| RULE/DEFINITION |
EXAMPLES |
EXCEPTIONS |
CONSEQUENCES |
Bomb Threat or Attempt to Bomb, Burn, or to Destroy a School Building or Property: Student conduct which may put others in danger will not be permitted. Threatening is forbidden because it violates the law.
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L4: Suspension, legal action |
| Revised July, 2001 |
Bus Violation: Bus rules and regulations must be followed because they ensure safe transport to and from school and protect the rights of others to a safe bus ride.
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Profanity, horseplay, eating/drinking, littering, creating loud noises, having glass objects, water pistols and other toys, transporting large objects, tampering with equipment,throwing objects out of the window, putting arms or head out the window, making faces or other gestures to passers by or other drivers in traffic, or refusal to follow the directions of the bus driver.
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L2: 1) Detention and parent contact
2) Two-week (2) bus suspension
3) Four-week (4) bus suspension
4) Remainder of year bus suspension
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Cafeteria Violation: Cafeteria rules must be followed because they ensure safety and protect rights of others.
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No running, cutting in line, throwing food, or leaving trash/trays on the tables or floor.
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L1: 1) Staff discipline/Community Service
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Cars/Vehicles Improper Use: Must be operated in a safe manner in compliance with school rules and state and local laws.Violators are subject to corrective action at school and penalty under law.
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Reckless driving, speeding, driving or parking in an unauthorized area.
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L3: 1) 5 day driving privileges suspended
2) OSS (3 Days) 30 day suspended driving privilege.
3) OSS (5 Days) Driving privileges revoked for the remainder of school year.
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Cheating: Violation of Test Procedures or the Appearance of a Violation: Students are responsible for neither giving nor receiving assistance (written, oral, or otherwise) on any assignment to be graded as work of a single individual because students are responsible for their own learning.
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Copying homework, allowing someone else to copy your homework, any talking to any student or to the teacher without the teacher's permission, talking or giving the appearance of talking during a test or quiz. All assignments must be the student' s own work and not done by other students, friends, parents, brothers, sisters, or anyone else in the family.
In the classroom, examples are looking at notes (the student' s or anyone else' s), writing notes on any body parts (such as your hand.) Student's eyes should be on his/her own paper. Testing atmosphere will be maintained throughout the entire testing period, as authorized by the teacher. Students may not talk when others are not finished
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Cooperative learning groups, open-book tests, team work.
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L.: 1) Teacher discipline, a zero will be given on the assignment.
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Chronic Failure to be Prepared for Class: Failure to have teacher required materials for class.
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Materials to be included but not limited to: Books, paper, pencil, homework.
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L.: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Communication Devices (Wireless): Students may possess wireless communication devices (cell phones, etc.) on school grounds provided that these devices are not visible and are not activated before or during the school day. These devices must be turned off prior to entering the school. For safety reasons, students may utilize these devices after school office hours provided the use of the device does not distract from or disrupt activities. The use of wireless communication devices is prohibited on school buses while traveling to and from school; at all other times use is at the discretion of authorized staff. Violators are subject to corrective action.
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For safety reasons, students may utilize these devices after school hours provided the use of the device does not distract from or disrupt activities.
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L.: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Defiance: The refusal to accept the authority, or to carry out the directions, of any school staff will not be tolerated because it destroys a safe and orderly environment. School staff means any teacher, substitute, aide, custodian, cafeteria worker, volunteer, chaperon, bus driver, coach, sponsor, guidance counselor, secretary, administrator, or school support staff, such as school psychologist, social worker, substance abuse prevention specialist.
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Refusing to do what the staff person asks you to do. Using profanity, threats, or other forms of verbal abuse towards a staff member. When staff gives a student directions, the student is expected to comply.
