Code of Conduct

Vision:

Where every day, everyone discovers and achieves the extraordinary.

Mission:

To inspire and provide opportunities for innovative and engaging learning.

Motto:

Extraordinary Education Every Day!

Focus Areas:

• Reading & Literacy
• Engaging Work & Instruction

System Priorities:

• Maintaining School Safety
• Recruiting, Developing and Retaining Quality Employees
• Engaging our Community

Beliefs About Student Discipline

• Each student must increasingly be responsible for his/her own behavior.
• Any reason for disciplinary action should be fully understood by the student and parent.
• Teachers and administrators should be consistent in administering student discipline
• Parents have a responsibility for the behavior of their children while their children are at school.
• A positive and safe learning environment is a right of ALL students that should not be violated by negative student behavior.

The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education prohibits:

• Violent acts
• Criminal acts
• Behavior which is unsafe and potentially harmful to self and others

The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education expects:

• Students to follow the guidelines in The Code of Conduct and their school and classroom.
• Parents to support the guidelines in The Code of Conduct, and those established for their child’s school and classroom.
• Educators to consistently and fairly enforce the guidelines in The Code of Conduct and those established for their school and classroom.
• The community to dedicate resources to maximize the possibilities in The Code of Conduct.

The school is an agent for the public, which created it, and has a basic responsibility to help parents educate, lead, and when necessary, discipline their child. The Board of Education and its employees will never be reluctant to insist that the parents accept this responsibility and will intervene to protect the necessary learning environment.

Students…

The Code of Conduct asks that you be responsible!

• Think before you act; be kind
• Be accountable
• Exhibit self-control
• Respect authority
• Accept responsibility for the consequences of your choices
• Don’t blame others if you make a mistake; learn from it.
• Practice Digital Citizenship
• Come to school every day ready to learn
• Be accountable

VISION, MISSION, AND SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Rowan-Salisbury Schools Vision:

Where every day, everyone discovers and achieves the extraordinary.

Rowan-Salisbury Schools Mission:

To inspire and provide opportunities for innovative and engaging learning.

Expectations of Students

The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education believes ALL students are capable of learning and should have an opportunity to learn based on their needs, interests, and abilities. Each student must increasingly be responsible for his/her own behavior. Any reason for disciplinary action should be fully understood by the student. A positive learning environment is a right of all students that should not be violated by negative student behavior. It is the responsibility of students to follow classroom and school rules and to behave in a manner, which is conducive to learning by respecting others.

The board believes that children thrive in an environment where they know what is expected of them. Expectations of appropriate behavior, in addition to those in this document, are normally stated as classroom and school rules. Teachers and schools should establish rules for appropriate student behavior and clearly communicate them to students and parents. General rules reflect overall guiding principles (i.e., respect others, have a good attitude toward learning, etc.) Specific rules should clearly define what students are to do or not do (i.e., be in class on time, keep your hands to yourself, etc.).

Appropriate behavior and regular attendance in school by students will positively impact student achievement. The Rowan-Salisbury community expects students’ academic performance to increase. Students must do their part, both academically and behaviorally, for this expectation to be met. Students are expected to participate in learning situations throughout the school day and work to their full potential each day. Student refusal to participate in learning experiences or refusal to perform in class is inappropriate.

Expectations of Parents

The board believes that parents must share accountability for effective public education. Parents are expected to share responsibility for their child’s education before and through their child’s public school experience. Parents have a responsibility for helping their child develop a positive attitude toward school. Parents have a responsibility for getting their child to school every day the child is not ill. In addition, parents must assure that their child is not ill. In addition, parents must assure that their child is at school on time and stays at school for the entire day. The board requests and expects parents to support The Code of Conduct and its application to all children, including their own. In an effort to provide positive role models for children, the board expects parents, educators and all adults who attend school functions to behave in a manner becoming of adults. In an atmosphere of competition, good sportsmanship and mature behavior is especially important and it is expected of all spectators. When on Rowan-Salisbury School properties, the board expects any adult to abide by school procedures and to display behavior similar to the behavior expected of students. The board does not condone any action or behavior by any person on Rowan-School property, which if committed by a student would result in disciplinary actions.

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT AND EXPECTATIONS

Behavior that detracts from a student’s ability to profit from instruction or that infringes upon the rights of others warrants disciplinary action. The intent of any disciplinary action is to bring about a positive change in a student’s behavior. The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to give all reasonable support and assistance to the maintenance of discipline while students are under the authority of the Board.

This Code does not preempt the establishment of reasonable rules which individual schools may find helpful in the management of student behavior. Individual schools may have rules that are more specific or restrictive than those in The Code of Conduct. Schools may specify certain punishments and/or consequences of misbehavior as well as expectations of good behavior. Parents, students and staff should read and become familiar with the school and classroom rules as presented in school handbooks and/or teacher lists. Principals shall inform students and parents of school rule violations that may result in out-of-school suspension.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE

The best academic environment is one that holds personal integrity and honesty in the highest regard. To foster such an atmosphere, the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education establishes an academic honor code. The board believes students must hold themselves to this fundamental set of principles. The Code specifically endorses two of the character traits; honesty and responsibility. The board expects all students (K-12) to uphold the following code:

Academic integrity requires that students take credit only for ideas and efforts that are their own.

