Forest Hills High School

Forest Hills High School

Mission Statement

Helping all students reach their highest potential

We Are Building… 

Welcome Back to the 2024- 2025 school year. I hope you are healthy, well-rested, and excited to start a new school year. Last year was an amazing year and words can’t express how proud I was of each and every one of you. You showed resilience, flexibility, dedication, and most of all a caring attitude for your classmates, staff, and our community. We have a lot of work to do this year and “We are Building” something special and it is more than a new school!

• We are building resilient problem solvers.

• We are building lifelong learners.

• We are building skilled collaborators.

• We are building pathways for success.

• We are building key contributors.

• We are building innovative leaders and thinkers. 

• We are building a brighter future for all our students.

• We are building stronger relationships within our community.

• WE ARE BUILDING…

As we go into the 2024-2025 school year I want you to think about WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING?  

Forest Hills High School

Bell Schedule

Warning Bell 8:29

1^st Block 8:35-10:00 (85)

2^nd Block 10:05-11:30 (85)

3^rd Block 11:35-1:25 (110)

3-1 Block 12:00-1:25 (85)

3-2 Block 11:35-12:00/12:30-1:25 (80)

3-3 Block 11:35-12:30/1:00-1:25 (80)

3-4 Block 11:35-1:00 (85)

IR Block 1:30-2:05 (35)

4^th Block 2:10-3:35 (85)

Lunch Schedule

1^st Lunch (3-1) 11:30-11:55 (25)

2^nd Lunch (3-2) 12:00-12:25 (25)

3^rd Lunch (3-3) 12:30-12:55 (25)

4^th Lunch (3-4) 1:00-1:25 (25)

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Forest Hills High School neither practices nor condones discrimination in any form against students, employees, or applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability.  For more information regarding sex discrimination or service for persons with disabilities, please contact

Union County Public Schools

400 N. Church Street

Monroe, N. C. 28112

Phone: 704-296-9898

Check-In/Check Out

Students who arrive late to school should sign in at the front office. Students must have parental permission to check out in the office regardless of age.  Only those listed in contact information for students are allowed to pick up /sign out students during the school day.

Personal Phone Calls 

Students cannot take personal phone calls from anyone during instructional time.  If a parent/guardian needs to reach their child, they may leave a message with the front office, and it will be delivered during the student’s next class change or while the student is at lunch. Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Tardy Policy

Students should be in their classroom when the bell rings each instructional block.  Students who are not in their classroom when the bell rings should be let into the classroom and marked tardy unless they have a valid hall pass from another staff member at FHHS.  Being tardy at the beginning of the day will be handled the same as being tardy any other block. If a student returns from lunch late, the teacher will treat it just as any other tardy.

For any block, if a student is more than 15 minutes late, the student will be marked absent.  For 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th blocks, any student who arrives more than five minutes late for class should be marked tardy, and a discipline referral should be filed with the student’s administrator for cutting. There will be an escalating consequence for every 3^rd tardy to each class. 

Early Sign Outs

Per UCPS and FHHS Policy, any student who signs out 15 minutes prior to the end of a block will be counted absent from that block (1^st block-9:45, 2^nd block-11:15, 3^rd block-1:10, 4^th block-3:20). 

Per FHHS Policy, any student who signs out between the 15-minute mark and end of the block will be assessed an early sign-out. Early sign-outs will be treated just like tardies. 

As always, if you bring back a medical note, dental note, or note proving you were on official government business, the absence or early leave will be excused and will not accumulate towards any consequence. 

Hall Passes

Students should be in no place other than those designated by teachers or school officials without permission.  Students who are not in class during regular class hours must have a hall pass and produce it upon a staff member's request.  Students with Early  Leave must leave campus as soon as possible following their last class.

Bus Transportation

Students living one or more miles from school are eligible for free bus transportation.  Students must be at their designated bus stop ten  (10) minutes before bus arrival.  By state law, bus stop locations must be no closer than two-tenths of a mile apart.  Students may be required to walk up to half (1/2) a mile.  Riding a bus is a privilege, not a right.  Therefore, a student may be denied this privilege as a result of misbehavior, in addition to other penalties.  UCPS Board Policy and Forest Hills High School discipline guidelines apply to bus riders.  Any questions regarding routes, buses, or drivers should be directed to the Director of Transportation, G. Scott Denton, at 704-296-3015.  

Athletics

Forest Hills High School is a member of the Rocky River Conference and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A classification. Other conference schools are Anson, East Montgomery, Central Academy, Mt. Pleasant, and West Stanly. 

Forest Hills currently offers students opportunities to participate in these sports:

Cheerleading (JV / Varsity) Cross Country (Boys / Girls)

Football (Boys JV / Varsity) Tennis (Boys / Girls Varsity) 

Soccer (Boys / Girls Varsity) Volleyball (Girls JV / Varsity)

Basketball (Boys / Girls JV / Varsity)               Wrestling (Varsity)

Swimming (Boys/Girls Varsity) Indoor Track (Boys/Girls Varsity)

Baseball (Boys JV / Varsity) Softball (JV / Varsity)

Track (Boys / Girls) Golf (Boys)

JV teams may be added or not fielded based on the number of qualified participants each year.

Participating in high school athletics is a privilege, not a right. Team members are subject to removal or suspension from any team at the coach’s discretion. You must also be present at school on the day of any athletic event that you are a team member of.

Athletic Eligibility Requirements

1. Scholastic:

a. Must pass three (3) subjects during the previous semester

b. Must pass English each year to meet local promotion standards

c. Must take 3 classes per semester. EXCEPTION: Seniors during their LAST semester may take only two if on a flex schedule

2. Age: must not turn 19 on or before August 31st

3. Insurance: Must pay a $10 athletic fee for the year

4. Physical: Must have a current physical on file (good for 395 days)

5. Concussion packet: Must turn in the Concussion packet BEFORE the first practice

COUNTY EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES:

1. Any student who is charged with a felony, Class A1 misdemeanor, or a Class I misdemeanor or is petitioned for an offense that would be a felony or a Class I misdemeanor if committed by an adult will be removed from all current teams and/or activities for a minimum of twenty (20) school days, and will remain ineligible until such time as the courts render the findings in the case.  Students who are found not guilty or the charges are dismissed will be eligible for reinstatement to the team or activity immediately.  Pleas of “No Contest” or as part of a deferred prosecution or “Prayer for Judgment Continued” (PJC) will be considered convictions for purposes of these guidelines. In the case of co-curricular activities, the student will attend class and complete work related to the class but cannot represent the school in any manner during an extra-curricular component of the class. If there are mitigating circumstances, the student may request a review of the evidence surrounding the charge by the Superintendent or his designee. The student is ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities until a final decision is rendered by the Superintendent or his designee. 

2. Any student-athlete who is convicted of a felony or is adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult is barred from participation in interscholastic athletics for the remainder of his/her high school career per NCHSAA guidelines. Students involved in other extracurricular or co-curricular activities who are found guilty of a felony or are adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult are not eligible to represent the school in such activities for the remainder of their high school careers. Students found guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor, a Class I misdemeanor or are adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult are not eligible to participate in teams and/or activities for the remainder of the school year.  These guidelines also apply to middle school students; however, eligibility is restored once the student first enters ninth grade per NCHSAA guidelines.

3. Any student charged with a Class II or III misdemeanor or is petitioned for an offense that would be a Class II or III misdemeanor if committed by an adult that takes place on school grounds, during a school-sponsored event, or in the course of representing the school will be removed from all current teams and/or activities for a minimum of twenty (20) school days, and will remain ineligible until such time as the courts render findings in the case. Students who are found not guilty or the charges are dismissed will be eligible for reinstatement to the team or activity immediately.  Pleas of “No Contest” or as part of a deferred prosecution or “Prayer for Judgment Continued” (PJC) will be considered convictions for purposes of these guidelines. In the case of co-curricular activities, the student will attend class and complete work related to the class but cannot represent the school in any manner during an extra-curricular component of the class. If there are mitigating circumstances, the student may request a review of the evidence surrounding the charge by the principal.  Students found guilty of Class II or III misdemeanor or are adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a Class II or III misdemeanor if committed by an adult are not Middle and High School Students eligible to participate in teams and/or activities for the remainder of the semester. 

4.   Mitigating circumstances may include

1. having no history of disciplinary problems;

2. having a significant amount of time pass since the student’s last disciplinary problem;

3. being a passive participant or playing a minor role in the offense;

4. reasonably believing the conduct was legal;

5. acting under strong provocation;

6. aiding in the discovery of another offender;a

7. making a full and truthful statement admitting guilt at an early stage in the investigation of the offense;

8. displaying an appropriate attitude and giving respectful cooperation during the investigation and discipline process, or mitigating circumstances do NOT exist solely because of demonstrated prowess in a sport or activity or the potential of scholarships or grants in aid.

