Student Handbook

2024-2025 Mauldin Middle School Student Handbook

Mauldin Middle School Vision

The vision of Mauldin Middle School is to prepare all students to succeed in becoming lifelong learners and responsible community members.

Academic Information

Attendance

In South Carolina, all children are required to attend a public or private school or kindergarten beginning at age five (5) and continuing until their 17th birthday. If a child is not six years of age on or before the first day of September in a particular school year, parents and guardians may choose not to send their children to kindergarten; however, they must sign a waiver which may be obtained at the local school.

In accordance with the South Carolina Compulsory School Attendance law, the School District of Greenville County has adopted uniform rules to ensure that students attend school regularly. Each day that students are not in school, they miss hours of valuable instruction and opportunities for learning that they will not have again. Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal. A student is considered in attendance when present for at least three (3) hours of a school day.

All absences beginning with the first shall be approved or disapproved by the board’s designee, the building principal. In making this decision, the principal shall be guided by the procedures as presented herein. Decisions regarding approval of absences and eligibility for credit may be appealed in accordance with district policy.

Any student who misses school must present a written excuse, signed by his or her parent or legal guardian or a health care professional, for all absences within three (3) days of the student’s return to school. The written excuse should include the reason for and the date of absence. If a student fails to bring a valid written excuse to school, his or her absence will be recorded as unlawful. Schools will use the criteria below when deciding whether an absence is lawful or unlawful.

Lawful Absences

  • Absences caused by a student’s illness and whose attendance in school would endanger his or her health or the health of others. These absences must be verified by a physician statement within three (3) days of the student’s return to school.
  • Absences due to an illness or death in the student’s immediate family verified by a statement from the parent within three (3) days of the student’s return to school.
  • Absences due to a recognized religious holiday of the student’s faith when approved in advance. Such requests must be made to the principal in writing.
  • Absences for students whose parents/guardians are experiencing a military deployment. Specifically absences when the parent or legal guardian of a student is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be excused as long as such absences are reasonable in duration as deemed by the principal so that the student can visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or legal guardian.
  • Absences due to activities that are approved in advance by the principal. This would include absences for extreme hardships. Such approval should be prearranged when possible.

Unlawful Absences

  • Absences of a student without the knowledge of his or her parents
  • Absences of a student without acceptable cause with the knowledge of his or her parents
  • Suspension is not to be counted as an unlawful absence for truancy purposes

Absences

For students in grades K-12, principals shall promptly approve or disapprove any student’s absence in excess of ten (10) days, whether those absences are lawful, unlawful, or a combination of the two. Absences in excess of ten (10) days will not be considered excused with a parent/guardian note unless accompanied by official medical documentation or otherwise approved by the principal as a lawful absence. 

Carnegie Credit

The school year consists of 180 school days. To receive credit, high school students or students in middle school taking courses for graduation credit must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170 days of each 180-day course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course.

In order to receive high school credit after the 10th unlawful absence, “seat time recovery” is required for every subsequent absence that is unlawful. (Note: the 10 unlawful absence limit applies to each 180-day course and should be considered 5 days for each 90-day course and 3 days for each 45 day course.) A student may have up to 10 absences excused by a parent note in each 180-day course and 5 days excused by a parent note in each 90-day course. Parent notes in excess of 10 in a 180-day course, and 5 in a 90-day course, will be considered unexcused unless accompanied by official medical documentation or is otherwise approved by the principal as a lawful. A student must attend the majority of a class session during a school day to receive credit for that class.

Truancy

Although the state requires students to only attend 170 of the 180-day school year, parents and students should be aware that SC Code of Regulations-Chapter 43-274 stipulates that a child ages 6 to 17 year is considered truant when the child has three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences. 

Student Arrival and Dismissal

Each school is responsible for overseeing the development of protocols and supervision that are tailored to the age and needs of students at each school facility. The protocols will include:

  • Staff assigned to specific locations and related responsibilities;
  • The area in which students will be retained awaiting designated transportation;
  • Plan for supervision when a parent/escort is unable to pick up their child at the appropriate dismissal time.

Morning Arrival

The official school day for Mauldin Middle School students is from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Morning announcements will begin at 8:20 AM. 

No student should be dropped off before 7:30 AM. 

Students who are eating breakfast will report immediately to the cafeteria. Band students who are practicing or storing instruments will report to the cafeteria. Eighth grade students will report to the designated area in the cafeteria. Sixth and seventh grade students will report to designated areas in the gym. Sixth and seventh grade students will report to the gym when they finish breakfast.

Teachers desiring students to report to their classrooms or to the library prior to 8:00 AM should give the student(s) a written pass the previous day. Students without written passes will not be allowed to leave the designated area.

Late Arrival or Tardy to School

Punctuality is a critical work-related skill that a person can learn.  It directly correlates to an individual’s success in the work world. Parents should have students at school on time each day.  Furthermore, students are expected to be in their individual classes on time. Late arrival (tardiness) results in interruptions to the learning process.

Morning announcements will begin at 8:20 each day. Ideally all students will be in class by 8:15 in order to hear daily announcements. 

The school day begins for students at 8:30. Students who arrive to school after 8:30 need to be signed in at the front office by a parent upon arrival to school. Tardiness will be excused for doctor or dentist appointments or for a late bus.  Parents are expected to provide a note in the event of a late arrival to school. The tardy will be entered into the student’s attendance record. Students are allowed three unexcused tardies to school per quarter without a consequence. Appropriate disciplinary actions will be followed.

Bus riders will receive a “Late Bus” pass and will have four minutes from the time on the pass to get to their first class.

