UCHS STUDENT HANDBOOK

The Mission of Union County High School is to create a student-centered atmosphere of excellence by providing a diverse education in a unified, safe, and supportive environment, thus encouraging students to become productive and responsible citizens who will succeed and contribute to the global community.

The Union County Board of Education, the Superintendent, and the school administration reserve the right to develop and revise policies, rules, and regulations as they deem appropriate. Students and their parents will be notified of changes that affect them through district schools.

This parent/student handbook supersedes all previous handbooks, pamphlets, statements, or other representations (either written or oral) regarding the district’s expectations of students in terms of conduct and behavior.

· Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.

· Student learning needs are the primary focus of all decisions impacting the work of the school.

· All staff members are committed to doing their part to improve student achievement on state standardized examinations.

· Students as well as parent, administrators, teachers, and the community are responsible for the students’ education.

· Positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and staff enhance a student’s self-esteem.

VISION

· the total involvement of the community including business/industry, parents, teachers, and administrators.

· a challenging and enriching curriculum for all students that incorporates critical thinking skills, communication skills, and active learning that prepares them for tomorrow’s workplace (decision-making, teamwork, communication).

· all children participating and having opportunities for success and prosperity.

· the use of a variety of teaching methodologies utilizing the appropriate materials and the technology to help students achieve their potential.

· a well-trained professional staff that is involved in making educational decisions to meet the total needs of the educational community.

· a school district where everyone is significant and can contribute responsibly to a society that respects cultural diversity.

· a school district that maintains high expectations, a safe, disciplined environment, and that provides effective programs to meet the needs of all students.

Union County School District offers all programs and educational activities without regard for race, color, national origin, religion, gender or disability.

All state supported schools are required by the State Board of Education to operate for a term of 180 days exclusive of holidays, days spent by the staff on organizational planning and routine matters, or other days or partial days devoted to activities other than regular classroom work. A high school student must attend 170 days in order to receive credit for the year’s work. Under block scheduling, students must attend 85 of 90 days within a semester. Credit may be denied for any student absent more than five (5) days for a semester course.

Regular attendance is the responsibility and obligation of each and every student enrolled at Union County High School . Students may miss up to five (5) days in a semester course [ten (10) in a year-long course or middle school course] and still receive credit. Any absences over five (5) must be principal approved including bereavement and/or medical documentation. Attendance in each class is accounted for separately. UCHS adheres to a policy of requiring all unexcused absences (after 5) to be made up through Saturday School at UCHS before the principal may consider granting course credit to students who have not met the attendance requirements. Students who exceed more than 5 absences in a class may not receive credit for that course.

Absences related to school activities will not be counted in absentee totals but may be limited if student achievement or attendance is poor. Making up work missed during any absence is a student’s responsibility and is expected to be initiated by the student. Students must turn into the office written documentation from a parent, guardian, or physician explaining the reason for an absence. Failure to turn in documentation will result in the absence being marked unexcused. Students have 5 school days to turn in an excuse. Students are responsible for keeping up with their absence totals. Early dismissals and late arrivals count in the absence totals! Failing to meet the attendance requirements may result in a loss of course credit and may prevent you from graduating on time.

· The principal has limited authority to waive the attendance requirement in situations involving lawful or excused absences.

· Lawful absences include: sickness, emergencies in the immediate family, death in the immediate family, or other reasons deemed excusable by the principal.

· Upon returning from an absence, students are required to turn in to the attendance clerk notes from a parent, guardian, or physician explaining the reason for their absence. Failure to do so will result in the absences being coded as unexcused.

· Unlawful or unexcused absences include cutting school, working, vacation, and other elective absences from school not considered lawful.

· Homebound instruction is available for students who are ill. Homebound days are counted as present. (See the section on homebound instruction.)

· Students who exceed the absence limits but have all absences coded as excused may appeal to the principal, in writing, for waiver of the attendance requirements.

· Seniors may take 2 college visitation days, during which they will be counted as present. These days must be verified and approved through guidance.

A tardy is defined as the student’s not being in the classroom upon the sounding of the last note of the tardy bell. Students who arrive to class without a pass excusing their late arrival will be counted tardy and the following procedures should be followed.

2. When a student is late the third time, the teacher will report the student to the appropriate administrator.

**Students who arrive more than fifteen minutes late to any class without a pass should be referred for “cutting class.”

**Students who arrive more than five minutes late to first block should be sent directly to the attendance clerk in the main lobby to receive a late slip. If necessary the student will be referred for disciplinary action by the first period teacher.

Students who arrive more than five minutes late to first block should sign in with the attendance clerk in the main office. They will be given a pass to class and the attendance clerk will determine whether the late arrival is excused or unexcused.

