MISSION
To provide quality activities, based on the Standards for Quality School-Age Care, that meet the needs and interests of students related to their regular school-day experience in elementary, middle, and high school settings.

VISION
To significantly improve academic performance of participants in reading and math to meet or exceed state performance standards. To strengthen the program through the development of extensive community partnerships and a shared vision which will provide enhanced academic performance, equitable services, and access to technological, cultural, and artistic events.

PURPOSE OF 21ST CENTURY CLC GRANTS AS ESTABLISHED BY FEDERAL LEGISLATION

• To provide opportunities for academic enrichment and tutorial services to help students who attend selected schools meet state and local performance standards in core academic subjects
• To offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students
• To offer families of 21st Century CLC students’ opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Savannah-Chatham 21st Century Community Learning Centers are committed to providing Chatham County students with quality out-of-school time that supports both academic and social development. We also provide educational resources for our 21st Century CLC families. Family members are encouraged to visit the campuses frequently throughout the year. The partnership between 21st Century CLC staff and the family is the most vital relationship of all.
 
The program is open to students attending a 21st Century CLC in grades 2nd through 12th. All required forms must be completed and returned to the 21st Century Community Learning Center office, located at each site, before a child may participate. Most activities are designed to serve each student at his/her individual level of performance, incorporating both enrichment and remediation activities. The 21st CCLC program is based on assisting students with deficiencies in English Language Arts/Reading and Math. If a student is not passing those subjects, they will be afforded the opportunity to enroll in a 21st CCLC program.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Hours of operation vary from campus to campus. Generally, the program is open from the dismissal of the regular school day until 6:00 pm or 7:30 pm, Monday through Thursday or Friday, which is contingent upon dismissal of the regular school day. Please check with the Site Coordinator for specific days and hours of operation. The program center will be closed on SCCPSS holidays, early dismissal days, and inclement weather days.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION - RECRUITMENT PLAN

Students who did not meet grade level requirements on the Georgia Milestone, report card grade and/or benchmarks will be invited to the 21st Century CLC program including students with special needs - ELL, migrant, homeless, special education, as well as students attending private schools.

ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is important. Students are expected to attend and remain for the duration of the program each day, even if they are off-track. If a student is going out
of town for vacation, an absence form should be completed and signed; the same is requested of students who will be absent due to other study programs, doctor’s appointment, etc.
 
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

At the end of the school day, students enrolled in the 21st Century Community Learning Center program will report to the designated location (varies by school) and check-in with the program staff. After a brief roll call, students will be escorted to the designated activities that have been planned for their participation. All students will remain on the school grounds for the duration of the program. If school is dismissed or cancelled due to inclement weather, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers are also cancelled for that day. On such occasions, we ask that parents use every means possible to arrive safely at school to pick up their children so that school personnel may also safely travel to their home.

IRREGULAR ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE

You may arrange for your child to leave and return to attend another team practice, drama club, student council, Title 1 tutorial, etc. A written plan for Irregular Arrival/ Departure must be given to the Site Coordinator indicating the dates and times required. For example, if a student is picked up by a coach for practice at 3:30PM and returned at 4:30 PM, you must notify us in writing before this irregular schedule begins.

ABSENCES
Absentees without prior notification may be mistaken for a missing child resulting in unnecessary concern and time spent searching for the child. If your child will not be attending the program because of a scheduled appointment, vacation, or other planned absence, please notify the site coordinator in advance.

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING PLAN
Due to the unprecedented times, our programs will serve students in-person as well as virtually. Programs are designed to assist children who are at risk of performing below grade-level. Some programs are designed to serve each student at his/her own level of performance, providing both enrichment and remediation. Using a suitable and approved platform, teachers will provide communication with the schedule and login information when alternative programming is being conducted.
 

STUDENT PICK-UP

Students participating in the program must be signed out by a parent/guardian or designated person. Students must be picked up promptly at the end of the program each day. If a student has not been picked up after the program has ended, the 21st Century staff will try to contact parents and/or those individuals designated.

If you anticipate being late, please call the site coordinator so that we may notify our staff. Students remaining at the site after the ending time are considered late pick-ups. Students picked up fifteen (15) minutes or more after dismissal must be signed out as a late pick-up. Chronic (3 incidents) late pick-ups may result in suspension or eventual withdrawal from the program.

For safety, we discourage students from walking home; however, when necessary, parents/guardians will be held accountable once designated staff signs them out.

