May 10 EC VOCATS Regular School day	May 11 All Block 1 exams AM Review 3 (lunch), 2 Regular School day	May 12 All Block 2 exams AM Review 3 (lunch), 4 Regular School day	May 13 All Block 3 exams AM Review 4 (lunch) Regular School day	May 14 Block 4 AM Release at 12:45PM
May 17 Remediation on Monday/all 4 blocks Regular School day	May 18 Test Blocks 1 & 2 Release at 12:45PM	May 19 Test Blocks 3 & 4 Release at 12:45PM	May 20 Test Conflicts Release at 12:45PM	May 21 Conflicts Need buses Release at 12:45PM

 

WEIGHTED GRADES

The subject content and pace of honors and advanced placement courses require additional commitment and study.  Therefore, the value of the final grade is weighted to calculate class rank.  Honors classes earn one quality point.  AP classes earn two quality points.  The weight value is never applied to the actual grade. The grade printed on the report card is the grade that is printed on the final transcript.  The student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated from the weighted value.  The GPA is used to develop class rank as well as to recognize academic distinctions. 

Honors (1 quality point)
English H	US History H	Concert Choir H	Chemistry H
Geometry H	Psychology H	Scotland Singers H	Physics
Algebra II H	Spanish III, IV	Civics H	Symphonic Band H
World History H	Biology H	Pre Calculus	RCC ACCESS

 

AP (2 quality points)
AP English Language	AP US History	AP Biology	AP European History	AP Statistics
AP English Literature	AP Calculus	AP Chemistry	AP Government	AP Physics

 

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

The following procedure for high school academic recognition was adapted by the Scotland County Board of Education for use beginning with the 2008-2009 graduating class: 

• Class rank will be established in each Smaller Learning Community (SLC);
• The top 10 students from each SLC’s junior class will serve as Junior Marshals providing they are juniors in good standing and have at least a 3.7, weighted, unrounded GPA.  A tie for 10th place will result in both students being recognized as a Junior Marshall so there would be 11 for that SLC;
• Each SLC will have one valedictorian and one salutatorian who will be the first and second ranked graduate (weighted GPA) in good standing. 

After each SLC determines its class rank, a valedictorian and salutatorian for Scotland County Schools will be selected.  The valedictorian and salutatorian for Scotland County will be the speakers for the graduation ceremony.  Each high school will recognize its own valedictorian and salutatorian at the time they recognize their graduates. 

 

SCHOOL NURSE

School Nurse Services - The Scotland Health Services mission is to manage medical care to support student attendance and academic achievement in school.

Student Illness while at School - Students who become ill at school should report to the BFM office using an approved hall pass.  BFM personnel will contact the school nurse and send the student to the nurse’s office if additional medical attention is warranted.

School Nurse Office Visits - Students will not be released from class to see the school nurse.  Students always report from class to the BFM office, and BFM office personnel contact the nurse to arrange nursing services.  The nurse will give a note to return to class to any student sent to the school nurse’s office.  Any student reporting to the nurse’s office without BFM office personnel permission is considered to be skipping class, and the school nurse will make a discipline referral to the BFM office. School nurse office hours are 8:00am until 3:30pm.  Students with special concerns may see the school nurse before school, during lunch periods, or after school.

School Medication/Treatments at School - It is the policy of the Scotland County Board of Education to serve students who must receive medication during school hours.  Every effort should be made by the parent/guardian and physician to limit the need for medication to be administered to a student during the school day.  In this policy, medication is defined as being those substances, prescription or over-the-counter medication, recommended by a licensed physician.

The school nurse and school personnel, as designated by Mr. Thomas, may assist with the administration of medication to students only if a Physician’s School Medication Form is completed and signed by the student’s parent/guardian and physician.

School employees designated by Mr. Thomas to assist with the administration of medication to students shall receive instruction from the school nurse addressing the specifics of this policy and procedures.  The school nurse will provide annual training for designated staff in an effort to ensure safe dispensing of medication to students.

The Scotland County Board of Education or any of its employees assume no liability as they comply with the instructions for the administration of medication as provided in writing by the physician and parent/guardian while enforcing this policy and its procedures.  The Scotland County Board of Education, or its designee, assumes no responsibility for students who self-administer medication without complying with this policy and its procedures.

