M. D. Roberts School of the Arts

2026–2027 Family Handbook

"Elevate Greatness"

Vision & Mission

Vision Statement: The vision of M. D. Roberts School of the Arts is to be a distinguished school of excellence through the integration of the arts in which all students are college and career ready and prepared to compete in a global society.

CCPS Mission Statement: The mission of Clayton County Public Schools is to empower scholars to achieve academic, professional, and personal goals by providing equitable access and experiences that build skills in literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

CCPS Vision Statement: The vision of Clayton County Public Schools is to prepare ALL graduates to have the skills to pursue and accomplish college, post-secondary training, and/or career opportunities in order to live and compete successfully in a global society.

Parent & Scholar Commitment Form

Families are required to follow the policies, procedures, and standards outlined in this handbook.

Parent Commitment

• Support a rigorous academic program; ensure active participation in all assignments, homework, and projects.
• Support all performances — attendance is mandatory, and scholars must be present and on time.
• Volunteer 15 hours each school year (mailings, reading to class, chaperoning, receptions, workshops, donations, etc.).
• Adhere to the performance dress code as outlined by fine arts teachers — no jeans; black shoes only (no sneakers, crocs, or slippers).
• Work cooperatively with and support M. D. Roberts teachers.
• Attend scheduled academic, fine arts, and PTSA/PTO meetings; maintain regular communication with teachers.
• Encourage appropriate behavior per the CCPS handbook during school, rehearsals, and activities.

Scholar Commitment

• Be a self-motivated, active learner at all times.
• Complete all class assignments, homework, and projects.
• Maintain a 71 or better and an "S" in conduct from all teachers to remain eligible.
• Model appropriate behavior per the CCPS handbook during school, rehearsals, and performances.
• Understand that a D or F in any class — or academic warning status — makes a scholar ineligible for field trips.
• Adhere to the performance/sports/club dress code — no jeans, sneakers, crocs, or slippers at fine arts performances.

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is essential to academic achievement and artistic excellence. Absences — academic or fine arts — can result in missed instruction, performance setbacks, and diminished readiness for high school.

Students Are Expected To:

• Attend school daily and arrive on time.
• Be present for all academic and arts classes, rehearsals, and scheduled performances.
• Make up missed work promptly and communicate with teachers after absences.
• Limit absences to illness or emergencies, with proper documentation.

Family Partnership

• Schedule appointments outside school hours whenever possible.
• Ensure students arrive on time each day.
• Avoid vacations or trips during instructional days.
• Stay informed on attendance policies and support interventions when needed.

Arrival Procedures

• Car lane open 8:15–8:44 AM; no drop-off before 8:15 AM.
• No car drop-offs at the front of the building — that is the bus lane.
• Arrival after 8:45 AM requires check-in and a tardy slip.
• Breakfast served 8:15–8:44 AM; bus/car riders must get breakfast before heading to their hallway.
• Early morning care available for enrolled students; no unattended drop-offs before 8:15 AM.
• Sports bags go in marked bins at car/bus entrances — no athletes in locker rooms during AM arrival.

Afternoon Dismissal

• Car lane runs 3:45–4:15 PM. Pickup must occur by 4:15 PM. More than 5 late pickups → probation and/or removal from the program.
• Early checkout ends at 3:15 PM; each early checkout counts toward the tardy/early-checkout total.
• Dismissal changes must be communicated to the main office before 12:00 PM each day.
• Campus Kids operates 3:45–6:30 PM; enrollment required each year, pickup at the front after 4:15 PM.

After-School Clubs, Fine Arts & Sports

• Pickup by car, or report directly to Campus Kids if already registered.
• Students must be picked up within 10 minutes of dismissal.
• Maximum of 30 total minutes of late pickup before dismissal from the program.

Absence Guidelines

• Written excuse due within 3 days of an absence.
• Doctor's note required for 3+ consecutive missed days or 10+ total missed days.
• No more than 8 unexcused tardies and no more than 8 unexcused absences per year.
• See the CCPS Student Handbook (Georgia State Rule JB / O.C.G.A. 160-5-1-10) for approved excused reasons.

Academics

Students must maintain a 71 or better in all classes and an "S" in conduct from all teachers to remain eligible.

Grade Weights

Academic Probation

• Placed on probation after failing 2+ classes in a nine-week grading period.
• To exit probation: biweekly counselor meetings and passing grades in all 6 classes.
• An Individual Academic Plan is created to support the student.

Academic Warning

• Failing one or more courses at a 4.5-week grading period → Academic Warning until the next grading period.
• Ineligible for field trips and extracurriculars (including sports) while on warning status.
• Status is not lifted before the grading period ends.

Homework Policy

• Assigned at least 3 evenings per week; recommended max 75 minutes/day total.
• Students are excused from homework the evening of a showcase, performance, or practice extending past 8:00 PM.

Grading & Make-Up Work

• Minimum of 2 grades posted weekly; teachers contact families when a grade falls below 70.
• Minimum score for a reasonable attempt is 49.
• Make-up work due within 3 days of returning from an excused absence.
• Pre-announced tests/homework/projects are due the day the student returns.
• School-sponsored activity absences: missing work due within 5 days.

Late Work

• Teachers may deduct 5 points per day late; not accepted after 7 days.
• Missing assignments show as "M" (equivalent to zero) until submitted.

Behavior & Conduct

Students are expected to exhibit mature, respectful behavior; take responsibility for their actions; maintain self-control and focus; and represent the school with professionalism and pride.

Conduct Guidelines

• Students must follow the CCPS Parent/Student Handbook rules and regulations.
• Two or more Level 1 infractions can result in probation/dismissal.
• NI/U marks or Level 1 infractions result in an Individual Behavior Plan.
• Level 2–4 infractions (fighting, weapons, drugs, gang activity, blatant disrespect) can result in immediate dismissal.
• A proven bullying accusation results in automatic dismissal from the program.

General Information

Fine Arts Performances

• All mandatory performances must be attended; missed performances require an alternative assignment within 10 school days.
• Missed performances affect grades and risk probation.

Fine Arts Dues

Due dates: 1st Semester — August 17, 2026  |  2nd Semester — January 19, 2027

Birthdays & Awards

• Uniforms are worn Monday–Thursday with no exceptions for birthdays.
• Coordinate treats with the homeroom teacher in advance.
• Awards are given at the conclusion of each quarter.

Field Trips

• Students on Academic Warning are ineligible for field trips until the next progress report/report card.
• No D's or F's at the time of the trip; ineligible if ISS/OSS occurred when the permission slip was distributed.

Communication

• Weekly call/email each Sunday with updates and reminders.
• Teachers respond to communication within 48 hours.
• Chain of command: Teacher → Grade Level Assistant Principal → Principal.

Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs)

• Per Georgia Senate Bill 340 and CCPS Board Policy, all PEDs must remain powered OFF during the instructional day and on school buses.
• Homeroom teachers collect and secure devices each morning, returning them at day's end.
• Violations result in disciplinary consequences.

Parent/Teacher/Staff Relations

• All parents and students are expected to act respectfully toward faculty and staff.
• Patience and courtesy expected during arrival, dismissal, performances, and field trips.
• Hostile behavior or verbal abuse toward staff jeopardizes program standing and may affect the ability to attend performances/field trips.

Dress Code

Media Release Form

Grants permission to Clayton County Public Schools to interview, photograph, audio-record, and/or videotape students during school hours and activities, for use in publications, promotional materials, and Internet sites. Students may refuse to answer uncomfortable questions, and sessions may be terminated if they cause discomfort. Instructional time will not be unduly disrupted.