Academic dishonesty occurs when a student submits fraudulent work, gives or receives unauthorized assistance, creates an unfair advantage, tampers with the work of others, engages in misconduct that hinders learning by others, cheats by any means on tests, quizzes, exams, or engages in any other unethical academic behaviors.

The principal has the discretion to apply or authorize the relevant disciplinary action according to the severity of the academic and/or The Code of Conduct violation. The disciplinary action could impact the behavior and the grade when appropriate (i.e. receiving a zero for a plagiarized assignment).

STUDENT SPEECH

The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education recognizes that students enjoy a certain level of First Amendment protection under the United States Constitution, and endeavors to create an atmosphere where students may express themselves in creative and appropriate ways in the context of the school environment. However, students must recognize that school officials are charged with the responsibility for maintaining safety, order, and discipline in the schools. School officials, therefore, may prohibit certain expression where it substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the schools. In certain circumstances, school officials may determine that vulgar or threatening speech causes a substantial disruption, substantially interferes with their operation of the school, or infringes on the rights of other students or other personnel. This disruption standard applies to off-campus speech as well, including expression made on websites and/or social media, which may be accessed in the schools. If there is a substantial disruption, students and parents must be aware that this may lead to disciplinary action.

CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

North Carolina G.S. 115C-307 states that, “it shall be the duty of all teachers…to maintain good order and discipline in their respective schools.” It is understood that teachers have the authority and responsibility to use reasonable methods to maintain classroom control without having to refer students to the school principal. Common sense classroom rules, such as requiring students to bring adopted textbooks to class regularly or to have students to raise their hand to be recognized before speaking out in class, are appropriate. School personnel are expected to offer guidance and counseling to students when their behavior is not appropriate. Parents will be notified if their child’s misbehavior becomes severe or continues to be disruptive. When non-punitive measures for correcting inappropriate behavior (counseling) is not effective, other disciplinary actions (including suspension or expulsion) will be taken.

The principal shall have the authority to establish school-wide regulations. The principal shall use his/her discretion and best judgment in determining the need and type of disciplinary action for violation of school regulations. He/she shall retain the power and authority to use the type of discipline, which may yield positive results for the student. The Board believes that professional judgment, devoid of anger or negative emotions on the part of the staff member, shall be used when determining the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken. In general, the concept of fitting the punishment to the seriousness of the violation shall apply at all levels.

In selecting an appropriate disciplinary consequence, principals will be guided by the suggested consequence in this Code, but may depart from those suggested ranges if appropriate due to aggravating or mitigating factors. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, the student’s intent, the student’s age, and whether injury, a threat to safety, or property damage resulted from the conduct. If the principal determines that the student has given false or misleading information, either by his testimony or by denial of involvement, the disciplinary action may be increased beyond a consequence that would have been served had the student been truthful.

Individual schools have the option of additional procedures dealing with discipline. If a school chooses to develop a committee to review disciplinary matters, the procedures dealing with discipline. If a school chooses to develop a committee to review disciplinary matters, the procedures must be clearly defined and published. Disciplinary Review Committees may recommend action, including suspension or expulsion to the school principal. It is anticipated that such committees will initiate alternatives in dealing with referred students before suspension or expulsion is considered. If the committee recommends long-term suspension or expulsion ad the principal agrees, the principal will forward the committee’s recommendation to the superintendent in writing.

DISCIPLINE PROVISIONS OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Should a special education student exhibit behavior for which suspension of a student would normally occur, the Rowan-Salisbury Schools will follow procedures outlined in state and federal laws. Students under suspension or expulsion who have been identified as having a disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are entitled to services to the extent provided by law. Disciplinary actions for students identified as exceptional children according to North Carolina guidelines will conform to Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities as adopted by the State Board of Education. If the Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities manual does not fully address a particular issue, the director of exceptional children will develop any necessary protocols consistent with state and federal law.

A written copy of The Rights of Parents and Special Education Students is provided to parents annually by the school system’s Special Education Office staff. A copy can be obtained at any school. Every administrator who handles discipline will participate in annual staff development sessions conducted by Special Education Office staff to ensure that students who receive special education services are disciplined appropriately.

All students with disabilities will be afforded all rights as provided by state and federal law. See also Policies 1730/4022/7231, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities.

DISCIPLINE PROVISION OF STUDENTS WITH DISIBILITIES

Federal laws and court rulings govern the extent to which the penalties required by The Code of Conduct can be applied to students who are identified as students with disabilities (i.e., Section 504 students). Administrators will follow current regulations when disciplining students with disabilities. All students with disabilities will be afforded all rights as provided by state and federal law. See also Policies 1730/4022/7231, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities.

