As we roll into February, we know that the stretch from MLK, Jr. Day to Spring Break is a crucial stretch of instructional days for our students. Students who stay on top of their assignments, attend school every day, and follow our rules and procedures can take advantage of these critical learning days.

Our teachers are working hard to create a "provide a positive, safe learning community, equipping and empowering students with skills necessary for graduation and post-secondary pursuits," as stated in our vision statement.

We want to provide a learning environment and school culture where students and parents are beating the doors down to get into the school. We believe that when a school is a fun, safe place to be, students will want to come everyday and be active participants in their education.

Studies show that a student's 9th-grade year is the best indicator of their graduation from high school. We know that "students who complete their freshmen year on track to graduate (no out of school suspensions and passing ELA & Math) are four times more likely to graduate than their off-track peers" (Johns Hopkins School of Education). We provide numerous interventions, activities, and supports with this in mind.

We hope that your student's freshman year is their best year of school ever! If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to us. We truly do value your feedback.

Sincerely,

David Leenman

Principal

Habersham County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 20, 2023 (Presidents' Day)

Congratulations to students in for Mrs. Carver's homeroom for winning January's Attendance Challenge! This is their second win in a row! Each month, homerooms compete against each other to see which homeroom has the highest attendance. The winning homeroom earns major House points and is treated to a sweet treat!

NEW INCENTIVE

In an effort to improve attendance, course performance and the likelihood of students graduating on time, we are offering an incentive for students with exemplary attendance. Students with exemplary attendance will be entered into weekly, monthly and quarterly drawings for prizes ranging from concession cart bucks, free lunch and larger prizes.

We are always looking for ways to improve our school and we value your feedback. In an effort to help us improve, please click on the following link and complete this short School Climate Survey: Click on the button below

Students are expected to continue to follow the HNGA dress code found in the student handbook - Pages 13-14.

Please review this particular section which is a problem area for a number of students:

• Leggings, "jeggings", tights or yoga pants are permitted ONLY if the outer garment (shirt, skirt, dress, etc.) appropriately covers the student’s front and back.
  
• Shirts must be long enough to extend beyond the top of the pants, shorts, leggings/joggers, or skirt. No midriff exposed.
  
• No cleavage should be exposed. Sleeveless shirts/dresses are permitted providing the clothing meets the end of the shoulder and does not expose undergarments or have arm openings large enough to expose the sides, back or chest of the student. Shirts with cutoff sleeves are not permitted.
  
• Exposing undergarments is prohibited.
• Halter tops, strapless tops, midriff tops, tank tops, and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
• Pajamas or other bedroom apparel are not permitted.This includes pajama pants and bedroom attire.
  
• Dresses, holes in jeans, or shorts (for all students) must be no higher than 3" above of the knee.
• Sweatshirt hoods are not allowed to be worn in the building as this is a safety issue. Hats are only allowed on designated hat days.
  

For more information, please reference page 13-14 of your student's handbook. Thank you for your support!

Parents who need to communicate with their student throughout the day are encouraged to call the front office, where there is also a phone for students to use as needed.

HNGA Handbook Policy: Students may use headphones/earbuds for instructional purposes only, and should not be worn when not being used with the teacher's permission.

Students are to have their electronic communication devices and other electronic media turned off and put away upon entering the school, throughout the school day, and until they leave the school each day. A student using a cell phone outside of instructional purposes (including, but not limited to use in common areas, cafeteria, restrooms, locker rooms, and hallways) will result in the following consequences:

• First Offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.

• Second Offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to a parent at the end of the school day.

• Third or additional Offenses: Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to a parent at the end of the school day. The student will also serve one day in In School Suspension (ISS).

Students who repeatedly violate the cell phone policy may be required to leave their cell phone in the office at the beginning of each school day.

Students are not permitted to video, take pictures of, or audio record other students violating any section of the Code of Conduct.