School Website: www.effinghamschools.com

Telephone Directory: Main Office - 912-728-7500 | Fax - 912-226-7385

Administration:

• Christy Brown, Principal - cbrown@effingham.k12.ga.us
• Lisa Grassi, Instructional Supervisor/Assistant Principal - lgrassi@effingham.k12.ga.us
• Jeremy Turner, Assistant Principal - jbturner@effingham.k12.ga.us
• Mallory Dasher, Assistant Principal - mbdasher@effingham.k12.ga.us

Counselors:

• Terah Cannon - tcannon@effingham.k12.ga.us
• Sherri Hall - shall@effingham.k12.ga.us

Athletic Director:

• Hannah Ward - hnward@effingham.k12.ga.us

Media Specialist:

• Gary James - GJames@effingham.k12.ga.us

• 7:30 Early Drop-Off (Students may enter the building when a staff member begins the process.) Drop off is in the Front Circle only (not the staff parking lot or bus ramp)
• 8:00 School Building officially opens
• 8:00 – 8:15 Breakfast Served
• 8:20 Tardy Bell Rings / Parent must sign student in if arriving after 8:20 and student must obtain a pass from the Front Office.
• 3:45 Front Circle Car Riders dismissed
• 3:50 All other students dismissed

Dear SEMS Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. I hope you have had an enjoyable summer. We are excited to start another wonderful year with our Mustangs! Please know that your child’s safety is extremely important to us at South Middle. We will work with our BOE, local authorities, and other stakeholders throughout the year to ensure a safe learning environment for our Mustangs. The faculty and staff at SEMS are very eager to get to know each of you as the year progresses.

The purpose of the SEMS Handbook is to provide a quick reference guide to our school. However, please review the Parent-Student Handbook published by the Effingham County BOE for more extensive and essential information concerning county policies. Additional information and updates are available on our system and school website at www.effinghamschools.com.

Student achievement continues to be the core focus at SEMS. Our students have seen positive academic gains in academic achievement over the past several years. Our school has also involved many students in extracurricular activities that promote social and physical improvement. The SEMS faculty and staff are eager and willing to work with students to help them grow socially and academically each year. The staff of SEMS is dedicated and has a common goal of doing what is best for ALL students – guiding them towards active learning and achievement. Every child at SEMS can succeed with guidance and support from us and a lot of hard work on their part.

I continue to encourage all of you to become involved in our many programs such as fine arts, athletics, academics, and club activities. I appreciate your ideas, concerns and questions. You may contact me at any time to support continued improvement at SEMS. As always….. GO MUSTANGS!

Christy Brown
Principal

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission statement of the Effingham County School System is to make every moment count because every student matters.

BELIEFS

1. We believe student engagement is key to success.
2. We believe in high expectations for all.
3. We believe that learning is a shared responsibility.
4. We believe in supporting the whole child.
5. We believe a positive, caring staff makes a difference.
6. We believe in safe learning environments.
7. We believe everyone should be treated with respect.

VISION
The vision of Effingham County BOE is engaging learners for future success.

Honor Roll: 89.5 cumulative avg. and no grade below 85. ***Yearly honor roll will be awarded to students who have achieved honor roll for all 4 nine weeks.

We welcome students to stay after school for announced athletic events, socials, practices, clubs and other events. Students should get a permission form from the main concourse or Mrs. Ward (SEMS Athletic Director) for parents to sign their approval for students to stay for the assigned event. A signed permission slip is a necessity for students to attend.

• Students that have been suspended or are in ISS will not be able to purchase tickets or attend an event on the day that ISS/OSS is assigned. Also, students who attend school less than ½ the day or are absent for the entire day on the day of the event will not be able to attend. Students will follow school and district policies when on school campus for events, school transportation, or school sponsored events.
• The students will be disciplined according to the code of conduct for inappropriate actions at any school event, and the principal reserves the right to refuse the student from future after school events.
• Students must remain in the designated area for the activities. Also, students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in order to stay for afterschool events (sporting events, chorus concerts, theater performances, band concerts, etc.) The only exception will be school socials and SEMS staff members will monitor those events.
• After school athletic events and socials are meant to be enjoyable and memorable events for students. Therefore, their safety and the safety of others will remain our focus and will be our effort to maintain.

