FOR STUDENTS

FOR STUDENTS

STUDENT CONDUCT POLICY

Acceptable behavior is essential to the development of responsible and self-disciplined citizens and to the provision of an effective school program. Students are expected and required to act with due regard for the supervisory authority vested by the Board in its employees; to respect the rights of other students; and to protect school property.

Students are expected to attend school regularly, be on time and be responsible for doing make-up work following an absence. Students shall comply with all directions of principals, teachers, substitute teachers, student teachers, teacher assistants, on-duty bus drivers and all other school personnel who are authorized to give such directions.

No student shall participate in an assault or cause or attempt to cause physical injury to any student, school employee, sports official or any other person in any school.

No student shall knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument in school.

A student who brings a firearm or powerful explosive onto school property or makes a bomb threat will be suspended for 365 days unless the Board approves a modification of the suspension.

Subject to the Superintendent's recommendation to the Board, a student 14 years of age or older may be expelled if the student's behavior indicates that his or her continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employees. It should be noted that principals have the authority to impose short term suspensions of 10 days or less. Long term suspensions in excess of 10 days may be imposed by the principal with prior approval of the Superintendent.

No student shall possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any drug defined as a con- trolled substance pursuant to Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes or any alcoholic beverage as defined by Chapter 18-A of the North Carolina General Statutes while in school.

Failure to comply with this rule will result in the following penalty:

Selling of drugs or alcohol - First offense will result in long-term suspension, with a recommendation for expulsion if the student is convicted of committing a felony.

Use, transmission or possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia or alcohol - First offense will result in long-term suspension. This may be reduced to a three day suspension if the student or parent/guardian attends an approved drug rehabilitation program.

A second or succeeding offense will result in long-term suspension without opportunity for shorter suspensions by attending a drug rehabilitation program.

No student shall bring into school tobacco, tobacco products, matches, lighter, pouches, roIling papers, pipes or any other items that could reasonably be considered for the purpose of using tobacco products.

Students shall be expected to dress in a manner which is neat, clean and proper for a learning environment. They shall not wear clothing or hairstyles which distract other students or which interfere with the classroom participation of other students or which present a health or safety hazard.