School Dismissal

All car riders and walkers must exit the building by 3:20 PM unless under the supervision of a teacher. Car riders must be picked up no later than 3:45. Students in the back 6/7 loop who have not been picked up by 3:45 will be moved to the front loop for pick up. Any students not picked up by 4:00 will need to be signed out in the office. Students who are designated walkers will exit out the 6th/7th grade loop door. All designated walkers should have a completed form on file in the front office. In the event of an afterschool or evening school event, students are not permitted to stay on campus until the start of the event.

Early Dismissals

Early dismissals should be scheduled between classes in order to avoid excessive disruption of class. The student must bring a note written and signed by the parent or guardian to the attendance office upon arrival to school. The note must contain the following information: date, name of student, time of dismissal, reason for dismissal, name of person picking up the student, telephone number where the parent can be reached for verification, and signature of the parent. If a note is not provided, parents should be prepared to wait until the next class change or administration is available to go to the classroom to dismiss the student. 

The parent or guardian will be required to come into the office to sign the dismissal sheet. Identification from the person picking up the student will be necessary before the student is permitted to leave school. Only individuals approved in Backpack will be allowed to sign out a student for an early dismissal.

No early dismissals are permitted after 2:45 PM.

Change of Address

If students move during the school year or during the summer, they should report changes of address and phone numbers to the guidance clerk and to the nurse. Parents are responsible for updating this information in Backpack. Accurate addresses and phone numbers are needed in case of emergencies. The school should have an up-to-date address and phone number for each student’s parents at all times.

Withdrawals

If for some reason a student is unable to continue his/her education at Mauldin Middle School, the student is to notify their appropriate counselor and/or registrar. The student’s parent or legal guardian should come to the office to sign the proper withdrawal/transfer paperwork with our registrar.

No student records will be released or forwarded to another school until the proper check-out procedures have been completed. All books, Chromebook with charger, and any outstanding fees must be checked in prior to withdrawing.

Uniform Grading Scale

The Uniform Grading Policy approved by the State Board of Education is effective for all students enrolled in unit-bearing classes, including those offered at the middle school level.

The SC Grading Scale is as follows:

A= 90-100; B= 80-89, C= 70-79, D= 60-69, F= 0-59 

WF= 50, FA=50, P= no value, WP= no value, AU= no value, NP=no value 

SC Uniform Grading Scale

2nd-12th Grade

The following grade scale will be applied to students in grades 2-12.

A=100-90 B=89-80 C=79-70 D=69-60 F=59-50

For Carnegie Unit courses please refer to the state Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) for quality points and state regulations guiding credit-bearing courses.

Grading Floors

Elementary School Students (Grades 2-5)

A floor of 50 will be applied to quarter report cards for elementary students (2-5).  The floor will not be applied to Interim Progress Reports. 

Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

A floor of 50 will be applied to all grades for middle school students (6-8) 

High School Students (Grades 9-12)

A floor of 50 will be applied to quarter report cards for High School Students (9-12). The floor will not be applied to Interim Progress reports.

Parent Backpack

Each parent/guardian has access to a Backpack account which provides parents, guardians, or contacts a central place to do the following:

  • view their student’s information including demographics, attendance, classes, grades, lunch balances, and test scores
  • receive alerts and notifications regarding their student
  • view their student’s school and contact information 
  • manage parent and contact information

Homework

When homework is given, assignments shall reflect the following guidelines:

Homework shall include one or more of the three generally recognized types of homework: 

  • Practice: reinforces newly acquired skills taught in class
  • Preparation: helps students prepare for upcoming lessons, activities, or tests
  • Extension: provides challenging, often long-term opportunities for enrichment that parallel class work

Homework shall be carefully planned and explained to the students. Content and duration of homework shall be personalized to accommodate the age, grade, ability, and readiness of the students. Homework shall be assigned with awareness of the home resources available to the student and the family and alternative options offered, where necessary. Since involvement in extracurricular activities is encouraged and valued, homework assignments that are lengthy shall be scheduled as far in advance as possible.

Because homework at the high school level varies according to a student’s course load and schedule, high school students should spend sufficient time on homework to master the content of the subject matter. Completed homework assignments are to be reviewed by the teacher or designee; appropriate instructional follow-up shall occur.

If homework is graded, the homework shall count no more than 10% of the overall quarterly grade at the middle school and high school levels.

Because they require a greater amount of time and effort than daily assignments, grades for long- range assignments shall not count as part of the homework percentage, but should be considered in the time allocated for homework.

Parents and students shall be informed at the beginning of the school year and at the beginning of second semester, if appropriate, of the district homework policies and classroom homework expectations.

Students are encouraged to spend some time each day reading a variety of materials independently.

Make-up Work

  • Work assigned before the absence or field trip will be due the day the student returns. 
  • Tests assigned before the absence will be taken on the scheduled test date or date arranged with the teacher. 
  • If a student misses a test or quiz while absent, on the first day back, arrangements should be made with the teacher to make up the assessment within five days. 
  • In general, work is made up before or after school in order not to miss more class time. Arrangements may also be made with the teacher to make-up assignments during support times such as tutoring times or Flex time. Arrangements should be made with the teacher to complete this in a timely manner. 
  • Students must be absent at least three days before a request for make-up work to be picked up may be made. Please make requests to the guidance clerk via phone call at 355-6774. Teachers have the option of emailing work if they so choose. Students are encouraged to check Google Classroom for assignments during any absence.