SEMS offers the following athletics activities: football, baseball, game cheerleading, competition cheerleading, soccer, softball, golf, wrestling, tennis, track, and basketball. A student’s physical must be on Dragon Fly before any participation in athletic practices or tryouts may occur. There may be additional requirements requested by the coach, ex. Google Form completion to sign up. Please read the weekly Mustang Message (goes out each Sunday at 5:00) for more information or contact the coach. The physical is good for one calendar year from the issue date. Students can print out a physical form from the SEMS Athletic website. When the physical is completed by a physician, a parent must upload it into Dragonfly.

Students who wish to participate in any athletic activity must meet eligibility requirements with grades, attendance and discipline. Students who lose their eligibility during one semester may regain it for the next semester if they meet requirements.

The Effingham County Board of Education Eligibility Requirements:

1. Earn 70% or higher in 5 out 6 classes at the end of the 1st semester. Yearlong final grades will be used for 2nd semester reporting.
2. Have less than (6) unexcused school day absences per nine weeks.
3. Have four or less discipline referrals in a nine weeks grading period.
4. Will turn in all work (class work/homework) complete and on time.
5. Will abide by all classroom rules set forth by the teacher.
6. Will abide by all school rules.
7. Should act in a positive manner on all forms of technological communication including, but not limited to Social Media. Student athletes are a reflection of our athletic department and should be positive examples online and in person.

Team discipline consequences for athletes referred to the office:

1. 1st time in ISS – suspension from any school activity occurring on the assigned days in ISS, which may include one game.
2. 2nd time in ISS – suspension from any school activity occurring on the assigned days in ISS, to include one game.
3. 3rd time in ISS - immediate dismissal from the team

*** Any Out of School Suspension (OSS) – immediate dismissal from the team.

*For more information about attendance, please refer to the 2025-2026 Effingham County Student/Parent Handbook.

Students who are traveling on a bus that they normally do not ride on, must bring a note signed by the parent and the parent must be contacted to verify the information. The note must have the address to which the student is traveling. If someone from the school does not talk with the parent, the student will not be allowed to board that bus. This procedure must be followed.

Cameras are located throughout the building’s interior and exterior in public areas. Cameras are also located on each bus. Be sure your child understands they are being recorded while on campus and on the bus.

• Cell phones can be a huge distraction to the learning environment. Phones and other devices must be on silent (non-vibrating) mode at all times and put away.
• Using an electronic device (cell phone, smartwatch, earbuds, etc.) is strictly prohibited on campus unless for educational purposes as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Students should not take cell phones to the restroom. They will be asked to leave the phone in the classroom. This creates a safe space in the restroom for all.
• Devices may not be used for personal communication purposes, including sending and receiving text messages and phone calls, other than directly related to the classroom instruction. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you need to speak to or get a message to your child, please call the front office.
• Photographic images, videos, and/or audio taken on campus may not be transmitted to other devices or posted on public and/or social networks. These images/audio/video files are to be used for instructional purposes only and should be removed from the device when the assignment is completed.

Students are not allowed to use their technology devices while at school or during a school event. Violation of this rule will result in the following discipline:

• 1st offense: Confiscate Device + Office Behavior Referral + Parent Contact + Return to student at the end of the day
• 2nd offense: Confiscate Device + Office Behavior Referral (minimum 1 day OSS) + Parent Contact + Parent picks up device at the end of the day
• 3rd offense: Confiscate Device + Office Behavior Referral (minimum 3 days OSS) + Parent Contact + Parent picks up device at the end of the day
• 4th offense: Confiscate Device + Office Behavior Referral (minimum 5 days OSS) + Parent Contact + Parent picks up device at the end of the day + Probation
• 5th offense: Confiscate Device + Office Behavior Referral (minimum 10 days OSS) + Parent Contact + Parent picks up device at the end of the day + Refer to Discipline Designee

*Taking pictures or the recording of audio/video with cell phones or other digital devices at school is prohibited unless under the express direction of a teacher as a component of instruction or a project. Students utilizing a cell phone or digital device for the capture of photographs or audio/video may be subject to additional punishment under the Code of Conduct.