Self-medication at School - Students who carry and self-medicate at school must do so with proper documentation completed in writing on the Request for Medication Administration at School form by the physician and parent/guardian.  Students may carry and self-administer medications to maintain better management and control of diseases to include asthma (inhalers), diabetes (insulin), and potential anaphylaxis (emergency epinephrine).

Garrett’s Law - Information regarding meningococcal meningitis, influenza, and HPV (human papillomavirus) and their vaccines is available in the school nurse’s office.

Senate Bill 911: Care of School Children with Diabetes - In accordance with the new legislation concerning the care of school children with diabetes, Scotland County Schools affirms that all students have the right to a free and appropriate public education without discrimination, including children with disabilities. 

• Scotland County Schools shall make available a registered nurse for assessment, care planning, and on-going evaluation of students with special health care service needs in the school setting.
• The school nurse shall coordinate developing an Individual Health Plan for students with diabetes.  The parent/guardian, the student’s diabetes care team, and the school nurse shall develop the Individual Health Plan.
• Children should have immediate access to diabetes supplies and diabetes treatments as defined in the Individual Health Plan.  The plan shall define the roles and responsibilities of the parent/guardian, school personnel, and the school nurse.
• Training of the care of students shall be provided to all Scotland County Schools employees.  Different levels of training will be implemented depending on the employee’s involvement with a diabetic child.
• Children with diabetes automatically qualify under The Americans with Disabilities Act, and upon request by the parent/guardian, an accommodation plan shall be provided.

Scotland County Schools strive to provide the best educational opportunities for all students.  If your child has been diagnosed with a medical condition, please inform the school nurse as well as Mr. Thomas, principal, and Dr. Patricia Powell-Patrick, guidance counselor.  Working together, we can provide better opportunities for success in school.

 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ STUDENTS CODE OF CONDUCT Policy Code: 4315

Rules Defining Student Misconduct

1. FIGHTING, ASSAULTING, OR CAUSING OF PERSONAL INJURY
No student shall participate in a fight, assault or cause or attempt to cause physical injury to or intentionally behave in such a manner as could reasonably cause physical injury to any student, school employee or person other than a student or school employee in any school building, on any school premises, on any school bus, or off the school grounds at any school activity, function, or event before, during or after school hours.

2. WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS
No student shall knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any knife, razor, ice pick, explosive, loaded cane, sword cane, machete, pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, metal knuckles, length of chain, mace, pepper spray, or other object that would reasonably be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument in any school building, on any school premises, on any school bus, or off the school grounds at any school activity, function or event before, during or after school hours.

3. THREATENING OR ABUSIVE ACTION, BULLYING, HARASSING OR INTIMIDATING BEHAVIOR
No student shall direct toward any school employee, toward any other student, or toward any other person in any school building or on any school premises or on any school bus any language which threatens force or violence or which is abusive; or any sign or act or gesture which constitutes a threat of force or violence or which is abusive, bullying, harassing, or intimidating.

4. DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL
No student shall, by use of passive resistance, noise, threat, fear, intimidation, coercion, force, violence, or any other form of conduct, intentionally cause disruption of any lawful function, mission or process of the school to which he is assigned or any other school in the school system, nor shall any student urge any other student to engage in such conduct.

5. DISRESPECT TO TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
Students shall not use racial epithets or obscene or vulgar language or gestures or otherwise show marked disrespect to a teacher or other school employee.

6. EXTORTION
No student or students shall, by threatening or abusive action, extort money or attempt to extort money, other personal property or personal services from any other student. Violations of this rule may also constitute violations of Rule 3.

7. STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS
No student shall, on or off premises, engage in any protest, march, picket, sit-in or similar activity which has as its purpose the disruption of any lawful function, mission, or process of the school to which the student is assigned or any other school in the school system. Violations of this rule may also constitute violation of Rule 4.

8. THEFT OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
No student shall steal or attempt to steal or intentionally damage or attempt to damage any school property or private property while under school jurisdiction. Violators of this rule may also constitute violation of Rule 3.

9. TRESPASSING
No student shall be on the campus of another school in the Scotland County School System during the school day without the knowledge and consent of the officials of the school she/he is visiting.