Late arrival will be excused for those students who sign in with a medical excuse or who are signed in by their parents with a valid excuse. Note: Reasons such as oversleeping will not be considered valid.

2. When the student arrives late the third time without an excuse, the first period teacher will refer the student for disciplinary action.

Students who arrive to school on late buses should get passes from the attendance clerk in the front lobby of the school. They will be given a pass to class or to the cafeteria to pick up breakfast if they arrive before 8:05. Since an absence caused by a late bus is a school-created problem, students will be marked present.

The orderly conduct of the education process requires that the clothing and grooming of students not be distracting, disruptive, or provocative. Therefore, the following shall not be allowed:

Students whose clothing or grooming is in violation of this policy will be sent home or their parents will be asked to bring a change of clothes to the student. Time missed from classes due to dress code violation will be considered unlawful absences. Repeated violations will be handled in accordance with Level II of the discipline code.

A communication device is defined as any telecommunication device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

A student may possess a communication device while on school property and during the normal school operating hours in accordance with administrative rule JICDA-R and under the following circumstances.

A student may not use a communication device (as defined above) at any time during the school day. A communication device must be turned off and out of sight upon a student’s arrival at school until the student is dismissed from school. Communication devices are never to be used in any area in which an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy including, but not limited to, restrooms, locker rooms and shower rooms.

A student who has a communication device without permission as outlined in this policy will have the device confiscated by school personnel and is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with policy JICDA-R.

Staff members who find a student in possession of a communication device must report the student to the school principal or assistant principal. The principal or assistant principal will confiscate the device. The district will return the device in accordance with policy JICDA-R.

Early dismissal is discouraged. However, students may be excused to leave school early if a parent or legal guardian signs them out in the office. Parents may designate in writing alternate adults who are authorized to sign their child(ren) out. Parents may send a written request for early dismissal with a phone number which may be called for verification. No students may be signed out over the phone without approval of the principal. Students may not leave the school grounds during school hours without administrative approval. School hours are considered to be from the time you arrive at school until dismissal. Periods missed due to early dismissal are counted as absences. Seniors may be scheduled for early dismissal 4^th block of the second semester if they are on track for graduation. Seniors who have early dismissal must leave campus immediately after 3^rd block. Early dismissal forms may be obtained in the school office.

Guidance counseling is provided as an integral part of the UCHS curriculum. Students are encouraged to use the services provided in the areas of course selection, college placement, vocational placement, aptitude and achievement testing, and individual counseling.

**Students should check with Guidance regarding guidelines for BETA or National Honor Society.

*Although only one unit of foreign language is required for graduation, most four-year institutions require two or three years of the same language as part of their entrance requirements.

**In Union County School District, one of the student’s electives must be keyboarding unless he or she passes a keyboarding competency test.

PROMOTION POLICY

High School students must have earned the following units to move up in classification:

*Sophomore – 4 units including 1 unit each in language arts and math or 1 unit in language arts and enrolled in a unit of math or 1 unit in math and enrolled in a unit of language arts

*Junior – 10 units including 2 units each in language arts and math or 2 units in language arts, 1 unit in math and enrolled in a unit of math

*Senior – 16 units including 3 units each in language arts and math or 3 units in language arts, 2 units in math and enrolled in a math unit

A= 93-100; B=85-92; C=77-84; D=70-76; F=0-69

Courses	Units Required	Already Has	Currently Taking	Still Needs

English	4
Math	4
Science	3
Social Studies	1
US History	1
Government	.5
Economics	.5
PE or JROTC	1
Keyboarding	1
Integrated Business Applications	1
Foreign Language or Occupational Elective	1
Electives	6

Note: Your achievement level on the HSAP must be at least a “2” on each section to pass.

3 units—Laboratory sciences from at least 2 different fields (Physical Science does not count)

Be sure to check with individual colleges for any additional admissions requirements

Students may add or drop a course within the first five days without penalty. Students who withdraw from a course after ten days will be assigned a WF and the F will be calculated in the student’s overall grade point average/ratio.

**Seniors should be diligent in checking with guidance regarding deadlines for college applications and any scholarships that may apply.

Union County High School has a comprehensive media center and a professional staff dedicated to providing services to students and faculty. Media center hours are 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No passes are required before or after school. Students may come to the media center during the school day with a pass from a teacher to do research or check out material as long as their behavior is acceptable. Media center privileges may be revoked for violation of library rules. Books are checked out for three weeks and may be renewed for an additional week. Students must pay for lost or damaged books.

Textbooks are furnished by the state at no cost to the student and are issued at the beginning of the term. Students are responsible for the care and security of books issued to them. Students must pay for lost, stolen, or damaged books. To avoid damage and excessive wear, students are expected to keep book covers on books issued to them.