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L3: 1) OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Disrespect: The refusal to accept the authority, or to carry out the directions, of any school staff will not be tolerated because it destroys a safe and orderly environment. School staff means any teacher, substitute, aide, custodian, cafeteria worker, volunteer, chaperon, bus driver, coach, sponsor, guidance counselor, secretary, administrator, or school support staff, such as school psychologist, social worker, substance abuse prevention specialist.
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Making faces, using sarcasm, interfering (butting in) when a teacher is disciplining or reprimanding another student, muttering under your breath, walking away when the teacher or staff person is talking to you, raising your voice when talking to teachers or staff persons, throwing down a book, arguing (asking why), refusing to do what the staff person asks you to do. When staff gives a student directions, the student is expected to comply.
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Days)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Discrimination: All persons and groups within the school will be treated with dignity and respect because discrimination destroys the learning environment. Discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, disabilities, economic status, personal or physical characteristics, or other characteristics of individuals or groups will not be tolerated. Actions, gestures, statements (spoken or written), dress, or symbols which insult, offend, taunt, or demean others because of their individual or group differences will not be tolerated.
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L4: Suspension
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Disruption: Instructional time and/or any extra-curricular time will not be disrupted by students because disruptions interfere with the learning of others and destroy the continuity of the learning process. This includes classes where there is a substitute.
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Blurting out in class without recognition, shouting across the classroom, making unnecessary noise (verbal, non-verbal), muttering under your breath, standing up and wandering around the classroom, students talking with one another without the teacher' s permission, playing with toys, or writing notes without permission.
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L1: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Disruption during Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silence: Students must stand during observance.
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L1: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Dress Code: All students will arrive at school acceptably groomed and attired because improper attire is unsafe and disruptive to the educational process. The following guidelines are to be followed:
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bathing, proper dental hygiene, use of deodorant, shampooing one's hair
shoes must be worn at all times
hats, caps, bandannas or any other head apparel deemed inappropriate will not be allowed to be worn in the building. Students should place hats, caps, etc., in their lockers when arriving to school
any items of clothing adjudged by staff to be indecent or unclean will not be permitted
when outer wear reveals the absence of undergarments, the student will be sent home
clothing, buttons, or signs with suggestive, profane, or inappropriate words or pictures involving drugs, sex, alcohol, or the occult will not be permitted
the following items will not be permitted as school wear: bathing suits, undershirts worn alone, tank shirts, bare midriffs, halter tops, or "see-through" garments
any other apparel deemed disruptive to the educational process will not be permitted because improper attire is disruptive to the educational process
jeans/pants worn low on the hip that reveal underwear will not be permitted
jeans/pants with revealing slits are not permitted
unclean clothes that show obvious stains, dirt, or odor are not permitted
marijuana leaves, Nazi signs, sexual symbols, controversial symbols, slogans and logos including gang identification symbols, i.e., KKK, beer and cigarette logos, or skulls and crossbones, etc., are not permitted
logos that refer to bands who use drug names, i.e., Rush, are not permitted
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Drugs and Other Substances: The possession, use, distribution or attempted distribution of drugs, (illegal, prescription, and/or over-the-counter drugs), alcohol, inhalant intoxicants, or look-alikes (placebos) on school property, at school functions, or going to and from school is expressly forbidden because they are illegal and their use results in disruptive behavior which destroys the learning environment.
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Having any forbidden substances in your vehicle, locker, your pockets, your purse, your backpack, giving any medicine or pills to a friend, passing around any "look alike" substances, such as sugar cubes, "keeping" or holding a forbidden substance in your vehicle, locker, backpack, or pocket for a friend, "forgetting" you had any forbidden substance in your vehicle, pockets or personal belongings.
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Coming to the office to take prescription or over-the-counter medicines when you have brought a note from home and given it to the secretary.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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Electronic Devices for Entertainment: Electronic devices are not allowed to be played during school hours (between beginning of school and end of school)because they are distracting and interfere with the learning environment.
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Walkman radios, radios, electronic games, tape decks, CD players, "boom boxes."