STUDENT SEARCHES

School officials have the authority to conduct reasonable searches of students and to seize students’ unauthorized materials for the purposes of maintaining a safe, orderly environment and upholding standards of conduct established by the board of education. Any searches or seizures must be conducted in accordance with the standards described in this policy and any other applicable legal requirements. All school officials carrying out a search or seizure are expected to be knowledgeable about the constitutional rights of students and the appropriate procedures for conducting the search or seizure. A search must be justified at its inception and permissible in scope. School officials shall make reasonable, good faith efforts to investigate allegations of misconduct before a student search is conducted. The student search policy applies to searches conducted on school grounds, in school facilities, or at school-sponsored events.

RSS BOARD OF EDUCATION Regulation 4302-R

The following rules will govern the use of seclusion and restraint by school personnel. As used in this regulation, “school personnel” means employees of the board and any persons working on school grounds or at a school function under a contract or written agreement with the public school system or for another agency to provide educational or related services to students.

A. Physical Restraint

Physical restraint means the use of physical force to restrict the free movement of all or part of a student’s body.

Physical restraint will be considered to be a reasonable use of force when used in the following circumstances:

1. as reasonably needed to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within the control of a student;
2. as reasonably needed to maintain order or to prevent or break up a fight;
3. as reasonably needed for self-defense;
4. as reasonably needed to ensure the safety of any student, employee, volunteer, or other person present;
5. as reasonably needed to teach a skill, to calm or comfort a student, or to prevent self-injurious behavior;
6. as reasonably needed to escort a student safely from one area to another;
7. if used as provided for in an IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention; or
8. as reasonably needed to prevent imminent destruction to school or another person’s property.

Except as set forth above, physical restraint of students will not be considered reasonable use of force, and its use is prohibited. In addition, physical restraint will not be considered a reasonable use of force when used solely as a disciplinary consequence.

B. MECHANICAL RESTRAINT

Mechanical restraint means the use of any device or material attached or adjacent to a student’s body that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to any portion of the student’s body and that the student cannot easily remove.

Mechanical restraint of a student by school personnel is permissible only in the following circumstances:

1. when properly used as an assistive technology device included in the student’s IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention plan or as otherwise prescribed by a medical or related service provider;
2. when using seat belts or other safety restraints to secure a student during transportation;
3. as reasonably needed to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within the control of a student;
4. as reasonably needed for self-defense;
5. as reasonably needed to ensure the safety of any student, employee, volunteer, or other person.

Except as set forth above, mechanical restraint, including the tying down, taping, or strapping down of student, will not be considered to be a reasonable use of force, and its use is prohibited.

C. SECLUSION

Seclusion means the confinement of a student alone in an enclosed space from which the student is (a) physically prevented from leaving or (b) incapable of leaving due to physical or intellectual capacity.

Seclusion of a student by school personnel may be used in the following circumstances:

1. as reasonably needed to respond to a person in control of a weapon or other dangerous object;
2. as reasonably needed to maintain order or prevent or break up a fight;
3. as reasonably needed for self-defense;
4. as reasonably needed when a student’s behavior poses a threat of imminent physical harm to self or others or imminent substantial destruction of school or another person’s property; or
5. when used as specified in the student’s IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention plan; and

a. the student is constantly monitored by an adult in close proximity who is able to see and hear the student at all times;
b. the student is released from seclusion upon cessation of the behaviors that led to the seclusion or as otherwise specified in the student’s IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention plan;
c. the confining space has been approved for such use by the local education agency;
d. the space is appropriately lighted, ventilated, and heated or cooled; and
e. the space is free from objects that unreasonably exposed the student or others to harm.

Except as set forth above, the use of seclusion will not be considered a reasonable use of force when used solely as a disciplinary consequence.

D. ISOLATION

Isolation means a behavior management technique in which a student is placed alone in an enclosed space from which the student is not prevented from leaving.

Isolation is permitted as a behavior management technique provided that:

1. the isolation space is appropriately lighted, ventilated and heated or cooled;
2. the duration of the isolation is reasonable in light of the purpose for the isolation;
3. the student is reasonably monitored; and
4. the isolation space is free from objects that unreasonably expose the student or others to harm.

E. TIME-OUT

Time-out means a behavior management technique in which a student is separated from other students for a limited period of time in a monitored setting. Teachers are authorized to use time-out to regulate behavior within their classroom.

F. AVERSIVE PROCEDURES

Aversive procedure means a systematic physical or sensory intervention program for modifying the behavior of a student with a disability that causes or reasonably may be expected to cause one or more of the following:

1. significant physical harm, such as tissue damage, physical illness, or death;
2. serious and foreseeable long-term psychological impairment;
3. obvious repulsion on the part of observers who can not reconcile such extreme procedures with acceptable standard practice, for example:

a. electric shock applied to the body;
b. extremely loud auditory stimuli;
c. forcible introduction of foul substances to the mouth, eyes, ears, nose or skin;
d. placement in a tub of cold water or shower;
e. slapping, pinching, hitting or pulling hair;
f. blindfolding or other forms of visual blocking;
g .unreasonable withholding of meals;
h. eating one’s own vomit; or
i. denial of reasonable access to toileting facilities.

