FAMILIES AND STUDENTS

Sumter Academy for Support and Intervention

475 Crosswell Drive

Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 774-5900

Student Handbook

2024 – 2025

 

 

Mission Statement

To equip and inspire students daily with the correct academic, social, and emotional skills to be successful every day.

Vision Statement

In partnership with the Greater Sumter Community,  Sumter Academy for Support and Intervention will provide learners with the skills to move forward and be successful in a global society.

WELCOME TO SUMTER ACADEMY

Building Character and Promoting Educational Excellence

Welcome to a new, exciting school year at the Sumter Academy for Support and Intervention — where we enforce strict rules and regulations, help build student character, and promote academic skills.  What you are holding represents the work of the faculty, staff, students, and administrators of our school.  This is your guidebook to enable you to achieve academic and social success while attending the Sumter Academy.

 

We, the staff of the Sumter Academy, have set forth the guidelines in this agenda to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to return to their respective home schools through character building, academic counseling, and overall personal growth.  Any student who accepts the services given to them will be able to return to their home school with good grades, good attendance, and good behavior.

 

Sumter Academy is the home of a second chance.  We encourage every student to utilize the second chance to learn from his/her mistakes, to embrace the character-building techniques taught, and to move forward to a successful future.  

 

The faculty, staff, and administrators are readily available to serve each student and their parents upon request.  The staff can be contacted by calling the school at (803) 774-5900 or contacting them through their email information listed below:

 

Office/Admin Staff

Mr. J. Boone – Principal - jamesa.boone@sumterschools.net

Ms. J. Wilder – Assistant Principal - janice.wilder@sumterschools.net

Ms. C. Breland – School Counselor - cassandra.breland@sumterschools.net

Ms. F. Williams  – Bookkeeper/Attendance - felicia.williams@sumterschools.net

Mr. E. Ramsey - Behavior Interventionist - eric.ramsey@sumterschools.net

Mr. M. Nelson - Paraprofessional/CES - maurice.nelson@sumterschools.net

Ms. C. Peterson - Receptionist - charlotte.peterson@sumterschools.net

 

Middle School Staff

Ms. S. Adams – Middle School Math - shamekia.adams@sumterschools.net

Ms. S. Howard – Middle School Social Studies - stephanie.howard@sumterschools.net

Ms. G. Moses – Middle School Science – georthia.moses@sumterschools.net

Ms. S. Ragin – Middle School ELA – sheila.ragin@sumterschools.net

V. Poole – Special Services - vincent.poole@sumterschools.net

Ms. M. Ragin – Middle School CTE – marcia.ragin@sumterschools.net

Dr. R. Stroman - High School PE - ronald.stroman@sumterschools.net

 

High School Staff

Ms. W. Fulmore - High School Math - wanda.fulmore@sumterschools.net

Ms. C. Mcknight  - High School English - charlene.mcknight@sumterschools.net

Ms. L. Cabbagestalk – High School Science – leanna.cabbagestalk@sumterschools.net 

Mr. Kevin Roberts – High School Social Studies - kevin.roberts@sumterschools.net

Ms. Debbie Francis - High School Special Services - debbie.francis@sumterschools.net

Dr. T. Johnson – High School CTE - tal.johnson@sumterschools.net

Ms. B. Washington – APEX Lab Manager - beverly.washington@sumterschools.net

             

Support Staff    

Ms. J. Calice - MS Paraprofessional - janice.calice@sumterschools.net            

Mr. Vincent Poole - HS Paraprofessional - vincent.poole@sumterschools.net

Ms. L. Brown- ISS Monitor -loretta.brown@sumterschools.net

Mr. Terren Hall- SRO 

 

Pay close and careful attention to what is in your handbook, discuss it with parents and classmates, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak up.  With the collaboration and cooperation of the student, parent(s), faculty, staff, and administrator, your assigned time at Sumter Academy will be a success.  You will have the opportunity to reflect, grow, and leave a better individual. 