DISCIPLINE

Participation in the program is a privilege. A student must follow the rules of the program. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior toward other students and/or program staff is reason for dismissal. We encourage parents/guardians to discuss concerns with the school administrator or site director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the student’s responsibility to bring his/her homework to the program; the parent/guardian should make sure that his/her child reviews and completes the assignments daily. Our staff will make every effort to provide assistance and have students complete their homework.

It is important that we are able to contact parents/guardians when needed; therefore, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the 21st Century staff of any changes of addresses and telephone numbers.
 

PARENTAL SUPPORT

Though our staff is committed and qualified, parental support is needed to make the program the very best it can be. Parents/guardians are important partners in the
program’s success and are requested to attend parent orientations, assist with field trips, events, activities, tutoring and other projects. In addition, all school rules, policies and procedures will apply.

CONDUCT VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES (PER SEMESTER)
1st - Warning, guidance, and parental contact
2nd - Letter home, counseling, administrator and/or site director and student conference
3rd - Suspension, student will be sent home; parent, administrator and /or site director, and student conference
4th - Dismissal from program

ATTENDANCE POLICY- STUDENT
Attendance within the 21st CCLC Program is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian and child. During the program operation year, any child that accumulates more than five (5) days of unexcused absences may be removed from the program. The Site Coordinator is responsible for informing the parent/legal guardian of the child’s absence(s).
It is recommended that students attend the program on time and regularly. Tardiness and leaving the program early are unacceptable. If it is necessary for a student to leave the program before the end of the program day, the parent/legal guardian with whom the student lives must send a written request or make the request in person to the Site Coordinator. In cases where the right to custody is in doubt, the Site Coordinator will require evidence that the person calling for the student is entitled to custody. Excessive tardiness and/or early dismissals may result in removal from the Program.

All students enrolled in the 21st CCLC Program shall be in attendance each day the program is in operation, except for the following excused absences: personal illness,
serious illness or death of a student’s immediate family member, observance of religious holidays, active-duty military family leave, orders of governmental agencies, conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety, or participation in approved school activities.

If a site is not within eighty percent (80%) of its targeted enrollment, the Site Coordinator is required to take the following steps:
•    Contact central office and obtain additional assistance from mentors and/or coordinators with achieved registered target number of students
•    Contact parents (phone and letters) to communicate the importance of attendance within the Program
•    If student has five (5) or more consecutive absences, contact parent to determine the reason for non-attendance and make the student inactive within TransAct if student will not resume participation.
•    Register additional students from the waiting list
•    Discuss goals and objectives with school day teachers and site administration to obtain student referrals.

CRISIS PLAN
21st Century CLC will follow the procedures established and agreed upon by the Savannah-Chatham County School District and the Georgia Department of Education. In the event a critical incident occurs during program hours, the staff will notify the Project Director immediately.
The 21st Century CLC main office will contact the appropriate school officials to determine if the Critical Incident Response Plan should be initiated.
 
LOCKDOWN

The 21st Century CLC staff will follow the listed procedures:
•    Lockdown warning or intruder alert is announced. Lock the door, shut the windows, and ensure that all students are out of visible sight.

•    Verify all students are present and accounted for by comparing the student sign-in sheet or student roster with students present.
•    If a student is missing, complete a red sheet and post it in a clearly visible area.

•    If an extra student is present, fill out a red sheet and post it in a clearly visible area.
•    Attendance will be taken in all locations by staff members in charge and confirmed via walkie-talkie or telephone.
•    Once the threat has subsided, the “all clear” is announced, and regular
procedures are resumed.

FIRE DRILL - EVACUATION PROCEDURES
•    The Program Staff Members in charge will instruct students to leave the room in an orderly fashion, conforming to school evacuation procedures.
•    Staff members will ensure that all students and staff have exited the building.
•    Staff members will take the student sign-in sheets and student roster and exit the building.
•    Attendance will be taken in all locations by staff members in charge and confirmed via walkie-talkie or telephone.

TORNADO DRILL PROCEDURES
Due to catastrophes caused by tornadoes in the past years, the State Department requires schools to have tornado drills regularly. To accomplish this, a plan has been established as follows:
•    When a tornado warning is issued for the area, an announcement will be made on the intercom system or walkie-talkies.
•    Teachers and staff should lead students to the areas designated on the evacuation map on the wall of each classroom and have students assume the position.
•    There should be absolutely no talking so directions may be heard.
•    Attendance will be taken in all locations by staff members in charge and confirmed via walkie-talkie or telephone.
 