The use of aversive procedures in public schools is prohibited.

G. NOTICE, REPORTING AND DOCMENTATION

1. School staff will promptly notify the principal or designee of any of the following:

a. any use of aversive procedures;
b. any prohibited use of mechanical restraint;
c. any use of physical restraint resulting in observable physical injury to a student;
d. any prohibited use of seclusion; or
e. any seclusion exceeding 10 minutes or beyond the amount of time specified on a student’s behavior intervention plan.

2.Notice to Parents
When a principal or designee has personal or actual knowledge of any of the events listed above, he or she shall promptly notify the student’s parent or guardian and shall provide the name of the school employee whom the parent or guardian may contact regarding the incident.

3.Written Report to Parents
Within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 30 days after the incident, the principal or designee shall also provide the parent or guardian with a written incident report. This report must include the following:

a. the date, time of day, location, duration, and description of the incident and interventions;
b. the event or events that led up to the incident;
c. the nature and extent of any injury to the student; and
d. the name of the school employee the parent or guardian can contact regarding the incident.

4. Report to State Board
The board will maintain a record of incidents reported under the procedure described above and will provide this information annually to the state board of education.

5. Non-Retaliation for Reporting
An employee making a report alleging a prohibited use of physical or mechanical restraint, seclusion or aversive procedure will NOT be discharged, threatened or retaliated against through compensation, terms, conditions, location or privilege of employment by any local board of education or any employee unless the employee knew or should have known that the report was false.

RSS BOARD OF EDUCATION Regulation 4302-R

The following rules will govern the use of seclusion and restraint by school personnel. As used in this regulation, “school personnel” means employees of the Board and any persons working on school grounds or at a school function under a contract or written agreement with the public school system or for another agency to provide educational or related services to students.

A. Physical Restraint

Physical restraint means the use of physical force to restrict the free movement of all or part of a student’s body.

Physical restraint will be considered to be a reasonable use of force when used in the following circumstances:

1. as reasonably needed to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within the control of a student;
2. as reasonably needed to maintain order or to prevent or break up a fight;
3. as reasonably needed for self-defense;
4. as reasonably needed to ensure the safety of any student, employee, volunteer, or other person present;
5. as reasonably needed to teach a skill, to calm or comfort a student, or to prevent self-injurious behavior;
6. as reasonably needed to escort a student safely from one area to another;
7. if used as provided for in an IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention; or
8. as reasonably needed to prevent imminent destruction to school or another person’s property.

Except as set forth above, physical restraint of students will not be considered reasonable use of force, and its use is prohibited. In addition, physical restraint will not be considered a reasonable use of force when used solely as a disciplinary consequence.

B. MECHANICAL RESTRAINT

Mechanical restraint means the use of any device or material attached or adjacent to a student’s body that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to any portion of the student’s body and that the student cannot easily remove.

Mechanical restraint of a student by school personnel is permissible only in the following circumstances:

1. when properly used as an assistive technology device included in the student’s IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention plan or as otherwise prescribed by a medical or related service provider;
2. when using seat belts or other safety restraints to secure a student during transportation;
3. as reasonably needed to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within the control of a student;
4. as reasonably needed for self-defense;
5. as reasonably needed to ensure the safety of any student, employee, volunteer, or other person.

Except as set forth above, mechanical restraint, including the tying down, taping, or strapping down of student, will not be considered to be a reasonable use of force, and its use is prohibited.

C. SECLUSION

Seclusion means the confinement of a student alone in an enclosed space from which the student is (a) physically prevented from leaving or (b) incapable of leaving due to physical or intellectual capacity.

Seclusion of a student by school personnel may be used in the following circumstances:

1. as reasonably needed to respond to a person in control of a weapon or other dangerous object;
2. as reasonably needed to maintain order or prevent or break up a fight;
3. as reasonably needed for self-defense;
4. as reasonably needed when a student’s behavior poses a threat of imminent physical harm to self or others or imminent substantial destruction of school or another person’s property; or
5. when used as specified in the student’s IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention plan; and

a.the student is constantly monitored by an adult in close proximity who is able to see and hear the student at all times;
b.the student is released from seclusion upon cessation of the behaviors that led to the seclusion or as otherwise specified in the student’s IEP, Section 504, or behavior intervention plan;
c.the confining space has been approved for such use by the local education agency;
d.the space is appropriately lighted, ventilated, and heated or cooled; and
e.the space is free from objects that unreasonably exposed the student or others to harm.

Except as set forth above, the use of seclusion will not be considered a reasonable use of force when used solely as a disciplinary consequence.