5.   A second unrelated felony or misdemeanor charge or a juvenile petition for an offense that would be a felony or misdemeanor if committed by an adult will automatically result in removal from all teams and/or activities for the duration of the school year.  Students who are found not guilty or the charges are dismissed will be eligible for reinstatement to the team or activity immediately.

6.  Any student suspended out of school for six (6) days (for a single offense) for high schools on a block schedule or ten (10) days (for a single offense) for high schools on a traditional schedule will receive a ten (10) school-day suspension from any extracurricular activity.  Any middle school student suspended out of school for ten (10) days for a single offense will receive a ten (10) school-day suspension from any extracurricular activity.  Per middle school sports guidelines, a second out-of-school suspension during the sports season will result in the student being removed from the team/squad for the remainder of the season.

7.  National and state organizations, school clubs, and athletic teams with rules or by-laws that prescribe stricter consequences for student misconduct will supersede the above guidelines.

8.  It is expected that all athletic teams will have team rules that address the off-campus behavior of students/athletes regarding drugs and alcohol. These rules should outline consistent consequences that limit and/or prohibit students/athletes' participation in such activities.

9.   Students who are found not guilty will be eligible for reinstatement to the team or activity immediately. Pleas of “No Contest” or as part of a deferred prosecution or “Prayer for Judgment Continued” (PJC) will be considered convictions for purposes of these guidelines, and students must serve the 20-day suspension from activities.

10.  Students involved in co-curricular activities with a required extra-curricular component, such as band, chorus, vocational clubs, etc., will be given alternative assignments to avoid negatively impacting their academic standing in such classes.

11.  Principals are asked to communicate and collaborate in dealing with such situations. This is especially important in charges and arrests involving more than one school. All schools are expected to follow these guidelines.

12.  Students charged with crimes during the summer months shall be subject to these guidelines beginning the first day of the school year if the charges are still pending at that point.

13.  Affected students and their parents will be informed in writing regarding all decisions and actions taken relative to these guidelines.

Lost and Found

Articles found in and around the school should be turned in to the office where the owners may claim their property by identifying it.  Articles not claimed will be donated to a charitable cause. 

Visitors

Parents are welcome to visit Forest Hills High School.  All visitors, however, must report to the main office, sign the visitor’s register, and obtain a visitor’s badge immediately upon arrival on campus.  Students are not to bring guests to school during instructional hours (including lunch).  Due to child nutrition laws, visitors are not allowed to bring commercial food items to students during school hours.  This causes disruption and competition with child nutrition services.  Graduates of Forest Hills High School who have made prior arrangements may visit teachers during planning times or may secure transcripts and other records from Guidance.  Visitors not complying with this policy will be asked to leave campus.  

Teacher-invited presenters or guests must be approved by the administration and register in the office before entering a classroom.

Cameras

Students and visitors are advised that security cameras are used on the Forest Hills High School campus.  

Lockers

Lockers are available to students by request.  Students should only use the locker to which they are assigned.  Students are responsible for the locker and lock they are assigned.  A replacement lock or lost lock will cost $5.00.  Students are also responsible for books and other school materials that are lost from unsecured lockers.  Lockers are the property of Forest Hills High School, and students should expect no privacy rights regarding their use.  Lockers are subject to search by school personnel at any time.  

Fire Drills

A fire drill will be held each calendar month.  When the alarm sounds, all personnel should take the roll book and:

1. Know the evacuation route for the occupied room.

2. Move students quickly and quietly out of the building and approximately 500 feet away.  

3. Always assume that a fire alarm is a real thing.

4. Wait outside until you are instructed to return to the building.

5. Other emergency procedure drills will be practiced throughout the year.

Delivery of Flowers and Gifts to Students

No deliveries are accepted.

Student Fines

All previous or current year's fines must be paid to the Bookkeeper.  Students are not allowed to graduate until all fines have cleared in the Bookkeeper’s office.  Beginning July 1, 2005, the following procedures will be in place for any insufficient funds checks returned to Forest Hills High School.  The checks will be electronically collected through a collection agency.  In addition to the face amount of the check, a $25.00 service charge will be electronically charged against your account each time the check is presented for payment.  On any returned checks marked “Stop Payment” or “Account Closed”, the Collection Agency will contact the check writer to collect the check amount and the state fee of $25.00.   After 60 days, any uncollectible check will be returned to the school, and a warrant will be issued through the Union County Sheriff’s Office to the person signing the check.  In addition to the face amount of the check and the service charge, the check will then be subjected to a cost of court charge.

Students should bring the correct amount of money to school.  The office will not make change for students.  All checks are to be made payable to Forest Hills High School. Students must pay all fines with the school bookkeeper before purchasing a parking permit.

Cafeteria

1. No charging is allowed.

2. Each student is responsible for clearing his/her trash, trays, etc.

3. Any events held in the cafeteria must be approved by the cafeteria manager and school administration ten (10) days in advance.  The cafeteria should be left clean and put in order before the next school day.

4. Any disciplinary rules for the school system also apply to behavior in the cafeteria, including disruptive behavior and non-compliance.  Only students making purchases are allowed in line.  Food handled will have to be purchased.

5. Free and reduced forms must be filled out every year and turned in within the 1^st 10 days of school.  

Media Center

The Media Center opens at 8 am daily and closes at 4:00 pm Monday – Thursday and at 3:45 pm on Friday.  Students are welcomed in the media center but need a pass to come in between 8:35 and 3:35. This includes lunch. Students may come in during Jacket Time but must have a pass from their teacher. All students must sign in at the Circulation Desk when they enter the media center.

1. The media center will be sufficiently quiet for those who wish to study.

2. No food or drinks are allowed in the media center.

3. The media center printer will be used for class work only. 

4. Students must abide by the “Use of Computers/Internet” guidelines as defined in the handbook's Student Discipline (Disruptive Behavior- B) section.

Student Chrome books 

All students will be provided with a Google Chrome book and access to all available forms of electronic media and communication, which supports education and research and supports the educational goals and objectives of the Union County Public Schools.

Students are responsible for their ethical and educational use of the technology resources of the Union County Public Schools.

Access to the Union County Public Schools technology resources is a privilege, not a right. Each employee, student, and/or parent will be required to follow the Union County Public Schools Internet Acceptable Use Policy and the Union County Public Schools discipline policies. All Internet browsing will be filtered by UCPS, even at sites other than schools.

School Counseling

The mission of the Forest Hills High School Counseling Department is to provide the resources, support, and advocacy to help all students reach their full potential and become educated and productive citizens. Counselors assist students with academic, career, and personal/social development through planning, collaboration, and exploration. School counselors provide academic planning, career and college exploration, classroom guidance, and both preventative and responsive individual counseling.  The duties and specific responsibilities of each counselor are explained to students at the beginning of each school year. The Counseling Office secretary can make appointments with counselors by calling (704) 296-3025 or emailing. Assistance is always available in case of emergencies.

Parent Conferences

Any parent wishing to set up a conference with their student's teachers should contact the Counseling Office secretary. Counselors will make every effort to be present at parent conferences set up in this manner.

Schedule Changes

Student schedules are made intentionally and consider graduation requirements and past student success. Students are encouraged to be active participants in this process. If a schedule change is desired, they should request a change on one of the pre-designated schedule change days prior to the first day of school. Due to class sizes, teacher allotment, and maximum-allowable teacher-student ratios, not every schedule change request can be honored.

Transcripts

Seniors should request transcripts from the Counseling Office. Students receive four free transcripts to be sent during the year and one final transcript sent after graduation at no charge. Any additional transcript requests may incur a small fee.

Grades

Report cards are distributed every six weeks.  The printout contains a number of grades for class achievement, a conduct grade for each class, and a listing of the number of days absent in each class period. Progress reports are sent home periodically between report cards.

Driver Education and Driving Eligibility Certificate

To register for driver’s education, please visit the Forest Hills High School website and click on Quick Links; registration is now completed online. You must be 14 ½ years old to sign up, and there is a $65 fee (subject to increase).

To receive your Driving Eligibility Certificate, you must bring your Driver Education completion certificate to the Counseling Office. A parent or legal guardian must be present to obtain the Driving Eligibility certificate.