Late Work

It is important that all students develop responsibility and work to complete all assignments by the due date. We are aware that certain situations arise that prevent a student from turning in assignments by the assigned due date. Students are expected to turn in all assignments. Teachers will accept late work for up to 5 days beyond the due date, or the end of the grading period, whichever comes first. Purposely evading or refusing to do work are exceptions to the late work allowance. These situations may be treated as behavioral and students may receive a consequence. In an effort to provide every opportunity for students to succeed at Mauldin Middle School, we have created opportunities such as teacher tutoring and Flex time in our schedule to support student learning.  

Promotion and Retention

All middle school students must pass all required academic subjects during the regular term or during summer school in order to be promoted to the next grade. The required academic subjects are ELA, math, science, and social studies.

Retake Policy

*Students may retake tests if their original score does not meet the level of mastery set by the teacher. If they want to go back and do the work prior to the assessment, they may. Students also have to fill out a Retake Form that they can get from their teacher. They need to set a date with the teacher to retake their assessment, reflect on their preparation for the initial assessment, and do any work required by the teacher before retaking the assessment. Retakes are for major grades only.

  • If a study guide is provided, the student is required to complete the study guide in order to be eligible for a retake. 
  • Students are required to fill out Retake Form.
  • Students only have two weeks after the initial assessment to fill out their Retake Form and schedule a make-up time and date.
  • Students only get one opportunity to retake an assessment. 
  • Only the score of the retake will count up to the level of mastery set by the teacher for that specific assignment, not an average of the initial assessment. A grade should represent the most current understanding.

Report Cards 

Grades will be available at the end of the quarter. Parents are invited to communicate with teachers and/or the school counselor for a discussion of any problem having to do with the student’s progress.

Below are the end dates for each quarter.

  • 1st Q: October 11
  • 2nd Q: December 20
  • 3rd Q: March 13
  • 4th Q: May 23

Textbooks

Textbooks are available digitally. Issued textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Students will be required to pay replacement costs for lost books and an appropriate charge for damaged books.

General Information

Cafeteria Procedures

Behavior in the cafeteria should be based on courtesy and cleanliness and should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Students are to purchase and pick up all items in the cafeteria the first time through the line.
  • Students are to remain at their assigned tables until the end of the period.
  • Food/Drink is to be finished in the cafeteria and disposed of properly.
  • Teachers will assign students to clean the table for the next lunch period. 

Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM – 8:25 AM. Students planning to eat breakfast should report immediately to the cafeteria on arrival to school. Once students arrive at designated holding areas, they will not be permitted to leave designated holding areas. 

All students at Mauldin Middle receive free breakfast and free lunch. Students are allowed to purchase extra items at breakfast and lunch.

Each student will have an account accessible by scanning a student ID in the lunchroom. Parents have three options when paying on their student’s account. Payments by check, cash, or online are accepted. To pay online, parents may visit myschoolbucks.com to set up an account. 

Items may not be charged. Keeping up with money is the sole responsibility of the student. Students should have their ID badge in order to purchase extra items at breakfast and/or lunch.

Drink and Food

Students should refrain from eating or drinking outside of the school cafeteria. Students may carry only water in a spill proof container with a screw-top cap and/or flip-up spout during the day.

Flex Time 

Flex time is a period of additional instructional time during the school day set aside specifically for teachers to meet students where they are academically and students to receive either assistance in a content area in which they are struggling, enrichment in a content area in which they are excelling, or individualized guidance in completing their assigned academic tasks from teachers. 

Why do we have flex time at our school?

  • To meet the academic needs of all students and help them reach their full academic potential.
  • To support and encourage all students in becoming lifelong learners in accordance with the school’s mission.
  • To provide a system of intervention, enrichment, and individualized guidance for all students during the school day—not just before or after the school day.
  • To afford all students educational opportunities to which they may not otherwise have access.

School Counselor Services

School counselors are available at Mauldin Middle School for conferences with students and parents and to provide information and assistance with regard to the school program. Parent conferences with teachers concerning a student’s academics can be made through the counselor department or directly with the teacher(s).

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

Greenville County Schools Code of Conduct applies to all clubs and extracurricular activities. Students who choose to participate must be picked up by the school’s designated time; failure to do so may prohibit student’s future participation. 

Field Trips

Off-campus school-sponsored activities must be substantiated with a written permit (form given to students by the teacher or sponsor) signed by parents. Students are under the district’s code of conduct when on school-sponsored trips. Students are responsible for work missed during field trips.

Health and Wellness Education

All Greenville County Schools middle level students are required to take one semester of physical education per year. Each PE course includes health and wellness topics.

Illnesses, Injuries, and Medication

Students should notify their teachers immediately if they are ill or injured. Students are allowed to visit the health room after obtaining a health room pass from their teacher. All health-related phone calls to parents should be made in the health room. Students who are dismissed due to illness must first be seen in the health room or the absence will be considered unexcused. If it is necessary for a student to take medication while at school, the parent must bring the medication to the health room. All medication must be in the original container, labeled with the student’s name and the directions for use. Medication cannot be sent to school with the student.

Inclement Weather

When severe weather creates hazardous conditions, the regular school schedule may be suspended to ensure students’ safety. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to monitor news reports via television, radio stations, and the school district's website and social media. District eLearning may be implemented on days the schools are closed due to inclement weather.

Lost and Found

Any article found on school grounds should be turned in to the office. Students claiming items found may have the items returned by checking with the office and making proper identification. Gym clothes will be turned in to the lost and found in the gym.

All lost and found items will be discarded or given to a charitable organization every 4.5 weeks. 

Media Center

The Media Center is open from 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM daily. Students can make arrangements 24 hours in advance with the library staff if they need to use the library after 3:30 PM. All students must have a pass when using the library. Only one name may be included on a pass from a teacher.