Class trips will be limited to one trip per grade-level; however, 8th graders may participate in Ebenezer Alive as the class trip and one additional trip to Washington D.C. Students must meet eligibility requirements to go on the Washington trip. Due to the fact that eligibility requirements are based upon the previous 9 weeks, the principal reserves the right to deny a child from a field trip or activity based upon current 9 weeks attendance or behavior.

South Effingham Middle School has a wide variety of clubs that offer students opportunities to get involved with their interests. They are as follows: Chess, Effingham Future Educators (EFE), STEAM, Science Olympiad, Student Council, Beta, FFA, TSA, Breakfast & Books, Interact Club, FCA, and Writing Club.

SEMS offers the following Connections classes for the school year:

• Physical Education - semester
• Weights - semester
• Business and Computer Science - semester
• Careers - semester
• Visual Arts - semester
• Media Arts - semester
• Technology - semester
• Agriculture - semester
• Theater - year long
• Chorus - year long
• Band - year long

***We only take requests for Band, Chorus, or Theater.

• Reading Support - year long
• Math Support - semester and year long
• Science Enrichment - Eighth grade only
• Spanish – Eighth grade only (to those who qualify)
• Basic Agriculture Science - Eighth grade only (to those who qualify)

The purpose of discipline at SEMS is to alter inappropriate behavior and help keep the students focused on academics. Discipline will be enforced consistently and fairly. Parents will be notified and asked to help us with their child when he/she is acting inappropriately. Parental involvement is a large part of the SEMS Discipline Plan. The administration of SEMS will contact parents about inappropriate situations that occur at school. “Stirring the pot” or “drama” will not be allowed. Punishment may include but not limited to conferencing with an administrator, revoking an activity, silent lunch, team or administrator assigned after-school detention, in school suspension, out of school suspension, probation, alternative placement or expulsion depending on the severity of the misbehavior. Please understand that students are not allowed to interrupt the education of others.

The administration and faculty will look at all factors surrounding an event and use the best judgment in dealing with the situation.

The administration and faculty at SEMS fully support and enforce the policy of the Effingham County School District. Please see the “Dress Code Reference Sheet” in the handbook for a full description of the dress code.

Our school colors for polo shirts are white, black and burgundy. School t-shirts worn Monday - Friday must be shirts purchased from The Stable. In addition, students can wear any Mustang spirit shirt on Fridays (includes sports, band, club t-shirts, etc).

Hair color must be a natural color. No piercing unless in earlobe and it must be 3 or less. Clear or covered body piercings are prohibited. Please refer to the Effingham County Student Handbook for more information.

***Please note that most of our dress down days are jeans days (no holes, rips, tears, etc.) with a school appropriate shirt.

This includes clubs, field trips not associated with regular school-day field trips (like trips to Washington, D.C. offered to students within a grade level where students pay their way), after-school clubs including FFA, 4-H, and any other extracurricular activity. (ie. clubs, pageants, field trips)

*Exceptions can be made based on principal discretion.

• Grades: Students must earn a 70% or higher in 5 classes at the end of each nine-weeks’ grading period.
• Attendance: Students must have less than six absences in each class in a nine-weeks’ grading period.
• Discipline: Students must have four or less discipline referrals in a nine-weeks’ grading period. (Students must meet behavior expectations in order to participate in field trips.)

*Students must attend at least ½ of a regular school day to participate in any extra-curricular activity. This means the student must sign in before 12:00 noon and finish the day, or must be present the beginning of the school day and stay until at least 12:00 noon.

Fire drills are held once per month throughout the year while severe weather and intruder drills are held periodically throughout the year. When the emergency alarm sounds, students must follow the guidelines posted in each classroom.