To receive and keep a driver’s license, a student must maintain adequate academic progress, which means passing 70% or more of his/her classes.  At Forest Hills High School, students must pass three out of four-semester classes, or their license will be revoked.  After the fall and spring semesters, students can have their licenses returned if they meet the academic requirements.  Hardship letters will be sent home before a student’s license is revoked. The “Lose Control, Lose Your License” guidelines went into effect on July 1^st, 2000.  This law directs schools to report expulsions, long-term suspensions, and assignments to alternative schools for offenses such as sale or possession of alcohol or illegal controlled substances, weapons, or firearms on school property, or physical assault on any school personnel to the NC Department of Motor Vehicles.  The license or permit may be revoked for these students for one year.

Medication

Students who must take medication of any kind during school hours must obtain a “Request for Medication to be Given During School Hours” form from the office. This form must be completed and signed by a physician and parent.  The completed form and the medication are given to the principal or designee for dispensing.  Students who do not comply will be subject to consequences as defined in the UCPS Board Policy on student discipline.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

 (FERPA) sets out requirements designed to protect the privacy of parents and students.  In brief, the law requires a school district to

• Provide parents access to their child’s educational records.

• Provide a parent an opportunity to seek correction of records he/she believes to be inaccurate or misleading.

• With some exceptions, obtain a parent's written permission before disclosing information in the student’s education record.

Parking Rules and Regulations

Parking a vehicle on campus is considered a privilege for students.  Each student who drives must buy his/her own parking tag.  Students may not share hang tags.  The school or school system does not assume responsibility for damage to private vehicles on campus.  Student drivers must have appropriate auto insurance.

All automobiles parked on school property must be registered with the school and must display a current parking tag on the rearview mirror.  The colored side of the tag must be facing outward.  To purchase a parking tag, students must produce a valid driver’s license, complete registration form, class schedule, and fee.  If license vehicle information changes at any point in the year, please contact the office to update your records. Students driving for a short period (5 days or less) must purchase a temporary permit for $5.00 (as space permits).

Student vehicles parked on school grounds are subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that drugs, alcohol, stolen property, or other contraband might be present in the vehicle.  

1. Parking tags are not transferable.  Students who loan, sell, or otherwise allow another student to use their parking tags will be subject to disciplinary actions. 

2. Students are not permitted to loiter in the parking lots.  Permission must be obtained to return to a parking lot once the school day has begun.   If you do not have written permission to be in the parking lot, you are considered out of the designated area and are subject to disciplinary action.

3. Once a student has arrived on campus, he/she is considered at school.  The only way to leave is to sign out through the office.  Parking privileges may be revoked for violation of this policy.

4. Students may not park in any campus area besides the parking spot assigned to them unless administrators approve it.  Violation of this may result in the suspension of parking privileges.  

5. Students who are persistently late to school may lose their parking privileges, as stated in the school tardy policy. 

6. Reckless driving, including speeding, spinning tires, “off-road” parking or driving, etc., will result in loss of parking privileges.  First or second offense - privilege will be suspended for 20 school days.  Third offense - privileges suspended for the remainder of the school year.

7. Students must pay or clear up all student fees and/or fines with the school bookkeeper before purchasing a parking permit.

8. If a student is in need of an extra hang tag, there will be a charge of $5 per tag.

Forest Hills Attendance 

Forest Hills High School recognizes the importance of attendance to a student’s achievement in school.  Students cannot do their best unless they attend school regularly.  Additionally, Forest Hills recognizes the need to teach our students the importance of regular attendance as a transferable skill to life beyond high school.  Post-secondary education, the military, and the workforce require regular attendance for success.  We feel we do our students a disservice when we do not hold them accountable for regular attendance.  We feel strongly that we are setting our students up for failure if we do not teach them the importance of regular school attendance.

To that end, all parents and students are being notified that Forest Hills High School will use the following attendance policy going forward:

Students will lose credit in a class when they accrue more than 7 unexcused absences.  Students may recover an additional 3 days per class during scheduled attendance recovery sessions each semester.  To be clear, when a student has accrued more than 10 unexcused absences in a class, there will be no option for credit in that course, no matter their final grade. Student-athletes must also be present at school on the day of any athletic event that they are a team member of.

Absences are only considered excused for the following reasons:

1. Doctor, Dentist, Medical Visit (must bring a note from medical office within three days of appointment)

2. Official Government/Court required business (must bring a note from govt. agency within three days of absence)

3. Death in the immediate family (must provide documentation within three days of absence)

4. Parent note (only three parent notes will be accepted per semester and must be provided within the same 6-week grading period as the absence.)

20 In/20 Out  

There should be NO students out of your room during the first 20 minutes or the last 20 minutes of class unless they are called by the office or if it’s an emergency.

School Discipline

Statement of Purpose

The school is an agent of the public that created it and has a basic responsibility to help parents educate, lead, and, when necessary, discipline the child. The ultimate responsibility rests with the parents and, if they fail, then with the State.

The school should never be reluctant to insist that the parents accept this responsibility.

As educators, we pledge to parents and students that we will conduct ourselves in a manner that will set a positive example and encourage appropriate student behavior.

All students have the right to be free from fear, harm, and violence while attending school, on buses, and at school-sponsored activities.  A student shall not, by use of violence, force, noise, threat, intimidation, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school.   “School-sponsored event or function” includes events in which any UCPS school participated to any extent, whether in or out of the school district.

“School property” includes any school property in the district and any outside the district where the Board of Education exercises any of its duties.  “The district” is all of Union County and any property outside the county where the Board of Education exercises any of its duties.

In the event that a student of Union County Public Schools becomes the victim of violence while on school property during the school day while attending school-sponsored events outside the school day, or while attending a school-sponsored event not held on school property, the parents of the victim will be notified as soon as possible. The parents will be informed of the nature of the violence, the student's physical condition, where the student is located, and the care being given to the student. 

Middle and high school principals are encouraged to develop alternative discipline programs that would offer students and parents other methods for correcting behavior problems than traditional in-school and out-of-school suspension programs.  Alternative discipline programs could be a Saturday School for three hours of academic or physical work on campus, after-school detention for one or two hours, an evening school for three hours emphasizing self-control and/or academic needs, or like programs.  All alternative discipline programs must receive prior approval from the Superintendent before being implemented.  A student suspended from school for one of the offenses described under “Disruptive Behavior A” may not be readmitted to school before his/her parent/guardian has a conference with a school administrator.  Federal laws and court rulings limit the extent to which the penalties required by this policy can be applied to students who are identified as exceptional children and are receiving special education services. 

Disruptive Behavior A (Approved by Site Based Management)

1. Any act clearly intended to disrupt school. No student shall purposely disrupt the lawful function of the school or its special activities, events, or trips.  In the classroom, no student shall impair the teaching/learning process.  No student shall engage in behavior that is detrimental to the progress, function, or purpose of any school activity or event or infringe on the rights of other students, faculty, spectators, or the public.

2. Dress Code. The administration recognizes that the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States respects a student’s right to choose his/her style of dress.  However, if a student’s dress or appearance is so unusual, inappropriate, or distracting that it disrupts the learning environment; the student may be required to change the offending dress or appearance.  Students are responsible, therefore, for exercising good judgment in dress and grooming.  The following are guidelines for dress.  Restrictions on dress are not limited to these.

1. Shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. must be fingertip length.  No holes are allowed above fingertip length.

2. Pants must be worn at the waist.

3. Clothing with inappropriate messages in content or location are not allowed. Specifically, profane words, drug or alcohol advertising, sexual innuendos, or other unacceptable graphics are prohibited.

4. No clothing may be too revealing. Shirts that show cleavage, exposed stomachs, or bare backs are not allowed.

5. Shoulder straps must be at least 3 fingers wide.

6. Students must wear shoes at all times.

7. Hats and head coverings can only be worn in common areas of the building.  At teacher request, hats should be removed in classrooms.  Hoods cannot be worn inside the building.

8. No undergarments can be visible

9. No gang-related clothing, jewelry, bandanas or other paraphernalia.

10. No sunglasses worn inside unless medically needed.

3. Out of specified area without permission. No student shall be anywhere other than those designated by teachers or school officials without permission.  Students arriving on late buses will not be considered tardy.  Once on school grounds, students may only leave during the school day by checking out in the office with parent permission. Students are not allowed in the parking lot without permission from the office during the school day.

4.  Out of class or out of school for any part of the day without permission. No student shall be out of class or miss any part of the school day that violates local school policy on attendance (skipping).  State regulations do not allow parents to give students permission to miss any school time for unlawful reasons.

5. Violation of classroom policies.  Students shall follow any rules and regulations not addressed in this policy which are established by the administration or the classroom teacher. 

6. Intimate behavior.  Students shall not engage in behavior such as kissing, hugging, bodies pressed together, or other actions that may be inappropriate for the public school setting.  