Students are to demonstrate appropriate behavior and courtesy when using the library. No student may check out materials and/or books for another student. The books are the responsibility of the student who checked out the book(s).

Two books may be checked out for two weeks and may be renewed. Books in great demand may not be renewed. All fees should be paid promptly. Students may print in the Media Center for a fee.

Messages and Deliveries

Students are expected to make all daily school and after school arrangements, prior to coming to school each day. Emergency messages that must be communicated to students during the school day will be taken and written down by the school receptionist. These students will be called to the office at the end of the day to pick up their messages. Students will only be allowed to call home with a pass from a teacher. Please refrain from texting your child during school hours as this interrupts the education process and puts them in a position to violate school rules.

Responsibility is a skill that will help students become successful. If a parent needs to drop off belongings for a student, parents may bring them to the front office and place them in the cubbies. Students will not be called to the office to pick up the belongings. Delivery of flowers, balloons, etc. are not accepted at school. If they are delivered, they will be kept in the office until the end of school and students will be notified that they need to pick up in the office.

Sports Participation

Students wishing to participate must have an overall passing average in each of their academic classes and abide by the athletic behavior contract. Each athlete is expected to conduct himself/herself in an honorable way at all times–in school and in the community. Students must also complete the required physical examination/forms to participate. Students who are selected to participate on a school athletic team are required to sign and adhere to the Mauldin Middle School Student Athlete Contract.

Technology

Misuse of District Technology Resources

Students are encouraged to use technology to explore educational topics, conduct research, and communicate with others. Access to computers, however, also makes available material that may not be appropriate for a student’s age or course of study. The District will take reasonable steps to restrict access to inappropriate materials, but because it cannot guarantee such restrictions, students using technology must also bear responsibility for not accessing inappropriate materials. Students agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Acceptable Use Policy upon acceptance of the school handbook.

Personalized Learning Information

Each student will be issued a school owned device and charger. Students are responsible for the device and charger as long as it is issued to them. Any issues or damages should be reported to the school immediately.

Social Media

The use of technology and/or social media on or off school property, which results in a school disturbance, may result in disciplinary action.

Valuables

Do not bring money or other valuables to school. Bring only enough money for each day. Any item that is stolen should be reported to your teacher or the office personnel immediately. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen articles. 

Visitors/Conferences

Mauldin Middle School has procedures and guidelines in place for various safety-related and crisis situations. Mauldin Middle School practices these procedures throughout the year to better ensure school safety.

  • No visiting student(s) will be allowed in classes.
  • Parents and all other visitors must report to the main office for a visitor’s pass.
  • Parents who wish to observe a classroom must have administrative approval at least 24 hours in advance.

Anti-Bullying and Safe Schools

The District is committed to fostering an environment that both promotes learning and prevents disruptions to the educational process. In order to create and maintain an atmosphere that promotes learning and prevents disruption, the District has implemented the following procedures to address student concerns, complaints, and grievances in regards to bullying, discrimination, harassment, intimidation or misconduct as provided in Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG. All formal complaints of any allegation of bullying, discrimination or harassment will follow the below process, except for complaints filed on the basis of sex (Title IX), which will follow the procedures contained in that Section II below.

Reporting Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination

Any student who believes that he/she has been subject to harassment, intimidation, bullying or misconduct by other students, employees of the District or third parties in the school setting should immediately inform the school’s administration and may also file a formal complaint under Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG.

All complaints should be filed with the principal or his or her designee within sixty days of the date of the alleged incident using the Complaint Form attached to Rule JCDAG. Complaints may also be filed by a student’s parent. If the allegation is against the school’s administration, the student or parent should file a report directly with the District’s Ombudsman. Anonymous reports may be made, but those reports must provide the District with adequate information in order to begin an investigation.

Additionally, students and parents should immediately report any concerns related to employee interactions with students that are inconsistent with the requirements and expectations contained in Board Policy GBV pertaining to staff and adult interactions with students. Concerns that should be immediately reported to a school’s administration include potential mistreatment of students and other conduct by employees that could constitute inappropriate interaction or communication, including those sexual in nature.

Investigation

Complaints will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially. The investigation shall include appropriate steps to determine what occurred and to take actions to end the harassment, intimidation, or bullying and prevent such misconduct from occurring again. A meeting will be scheduled within ten working days of the complaint with the complainant to discuss the complaint. The student and his/her parent(s) shall be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation but all discipline of students and staff will remain confidential. The written notice will also outline the complainant’s right to appeal.

Appeals

An appeal related to disability discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s Section 504 coordinator. An appeal regarding color, race, or national origin discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s Title VI coordinator. The email contact information for the Section 504 Coordinator and Title VI Coordinator is Section504@greenville.k12.sc.us and TitleVI@greenville.k12.sc.us. Both may also be contacted by mail at Post Office Box 2848, Greenville SC 29602 or by phone at 864-355-3100.

The appeal shall state the reasons for which the complainant is appealing the initial decision. The coordinator will examine the evidence presented by all the parties, and may conduct a meeting with both the complainant and the school principal or designee if needed. The coordinator must provide a written decision to the complainant within 10 working days of receiving the complainant’s written appeal. The coordinator shall inform the complainant of the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee. If a coordinator or the Superintendent or his/her designee is alleged to be involved in the complaint, the District will appoint an objective and impartial administrator to address the complainant’s appeal at that level.