10. NARCOTIC, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND STIMULANT DRUGS
No student shall possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or other drug, or drug paraphernalia, defined as a controlled substance pursuant to Chapter 9 of the North Carolina General Statutes, or otherwise prohibited or controlled by the General Statutes, or any alcoholic beverage or other intoxicating liquor as defined by Chapter 18-A of the North Carolina General Statutes while in any school building, on any school premises, on any school bus, or off the school premises at any school activity, function or event unless such possession, use or transmission is authorized by law and school regulation. Use of a drug authorized by valid medical prescription from a registered physician will not be considered a violation of this rule when the drug is taken by the person for whom the drug was prescribed.

11. TOBACCO
No student shall possess or use any tobacco product or tobacco paraphernalia or accessories (including, but not limited to lighters and matches) in any school building or school bus at any time, or on school premises during the school day.

12. SCHOOL VIOLATIONS
Students shall comply with school regulations and with directions of teachers, substitute teachers, student teachers, teacher aides, principals or other authorized school personnel during any period of time when he is properly under the authority of such school personnel. A student shall promptly identify himself or herself clearly and accurately upon request of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, or other school personnel during any period of time when he or she is properly under the jurisdiction of school personnel. If written identification is requested, the student must comply with legible identification.

13. SEXUAL HARASSMENT PROHIBITED
It is the policy of the Scotland County Board of Education that no student of the Board should be subjected to sexual harassment by any other student or school employee while attending school or during school-sponsored activities. The Board of Education recognizes that sexual harassment is a serious problem in our society and reports of sexual harassment involving students will result in immediate investigative action and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action. The Board prohibits sexual harassment by students and school employees in any form, including without limitation verbal, physical, or visual harassment.

Sexual harassment may include without limitation any of the following behaviors, or any combinations thereof:
a. Sexual innuendo or other suggestive comments;
b. Sexual humor or jokes;
c. Offensive notes, drawings, or pictures;
d. Sexual propositions, insults, or threats;
e. Leering;
f. Whistling, suggestive or insulting sounds, or gestures of a sexual nature;
g. Display, viewing, or reference to pornographic or sexually explicit materials;
h. Unwelcome or offensive touching of the body, including without limitation, brushing, patting, or pinching; or
i. Any form of sexual assault or threat of sexual assault.

Incidents of prohibited sexual harassment may involve members of the opposite sex or of the same sex. Any student who believes that he or she has been sexually harassed while attending school should promptly report the facts of the incident to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or to the principal of his or her school. The Superintendent or his or her designee and the child’s parent(s) shall then be notified as soon as possible, and the parent(s) shall be given an opportunity to address the Superintendent or designee regarding the incident. Any student or other person who reports or provides information regarding such an incident shall be protected against retaliation, and the confidentiality of sexual harassment complaints shall be protected. Prompt reporting of sexual harassment is encouraged in order that appropriate corrective or disciplinary action may be taken before a problem becomes severe or pervasive. The Superintendent or his or her designee or the school principal shall promptly, thoroughly, and impartially investigate all claims of sexual harassment involving students and shall take immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action. A Board employee who commits sexual harassment may be terminated, and a student who does so may be suspended or expelled, pursuant to paragraph “E” below.

14. OTHER ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
A student shall not engage in: 1. Any conduct on the school grounds, or during a school activity, function or event off school grounds or in a vehicle, which violates any law of the United States, the State of North Carolina, any other state, or any political sub-division of the state in which the conduct occurs; or 2. Any conduct off the school grounds or outside school activities, functions, or events, which violates any law as described herein; and 3. Which is detrimental to either the maintenance of good order, safety or discipline, or the general welfare of students and staff in the schools.

E. Penalties and Punishment
All students shall comply with all the rules and regulations governing behavior and conduct.
Violations of Board policies, rules or regulations, the Code for Student Conduct of the Scotland County School System, regulations issued by the individual schools, or the North Carolina General Statutes may result in disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion of the student from the Scotland County School System pursuant to the Due Process procedures of Section F of this policy.

1. The first violation of Rules 1-2 or 5-9 by a student in a school year shall result in a suspension of the student for up to ten (10) days, unless a longer suspension is provided in paragraph 4 below. At this time, the student shall sign a statement of awareness of punishment for the first and second violations of these rules and a copy of the signed statement shall be mailed to parent(s). A student suspended a first time for violations of the above listed rules must be provided a personal session with a school counselor as soon as possible after returning to school. The second violation during a school year of the above listed rules by a student shall result in long-term suspension from the Scotland County School System for the remainder of the school year. At Scotland High School only, the first offense for a violation of Rule 1 may result in assignment to the Alternative Learning Academy, upon recommendation of the Home-School Committee and approval of the Superintendent (as defined in the Alternative Learning Academy Guidelines).

