SMS Expectations

The responsibility of school attendance is that of both parents/families and students. 

School attendance is important as it underscores the significance of learning and obtaining an education in our ever-evolving society. Regular school attendance also correlates strongly with improved grades and it helps students develop good work habits that will carry over in life. To aid students in being academically successful, attendance is required for attainment of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards. The Superintendent has designated the minimum levels of attendance in procedure consistent with state standards.

Learn more about Gwinnett County Public Schools' Attendance Policies & Procedures.

If you have questions about school attendance, contact your local school. Working together, we can ensure students are in school and ready to learn!

Dear Snellville Middle School Students and Parents:

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer recharging and preparing for the start of a new school year.

We are delighted that each and every student in Gwinnett County Public Schools will be issued a Chromebook. Students will no longer need to bring a personal device from home or use their cell phones for instructional use during the school day. As a result of our district 1:1 device initiative all of our students will have the same access to digital resources and support.

To support our students and refocus their attention on learning, Snellville Middle will continue with the very successful practice called “Unplug to Learn”.  Research indicates that cell phones and cell phone access during the school day is a distraction for students. Our goal is to engage our students and support them in their academic success, promote face to face social interaction and connection by removing a major barrier – cell phones. Over the past several years, cell phone use during the school day has been at the center of student conflicts, distractions, and myriad of inappropriate use. Our Unplug to Learn practice means our students’ cell phones are turned off and will remain in their bookbags, purses or lockers for the duration of the school day. Wireless or Bluetooth headphones/earbuds are included in the Unplug to Learn practice. Students will use only wired headsets or earbuds with their district-issued Chromebook. To keep our focus on learning during the school day, the Unplug to Learn practice will mean the following:

• Cell phones and all mobile devices will be turned off when entering school campus.
• Cell phones and all mobile devices will be kept in a backpack, purse or locker. Not in clothing pockets.
• Cell phones are not allowed to be used in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, restrooms or any common areas.
• Cell phones are not allowed to be used during transition times or between classes.
• If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are to come to any office. If a parent needs to reach a child in an emergency, they can call the main office.
• Cell phones can be turned back on at 4:00 p.m. during afternoon dismissal.

Our Unplug to Learn initiative was very successful and dramatically reduced classroom and school day distractions. We appreciate the overwhelming support from our parents and school community about our cell phone policy. Our students can focus on learning, are free from negativity and unnecessary distractions. I hope you will join me again in supporting this new initiative and talk with your son or daughter about the expectations regarding cell phones this school year.

Our wonderful teachers and staff are already planning for students to return to school. Our office team is ordering supplies, updating records and registering new families. Our hard working and conscientious custodians are thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing our building. All signs are pointing to a positive, productive and exciting new school year!

Together as a school community, I know we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for each and every child.

It continues to remain an honor and privilege to serve as your school principal.

Sincerely,

Meshaun Vaughn. 

Snellville Middle School Principal

The vision of Snellville Middle School Middle is to be GROUNDED IN EXCELLENCE as we cultivate HIGH PERFORMING students in a NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.

We strongly believe that students have the right to a SAFE and NURTURING learning environment.

To support their learning, Snellville Middle School staff will TEACH and RETEACH school-wide expectations, rules, and procedures to our students. Our staff will observe and identify problem behaviors and will provide consistent and fair support to students.

For more details, visit the GCPS site for Addressing Concerns at School. 

Students at Snellville Middle School are expected to dress in a manner that promotes a positive learning environment, free from distractions and disruptions.
Students will be expected to observe modes of dress, styles of hair, and personal grooming that support the learning environment.
  The following are specific guidelines for student attire:

Clothing shall fit appropriately. Pants and shorts must be worn at the waist at all times and not be so large that the crotch sags to the knees and/or underwear shows. Pants, shorts, or skirts should not expose skin above the knees. Undergarments should not be visible. If students raise their arms to shoulder level and the stomach or waist area shows, the top is unacceptable.

• Shirt straps should be at least two inches wide. Shirts should completely cover the midriff and back. No spaghetti straps or halter tops.
• Clothing and jewelry shall be free of inflammatory, suggestive, or other inappropriate writing, advertisement, or artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, offensive words and designs, violence (blood, death, and weapons), sex, hate groups, tobacco products, drugs, and alcohol.
• Hats, bonnets, bandannas, headgear with a bandanna print, doo-rags, sweatbands, visors, and sunglasses are not permitted to be worn or carried on campus or on the bus by students. Hoods on sweatshirts or jackets should not be worn on the head when in the building. No combs, rakes, curlers, or picks can be worn in the hair. Metal picks are not allowed at school and will be confiscated and not returned to the student.
• Bedroom shoes/slippers, slides, flipflops, pajama bottoms, or lounge pants are not allowed to be worn at school.
• Any article of clothing, including footwear, perceived to be a threat or safety hazard to the student or the school community will not be allowed.
• Leggings must be covered by a shirt or a dress that falls below the bottom.  
• No bodysuits or biker shorts.
• Pants with holes above the upper knee cannot be worn or must be covered by a layer underneath.  Pants may NOT sag.  

Due to safety concerns, no glass containers or scented sprays are allowed.

Any form of dress or appearance that is distracting or disruptive to the educational process will not be permitted.

Parents are asked to assist the school by regularly monitoring their students’ dress.

Students who do not comply with these dress standards may be asked to change their clothes and may be required to attend an administrative conference. Parents may be contacted to provide a change of clothes during the school day. Students who fail to comply after an administrative conference will receive progressively more severe consequences.