It is the policy of the Pamlico County Board of Education to enroll students in Pamlico County Schools in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 115C-378 (Compulsory Attendance) and the North Carolina Administrative Code governing school attendance and student accounting. Furthermore, it is the intent of this policy to ensure that the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education governing compulsory school attendance are enforced.

Attendance in school is central to educational achievement and school success. Attendance and participation in class is an integral part of the teaching-learning process, and thereby a part of the grade earned. Additionally, regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to success in later life, both personal and business. While there are times when students must be absent from school due to physical inability to attend, it must be understood that parents or legal guardians have the responsibility for ensuring that students attend and remain at school daily.

6000.1 Teachers shall maintain accurate attendance records, both daily and by class where appropriate.

6000.2 Principals shall adhere to all conditions of the North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law, and shall notify parents or guardians of their responsibility under the same law.

Grades K-12

The principal or designee shall provide written notification to the parent, guardian, or custodian when a student has accumulated three (3), six (6), and ten (10) unexcused absences.

First Notification – three (3) unexcused daily absences in a school year. This notification may be sent by regular mail.

Second Notification – six (6) unexcused daily absences in a school year. This letter will request a conference and give notice that the parent, guardian, or custodian may be in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law and may be prosecuted if the absences cannot be justified. This notification may also be sent by regular mail but should be followed up by a phone call.

The principal, child and family support team (CFST), success coordinator, teacher(s), parent(s), guardian(s), custodian(s) and the student will work together to analyze the causes of the absences and determine possible steps to eliminate the problem. Failure to respond to the request for a conference will result in a referral to the Judicial Attendance Council of Pamlico County.

Third Notification – After ten (10) days of accumulated unexcused absences in a school year, a certified letter will be mailed. In most instances, the principal or his designee shall utilize the Judicial Attendance Council of Pamlico County in conferring with the student, parent(s), guardian(s), or custodian(s) to determine if a good faith effort was made to comply with the law.

If it is determined that a good faith effort was not made, the district attorney and the director of social services in the county where the child resides shall be notified.

If it is determined that the parent(s), the guardian(s), or the custodian(s) made a good faith effort to comply with the law, a complaint should be filed with the Juvenile Court Counselor pursuant to Chapter 7B of the General Statutes that the child is habitually absent from school without a valid excuse.

6000.3 All classroom activities are important and difficult, if not impossible, to replace if missed. School-related activities as outlined below, however, shall not be counted as absences from either class or school. It is the intention of the Board of Education that classes missed for such reasons be kept to an absolute minimum through close scrutiny and a monitoring system on the part of the principal. Assignments missed for these reasons shall be completed by students and are due on the day the student returns to class, unless granted additional time by the classroom teacher:

a. Field trips sponsored by the school

b. School-initiated and scheduled activities

c. Athletic events requiring early dismissal from school

d. Governor or legislative pages

e. In-school suspension

6000.4 Teachers shall notify the principal or his designee when a student accumulates excessive absences (excused/unexcused) from either homeroom or an individual class.

- At the discretion of the principal, after five (5) excused absences the parent(s) may be asked to meet with the principal and the Child and Family Support Team.

- At the discretion of the principal, after ten (10) excused absences the parent(s) and student may be referred to the Judicial Attendance Council. It is mandatory for the parent(s) and student to be present during the hearing.

The school and teacher shall also notify parent(s)/guardian(s) or custodian(s) of the absences by means as considered appropriate. The notice to parents or guardian(s) or custodian(s) shall include a warning of the possible consequences of additional absences and/or a copy of this policy. Students at any age who accumulate excessive absences may experience consequences ranging from extra make-up work to grade retention.

6000.5 Required Attendance for Course Credit

Students in Grades K-8

Students in grades K-8 who are absent more than twenty (20) days during a year shall be referred to an Interdisciplinary Attendance Committee which shall determine if the student should be retained. The committee may substitute summer school or other approved experiences for retention if it determines them to be of greater educational benefit to the child than retention. The committee will also review any additional educational experiences that the child might have received during the absences as it makes its determinations.

Students in Grades 9-12

A student who is absent a total of eight (8) or more periods per course (excused/unexcused) shall fail that course and receive no credit unless a waiver is granted by the principal, or the time is made up. A student who has been absent between eight (8) and no more than twelve (12) periods per course (excused/unexcused) will be provided an opportunity to make up time missed.

A student who has missed a total of eight (8) or more periods, who may have extenuating circumstances which would prohibit making up the missed time, may appeal to the principal for a waiver of his/her excused absences, as specified in 6110.1 (illness/injury/disability, quarantine/isolation, death in immediate family, emergency medical, subpoena/witness, religious observance, educational opportunity), or his/her short-term out-of-school suspension. If waivers are granted, absences will be recalculated to determine credit. Waiver decisions will be maintained/filed with the principal. Pamlico County High School shall provide sufficient make-up opportunities that are in the best interest of the student and the school.