Disruptive Behavior B

1. Reckless or belligerent behavior which might result in injury or bodily harm. No student shall engage in any behavior which is so careless, reckless, or belligerent that it could if continued, result in bodily harm or injury to oneself or others.  Under some circumstances, these behaviors could lead to out-of-school suspension

2. Any major act clearly intended to disrupt school.  No student shall purposely disrupt the lawful function of the school or its special activities, events, trips, or performances or infringe on the rights of other students, faculty, spectators, or the public.  In the classroom, no student shall impair the teaching/learning process.

3. Non-compliance.  Students will comply with all directions of teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, student teachers, and any other authorized school personnel during any period in which they are subject to the school authority.  Under some circumstances, non-compliance may constitute grounds for an out-of-school suspension to be determined by the administration.

4. Cheating/plagiarism. Students will refrain from copying, using, or otherwise claiming the work of others to be their own.  Students shall not cheat on tests/examinations, copy the work of another, or complete any type of academic assignment in a dishonest or deceptive manner.  Students will be given a grade of zero (0) on the work for the first offense, and a parent conference will be initiated by the teacher.  A discipline referral to the administration will occur for subsequent offenses.

5. Bus misbehavior.  Students shall not display any type of behavior that interferes with the safe and efficient operation of the school bus; Students may be denied the privilege of riding a bus to school.  (Refer to “Bus Transportation”.)

6. Gambling. Students shall not participate in any form of gambling or games of chance/skill for money and/or other items of value.

7. Forgery. Students shall not provide school personnel or parents/guardians with false information by making changes in a written paper or other genuine documents or using school documents inappropriately, including signing another person's name or initials.

8. Use of profanity. Profane or vulgar language is inconsistent with an academic environment and will not be tolerated.  Certain words, expressions, or phrases are considered offensive enough to result in out-of-school suspension.

9. Use of computers/internet.  Computers at school are a privilege and should be used for educational purposes.  Misusing computers/internet will result in disciplinary action that could include suspension.  Examples include, but are not limited to:

a. Inappropriate internet use.

b. Sending messages across the network.

c. Any tampering with any hardware or software.

10. Students are not allowed to sell items on school grounds for personal profit without the direct consent of the Principal.   Failure to get approval is a Level B consequence.  Further disciplinary action may result depending on the nature of the items.

11. Violation of school policy not specifically addressed. The faculty, administration, and staff of Forest Hills High School are responsible for providing a safe and orderly learning environment.  Students are subject to disciplinary behavior, which detracts from the safe and orderly environment even if not specifically mentioned in these guidelines. 

*The administration reserves the right to modify or amend the policies contained herein as it deems appropriate to fulfill this responsibility.   

FHHS Uniform Consequences 

All School-Level offenses, as documented in Uniform Consequences, start over at the beginning of the semester. All UCPS Student Code of Conduct offenses carry over into the next semester.

Student Last Names A-G: Jake Thomas

Student Last Names H-M: Kelly Blakney 

Student Last Names N-Z: Mallory Bricker 

1. Coming to school without a Chromebook/Charger

• 1st-Call Student’s Administrator and parent contact made by administration. (Minor Incident with description)

• 2nd-Call student’s administrator and parent contact made by administration. (Minor Incident with description)

• 3rd-Teacher will write up an Office Referral (Office Referral-Offense: Electronic Device)

2. Skipping, Leaving at Senior Bell,  Leaving class without permission, Being in an Unauthorized Area.  (Offense: Cutting Class)

*More than 5 minutes late to class - Skipping and Office Referral 

*More than 15 minutes late to class - Absent and Office Referral

• 1st - Lunch Detention and parent contact by administration

• 2nd – Lunch Detention x2 and parent contact by administration

• 3rd - ISS for the class period 

• 4th – ISS for class period X 2 days  

• 5th and beyond – ISS ALL DAY

3. Leaving School Grounds (Offense: Cutting Class)

• 1st - ISS ALL DAY, suspended Parking privileges for 5 days, and parent contact by AD/transportation coordinator.

• 2nd - ISS ALL DAY, suspended parking privileges for 10 days, and parent contact by AD/transportation coordinator.

• 3rd  - automatic OSS for 1 day, parking privileges revoked for the remainder of the year without a refund. 

• 4th - OSS for 2 days (Offense: Chronic Disruptive Behavior) and Consideration Letter

• 5th - OSS for 2 days and Disciplinary Reassignment (This offense violates UCPS 4-3 AG(A); Chronic Disruptive Behavior)

4. Skipping Lunch Detention

• 1st offense - Personal escort to lunch detention by security associate

• 2nd offense - Additional day of lunch detention and parent contact by ISS coordinator

• 3rd offense - ISS for a block

**Once a student has accrued 5 days of lunch detention, ISS coordinator will write a referral and ISS for the day, and lunch detentions will be cleared out**

5. Dress Code 

 *Alternative Dress Code for all offenses 

• 1st - Warning 

• 2nd - Warning and parent contact

• 3rd - Lunch Detention

• 4th - Lunch Detention X 2

• 5th - ISS ALL DAY

6. Chromebook Violation (Offense: Electronic Devices)

**Educators Handbook referral should not be written for this offense until the 3rd offense**

• 1^st offense – Teacher Warning, Parent contact by the teacher

• 2nd offense – Teacher Warning, Parent contact by the teacher 

• 3^rd Offense – Lunch Detention 

• 4^th Offense – Lunch Detention X 2  

• 5^th Offense – Confiscate Chromebook/cell phone by Admin 

7. Cell Phone (Offense: Electronic Devices)

**Educators Handbook referral should not be written for this offense unless there is a violation of other behavioral rules (insubordination)**

• 1st offense - teacher confiscate item and return to student no later than at the end of day and teacher notifies parent.

• 2nd offense and subsequent offenses - teacher confiscate item and turn into front office, item can only be returned to the parent.

8. After School without supervision, including after-school events

• 1st offense - Warning 

• 2nd offense - Lunch Detention (Parent Contact)

• 3rd offense - Lunch Detention X 2

• 4th offense - ISS ALL DAY

• 5th offense - Banned from all after-school activities

9. Parking violations

• 1st Offense-warning sticker placed on the vehicle’s windshield (This is for being parked on campus without a parking pass, being parked in a non-designated area (faculty or visitors lot), or being parked in another student’s spot.)

• 2nd Offense-one week parking privilege suspension.

• 3rd Offense- boot placed on the vehicle ($25 fee to have the boot removed). 

• 4th and Subsequent Offenses- The vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense.

10. Cheating/Plagiarism

• 1st Offense-Student will be given a zero on the assignment, and the teacher will make parent contact.  The teacher may allow the student(s) to redo the assignment.  

• 2nd Offense-Office Discipline Referral.

11. Bathroom Stalls: Only one student is permitted to be in a bathroom stall at any given time. Any incidents of more than one individual in a bathroom stall will result in disciplinary action.

• First offense: ISS for the remainder of the day; No less than one class period.

• Second offense: 1 day OSS

• Third offense: 3 days of OSS with consideration for alternative placement

• Fourth offense: 3 days of OSS with the recommendation for alternative placement

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES

Revised 5/3/2022

 The Board, Superintendent, and staff are committed to establishing positive learning environments that ensure that all student have access to a quality education. The District recognizes that a key aspect of maintaining a healthy and safe environment is establishing order and maintaining discipline in our schools. This goal can only be achieved through the cooperative efforts of our school staff, students, parents/guardians, and the community.

The District believes that developing strong relationships with families is the first step in establishing safe and healthy schools. The District desires to work collaboratively with families to establish positive relationships that aid in the development and achievement of all students.

The District is committed to eliminating disparity in school discipline with respect to its underserved populations in reducing the number of referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. The staff will engage in restorative practices that enhance school culture and improve discipline systems to address equity.

ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF CORRECTION
 

Each school is responsible for incorporating a Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) framework into its School Improvement Plan (SIP) to reduce referrals and suspensions through pro-active intervention, positive behavioral support, restorative practices, and other non-punitive approaches to discipline. MTSS includes a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model of evidenced based practices to address student behavior.
 