 

SUMTER ACADEMY GUIDELINES

EVERY STUDENT AND PARENT SHOULD KNOW

 

INTRODUCTION

The information contained in this handbook will answer questions that students and parents most frequently ask.  Please take time to read each paragraph thoroughly and discuss it with your parents. This information will help you to adjust to our school and be a successful student throughout the year.

 

The purpose of education is to help each student become a productive citizen in our community. In order to become a productive citizen, you, the student, must come to school prepared, behave in an acceptable manner, attend school daily, and complete required assignments in all your classes.

 

ATTENDANCE

South Carolina Attendance mandates that every child ages 6 to 17 must attend school on a daily basis unless an emergency arises. A student is defined as truant when they have three consecutive  unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences.  Upon returning to school, all excuses should be turned in within three days of the student returning to school.

A child that is absent from school will be presented with an opportunity to make up any missing assignments. The teachers will aid by supporting the student with the missing assignments, but it is the student's responsibility to request, complete, and turn in the missing assignments.  When there is an extended illness (more than 5 days), special arrangements will need to be arranged by contacting the School Counselor.

 

STUDENT PICK UP

Only the names listed as emergency contacts will be allowed to pick the student up. Valid photo identification of the person picking up the child is required before he or she is allowed to leave the school grounds. Under no circumstances are students allowed to leave campus without parent or administrative permission.

 

BUS TRANSPORTATION

      Bus transportation is available to all students who attend Sumter Academy.  However, when riding the bus, certain rules must be observed to ensure your health and safety.

Riding the school bus is a privilege that can be withdrawn any time for disruptive behavior  or unsatisfactory conduct. All students being transported are under the authority of the bus driver and must obey his/her requests.

Food or drink may not be consumed on the bus.

You are to ride the bus only to which you have been assigned.

No student will be allowed to ride another bus or to get off at another stop without a change of destination form signed by a parent or guardian and approved by transportation and Sumter Academy administration.

Students will not be allowed to ride the bus home if suspended for fighting or other severe altercations.

 

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria, besides being a breakfast/lunchroom, is also a place where good human relations can be developed.  Some simple rules of courteous behavior, which would make the eating period pleasant and relaxed, are:

 

 Take your place in your assigned seating area. Respect the rights of others and do not cut in front of others. You will be placed at the end of the line when caught cutting in line.

  There will be no running or horse playing in the cafeteria or the halls on the way to the cafeteria.

                     Practice good table manners.

                   Remain seated in the cafeteria at your assigned table.

  Each student is responsible for helping keep the cafeteria clean. When you complete your meal, remove all paper, cartons, or food from the table and deposit your tray in the disposal when directed to do so.

 All food must be eaten in the cafeteria.

 

                  CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Inform the school immediately if you have a change of address or phone number. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT CURRENT PHONE NUMBERS FOR PARENTS AND/OR GUARDIANS BE ON FILE FOR BOTH WORK AND HOME.

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

   Fire and Tornado Drills

Emergency evacuation drills will be conducted at regular intervals during the school year. When the alarm sounds, you will leave the room in the single file and WALK quickly to the designated area with your teacher. The teacher will call roll upon reaching your area.

 

Students are to remain with his/her teacher until an administrator notifies the teacher that it is safe to enter the building. It is extremely important that students pay attention to and follow all directions. All alarms should be considered the "real thing" and treated accordingly.

 

GUIDANCE SERVICES/PARENT CONFERENCES

Guidance services are available to all students and parents. The services include counseling, both individual and group, as well as a complete testing program. The tests provide achievement and diagnostic information, which is essential to the student's program.

 

Individual conferences with students, parents or teachers are always welcomed and encouraged.  Our main job is to assist the student in achieving their potential in school as well as at home. Community services are available upon request. Parents may request conferences by calling the school at (803) 774-5900. Students are also invited to request to see their school counselor.

 

HOMEWORK

Each student should set aside a definite time for study at home everyday. This time may be spent on homework assignments, reviewing and studying for tests, or independent study and projects. The length of time spent on preparation will depend upon each individual's needs.