Fire Drills

• Silently (Level 0) leave the building in a group with your teacher.
• Stay in a group once outside and remain silent. Your teacher will call roll.
• Return to the building only when an “all clear” is given by an administrator.

Severe Weather Drill

• Silently (Level 0) leave the room in a group with your teacher.
• Sit down facing the center of the hallway in the designated place for your class.
• Sit quietly and wait for directions.
• Stay in your group.
• Return to your classroom only when an “all clear” is given by an administrator.

Intruder Drill

• Silently take cover in corner of room away from door
• Lights and projector off
• All doors locked and shut. KIST system engaged
• Cover interior door windows

Food items brought for lunch are to be consumed in the cafeteria only. No gum, candy, chips, or drinks are allowed, other than school-approved and sponsored activities.

South Effingham Middle School has made every effort to expand the opportunities to use technology as a resource to enhance the learning experience while still ensuring that students are safe and using technology responsibly. Go Guardian is a digital monitoring program that helps teachers and administrators manage a safer digital learning environment. The use of technology is a privilege and students not utilizing online resources or other forms of technology appropriately may be subject to discipline. GoGuardian is not optional, it is required for all students.

In an effort to boost positive student attributes, the student incentive committee has a positive student incentive plan to recognize students for their good work ethic, choices, academics, and attitude. There is also a Mustang of The Month board on each hallway for every grade level as well as connections classes. Students can be recognized for their good behavior, peer relations, choices, attitude, work ethic and/or leadership qualities. Students who are selected for this honor are posted on the board with a description and picture. They receive a parent letter and coupon for the school store. This initiative is an effort to recognize students who are setting a good example for others.

ISS is the temporary removal in school from assigned class or classes by the principal or the assistant principal. The students will have the opportunity to complete all academic assignments, quizzes, and tests for credit. Arrangements for any makeup work are to be initiated by the students with each of their teachers with the understanding that some educational experiences cannot be duplicated. The students must complete the assignments, quizzes, and tests during the assigned ISS. Failure to do so will result in additional ISS days added to the suspension or more severe disciplinary action.

Students who are late to school must have their parent sign them in at the student office. Parents must sign in any student who arrives after 8:20 or the late arrival is considered unexcused. Late arrivals / early dismissals from school must follow acceptable excuses policy (see attendance policy) in order to be excused and must be documented.

** Continued late arrivals or early departures will result in progressive discipline measures per 9 weeks.

**Parents must sign students out for early dismissal in the main office. A valid picture ID is required to sign a student out of school.

Progressive discipline measures for unexcused late arrival and early dismissals:

• 1st Tardy: Warning
• 2nd Tardy: Warning and parent contact
• 3rd Tardy: 1 day lunch detention and parent contact
• 4th Tardy: 2 days lunch detention and parent contact
• 5th Tardy: 1 day ISS and parent contact
• 6th Tardy: 2 days ISS and parent contact
• 7th Tardy: 3 days ISS and parent contact
• 8th Tardy: 1 day OSS and parent contact
• 9th and Beyond: Principal’s discretion

The Learning Commons is the hub of information for SEMS students and teachers, providing resources and instruction to enhance and support the curriculum. “Makerspace” is also available in the media center. The media specialist provides instruction and assistance in locating information and resources.

Learning Commons Guidelines:

Show courtesy towards others by using care in handling materials. Speak softly when in the Learning Commons. Passes are required for admittance to the Learning Commons during the school day unless the entire class is present. When the Learning Commons is reserved for a class, individual students may be asked to return later to check out books. Makerspace is closed completely when classes are in session in the Learning Commons.

Students are encouraged to check their hallways first to include classroom areas, bathroom areas, and the gym areas for missing possessions such as lost books, articles of clothing, and other such items. If all else fails, students should then check the lost and found area in the main concourse. All Lost and Found items will be donated on the last day of each month.