Acknowledging that it is not always possible, where appropriate the District encourages alternatives to suspension and the implementation of progressive discipline approaches prior to removing a student from the educational setting. Classroom based strategies include, but are not limited to:
 

1. Reteach behavioral expectations;
    

2. Separate students;
    

3. Assign additional tasks;
    

4. Communicate with the parent/guardian;
    

5. Conference with the student and/or parent; and
    

6. Implement a behavioral contract and/or plan.
    

Parents/guardians should be notified if there is a pattern of misbehavior which could result in removal from the school environment. Students who exhibit a pattern of misbehavior should be provided more intensive support and interventions. Appropriate school level strategies include, but are not limited to:
 

1. Conference with parent/guardian and/or student;
    

2. Implement a case management or counseling plan;
    

3. Convene an intervention team;
    

4. Assign after school detention and/or Saturday School;
    

5. In-school suspension; and
    

6. Short Term Out-of-school suspension.
    

When applying strategies that remove the student from the educational environment (i.e. full day ISS or OSS) or require attendance outside of normal school day (i.e. ASD or Saturday School) the school shall make a good faith effort to notify the parent prior to imposition of the consequence. For consequences that require immediate implementation (i.e. partial day ISS or conferences), the parent shall be notified as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the event.
 

These are not the only rules of conduct which students are expected to follow.  Additional school level rules/consequences will be set by the school site (including but not limited to dress code, honor code and insubordination). There will also be rules for riding the bus. A copy of these guidelines, school level and transportation rules will be provided annually to all students.
 

DEFINITIONS (unless specifically defined, the meaning will be the customary use of the word)
 

1. Administration. School level administrators, including the principal and assistant principals.
    

2. Bans from School Property. Except with prior, written permission of the site principal, students who are suspended or expelled may not enter any property of Union County Public Schools. Failure to abide by this prohibition is trespassing and will be reported to law enforcement.
    

3. Code of Student Conduct. The behavioral guidelines adopted by the District. The Code of Student Conduct is published and made available to students on an annual basis. It is available on the District Website. A hard copy is available, upon request to the principal.
    

4. Condensed Academic Term. Block Schedule.
    

5. Disciplinary Reassignment. A full-time educational program that meets the academic requirements of the NC Standard Course of Study and provides the student with the opportunity to make timely progress towards graduation and grade promotion. A disciplinary reassignment may utilize a combination of online courses, direct teacher instruction and other computer based alternatives for instruction. South Providence School is an example of a disciplinary reassignment approved location. A disciplinary reassignment is not a long-term suspension and does not require those procedures. The use of a disciplinary reassignment may occur prior to other forms of removal from the instructional environment.
    

6. Elementary Students. Students in grades Pre-K – 5.
    

7. Expulsion. The indefinite removal of a student from school enrollment for disciplinary purposes. Only the Board of Education can expel a student, over the age of 14, whose continued presence is a clear threat to the safety of staff and other students. An expulsion may be considered for a violation of any of the rules set out below or for other conduct meeting this definition.
    

8. Extracurricular/co-curricular activity participation. In order to participate in extracurricular/co-curricular activities or athletic programs, students must adhere to Board of Education policies, school-level criteria, North Carolina High School Athletic Association rules (where applicable) and law. The District’s behavioral expectations extend beyond the classroom and school campus. Therefore, regardless of when and where the charge arises, any student who is charged with or adjudicated/found guilty of a crime (or what would be considered a criminal violation if the student were an adult) may be suspended or completely excluded from participation in extracurricular/ co-curricular activities. Please see the Extra-Curricular Activities and Interscholastic Athletics Guidelines for more information.
    

9. Long-term Suspension. A disciplinary removal in excess of 6 days for high schools on condensed academic terms and 10 days for middle schools. If the conduct occurs in the final quarter of the school year the suspension may run through the end of the first semester of the following year.
    

10. Multiple Offense designations. For offenses where different consequences are applied depending upon the number of violations, the offense is of the overall (numbered) rule. Additionally, the number of violations carries through one academic year.
     

11. Parent. Parents, legal guardians, custodians, and caretakers entitled to enroll the student in school.
     

12. Parent/Student Conferences. A meeting between the student, parent and administrator may be required for any length suspension.
     

13. Restorative Justice. Restorative Justice is reactive in nature. It consists of formal and informal responses to wrongdoing. These responses are introduced in an effort to avoid the reoccurrence of the wrongdoing and to begin to rebuild relationships where there has been harm.
     

14. Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices are proactive in nature. They consist of formal and informal processes put in place to create positive school climate. These processes precede any wrongdoing, provide expectation clarity for all involved and have a strong focus on building relationships and a sense of community. The following are some of the opportunities for Restorative Justice that are available within the District, not all programs are available at all school locations:
     

• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS);

• Foundations Training;

• CHAMPS Training/Discipline in the Secondary Classroom: and

• Social-Emotional Resources.
   

15. School Authority. The school has the authority to address any act that takes place on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop, through the use of the district Internet system or school provided technology, through the use of a personal digital device on campus, or off-campus activities that cause or are reasonably expected to cause a direct and immediate impact on the orderly and effective operations of the school or the safety of individuals.
     

16. School property. The physical premises of all school campuses, bus stops, all vehicles under the control of the district (including but not limited to Yellow School and Activity Buses), and school sponsored curricular and extra-curricular activities, regardless of where they occur. The administration may also impose consequences for conduct which occurs off campus if it has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the schools.
     

17. Secondary Students. Students in middle and/or high school.
     

18. Short-term suspension. The disciplinary removal of a student for 6 or fewer days for high schools on condensed academic terms and 10 or fewer days for middle and elementary schools.
     

19. Suspension. Unless otherwise noted any references to a suspension is an out of school suspension.
     

20. Any references to Superintendent or Principal shall include that person’s designee.
     

REPORTS TO OUTSIDE AUTHORITIES
 

1. Law Enforcement – Under North Carolina Law, principals are required to report to law enforcement when s/he has personal knowledge or actual notice that one of the following acts has occurred on school property: “assault resulting in serious personal injury, sexual assault, sexual offense, rape, kidnapping, indecent liberties with a minor, assault involving the use of a weapon, possession of a firearm in violation of the law, possession of a weapon in violation of the law, or possession of a controlled substance in violation of the law.” Additionally, any conduct which may be both a violation of these guidelines and law will be reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO). If a student is arrested consistent with this provision, school officials will notify the parent of the location where their child is taken by law enforcement officials.
    

2. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Under North Carolina Law, students who receive a long-term suspension for engaging in any of the following conduct will be reported to the DMV: possessing or selling alcoholic beverages or an illegal controlled substance on school property, bringing, possessing, or using on school property any weapon or firearm, and physically assaulting a teacher or other school personnel on school property.
    

PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS:
 

1. Abusive Language and Gestures

2. Aggressive Behavior

3. Arson/Use of Fire

4. Attendance (Truancy/Skipping/Unauthorized Location)

5. Bullying

6. Chronic Disruptive Behavior

7. Electronic Devices

8. False Alarms

9. Firearms and destructive devices

10. Hazing

11. Illegal/Unauthorized Substances

12. Insubordination

13. Misrepresentation

14. Nuisance Items

15. Persistently Dangerous Students

16. Sexual Behavior/Graphic Materials/Sexual Harassment

17. Student Dress

18. Act of Terror/Bomb Threats

19. Theft/Robbery

20. Trespassing/Breaking and Entering

21. Unauthorized Use of Technology

22. Weapons (not including firearms and explosives)

23. Vandalism
     

Principals will apply the appropriate rule in light of the conduct of the student. Principals have the discretion to determine if a violation of the rule, considering mitigating factors, is serious enough to warrant suspension and should use good judgment when applying these guidelines.

When considering the appropriate sanction for specific student conduct, the Principal should consider the following:
 

1. The student’s age;

2. The student’s mental capacity;

3. The student’s intent;

4. The student’s disciplinary history;

5. The student’s academic history;

6. The potential benefits to the student of alternatives to suspension;

7. How the student’s misconduct impacted others, including other students, staff members, and/or school visitors;

8. Whether the student displayed an appropriate attitude and gave respectful cooperation during the investigation and/or after the offense occurred;

9. What other consequence(s) the student may be experiencing outside of school; and

10. What action the student and/or the student’s parent(s) have taken since the offense occurred.
     

Principals will avoid assigning the maximum consequence unless one of the following conditions exists:
 

1. The conduct resulted in a disruption to the educational environment;

2. The conduct posed a threat to the safety of that student or other persons present;

3. Progressive consequences have already been exhausted or are not appropriate under the circumstances; or

4. In the Principal’s professional judgment, no lesser consequence is appropriate.
    

When students are suspended for violations of these guidelines these absences may affect academic standing, promotion, and eligibility for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including athletics. Please refer to Policy 4-1, Attendance, for further information.

For the prohibited behaviors, the following system-wide disciplinary actions shall be taken. In addition to any consequence enumerated below each behavior, students may be referred to the school counselor, may be banned from school property, and/or a parent/student conference required:
 

1. Abusive Language and Gestures: Students will not use abusive, profane, or obscene, words, signs, gestures, or other acts toward or about any school employee, adult on campus or other student. This provision includes but is not limited to communication through written assignments and/or electronic technology where a connection to the school exists. The administration will also consider whether the conduct being investigated was an act of bullying.
    