If a student or parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the action or decision of the Coordinator, they may appeal the decision to the Superintendent or his/her designee within 10 working days of the decision of the Coordinator. The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the appeal. The superintendent or designee, in his or her discretion, may choose to have a meeting with the complainant and the coordinator. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a written determination to the complainant and take appropriate action within 10 working days after the receipt of a written appeal.

Title IX Complaints (Sex-Based Discrimination/Harassment)

The District, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its corresponding regulations (“Title IX”), does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activities. Title IX prohibits sex-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex in all of its programs and activities by its employees, students or third parties.

Reporting & Investigation

Any student (or parent/guardian of student) who believes they have been the subject of sex-based harassment or discrimination should contact the school’s administration immediately. A formal complaint may be filed in accordance with Administrative Rule JCDAG. Even if a formal complaint is not filed related to a Title IX concern, the District must still conduct a thorough review into the concern and implement appropriate supportive measures and disciplinary consequences and provide a written summary to the student/parents related to its efforts and actions.

The District prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student or employee who has filed a report. The District also prohibits any person from falsely accusing another person.

Additional information pertaining to Title IX, including contact information for the District’s Title IX Coordinator, training received by District employees, and the process for appeals can be found under Title IX on the District’s website.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents (including legal guardians) and students over 18 years of age (eligible students) certain rights with respect to students’ education records. “Student education records” include any records maintained by a school or the district that are directly related to the student. These rights are:

  • The right to inspect and review a student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should write a letter to the school principal and identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access to those records and will notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where they may inspect them.
  • The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend an education record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading by writing the school principal. In that letter, they should not only clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, but also specify why they believe it is inaccurate or misleading. They should also provide any evidence to support their claim. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a district-level hearing regarding the request for amendment. The school will provide additional information regarding the district’s hearing procedures when they notify the parent or eligible student of the decision. After the hearing, if the district still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his/her view about the contested information.
  • The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA allows the district to disclose education records to school officials with a legitimate educational interest in the information contained in the record without consent from the parent or eligible student. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health and law enforcement staff); a person serving on the School Board; and a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor or therapist). A school official has a legitimate educational interest if that official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request and without consent, the district forwards and discloses education records to officials of another school district in which a student seeks/intends to enroll, specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes, appropriate parties in connection with financial aid, organizations conducting certain studies for the school, accrediting organizations, to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, to appropriate offices in cases of health and safety emergencies, and to state and local authorities within a juvenile system.
  • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the federal agency that administers FERPA is as follows:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-5920

*An eligible student is defined as a student who reaches 18 years of age or attends a post-secondary school.

Directory Information

Information that the District has designated as "directory information" regarding a student may be released to outside organizations without prior written consent from the parent/eligible student. The District defines directory information as a student's name, photograph, grade level, school to which he/she is assigned, years of attendance at that school, awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, student email address, and weight and height of athletic team members. Outside organizations requesting directory information include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, the law requires that local high schools must provide military recruiters, upon request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. If you do not wish for the District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the School in writing no later than 30 calendar days after the first day of school.

Student Speakers at School-Sponsored Activities

The School District of Greenville County is committed to maintaining an educational environment in which students of all backgrounds, beliefs and religions are welcome and treated with equal dignity and respect. The District will neither advance nor inhibit religion. In accord with the United States Constitution, the District protects private expression, including religious expression, by individual students as long as that expression does not create a disruption to or interfere with the educational environment.

Student speakers at school-sponsored activities, including graduations, may not be selected on a basis that either favors or disfavors religious speech. Where student speakers are selected on the basis of genuinely neutral, evenhanded criteria and retain primary control over the content of their expression, that expression is not attributable to the school and therefore may not be restricted because of its religious or secular content. In contrast, where school officials determine or substantially control the content of what is expressed, such speech is attributable to the school and may not include prayer or religious content. A school, however, may prevent or remove a speaker if the content of their speech is obscene, contrary to the District’s behavior code or substantially disruptive to the school environment.

School Insurance

Student accident insurance is offered as a service to parents. The available insurance coverage includes school-only or 24-hour coverage. Coverage, cost, and enrollment information is provided on the District’s website. 

Insurance

Voluntary student accident insurance is different from athletic insurance, which is required.

Parent’s Right to Know

As the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in Greenville County Schools, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers and instructional assistants who instruct your child.

Federal law allows you to ask for the following information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires the District to give you this information in a timely manner:

  • whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
  • whether a teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
  • the baccalaureate degree major of a teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree;

If you would like to receive this information, please call the Human Resources Department.

Student Use of Technology

Students must use school technology in an appropriate manner and in accordance with Board Policy and Administrative Rule EFE. This school technology includes District email, network, equipment, and assigned devices to students, and the District in accordance with applicable law may monitor all school technology.

Students will be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code (JCDA) for any misuse of school technology. While the District implements filters and safeguards for school technology, the District cannot guarantee that these measures will detect or prevent inappropriate use of technology by students. Parents and students should immediately contact the student’s school with any concerns pertaining to the use of technology.

Board Policies and Administrative Rules

All current policies of the Greenville County School District Board of Trustees and administrative rules can be found on Board Docs on the District’s website.

Behavioral Expectations

Student Behavior Code

The District expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful manner. This requirement refers to their actions toward other students and teachers, their language, their dress and their manners.

Students have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and regulations of the school and District. Violations of such policies, rules and regulations will result in disciplinary actions. The school directs students to the District's Behavior Code set forth in Policy JCDA and this handbook. Schools are authorized to incorporate the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets and other similar devices, into the school environment when appropriate to enhance learning and student achievement. Students are prohibited from using electronic devices to capture images, record or otherwise use electronic devices in a manner that harasses, humiliates, threatens, embarrasses, intimidates another person or otherwise violates law. Students may not use electronic devices to access and/or view websites, internet, or other content or images that are inappropriate or otherwise blocked to students at school while on school property or at a school-sponsored event. Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of electronic devices. 