D. ISOLATION

Isolation means a behavior management technique in which a student is placed alone in an enclosed space from which the student is not prevented from leaving.

Isolation is permitted as a behavior management technique provided that:

1. the isolation space is appropriately lighted, ventilated and heated or cooled;
2. the duration of the isolation is reasonable in light of the purpose for the isolation;
3. the student is reasonably monitored; and
4. the isolation space is free from objects that unreasonably expose the student or others to harm.

E. TIME-OUT

Time-out means a behavior management technique in which a student is separated from other students for a limited period of time in a monitored setting. Teachers are authorized to use time-out to regulate behavior within their classroom.

F. AVERSIVE PROCEDURES

Aversive procedure means a systematic physical or sensory intervention program for modifying the behavior of a student with a disability that causes or reasonably may be expected to cause one or more of the following:

1. significant physical harm, such as tissue damage, physical illness, or death;
2. serious and foreseeable long-term psychological impairment;
3. obvious repulsion on the part of observers who can not reconcile such extreme procedures with acceptable standard practice, for example:

a.electric shock applied to the body;
b.extremely loud auditory stimuli;
c.forcible introduction of foul substances to the mouth, eyes, ears, nose or skin;
d.placement in a tub of cold water or shower;
e.slapping, pinching, hitting or pulling hair;
f.blindfolding or other forms of visual blocking;
g.unreasonable withholding of meals;
h.eating one’s own vomit; or
i.denial of reasonable access to toileting facilities.

The use of aversive procedures in public schools is prohibited.

G. NOTICE, REPORTING AND DOCMENTATION

1. School staff will promptly notify the principal or designee of any of the following:

a. any use of aversive procedures;
b. any prohibited use of mechanical restraint;
c. any use of physical restraint resulting in observable physical injury to a student;
d. any prohibited use of seclusion; or
e. any seclusion exceeding 10 minutes or beyond the amount of time specified on a student’s behavior intervention plan.

2.Notice to Parents

When a principal or designee has personal or actual knowledge of any of the events listed above, he or she shall promptly notify the student’s parent or guardian and shall provide the name of the school employee whom the parent or guardian may contact regarding the incident.

3.Written Report to Parents

Within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 30 days after the incident, the principal or designee shall also provide the parent or guardian with a written incident report. This report must include the following:

a.the date, time of day, location, duration, and description of the incident and interventions;
b.the event or events that led up to the incident;
c.the nature and extent of any injury to the student; and
d.the name of the school employee the parent or guardian can contact regarding the incident.

4. Report to State Board

The Board will maintain a record of incidents reported under the procedure described above and will provide this information annually to the State Board of Education.

5. Non-Retaliation for Reporting

An employee making a report alleging a prohibited use of physical or mechanical restraint, seclusion or aversive procedure will NOT be discharged, threatened or retaliated against through compensation, terms, conditions, location or privilege of employment by any local Board of Education or any employee unless the employee knew or should have known that the report was false.

All students are expected to comply with all rules governing behavior and conduct. It is the responsibility of the principal/assistant principal to investigate fully the cases of students appropriately referred to his/her office for misbehavior, to ensure fair treatment of such students and protection of their procedural and substantive rights, and to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is warranted. The teacher shall have the responsibility and authority to discipline students, except in those cases requiring the attention of the principal/assistant principal.

The regulations that follow apply to any student who is on educational property, who is attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place, on or off campus, has or is reasonably expected to have a direct and immediate impact on the orderly and efficient operation of the schools or the safety of individuals in the school environment.

No student shall possess, use, transmit, conspire to transmit, sell, solicit/conspire to purchase, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug (hallucinogen, amphetamine barbiturate, marijuana) or any other controlled substance as designed by State or Federal Law, or any alcoholic beverage or “designer drugs” or counterfeit drugs (e.g. student says a substance is a drug) or any drug paraphernalia, or any inhalants, chemicals or products which when used may alter the student’s mood or behavior.   In simple terms, no illegal drugs are allowed at school.

This policy shall apply to all students, before, during, and after school hours at school, in any school building and on any school premises; on any school-owned vehicle or in any other school approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities; off school property at any school sponsored or school approved activity, event or function; or during any period of time when students are subject to the authority of school personnel.  The policy shall apply regardless as to how school officials become aware of the possession, use, or transmission of a controlled counterfeit substance (e.g., through first-hand observation by a school official or by reports made to school officials)

If a principal or administrator has reason to believe a student has consumed an alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, or fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor, he or she may request that the student submit to an Alcohol Screening Test.  An Alcohol Screening Test device, approved and recommended by the North Carolina Department of Human Resources and purchased and maintained by the school must be used.  Law enforcement personnel who have been certified by the North Carolina Department of Human Resources must administer this test.  If a student refuses to perform the Alcohol Screening Test at the principal or administrator’s request, penalties under Sections B and C will apply.  This policy shall not apply to the proper possession and use of prescription medicine or to the legal possession of any of the above listed substances in connection with an approved school project.