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Permission of the principal/designee.
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L2: 1) Confiscation, parent conference and detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Fighting/Physical Abuse: Physical and/or verbal abuse including fighting is not allowed because it causes an unsafe and disruptive learning environment.
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No horseplay, i.e., name calling, pushing, tripping, running, bumping, holding onto, slamming lockers, picking, throwing, hitting, kicking, pulling hair, biting, shoving, punching, intimidating, threatening to beat up somebody, or ganging up.
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L4: Suspension
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Fire Regulation Violation: Report of false emergencies or tampering with emergency equipment is forbidden because it violates the law and endangers the safety of others.
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Pulling fire alarm, false telephone calls, calls to 911, tampering with or activating fire extinguisher.
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L4: Suspension, payment of legal fees and legal action.
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Food or Drink in Halls, Consumption of: Creates extra work for staff and can cause accidents.
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No food or drinks are to be opened or consumed in the hallways.
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L1: 1) Staff discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Forgery: Forgery is not allowed because it destroys the orderly operation of the school and communication with the home.
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Falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document. Signing parent' s name to any document or signing any name to a document that is not your name.
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L3: 1) OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Gambling: Gambling is forbidden because it is illegal and it disrupts the learning environment.
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Monetary betting: pitching pennies, bets for money, playing cards, or rolling of dice for the purpose of winning money.
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L3: 1) OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Group/Mob Action: Any student who participates in a group/mob action which results in disruption or disturbance at school or school related activity.
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Any two or more students with the intent of doing harm to persons, property, or the school environment may be considered a group or mob.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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Harassment: Words, gestures, or physical contact which offend, intimidate, threaten, abuse, persecute or demeans anyone are not allowed because they fail to show respect for others and destroy the learning environment. Harassment of students or staff for any reason is prohibited.
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Spreading rumors, defaming another person's reputation, bullying, name calling, teasing, hitting, pushing, or spitting.
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L3: Suspension
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Indecent Exposure: Intentional exposure of part of one's body in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency in school.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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Indecent Material: Materials that are vulgar, obscene, profane, or offensive are not allowed because they show a lack of respect for others and distract from the educational process.
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Possessing or distributing to others 'posters, pictures, written/printed materials, audio tapes, video tapes, trading cards, and computer-based materials which are vulgar, or obscene. Writing notes or stories in class, cafeteria, or elsewhere on school grounds which are vulgar, obscene, profane, or offensive; passing such notes to other students.
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L4: Confiscation, suspension
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Lying: Any verbal or written statement of any untruth and/or the misrepresentation of person, official record, or other document is not allowed because it destroys a safe and orderly learning environment.
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Having a friend who poses as your parent or guardian to call the school for an early dismissal or to excuse your absences; telling the bus driver or your teacher you had permission to stay after when in fact you did not; withholding information; giving a teacher or a substitute the wrong name or wrong phone number.
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Misuse of Technology: Computers, computer networks, and other electronic technology shall only be used for valid educational purposes and only with the approval of a school staff member.
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Violating the privacy rights of others.
Using, producing, distributing, or receiving profanity, obscenity, or material which offends, threatens, or degrades others
Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law.
Using technology for financial gain or commercial or illegal activity.
Using technology for product advertisement or political endorsement.
Forwarding personal communications without the author's prior consent.
Using technology in violation of other Rules and Regulations of the Code of Behavior.
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Obscenity/Profanity: The use of vulgar or indecent language or gesture, including actions or displays of an obscene nature is prohibited because it is offensive, illegal, shows a lack of respect for others and disrupts the learning environment.
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Cursing, profanity, obscene gestures.
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Out-of-Bounds: Not being not where you are suppose to be without a pass.
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Being in the hallways, bathroom, cafeteria, or in an unauthorized area.
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Parking Violations: Student parking is a privilege.All students must purchase a parking pass from the school security office.Students are required display their permit from their rear view mirror at all times.Students must park in the student designated areas.