Each student will be provided with a locker. Locks are rented to students for $6. No privately owned locks are to be used. Students are expected to keep lockers clean and secured. Sharing of lockers is not permitted. All lockers are subject to inspection by the administration. Students will be charged $6 for lost locks.

Union County Schools require medication verification forms to be on file in the school office before any medication can be dispensed to students. Parents must sign the verification form which will be maintained in the student’s record. Short term (3 weeks or less) and long term (more than 3 weeks) prescription medication or over-the-counter medication forms must be completed as appropriate. Verbal or informal written parental permission for the administration of medication may be accepted for one day. All medication (except cough drops) must be turned into the office in its original container marked with the student’s name, physician’s name, and dosage instructions. The administrative staff will administer and secure the medication. A medication log will be maintained in the office. Any changes must be requested on a Medication Change form. All medication forms must be resubmitted each school term. Forms may be obtained from the office.

TRANSPORTATION

School bus transportation is available to all students who live a mile and one half or more from the school. School rules apply on regular bus routes and on extracurricular trips, while waiting for buses, or riding buses. Instructions of bus drivers are to be obeyed. Misconduct may result in loss of bus riding privileges and other disciplinary action. Bus transportation to extracurricular activities will be used unless permission to ride with a parent has been arranged through the activity sponsor.

CAFETERIA

Breakfast and lunch are available to all students in the school cafeteria. Free or reduced-price meals are available to those who qualify. Meal cards will be used to account for meals. Good behavior in the cafeteria is required. Cutting in line is not permitted. Students are expected to help keep the cafeteria clean. Those found littering the cafeteria are subject to disciplinary action. Food or drink is not to be removed from the cafeteria. Students may bring a bag lunch, but food from home or restaurants will not be delivered to students at school.

The UCHS campus is closed to the public. Visitors must report to the office upon arrival on the grounds. Students are not allowed to leave the campus during the school day without permission from the administration.

Pursuant to state law (Act 373 of 1994), persons entering school property are deemed to have consented to a search of their person and property. Students who refuse to submit to a lawful search or to surrender contraband when lawfully directed will be suspended with recommendation for expulsion. UCHS uses RAID, Inc. throughout the school year for searches.

LOST AND FOUND

Any article found in and around the school should be turned into the office where the owner may claim his/her property by properly identifying it. Students found to be improperly in possession of others’ property are subject to disciplinary action.

The school building (with the exception of the office, cafeteria, library, and guidance) parking lots, and the stadium/gym are off limits before first bell and during lunch. In the event of inclement weather, the cafetorium will be open for students before school and during lunch. The parking lots are off limits during the school day. Students are not permitted in these areas unless authorized. Sitting in parked vehicles is not permitted. Vending machines are off limits during class time. The faculty lounge and faculty restrooms are off limits to students.

The principal or assistant principals will have the right to determine who is operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner by observation. No other proof besides his/her professional judgment is needed.

2. No fast or dangerous driving, excessive noise, reckless driving, careening, spinning of tires or parking in an unauthorized area.

3. Weapons, any tobacco product, and other illegal substances are illegal on campus and are therefore not permitted in vehicles. Act 373 of 1994 states: Pursuant to state law, persons entering school property are deemed to have consented to a search of their person and property. RAID, Inc. will conduct searches of vehicles.

6. When a vehicle is in operation on campus, the driver and any passengers must be inside the vehicle, seated and wearing a seatbelt. Under no circumstances are vehicles to be operated with persons riding on the outside of the vehicle (riding on hoods or tops of cars or back of pickup trucks).

7. Upon arrival to school, students should lock their vehicles and enter the school immediately. No loitering in or around vehicles is permitted; including standing, and or waiting for other people in the parking lot.

8. Parking lots are restricted areas during the school day, therefore students may not go to the parking lot unless they receive permission from an administrator or an approved early dismissal.

9. Vehicles are subject to periodic checks throughout the day by Union County High School SRO.

e. Any areas marked with No Parking signs or designated by the principal as off limits.

13. All vehicles must have a current parking permit clearly displayed at all times.

CONSEQUENCES: 1^st offense-2 weeks 2^nd offense-30 days 3^rd offense-revoked

Disorderly conduct includes any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school, or the frequency or seriousness of which disturb the classroom or school.

The staff will follow these basic enforcement procedures in instances of disorderly conduct.

· When the staff member observes (or is notified about and verifies) an offense, the staff member will take immediate action to correct the misconduct. The staff member will use an appropriate sanction, and maintain a record of the misconduct and the sanction.

· If certain misconduct is not immediately correctable, the staff member should refer the problem to the appropriate administrator for action specified under this policy.