Personal electronic devices cannot be used by students during the instructional day absent authorized permission by the principal or principal’s designee for unique events. All personal devices must remain out of sight of others and be silenced during this time. The instructional day for elementary schools shall be from 7:45 AM to 2:15 PM. The instructional day for middle schools shall be from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM. The instructional day for schools that have combined levels of instruction, such as K-8 schools, shall be determined by the principal or principal’s designee in accordance with the instructional activities of the facility. 

It is the philosophy of the District to handle all student disciplinary matters at the lowest supervisory level possible and in the most reasonable manner possible. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with appropriate procedural rights being afforded to students and their parents/guardians as provided by State law, State Board of Education regulation, and/or the policies of this District.

The Board and the administration offer the following listing of offenses and the required or recommended dispositions for the information of students, parents/legal guardians and school personnel.

It is the expectation at Mauldin Middle School that students will behave responsibly and follow the school district discipline code of conduct. Behaviors are divided into levels with appropriate consequences. Level I conduct refers to disorderly conduct. “Disorderly conduct is defined as any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which disturbs the classroom or school”. Level II refers to disruptive conduct. Disruptive conduct is defined as: “those activities engaged in by student(s) which are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school.” 

Greenville County Schools Code of Conduct

Levels of offenses

Students who engage in an ongoing pattern of behavior that is disruptive to the orderly operations of the school shall be recommended for expulsion. The following is a general listing of offenses and the required or recommended disciplinary actions which should be taken as a result of such offenses being committed.

Disorderly conduct - Level I

Disorderly conduct is defined as any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which disturbs the classroom or school.

Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • classroom tardiness
  • cheating on examinations or classroom assignments
  • lying
  • blackmail of other students or school personnel
  • acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process
  • abusive language between or among students, to include profane language
  • failure to complete assignments or carry out directions
  • use of forged notes or excuses
  • violation of school bus regulations
  • cutting class
  • school tardiness
  • truancy
  • use of obscene or profane language or gestures
  • other disorderly acts as determined at the school level, which are not inconsistent with Board policy

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following

  • verbal reprimand
  • withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student’s opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school’s food service program) 
  • Detention
  • In school/out of school suspension
  • Other sanctions approved by the Board or administration

Disruptive conduct - Level II

Disruptive conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by student(s) which are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative sanctions and court proceedings.

The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student engages in the activity three or more times.

Acts of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • fighting
  • vandalism (minor)
  • stealing
  • use or possession of laser pointers, fireworks, smoke bombs, pepper-style sprays, and other similar devices or materials
  • threats against others
  • trespass
  • abusive language to staff, to include profane language
  • other disruptive acts which interfere with the educational process
  • refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aids or chaperones) whose responsibilities include supervision of students
  • possession or use of unauthorized substances, including tobacco and tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, non-prescription drugs, "look-a-like" drugs, and drug paraphernalia, including rolling papers
  • illegally occupying or blocking in any way school property with the intent to deprive others of its use
  • inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
  • misuse of District technology resources
  • gambling on school property
  • unlawful assembly
  • disrupting lawful assembly
  • harassment, intimidation or bullying
  • intimidating, threatening, or physically abusing another student
  • any other acts as determined at the school level that are not inconsistent with Board policy

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • in-school suspension
  • withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school District's food service program)
  • temporary removal from class
  • out-of-school suspension
  • referral to outside agency
  • assignment to alternative school
  • expulsion
  • restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities
  • other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

Criminal conduct - Level III

Criminal conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students (whether or not they result in criminal charges) that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school or to the security of District resources. These activities usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and/or action by the Board.

Whenever a student is engaging or has engaged in activities including, but not limited to, one of the acts specified below, while on school property or at a school sanctioned or sponsored activity which a principal or his/her designee has reason to believe may result, or has resulted, in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or to his/her property, the principal or his/her designee is required to notify law enforcement officials.

Acts for which principals must recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • bomb threat
  • possession, use or transfer of weapons - a weapon is defined as a firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol or similar device that propels a projectile through the energy of an explosive); a knife, razor, bludgeon, blackjack, metal pipe or pole, brass knuckles (to include multi-finger rings); incendiary or explosive device; or any other type of device or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.
  • sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in a criminal offense)
    arson
  • distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture, use, being under the influence of, or unlawful possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. §§ 44-53-110 through 44-53-270. (See Policy JCDAC)
  • threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a school employee or member of their immediate family
  • ganging ("Ganging" or participating as a member of a gang and inflicting a violent act of bodily harm, however slight, upon another person will not be tolerated. A "gang" shall consist of two or more persons acting together for and with the purpose of committing an act of violence against another person. "Participation" also includes any act that interferes with or hinders a staff member from stopping the infliction of bodily injury that is the objective of the gang.)
  • Unauthorized access, use, or attempted access or use of District computer systems

Additional acts for which principals may recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • vandalism (major)
  • theft, possession or sale of stolen property
  • disturbing the schools
  • possession, use, or transfer of "look-a-like" weapons
  • assault and battery
  • extortion
  • any other acts as determined by the Board

Note: In determining whether a student is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the student's appearance, behavior, manner, presence of an odor of the substance, and statements made by the student as to the use of controlled substances or alcohol may be considered without regard to the amount of alcohol/controlled substance consumed.