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L1-4: 1) Warning
2) OSS (1 Day)
3) Vehicle towed at owner's expense.
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Physical Assault or Threat on a Staff Member: The threat of or use of force upon a staff member is expressly forbidden.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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Physical Assault or Threat on Another Student: The threat ofor use of force upon another student is expressly forbidden.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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Plagiarism (Academic Dishonesty): Students are responsible for giving due recognition of sources from which material is quoted, summarized or paraphrased, as well as to persons from whom assistance has been received.
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Copying material from books, CD ROMs, computer programs, cassette tapes, or video tapes. All sources should be cited properly. Any time more than seven consecutive words are copied, they must be in quotation marks. (This is standard practice in the literary world.)
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L3: 1) Zero will be given on Assignment
OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Possession of Glass/Breakable Containers: Students shall not have glass bottles or other such breakable containers on school property or at school- related activities.
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Public Display of Affection: Public display of affection is not permitted because it distracts from the educational process and shows a lack of respect. It can also be considered a form of sexual harassment.
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Kissing, wrapping arms around one another, trapping someone against a locker, inappropriate touching, grabbing, or hugging.
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L1: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Sexual Misconduct: Unwelcome acts of a sexual nature committed by a student against another student without consent including, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/ or other verbal or physical conduct, including written communications of an intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in retaliation for the reporting of such behavior.
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Student sexual misconduct may include, but not limited to: unwelcome touching victim or when victim is forced to touch another person's body, coerced sexual intercourse, unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, or other pressure for sex; implied or over threats of a sexual nature; making gestures of a sexual nature; unwelcome sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities; and humor and jokes about sex that denigrate women or men in general.
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L.: Suspension, legal action
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Skipping Class: Skipping classes school property (without proper authorization) is not allowed because it is a student's responsibility to attend school; students cannot learn if they are not in class.
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Not attending class, unnecessarily missing class, or going to the bathroom and staying there without permission.
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L.: 1) Detention/ISS
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Skipping School: Skipping school (without proper authorization) is not allowed because it is a student's responsibility to attend school; students cannot learn if they are not in school.
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Missing school for reasons not considered excused absences.
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L.: 1) OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Standing By as others Violate Rules: In order to maintain safety and security in our schools, students are responsible for reporting serious violations of the Code of Behavior to teachers, administrators, or other appropriate staff member.
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Watching or encouraging others who are breaking school rules.
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L.: 1) OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Tardies: Students will be on time to class and to school because tardies disrupt class instruction and are disrespectful to other students and the teacher.
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Be in the room and prepared for class when the tardy bell sounds.
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L1: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) ISS/SSS
4) OSS
Each student' s tardy record accumulates over the nine-week grading period and begins anew each nine-weeks.
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Theft - Minor: Theft is forbidden because it is illegal and violates the rights of others and destroys the learning environment.
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Thefts valued at $50.00 or under.
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L.: 1) Detention/ Restitution
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Theft: Theft is forbidden because it is illegal and violates the rights of others and destroys the learning environment.
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Taking an item not belonging to you, finding an item that is not yours and keeping it. If you find something and don't know whose it is, you must turn it in to the office. Thefts valued over $50.00.
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L.: Restitution, Suspension, legal action
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Tobacco Violation: Possession and use of tobacco or tobacco products, matches, or lighters is forbidden because Prince William County Public School buildings, school buses, andschool property are smoke/tobacco-free and tobacco products, matches, and lighters endanger the safety and health of others.
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Possession and/or use of cigarettes, snuff, cigars, pipes, dip, or chewing tobacco to include lockers, personal belongings, and cars parked on school property at any time during school or any school activity.