· The administrator should meet with the reporting staff member, and, if necessary, the student and the parent, and should effect the appropriate disciplinary action.

· The staff may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct that may include, but are not limited to, the following.

Disruptive conduct includes those activities in which students engage that are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative sanctions and court proceedings.

The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student engages in the activity more than one time.

· refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aides or chaperons) whose responsibilities include supervision of students

· possession or use of unauthorized substances, as defined by law or local school board policy

· illegally occupying or blocking school property in any way with the intent to deprive others of its use

The staff will follow these basic enforcement procedures in instances of disruptive conduct.

· When the administrator observes (or is notified and verifies) an offense, he/she will investigate the circumstances of the misconduct and confer with staff on the extent of the consequences.

· The administrator will notify the parent of the student's misconduct and related proceedings. The administrator will meet with the student and, if necessary, the parents, confer with them about the student's misconduct, and effect the appropriate disciplinary action.

· The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct that may include, but are not limited to the following.

- restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

Criminal conduct includes those activities in which students engage that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school. These activities usually require administrative actions that result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the board.

· furnishing, selling or possession of controlled substances (drugs, narcotics or poisons including counterfeit drugs)

· distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture or unlawful possession of a controlled substance while in or within a radius of one-half mile of school grounds

· threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a teacher, principal or members of their immediate family

The staff will follow these basic enforcement procedures in instances of criminal conduct.

· When an administrator observes (or is notified of and verifies) an offense, the administrator will confer with the staff involved, effect the appropriate disciplinary action, and, if appropriate, meet with the student.

· If warranted, the administrator should immediately remove the student from the school environment. The administrator will notify a parent as soon as possible.

· The administration may apply sanctions in cases of criminal conduct that may include, but are not limited to, the following.

- restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

The board may give the appropriate administrator the authority to consider extenuating, mitigating or aggravating circumstances that may exist in a particular case of misconduct. The administrator should consider such circumstances in determining the most appropriate sanction.

Disabled students are not exempt from school disciplinary processes, nor are they entitled to remain in a particular educational program when their conduct substantially impairs the education of other children in the program. However, federal and state laws and regulations require the public schools to meet the individual educational needs of disabled children to the extent that current educational expertise permits.

A disabled student's staffing committee may prescribe or prohibit specified disciplinary measures for an individual student by including appropriate provisions in the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). The committee must take into consideration the student's disabling condition when deciding whether or not staff may use a particular form of discipline. Administrative authorities should observe any such provisions contained in a disabled student's individual education plan, except that a staffing committee may not prohibit the initiation of proceedings for suspension or expulsion that are conducted in accordance with regulation.

The administration may suspend a disabled student unless a suspension is prohibited by the student's individual education plan. At the end of the suspension, the school should return the student to the same educational placement, if appropriate. The school may suspend students for up to nine days for a minor disciplinary infraction but for not more than 30 days in any one school year (five days on block scheduling).

However, students who bring weapons to school or a school function or knowingly possess or use illegal drugs or solicit the sale of controlled substances while at school or a school function may be removed for up to 45 days at a time. If school officials believe that a child with a disability is substantially likely to injure self or others in the child's regular placement, they may ask an impartial hearing officer to order that the child be removed to an interim alternative educational setting for a period up to 45 days.

Expulsion of a disabled student is equivalent to a change in educational placement and therefore requires special procedures. Before a disabled student may be expelled, a multi-disciplinary team must determine whether or not there is a connection or causal relationship between the disabling condition and the misconduct. If so, then expulsion resulting in cessation of educational services for the student would be unallowable.

The district will continue to provide a free and appropriate education as set forth in a student's IEP to expelled students with disabilities.

Nothing contained in this administrative rule will be construed as limiting an administrator's ability to remove a disabled student from school immediately under emergency conditions.

A school community, in meeting its educational responsibilities, must establish guidelines and procedures for appropriate student behavior. Students are expected to respect the rights of others persons, whether they be faculty members or fellow students. The correctness of one’s conduct is determined in the final analysis by whether or not that conduct interferes with the rights and privileges of others. Each student is under the direct control of all staff members. Standard procedures for disciplinary infractions will be enforced fairly, promptly, and equitably to every student.

One of the first priorities of Union County School District is to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all students so that student achievement can be maximized. Safety Is Paramount! The development of self-discipline is an important part of a student’s education. By accepting and fulfilling appropriate responsibilities, students will acquire the self-discipline that is necessary to function effectively in society.

A. The school district will provide an environment which encourages each student to:

1.Be accountable for his/her own actions and realize that with privileges there are responsibilities.

4.Know and abide by Union County School District Policies and school level rules.

