Discipline

School Rules

School rules are designed to protect students and to ensure order, so that every student will have an equal opportunity for education. Just as you expect your children to respect your authority at home, students must respect the authority of the school staff. You can help by supporting the school staff in maintaining order, by discussing proper behavior with your child and by encouraging your child to be cooperative with the faculty and to respect the rights of others.

Many of the school rules are common sense. Students cannot learn if they are afraid of violence when they come to school. For that reason, school rules are strict about fighting, theft or extortion and vandalism.

Weapons and explosives of any kind must not be brought to school. Note that this includes firecrackers and pocket knives. In accordance with South Carolina law, all violators must be reported to law enforcement authorities.

Alcohol, illegal drugs and beepers are prohibited at school. Boom boxes and other electronic equipment also can be disruptive and should not be brought to school unless approved for educational purposes.

Other activities which clearly are inappropriate include verbal threats, trespassing and any sexual activity, with or without mutual consent.

Individual schools and teachers have other rules which apply to a particular situation. Students should know what the rules are and what the consequences of violating them will be.

The Discipline Code outlines school rules. Ask your principal for a copy if you do not have one.

Searches

According to South Carolina law, school officials have the right to search any person entering the premises of any school in the state. This includes, but is not limited to, a student’s desk, locker, purse, gym bag, backpack, pockets or car.

Dress code

School board policy (JICA) states that a student’s dress and appearance should not be such that it causes disruption, is immodest, distracts others from the educational process or creates a health or safety problem. Therefore, students must wear shoes or sandals; their torsos must be covered; no strapless garments are permitted; all undergarments must be covered; profanity, offensive language or images, and advertisements for firearms, alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or tobacco products may not be affixed to any clothing. Also, administrators shall use discretion in determining when hats or appropriate shorts may be worn.

Discipline

Each student has a responsibility and a right to know what the rules are and has the right to be told what s/he allegedly has done to violate the rules and to present his/her version of the facts. The principal and assistant principals have the authority and responsibility to investigate the accusations and decide if the student has broken the rules. If it is found that your child has broken a rule, the teacher, principal or assistant principal will choose an appropriate disciplinary measure which fits the situation and your child’s need for discipline and correction.

Among the discipline alternatives used are a verbal reprimand, restriction from an activity, a note home, a conference with you, assignment to a time-out room, work detail, lunch detention, community service, after-school detention or in-school suspension.

In certain serious or repeated cases, suspension from school may be appropriate, but other methods of discipline normally will be considered first.

If you have a question about what your child did or the discipline method that was chosen, call the principal. Your awareness of a behavior problem before it is repeated or becomes serious can be an important way of helping your child succeed in school. Each student should have in his/her possession a copy of the Discipline Code.

In–school and short–term suspensions

The principal may suspend a student from school for up to 10 days. Out-of-school suspensions normally are not used for a first offense, unless the student has been notified the particular misconduct could result in a suspension. Out-of-school suspension may be automatic for such offenses as possession of drugs and weapons. The principal must conduct an investigation and notify you and your child of the reason for, the length and the type of suspension (in-school or out-of-school). Your child has a right to present his/her side of the story. The principal or assistant principal will set up a time for a conference with you and your child. If, after the conference with the principal, the parents believe the student’s suspension was unjustified, an appeal of the suspension may be made to the hearing officer.

In-school suspension programs are available in middle and high schools. In these programs, students are restricted and closely supervised by a teacher, who assists them in keeping up with their class work during their suspension.

Long-term suspensions

Expulsion from school for more than 10 days may be imposed only by the hearing officer and usually is recommended only when a student willfully violates one of the serious offenses listed in the Discipline Code. An impartial hearing will be held within 10 days of the principal’s recommendation, the results of which may be appealed to the school board. Parents have a right to look at any evidence the school has prior to the hearing and to be represented by an attorney.

Expulsion

Students may be expelled for major offenses listed in the Discipline Code. Expulsion is handled according to the procedures outlined there.

School rules are designed to protect students and to ensure order, so that every student will have an equal opportunity for education. Just as you expect your children to respect your authority at home, students must respect the authority of the school staff. You can help by supporting the school staff in maintaining order, by discussing proper behavior with your child and by encouraging your child to be cooperative with the faculty and to respect the rights of others.

Many of the school rules are common sense. Students cannot learn if they are afraid of violence when they come to school. For that reason, school rules are strict about fighting, theft or extortion and vandalism.

Weapons and explosives of any kind must not be brought to school. Note that this includes firecrackers and pocket knives. In accordance with South Carolina law, all violators must be reported to law enforcement authorities.

Alcohol, illegal drugs and beepers are prohibited at school. Boom boxes and other electronic equipment also can be disruptive and should not be brought to school unless approved for educational purposes.

Other activities which clearly are inappropriate include verbal threats, trespassing and any sexual activity, with or without mutual consent.

Individual schools and teachers have other rules which apply to a particular situation. Students should know what the rules are and what the consequences of violating them will be.

The Discipline Code outlines school rules. Ask your principal for a copy if you do not have one.