The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education realizes that under certain circumstances it may be necessary for students to take medication during school hours.  Students requiring the use of medication (prescription or non-prescription) during the times they are under the supervision of the Board must have a medication Permission Form, signed by a licensed health care provider, on file in the school office for each medication to be administered by school personnel.  For more information, see Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education Policy 6125, or call your school office, or contact Student Services at 704-630-6001.

A. Penalty for Policy Violations

The first violation of this policy by a student in grades K-12 will result in a ten-day short-term suspension.  The first and subsequent violations may result in a recommendation for long-term suspension depending on extenuating circumstances. The student shall be recommended for chemical dependency assessment and intervention, except as outlined in the Policy Exceptions and Intervention Option section included below.

B. Policy Exceptions and Intervention Option

An alternative to suspension may be made only in cases involving a first offense of this policy during a given school year where the infraction does not involve the sale, intent to sale, or distribution a substance prohibited by this policy.  A student in violation of this policy for the first time shall be suspended for a minimum of ten (10) days and shall be recommended for intervention.

In order to participate in the intervention, the student must receive a chemical dependency assessment at the student’s/parent’s expense from a licensed chemical dependency assessment center approved by the board of education. The center or agency from which a chemical dependency assessment indicates treatment is necessary. The school intervention specialist will monitor the student’s progress toward fulfilling the recommendations provided by the assessment. The student shall remain suspended from the school where the violation occurred for no less than ten (10) school days. If a chemical dependency assessment has not been initiated within ten (10) school days, the student may be recommended for suspension for the remainder of the school year. Re-entry into school is assured after an assessment has been completed and treatment (if recommended) is in progress. If a suspension occurs within the last ten days of school, a student shall not be enrolled in a Rowan-Salisbury school for the next school year until an assessment is completed and treatment (if recommended) is in progress.  The board continually seeks to explore and implement other intervention alternatives.  Other such alternatives may be implemented after this document is printed.  Administrators at each school are updated on intervention alternatives as they become available and are approved by the board of education.

A. Temporary Suspension - The principal/assistant principal may impose a temporary suspension prior to a hearing if the presence of the student creates a direct and immediate threat to the safety of other students or staff, or substantially disrupts or interferes with the education of other students or the maintenance of discipline at the school. In such cases, the principal shall give notice of the charges and an opportunity for an informal hearing as soon as practicable.

B. Short-Term Suspension – The exclusion of a student from school attendance for disciplinary purposes for up to 10 school days from the school to which the student was assigned at the time of the disciplinary action. A short-term suspension does not include the removal of a student from class by the classroom teacher, principal or other authorized school personnel for the remainder of the subject period or one-half of a school day and/or changing the student’s location to another room or place on the school premises. A student subject to short-term suspension shall be provided the following:

1. The opportunity to take textbooks/one to one devices home for the duration of the suspension.
2. Upon request, the right to receive all missed assignments and, to the extent practicable, the materials distributed to students in connection with the assignment.
3. The opportunity to take any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the suspension period.

C. Long-Term Suspension – suspension from school, school activities, and school grounds in excess of 10 days but not exceeding the time remaining in the school year except as provided in G.S. 115C-390.1(b)(7). This long-term suspension must have the approval of the superintendent or designee. For more information see RSS Board of Education Policy 4353 Long Term Suspensions and Policy 4370 Student Discipline Hearings. See pg. 40 in the Code of Conduct.

D. 365-Day Suspension – 365-day suspension from school, school activities, and school grounds for a period of 365 days as specified in G.S. 115C-390.10 Gun Possession. This long-term suspension must have the approval of the superintendent. For more information see RSS Board of Education Policy 4353 Long Term Suspensions and Policy 4370 Student Discipline Hearings.

E. Expulsion – indefinite exclusion from the Rowan Salisbury School system of a student (1) who is 14 years of age or older and (2) whose behavior indicates that the student’s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of employees or other students. Also, in accordance with N.C.G.S. §115C-390.11(a)(2), a local board of education may expel any student subject to sex offender registration pursuant to N.C.G.S. §14-208.18. Expulsion can only be authorized by the board of education, upon the recommendation of the principal and the superintendent.

F. Disciplinary Reassignments – Reassignment to an alternative program must be approved by the superintendent or superintendent designee.

G. Calculation of Days – Number of days refers to days when schools are in session for students except for reference to a 365-day suspension, which refers to calendar days.

H. Mandatory Offenses Reportable to Law Enforcement – As per NC General Statutes 115C-288 (g) When the principal has personal knowledge, a reasonable belief, or actual notice from school personnel that an act listed below has occurred on school property, regardless of the age or grade of the perpetrator or victim, the school principal must immediately report it to law enforcement officials. The principal shall also notify the superintendent or his/her designee in writing or by electronic mail regarding any report made to law enforcement under this section. The superintendent or his/her designee shall provide the information to the local board of education.