The principals must recommend students for expulsion if they have committed offenses which are underlined above. If a student commits an offense that is not underlined, the principals may recommend the student for expulsion when the circumstances warrant it. The administration may apply sanctions in cases of criminal conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school District's food service program)
  • out-of-school suspension
  • assignment to alternative school
  • expulsion
  • restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities
  • other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

Student Identification Badge Policy

Every student is issued an ID and grade level lanyard at no cost, at the beginning of the year or when they enroll. Every student must wear a school issued ID and lanyard every day while on campus. If a student forgets the ID, a new ID can be purchased in the morning before 8:45 in the media center for $5.00. 

  • Each student will be provided with one student identification badge and one breakaway, grade level colored lanyard at no charge.
  • Every student must wear the ID badge at all times while on school grounds. 
  • Lost, stolen, or defaced ID badges must be replaced for $5.00 at student cost and exact change is required. 
  • Replacement lanyards can be replaced for $1.00.
  • The front and back of the ID must remain visible, plain, and free of markings, etc.
  • IDs that are lost, stolen, altered, damaged, broken, worn, or defaced in any way must be replaced immediately.

If a student forgets the school ID and does not have money to purchase another one, the following steps will be followed:

  • Each student will be allowed 3 temporary sticker IDs for the semester.
  • Students will serve lunch detention for any day they do not have their school ID.
  • Once a student has used all three temporary badges, on the day a student forgets for the 4th time, a new ID will be printed for the student and the student will be charged accordingly.
  • Student fines can be paid in the media center each morning before 8:30 with cash, check or money order. 
  • All fines must be paid before participating in some school events.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

In an effort to maximize academic instruction, limit electronic device distractions, and to provide more consistency and clarity for parents and students, we are providing the updated Cell Phone and Electronic Devices expectations, which were implemented last year and are still in effect for the 2024-25 school year:

For elementary and middle schools, personal electronic devices cannot be used by students during the instructional day without authorized permission by the principal or principal’s designee for unique events. All personal devices must remain out of sight of others and be silenced during this time. 

Middle school instructional day: 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM. 

Mauldin Middle is not responsible for any cell phone or Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) brought to school. 

  • Cell phones and PEDs are allowed at Mauldin Middle School in the morning before dismissal from morning holding and after 3:15 PM. 
  • Student cell phones/PEDs must be turned off during the school day and stored in backpacks. 
    • Turned “on” includes a device that is activated and set or programmed to ring, vibrate or otherwise send or receive a signal. 
  • Students may not record video or take pictures of other students at any time. 
  • Earbuds/headphones are not to be worn in the hallways or classrooms during the school day. 
  • Students should not use smart watches to text during the school day. 
  • Personal speakers that play audio aloud are deemed inappropriate materials and will be disciplined as such. 
  • Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action. Per district policy, phone/electronic device violations will be handled according to the discipline guidelines in the discipline matrix for Level 1 offenses. If a student refuses to put away his/her device, it will be considered failure to follow policy, and they will receive the consequences for that behavior (Level II offense).

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress and be groomed in such a way as to not distract or cause disruption in the educational program or orderly operation of the school. Personal appearance of students should promote health and safety, contribute to a climate conducive to teaching and learning and project a positive image of the District to the community. Students should dress for the educational setting and not the recreational one. The principal may create further guidelines regarding student dress which are consistent with the parameters below.

  • Clothing and/or hair should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the school setting as to disrupt the education process. Therefore, clothing deemed distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive will not be permitted.
  • Wearing accessories or clothing that could pose a safety threat to oneself or others is not allowed.
  • Hoods, hats and sunglasses may not be worn in the building.
  • Attire must not evidence membership or affiliation with a "gang" in any negative sense of the term.
  • Proper shoes must be worn at all times. No bedroom shoes or slippers are permitted
  • Attire must not be immodest, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or offensive.
  • The length of shorts and skirts when standing upright must come to the bottom of the student’s fingertips
  • Holes in garments or exposed skin are prohibited above the required short/skirt length
  • Clothing that inappropriately exposes body parts is not permitted. Students shall not expose undergarments.
  • The width of top straps must be at least the width of a student ID card ( 2.125 inches)
  • Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and undergarments are not to be visible. Pants and slacks must not bag, sag, or drag. Pajamas are prohibited.
  • No clothing, jewelry, or tattoos are permitted that display profanity, suggestive phrases, or advertisements for, or messages or pictures depicting or suggesting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or sex.
  • For middle school students, ID cards must be worn and visible

In the event the administration determines a student’s dress is inappropriate for school in accordance with this policy, schools will either have clothes available to provide to students who are in violation or will permit the students to have clothes brought to the school to correct the dress code violation. Students will wait in a designated location until that violation of the dress code is remedied. Students who would like to make a request for accommodations to the dress code related to a disability or religious belief should notify the school’s administration of that request in advance. 

Students shall be subject to the following consequences for violating the dress code.

  • 1st Offense: Warning/Parent Contact
  • 2nd Offense: Detention
  • 3rd Offense: Referral for Additional Discipline

Teacher Discipline Plan

This year, one of our big goals is to create a learning environment where every student practices Preparedness, Respect, Impulse Control, Determination and Empathy. 

To support this goal, we will be using LiveSchool, an app that will help us share behavior feedback with parents and children. Adults in our building use the web based program or app to assign negative points to students as a result of poor choices, and assign positive points to a student account for Preparedness, Respect, Impulse Control, Determination and Empathy. 

Through the use of LiveSchool, students will be able to spend their points on various classroom and school-wide rewards once a week. 