RAPID DISMISSAL

In the event of a water main break, power failure, natural gas leak, or other emergency at the program site during operating hours, the following Rapid Dismissal Procedure will be followed:
•    If a Rapid Dismissal is needed, an announcement will be made on the intercom system. The supervising adults will direct the students' movement.
•    Teachers and staff will escort their students to the designated safe area, located in the front or back of the school building.
•    There should be no talking so that directions may be heard. Visually handicapped students will be escorted by the buddy system.

•    Attendance will be taken in all locations by staff members in charge and confirmed by walkie-talkie or telephone.

•    Parents/Guardians will be called according to the contact numbers on the Registration Forms.

If the U.S Weather Bureau announces a tornado watch/warning, students shall remain in the school building, and the protective protocol for this emergency procedure will be executed immediately.
Students should remain in the school building until the regular time for dismissal or until it is determined, according to the judgment of the Project Coordinator, Director, or designee, that students can be safely dismissed.
In the event of other severe weather warnings or conditions, the Project Director or designee shall decide on the dismissal of students.
Parents may pick up their children from the program during a weather crisis. If students are riding the bus and a warning occurs, the driver will go to the safest location for the duration of the warning.
If the 21st Century CLC program delays or cancels transportation due to road or weather conditions, the local radio and television stations will be notified, whenever possible.
 

DISCIPLINE POLICY - BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Students will be held to the same standards of discipline as they are during the regular school day. Please review specific details located in the Savannah-Chatham Code of Conduct handbook. Students who do not follow our behavior policy will be given the following consequences:
•    Staff will give a verbal reminder/warning describing the behavior.
•    On the second offense, the student will be directed to the site supervisor's office for a period of time.
•    If the child does not comply, parental contact will be made, and the child will be suspended from the activity.
•    If the child remains disrupted, the parent will be called to pick up the child. The parent will be given a written report and a warning of the consequences/suspension for the child's behavior.
•    A child may be suspended for up to two weeks or more from the program for repeated violations.
•    The Project Director will be informed before a suspension is applied. Options will be available to prepare the child for re-entry into the program.
•    Guidance will always be positive, productive, and immediate when behavior is inappropriate. No child will be humiliated, shamed, frightened, or subjected to verbal or physical abuse while in the care of the 21st Century CLC program staff.
•    While our staff will make every effort to accommodate your child's needs, there may be times when staff determine that the program cannot meet those needs. The 21st Century CLC Program reserves the right to remove a child without the use of the steps listed above if the Principal or Project Director deems it appropriate.
 

DISCRIMINATION

It is the policy of Savannah-Chatham's 21st Century CLC not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, or religion in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies, as required by the Constitution and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendment.
Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Program Director, 402 Market Street, Savannah, Georgia 31408. Phone - (912) 395-5686.

DISMISSAL/LATE PICKUPS
Parents are responsible for picking up their child by the scheduled dismissal times. If you anticipate being late, please call the site coordinator so that we may notify our staff. Students remaining at the site after the end time are considered late pickups. Students picked up fifteen (15) minutes or more after dismissal must be signed out as a late pick up. Chronic late pick-ups (3 incidents) may result in suspension or eventual withdrawal from the program.

DISMISSAL SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
Anyone other than a parent or guardian picking up a student should be prepared to show identification. Students will only be released to people identified on the registration form as being allowed to pick up the student. Students picked up must be signed out by the designated adult (over 18 years of age) and whose name appears on the registration form.
 
DISMISSAL: LEFT AT SITE-NOT PICKED UP
The 21st Century CLC teachers are responsible for students at all times. If the parent/guardian, or designated person does not pick up a child, the following steps will be implemented:
•    Call the first, then if necessary, the second responsible adult on the Student Registration Form.
•    If an emergency number is listed, call it. If no contact is made, proceed to the next step. Contact Campus Police at (912) 395-5536.
•    The Site Coordinator will send a follow-up warning letter to the child's home for the first infraction. A child may be suspended from the program for up to one week for the second infraction. The child may be terminated from the 21st CCLC, and/or a referral may be made for family support if there is a third occurrence.

DISMISSAL: BUS TRANSPORTATION
The primary purpose of the SCCPSS Transportation Department is to provide transportation to eligible students to their assigned stops during the school year and summer programs. SCCPSS Transportation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers staff have determined that, for safety reasons, changes in bus transportation will not be permitted without advance approval from both entities. Students who board a bus other than their assigned bus or request to get off the bus at a stop other than their assigned one, may lose the privilege of receiving bus transportation. In such cases, the parent will be responsible for providing transportation. Students receive annual instruction on safe bus riding procedures. Drivers are trained to operate buses safely and with discipline, thereby ensuring the safety of students. If a student violates behavior expectations on the bus, the driver will contact the school administrator for assistance through a written bus referral. Consequences related to the bus are applied.
 