B. Given an environment which encourages the student to acquire self-discipline, each student has the responsibility to:

9.Dress in a manner that provides for personal safety and does not disrupt others.

The level of the consequence depends upon the severity of the breach of conduct. The administration reserves the right to increase the consequence. For example, a very serious first offense may receive punishment at the level of a third offense. The administrator has the right, based on his/her professional judgment and the circumstances of the offense, to make decisions on the level of the consequence.

If a school administrator assigns a student to ISS, he/she will be taken out of the regular classroom and scheduled for a detention classroom for the number of days of his/her consequence. A student who does not cooperate with the ISS supervisor will be given OSS.

When a school administrator assigns a student to OSS, the student will be denied the privilege of attending school for the number of days of his/her consequence. This will apply to students attending any school sponsored activities whether during school or after school hours.

Level I - Disorderly Conduct
No.	Breach of Conduct	Consequence(s)
		First Offense	Second Offense		Third Offense
370	Littering (throwing or leaving paper, debris, cans, food, etc., on school grounds, picnic tables, café tables	MD, ASD, DH	MD, ASD, DH		MD, ASD, DH
200	Being in an unauthorized or restricted area or out of class without a pass	MD, ASD, DH	MD, ASD, DH		MD, ASD, DH
170	Cutting Activity	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
160	Cutting one class	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
150	Cutting school (more than one class)	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
151	Truant – Ages 6-17 with 3 consecutive unlawful absences or 5 total unlawful absences	See District Attendance / Truancy Policy	See District Attendance / Truancy Policy		See District Attendance / Truancy Policy
152	Habitual Truant – Ages 12-17 who fails to comply with the Truant intervention plan.	See District Attendance / Truancy Policy	See District Attendance / Truancy Policy		See District Attendance / Truancy Policy
153	Chronic Truant – Ages 12-17 that has reached a level of Habitual Truant and has been referred to family court.	See District Attendance / Truancy Policy	See District Attendance / Truancy Policy		See District Attendance / Truancy Policy
310	Leaving campus without permission or transporting another student w/o permission	1 days ISS-Loss of parking permit for 30 days	2 days ISS- Loss of parking permit for 45 days		1 day OSS- Loss of parking permit for remainder of year
320	Leaving class without permission	1 days ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
190	Cheating	1 days ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
210	Profanity	1 days ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
420	Lying to a member of school staff/Disrespect	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
410	Use of a forged pass, note, parking permit or school document	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
082	Possession of obscene literature pictures, videos, devices, etc. Also includes Internet material	1 day ISS; Materials will be taken and returned to parents	1 day OSS; material confiscated; returned to parents		5 days OSS; material confiscated; returned to parents
083	Distribution of obscene literature, pictures, videos, devices, etc.	1 day OSS; material confiscated; returned to parents	3 days OSS; material confiscated; returned to parents		5 days OSS; material confiscated; returned to parents
270	Lack of cooperation with school staff/Refusal to Obey	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
240	Loitering	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
024	Minor disruptions	MD	1 day ISS		2 days ISS
023	Arguing among students	1 day ISS	2 days ISS		1 day OSS
025	Disruptive behavior	Depending upon the severity of the disruption, consequences can range from 1 day OSS to recommendation for expulsion and/or referral to authorities.
290	Abusive, improper language or gestures between or among students	MD, ASD, DH		1 day ISS		1 day OSS
063	Failure to stay for MD, ASD, DH	1 day ISS
022	Disruption during assembly	Depending on the severity of the disruption, consequences can range from removal from the assembly and/or denial of assembly privileges for the remainder of the school year and/or up to recommendation for expulsion and/or referral to authorities.
180	Classroom tardies	Handled according to tardy policy
080	Hats, toys, radios, tape players, CD players, cards, cell phones, etc., at school	Items will be taken and returned to parents or student after parental conference 2^nd offense is 1 day ISS and the device will be returned at the end of the school year. 3^rd offense 1 day OSS and the device will not be returned.
084	Distribution of materials or conducting sales of fundraising activities without permission from the principal	First offense will be a parental conference. Items will be taken and returned to the parent or guardian. Subsequent offenses will be handled under Level II of this code
280	Indecent dress; violation of dress code to include piercings other than ears	Students will be asked to change. Students may report to ISS until appropriately dressed.- Subsequent offenses will be handled under Level II of this code.

