Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School, as well as all other schools in the Wilkes County School System, will be welcoming students back to school Friday, August 4. Faculty and staff at W-WCHS eagerly anticipate the beginning of another successful school year and are working diligently in getting ready for students.

Open house at W-WCHS will be held during two days next week. Students are asked to go by the school on the day and time designated for their grade level. Open House for eleventh and twelfth graders will be Wednesday, August 2, from 1-3 p.m. Students in the ninth and tenth grades will be allowed to come on Thursday, August 3, from 1-3 p.m.

Students will be allowed to go to their homeroom teacher and pick up their schedules for the fall semester. Then students can visit their academic teachers in order to get acquainted and gather other information regarding required supplies for classes.

If they wish to do so, students may pay for lockers and parking permits. Lockers may be rented for $5. Parking permits, for eligible students, will sell for $5 per semester or $10 for the year. Students will need to have a valid driver's license and be eligible for parking on campus.

Driving and parking a car at WCHS is a privilege, say school administrators, and cooperation from all students who drive to school is expected in order to avoid accidents. Further, students who drive cars to and from school:

Must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.

Must have passed 3 out of 4 courses the previous semester and be on track for graduation

Must register the car with the Administration to receive a WWCHS parking permit each semester.

The cost of a parking permit will be $5.00 per semester or $10.00 per year. Permits can be purchased for the semester or for the year. Parking stickers must be displayed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle. Students who will be driving different vehicles at various times must register the additional vehicle. Cost for additional vehicles will be only $1.

A temporary permit, valid for up to 10 days, may be obtained from the office. Temporary permits must be placed on the rearview mirror of the car so as to be visible from the outside of the car.

All student traffic will be through the back gate.

Students are to park in the back parking lot only. Students are not to remain in cars or trucks upon arrival in the morning. Students are

not to go to vehicles during the day without office approval.

Speed limit on campus is 10 mph. Students driving recklessly or exceeding the 10 mph speed limit will lose their parking privileges and suffer other disciplinary action.

The following violations may result in corrective actions such as, but not limited to, warnings, detention, fines, driving probation, and revocation of parking privileges.

Violations:

Valid parking permit not properly placed and visible from the outside.

Improper parking.

Speeding or reckless driving on campus.

Changing parking permits from one car to another car.

Entering or leaving school through the front gate.

Leaving the student parking lot before dismissal from school.

Going to the parking lot without permission from the office.

In addition, any student who accumulates five unexcused absences or three unexcused tardies, will lose his driving/parking privileges for the remainder of the semester.

Any student who is placed in OSS will lose his driving/parking privileges for the remainder of the semester.

Any student who is placed in ISS may lose his driving/parking privileges for the remainder of the semester. The administration will decide this on a case-by-case basis.

If a student loses his driving/ parking privileges, the $5 parking fee will be forfeited.

If a student loses his driving/ parking privileges, he can reapply for parking privileges the following semester.

Highlights of W-WCHS

Dress Code for 2006-2007

Georgia's Sales Tax Holiday is coming up Thursday through Sunday, August 3-6. Parents may want to know some details about the student dress code at Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School so they can shop accordingly for school clothing for their children.

The school administration asks that parents and students alike take note of the following dress code highlights found in the student handbook. However, they and are not allinclusive. Parents should refer directly to the handbook for all the details regarding the dress code at W-WCHS.

The W-WCHS Student Handbook states: "Students shall be clean, neat, and dressed in a manner conducive to academic achievement."

Upper Garments

All shirts must be tucked in at the waist.

The cut of sleeveless garments must not expose undergarments or be otherwise immodest. Straps must be a minimum of three inches in width. Sports jerseys (or similar) must cover from armpit to waistline. Strapless garments are prohibited as well as low-cut necklines. Backless (holes, cut outs, low cut) garments are prohibited. Upper garments must adequately cover the waistline and must not expose the midriff. (An easy test is to have the child hold both hands above his or her head as high as possible. If any of the midriff is showing, the garment is too short.) Undergarments should not be visible.

Lower Garments

Garments shall conform to the build and stature of the student and should be worn at the waist. Garments may not be "low-riding." Garments shall not extend below the heel of the shoe in length. Seethrough garments are prohibited as is clothing that displays writing, pictures, symbols, or logos that are crude, suggestive, or that promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or things that are inappropriate for the school setting. Dresses, shorts, and skirts must be an appropriate length (usually not above the fingertips when the arms are extended down the side).

Footwear

Footwear must be worn at all times. Bedroom slippers and stiletto heels are prohibited.