EQUITABLE SERVICES (PRIVATE SCHOOLS)
Students, teachers, and other educational personnel are eligible to participate in the SCCPSS 21st Century CLC Program on an equitable basis. 21st Century CLC must provide equitable services to private school students and their families. In designing a program that meets this requirement, 21st Century CLC must offer comparable opportunities for the participation of both public and private school students in the area served by the grant. 21st Century CLC will consult with private school officials during the design and development of the 21st Century CLC Program to address issues such as how children's needs will be identified and what services will be offered. Services and benefits provided to private school students must be secular, neutral, and non-ideological in nature.

FIELD TRIP PERMISSION

Field trips, including walking trips, will be taken throughout the program year. Transportation for most field trips will be arranged with SCCPSS Transportation on school buses. Students who display disruptive behavior during the program will not be allowed to participate in field trips unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. Parents will be notified in advance of all field trips and asked to sign a field trip permission slip. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to escort students with medical needs on field trips. School uniforms must be worn on all field trips.

HEALTH
Our program operates for healthy children and staff only. Children who are mildly ill (e.g., minor cold symptoms) may remain at the campus only with an Administrator's approval. Children should be fully able to participate in all activities, including outdoor play. Parents should provide appropriate changes of clothing, so children do not become either chilled or overheated. Light sweaters or jackets should also be made available.
Children with symptoms of a communicable disease will remain with a staff member until the parent or designated representative arrives for the child. We will make every effort to reach parents when a child is ill; however, after 10 minutes, we will call the emergency contacts listed on the student enrollment form.

WE WILL NOT SERVE CHILDREN WITH
•    A fever of 101°F or above
•    A fever of 100°F if combined with another sign of illness
•    A skin rash that has not been identified in writing from a physician who has seen the rash
•    Diarrhea and/or vomiting two or more times in a day
•    Evidence of head lice or other parasites
•    Severe coughing
•    Rapid or difficulty breathing,
•    Yellowish skin or eyes
•    Pink eye
•    Sore throat or difficulty swallowing

EVIDENCE OF INFECTION ILLNESS

If a child becomes sick, they will report to the site supervisor, and the parents will be contacted to pick up the child. Ill children will remain in a designated location until parental contact is made, and the child is picked up.
 
 

INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AGREEMENT
Technology can significantly enhance program activities, enabling individuals to interact with multiple computers simultaneously. The Internet allows individuals to interact with thousands of networks. Therefore, all computers must be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Failure to act responsibly will result in dismissal from the program. Software is utilized to block sites that are considered inappropriate. Students who visit inappropriate sites, blocked or not, may be dismissed from the program. If students inadvertently access an inappropriate site, it must be reported immediately to a teacher or staff member. Additionally, unacceptable use of the computer and/or network by students will result in the revocation of access privileges. Serious misconduct will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:
•    Violating the conditions of the State and Federal law dealing with privacy
•    Using profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be offensive to another user
•    Reposting (forwarding) personal communication without the author's prior consent
•    Copying commercial software and/or other material in violation of copyright law
•    Using the network for financial gain, commercial activity, or for an illegal activity
•    Hacking or gaining unauthorized access to other computers, computer systems, or attempting to gain such unauthorized access
•    Accessing and or viewing inappropriate materials and/or
•    Downloading of freeware or shareware programs.

HALF DAYS/ HOLIDAYS/ EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
The program will follow the calendar of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Please check with the site coordinator to inquire about programs that operate on half days and during school holidays. On days with weather advisories when school does not dismiss early, the Project Director and school administration will decide on the day's programming schedule.

The 21st Century CLC Program is founded on the principle that parents must be actively involved in their child's education. Various parent involvement activities and parenting workshops will be available throughout the year. Parents are required to attend at least two activities per year and are encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible. Social and educational events are held throughout the year to promote interaction between staff and families; parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.
Parents may also be asked to serve on the 21st Century CLC Advisory Council to help ensure a setting that reflects the needs of today's families. If parents have concerns or need assistance with problems related to the program, they may discuss the issue with the Site Coordinator. If they are not satisfied, they may discuss their concerns with the Campus Principal or Project Director.

PROGRAM POLICIES
Weapons: No weapons are permitted on school property at any time.
Drug Free Program: Students shall not knowingly possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant of any kind, or tobacco.