Level II - Disruptive Conduct
No.	Breach of Conduct	Consequence(s)
		First Offense		Second Offense		Third Offense
230	Use or possession of tobacco products at any function or activity including athletic events.	2 days OSS parent conference		3 days OSS; probation Referral to Superintendent’s Office. Parent conference		5 days OSS; and/or recommended expulsion; parent conference
031	Petty Theft (up to $10.00)	1 day OSS and restitution		2 days OSS and restitution		5 days OSS and restitution
032	Minor Theft ($10.00 to $100.00)	1 day OSS and restitution		5 days OSS; restitution; and/or recommended expulsion
041	Petty vandalism (up to $10.00)	1 day OSS and restitution		2 days OSS and restitution			3 days OSS and restitution
042	Minor vandalism ($10.00 to $100.00)	3 days OSS and restitution		5 days OSS; restitution; and/or recommended expulsion
033	Receiving and/or possession of stolen goods (less than $10.00)	1 day OSS and restitution		2 days OSS and restitution	3 days OSS and restitution
034	Receiving and/or possession of stolen goods ($10.00 to $100.00)	3 days OSS		5 days OSS; restitution; and/or recommended expulsion
010	Fighting	Depending upon the situation and number of offenses, punishment can range from 5 days OSS to recommendation for expulsion; authorities notified; warrants signed.
052	Threats and/or intimidation of other students	2 days OSS	3 days OSS		5 days OSS and recommended expulsion; notification of authorities
090	Verbal sexual harassment (Refer to district policy)	1 day OSS; parent conference required	3 days OSS; parent conference required		5 days OSS; recommended expulsion
071	Trespassing; on campus and/or participating in school activity while under suspension; on campus illegally	Punishment can range from 1 day of OSS and/or recommendation for expulsion; notification of authorities and warrants signed
051	Abusive behavior; improper language or gestures to school staff; officials	Sent home immediately; punishment may range from 3 to 5 days OSS and/or recommended expulsion; notification of authorities; warrants signed
271	Insubordination and/or refusal to obey school personnel, (or agents such as aides or chaperones), at school or away	Sent home immediately; punishment may range from 3 to 5 days OSS and/or recommended expulsion; notification of authorities; warrants signed
073	Unlawful assembly	Sent home immediately; punishment may range from 3 to 5 days OSS and/or recommended expulsion; notification of authorities; warrants signed
250	Gang Activity	Sent home immediately; punishment may range from 3 to 5 days OSS and/or recommended expulsion; notification of authorities; warrants signed
260	Bomb Threat	Sent home immediately; punishment may range from 3 to 5 days OSS and/or recommended expulsion; notification of authorities; warrants signed
350	Fire Alarm	Sent home immediately; punishment may range from 3 to 5 days OSS and/or recommended expulsion; notification of authorities; warrants signed
220	Misuse of technology resources; computers and the Internet (See also number 8)	Revocation of access privileges and/or other disciplinary action under school codes. Criminal or civil offense may result in legal action.

Level III Criminal Conduct *
No.	Breach of Conduct * See Consequences Below
No.	Breach of Conduct * See Consequences Below
500	Arson
510	Assault, Aggravation
520	Assault, Simple
530	Bribery
540	Burglary
550	Counterfeit/Forgery
560	Disturb School
570	Drug Distribute
580	Drug Possession
590	Embezzlement
600	Extortion
610	Forced Sex Offense
620	Fraud
630	Gambling
640	Homicide
650	Threatening, abusing, intimidating a faculty/staff member
660	Kidnap/abduction
670	Major theft (more than $100)
680	Liquor Law violation; Possession, use, or under the influence of alcohol; furnishing selling, possession or use of any controlled substance (drugs, narcotics, or counterfeit) or unauthorized substance.
690	Non-force sexual offense; physical sexual harassment; indecent exposure
700	Other Offenses: Major fighting (endangers the safety of others and/or refusal to stop fighting and/or having to be restrained to stop); Lynching; Assault and Battery; Extortion; Bomb or Fire Threats; 911 calls; False Alarms; Pulling Fire Alarms; Possessing or igniting fireworks or explosive devices (smoke bombs, stink bombs, firecrackers, etc.); Arson; Breaking and Entering
710	Pornography
720	Sexual offense; Prostitution; Physical Sexual Harassment; Indecent Exposure;
730	Robbery
740	Receiving stolen property (more than $100)
760	Major vandalism (more than $100); Major Theft (more than $100)
770	Vehicle theft
780	Possession or transfer of dangerous weapon; use or display of weapon in a threatening manner other than those listed in 781,782,783
781	Possession or transfer of handguns; use or display of a handgun in a threatening manner
782	Possession or transfer of rifles/shotguns; use or display of rifles/shotguns in a threatening manner
783	Possession or transfer of other firearms; use or display of other firearms in a threatening manner
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*Consequences for all Level III Offenses: OSS up to 10 days and/or recommended expulsion; permanent expulsion, notification of law enforcement; warrants signed.