2. The first violation of Rule 11 by a student in a school year shall result in the student attending a tobacco awareness session at a time and place designated by the school administration. At this time, the student shall sign a statement of awareness of punishment for first, second, and third violations of Rule 11 and a copy of the signed statement shall be mailed to parent(s). The second violation during a school year of this rule shall result in the student receiving a suspension for up to ten (10) school days. The third violation of this rule by a student during a school year shall result in a long-term suspension from the Scotland County System for the remainder of the school year.

3. Violations of Rules 3, 4, 12, 13, or 14 shall result in such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the principal. Repeated violations of Rule 12 shall result in suspension. Violation of Rules 3, 4, 13, or 14 may result in: (1) suspension or (2) expulsion pursuant to Section G of this policy.

4. THE FIRST VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT OF THE SCOTLAND COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM SHALL RESULT IN THE LONG TERM SUSPENSION OF THE STUDENT FROM THE SCOTLAND COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

a. Any violation of Rule 1 when the student causes or attempts to cause physical injury to a school employee.
b. Any violation of Rule 1 when the assault involves the use of a weapon or other object that could reasonably be considered a weapon pursuant to Rule 2.
c. Any violation of Rule 1 when two or more students assault or attack or cause or attempt to cause physical injury to or behave in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any other student.
d. Any violation of Rule 2 when the student’s conduct includes the possession of a pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, or other firearm (as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code).
e. Any violation of Rule 2 if the weapon is one which can or does result in a citation or arrest by law enforcement because of the weapon itself.
f. Any violation of Rule 10 with the exception of “under the influence”. Students deemed “under the influence” will be suspended for 10 days out-of- school suspension (OSS) and must begin an approved substance abuse counseling program prior to returning to school. Repeated offenses may result in long-term suspension.

When a school official learns or suspects that any student has brought a firearm onto school premises or has violated any Board or school policy, rule or regulation that may also be a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or the State of North Carolina, she/he shall report immediately such violation to the proper law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution. In such cases, school officials shall cooperate fully with the law enforcement agency; however, internal disciplinary proceedings shall proceed independently from the criminal investigation and prosecution. 4A. SPECIAL PENALTIES FOR STUDENTS AGE 13 OR OLDER WHO COMMIT PHYSICAL ASSAULTS The following special penalties apply to students age 13 or older who commit certain types of physical assaults in violation of Rule 1, i.e., assaults involving physical contact. These penalties are in addition to those otherwise available for violations of Rule 1, and are not intended to repeal or limit any other penalties which may apply. In order to trigger the provisions of this paragraph 4(A), the physical assault must occur on school property or at a school-related activity on or off school property, and must not have been an act of legitimate self defense.

a. Physical Assault and Serious Injury to School Personnel
Any student age 13 or older who physically assaults and seriously injures a teacher or other school personnel is subject to possible suspension from the Scotland County Schools for at least 300 but no more than 365 days.

b. Other Physical Assaults
Any student age 13 or older who commits any of the following types of physical assaults is subject to possible suspension from the Scotland County Schools for up to 365 days:
(1) Physical assault on a teacher (not involving serious injury) or another adult who is not a student;
(2) Physical assault on another student witnessed by school personnel; or
(3) Physical assault on another student inflicting serious injury.

c. Assault Upon a Teacher; No Return to Classroom
If a student has been disciplined pursuant to this paragraph 4(A) for assaulting or injuring a teacher, the student may not be returned to that teacher’s classroom without the teacher’s consent.

d. Due Process
All of the due process protections otherwise available in cases where long-term suspension is considered or imposed under this Code of Student Conduct apply to cases arising under this paragraph 4(A).

5. Students suspended under Rule 10 and their parents/guardians shall be provided with information concerning available counseling, referral, and rehabilitation programs as well as re-entry requirements. Upon returning to school subsequent to suspension for violation of Rule 10 and completing treatment, students shall be provided school-based counseling upon request. Services as defined in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Scotland County Schools and the Scotland County Mental Health Center may be utilized.