REGISTRATION/ PROGRAMMING FEES

There are no registration or programming fees. The Program is offered to all students free of cost. There may be a small materials and supply fee for specific activities and/or field trips. 21st Century CLC is a state-funded program that provides extended learning and enrichment opportunities for students and their parents. Activities and classes are provided at designated schools in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School District. Each 21st Century CLC will be open 2 to 3 hours after school, Monday through Thursday, and at some sites, Fridays, which is contingent of the school’s planned hours of operation. Please confirm the program hours of operation with the site coordinator; site times will vary. Various 21st Century CLC activities will be held throughout the school year and in the summer.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN
If your child attends extracurricular activities or must, for any other reason, change his/her arrival or departure time, either on a given day or for the duration of the program, please notify the Site Coordinator before the date the change is effective. All persons are required to present photo identification before a child is released.

RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS
Parents must complete the registration form at the beginning of each new program year and summer program. All sections must be read, signed, and returned to the 21st Century CLC office before a child can participate in the program. Parents are responsible for informing the 21st Century CLC office if a child will not be participating on their scheduled day or if the child will have an unexcused absence. If your child will be absent from the program, please call the site and speak with the coordinator. Any child with more than five unexcused absences may be removed from the program.
Parents/guardians are expected to complete two surveys each year. The information will help improve the services provided by 21st Century CLC.

MEDICATIONS
Medication will not be given during the 21st Century CLC Program unless approved by the Project Director and Principal.
 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS
We assume no liability for lost items. Students are allowed to keep personal
belongings in their backpacks. Students are NOT permitted to return to their classrooms once the regular school day is over.

RESPONSIBILITY OF PROGRAM
•    Provide a positive, supervised environment for your child always
•    Make your child feel welcome, comfortable, and safe
•    Implement a creative and enjoyable curriculum.
•    Provide academic and recreational activities
•    Provide tutoring and homework assistance
•    Allow time for creative play and indoor/outdoor activities.

SAFETY
We kindly request that parents closely supervise their children in the hallways and parking lots when departing. We also ask that parents remain with their children at all times while on campus. Parents or approved persons on the registration form must come to the designated area and sign out their child each day. This is extremely important, since this sign-out list is used to check attendance during emergency drills or events. Children will not be permitted to leave with any person for whom the staff has not received permission from the parent/guardian. Staff are not responsible for students who leave the school building before they sign-in or for students who leave the school building unescorted. Parents must understand and reinforce this procedure, as student safety is the staff's top priority. All employees are required by Georgia Law to report any suspicion of child abuse or child neglect.

STANDARD PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE POLICY
21st Century Community Learning Center and its designated partners have permission to copyright, use, reuse, publish, and republish video, photographic portraits or pictures of children, whether in whole or in part, for educational purposes. Parents/guardians waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or products. Parents may decline the photography release policy by checking the corresponding statement located on the student's registration form.

SNACKS
The 21st Century CLC Program provides a healthy snack or meal at no charge. If your child has any dietary needs, they may bring a snack from home. Please inform the site coordinator in writing if the child has any allergies or food restrictions.

SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

The 21st Century CLC program has policies and procedures in place to ensure that students with disabilities are included to the maximum extent appropriate, alongside non-disabled students, in programs, activities, and services.

Fraud consists of an illegal act (intentional wrongdoing), the concealment of this act, and the deriving of a benefit (converting the gains to cash or other valuable commodities). The intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to federal, state, or local governments, which could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to themselves others, or the district, state, or federal governments. Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.

Waste is the thoughtless or careless expenditure, consumption, mismanagement, use, or squandering of district, state, or federal resources owned or operated by SCCPSS 21st CCLC to the detriment or potential detriment of the district. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs as a result of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.

Abuse is an excessive or improper use of a thing, or to employ something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use. Intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources. Extravagant or excessive use as to abuse one’s position of authority. Abuse can occur in financial or non-financial settings.

Corruption includes dishonest proceedings, bribery, debasement, alteration, or perversion of integrity. Corruption threatens equal access, quantity, and quality of education.

EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
Grant funds shall be expended only for the support and maintenance of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and for activities necessary or incident thereto, in compliance with applicable laws and statues.
Each employee has the responsibility to help ensure that operations are free of real or perceived misuse of funds or property.
 

All parents, students, and employees have a responsibility to report waste, fraud, and abuse within the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The public is also invited to share such concerns. Persons believing that the grant programs involve fraud, waste, and/or abuse should contact the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System at (912) 395-5686. If the person involved in misuse is employed at the central office, the report should be made with the Director of Compensatory Programs at (912) 395-5635. Identity of the person reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and/or non-compliance will not be revealed.