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Board of Education to hold budget hearings 
 
The Monroe County Board of Education will review budget and  set the millage rate on September 11.  For more information, see the eBoard website. 

2013 E-Rate Survey for Internet and Computer Funding

 
The Monroe County School System can qualify for reimbursements of up to 90% on internet and telephone bills as well as the cost to add and upgrade computer network equipment and capacity. Money comes from a federal government program called E-Rate. This funding not only saves money but enables the school system to purchase better access to expanding internet resources for teachers and students. Schools that serve many low to moderate income families are the highest priority of the E-rate program, but all schools qualify for funding.
 
Each year we have to apply to the Federal Government for these reimbursements, the amount of which is determined by the overall family income level of our school.
 
To achieve our maximum reimbursement level, the school systems is conducting this survey of all families. Your family's survey should come home this week.  Please fill out and return by Friday, September 7.
Online Opportunities for Monroe County School System Parents and Students This Year

PowerSchool for Parent App Monroe County School System offers parents and students the opportunity track grades and attendance through Powerschool for Parents access.  PowerSchool offers an app through the GooglePlay Store or the Apple App Store, or parents and students can access their information at https://monroe.powerschool.com/public/home.html.  For assistance accessing your student's information, contact your school's registrar.

 

In addition to PowerSchool access for grades and attendance, parents will also be getting information on Edline (Blackboard Engage), a way to get to teacher webpages. Look for a letter from your child's school which explains how Edline access for parents gives curriculum, calendar, and class information via a login that gives special access to teacher wepbages. Visit here for a video that explains Edline (also known as Blackboard Engage.)

Protect School Bus Riders: Georgia Drivers Reminded of State Laws About Passing School Buses

From the Georgia Department of Education

 

Each day across Georgia, thousands of drivers illegally pass school buses when a stop arm is out, endangering children as they enter and exit buses.

 

The Georgia Department of Education is working with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to help make motorists more aware of the laws regarding passing school buses.

 

According to Georgia law, vehicles traveling in BOTH directions must stop when a school bus activates its stop-arm on a two-lane road or a multi-lane road with no median or barrier. Vehicles travelling in the same direction as a school bus must always stop, but motorists travelling in the opposite direction can proceed (with caution) when there is an unpaved median or concrete barrier separating the opposing lanes.

 

While the number of motorists in the state who violate stop-arm laws declined this year over last year, the rate remains alarmingly high. Data collected voluntarily by districts statewide during a one-day survey in May show that 7,349 vehicles illegally passed school buses in a total of 4,222 incidences.

 

That's compared to 8,102 vehicles during 4,629 incidences last year. The numbers are likely higher than that because not all of the state's 178 school districts with bus programs turned in data.

 

"While I'm pleased we are seeing fewer incidences of stop-arm violations, it's frightening to think we have this many drivers breaking the law and endangering our children," said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. "I would ask the public to please pay close attention to school buses and watch for their stop signals. Student safety should be a priority for everyone in the community, not just parents and schools."

 

Since 1995, 11 Georgia students have died when they were struck by motorists at the school bus stop.

 

Back of Bus  Georgia's survey is part of a nationwide effort by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) aiming to shed light on the dangerous habit of ignoring stop arms on buses. The data was collected May 3 by 140 Georgia school districts who volunteered to participate.

 

This year, NASDPTS reported that 88,025 stop-arm violations were recorded by nearly 100,000 school bus drivers in 28 states. Those sample results mean that during a 180-day school year, nearly 16 million motorists ignore buses' flashing red lights and stop arms.

 

"We are so happy to partner with the Department of Education on this issue," said Governor's Office of Highway Safety Director Harris Blackwood. "This issue is a no brainer. Protect our kids. It's that simple."
The Monroe County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all accompanying regulations. As a result, the following people have been appointed to oversee specific areas.

Title II, Adult 504, Adult Title IX  Dr. Mike Hickman 25 Brooklyn Avenue, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031  

Student and Athletic Title IX  Tommie Walker 25 Brooklyn Avenue, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031  

Student 504 Lisa Allred  433 Highway 41 South, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031

Any employee, student, applicant for employment, parent or other person who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed in violation of the above areas must make a complaint in accordance with the procedures outlined in Board Policy GAAA.