The mandatory reportable offenses are as follows:

1. Assault resulting in serious personal injury
2. Sexual assault
3. Sexual offense
4. Rape
5. Kidnapping
6. Possession of a firearm in violation of the law
7. Possession of a weapon in violation of the law
8. Possession of controlled substance in violation of the law
9. Assault involving the use of a weapon
10. Taking indecent liberties with a minor

J. Mandatory Reporting of Other Serious Violations – In addition to the ten (10) reportable offenses listed above, any Level III, IV, or V violation must be immediately reported to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.

K. Authority to Search – School officials have authority to conduct reasonable searches and seizures in accordance with RSS’s Policy 4342 for the purpose of maintaining a safe, orderly environment and of upholding standards of conduct established by the board or school.

STUDENT ADMISSIONS AND READMISSIONS

In accordance with G.S. 115C-366

(a4) When a student transfers into the public schools of a local school administrative unit, that local board of education shall require the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian to provide a statement made under oath of affirmation before a qualified official indicating whether the student is, at the time, under suspension or expulsion from attendance at a private or public school in this or any other state or has been convicted of a felony in this or any other state. This subsection does not apply to the enrollment of a student who has never been enrolled in or attended a private or public school in this or any other state.

(a5) Notwithstanding any other law, a local board of education may deny admission to or place reasonable conditions on the admission of a student who has been suspended from a school under G.S. 115C-390.5 through G.S. 115C-390.10 or who has been suspended from a school for conduct that could have led to a suspension from a school within the local school administrative unit where the student is seeking admission until the period of suspension has expired. Also, a local board of education may deny admission to or place reasonable conditions on the admission of a student who has been expelled from a school under G.S. 115C- 390.11 or who has been expelled from a school for behavior that indicated the student’s continued presence in school constituted a clear threat to the safety of other students or staff as found by clear and convincing evidence, or who has been convicted of a felony in this or any other state. If the local board of education denies admission to a student who has been expelled or convicted of a felony, the student may request the local board of education to reconsider that decision in accordance with G.S. 115C-390.12.

STUDENT READMISSIONS

In accordance with G.S. 115C-390.12 and Policy 4362 - Requests for Readmission of students suspended for 365 days or expelled, all students suspended for 365 days or expelled may, after 180 calendar days from the date of the beginning of the student’s suspension or expulsion, request in writing readmission to Rowan-Salisbury Schools.

SCHOOL BUS SUSPENSIONS

The principal, or his designee, shall have the authority to suspend a student from riding a school bus for a period of 10 days or less if the student willfully violates policies of conduct established by the local board of education or the school. North Carolina statutes do not guarantee a student the right to ride a school bus. Therefore, upon repeated violations of school bus regulations, the principal may suspend a student from riding a school bus for the remainder of the school year.

The board of education mandates and the law requires that all students be treated fairly and honestly in resolving grievances, complaints, or suspensions/expulsions. Due process will be defined as fair and reasonable notices and approaches to all areas of student governance and discipline on the part of all school officials. The principal shall give full and complete consideration to the defense or excuses, if any, made by the student and dismiss the charges if not satisfied as to the guilt of the student or reduce the punishment if not satisfied as to reasonableness of the proposed disciplinary action under all the circumstances. Due process procedures will be followed in accordance with Policies 4351, 4353, 4370. A summary of those procedures is provided below. Students and parents should consult the relevant policy for complete information.

A. SHORT-TERM SUSPENSIONS (10 DAYS OR LESS) (Policy 4351)
Students and their parent/guardian will be given an opportunity for an informal hearing with the principal/assistant principal before a short-term suspension is imposed. Except in the circumstances described below, a student and his or her parent/guardian must be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing with the principal/assistant principal before a short-term suspension is imposed. The principal/assistant principal may hold the hearing immediately after giving the student and his or her parent/guardian oral or written notice of the charges against him or her. At the informal hearing, the student and his or her parent/guardian has the right to be present, to be informed of the charges and the basis for the accusations and to make statements in defense or mitigation of the charges. Following the hearing, the principal/assistant principal shall provide written notice to the parent/guardian of his or her final decision.

1. TEMPORARY (IMMEDIATE) SUSPENSION
A student may be removed from school immediately without a prior opportunity for a hearing if the student’s presence in school poses a direct and immediate safety threat or is substantially disruptive. In that case, the notice and opportunity for an informal hearing will be provided as soon as practicable.

2. NOTICE TO PARENT OR GUARDIAN
The school administrator will notify the student’s parent or guardian that a short-term suspension has been imposed. If English is the second language of the parent, the notice must be provided in English and in the parent’s primary language, when the appropriate foreign language resources are readily available. Both versions must be in plain language and easily understandable. The notice will explain why the student has been suspended and will describe the student’s misconduct. The notice will be provided on the day of the suspension when reasonably possible, but no later than two days after the suspension is imposed.