F. Due Process
The Scotland County Board of Education assumes its responsibility to assure every student’s right to an educational opportunity. The Board further assumes its responsibility to assure an atmosphere conducive to learning and the expression of individual responsibility while protecting the rights of all students. All provisions of this document shall be applied on that basis. This procedural guide meets the standards of due process required by law and accepted standards of fairness. The procedure provides, in instances of serious misconduct, (a) timely written notice adequately stating the charge against the student and containing the facts sufficiently particular to describe the nature of offense, and (b) an opportunity for a hearing. The procedure relates to those disciplinary matters requiring the attention of the principal or his administrative aides. Any suspension or dismissal is a serious measure and must be treated as such. Conferences with the parents should be a preliminary step in most instances of misconduct. If the penalty is less severe, such as detention or the like, no formal procedure is required. It should be made clear that this procedure is not designed to deal with ordinary classroom discipline. The law requires that all teachers “maintain good order and discipline” and the Board joins with parents and students in supporting every reasonable effort of teachers to meet this obligation; it must be so if teaching and learning are to occur. It should also be understood that certain violations set forth in the Board policy require dismissal action on the part of the principal. These are detailed in the portion of Section E immediately preceding.

1. Application The principal shall deal with instances of alleged misconduct:
a. when a teacher refers a problem of classroom discipline to the principal;
b. whenever the misconduct violates the rules and regulations adopted by the individual school or the Board;
c. whenever the cumulative acts of misconduct of an individual student warrant a more serious consideration of disciplinary actions;
d. whenever the alleged misconduct occurring under school supervisory circumstances violates the Public School Laws and/or General Statutes of the State of North Carolina;
e. whenever the alleged misconduct violates the Code of Student Conduct of the Scotland County School System; and,
f. whenever the principal deems it advisable that he/she deal personally with the misconduct.

2. Investigation
The principal shall investigate any instance of alleged misconduct and endeavor within reason to hear every side of the controversy. The student will be confronted with the charges. Students are to be encouraged to raise any defense felt to be available and the principal will endeavor to question witnesses requested by the student.

3. Power to Suspend or Request Hearing
The principal, except as herein provided, may on his own authority impose no greater penalty than a ten (10) day suspension for a student’s misconduct. In the event the principal deems a more severe penalty appropriate, he shall proceed to initiate a long-term suspension as specified in Section 7 below.

4. Summary Suspension
If, an emergency situation, the principal believes that immediate removal of the student is necessary to restore order to or protect school property or persons on the school grounds, he may suspend the student immediately for not more than two (2) school days. In such cases, the principal is not required to conduct an investigation before he suspends but, as soon as possible, he shall carry out such an investigation and decide on further disciplinary action, if any. If he then thinks an additional suspension is necessary, the total suspended time shall not exceed ten (10) school days. Should the results of the principal’s investigation convince the principal that the recipient of a summary suspension is not guilty of the misconduct in question, the student shall be immediately reinstated in school.

5. Short-Term Suspension
A short-term suspension is the removal from school for a period up to and including ten (10) school days. The principal may invoke a short-term suspension only after investigating the misconduct and confronting the student with the charges, allowing for the student’s defensive response, and only for the following reasons:  a. a violation of Board Policy or Procedure; or b. as provided in G.S. 115C-391. When a student is suspended, the principal shall advise the parents of a short-term suspension as follows: a. send a timely written notice adequately stating the charge against the student and containing facts sufficiently particular to describe the nature of the offense; b. make every effort to hold a conference with the parents before or at the time the student returns to school; and c. keep on file all documents and relevant information received about the misconduct for possible review with the parent. A student suspended during the last ten (10) days of the school year shall be provided an opportunity to take any quarterly, semester or grading period exams missed during the suspension, consistent with G.S. 115C-391(b). The principal shall determine when said exams will be administered.

6. Sending Home During Day
When a student is suspended during the school day, the principal shall attempt to reach the student’s parents and inform them of the school’s action and request that they come to the school or make arrangements for the student to leave the school. If the parents are available to receive the student, but cannot make arrangements, the school shall provide transportation for the student. If the principal cannot reach the parents then, and unless circumstances make it unacceptable to the principal, the student must remain on school property until the close of the school day. In the event of mass violation of school rules, the principal may order students to leave the school grounds to maintain order and protect school property.

