Goals

The Buchanan County Student Conduct Code was developed to attain the following goals:

1. To establish and maintain an environment conducive to teaching and learning.
2. To establish and maintain a school environment free of physical violence.
3. To protect the public's monetary investment in property, equipment, and the education of its youth.
4. To protect the civil liberties of all individuals in the educational process.

Statement of Purpose

The development, implementation, and enforcement of a Student Conduct Policy is intended to ensure that each student has fair access to an education.  To that end, this Policy sets forth those standards of behavior believed to be appropriate in the learning environment and informs all students, their parents, and the community of the consequences for violations of this Policy.

Expectations for both conduct and attendance must be clear to everyone involved if we are to interact together and keep our schools effective places for learning.  The purpose of this Policy is to enable students, parents, teachers, administrators, and others to understand exactly what the School Board expects from all of us as we work together to ensure quality education for the students of Buchanan County.

Please note that through this Code the term "parent" or "parents" is intended to include all legal guardians of the student involved.

We hope this Code will serve as an on-going reference.  Questions or concerns regarding the Student Conduct Policy may be directed to the Director of Instruction at the School Board Office.

Statement of Philosophy

It is the School Board's legal responsibility to provide an education for every child.  It is also the School Board's responsibility to ensure respect for the dignity of children.  A learning environment that encourages the healthy growth and development of each individual must be free from conflict, threats of conflict or danger, and undue disruption.  To that end, this Code of Student Conduct seeks to direct student behavior based on clearly defined expectations, responsibilities, and consequences.

This Student Conduct Policy is not limited to viewing discipline as a punitive measure, it reflects as well as caring philosophy that strengthens the bond between and among parents, students, teachers, and the community.

Statement of Policy

For purposes of this document, policy includes general guidelines that focus attention on a certain issue, in this case, student conduct.  This school division, directed and supported by School Board authority, intends that all students have the opportunity to be educated in a safe, secure environment that is conducive to learning.

Roles and Responsibilities

School personnel, parents, students, and School Board members share the responsibility for creating and maintaining a school environment that is conducive to learning.  Clearly defined roles are essential to carrying out these responsibilities.  The following responsibilities have been identified by the Buchanan County School Board as appropriate to the intent of this Policy:

Jurisdiction of the School Board

• To adopt policies and regulations governing suspension and expulsion(22.1-1-278)
• To maintain and follow an up-to-date policy manual(22.1-53.13.7)
• To include in a policy manual a procedure and the purpose for the requirements that certain acts (i.e. actual or attempted physical injuries, unlawful wounding, maiming, and homicides) be reported to school authorities (22.1-280.1)
• To provide the parent of each enrolled student a copy of the School Board's Standards of Student Conduct which shall include a statement to be signed acknowledging the requirements of the School Board's Standards of Student Conduct.  Records of such signed statements will be maintained.
• To expel and choose to readmit when students have applied for readmission

Responsibilities of the School Administration and School Personnel

• To seek the advice of legal counsel when appropriate
• To assess the school's strengths and weaknesses with regard to student conduct
• To teach expected standards of behavior and model this behavior by personal example.
• To establish clear rules for acceptable behavior and to implement strong corrective actions that are caring but firm in instances of unacceptable behavior.
• To enforce policies for violations of the Student Conduct Code consistently and fairly
• To ensure the delivery of responsive guidelines and counseling programs and services
• To monitor and require daily attendance
• To bring to the attention of school authorities any problems that affect his/her child or other children in the school

Statement of Procedures

Policy implementation is contingent upon the degree to which the policy is clearly understood and communicated to all persons who are governed by the Policy.  The responsibilities of staff, parents, and students need to be accepted and consistently practiced.  Policy implementation depends upon the following:

• Clear communication of policy to students, staff, and parents:  All students, parents, and staff members will receive a copy of the Policy.  Parents and/or students shall be required to sign a statement indicating that they are aware of policy guidelines and sanctions for misconduct.  This signed statement shall be kept on file in the school office.  Students will be provided with annual in-service training regarding the procedures required by the Student Conduct Policy.
• Prevention of misconduct:  The prevention of student misconduct will be an essential element in the implementation of this policy.  Decision-making skills and anger management should be modeled for students by staff members, and opportunities should be provided for students to learn ways to resolve problems in a non-violent, positive, and productive manner.  Frequent contact between the school and home should be encouraged to promote home/school communication and to help prevent student misconduct.
• Effective handling, monitoring, and documentation of student misconduct:  Student misconduct will be handled as quickly and efficiently as circumstances will allow within required timelines.  Teachers and staff will monitor student conduct throughout the school building, on school grounds, and during all school activities.  Misconduct that requires an office referral should be documented for parent notification, and when necessary, for notification of law enforcement officials.
• Consistent enforcement:  Students who are guilty of violations of the Policy will be dealt with consistently and fairly.
• Preparation for crisis:  Crisis prevention, preparedness, and management will be handled through the school crisis teams.
• Consideration for the needs of at-risk students:  Support services, guidance services and programs, and alternative education opportunities will be available for students who are at risk for using and/or possessing alcohol and other drugs, for committing violent acts, or for dropping out of school.
• Annual policy evaluation:  An annual evaluation of the School Board Policy will be conducted to ensure that it addresses the current needs of the school community and to provide equitable input from those individuals currently impacted by the School Board Policy.

Statement of Expectations of Conduct and Sanctions for Violations

It is the expectations of the Buchanan County School Board that all students have the right to a school environment that is safe, drug-free, and conducive to learning.  To that end, the following outline provides a list of expectations of student conduct and a range of sanctions for violations of the Code.  The list of sanctions is not intended to reflect a specified sequence of application.

Honor

Students may not cheat on their assignments, forge signatures, or copy computer programs or other copyrighted materials.

• A student shall not plagiarize or otherwise cheat on his/her school assignments.
• A student shall not forge signatures or documents, or use forged signatures or documents.
• A student shall not use computers or other forms of technology to illegally copy material, transmit or receive profane messages, or otherwise violate school rules, School Board Policy, the laws of the Commonwealth, or regulations pertaining to accessible networks.

Complicity/Accomplice

A student who acts as an accessory or accomplice to another in violation of any provision of the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to corrective action.

Examples of complicity/accomplice include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serving as a "lookout"
• Holding a light for another
• Assisting a student to enter a closed building
• Providing tools for a "break-in"
• Assisting in a "cover-up"

Penalties for these offenses are as follows:

1. The student will be issued a warning by the principal and returned to class.  If the student refuses to return to class, he/she will be considered unexcused from any or all class or classes missed.
2. If the student refuses to return to class after repeated requests from school officials, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action.
3. If a student leaves school grounds without permission, he/she will be subject to suspension by the principal.
4. A student instigator shall be subject to disciplinary action by the principal. (Refer to Section IX-Disciplinary Action by the Principal).

Electronic Devices

A student shall not bring to school electronic devices such as games, boom boxes, cellular phones, personal paging devices, laser pointers, etc.

Penalties for these offenses are as follows:

First Offense:  The electronic device will be confiscated and will be released to the parent of the student involved.

Second Offense:  Repeat offenses may warrant out-of-school suspension.

Bus Transportation Guidelines

Your bus driver has the responsibility of your safety and the safety of all students assigned to his or her bus.  The driver can only perform this responsibility with your cooperation and courtesy.  This message is meant to inform you, the passenger, of several basic rules and procedures.

MEETING THE BUS

Student must:

1. Cross only in front of the bus, NEVER BEHIND IT.  The driver will flash the red signal light prior to the bus coming to a complete stop.  Students should not cross until they have been directed to do so by the BUS DRIVER and they have checked to make sure all traffic has stopped.  Be where the driver can see you at all times when near the bus.  WALK - NEVER RUN on the bus.
2. Stand on edge of roadway - away from traffic lanes and not on property of neighbors.  Respect property rights.
3. Always walk on left facing traffic when walking to the bus stop.
4. Be at the stop five minutes before regular pick-up.  The driver is not permitted to wait for late students.
5. Never push or shove fellow students when loading the bus.
6. Board and leave the bus at established bus stops.
7. Be accompanied by an adult to and from the bus stop if a younger child.

CONDUCT ON THE BUS

Student must not:

1. Crowd or push when taking assigned seats and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
2. Extend arms, legs or head out of the bus.  Never ride on bumper or on outside of bus.
3. Talk to driver while the bus is in motion except in an emergency, tamper with doors or other bus equipment.
4. Fight, scuffle, or throw objects inside the bus.
5. Bring glass containers, water pistols, pea shooters, or weapons of any type on bus.
6. Shout at pedestrians or throw objects from the windows. 
7. Place books or other objects in aisles of bus.
8. Throw paper or other litter on floor of bus.
9. Engage in unnecessarily loud talking or laughter on bus.
10. Use profane or indecent language.
11. Use of tobacco of any kind on the bus.
12. Open windows without permission from the driver.
13. Disobey the bus driver.
14. Eat or drink on the bus.
15. Change buses without a written request from parent or guardian and approved by the principal.  Additional bus stop locations cannot be established for special permission transportation.
16. Bring radios or tape players on the buses.
17. Bring pets and animals on the bus at any time.  Animals brought on the bus in past years have created disturbance among many students, which often resulted in an unsafe driving situation.

The driver must report to the principal of the school any infraction of the rule or disobedience towards the driver.  Disciplinary action, if necessary, is the responsibility of the principal of the school.  Suspension from the bus will result if serious rule infraction of continued misconduct occurs.

LEAVING THE BUS

All students must:

1. Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop.
2. Leave the bus in an orderly manner, allowing pupils in front seats to exit first.
3. Move quickly away from the bus to a safe location after leaving the bus.
4. Leave bus at regular stop, unless requested in writing by parent for a different stop and approved by the principal of the school.
5. Cross the highway only in front of the bus and only after the driver has signaled that it is safe to cross.
6. Not throw an object of any type at the school bus.  This can cause the student to be charged with a felony.

USE OF BUS-CAM OR CAMCORDERS ON SCHOOL BUSES

1. Reasons for using camcorders-to help control and identify discipline problems; to document to parents or guardians problems that they do not believe exist concerning their child.
2. Who can view this recorded information-parents or guardians; student or students involved; Principal, Assistant Principal or designee; bus driver; Central Office; School Board members and attorney.
3. No tapes may be taken home or reproduced, unless authorized by School Board.
4. A sign shall be displayed on the buses warning students that they may or may not be taped when they ride this particular bus.
5. The Director of Transportation shall place the camcorders on the buses and be responsible for safe-guarding the taped material.

Attendance Policy

School attendance is the first step a child in succeeding in his/her educational career. The Buchanan County School Board encourages all students to attend school daily. In an effort to support this philosophy and to assist a child in achieving his/her educational goals, the Boar has adopted this attendance policy.

I.  Attendance/Absenteeism   

    State law requires school-age children to attend school on a regular basis. A student who expects to be successful needs to attend school regularly, be prepared, and behave in a manner conducive to learning.

    All absences, except those, which are absolutely necessary, are discouraged. Each school shall provide an incentive program to recognize and reward students for perfect attendance. Any student who maintains perfect attendance or has excellent attendance for any grading will be rewarded by receiving special privileges, treats, or special activities provided by the principle.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE means perfect attendance. The student must be in all classes every day for the entire grading period. NO TARDIES, NO EARLY CHECKOUTS, NO ABSENCES. The only exception will be if the bus is unable to complete the bus run.

II.  Tardies/Early Check-Outs

      Late arrivals and early checkouts are disruptive to classes. Students are encouraged to develop responsible attitudes toward school attendance by limiting late arrival and early checkouts.

1.   Attendance for the day will be recorded during homeroom period or first class. Any student arriving after the homeroom period ends will be counted tardy.

2.   Attendance shall be counted for individual class periods. any student who misses a class for any reason, other than a school-sponsored activity will be counted absent for that class period.

3.   When a student is late for school, he/she must report to the office prior to entering class.

4.   a student is tardy for a class if he/she is not in the classroom after the class bell sounds

     Students will be expected to make up all work missed within five (5) school days. extenuating circumstances may be considered by the principal or teacher in extending the time limit for make-up. it is the student's responsibility to see the teacher when he/she returns to schedule make up work. teachers in grades K-5 will inform students of the work that needs to be completed by the student when they return to school.

A reason for absence must be presented to the office.

Student Dress

A student shall not dress in a manner that is distracting to himself/herself, to other students, to school personnel, or in a manner that is generally or potentially disruptive, or that interferes with the orderly process of instruction. such as, see through shirts and blouses, halters, tank, or tube tops, bare midriffs, no shirt or shoes, clothing with profane/obscene words or messages, clothing with inappropriate words or messages, inappropriate shorts or skirts, and clothing promoting drugs, alcohol, or sex. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: First Offense: A warning will be issued by the principal, and the student will be required to change the clothing. Second Offense: Disciplinary action will be taken.

Gambling

Playing games of chance for money or valuable on school property or during any school-related activity is prohibited, this extends to keeping score for later settlement. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: First Offense: A warning will be given to the student, and the parent will be notified. Second Offense: Disciplinary action will be taken.

Trespassing

 Being present on school property or using school facilities without proper authority and/or permission (including students who have been suspended or expelled) is prohibited. Anyone who remains on school grounds after being asked to leave by school officials either at night or during the day is guilty of trespassing. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

Theft

Unlawful seizure of school property or personal property of school staff or student is prohibited. A student shall not take or attempt to take the property of another person through direct action, duress, threat, or by any other unlawful means. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: Minor Offenses: The student shall make restitution for minor offenses. Any other disciplinary action shall be at the discretion of the principal. Major Offense: restitution shall be made by the student. Suspension and/or notification of law enforcement authorities shall result. Repeat Offenses: A Student who engages in repeat offenses shall be referred to the Discipline Committee

Physical Contact

Holding hands, hugging, or kissing or other types of inappropriate contact shall not be permitted. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: First Offense: A verbal warning will be issues to the student. Second Offense: An office conference with the student's parent will be held. Third Offense: Further Disciplinary Action may be taken.

Sexual Harassment

Any unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct or sexual nature that creates an intimidation, hostile, or offensive environment is prohibited. Examples: Sexual-oriented verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances or physical contact, subtle pressure for sexual activity, demands for sexual favors accompanied by promises or threats, bumping into/brushing against someone intentionally, patting, hugging, kissing, grabbing, touching, or pinching, sexual jokes, suggestions, or remarks, passing obscene names, and sexual gestures. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: Violation of this policy shall result in an office conference with parent and/or a suspension of 1-10 days. Referral to the Discipline Committee may be made at the discretion of the principal.

Sexual Activity

Sexual activity on school property in prohibited. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: A student in evolved in sexual activity on school property shall be suspended indefinitely, and a referral will me made to the Discipline Committee.

Vandalism

Willful or malicious defacing, damaging, or destruction of school property, including graffiti, and willful or malicious defacing, damaging, or destruction of private property are prohibited. This includes not only school property but also property belonging to other students, individuals, and organization. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: First Offense: The student may be suspended until a parent returns with the child. Restitution and/or community service is required. Proper law enforcement authorities may be notified at the discretion of the principal. Second Offense: Indefinite suspension will be given for a second offense of vandalism.

Damage to School Property

A student shall be responsible and shall make restitution for any property destroyed or damages. A student failing to make restitution shall be subject to further disciplinary action.

Hazing

Hazing means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily harm on a student or students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued member ship in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.

The Principal of any school at which hazing which causes bodily injury occurs shall report the hazing to the local Commonwealth Attorney. Hazing, as defined above, is a class I misdemeanor which may be punished by confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, or both, in addition to any disciplinary consequences which may be imposed under this policy. In addition, any person receiving bodily injury by hazing has a right to sue, civilly, the person or person guilty thereof, whether adults or infants. See Va. Code 18.2-56.

Group Activity

Any group or gang-related activity that threatens others, or that is illegal and/or violent is prohibited. Inappropriate congregation, bullying, and/or harassment is prohibited. This may include the wearing of group or gang apparel. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: Violators are subject to disciplinary action by the principal.

Physical Assault and Battery

A student who engages in physical assault and battery resulting in no injury or minor injury shall be suspended for 1-5 days. A student who engages in physical assault and battery with use of a weapon or which results in serious injury shall be suspended pending action by the Discipline Committee. Assaults involving a weapon shall be reported to the proper legal authorities. Student assault and battery directed toward any teacher, principal, bus driver, or other school employee shall result in immediate suspension and referral to the Discipline Committee. Notification shall be made to proper law enforcement officials.

Fighting

Fighting is prohibited. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: First Offense: A student who engages in fighting shall be suspended for 1-3 days. Second Offense: A student who engages in a second offense of fighting shall be suspended for 3-10 days. Third Offense: A student who engages in a third offenses of fighting shall be suspended pending action by the Disciplinary Committee.

Verbal Abuse

A student shall not threaten or verbally abuse any student or school employee. Any use if profanity, obscene gestures, bullying, or other language that interferes with teaching and learning or that offends another's race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or intellectual ability is prohibited. Penalties for these offenses are as follows: Violation of this policy shall result in counseling and/or parent notification, suspension, or removal from the classroom.

Administering Medicines To Students

Prescription Medications

Buchanan County Public School personnel may give prescription medication to students only with a physician's written order and written permission from the student's parent or guardian. Such medicine must be in the original container and delivered to the principal, school nurse or school division designee by the parent/guardian of the student.

Nonprescription Medications

Buchanan County Public School personnel may give nonprescription medication to students only with the written permission of the parent or guardian. Such permission shall include shall include the name of the medication, the repaired dosage of the medication, and the time the medicine is to be given. Such medicine must be in the original container and delivered to the principal, school nurse or school division designee by the parent/guardian of the student.

Self-Administration of Medication

Self-administration of any medication with the exception of asthma medication as discussed below, is prohibited for students in grades kindergarten through eight. Students in grades nine through twelve may be allowed to possess and self-administer non-prescription medicine if:

• written parental permission for self-administration of specific non-prescription medication is on file with the school
• the non-prescription medication is in the original container and appropriately labeled with the manufacturer's directions
• the student's name is affixed to the container; and
• the student possesses only the amount of non-prescription medicine needed for one school day/activity.

Sharing, borrowing, distributing, manufacturing or selling any medication is prohibited. Permission to self-administer non prescription medication may be revoked if the student violates this policy and the student may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Standards of Student Conduct

Self-Administration of Asthma Medication

Students with a diagnosis of asthma are permitted to possess and self-administer inhaled asthma medications in accordance with this policy during the school day, at school-sponsored activities, or while on a school bus or other school property. In order for a student to possess and self-administer asthma medication, the following conditions must be met:

• written parental consent that the student may self-administer inhaled asthma
• medications must be on file with the school

Diabetic Students

All schools in Buchanan County will have trained and authorized diabetic care providers to assist students in managing their diabetes while at school. Each student, when appropriate, will be allowed to self test in private, to treat and self-monitor in the classroom and during all school sponsored events. Bus Drivers are trained to assist a diabetic child in the event of an emergency while they are traveling.

Use, Possession, and/or Distribution of Alcohol, and/or Other Drugs

The possession, use and/or distribution of alcohol, and/or other drugs on school grounds, on school buses, or during school activities, on or off school property is prohibited. A prescribed drug must be used in accordance with school system policy.

The list of banned items includes, but may not be limited to the following:

• Anabolic steroids
• Look-alike drugs
• Drug paraphernalia
• Any drug not prescribed for the student by a physician

Definitions:

"USE" of a controlled and/or dangerous substance occurs when a student is reasonably known to have some substance (consuming alcohol, smoking marijuana, taking pills, etc.) or is found to be under the influence of some substance while under the jurisdiction of school authorities.

"POSSESSION" of a controlled and/or dangerous substance occurs when a student has on their person or within their personal property, or under their control such a substance while on school property.

"DISTRIBUTION" of a controlled and/or dangerous substance is the transfer of such substance to another person with or without the exchange of money or other valuables.

Penalties for these offenses are as follows:

All violations of the Buchanan County Drug Policy shall be subject to notification of proper law enforcement authorities. Law enforcement authorities include town, county, and state police. The Division of Motor Vehicles "Use and Lose" Policy may apply. Counseling is mandated. Student readmission will be under probationary status.

Student Use

First Offense: A student found using illegal and/or restricted drugs as defined above shall be suspended from school for 3-5 days by authority of the principal.

Second Offense: A student found guilty of a second offense shall be placed on suspension for ten days by the principal. The principal may request that the Superintendent extend the suspension beyond ten school days. The Superintendent or Discipline Committee in affirming such request, shall provide for suspension until the Buchanan County School Board can take action on the offense. It is recommended that such student be suspended for not less than the balance of a current semester, nor more than the balance of the school year.

Third Offense: A student found guilty of a third offense shall be placed on suspension for ten days by the principal. The principal shall request that the Superintendent extend the suspension beyond ten school days. The Superintendent or Discipline Committee, in affirming such request, shall provide for suspension until the Buchanan County School Board can take action on the offense. It is recommended that such student be expelled.

Student Possession

A student, having in their possession small quantities of drugs defined as restricted or banned, shall be subject to the disciplinary guidelines outlined for student use. A student having in his/her possession large quantities of such substances shall be subject to the disciplinary guidelines outlined below for student distributors.

Student Distribution

First Offense: A student found guilty of a first offense of distribution shall be suspended for ten days by the principal. The principal shall request that the Superintendent extend the suspension beyond ten school days. The Superintendent, or Discipline Committee, in affirming such request, shall provide for suspension until the Buchanan County School Board can take action on the offense. It is recommended that such student be suspended for not less than the balance of a current semester nor more than the balance of the school year.

Second Offense: A student found guilty of a second offense of distribution shall be suspended for ten days by the principal. The principal shall request that the Superintendent extend the suspension beyond ten school days. The Superintendent, or Disciplinary Committee, in affirming such request, shall provide for suspension until the Buchanan County School Board can take action on the offense. It is recommended that such student be expelled. 

Use, Possession and/or Distribution of Tobacco

The possession, use, and/or distribution of tobacco in any form and/or possession of matches or lighters on school grounds, on school buses, or during school activities on or off school property is prohibited.

Penalties for these offenses are as follows:

First Offense: A student found guilty of a first violation of the Tobacco Policy shall be suspended for one day by the principal. The principal will notify the parent.

Second Offense: A student found guilty of a second violation of the Tobacco Policy shall be suspended for three days by the principal. The principal will notify the parent.

Third Offense: A student found guilty of a third violation of the Tobacco Policy shall be suspended for five days by the principal. The principal will notify the parent.

Subsequent Offenses: A student found guilty of subsequent violations of the Tobacco Policy shall be referred to the Discipline Committee for further disciplinary action.

Motor Vehicles

Students are encouraged to use the ride free public transportation system provided by the School Board. A student may drive or ride a private vehicle to school with their parent's permission and the principal's approval. Private transportation, however, will be limited by space availability and regulations as adopted by the school and/or the Buchanan County School Board. A parking fee will be charged by the individual school.

It is considered a privilege to park on school grounds. At the discretion of the principal, infractions of the rule and regulations may result in vehicles being towed at the owner's expense. The student may be suspended and/or the student's driving privilege may be revoked.

1. All persons operating motor vehicles must be in compliance with all Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles regulations. Neither the school nor the School Board is responsible for the automobile or its contents.
2. All student vehicles parked on school property must be registered in the office.
3. A student may register a vehicle only if it is necessary for transportation as part of their curriculum, co-curricular or extra-curricular activities or at the discretion of the principal.
4. There may be no loitering in the parking lot or visitation to a vehicle after it is parked without the student first being granted permission by the principal or designee. When a student driver arrives on campus, they are to leave the vehicle immediately and enter the supervised area.
5. Speed limit on school property 5 (five) MPH.
6. Each school may enact rule and regulations for traffic control, as deemed necessary.
7. A vehicle Must Not pass a school bus, which is loading or unloading on the school grounds.
8. A vehicle is subject to search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that drugs, alcohol, stolen property, weapons, or other contraband may be present in that vehicle.

Automobile Searches: A student is permitted to park on school grounds as a matter of privilege. It is not their right. The school may monitor school parking lots and inspect the exteriors of vehicles whenever school authorities have reasonable suspension that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside the vehicle. These patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Authority, Consequences, Procedures

The goal of student corrective action is to promote self-control and orderly conduct. It is not to be confused with punishment. The intent of corrective action is to encourage mature decision-making and socially acceptable behavior. Every staff member is responsible for maintaining ordering the school environment. Teachers work to establish satisfactory student behavior through positive and constructive disciplinary methods. If a student's disciplinary problems continue after a teacher attempts to modify unacceptable behavior, the student will be referred to the principal.

Infraction of school rules, singly or in combination, may result in detention, suspension, or expulsion. The rights of students to study and learn in a safe, conducive environment will always take precedence over a student whose misbehavior disrupts or hinders the overall educational objectives of the school.

Disciplinary Action By The Principal

The principal or designee has the authority to determine disciplinary actions. In addition to the alternatives outlined below, any known violation of the criminal code may result in referral to the proper legal authorities. Consequences for inappropriate behavior may, at the discretion of the principal, include use of the actions listed (items not listed in any particular order): Referral for counseling, verbal or written reprimand, performance of community service, referral to law enforcement authorities, referral to court systems, confiscation of illegal possessions, parent contact/conference, loss of privileges, tasks assigned by the principal or designee, detention hall before, during, or after school, restitution for vandalized, damaged, or stolen property, referral to an alternative education program, in-school suspension, immediate out-of-school suspension, suspension from school-sponsored activities or events which may take place prior to during or after the regular school day, referral discipline or child study committee, recommendation for expulsion, removal from class with possible loss of credit.

Unlawful acts which may lead to police notification, student suspension, student exclusion from activities, or student expulsion from school includes, but are not limited to, the following: homicide, possession distribution using or being the influences of alcohol or drugs, assault/battery, property crimes (arson, burglary, theft, vandalism), robbery, running-away, sex offenses (indecent exposure, obscene phone calls, harassment, rape, sodomy, and child molestation), bomb threats or false fire alarms, use or possession of explosives, use or possession of weapons, extortion blackmail or coercion, driving on school property without a valid driver's license, malicious mischief, use or possession of tobacco products, threats to do bodily harm, trespassing, use of abusive or profane language, unlawful interference with school authorities, student walkouts, other unlawful acts, including being an accessory to any of these or other unlawful acts.

Weapons In School

Carrying, bringing, using or possessing any firearm, dangerous device, or dangerous or deadly weapon in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle or at any school sponsored activity without the authorization of the school or the school division is prohibited, and grounds for disciplinary action. The disciplinary sanction for bringing a firearm to school or to a school sponsored activity is expulsion for at least one year in accordance with Policy JGD/JGE. Violation of this policy shall that proceeding for the discipline of the student involved immediately by the principal. Such weapons include, but are not limited to:

unload firearms in closed containers

any air rifle or BB gun

any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic, machete, knife or razor

any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in  such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a chahka, a nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or a fighting chain

A student with disabilities are subject to the provisions of Section I of this policy and may be disciplined to the same extent as a no disable student provided the manifestation review committee determines that the violation was not a manifestation of the student's disability. The provisions of Policy JGDA will be followed in addition to the regular disciplinary procedures.

In addition to the authority granted a student with a disability may also be removed without parent consent and assigned to an appropriate alternative education by school personnel for not more than fort-45(45) calendar days when the student carries a weapon to or possesses a weapon at school or at a school function. This option is available regardless of whether a manifestation exists. The removal should be in excess of any removal imposed on a student without a disability.

For purpose of this forty-five(45) calendar day removal, the weapon must meet one of the following definitions

"a weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2 1/2 inches in length" or a dangerous weapon as defined in VA Code Section 18.2-308.1

PARENTS' RIGHT TO KNOW

The Parents' Right to Know provision requires that two types of communication be provided to parents of students in school

Parent Notification District

A district must send a notification to parents, informing then of their right to request information on the qualifications of their child's teacher and instructional aide. The information that the district must provide (if requested) includes the following:

Whether or not the teacher and aide have met the certification requirements of the state

Whether or not the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status

The bachelor's degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher in the field of discipline of his or her certificate of degree

Whether or not the child receives service from a paraprofessional and if so, his or her qualifications.

Parent Notification School

Additionally schools must send parents certain information in a timely manner in a language that is understandable, to the extent that is feasible. The schools must provide the following:

Information on the child's level of achievement on state assessments

Timely notice that the child has been assigned to or been taught by a teacher who does not meet the highly qualified teacher requirements for four or more consecutive weeks.

Definitions

Probation refers to conditional enrollment during a trial period. Responsibility for placing a student on probation resides with the principal or School Board.

In-school suspension (ISS) is defined as the denial of attendance in regular classes and interaction with peers for a period of days to be determined by the school principal. ISS involves isolating the student during the school day and providing him/her with adequate assignments to complete work conducted in classes missed. Credit is given for all work completed.

Out-of-school suspension ( OSS ) is defined as the denial of regular school attendance as well as attendance at any and all school related functions or activities. Students suspended out of school must be given full rights to due process as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Virginia. The three types of OSS are:

1. Short-term Suspension - A short-term suspension is a denial to a student of the right to attend school or any school function for up to ten school days. A principal may assign a short-term suspension only after giving a student the opportunity to explain their side of the situation and conducting an appropriate investigation.
2. Long-term Suspension - A long-term suspension is defined as any suspension exceeding ten school days. Long-term suspension may be recommended by the principal, but may only be assigned by the School Board following the procedures for board hearings.
3. Emergency Suspension - Should a principal feel that immediate removal of the student from school is necessary to restore order or to protect people/property, the student may be suspended immediately for up to ten school days. Oral or written notice of the charges should be given to the student as soon as possible, along with the opportunity for the student to present their side of the incident. In such case the principal is not required to conduct an investigation before suspending the student. The investigation will be conducted, and the decision will be made on further disciplinary action, if any, no later than the end of the third school day following the emergency suspension. In no case will the total suspended time exceed ten school days without appropriate action for long-term suspension or expulsion.

In the case of an out-of-school suspension, a student will be allowed to make up work assigned or completed during the absence. Make-up assignments must be completed at a time scheduled other than regular class periods, such as before school, after school or a Saturday at a common location within the division.

Expulsion is a complete and permanent removal of a student from the Buchanan County School System. The Buchanan County School Board has the authority to expel a student following a full hearing as outlined in School Board Policy.

Physical Contact: School employees are allowed by law to use reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control. School employees are allowed by law to use reasonable and necessary force to quiet a disturbance or remove a student from the scene of a disturbance which threatens physical injury to persons or damage to property. The law also allows school employees to use reasonable and necessary force to take weapons, dangerous objects, drugs, or drug paraphernalia items used for drugs from students.

Detention: A student may be detained before school, at recess, during lunch or after school, for discipline. If the student is given detention, they will be supervised. If a student is detained after school, a parent will be notified, and provisions will be made for the student's safe return home.

Discipline Procedures

 These procedures do not deal with routine class discipline. They only cover disciplinary matters serious enough to be dealt with by principal or designee. Teachers are expected to make every effort to handle day-to-day classroom management problems before involving the principal.                                                                        

When the teacher considers a problem serious enough to warrant the principal's attention the matter will be referred to the school's administration for action.

The principal will investigate the incident and hear all available accounts of it. A student will be given principal should talk to them as soon as possible. If a student makes a reasonable claim that is not immediately verifiable time until the claim can be presented.

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES

In order to maintain and discipline in the schools and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students and school personal, school authorities may search a student, student's locker or student automobile under the circumstances outlined. A school authority or law enforcement officer may seize any illegal, unauthorized materials, or contraband material discovered in the search.

A student's failure to permit searches and seizes as approved in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action. Student's desks and lockers are the property of the school, and school authorities reserve the right to search desks and lockers. A general search of lockers and desks may be conducted to repossess school property or to locate illegal to unauthorized materials. Law enforcement officials may be notified in illegal or unauthorized materials are found.

Personal Searches: A student's person and/or personal effects and desks (e.q. purse, book bag, etc.) may be search whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.

If a pat-down search of a student's person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school authority of the same sex and with an adult witness present.

If the school authority has reasonable suspicions to believe that has on their person, an item imminently dangerous to the student or to others, a more intrusive search of the student's person may be witness of the same sex present.

Locker Searches: Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school authorities; however, each student is expected to assume full responsibly for the security of their locker. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorizes for any reason at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Impoundment of Stolen or Prohibited Items: School authorities may seize and impound stolen items and items which are prohibited by law. School Board Policy or regulation, and/or county or school policy/regulation when such items are discovered during a properly conducted search.  A parent will be notified and/or other illegal items to the proper authorities for disposition. Officials are authorized to use these items as evidence in legal proceedings.

Search Warrants: Officers of the law, appearing with duly processes search warrants, will be allowed to search lockers, students, and their belongings as per the court's order.

Suspension and Expulsion

Suspension: The principal or designee may suspend a student for up to five days. If additional penalties are appropriate, referral for additional suspension will be directed to the Discipline Committee. The principal is required to report, in writing, any out-of-school suspension to a parent or guardian of the student suspended and to the Superintendent. These reports must include a full statement of the reasons for the action taken. In case of suspension, the principal should make every effort to confer with the suspended student's parent. The parent and/or the student may request that the Superintendent or designee review the principal's decision to suspend. The principal's decision will be confirmed or disallowed based on an examination of the student's behavior and the procedural guidelines required by the school division.

Sending a Suspended Student Home During the School Day: When a student is suspended out of school, the principal will attempt to contact the student's parent to inform them of the school's action and to request that the parent or guardian come to the school to pick up their child. If the parent is unable to come to the school the principal or designee will make a reasonable effort to provide the student with transportation, if a parent is home to receive the child. If the principal cannot contact the parent or other responsible authority, the student must remain on school property until the close of the school day. The principal may order a student to leave school grounds immediately when the student's conduct is dangerous and disruptive and normal disciplinary action cannot address the problem. Even in this instance, distance to the home and the age of the individual child may require keeping the student until the parent or other responsible authority can be contacted.

Expulsion or Long Term Suspension: The principal may recommend that the School Board expel a student. The principal will notify the student and their parent in writing of the following: The proposed action and the reason for it; the right of the student and their parent to a hearing before the Superintendent or designee; the parent's right to inspect the student's school records.

The principal will refer the recommendation for expulsion to the Discipline Committee for appropriate action. If the Superintendent and/or Discipline Committee uphold the expulsion recommendation, the student will be suspended. If the principal's recommendation of expulsion is upheld by the Superintendent and/or Discipline Committee, the student and their parent may request a hearing before the School Board. The request must be in writing and must be filed with the Superintendent within seven (7) calendar days of the decision to uphold the principal's recommendation. Upon a request for a hearing before the School Board, the Superintendent shall notify the student and their parent of the time and place of the hearing. Failure to file a written request within the specified time will constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing before the School Board.

The Discipline Committee

The Superintendent appoints a Discipline Committee made of the Superintendent or designee, a chairman, five other members, and one alternate. The Committee acts in an advisory role to the Superintendent. The Discipline Committee hears all cases referred by the school principal and may impose suspension as outlined in School Board Policy. All actions of the Discipline Committee are subject to the review of the Division Superintendent. the Chairperson of the Discipline Committee has full charge of the hearing and has authority to direct its proceedings and to control the conduct of all persons present. Questioning by the Chairperson is not bound by the Rules of Law of Evidence in conducting any hearing. The Chairperson appoints a secretary to record the Committee's findings and recommendations.

Hearings by the Discipline Committee: Buchanan County Discipline Committee hearings are closed. These hearings are conducted informally and are not intended to resemble courtroom proceedings. The major purpose of a hearing is to gather all pertinent facts and to determine a recommended course of action, which is in the best interest of both the student involved, and the school system.

Only Discipline Committee members, the Superintendent of Schools, the Principals, the student, the student's parent, and the student's authorized representative may attend the hearing. Witnesses should be present only when they are giving information to the Committee. The Committee may exclude the student, with the parent's consent, at times when their psychological or emotional problems are being discussed. No one may be present other than the Committee during its deliberations.

A student appearing before the Discipline Committee is expected to be accompanied by their parent. A parent will have the opportunity to make a statement to the Committee about the case and to answer questions. If the parent cannot be present, the student may bring another adult family member to the hearing. In these cases, the non-parent adult has all the rights of a parent before the Discipline Committee.

A student appearing before the Discipline Committee may speak in their defense and may be questioned about their testimony. A student may, however, choose not to testify. In such cases, the student will not be punished for refusal to testify.

Discipline Committee decisions are by majority vote and based only on the information presented at the hearing. If no misconduct is found, the Discipline Committee will recommend to the Principal and the Superintendent that no further action be taken. When misconduct is found, the Committee's report will include a recommendation for action to the Superintendent. The recommendation may range from no additional action through the entire scope of counseling attempts, suspension, or appearance before the School Board.

The Superintendent has the authority to review any and all Discipline Committee action. Should the Superintendent impose consequences different from those recommended by the Committee, he/she will send an explanation to the student's parent and the Discipline Committee Chairperson.

The student may appeal to the School Board action taken by the Superintendent. Appeals must be in writing with seven (7) calendar days of the action taken by the Superintendent. Failure to file a written appeal within seven (7) calendar days will constitute a waiver of the right to appeal. The School Board will consider the appeal of suspension within thirty (30) days of receiving it.

Disciplining/Suspension of Students With Disabilities Under Idea 97 Amendments and Federal Regulations

Every school is required to inform parents and students of local guidelines for student conduct. In some cases where a child with a disability breaks a rule there are extra procedures the school must follow before the child is disciplined. The following specific procedural protections are applicable whenever the school division is proposing a short-term/long-term suspension or expulsion. these regulations apply to all students with disabilities who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Educations Act (IDEA) or section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Short Term Suspension: When a student is removed from class, school, or bus for ten days or less does not constitute a change in placement. The child is subject to normal disciplinary procedures whether or not there is a causal connection between the child's disability and the misconduct.

Long Term Suspension: When a student is removed from class, school , or bus for greater than ten days. There are circumstances when a  series of short-term suspensions, after review, can be aggregated to indicate long-term suspensions.                 

• Notice of decision and procedural safeguards must be given to parents.
• Immediately or within 10 school days of decision date convene IEP team and qualified personnel for manifestation determination.
• The IEP team must hold an assessment plan meeting, do a functional behavioral assessment (FBA), and hold an IEP meeting to develop a behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and implement it.

Weapons/drugs/controlled substances and dangerous situations:

• Parent and/or student must be notified of the action taken and provided with a copy of the procedural safeguards.
• Administrator may assign to an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) for maximum of 45 calendar days.
• Immediately or within 10 school days of action taken, convene and IEP team and other qualified personnel to do manifestation determination, complete a Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan. If a plan is already developed, review and modify the plan as needed. At this time, an alternative educational setting may be determined.
• When the Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) expires, the student returns to prior placement unless parent and Buchanan County School System agree through IEP otherwise, or hearing officer or court order Extends IAES.

Manifestation Determination:
Not later than 10 school days after taking disciplinary action involving placement in an IAES, or proposed removal for more that 10 school days in a school year that constitutes a change in placement, the IEP team must convene to review the disciplinary incident and its relationship to the student's disability. The IEP Team  (and other qualified personnel) meets to consider:

• all relevant evaluation data and diagnostic results
• relevant information supplied by the parent
• observations of the student
• the student's IEP and placement

Expedited Hearing:
Buchanan County may seek from a hearing officer via expedited hearing, a 45 day Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES). The parent may appeal through an expedited hearing any issue related to disciplinary action.
The hearing officer:

• determines that the school system has demonstrated by substantial evidence that there is substantial likelihood of injury to the student or others in current placement.
• considers the appropriateness of current placement.
• considers whether the school system made reasonable steps to reduce risk of harm in current placement.

Management of Student Records

      The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the school division receives a request for access.
   
   Parents or eligible students should submit to the principal of their school a written request that identified the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   
   Parents or eligible student may ask the Buchanan County Public Schools to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
   
   If the school division decides not to amend the record as requested the parent or eligible student, the school division will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures or personally identifiable information contained in the student's education record, except to the extend that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the division as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the division has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   
   A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   
   Upon request, the Buchanan County Schools disclose educations records without consent to officials or another school division in which student seeks or intends to enroll. (Note: FERPA requires a school division to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of education concerning alleged failures by the school division to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW , Washing , DC 2002-4605.

Compliance Guidelines

In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, Title IX Regulation Implementing Educations Amendments of 1973; and all other Federal, State School rules, laws, regulations, and policies, the Buchanan County Schools shall not discriminates on the basis of sex, age, race color, national origin, religion or disability in the educational programs or activities it operates.

It is the intent of Buchanan County Schools to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain that discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the Buchanan County Schools.

Specific complaints of alleged discriminations under Title IX (sex) and section 504 (disability) should be referred to: Mrs. Pat Fletcher, Director of Instruction, Buchanan County Public Schools, P. O. Box 833, Grundy, Virginia 24614. Phone: (276) 934-4551 ext 242, pfletcher@buck.k12.va.us or webmaster@buc.k12.va.us

All students attending Buchanan County Schools may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health, physical education, music and vocational and technical education (Business Education, Health Occupations Education, Marketing Education, Technology Education, Trade and Industrial Education, Work and Family Studies Education), regardless of race color, national origin, religion, age, disability or sex.

Student Screening Set for Speech, Language, Hearing

Speech, language, hearing and vision are all vital in ensuring school success, according to school officials. the Commonwealth of Virginia requires the following screenings to take place within 60 days of a student's enrollment in public school.

Speech, language, hearing and vision screenings will be conducted on all newly enrolled students and motor screening will be completed on all newly enrolled students through grade three.

To complete this requirement, Buchanan County Public Schools will conduct speech, language, hearing, vision and motor-development screenings during the first few months of school.

In addition, vision screening will be completed on all students in grades, three, seven, and ten. Hearing only will be done on all first graders and vision only on all fifth graders.

The school nurse, speech pathologist, physical education teachers and other appropriate school personnel will complete these screenings. It is through this screening process that potential problems can be identified and addressed prior to any adverse effect on school performance, they noted.

Parents will be notified of the screening process results if further evaluation is needed.

Educational Internet Publishing

A. Generally
The administration of Buchanan County Public Schools determined it is desirable for individual schools to have a presence on the Internet. The purpose of this Educational Internet Publishing Policy is to address the issue of Internet Publishing by Buchanan County Schools, other policy provisions to the contrary notwithstanding.

B. Location of Web Page Files
All schools web pages must reside on the Buchanan County Public School network pages are limited to:

1. General information of interest to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members.
2. Activities of school sponsored organizations.
3. Curriculum and instructional material.

Web pages may contain personal information as described in Section C provided information is of a general and relevant nature and provided proper consent was obtained.

Web pages may include student work provided the work relates to a class project or other school related activity and provided proper consent was obtained.

C.  Personal Information

For the purpose of this policy, personal information suitable for inclusion on school web pages is limited to the following:

1. The image of a student allows identification by reasonable means.
2. The first and last of a student.
3. The club affiliation or award that could provide identification. No personal information displayed on a web page may be more specific than allowed by this policy.

D. Student Work

 Examples of student work include poems, short stories, and works of art.

E. Responsibilities of the Building Principal

The responsibilities of the building principal include:

1. Designating students and teachers to serve as web editors.
2. Reviewing and approving web page content before publishing the web pages on the Internet.
3. Ensuring that all information included on the school's web pages in accordance with the Educational Internet Publishing policy and with the Acceptable Use Policy in general.
4. Any other action relative to the web page deemed necessary by the building principal.

F. Responsibilities of the Web Page Developers

The responsibilities of the building principal include:

1. Prior to publishing personal information, obtaining written consent for all students whose personal information is to be included on web pages before the information is published. Consent must be obtained from a parent/guardian indicating approval and waiving liability.
2. Ensuring that no personal information included on the web page is altered, falsified, or misrepresented in any way. Libel, slander, or other violation of a person's rights is prohibited. All personal information included on the web pages should display in the spirit intended by the student and his/her parent/guardian.
3. Ensuring that student work is posted with care. Web page editors must have permission from the student and parent/guardian before publishing the work. Plagiarism is prohibited.
4. Ensuring that all information included on the school's web page is in accordance with the Educational Internet Publishing policy and with the Acceptable Use Policy in general.

Acceptable Computer Use

The School Board provides a computer system, including the internet, to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The term computer system includes hardware, software, data, communication lines and devices, terminals, printers, CD-ROM devices, tape drives, servers, mainframe and personal computers, the internet and other internal or external networks.

Use of the School Division's computer system shall be consistent with the educational or instructional mission or administrative function of the Division as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental level of students. The Division's computer system is not a public forum.

Each employee, student and parent/guardian of each student shall sign the Acceptable Computer System Use Agreement, IIBEA-E2, before using the Division's computer system. The failure of any student, teacher or administrator to follow the terms of the Agreement, this policy or accompanying regulation may result in loss of computer system privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

The School Board is not responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable when using the computer system or for any information retrieved via the Internet. Furthermore, the School Board will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the computer system.

The Superintendent shall submit to the Virginia Department of Education this policy and accompanying regulation biennially.

Computer System Use-Terms and Conditions:

1. Acceptable Use. Access to the Division's computer system shall be (1) for the purposes of education or research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the Division or (2) for legitimate school business.

2. Privilege. The use of the Division's computer system is a privilege, not a right.

3. Unacceptable Use. Each user is responsible for his or her actions on the computer system.

Prohibited conduct includes:

• using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any federal, state or local law.
• sending, receiving, viewing or downloading illegal material via the computer system.
• unauthorized downloading of software.
• downloading copyrighted material for unauthorized use.
• using the computer system for private financial or commercial gain.
• wastefully using resources, such as file space.
• gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities.
• posting material authored or created by another without his or her consent.
• using the computer system for commercial or private advertising.
• submitting, posting, publishing or displaying any obscene, profane, threatening, illegal or other inappropriate material.
• using the computer system while access privileges are suspended or revoked.
• vandalizing the computer system, including destroying data by creating or spreading viruses or by other means.

4. Network Etiquette. Each user is expected to abide by generally accepted rules of etiquette, including the following:

• Be polite.
• Users shall not forge, intercept or interfere with electronic mail messages.
• Use appropriate language. The use of obscene, lewd, profane, threatening or disrespectful language is prohibited.
• Users shall not post personal contact information about themselves or others.
• Users shall respect the computer system's resource limits.
• Users shall not post chain letters or download large files.
• Users shall not use the computer system to disrupt others.
• Users shall not read, modify or delete data owned by others.

5. Liability. The School Board makes no warranties for the computer system it provides. The School Board shall not be responsible for any damages to the user from use of the computer system, including loss of data, non-delivery or missed delivery of information, or service interruptions. The School Division denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the computer system. The user agrees to indemnify the School Board for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the School Board relating to or arising out of any violation of these procedures.

6. Security. Computer system is a high priority for the school division. If any user identifies a security problem, the user shall notify the building principal or system administrator immediately. all users shall keep their passwords confidential and shall follow computer virus protection procedures.

7.Vandalism. Intentional destruction of any part of the computer system through creating or downloading computer viruses or by any other means is prohibited.

8. Charges. The School Division assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees as a result of using the computer system, including telephone or long-distance charges.

9. Electronic Mail. The School Division's electronic mail system is owned and controlled by the School Division. The School Division may provide electronic mail to aid students and staff in fulfilling their duties and as an education toll. Electronic mail is not private and may be monitored and accessed by the School Division. Unauthorized access to an electronic mail account by any student or employee is prohibited. Users shall be held personally liable foe the content of any electronic message they create. Downloading any file attached to an electronic message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message's authenticity and the nature of the file.

10. Enforcement. The procedure and the policy it supports shall by enforced by monitoring information on the School Division's computer system. Additionally, Internet, Internet filtering of inappropriate materials and language is accomplished by the use of Screen Door Software. (Screen Door is a registered name of Palisade System Inc) Any violation of these regulations shall result in loss of computer system privileges and may also result in appropriate disciplinary action, as determined by School Board policy, or legal action.

Leg Refs: Code Virginia , 1950, as amended , 22.1-70.2 and 22.1-78
Cross Refs: JFC-R, Standards of Student Conduct
Adopted: Buchanan County Public Schools on August 14, 200

Standard Diploma

(9th Graders in 2003-04 & beyond)

A student must earn at least 22 standard units of credit (plus any required locally), which are based on coursework, and six verified units of credit, which are earned by passing the course and its related Standards of Learning test or approved substitute test.

Student who entered the ninth grade for the first time in school years 2003-04 and beyond are required to earn two verified units of credit in English (one each in reading and writing). One verified unit of credit in Mathematics, one verified unit of credit in Science, one verified unit of credit in History/Social Science, and one in the subject of student's own choice, as follows:

English (two verified units of credit):

The two verified units of credit may be earned by passing the high school Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in English/Reading and English/Writing. As with all high school SOL tests, these may be retaken if the student does not pass on the first or subsequent attempts.

An acceptable score on approved substitute test including, among others, the ACT, WorkKeys: Writing, SAT II English, Advanced Placement (AP) English tests, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), also may earn verified units of credit English.

Mathematics, Science, and History/Social Science (3 verified units of credit):
Mathematics: A verified not of credit may be earned by passing any one of the three high school SOL mathematics tests (Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry.

Science: A verified unit of credit may be earned by passing any one of the three high school SOL science tests (Earth Science, Biology, or Chemistry).

History/Social Science: A verified unit of credit may be earned by passing any one of the four high school history/social science SOL tests (U.S. History, World History I, World History II, or World Geography.)

These verified units of credit also may be earned by an acceptable score on any of the approved substituted tests, including, among others, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), or SATII.

Student's Choice (1 verified unit of credit)
This verified unit of credit may be earned by passing any SOL test that is not already satisfying a required verified unit of credit or by passing tests in computer science, technology, or other areas as prescribed by the Board.

Additionally, the Board of Education has approved a large number of state licensing exams in career/technical fields, as well as national industry certification exams, which counts toward verified units of credit.

Discipline Area                            Standard Units of Credit Required      Verified Credits Required   
English                                                                            4                                           2
Mathematics                                                                  3                                            1
Laboratory Science                                                       3                                            1 
History and Social Sciences                                        3                                            1 
Health and Physical Education                                   2     
Fine Arts or Practical Arts                                           1
Electives                                                                         6
Student Selected Tests                                                                                               1
Total                                                                               22                                            6

2+4 = Standard Diploma

"2+4+ is an easy way for students in the graduating classes of 2004, 2005, and 2006 to remember the combination of verified credits required to earn a Standard Diploma. You are included in a transition period established by the Board of Education for the gradual phase in Virginia 's new graduation requirements. The "2" in the equation represents the two verified credits in English you must earn to graduate with a Standard Diploma. Most students will earn these credits by passing these two end-of-course SOL test, which typically are taken during the junior year:
                   English: Reading , Literature, and Research
                   English: Writing

You also may earn the two required verified credits in English by passing substitute tests approved by the Board of Education. Your guidance counselor can give you more information about these substitute tests. The "4" in 2+4 represent the other four verified credits students must earn for a Standard Diploma. Students in the classes of 2004, 2005, and 2006 may earn these 4 verified credits by passing any four SOL test or substitute tests approved by the board. 2+4 means students included in the transition period may lean on their strongest subjects as they earn the six verified credits required for a Standard Diploma. Transition students who, after remediation, fail a retake of a history/social science or science test, but achieve a score of 375 or better, may be awarded a verified credit by their local school board, following a review of their class work and/or a demonstration of their mastery of the content of the course. Because these are locally awarded verified credits, requirements may vary from school division to school division. Ask your guidance counselor for more information about locally awarded verified credits.

Credits required for a Standard Diploma for the classes of 2004, 2005, and 2006

Subject Area                                      Standard Units of Credit      Verified Units of Credit
English                                                                   4                                           2
Mathematics                                                          3                             
Science                                                                   3                              
History and Social Science                                 3
Health/Physical Education                                 2
Fine or Practical Arts                                           1
Electives                                                                6
Student-Selected Tests                                                                                     4
Total                                                                       22                                         6               

Earning a Standard Diploma After 2006

Beginning with the graduating class of 2007 students will earn a Standard Diploma by passing the required courses and passing two end-of-course English tests, one test each in mathematics, history/social science, and science, and one test of their own choosing.

2+ More = Advanced Studies Diploma

The new testing requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma also became effective with the class of 2004. Students earn an Advanced Studies Diploma by passing the required courses and passing the two end -of-course English tests, two tests each in mathematics, history/social science, and science, and one test of their own choosing, for a total of nine verified credits

Credits Required For Advanced Studies Diploma for students who entered the ninth grade in 2000-01

Discipline Area                           Standards Units of Credit Required       Verified Credits Required
English                                                                 4                                                       2
Mathematics                                                       4                                                       2
Laboratory Science                                            4                                                       2
History and Social Sciences                             4                                                       2  
Foreign Language                                               3
health and Physical Education                          2 
Fine Arts or Practical Arts                                 1
Electives                                                                2
Student Selected Tests                                                                                                1
Total                                                                      24                                                      9