3. APPEAL OF SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION PROCEDURE
If the parent believes that the assistant principal/principal failed to provide the student with sufficient notice of the charges or opportunity to respond to the charges, then the parent shall appeal to the principal of the school. After the appeal at the school level the parent will have five (5) school days from the date of the principal’s/assistant principal’s decision to make a written request to the superintendent or his/her designee for a review of the suspension procedure. There shall be no right to appeal a short-term suspension to the board of education.

B. LONG-TERM SUSPENSION, 365-DAY SUSPENSION, EXPULSION (Policy 4353)

1. Long-term suspension, 365-Day suspension, and expulsion procedures will be followed in accordance with Policy 4353. These procedures include the right to written notice of the proposed discipline and the right to request a full hearing before the disciplinary penalty is imposed.
2. The school administrative hearing shall be held within the 10-day suspension.  Therefore, from the date the Notice of Charges, and hearing was mailed or hand delivered to the parent or legal custodian.
3. A principal may recommend to the superintendent the long-term suspension of any student who willfully engages in conduct that violates a provision of the Student Code of Conduct that authorizes long-term suspension. Only the superintendent or his/her designee has the authority to long-term suspend a student.
4. A long-term suspension can be appealed within three (3) days of receipt of the notice from the school principal recommending long-term suspension, 365-day suspension, or expulsion.  The superintendent or designee will notify the parent of the hearing date, which will be scheduled within the first 10 days of suspension. 
5. A student or parent has the right to appeal to the Board Appeals Committee, a long-term suspension decision following an administrative hearing. A request for a board hearing must be made in writing three (3) days following the administrative hearing decision.  For more information see RSS Board of Education Policy 4353 Long-term Suspensions and Policy 4370 Student Discipline Hearings. 

C. DISCIPLINARY REASSIGNMENTS

Students may be reassigned to an alternative school as a disciplinary consequence. The alternative program or school will meet the requirements of the standard course of study and provide the student the opportunity to make timely progress toward grade promotion and graduation.

1. Before recommending a student for a disciplinary reassignment, the student will be provided the due process procedures applicable to short-term suspensions, described above.
2. The principal/assistant principal will provide the student with the due process procedures applicable for short-term suspensions, including written notice of charges and a hearing. In addition, the school administrative hearing shall be held not less than two (2) school days from the date the notice of suspension and/or policy violations were mailed or hand delivered to the parent or legal custodian.
3. If the principal recommends a disciplinary reassignment, he/she shall submit such recommendation to the superintendent’s designee for approval/disapproval.
4. The parent shall be provided an opportunity to present any further information to the superintendent’s designee, regarding the proposed disciplinary reassignment through a Request for an Appeal of a Disciplinary Reassignment form provided by the principal. The form must be submitted to the Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ Office of Administration and Legal Services within three (3) school days of the school administrative hearing.
5. A student attending school under a disciplinary reassignment is not eligible for athletic participation and is not permitted on his/her home school campus without prior permission from the principal.
6. A student who is reassigned to an alternative school by way of a disciplinary reassignment has the right to a board appeal of the final administrative decision.  A panel of three board members shall hear appeals of a final administrative decision.  No new evidence, written or verbal may be presented without the prior knowledge and consent of both parties or upon a majority vote of the hearing panel.  The board will place reasonable time limits on the hearing.  The hearing will be private and will be recorded.

NON-DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITIES

The board of education will not discriminate against qualified persons with disabilities on the basis of a disability. This non-discrimination policy includes, but is not limited to, benefits of and participation in system programs and activities. The system will provide aids, benefits and school services to a person with disabilities in the most integrated school setting appropriate to his or her needs so that he or she may have an opportunity commensurate to that provided to persons without disabilities to obtain the same results, gain the same benefit or reach the same level of achievement. For more information please see RSS Board of Education Policy 1730/4022/7231.

MEDICAL SCREENINGS

Rowan-Salisbury Schools conducts various screenings for students in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. Routine mass screenings, such as vision, lice, hearing and dental are performed annually according to NC state recommendations. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please notify the school/ school nurse. If there are any concerns regarding your child's screening results, you will be notified. You may also contact Student Services at 704-630-6001 if you have further questions or visit the RSS Website School Health page at http://www.rss.k12.nc.us/school-health.

The board acknowledges the dignity and worth of all students and employees and strives to create a safe, orderly, caring, and inviting school environment to facilitate student learning and achievement. The board prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age and will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by law. The board will not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any of its educational or employment activities or programs.

 

The board takes seriously all complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and bullying. The process provided in this policy is designed for those individuals who believe that they may have been discriminated against, bullied, or harassed in violation of policy 1710/4021/7230, Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying or policy 1730/4022/7231, Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disabilities. Individuals who have witnessed or have reliable information that another person has been subject to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or bullying also should report such violations to one of the school system officials listed in subsection C.1. of this policy. Reports may be made anonymously.