7. Long-Term Suspension/Initiation of Long-Term Suspension
If the principal, following an investigation, determines a long-term suspension is appropriate, he will invoke a short-term suspension of ten (10) school days and inform the student and parent of the impending long-term suspension within this ten (10) day period. The notice must be written and must be given no later than the end of the tenth (10th) school day after their principal learns of the alleged student misconduct.

The notice shall include the following:
a. the rule allegedly violated and the date, time and place the violation occurred;
b. a tentative time and place for a hearing to be held by the principal or his designee;
c. a statement advising that the student of his right to be present at such a hearing, accompanied by his/her parents or guardian;
d. a statement advising that the student has the right to have witnesses appear in his behalf;
e. a statement that the hearing may be waived by the student, his parents or guardian in writing; and that the hearing will be held and a recommendation made in the event the hearing is not waived or the parents do not request another time for the hearing; and
f. a statement that, if the charges are substantiated, the principal plans to request authorization to impose the following disciplinary action (brief summary of proposed action).

8. Hearing
The principal or his designee may serve as Hearing Officer or a hearing officer may be designated by the superintendent. An official tape recording shall be made of the proceedings. Both the student and the principal, upon receipt of prior notification to the superintendent, may be represented by an attorney. The hearing procedure shall consist of presentation by the principal or his designee of witnesses and other evidence relating to the issue of whether or not the offense was committed by the student charged. The student may then offer witnesses and other evidence in his/her behalf relating to the same issue. If the purpose of the hearing is to challenge the severity of the penalty invoked by the principal, both sides of the issue will be presented in the above order. After the hearing, the principal shall review the matter and determine the appropriate action. If the decision is to return the student to school, he shall so inform the student and parents promptly. If the decision is to recommend a long-term suspension for more than ten (10) school days, he shall give a written request to the superintendent for authorization for a long-term suspension.

9. Review and Authorization by Superintendent
The superintendent, on receipt of the principal’s recommendation, shall review the student’s disciplinary folder and the record of the hearing and may as a result of such a review take the following action: a. approve a long-term suspension; or b. limit the suspension to ten (10) days; or c. modify the recommended suspension; or d. schedule an Administrative Hearing. The superintendent shall keep a written record of his review and action in the Administrative Office and shall notify the principal in writing of his decision. The principal, in turn, will notify the student or parent.

10. Appeal from the Administrative Decision
The student, parent or guardian may appeal the decision of the principal and/or superintendent to the Scotland County Board of Education by delivering notice of appeal in writing to the superintendent as Secretary of the Board of Education within five (5) days following the date of the receipt of the notice from the principal. Notice of the time, date and place of the hearing before the Board of Education shall be sent to the student and his parents or guardian, advising them of their right to be present. This appeal shall be heard on the record and any other evidence will be admitted only to avoid a substantial threat of unfairness. The hearings and appeals before the Board of Education will be closed to all except the parties and witnesses called by the Board of Education. Appeals from the decision of the principal and/or superintendent shall be heard by the Board of Education. The Board may announce its decision orally at the conclusion of the hearing or it may delay its decision for more than two (2) school days after the hearing. Not later than the two (2) school days following the date of the hearing, the Board shall forward its decision in writing to the student and his parents or guardian and send a copy to the principal. The decision of the Board shall be final. A record of the hearing shall be entered in the Minutes of the Board.

G. Expulsion
North Carolina G.S. 115C-391(d) provides in part: “A local board of education may, upon recommendation of the principal and superintendent, expel any student 14 years of age or older whose behavior indicates that the student’s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employee.” When action is initiated under this provision, the Scotland County Board of Education shall provide: (1) Written notice to the student and parent or guardian of the: a. action to be recommended by the superintendent; b. date and time of the hearing to be held by the Board of Education; and c. right to be present and present evidence, and upon receipt of prior notification by the Board of Education, right to be represented by counsel retained by the student, parent or guardian. (2) A hearing. (3) A written decision based on the hearing. Failure to appear at said hearing shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing. In such event, the Board of Education shall make its decision based on the recommendation of the principal and superintendent. The Board of Education’s decision to expel a student under this provision shall be based on clear and convincing evidence. Prior to ordering the expulsion of a student under this provision, the Board shall consider whether to Alternative Learning Academy, the homebound instructional program, or any other alternative program offered by the Scotland County Schools may provide education services for the student who is subject to expulsion. At any time after the first July 1, that is at least six months after the Board’s decision to expel a student under this subsection, a student may request the Board of Education to reconsider that decision. If the student demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Board that the student’s presence in school no longer constitutes a threat to the safety of other students or employees, the Board shall readmit the student to school on a date the Board considers appropriate.