   1. Toward a school staff member or other adult on campus.
       

• First Offense:
   

  • Secondary: 0-10 day suspension, 0-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms.
     

• Second and subsequent Offenses:
   

  • Secondary: 3-10 day suspension or 2-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for long-term suspension.
     

2. Toward another student or between students.
    

• First Offense: (Elementary and Secondary) 0-3 day suspension

• Second and subsequent Offenses: (Elementary and Secondary) 1-5 day suspension, 1-3 days for Condensed Academic Terms.
   

2. Aggressive Behavior: Students will not engage in any form of aggressive behavior (physical or verbal) against any other student, staff member or other adult in the school, except when the behavior is an act of self-defense. All assaults must be reported to the principal.
    

   1. Physical violence directed toward any school employee or other adult in the school.
       

• Elementary: 0-10 day suspension

• Secondary: 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension. Upon returning from a long-term suspension, the student shall not be returned to the teacher’s class unless the teacher consents.
   

2. Physical Violence directed toward a student. Violations include, but are not limited to, any assault, fight, or attempt to cause physical harm to a student(s) by another student(s).
    

• Elementary and Secondary
   

  • First Offense (where there were no serious injuries, multiple aggressors/participants or disruption to the academic day): 0-10 day suspension or 0-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term
     

  • Second and subsequent Offenses (where there were no serious injuries, multiple aggressors/participants or disruption to the academic day): 1-10 day suspension or 1-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
     

  • For assaults which result in serious injury, those involving multiple aggressors or where disruption to the academic day results: 10 day suspension, 6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
     

3. Threats about or directed toward any other student, staff member or other adult in the school: Any physical, verbal, or written threat (including but not limited to threatening gestures, or threats communicated via electronic technology and including threats made outside of school where a connection to the school and/or school work exists) directed toward or about any student, staff member or other adult which threatens force, violence, or disruption, or any sign or act which constitutes a threat of force, violence, or disruption. This includes threats and/or retaliation against a student who is a victim or a witness in a student disciplinary matter.
    

• Secondary
   

1. Threats toward staff members or other adults in the school - 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for long-term suspension, depending upon the severity of the threat.
    

2. Threats toward students
    

• First Offense: 1-10 day suspension or 1-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term

• Second and subsequent Offenses: 3-10 day suspension or 3- 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension, depending upon the severity of the threat.
   

4. Verbal Confrontation/Provocation includes approaching another person in a confrontational, provocative or bullying manner. This includes attempts to intimidate or instigate another person to fight or commit other acts of physical aggression.
    

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 1-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
   

5. Extortion or blackmail includes threats to take the property of another student through the threat of physical harm.
    

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 1-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
   

6. Behavior that incites a serious disruption to the academic environment includes behavior which encourages other students to join in a potentially volatile situation, or disrupts or has the potential to disrupt the school environment including a failure to disperse at the request of staff.
    

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 0-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
   

3. Arson/Use of Fire: A student will neither set fire nor attempt to set fire to anything on school property or participate with others to damage or destroy school property through the use of fire. This includes but is not limited to striking matches, flicking cigarette lighters or using any instrument capable of producing fire on school property or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity that is on or off school property.
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
   

4. Attendance: Students will not leave the assigned area/school grounds without permission or commit other attendance violations (i.e. skipping class and truancy). Students must attend school and every class every day unless there is a lawful absence. Once at school, students will remain on campus and in areas designated by school officials at all times. Violations of this rule include being in an unauthorized location within the school.
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 0-2 day suspension and principal discretion which may include additional consequences should the conduct violate other rules in this policy or the bus or school level rules. No more than 2 days of suspension can be assigned to a student for an attendance violation.
   

5. Bullying: Students will not bully another person on school property. Under North Carolina Law, bullying is “any pattern of gestures or written, electronic, or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, that takes place on school property reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation or mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics”. Bullying may include, but is not limited to, cyber bullying, verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, extortion of money or possessions, implied or stated threats and may be directed at the same or different individuals. This rule includes hate-motivated behavior (i.e. injuring or intimidating another due to the victim’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation or mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability). Students who feel bullied, harassed or intimidated at school by an adult or another student or who witness such conduct should immediately report the conduct to an administrator or school counselor. Anonymous reports can also be made through the UCPS App or through the link on a district issued laptop.
    

Both the accused and victim will be referred to a school counselor.
 

• Elementary and Secondary
   

  • First Offense: 0 to 10 day suspension or 0-6 for Condensed Academic Terms

  • Second and subsequent Offenses: 3-10 day suspension, or 2-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for long-term suspension.
     

6. Chronic Disruptive Behavior: Students will not engage in behavior which disrupts classroom, school environment, or school activities. This rule does not include situations where the student poses a threat of injury to students or staff which may qualify the student for an alternative disciplinary program, including a disciplinary reassignment.
    

• Secondary: 3-10 day suspension, or 2-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms.
   

7. Electronic Devices:
    

   1. Possession and Use of Electronic Devices. Prohibited uses of a cell phone, or other electronic devices such as a smart phone, are defined to include, but are not limited to phone ringing, talking on phone, taking pictures, browsing, gaming and text messaging.  Any smart watches (i.e. Apple watch) or electronic tracking devices (i.e. AngelSense) must have all recording/listening capabilities turned off or disabled except pursuant to an authorized instructional activity.  High School students may use cell phones or electronic/media devices during non-instructional times, including class change and lunch, so long as the use is not disruptive to the school environment and the cell phone or electronic/media device is used in a safe and responsible manner.  
      
      The District is not responsible for theft, loss or damage to any cell phone or other electronic/media devices brought onto school property.
       

• Elementary and Secondary
   

  • First Offense: Confiscate item and return to the student at the end of the academic day and notify parent. If use of the electronic device results in violation of other behavioral rule (including but not limited to school based rules) further discipline may be applied.
     

  • Second and subsequent Offenses: Confiscate item and return only to parents. Parent conference required and may include 1 day of in-school suspension, after school detention, or Saturday School. Additionally, the student may be prohibited from bringing the item to school for the remainder of the school year, except as authorized in writing by the principal.

Failure to obey the request of a school staff member to hand over cell phone or other electronic device, shall be considered insubordination.
 

2. Social Media.  Students will not use social media to break another rule of the Code of Student Conduct which interferes with the safety of students or staff, or causes a disruption on school grounds.
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 1-3 day suspension
   

8. False Alarms: In the absence of an emergency, students will not call/dial 911, signal or set off an automatic signal indicating the existence of an emergency. This rule does not include accidental dialing 911.
    

• Elementary and Secondary
   

  • First Offense: 1-10 day suspension or 1-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term

  • Second Offense: 3-10 day suspension or 2-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
     

9. Firearms and explosive/destructive devices: Students will not bring, possess (regardless of the manner received or the length of time possessed) or use a firearm or other explosive/destructive device on a school campus or at a school event wherever held as defined by North Carolina General Statutes § 14-269.2b. All firearms and explosive/destructive devices will be confiscated immediately and turned over to law enforcement.
    

A firearm includes but is not limited to a starter pistol, gun, rifle, pistol, shotgun, frame, receiver, firearm muffler or silencer (loaded or unloaded) or a destructive device. An explosive/destructive device includes but is not limited to an explosive, incendiary, poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket with a propellant charge of more than 4 ounces, a missile with a charge of more than ¼ ounce, mine or similar device.
 

• Elementary and Secondary: A suspension of 365 days shall be imposed for violations of this rule pursuant to the Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. 7961. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education may modify this consequence after a review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and considering alternative educational options for the student.
   

No student may knowingly or willfully cause, encourage or aid any other student to possess, handle or use any of the weapons or weapon-like items listed herein (See Rules 9 and 23). A student who finds a weapon or weapon-like item, who witnesses another student or other person with such items, or becomes aware that another student or other person intends to possess, handle or use such items, must notify a teacher or principal immediately. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including a maximum of 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. The Superintendent and Board shall not impose a 365 day suspension if it is determined that the student took possession of, received or found the firearm or destructive device on campus, provided that the student delivered or reported the firearm or destructive device as soon as practicable to a law enforcement officer or a school employee and had no intent to use it in a harmful or threatening way.
 

10. Hazing: Students will not engage in hazing which is defined as “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” For purposes of these guidelines, hazing may include annoying any student by playing tricks, frightening, scolding, beating or harassing, or subjecting to personal indignity. Per North Carolina General § 14-35 hazing is strictly forbidden on campus and at all off campus school events.
     