Students may have a maximum of 4 morning / after school detentions after which ISS will be assigned for minor repeat offenses. Students may attend ISS for a maximum of 3/4 visits. After these visits, all referrals will be assigned consequences involving OSS. Out-of-school suspensions totaling more than 5/6 days will warrant an expulsion hearing.

A student may be suspended or recommended for expulsion for committing any crime, gross immorality, gross misbehavior, persistent disobedience, or for violating the written rules and regulations established by any Union County School District school and/or the Union County School District Board of Trustees. A student may also be suspended or recommended for expulsion when his/her presence is detrimental to the best interest of the school. Any student who has been expelled, except for permanent expulsions, shall have the right to petition for readmission for the succeeding school year. Expulsion shall not automatically preclude enrollment and attendance at any adult or night school. Students who have been expelled must also have permission to attend summer school or adult education programs.

The level of the consequence depends upon the severity of the breach of conduct. The administration reserves the right to increase the consequence

Students in Union County School District schools need to be aware that criminal activities, committed on school grounds and/or at school functions, must, by state law, be reported to the authorities and will result in police intervention. Just because a student is in the school building or on school grounds, he/she is not exempted from legal action or being arrested by the police.

The Board of Trustees adopts the stipulations of the Safe and Drug Free Schools Act passed by the SC Legislature. This act states that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance (depressant, stimulants, counterfeit, or illegal drug) unless obtained from or pursuant to a valid prescription or ordered by a practitioner. Any students who violate this act are subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school and prosecution by law enforcement officers. In addition, students are to be notified that any person over eighteen years of age who distributes a controlled substance to any person under eighteen years of age shall be imprisoned with no suspension and no probation as provided for by the Drug Act.

Students are not allowed to knowingly possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate or marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind:

A. On the school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours.

B. On the school grounds at any other time when school is being used or by any school group.

Students properly using a drug authorized especially for them by a medical prescription from a registered physician are not considered violators of this policy. However, the student must be in compliance with the District’s policy on use of medications.

Students guilty of a combination of offenses (possession, use, under the influence, transmission) are to be disciplined in accordance with the penalty prescribed for the most serious of the multiple offenses.

Note: State law extends and carries severe penalties for possession, attempted distribution or sale, distribution, sale, or use of any controlled substance or paraphernalia within one-half mile of any school property.

*Possession is construed to mean on the person him/herself, in his/her locker, books, desk, automobile, or any other student property which at the time is or was on school property.

**A distinction is to be made between the casual distribution or transfer of drugs and the so-called “pusher”. A student guilty of the casual sharing of drugs is considered being in “possession”.

Under the provisions of a law passed by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, and based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision, searches will be conducted according to the following guidelines:

A. Any person entering the Union County School District property shall be deemed to have consented to a reasonable search of his person and effects.

B. School officials may conduct reasonable searches on school property of lockers, desks, vehicles, and personal belongings such as purses, wallets, and satchels with or without probable cause.

C. School principals or their designees may conduct reasonable searches of the person and property of visitors on school premises.

E. Lockers are school property and are loaned to students as a convenience. Therefore, the administration reserves the right to search a student’s locker at Union County School District School. This includes hall, gym, and athletic lockers. Students cannot expect their lockers to be free from inspection when the administration considers a search necessary to maintain the safety or the integrity of the school.

F. The school and the administration reserves the right to seize any prohibited item defined in this policy. Items that are not illegal but banned from the campus shall be turned over to the parents or returned to the student at the end of the school year. Items that are illegal (weapons, drugs, etc.) will be turned over to law enforcement authorities.

Union County School District has contracted with an outside agency to assist with periodic, unannounced searches of the school, school grounds, and all personal property on school grounds. The outside agency uses highly trained dogs to search for a variety of contraband to include, but not limited to, drugs and weapons.

Be aware that vehicles and other personal property are subject to search as by state law. If any contraband is found, law enforcement officials will be contacted. Parents will be contacted, and an arrest is likely. Contraband may include but is not limited to the following: Any type of illegal drug or controlled substance; any kind of weapon. Please note that many times the searches will result in discipline offenses for tobacco violations, beepers, cellular phones, etc.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO DISCOURAGE AND HOPEFULLY PREVENT ILLEGAL AND PROHIBITED MATERIAL FROM ENTERING UNION COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY SO THAT A SAFE AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT IS POSSIBLE. ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY AND PEOPLE ON UNION COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY (NOT JUST STUDENTS) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS POLICY.

It is the policy of Union County School District that students shall not be permitted to use or possess tobacco products while on school grounds, in the school buildings, on buses, or during any other time that the student is under the direct administrative jurisdiction of the school whether on or off the school grounds. The consequences for violations of the district policy prohibiting the use or possession of tobacco are listed in the discipline code.