All medications must be brought to the school by a parent. Do not send with your child. This is considered a discipline infraction. They MUST be in the original containers. All medications must be given to the school nurse and documented as to when the student may take them with parent consent. It is a violation of State Law for a student to carry around any medication, prescription or over the counter, at any time at school. Students are not allowed to carry medication of any kind with them. The inhaler for asthma or a similar situation is the only exception to this. However; this should be documented in the nurse’s office with a plan. Parents and students with prescription or non-prescription medications must follow the above procedure. See the School Nurse for all medication forms. Refer to the Effingham County Board of Education Student Handbook for further information.

OSS is the temporary removal from the school by the principal or the assistant principal. The students will have the opportunity to complete all academic assignments, quizzes and tests for credit. Arrangements for any makeup work are to be initiated by the students with each of their teachers with the understanding that some educational experiences cannot be duplicated.

Parent-Teacher conferences are encouraged at SEMS. Consistent, positive contact between the home and the school helps to create a climate of trust and enhances the student’s opportunity for academic and personal success. One particular day in both October and February will be set for afternoon/evening conference times for this school year. Students will be released early to facilitate the opportunity for large numbers of conferences. If a parent desires a conference at any time during the school year, please contact the individual teacher to make an appointment. Counselors are always available for parents as are the administrators. Please do not hesitate to call if you have a concern.

School-wide Positive Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS) is a system of tools and strategies for identifying, defining, teaching, and acknowledging appropriate behavior, and correcting inappropriate behaviors. This framework is intended to focus on student outcomes and support academic success by using preventative measures and recognizing positive behaviors rather than negative behaviors.

• Take Responsibility
• Engage in Learning
• Always be Respectful
• Make Safe Choices

South Effingham’s T.E.A.M. is a framework with included behaviors that provide the standards of which we will model and expect from our students. Just as we would provide positive reinforcement in the classroom for mastering curricular content, we will do the same for mastering the positive behavior in which we hope to mold productive students. Our framework is not based on what students should know about acceptable behavior, but what behaviors will be taught, modeled, reviewed, mastered, and then expected.

Acknowledgement T.E.A.M. points will be awarded to students who demonstrate expected behaviors each day. Students, teachers, and parents may access the PBIS Rewards software to view their T.E.A.M point account utilizing the student’s given username and password. The PBIS Rewards App may be downloaded on smart devices for easy accessibility to the student’s account. T.E.A.M. points may redeem a number of PBIS incentives at the school’s PBIS store, The Corral, from 8:00-8:20.

At the end of each 9-week period, a PBIS Incentive day will be planned for any student who meets the following requirements for the 9-week period:

• Has no disciplinary referrals (includes dress code and misuse of technology).
• No more than 2 unexcused absences.
• Student must participate in at least ½ of the academic day to participate in an incentive day.
• Failing no more than one class.

TEAM Incentive Days: October, December, March and May.

*Changes to transportation cannot be made after 3pm.*

Parents, all students need to be dropped off and picked up in the front circle. We ask that you pull around to the front of the circle so that the process can move smoothly. You cannot pick up or drop off students in the staff parking lot by the gym as it is a safety concern as cars are parking/leaving. It also disrupts traffic flow for both car and bus traffic. If we have to continuously address issues of noncompliance then students could potentially receive discipline.

For morning drop off, students can enter the building at 7:30 when a staff member begins the process. Students should go directly to the cafeteria and remain there until the bell rings at 8:00. As a courtesy, please be prepared for your child to exit the vehicle when you approach the circle each morning. If your child rides with a high school sibling to school, they will not be allowed to enter the SEHS building. They will need to walk or be dropped off at SEMS starting at 7:30.

***Front Circle Car Riders will be dismissed at 3:45

Students at SEMS will take pictures and they will be available for purchase. Money is due at the time of order. All dates are tentative, but the dates will be announced prior to the actual date.