• Elementary and Secondary: 0-10 day suspension, 0-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for long-term suspension.
   

• Students convicted of the Class 2 misdemeanor for hazing may be recommended for expulsion.
   

11. Illegal/Unauthorized Substances: Students will not possess, use, be under the influence of, sell, deliver, manufacture, or distribute any of the following substances on school property. All substances will be immediately confiscated and reported to and provided to either to law enforcement or a parent, as appropriate.
     

• narcotic drugs;

• hallucinogenic drugs;

• amphetamines;

• barbiturates;

• marijuana;

• synthetic stimulants, such as MDPV and mephedrone (e.g., “bath salts”), and synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., “Spice,” “K2”);

• any other controlled substance;

• any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified or unfortified wine, or other intoxicating liquor;

• any chemicals, substances, or products procured or used with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration or euphoria or of otherwise altering the student’s mood or behavior;

• any substance containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), regardless of whether it constitutes a controlled substance under state or federal law; or

• counterfeit (fake) substances.
   

1. Over-the-Counter Medication: Without proper medical authorization, students shall not transport over-the-counter medication to or from school or have such medication in their possession at any time without meeting conditions prescribed by the Board. All properly approved over-the-counter medication will be provided to the school nurse. Over-the-Counter medications include essential oils. CBD Oil may not be possessed without a prescription from a medical professional and a completed medical authorization form (see Rule 11b below for use, share/distribute, and possession of CBD Oil).
    

   1. Being under the influence:
       

• Elementary and Secondary: 0-5 day suspension or 0-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
   

  • Required drug education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
     

2. Possession:
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 0-5 day suspension or 0-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
   

• Drug education class will be assigned to students who also receive an out of school suspension (failure to attend will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
   

3. Use at School:
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 0-5 day suspension or 0-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
   

  • Drug education class will be assigned to students who also receive an out of school suspension (failure to attend will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
     

4. Share/Sell/Distribute:
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 1-5 day suspension or 1-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. The administration may make a recommendation for a long-term suspension
   

  • Required drug education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
     

2. Prescription Medication: All prescription medication will be provided to the school nurse and properly stored, unless the student possesses properly approved self-carry documentation. Without proper medical authorization, students shall not transport prescription medication to or from school or have such medication in their possession at any time without meeting conditions prescribed by the Board.
    

   1. Possession or use of prescription medication without proper authorization: (Possession and use only; this does NOT include distribution). Upon arrival to school, the student must secure provide the medication immediately to a school staff member. Failing to do so is a violation of this rule.
       

• Elementary and Secondary:
   

  • First Offense - 0-3 day suspension or 0-2 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. Required drug education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)

  • Second Offense - 0-5 day suspension or 0-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. Required drug education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
     

2. Under the Influence of prescription medication without proper authorization:
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 0-5 day suspension or 0-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
   

  • Drug education class will be assigned to students who also receive an out of school suspension (failure to attend will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)

  • Suspension is not warranted when a student comes to campus under the influence when used in compliance with the directions of a valid prescription.
     

3. Share/Sell/Distribute:
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
   

  • Required drug education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
     

3. Alcohol (Includes but is not limited to wine, beer, non-alcoholic beer, and energy drinks containing alcohol):
    

• Under the influence, possession or use on school property, as defined above:
   

  • Elementary and Secondary:
     

    • First Offense – 3-10 day suspension or 3-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
       

      • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
         

    • Second and subsequent Offenses - 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
       

      • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
         

• Share/Sell/Distribute:
   

  • Elementary and Secondary: 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
       

4. Tobacco Products: Students will not possess, use, sell or distribute tobacco products or vape pens on school property (as defined above).  For rolling papers, see drug paraphernalia below.  All tobacco products, including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, vape pens, snuff, chew packets, and all lighted and smokeless tobacco and/or nicotine products are prohibited and will be confiscated. Nontobacco and aromatic smoking products, including but not limited to clove cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, and bidis, and electronic cigarettes, electronic cigarette liquid (e-juice) and smokeless nicotine products are also prohibited under this rule.  If the preponderance of the evidence is that the vape pen contains an oil including THC Rule 11e below will apply.
    

• Possession
   

  • Elementary and Secondary:
     

    • First Offense: 1–6 day suspension and required Tobacco Education class. Failure to complete tobacco education class will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination.

    • Second and subsequent Offenses: 3-6 day suspension and required Tobacco Education class. Failure to complete tobacco education class will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination.
       

• Use, Sell/Distribute
   

  • Secondary:
     

    • First Offense: 1-10 day suspension or 1-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term and required Tobacco Education class. Use, sale or distribution electronic cigarettes (including but not limited to vape pens and devices such as Juuls) will result in a 3-10 day suspension or 3-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term and required Tobacco Education class. Failure to complete tobacco education class will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination.  If the preponderance of the evidence is that the electronic cigarette contains an oil including THC Rule 11e below will apply.
       

    • Second and subsequent offenses: 5-10 day suspension or 3-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term and required Tobacco Education class. Failure to complete tobacco education class will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination. Use, sale or distribution of vape pens will result in a 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term and required Tobacco Education class.  Failure to complete tobacco education class will result in additional days of suspension for insubordination.  If the preponderance of the evidence is that the vape pen contains an oil including THC Rule 11e below will apply.
       

5. Illegal Drugs, Counterfeit or Synthetic Drugs:  Including THC, vape pens which contain an oil including THC, huffing materials (including the misuse of inhalants), Drug Paraphernalia (including but not limited to rolling papers, bongs, pipes and scales), and the misuse of chemical/material (organic or otherwise) that causes or is purported to cause a hallucinogenic/mind altering effect or might bring about a state of exhilaration, euphoria or of otherwise altering student’s mood or behavior.
    

• Under the Influence, Use or Possession of Illegal Drugs, Counterfeit or Synthetic Drugs, Huffing materials/inhalants, or other Chemical/material (organic or otherwise)
   

• Secondary:
   

  • First Offense – 5-10 day suspension or 3-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination).
       

  • Second and subsequent Offenses - 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may make a recommendation for long-term suspension.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
       

• Possession of drug paraphernalia
   

• Secondary:
   

  • First Offense - 5-10 day suspension or 3-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination).
       

  • Second and subsequent Offenses - 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may make a recommendation for long-term suspension.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
      
       

• Share/Sell/Distribute (Actual or Attempt) or possession with intent to distribute of Illegal Drugs, Counterfeit or Synthetic Drugs, Huffing materials/inhalants, or other Chemical/material (organic or otherwise) including the possession of a large quantity or of more than one individually wrapped package which will be considered evidence that the student intended to sell or distribute the substance.
   

  • Elementary and Secondary: 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may make a recommendation for long-term suspension.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
       

• Share/Sell/Distribute (Actual or Attempt) of drug paraphernalia.
   

  • Elementary and Secondary: 2-5 day suspension or 1-3 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.
     

    • Required drug/alcohol education class (failure to attend may result in additional days of suspension for insubordination)
       

12. Insubordination: A student will obey the lawful direction of any authorized staff member or adult while in school, participating in a school activity, or on school property. All students are expected to behave in a respectful manner. This includes but is not limited to, complying with the direction or instruction of a staff member, not walking away from a staff member while being spoken to, and speaking to staff in an appropriate manner.
     

• Please see school level rules for the consequence.
   

13. Misrepresentation: A student will be honest and submit his/her own work.
     

    1. Cheating: Violating rules of honesty and Honor Codes, including but not limited to plagiarism or copying another student’s test or assignment is prohibited.
        

    2. Altering Report Cards or notes: Tampering with report cards, official passes, notes or other school documents in any manner, including changing grades or forging names to excuses is prohibited.
        

    3. False information: Making false statements, written or oral, to anyone in authority is prohibited.
        

• Please see school level rules for the consequence.
   

14. Nuisance Items: Students will not possess or use nuisance items including but not limited to: laser pointers, matches, cigarette lighters, empty shells, or other like items on school property as defined above. Nuisance items kept in locked private vehicles are exempt. No skateboards are allowed on campus at any time. All nuisance items will be immediately confiscated and returned to the parent where appropriate. Any nuisance item that results in property damage to the school system or individual will require restitution by the parents of the perpetrator. The District is not responsible for theft, loss or damage to any nuisance items brought onto school property.
     

• Elementary and Secondary:
   

  • First Offense: Confiscate item and return only to parents.

  • Second and subsequent Offenses: 1-5 day suspension, 1-3 days for Condensed Academic Terms.
     