Each week, administrators check the points and students who reach more than 12 points in one week will be assigned one day of In School Suspension. The points start over on the first day of each week.

Parents will be able to access all of this information right from your computer or phone by downloading the free LiveSchool app. By setting up a LiveSchool account, parents will also be able to receive weekly emails with data on:

  • The number of points your child received
  • Any comments they received from their teachers
  • Your child’s current LiveSchool point balance
  • Any rewards your child redeemed from the school store

To learn more, please visit whyliveschool.com for a short video introduction to the service.

Transportation

Discipline

In order to ensure the safety of all students riding buses in Greenville County Schools, appropriate behavior is required for all students. Transportation to and from school is an extension of the classroom and should be considered part of the school day. The issue of safety requires students to be on their best behavior while on school buses or vehicles.

Violations of school bus rules will be addressed in the manner listed below.

The School District Behavior Code (Board Policy JCDA) is in effect for all students at all times when being transported on school buses to and from school or school activities. Thus, while students may lose the privilege to ride the bus due to their conduct as contained below, the student may also be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code up to and including being recommended for expulsion.

Level I Offenses - Disorderly Conduct

  • Refusing to follow driver directions
  • Getting on or off the bus at an unauthorized stop without permission
  • Standing or sitting improperly while the bus is moving
  • Intentionally riding the wrong bus without permission from the principal
  • General horseplay
  • Making loud noises
  • Profanity/Obscene Gestures
  • Littering
  • Possession of tobacco products, e-cigarettes or vaping devices
  • Delaying bus services by tardiness, loitering, etc.
  • The school administration may classify a Level I offense as a Level II offense if the infraction seriously jeopardizes the health and/or safety of others.

Level I Consequences

  • 1st Referral: Warning and parent contact
  • 2nd Referral: In school punishment, parent contact and/or one (1) day bus suspension
  • 3rd Referral: Suspended from bus up to three (3) days and parent conference
  • 4th Referral: Suspended from bus up to five (5) days and parent conference
  • Additional Level 1 referrals will result in administrative review and may be accelerated to a Level II consequence.

Level II Offenses

  • Use of tobacco products, e- cigarettes, or vaping devices
  • Throwing objects out of bus
  • Profanity directed at staff
  • Rude, discourteous behavior directed at staff
  • Vandalism [restitution may be required]
  • Harassing, threatening or intimidating another student
  • Fighting
  • Stealing
  • Inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
  • Other safety violations that may interfere with the safe operation of the school bus
  • The school administration may classify a Level II offense as a Level III offense if the infraction seriously jeopardizes the health and/or safety of others.

Level II Consequences

  • 1st Referral: Suspension from bus up to ten (10) days and parent conference
  • 2nd Referral: Suspension from bus up to ten (10) days and parent conference
  • 3rd Referral: Suspension from bus up to thirty (30) days, possible removal and parent conference

Level III Offenses

  • Possession, use or transfer of weapons
  • Sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in criminal offense)
  • Arson
  • Impeding the operation of a school bus
  • Distribution, sale, purchase, use or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance
  • Threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm to a school employee
  • Ganging
  • Bomb threat

Level III Consequences

  • Any referral - Minimum thirty (30) days suspension from bus and possible removal from bus for remainder of school year and parent conference.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with federal and state law including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as set forth in the procedures developed by the administration.

Discipline Matrix

Level I-Disorderly Conduct

Level II-Disruptive Conduct

Level III-Criminal Conduct

Greenville County Schools’ Code of Conduct Is Subject To Change Per School Board Policy

Consequences for Violations to Chromebook Responsible Use Procedures

Potential Consequences

Lunch Detention (LD) - Assigned by the classroom teacher as an intermediary step to a disciplinary referral. Students should heed this strong warning and modify the behavior so as to avoid a disciplinary referral. 

Administrative Detention (AD) - Assigned by an administrator as a result of a disciplinary referral. If an Administrative Detention is assigned, parents will be notified at least one day in advance. If a student does not serve the assigned Administrative Detention, then an assignment in ISS may follow. Administrative Detention takes place from 3:20-4:30 on Tuesday.

In-School Suspension (ISS) - Assigned by an administrator. Student will be given assignments from their classes to complete. Students in ISS are not allowed to talk, sleep, or work on computers. Disruptions in ISS will automatically result in students being sent home as an OSS consequence. Failure to complete work will result in additional days of ISS. ISS does not count against student attendance. 

Out of School Suspension (OSS) - Students will not be allowed on campus during OSS. This includes times during the school day and during after school sporting events, dances, clubs, etc. Additionally, students are not allowed at any other GCS event while they are suspended from school. 

Expulsion (EXP) - Expulsion from school in most cases means the removal of a student from school and the cessation of educational services for the remainder of the school year. School administration may make a recommendation for expulsion; however, final decisions are made by a school board representative. 

Referral to Law Enforcement (RLE) - In cases of criminal misconduct, Mauldin Middle will notify law enforcement. Law enforcement decisions/consequences are separate from school-based consequences and will have no impact on the consequences imposed by the school.

Conclusion

The key to an excellent school experience is determined by the pride we have in our school and the degree to which each of us accepts personal responsibility for the welfare of the school community as a whole. No list of rules and regulations can replace school spirit. The procedures which have been listed are simply reminders about things which a good citizen would probably do on his/her own. It is firmly believed that the great majority of us do what we consider right, without threat of punishment.

Additional information and expectations are in the Greenville County Schools Student Handbook.

GCS Student Handbook GCS Student Handbook (Spanish)