To the staff of Cedartown Middle School;





While we feel that meaningful change in the discipline policies can lead to full parental involvement in the disciplinary process, we also urge that Cedartown Middle School policies include a wider more constructive range of disciplinary consequences that will help to teach our children lessons that will serve them in life.





We residents of Polk County, Georgia have some concerns and expectations as a parent(s) that we expect you (the staff of CMS) to follow. In your recent letter to us the (parents/guardians) you only state what you expect from the students but you have little to say regarding what (the parents/guardians) are to expect from the staff of Cedartown Middle School.





Below are some guidelines that we as parents expect you to follow while our children are in your care.





You should not allow any student to disrespect anyone no matter the circumstances.





While my child is in your care, you are to show respect to the child/student under all circumstances.





While my child is in your care it is your responsibility and absolutely essential that you provide a safe learning environment





We (parents/guardians) also expect you to provide competent professionals to teach our children.





Be courteous. Speak to our children in a calm respectful tone, not a loud, irritating or disagreeable tone that antagonizes the nature of the conversation.





Respond to frustration is a calm mannerIf a child is having a difficult time completing a task and you see this as a continual problem; attempt to contact the parent/guardian immediately by telephone, letter or e-mail so that a timely resolution can be made.





We request that a PTA organization to be set up with in the school by the end of the 2005-2006 school year.This organization will be comprised of concerned parents, educators, and School Board members.





Cedartown Middle School will provide training on the harassment, intimidation or bullying policy to all school employees and volunteers who have direct contact with students; and develop a process for educating students on the harassment, intimidation or bullying policy.





While the discipline plan only stated the consequences of bad behavior we the parents insist that our children also receive acknowledgement of good behavior, attitude, and respectfulness.





When a parent/guardian contacts a teacher by either leaving a voicemail or sending an email; the teacher has 1 school day to contact the parent/guardian. This contact may be in a note in the childs agenda, a phone call or an email to the parent/guardian.





If the teacher does not respond to the parent/guardian in a timely manner the principal will be contacted to determine why no contact was made.





If after a period of three school days there is still no response from the staff at Cedartown Middle School the parent will contact the Board of Education for further assistance in resolving this matter.








We, the undersigned, also pledge to work toward changing the necessary policies through voting in School Board elections, attending School Board meetings and writing to School Board Members and the Superintendent of Polk School District.





Prompt acknowledgement within seven business days of the receipt of this document is expected and appreciated. Thank you.