PO Suggested Social Guidelines
Dear Parents:
As parents of an extremely diverse student population, we offer you the attached information and suggestions for social guidelines. The content of each part has been gathered from a variety of sources.
Within the last several years, Dr. Hawley joined the other heads of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools in signing a joint policy statement on Drugs and Alcohol (a copy can be obtained through the headmaster's office). We know that we have a very responsible student body at AIS yet we are also aware that we can never afford to be complacent. Our continued education on these issues is a must! It is neither the intent nor the objective of the Parent Organization or the school to establish regulations, limits, or fixed rules of conduct for our community. Parent/child communication is essential, and the final decisions on social activities must be made within each family unit. The attached, we hope, will be a helpful tool for communication.
Remember:
- developmental differences are huge between grades.
- being proactive rather than reactive will prevent many problems.
- parents should feel comfortable calling other parents or the school (if an activity is planned to take place there) to check on arrangements ( for parties, group outings, get-togethers or any other activities whether formally or informally arranged).
- parents should talk to each other, and present a united view to their child.
- AIS parents can support each other and the school in our endeavor to ensure the safety and welfare of our young people.
Some 'Suggestions' for Social Guidelines: Middle School
Parties
- Group outings and activities create an environment conducive to healthy social development. It is important for children to let their parents know where they are and how they can be reached in case of an emergency. Parents owe their children the same consideration.
- Functions should conclude: 6th grade 10.00 p.m.; 7th and 8th 10.30 - 11.00p.m.
- No written invitations should be given at school, unless the whole class is invited. (If children are having a 'closed party,' parents should discuss with them the issue of sensitivity).
- All Middle School activities should be well planned and perhaps involve a special activity. Planning may be done by parents and young people or by a group of young people with parental guidance.
- Before invitations are issued, the host family should determine party rules.
- Parents should be at home and visible when their child is hosting a party.
- Any young person who brings alcohol/cigarettes/drugs to a party should be sent home and their parents notified immediately.
- Parents should provide transport to and from all parties, or make arrangements to carpool with other parents. Under no circumstances should a young person be left to find a ride home - arrangements/expectations should be set ahead of time. If someone other than a parent is driving (a babysitter or sibling, for example), members of the car pool need to be notified.
- Parents should always be on time when picking up their children.
Sleep-overs
- The group should be kept small (10 children max.)
- House rules should be explained and followed.
Rock concerts
- Middle School children should only attend rock concerts with a responsible adult because of the widespread use of alcohol and sometimes drugs at these events.
Movies
- A movie with an "R" rating means that young people under age 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian. Because enforcement of the code varies from theater to theater, it becomes the responsibility of the parent to be informed about the suitability of a young person's movie selections. Parents should preview movies and read reviews and ratings to stay on top of the movie scene.
- If you are going as a family and plan to take another child, ask his/her parents if it is OK for the child to watch that movie.
"Malling"
- Consider the child's age before letting him/her go unsupervised to the shopping mall. While it may seem inappropriate for 6th graders to be left unattended, it is probably OK to leave a group of 8th graders for a couple of hours.
- Encourage your child to stay with friends all the time.
- Have a designated time and place for the child to be picked up.
- It may not be safe to let a child go to a mall alone - discuss the safety issues.
Some 'Suggestions' for Social Guidelines: Upper School
Driving in Georgia
In July 1997, the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act was introduced in Georgia. Beginning drivers can get off to a good start in their driving careers by taking a driver education course. Successful completion of such a course and the maintenance of a "B" academic average reduce the insurance premiums for a teenage driver. Defensive driving courses may also reduce premiums.
Here are a few details to remember for all drivers:
- Have insurance papers and driver's license with you when you drive.
- Each occupant of the front seat of a vehicle traveling on Georgia roads and highways must be secured by a seat belt. All occupants of any vehicle, if under the age of 18, must use a seat belt. So be safe and buckle up.
- Do not drive with earphones on, or have music too loud - you may not hear the approach of an emergency vehicle.
- Cell phones can be a valuable tool, for emergency use and for keeping in touch. However, they are a distraction and for an inexperienced driver, looking at the phone to dial and having one hand tied up is not safe.
- Do not drive if impaired by lack of sleep, alcohol or drugs - be aware of your responsibilities.
- If harassed by another driver, stop at a well-lit area such as a service station and ask for help.
- Know what to do in the case of an automobile accident.