Students are warned that this policy applies to all school sponsored activities including field trips and athletic events such as football games - regardless of time of day and location. (Students in violation of the tobacco policy may also be assigned to special tobacco education programs. If assigned, attendance is mandatory.)

Students who accumulate a number of small offenses, two or more major offenses, or a combination thereof may be placed on a behavior contract. Violation of that contract could result in a recommendation for expulsion. The principal will determine when violations of the code are to a point that such an action should be taken.

Students who misbehave at any school-sponsored event, such as a dance, prom, band contest, or athletic event, can lose the privilege of attending such events. The administration reserves the right to prevent any student from attending a school - sponsored event if it deems that the student’s presence could create a disruption or could endanger the safety or property of other persons. Students who are representing a Union County School District school in extracurricular activities are expected to conduct themselves properly. This includes all activities or field trips that are sponsored or approved by the school. If a student loses the privilege to attend after-school or extracurricular activities, he/she will also lose the privilege to represent a Union County School District school for part or all of the school year in progress. The administration shall have the right to set the time that such a prohibition shall be in effect.

All students are expected to conduct themselves properly in the cafeteria. Students who leave trays, throw food, or create disturbances, etc. can be given work detention or can be banned from using the cafeteria for a period of time. Offenses can also be handled using the Union County School District Discipline Code.

Public Display of Affection (PDA) is limited to handholding. Breaches of conduct will be reported to the parents and further handled according to the Union County School District Discipline policy.

Laser Pointers, Skateboards, In-Line Skates, Radios, Tape Recorders, CD Players, Playing Cards, Etc.

No laser pointer, skateboards, in-line skates (rollerblades), radios, tape recorders, compact disk players, water guns, cards, or other disruptive devices or any items that could prove harmful to others are permitted to be brought to school or on the school buses. Any deviation from this rule will require permission of the principal. These items will be confiscated by administration.

1. ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE. For legitimate business, they will be issued a visitors pass. The pass will give the time and location of their business. Visitors are not to deviate from the information on the pass.

2. To insure an uninterrupted instructional program, visits by students from other schools or other out-of-school students are not allowed except with the permission of the principal. Students may not bring guests to school without advanced permission from the principal. Only currently enrolled students will be permitted in class unless exceptions are granted by the principal.

3. Receiving visitors who sit in parked cars or come on the school campus during lunch or any other time of the school day is not permitted.

4. Parents are welcome. An office appointment to confer with a teacher during an unscheduled period may be made by telephoning and requesting guidance. Visits to class may be arranged as well.

5. Students who are absent, suspended, or expelled are not to be on school grounds without prior approval of the principal. Such a violation is trespassing.

6. Persons found on school grounds illegally are subject to arrest under provisions of Article 16-551 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

7. The principal is empowered to take appropriate actions against non-students who invade the buildings, grounds, or other school property, including state-owned school buses. Such action will include the right to call police authorities and swear out warrants.

8. Persons found in violation of the law given above may be issued a trespass notice barring them from the campus at all times provided they are respectful and cooperative. If the person found on campus in violation of the law becomes obnoxious or threatening, they will be arrested and charged. Persons issued a trespass notice may not attend any school functions or sponsored events during the time period that the notice is in effect.

9. Anyone who has legally been permitted on the campus who becomes obnoxious, loud, disruptive, and/or threatening will be subject to arrest as well. Such behaviors will not be tolerated.

A. Students are to be in the halls only during class changes. During class, students will have a pass from a teacher stating the reason for being in the halls.

B. Students should expect to be challenged by any faculty member when found in the halls during class and will cooperate in providing information as to their business.

D. Students should walk to the right side of the hall at a normal speed. Running is not permitted.

Each school will determine the hours during which students are permitted in the building on school days. Each school will determine the hours during which the library and guidance centers will open and close. Students should not be in the buildings after hours unless they are under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Students may not loiter about the building or on campus after their daily programs or night activities are completed.

Union County School District strives to provide a healthy and nutritious food service program. A variety of food choices are provided as much as practical. Union County School District discourages the practice of having commercial restaurant food brought to students during the lunch period. Lunch periods are restricted in time and supervision. The logistics of getting food to students causes a disruption in the administrator’s ability to properly supervise students. Students may bring lunches from home to consume during the lunch period at places so designated for other students. Parents are cautioned that refrigeration of lunches is not possible. Students with medical dietary needs can be accommodated in the regular lunch program as well. Parents should contact the principal regarding this matter. Some students are allergic to certain types of foods (for example, peanuts). The principal will handle such matters on a case by case basis. This may mean that certain foods will be prohibited or that such foods may be consumed in particular places.

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