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L.: 1) Referral to Focus on Tobacco Program and attendance to the next available class and OSS
(1 Day);
or OSS (3 Days)
2) OSS (5 Days)
3) Refer to Accumulated offenses
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Trespassing Violation: Trespassing (unauthorized visiting at other schools) is forbidden because it is illegal and disrupts the safety and orderliness of the learning environment. A student may be forbidden to trespass on his/her own school property or any other Prince William County school property. Access and use of school property should be by authorization only.
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Going to a friend's school without permission during the school day when you have a holiday or early dismissal because of exams or weather. Coming on to school grounds for any reason without permission when you have been suspended.
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Visiting other school when they are open to the public, such as for plays, concerts, or athletics. Visiting other schools during the school day when you are part of a school-sponsored group or activity, or when you and your parents have legitimate business to conduct in their guidance or main office.
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L4: Suspension
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Unauthorized Sales: Unauthorized sales are prohibited because they create disruptions.
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Selling candy, gum, drinks, trading cards, tapes, toys, or any other items not approved by the school.
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Selling items for an authorized school fund raiser during designated times.
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L1: 1) Teacher discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Unsafe Behavior: Unsafe behavior is not allowed because it endangers the safety of others and of the learning environment.
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Running in the hall, spitting, pushing, shoving, throwing snowballs, books, or other objects, running alongside the buses, tripping others, skateboarding, bringing skateboards to school, or horseplay of any kind.
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L1: 1) Staff discipline
2) Detention
3) SSS
4) OSS
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Unsportsmanlike or Inappropriate Behavior at a VHSL or School-sponsored Activity: Students areexpected to comply with the rules established by their schools and with the rules of the sports, clubs, and activities in which they participate.
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Refer to Activities guide for Students and Parents
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L2: 1) Detention
2) SSS
3) OSS (1 Day)
4) OSS (3 Days)
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Vandalism - Minor: Vandalism and destruction of school property and or personal belongings of others is not allowed because it is disrespectful, destroys the school environment, misuses funds, and violates the law.
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Damage of$50.00 dollars or less.
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L3: 1) OSS (1 Day)
2) OSS (3 Days)
3) OSS (5 Days)
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Vandalism: Vandalism and destruction of school property and or personal belongings of others is not allowed because it is disrespectful, destroys the school environment, misuses funds, and violates the law.
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Ripping off wall dispensers in restrooms, writing on walls or desks, interfering with plumbing, defacing bulletin boards or other student' s work, writing on or tearing pages, or in any other way damaging books.Damage over $50.00.
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L4: Restitution, legal action, suspension
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Verbal Assault on a Staff Member: The use of obscene or profane language, harassment, or threats on a staff member.
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L4: Suspension
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Verbal Assault on Another Student: The use of obscene or profane language, harassment, or threats on a student.
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L4: Suspension
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Weapon, Failure to Report: It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify a teacher or an administrator IMMEDIATELY, if they have reason to believe that there is a weapon in school, on school grounds, on a school bus, at the bus stop, or at any school related activity.Disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, may be taken against any student who knows of a weapon and fails to report it.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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Weapon Violation: Weapons are forbidden on school property and at school-sponsored functions at home and away because they prevent a safe, non-violent, orderly school environment.
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Any type of operable or inoperable weapon, such as firearms, BB guns,. pellet guns, knives, switchblades, razor blades, mace, tear gas, pepper spray, and other chemical agents, bullets, fireworks, and other explosives. Includes toy guns, toy knives, and other weapons or facsimiles. Also includes objects which may commonly be used in the school such as scissors, pencils, pens, craft knives, compasses, rulers, Exacto knives, bats, etc. Whether designed as a weapon or not, an object may be considered as a weapon if it is used as a weapon or perceived as a weapon.
“In accordance with federal and state laws the School Board shall expel from school attendance for at least one year (365 days) any student who is determined to have a weapon on any school property, going to or from school, or at any school-related activity.”
Gun-free Schools Act
Prince William County Public Schools Code of Behavior.
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L4: Suspension, legal action
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