 

MEDICATION

School personnel are not permitted to administer medication of any type to students unless authorized by a licensed medical doctor.  Medication authorization forms are to be picked up by students/parents in the main office. These forms must be properly completed and returned to the school before the medication can be dispensed. If you have any questions, please contact the school at (803) 774-5900.

 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

We require parents to participate in your child's education by attending scheduled conferences, calling the school to check on your child's academics, behavior, and attendance. 

 

PASSES

Students are not to be out of class without the teacher contacting the main office.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Students should always be prepared with paper, pencils, pens, calculators, and course required materials.  

 

STUDENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

Students will not take matters into their own hands. Conflicts will not be resolved by resorting to arguing and/or fighting. If you have a problem with another student or students, you must follow the Resolution Procedures as stated below:

 

Inform any teacher, teaching assistant or bus driver immediately if you have a problem that may result in an immediate physical confrontation.

Inform any teacher, teaching assistant, or bus driver as soon as possible if you have a       

    problem that you feel may escalate into an argument or physical confrontation.

Inform any teacher, teaching assistant, or bus driver if you feel that you are the object of

someone's gossip.

Inform any teacher, teaching assistant, or bus driver if you feel that you are being harassed, intimidated, or threatened by anyone.

  Do not get into an argument, confrontation, or fight with anyone.

   The counselor and/or behavior interventionist will be notified of your problem immediately. The counselor or behavior interventionist will attempt to help resolve your conflict in a peaceful and respectable manner.

 

Discipline issues will be dealt with appropriately to ensure a safe learning environment.

 

CELL PHONES AND OTHER  ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed at Sumter Academy.  Please ensure that all cell phones and other electronic devices are left at home.  Students are here to learn and grow as individuals and we want to alleviate as many distractions as possible.  If a student needs to make contact with a parent or guardian, we will contact you from the school.  Please make sure we always have your most recent contact information.  You are always able to contact the school if needed and we will get a message to the student. 

SUMTER ACADEMY UNIFORM GUIDELINES (Revised 06/2024)

The uniform guidelines at Sumter Academy are non-negotiable. All students at Sumter Academy are required to wear uniforms each day beginning with the first day of attendance.

The administration at Sumter Academy reserves the right to determine whether a student’s attire is appropriate for school.

The Sumter Academy Uniform will consist of:

Tan / khaki pants (proper size and length) with belt loops.  No Shorts, Capri pants, Cargo pants, leggings, jeggings, or joggers (no elastic waistband).

Pants must be worn at the waist – No sagging allowed.

Solid brown or black belt (proper waist size) must be worn with pants placed through the belt loops of the pants.

 Belts must be buckled and visible. No large/elaborate belt buckles, spikes, or studs.

 Pants must be free of patches and drawings.

 (Middle School) Navy Blue or Black collared polo shirt.

 (High School) White collared polo shirt.

 Shirts must be free of patches and drawings (except for a small emblem).

Shirts are to be tucked into pants at all times, belts must be visible.

Undershirts or thermals must be solid black or white (only) without pictures or writing.

Clingy, transparent or low-cut shirts are not permissible.

Closed athletic/tennis shoes only.

Steel toes, boots, flip-flops, slides, bedroom shoes, house shoes or sandals are not allowed.

Shoes must be solid white, black, or black and white with no accessories.

Shoe laces must be white or black and must be fully laced and tied.

Socks must be black or white.

 Jewelry and other adornments: No jewelry. This includes earrings, nose rings, necklaces, tongue rings, watches, grills, bracelets, and other adornments worn.  

Hair accessories such as barrettes, scrunchies, etc. can only be black or white.

 Light jackets that do NOT have hoods, can be worn in classrooms. Jackets must be solid black, navy blue, white, or gray, with no markings, emblems, or hood. The jacket must remain zipped down and open at all times. 

Pullovers, hoodies, denim/jean jackets, and oversized shirts are not allowed.  

