Dear Thomaston-Upson Students and Families,
Every student in our district deserves a classroom where they can learn, grow, and succeed without interruption. Protecting that environment is one of our highest priorities. With that in mind, please note that Thomaston-Upson Schools is taking a strong stance on students who continuously disrupt the learning environment. Repeated disruptions take valuable instructional time away from every child, and we will not allow the actions of a few to interfere with the success of the many.
Our schools will consistently follow the Student Code of Conduct when addressing student behavior. We strongly encourage every student and every parent or guardian to read this document carefully and become familiar with it. Knowing the expectations in advance allows families and schools to work together as partners.
Please note that our discipline procedures have been tightened in several key areas. Mutual participation in fighting will result in suspension, and repeated offenses in grades 3 through 12 will carry out-of-school suspension of up to ten days with possible referral to a disciplinary tribunal. Possession, use, or distribution of vapes or any electronic smoking device will result in out-of-school suspension for students in grades 3 through 12, with consequences increasing for each violation. Unlawful sexual behaviors, including possession of sexually explicit images, will also result in suspension, with repeated violations in grades 3 through 12 carrying a minimum of ten days of out-of-school suspension. Full details for these and all other offenses are outlined in the code of conduct.
The Student Code of Conduct, which includes the student discipline plan is part of each school's Student Handbook, posted on our district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us under Student Handbooks. If you prefer a printed copy or have questions, please contact your child's school front office.
Just as important, please know that students who model the expected behavior will be rewarded throughout the school year with incentives. We believe in celebrating young people who come to school ready to learn and treat others with respect, and you will see us do exactly that all year long.
As a school district, we take great pride in maintaining a positive school learning environment, and we will work every day to protect and strengthen that culture. Thank you for your partnership in this important work. When families and schools stand together, our students win.
Go Knights!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tret Witherspoon
Superintendent, Thomaston-Upson Schools