**Mission Statement:
Our mission is to produce high achieving
students.
All Houston County schools are fully accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. This accreditation means that all schools
offer equitable educational programs as a result of applied standards. These
standards are checked annually by SACS, and every five years the schools are
required to hold evaluations conducted by visiting educators. All schools also
meet all standards established by the Georgia Department of Education. The
system was named by SACS a "2003-2004 Super District for Quality Schools."
Houston County has 7 Middle Schools enrolling approximately 5650
students.
School System by the Numbers
Number of students
~24,000
Number of full-time employees 3,178
Number of certified
employees/teachers 1871 / 1635
Number of schools
34
Elementary (Grade range Pre-K - 5)
21
Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
7
High Schools (Grades 9 - 12)
4
Alternative Schools 2
Expenditure per Pupil
(average, FY03) $6,833
2004-05 General Fund Budget $163,771,117
2004-05
Total Budget $246,572,745
The Houston County School System student
population increases an average of 550 students per school year. Two
new elementary schools opened last school year, and two replacement middle
schools will open within two years to help accommodate this
growth. Numerous schools are also receiving classroom additions.
Achievements and Recognition
SAT Scores
...Top 10% Above
National Average
Iowa Test of Basic Skills Scores
....Above National
Average
HCSS Georgia High School Graduation Test Scores
..Above
State Average
Advanced Placement Scores
.....Above Global
Average
All traditional high schools, all middle schools, and eleven
elementary schools in the Houston County School System have been named Georgia
Schools of Excellence for a total of 30 times since 1984. In addition,
Centerville Elementary School, Linwood Elementary School, Houston County High
School and Warner Robins High School have been named National Schools of
Excellence.
**Enrollment Procedures
To enroll a student in the
Houston County School System, the following documents must be
provided:
Records or transcript of previous school attendance (if not
entering kindergarten or first grade for the first time.) The school will make a
direct request to the previous school, but responsibility rests with the
parents.
Birth certificate for all grades.
Guardianship papers if
the child does not live with the natural parents.
Social Security number
or waiver or an application for Social Security number.
Proof of
residence such as a utility bill or lease.
Ear, eye, dental (EED)
screening.
Immunization record, Georgia Form 3231.
* Note: A child
enrolling in a Georgia school for the first time at any grade level must be
age-appropriately immunized with all required vaccines. The following are
required at date of entry:
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Two doses of
measles-containing vaccine
Varicella vaccine (unless child has had
chicken pox)
Vaccinations and vaccination records may be obtained from
the Houston County Health Department or from a private physician. Please note
that the immunization record must be on an official form provided by the Georgia
Department of Human Resources (Form 3231).
*****Important***** Bring a
copy of student's permanent school records with you to register your child; the
school will request an official copy of child's transcript from school of
origin. The purpose of this is to help get your child registered
instead of waiting weeks to receive a transcript.
**Middle School Dress
Code Policy
Students of the Houston County School System are
expected to dress in a manner that is supportive of a positive learning
environment that is free of distractions and disruptions. There is a direct
correlation between student dress and student behavior. Students will be
expected to observe modes of dress, styles of hair, and personal grooming, which
support the learning environment. The purpose of this dress code is to assure
that consistency and interpretation is implemented county-wide, thus providing
equitable treatment for all students.
Outer clothing which resembles
loungewear, pajamas, or underwear is prohibited.
Fads and styles in dress
which differ extremely from conventionally accepted standards are prohibited.
Any clothing that is viewed as distracting because of extremes in style,
fit, color, pattern, fabric, etc., shall not be permitted. Undergarments may not
be exposed at any time.
Specific Rules
Blouses/shirts should be
constructed so that the top of the shoulder is covered and is fitted under the
arms (no halter tops, tank tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, or
bare-shouldered tops of any type will be allowed). Blouses/shirts which expose
any portion of the waist, hips, or midriff are not allowed. Blouses/shirts which
are not appropriate for school include those which are low-cut, see-through,
backless, or tube tops.
Clothing which is cut, slashed or has holes, is
prohibited.
In accordance with board policy governing student conduct with
regard to bullying, weapons, gangs, and drugs: clothing shall be free of
inflammatory, suggestive, racial, or other inappropriate writing, advertisement,
or artwork. This includes offensive words and designs, violence (blood, death,
weapons), sex, playboy symbols, hate groups, tobacco products, drugs, and
alcohol.
No clothing or other article may be worn or displayed which may
indicate membership in a gang at school or any school function.
Pants,
skirts, and dresses must be knee-length or longer, and must have a hem.
Shirts must be tucked in.
Nylon wind suits that fit appropriately are
permitted.
Mesh, nylon, or athletic shorts are not permitted in the
classroom. These type shorts may be worn during P.E. classes only.
Accessories
Shoes/sandals must be worn at all times. Cleated shoes
are prohibited inside the building. House/bedroom slippers are not acceptable.
Male students may not wear earrings; female students may wear earrings.
Neither male nor female students may wear ornaments (jewelry) which pierce the
skin such as the nose, lips, tongue, eyelid, etc.
Students may not wear
hats, caps, bandanas, sunglasses, combs, picks, etc., inside the building.
Hair & Grooming
Hair must be well groomed. Only conventional hair
coloring will be permitted. Extreme hairstyles and fads that would interfere
with the learning process, cause a disruption of the educational environment, or
be a health or safety hazard are prohibited.
Well-groomed mustaches are
permitted; goatees and beards are prohibited.
Coats
Due to variances
in physical design of schools, principal's discretion will apply to wearing of
outer garments, coats, and jackets. Students may wear coats/winter garments to
school, but may be asked to store them in their lockers during the school day.
Students are encouraged to bring lightweight jackets to wear in the building as
changes in weather dictate.
NOTE: Principal discretion applies to all of
the above.
**MIDDLE GRADES INSTRUCTION
The middle school provides
a curriculum and climate for students to move more easily from the elementary
school to the high school. Basic academic subjects are language arts,
mathematics, social studies and science. These subjects are taught in an
academic block of time by a team of teachers. Students are assigned to a team
for the school year. The teachers know the students and their
capabilities and provide learning activities to meet the needs of the students
on the team.
Students also take two connections classes each nine weeks.
The connections classes give students an introduction to subjects they may wish
to take in high school, help students begin looking at careers, and assist
students in developing life and learning skills. Students explore
foreign languages, vocational and technical education, fine arts, and personal
learning skills.
Other middle school components include a comprehensive
guidance and advisement program, extra class activities such as sports and
clubs, special education services, and gifted services.
For more
information on after school services view Contacts/Links.
***For
2005-2006 school calendar information please see Overview in Education
section.***