Overcoats and outerwear with a hood cannot be worn in classrooms. They must be placed in the student’s locker. 

Bookbags, purses, or carry bags are not allowed.

Students are not allowed to wear overcoats, hats, headscarves, du-rags, or hoods in the building. This includes classrooms, hallways, and the cafeteria. Headwear will be confiscated if worn in the building or a classroom.

Other Prohibited Items

Anything deemed inappropriate by the administrator is not allowed. Inappropriate and unacceptable items will be confiscated by the administration.

Uniform Enforcement

If a student does not follow the uniform guidelines, the following will occur:

Student will be separated from the school population;

Parent will be contacted to bring the proper uniform for the student;

Student will receive a referral for repeated dress code violations.

2024-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR

 

JULY

25 School Staff Orientation

26 District Professional Learning

29 School Level Professional Learning

30 District Opening Meeting

31 School Level Workday

 

AUGUST

1 Students Begin

30 School Professional Learning Day (1/2 Day for students)

 

SEPTEMBER

2 Labor Day Holiday

3 Interims Issued 

 

OCTOBER

3 Last Day of 1st Quarter

4 First Day of 2nd Quarter

10 District Professional Learning (½ day for students)

11 District Professional Learning

14-15 Fall Break

18 Report Cards Issued

 

NOVEMBER

5 Election Day - No School

11 Veterans Day Holiday

13 Interims Issued

25-29 Thanksgiving Holiday

 

DECEMBER

18 & 19 High School Exams ½ Day

19 Last Day of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester

20 School Level Workday

Dec 23- Jan 2 Winter Break

 

JANUARY

3 School Level Professional Development

6 School Resumes

   First Day of 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester

20 Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday

22 Report Cards Issued

 

FEBRUARY

7 Interims Issued

13 School Professional Learning ½ Day

14 District Professional Learning

17 Holiday

 

MARCH

12 Last day of 3rd Quarter

13 First Day of 4th Quarter

14 District Professional Learning (½ Day for Students)

26 Report Cards Issued

 

APRIL

11 Interims Issued

14-21 Spring Holidays

 

MAY

21 & 22 High School Exams (½ Day for Students)

22 Last Day of Student Attendance

     Report Cards Issued

23 School Workday

 

STUDENT CONTRACT

The Sumter Academy for Support and Intervention is an alternative education program which may be offered to students in place of expulsion from school without services.  Students are able to continue their academic course of study and receive interventions for behavior problems (if needed).  The success of the program requires commitment from both the parent and the student.  

 

This contract is an agreement between the student, parent, and school which outlines what is required of the student in order to attend and complete the alternative education program.  Through the alternative education program, students are expected to commit to academic success, to earn the trust and confidence of staff, and to return to the regular school program. Students must complete the alternative school program before they can earn a recommendation to return to their regular school.

 

Conditions for Attending the Sumter Academy

 

Compliance with the conditions listed below is required in order for the student to complete the alternative program.

Students must attend school daily and on time.

Students must adhere to the uniform guidelines.

Students must comply with school rules, bus regulations and the discipline policy at school and on the school bus.

Parents/guardians must attend all academic and discipline conferences scheduled at the school and are available to pick up the student when requested by an administrator. 

Students are not eligible to attend or participate in any extracurricular activities within Sumter School District.  Students are not allowed on any other Sumter School District property without permission of the principal of that building. 

 

Authority to discipline and terminate students from the alternative education program is given to the Principal on site in collaboration with the District Hearing Officer. 

Completing the alternative program and recommendation to return to regular school

Requirements are for students assigned through a disciplinary hearing.

Behavior; improvement in behavior which warranted placement.

Participation in social emotional learning and discussions on goal setting. 

Attendance; student cannot have more than three unexcused absences.

Grades; satisfactory academic progress, based on academics while at Sumter Academy. 

Students must participate in College and Career Readiness discussions with CES. 

The Superintendent has the authority to return a student to their home school.  After the student successfully completes the alternative program, the principal will schedule a transition meeting to return the student to their home school.