15. Persistently Dangerous Students: Students, over the age of 14, will not engage in behavior that constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employees as defined in North Carolina Law. Examples include, but are not limited to, multiple rule violations for assault, the sale or distribution of illegal drugs, gang related activities, possession of weapons, and inappropriate sexual behavior. A single act may be so severe as to fall within this rule. This rule also applies to students who are registered sex offenders (who will be constantly supervised while on school property, if allowed to attend any educational program).
     

• Violation of this section may result in a disciplinary reassignment, long-term suspension, 365-day suspension, or expulsion dependent upon the severity of the offense.
   

16. Sexual Behavior/Graphic Materials: Students will not engage in any sexual activity or possess sexually graphic or violent materials on school property as defined above.
     

    1. Indecent Exposure: Students will not expose private body parts on school property.
         

• Secondary:
   

  • First Offense: 1-5 day suspension, or 1-3 days suspension for Condensed Academic Terms.

  • Second and subsequent Offenses: 5-10 day suspension, or 3-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
     

2. Consensual Sexual Activity: Students will not engage in consensual sexual activity on school property. Consensual means all parties are willing participants in the activity.
    

• Elementary and Secondary:
   

  • First Offense: 3-10 day suspension or 2-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms.

  • Second and subsequent Offenses: 5-10 day suspension, or 3-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.
     

3. Sexual Assault/Battery: Students will not engage or attempt to engage in sexual activity with another person by force, threat or fear.
    

• Elementary and Secondary: 5-10 day suspension, or 3-6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, the administration may make a recommendation for long-term suspension. The principal will refer to school counselor and contact parent.
   

4. Possession of Pornographic, Profane and/or Violent Material: Students will not possess or access any pornographic, profane, sexually explicit or graphically violent materials, including but not limited to pictures, magazines, drawings, websites, email or text messages, images, or sexually explicit or graphically violent materials (including documents or instructions concerning the creations and/or use of a weapon).
     

• Secondary:
   

  • First Offense: 3-5 day suspension, or 2-3 days for Condensed Academic Terms.

  • Second and subsequent Offenses: 10 day suspension, 6 days for Condensed Academic Terms. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.

Sexual Harassment: Students will not engage in behavior which sexually harasses another person on school property. Sexual harassment prohibited under Title IX and by this policy is conduct on the basis of sex occurring in a school system education program or activity that satisfies one or more of the following:
 

• an employee of the school system conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the school system on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
   

• unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school system’s education program or activities.  This determination requires consideration of all the facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, the ages and disability statuses of the harasser and the victim and the number of individuals involved and their authority;
   

•  “Sexual assault” as defined in   20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30). See also Policy 4-7a Sexual Harassment (Students).

• Elementary and Secondary:
   

  • First Offense:  3-5 day suspension, 2-3 days for Condensed Academic Terms and counseling at the school level.
     

  • Second and subsequent Offenses, when two or more students are engaged in this type of behavior against another person or when one student engages in this type of behavior against multiple persons:  10 day suspension, 6 days for Condensed Academic Terms.  For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.

The UCPS Title IX Coordinator and law enforcement shall be notified.

17. Student Dress: A student will maintain personal attire that does not violate a reasonable, nondiscriminatory dress code adopted and publicized by the school; is not substantially disruptive; is not provocative or obscene; or does not endanger the health or safety of the student or others. This includes student clothing that materially and substantially disrupts classes or school activities, including but not limited to gang-related articles of clothing. Please see the dress code at your school.
     

• Please see school level rule for consequences.

18. Act of Terror/Bomb Threats:  Students will not engage in any of the following:
     

• make, aide, conspire, and/or abet in making a terrorist threat or perpetrating a terrorist hoax against school district property by making a false report that a device, substance, or material designed to cause harmful or life-threatening illness or injury to another person is located on school property as defined above, or possessing, bringing onto school property, concealing, placing, disseminating, or displaying (or threatening any of the above) a device, machine, instrument, artifact, letter, package, material, or substance on school property as defined above with the intent to cause others to believe the device is a substance or material capable of causing harmful or life-threatening illness or injury to another person regardless of whether the student intends to or has the means to carry out the threat; 
   

• threaten to commit on school property as defined above an act of terror that is likely to cause death, with the intent to cause a significant disruption to the instructional day or school-sponsored activity which actually causes such disruption (this includes but is not limited to making a bomb threat); or
   

• make a report, knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that there is about to occur or is occurring on school property as defined above an act of terror that is likely to cause serious injury or death, with the intent to cause a significant disruption to the instructional day or school-sponsored activity or which actually causes such disruption (this includes but is not limited to making a bomb threat);
   

• perpetrate a bomb hoax by concealing, placing, or displaying any device on school system property or at a school system event, so as to cause any person reasonably to believe the same to be a bomb or similar device intended to cause injury to persons or property; or
   

• threaten to commit an act of mass violence on school property or at a school system event, regardless of whether the student intends to or has the means to carry out the threat;
   

• make a report, knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that an act of mass violence is going to occur on school property or at a school system event;
   

• make a report, knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that a device, substance, or material designed to cause harmful or life threatening injury to another person is located on school system property or at a school system event;
   

• conceal, place, disseminate, or display on school system property or at a school system event any device, substance, or material, so as to cause a reasonable person to believe the same to be a weapon of mass destruction or to be intended to cause harmful or life-threatening illness or injury to another person; or
   

• Conspire to commit any of the above-described acts.

• Elementary and Secondary: 10 day suspension or 6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension.

No student may knowingly or willfully cause, encourage, or aid another student to make or engage in any of the activities defined under Rules 8 or 19 (False Alarm and Bomb Threats). Any student who becomes aware that another student or other person intends to violate either of these rules must notify a teacher or administrator immediately.
 

• Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including a maximum of 10 days of suspension or 6 days for Condensed Academic Terms.

19. Theft/Robbery:  Students will not steal the property of the school, school employees, students or any other person. Theft is the taking of someone else’ property and robbery requires the use of force or threat of violence. Theft will include the purchase of products from the school or school employees through the use of counterfeit funds.
     

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 0-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term for theft and 5-10 days or 3-6 if on a Condensed Academic Term for robbery. For secondary students, after the second offense of theft or the first offense of robbery where violence is involved the administration may make a recommendation for a  long-term suspension.  

20. Trespassing/Breaking and Entering: A student will not enter school property or a school facility without proper authority. This rule includes entering any school during a period of suspension.

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 0-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may make a recommendation for a  long-term suspension.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

21. Unauthorized Use of Technology: A student shall refrain from the inappropriate use of district owned technology or from using the district provided electronic communications and wireless connection network without proper authority. This includes authorized use of sign on/log in codes and unauthorized attempts to contact any district computer site from any computer. Violations of other rules through the unauthorized use of technology will be considered under both rules. Repeated violations of this rule may result in technology privileges being limited or removed.
     

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 0-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term.

22. Weapons (not including firearms and destructive devices/explosives):  Students will not possess, handle, use, or transmit, whether concealed or open, any weapon, or any instrument that reasonably looks like a weapon (including toys) or could be used as a weapon and any object thrown from a bus.  All weapons will be confiscated immediately and turned over to law enforcement.  Weapons include all of the following:

Knife, including a pocket knife, bowie knife, box cutters and other types of utility blades, switchblade, dirk, dagger or machete; slingshot; leaded cane; blackjack; metal knuckles or nun-chucks; BB gun; air rifle or air pistol; blowgun, stun gun or other electric shock weapon (i.e. taser); ice pick; defensive sprays; razor or razor blade (except solely for personal shaving); mace, pepper spray, and other personal defense spray, nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons of mass destruction as defined in G.S. 14-288.21(c); compound bow or other archery equipment; live ammunition (shotgun shells, bullets, etc.), not used for instructional purposes and under the supervision of school staff; fireworks; and any sharp pointed or edged instrument except unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance.

This section does not apply to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and who are required to carry arms or weapons in the discharge of their official class duties; nor does this apply to weapons used in school-approved instruction or ceremonies.

The school administration will consider if the student delivered or reported the firearm or destructive device/explosive as soon as practicable to a law enforcement officer or a school employee as a mitigating factor.

• Possession:
   

  • Secondary: Regardless of the manner in which received and the length of time the weapon is possessed: 3-10 day suspension or 2-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term
     

• Use of weapon:
   

  • Elementary and Secondary: 5-10 day suspension and 3-6 if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, the administration may consider a recommendation for a long-term suspension                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

23. Vandalism: Students will not vandalize property owned by the school system, school staff or other students.
     

• Secondary: 0-10 day suspension or 0-6 days if on a Condensed Academic Term. For secondary students, after the second offense the administration may make a recommendation for a long-term suspension.