• August: Fall Pictures – Individual
• September: Football, Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Competition Cheerleading (after school)
• October: Fall Retakes
• December: Clubs (during school); Basketball, Wrestling, Game Squad (after school)
• January: Band & Chorus (during school)
• February: Spring Pictures (during school), Soccer, Baseball, Golf, & Track (after school)

SEMS will have a school-wide STEA²M Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Agriculture, and Math). Our teachers will work collaboratively to provide students real-world, hands on, critical thinking problems that will be tied to our Georgia Standards of Excellence. Students will complete year-long projects that tie to our Honey Ridge Agricenter, and they will make trips to Honey Ridge each semester to explore their project. On Fridays, all students will have STEA²M Extension during which they will work on their Project Based learning that includes the Engineering by Design Process: Ask, Brainstorm, Plan, Create, Test, Analyze, Improve, and Communicate.

The staff at SEMS believes school assemblies are excellent educational opportunities for students. While attending assemblies, we ask that students respect those performing, presenting, and entertaining the audience. Please know that due to the limited space to house all SEMS students, parents will not be able to attend assemblies.

During a school assembly students shall:

• Respectfully remain quiet and attentive during the entire program.
• Be courteous of other individual’s rights and space during the program.
• Remain in their seats until a school authority has dismissed them.
• Refrain from whistling, talking or other acts of discourtesy that interrupts the performance.

*Violation of these rules shall subject the student to the disciplinary code.

Textbooks issued to students are the property of Effingham County School System. There is no charge for the use of these books. If a book is lost or damaged, however, students are expected to pay for a replacement copy. Textbooks are an expensive resource - some as much as $150-$200. Any student failing to return a book issued by the school in good condition is responsible for paying for damages or replacement costs. Students who fail to pay for damage or loss of instructional materials lose the right to take textbooks out of the school until the payment is received.

Students will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day.

1. If instructional materials are damaged to the extent that they cannot be used, the student must pay the full cost of replacement.
2. Damages rendering a book unusable include, but are not limited to: Torn out pages, Obscene drawing, Obscene writing, Severe water damage.

*The full replacement cost must be paid if the book is declared unusable.

Technology issued to students is the property of Effingham County School District. There is no charge for the use of technology such as Chromebooks and/or other technology devices. If a Chromebook and/or other technology device is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, a replacement cost of the Chromebook will be charged to the student. Additionally, repair costs for broken screens, keyboards, etc. are typically assessed at $50 per repair. Chargers are assessed at $25 per replacement. The full replacement cost of the Chromebook is $125.00.

Students will not be allowed to log in to their personal accounts on their chromebooks. This could be considered inappropriate use of technology or possible defiance.

Our school store is open before school and during lunch. School apparel, supplies, snacks, drinks and accessory items are available for purchase. Being able to purchase items in The Stable store is a privilege. Students found abusing the privilege shall be subject to disciplinary action and the inability to purchase items from the store.

Students and parents are encouraged to use the school district’s Tip411 App to report any information related to violations of the Student Code of Conduct or report information regarding the safety of students. Tip411 allows students and parents to communicate anonymous text tips through smart devices or computers with their school and district leaders.

We have various activities during the school year and would like to invite our parents to join as visitors or volunteers. Please contact Mallory Dasher or Pam Conley at the school if you wish to help. All volunteers must complete the Mandated Reporter and Title IX training prior to volunteering. Please note that we do not accept lunch visitors. If you would like to have lunch with your child, you will need to sign them out.

Students who walk home will be dismissed with bus riders at 3:50. Students will walk down the bus ramp to the high school front circle. Students will cross the street when directed by the SRO on duty.

We ask that you respectfully follow our guidelines for students who walk home in the afternoon.

• Students are allowed to walk to the church across the street for parent pick-up. However, please know this location is not supervised by a school official.
• Students are not allowed to walk home after any school-sponsored afternoon or evening activities. Students staying after school for any reason will need to be picked up by a parent.
• Students are not allowed to begin to walk home, and then enter a car waiting in the car rider line.

Parents may access the SEMS website by going to: https://sems.effinghamschools.com/

You may stay informed about upcoming school events, and general information at this site. Please refer to your child’s Google Classroom account for specific student assignments. You will also receive an identification number and password for the Parent Portal. There you can monitor the grades of your student.

If you have any issues accessing the Parent Portal, please contact the SEMS Data Clerk.