duly-authorized school official shall determine whether any particular mode of dress or grooming results in a violation of the spirit and intent of this rule.

The following rules apply to all students:

1.        Apparel or jewelry which designates “gangs,” neighborhood affiliations, or similar organizations will not be allowed.  Solid colored tees (tees that hang below the waist) are not allowed.

2.        All male students must wear belts and pants must be worn at the waist.  No Sagging pants/shorts.

3.        Shirts must be tucked in and belts must be visible.  No excessive blousing. 

4.        No short-shorts or mini-skirts are to be worn.

a.        Shorts, culottes, skorts, and skirts must be of appropriate length (appropriate length as determined by administration). 

b.        Boxer or bicycle shorts are not allowed.

5.        No hats, curlers, head scarves (religious exceptions are permissible), bandannas, earrings (for males), sweat bands, sunglasses, or gloves are to be worn during school hours.

6.        No clothing that is low cut, transparent, or that has revealing sides are allowed.

7.        All jewelry must be in good taste.

8.        All T-shirts must be in good taste (no suggestive wording or advertisements for tobacco, drugs, or alcoholic beverages).  School administration will determine what is appropriate and acceptable.

9.        Pants any length between the knee and the ankle are acceptable. Pants must not be frayed at the edges and peppered with holes.  

10.     No midriff tops, ripped or torn jeans will be allowed.

11.     Shoes must be worn at all times.  No flip flops. Shoes must have a wrap around the heel.

12.     Tank tops and “white-tees” are inappropriate for school for males or females.

13.     Wallet chains are not allowed. 

14.     Pajamas and bedroom shoes are inappropriate for school. 

Consequences:

The following consequences will be implemented for not adhering to dress code policy:

1st offense: Call parent to bring change of clothes. Student is sent to in-school suspension/time out if parent unavailable.

2nd offense: Student is sent to in-school suspension/time out, conference with parent, student and school administrator.

Repeat abusers will receive out of school suspension.

Electronic Devices:

1.        All cell phones must be concealed and turned off during the school day which begins as early as students enter the bus or building. 

2.        No other electronic devices are allowed to be displayed on the bus or campus (i.e. iPods, MP3 players, video gaming systems, etc.)

3.        Electronic devices will be confiscated immediately if they are heard or seen during the school day.

4.        A parent or guardian will be required to pick up the confiscated items. We are not responsible for the loss of theft of these items.

Bookbags

All bookbags (including purse backpacks and drawstring bags) must be stored in lockers during school hours.  Rolling bookbags are not permitted.

Makeup Work:

Parents may request make up work for more than three (3) consecutive days absent.

a.        Parents should allow 24 hours for teachers to prepare make-up work packages.

b.        All make-up work must be turned in within (3) days of returning to school.

c.        Make-up work is only provided for excused absences.

 

Classroom Visitation:

Parents must provide 24 hour advance notice to an administrator or counselor prior to school visitation.

 

After-school Activities

1.        Students attending after-school games or dances must go home and return with their parent.  Parents must accompany their children to all after-school games.

2.        Students picked up late from after-school activities more than twice will no longer be allowed to participate in after-school activities.

 

Enrollment:

Parents must have all required documents/paperwork to enroll a student.

Books will not be issued if student owes a fine for a book in the same content area.

 

Thank you for being involved and for your support in following the aforementioned procedures.

 

Sincerely,

 

Darron E. Franklin

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal