What is the jurisdiction of the school system in disciplining students?

A student's behavior in class, in school, on school grounds, at a school related function, or in the community is of legitimate concern to school officials if the behavior poses a threat to the well-being of other students or school personnel or interferes with the educational process. Any interruption of the educational process is serious and may warrant some form of disciplinary action.

Is there a student dress code?

Students are expected to be modestly dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and that will not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others.

The Board of Education prohibits clothing or grooming that, in the principal's judgment, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption or interfere with normal school operation. Caps, hats, and other head coverings may not be worn indoors at the elementary or middle schools. Caps may be worn only in the hallways at the high schools. Clothing must not advertise or promote the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or illegal substances. See each school's handbook for specific details.

How do conduct regulations apply to bus riders?

Misbehavior in any form on on a bus is a safety hazard and will not be tolerated. Offenses or serious misbehavior will result in notification of parents, punishment, and possible removal from the bus for an extended period. A student may lose bus privileges immediately for any serious misbehavior.

What are the guidelines for student familiarity?

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner. At the high school level, the public display of affection other than holding hands is inappropriate.

What behaviors can result in short term suspension?

Behaviors which may result in suspension for fewer than 10 days or in corporal punishment:

• Disobedience and/or disregard of school rules

• Failure to identify oneself to a member of the faculty on request

• Failure to follow reasonable instructions of a staff member

• Use or possession of any tobacco product, a cigarette lighter or matches

• Profanity or vulgarity

• Disorderly, disruptive or dangerous acts in school buildings or on school property

• Truancy or skipping class

• Persistent tardiness

• Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior or language

Short term suspensions may be referred to the C-STOP program at Davidson River School for instruction by a certified teacher. This privilege is voluntary and may be repeated only once.

What is a student's recourse if he faces serious disciplinary action?

Any student who is at least 18 years of age or the parent or guardian of any student facing serious disciplinary measures may request a hearing before the principal or assistant principal.

Any disciplinary decision made by a school official may be appealed.

What behaviors can result in long term suspension or expulsion?

The possession or carrying onto school property of any weapon (including a pocket knife) will result in expulsion or long term suspension and referral to law enforcement authorities for possible criminal charges.

The following behaviors may result in expulsion or suspension for more than 10 days:

• Acts causing material and substantial disruption to the educational process

• Willful and/or persistent disobedience and/or disregard of school rules

• Use, possession, or sale of alcoholic or intoxicating beverages or illegal use of any controlled substance

• Assault or battery or threats toward school personnel, students, or any other person

• Theft, attempted theft, willful defacement or damage to school or private property while under school jurisdiction

• Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior or language

Additional state actions

The NC Division of Motor Vehicles will revoke the driver's licenses or permits of students suspended or assigned to an alternative school for more than 10 days for any of the following reasons:

• Violations of controlled substance restrictions

• Possession or use of a weapon or firearm on school property

• Physical assault on a teacher or other school personnel

Students suspended for 10 or less days for one of the above offenses will not be eligible to enroll in driver's education classes for one year from the date of the suspension.

• expects student behavior to demonstrate respect and consideration for the rights of others
• believes every student has the rights granted under federal and state laws
• feels the responsibility for student conduct rests with students and is shared by parents

Transylvania County Schools is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, or national origin in its employment, programs or activities.

Information in this publication is based on NC state law and Transylvania County Board of Education policies ACB, IGAJ, JFA, JFC, JFCC, JGD, JGDA, JGDB, JGDC, JGE. Copies of the policies are available at Morris Education Center or through any school office. Policies are accessible through the school system website.