H. 365 Day Suspension – Bringing a Firearm or Explosive onto School Property
Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Policy 4315, and pursuant to the North Carolina General Statutes, a student who brings a firearm or powerful explosive onto school property will be suspended for 365 days, unless the superintendent recommends and the Board approves a modification. For purposes of this paragraph H only, a firearm includes any gun, rifle, pistol, or other weapon used for firing a projectile by means of an explosive charge, and does not include BB guns, air rifles, or air pistols. A powerful explosive includes a dynamite cartridge, blasting cap, trinitrotoluene (TNT), nitroglycerin, grenade or mine. A student who brings a firearm or powerful explosive to school also will be referred to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. The principal, upon having completed a thorough investigation, will recommend to the superintendent a long-term suspension and a 365 day suspension for any student who the principal believes to have brought any firearm or powerful explosive to school. If the student is 14 years of age or older, the principal also may recommend expulsion in accordance with paragraph G above. A student with disabilities will receive all protections required by law. The notice and hearing rights contained in paragraph F for long-term suspensions will be followed. A determination will be made by the superintendent or designee as to whether the evidence supports (1) a long-term suspension, (2) 365 day suspension and/or (3) an expulsion. The superintendent/designee will notify the principal if a long-term suspension is approved and the principal may impose a long-term suspension. The long-term suspension may be appealed to the Board. If the superintendent/designee also determines that a 365 day suspension and/or expulsion is appropriate, the superintendent/designee will determine whether to also recommend to the Board any modification in the suspension, including the provision of the alternative education services or reduction in the suspension. The superintendent/ designee will notify in writing the parents or guardians and the student of the recommendation and the basis for the recommendation. The superintendent also will notify the parents in writing of any recommendation for expulsion and the basis for the recommendation. Following receipt of the superintendent’s/designee’s recommendation, the Scotland County Board of Education shall provide: (1) Written notice to the student and parent or guardian of the:
a. date and time of the hearing to be held by the Board of Education upon said recommendation; and
b. right to be present and present evidence, and upon receipt of prior notification by the Board of Education, right to be represented by counsel retained by student, parent, or guardian. (2) A hearing; (3) A written decision based upon the hearing. Failure to appear at said hearing shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing. In such event, the Board of Education shall make its decision based upon the recommendation of the superintendent. The Board of Education, upon recommendation by the superintendent, may modify the 365 days suspension requirement and may provide alternative educational services to any student suspended under this Paragraph H or reduce the suspension.

 

DRESS CODE FOR GRADES 6-12

The purpose of a dress code is to communicate the school’s clear expectation that the focus of school is to promote learning. In order for students to learn in a safe and orderly school environment with minimal disruptions, they shall attend school in clothing that is neat, clean, safe, and which covers them appropriately. Students will not be allowed to attend school wearing clothing or accessories which interfere with the maintenance of good order and discipline, or which otherwise disrupt learning.

In accordance with this dress code/policy:
a. Midriffs shall be covered;
b. Shoulders shall be covered, though sleeveless apparel is acceptable;
c. Undergarments shall not be visible;
d. Shorts, dresses, and skirts shall be at least fingertip length;
e. Pants shall be worn at the waist;
f. Belts, if worn, shall be buckled;
g. Sunglasses, goggles, and head covers may only be worn outdoors; and
h. Clothing and accessories, as well as messages on clothing or accessories, shall not be lewd, vulgar, provocative, obscene, degrade individuals or groups, or promote violence, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances.

The foregoing is intended as examples only and in no way limit the scope of this dress code policy. For purposes of the Code for Student Conduct, violations of this dress code/policy shall be treated as violations of Rule 12, “School Violations.” LEGAL REFERENCES: G.S. 115C-391(d1), 14-269.2; Gun Free Schools Act of 1994 Adopted: April 14, 2008 Revised: November 17, 2008

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1000 West Church Street  |  Laurinburg, NC 28352  |  Phone: 910-266-4100   |   Fax: 910-277-4444

Last modified: 9/16/09