- If stopped by police for any reason while driving, keep calm, show your papers at once, obey orders and note the name and badge number of the officer. Do not try to be smart or resist. Do not admit to any wrongdoing whether asked about it or not. Do not sign anything except the "ticket" (a copy of the charges), if one is issued.
Curfews
- A family should jointly determine personal curfews and agree what the consequences will be if they are broken.
- For older Upper School students, it should be remembered that the driving curfew for the Intermediate (Class D) License is midnight. For more information on the laws regarding Class D Licenses, please see Georgia State Code 40-5-24. In light of this, it would be best if parties finished by 11 p.m. to allow ample time for driving home. An earlier time may be more appropriate for younger Upper School students, such as 10 or 10:30 p.m. - You should keep each other informed regarding your whereabouts during an evening. If you are running late, because of unforeseen circumstances, call home.
Parties
It is acceptable and advisable for parents of teenagers planning to attend any party to make inquiries about the party or to offer assistance. It is OK to call the parent of the host!
- Unchaperoned parties place undue responsibility on the young person in charge. It is difficult for a teenager to control large numbers of his or her peers. (The parents of the "host" may be liable even if they are not in attendance at the party).
- Chaperones should be visible occasionally inside and outside the house.
- Neighbors should be notified that a teenager party is planned.
- Traffic problems, noise level, or unruly behavior often result in the police being called.
- Ascertain in advance the drop-off and pick-up time for the party.
- Do not serve alcoholic beverages. Georgia law prohibits serving or providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 and drug use is illegal at any age. Anyone who serves, or provides, alcohol to minors is legally liable under Georgia law.
- Be aware that use by teenagers of marijuana is on the increase. It is now much more potent than ever before.
- If the chaperone suspects a teen is intoxicated, call the student's parents and ask them to pick him/her up.
- Avoid "open" parties (available to any and all comers).
- Make sure that your teenager knows some etiquette - (e.g. how to dispose of chewing gum; how to wipe up spilt drinks; if they are smokers, to do so outside, etc.)
Arrests and Criminal Offenses
Arrests and criminal offenses can mean serious immigration consequences.
American immigration laws are particularly harsh on non-US citizens who are arrested or convicted. Local police authorities automatically notify the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) whenever a foreign national is arrested. Completely apart from state criminal prosecution and depending on the charge, there can be mandatory INS detention even though the bail bond set by a state court is paid.
Drug Offenses: Being convicted of virtually any drug-related offense will result in deportation for non-US citizens and they can be barred from ever returning to this country. These provisions apply even to teenagers who are lawful permanent residents and have a "green card," or are otherwise in legal immigration status through a parent's employment visa.
Aggravated Felonies: These offenses also result in mandatory deportation and include crimes of violence, crimes of moral turpitude, and a myriad of other criminal activity for which the maximum sentence possible is 12 months or more. This applies even if the sentence is probated or suspended or a sentence of less than 12 months is actually imposed.
Murder, assault with a deadly weapon, vehicular homicide, hit and run, battery or assault charges such as from a fight or scuffle, and rape including date rape and statutory rape are among aggravated felonies.
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) if someone is seriously injured is considered a crime of violence for immigration purposes and being a habitual DUI violator is a felony. If someone is killed, the driver may also be charged with vehicular homicide.
Shoplifting, theft by taking such as changing prices on retail merchandise, illegally tapping into a cable TV box, eating food in a store without paying, and certain other theft and fraud offenses are aggravated felonies.
Waivers may sometimes be possible for long-time permanent residents who have immediate relatives who are US citizen or permanent residents, depending on the circumstances.
Misdemeanors and Traffic Offenses: There are usually no immigration consequences with misdemeanors and most traffic offenses.
DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol alone is a misdemeanor, but under state law it can result in a suspended license, higher insurance, and other consequences.
Providing alcohol to minors:
Although it is a misdemeanor, a person can be sued in court and have significant liability if the minor or someone else is injured or property is damaged as a result.Coordinate Criminal Defense with Immigration Counsel. No matter the offense or age of the offender, it is critical for a criminal lawyer representing a non-US citizen to consult with an immigration lawyer. Some plea bargains and other defense strategies can result in serious immigration complications. It is quite possible to pay a fine, perform community service, have a probated or suspended sentence, or even serve time in jail and still be subject to deportation under the immigration laws. A conviction can also affect a foreign national's ability to become a lawful permanent resident or a citizen years later.
Joycelyn L. Fleming
Immigration Partner
Ford & Harrison
1275 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Tel: 404-888-3888
Fax:404-888-3863
E-mail: Jfleming@Fordharrison.com