6000.6 The principal shall appoint an Interdisciplinary Attendance Committee (administrator, CFST, counselor, teacher) to advise the principal whether the circumstances for each student who has exceeded the requisite number of days warrant waiver of the no-credit or retention provisions of this policy. Such hearings for each student shall be mandatory. The principal shall notify the student and his parent(s) or guardian(s) or custodian(s) concerning the time and place of such hearings and indicate that their presence is required. The principal shall have authority to waive the no-credit or retention provisions of the policy before or after a hearing by the committee. If the student has a passing grade but fails due to attendance, his/her grade will be recorded as a “69”.

6000.7 The State Board of Education’s Ten-Day Rule states that when a student accumulates more than ten consecutive days of unlawful absences, he/she is to be withdrawn from funded membership as of the first day following his/her last day in attendance. NC WISE school system software automatically handles the administration of the ten-day rule. The software functions are as follows:

1. On the eleventh consecutive day of unlawful absence, the student in violation of the rule will no longer be counted in the calculation of ADM as of the first day of absence. However, he/she will continue in membership and will be counted as absent from school.

2. If and when the student returns to school, he/she is simply to be counted present for the days of attendance. Beginning on the first day of attendance, the student will once again be counted in the calculation of the school’s ADM.

3. If and when it is determined that the student has withdrawn from school, the withdrawal is to be posted on the first day after the student’s last day in attendance.

4. Students under age 16 who are unlawfully absent for more than ten (10) consecutive absences are not to be withdrawn until their whereabouts are known or it is determined that they have left the attendance area.

5. If the student is in violation of the ten-day rule on the last day of the school year, the NC WISE software requires that before submission of the Month 09 PMR, action must be taken to withdraw the student from membership on the first day after his/her last day in attendance.

Absences caused by out-of-school suspension are not a factor in the administration of the ten-day rule or the compulsory attendance law.

6000.8 Exemption from Exams (PCHS only)

A student may be exempt from the final exam in any course where an end-of-course test is not required if:

1. The student has an “A” (93-100) average in the course and has no more than three (3) absences.

2. The student has a “B” (85-92) average in the course and has no more than two (2) absences.

3. The student has a “C” (77-84) average in the course and has no more than one (1) absence.

Any student has the option to take a final exam in any course from which the student is exempt.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -84, -378 through -383

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6001 DROPOUT REFERRALS 6001

The Superintendent shall cause all students who drop out of school to be referred to appropriate services as they may be available in the school system, the community college system, or from other sources or agencies.

6001.1 The principal or principal’s designee shall have an exit conference with each student. The reasons for the student dropping out of school shall be documented.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47(32)

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6010 COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE 6010

Every parent, guardian, or custodian residing within the school system and/or having charge or control of a child between the ages of seven and sixteen years shall cause such child to attend school continuously for a period equal to the time that the public schools are in session. It is their responsibility to notify the school of the reason for each known absence of the child.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-378

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6011 ENTRANCE AGE: INITIAL 6011

A child, to be entitled to initial entry in the Pamlico County Schools, must have passed the fifth anniversary of his birth on or before October 16 of the year in which the child is presented for enrollment.

6011.1 The initial point of entry into the public school system shall be at the kindergarten level.

6011.2 After initial entry, the principal may place a child in first grade, by reason of maturity, without regard to chronological age.

6011.3.1 A child already attending school in another state according to laws and regulations of that state shall be eligible for enrollment regardless of whether such child has passed the fifth anniversary of his birth before October 16.

6011.4 A child who has turned 4 years old by April 16 may enter kindergarten if presented for enrollment no later than the end of the first month of the next school year, provided the principal finds: that the child is gifted, based on information provided by the parent or guardian; and that the child has the maturity to justify admission to the school. The principal shall use State Board of Education guidelines in making these findings.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-288, -364

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6012 ENTRANCE AGE: TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER STATE 6012

When a child has begun attendance in a public school in another state or foreign country in accordance with the laws or regulations of that state, the child will be eligible for enrollment regardless of his age. Grade placement will be determined by the Pamlico County school principal.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-364

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6013 ENTRANCE AGE: VERIFICATION 6013

The parent or guardian of a child who is making initial entrance into school shall be required to furnish a copy of the child's birth certificate or other legally acceptable proof of age, before admission is approved.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-364

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6014 TRANSFER FROM IN-STATE NONPUBLIC KINDERGARTEN 6014

OR FIRST GRADE

If a child who does not meet North Carolina's age requirement for initial entry in the public schools enrolls in kindergarten in an in-state nonpublic school, the child may not transfer in the same school year to kindergarten in a public school. If such a child is presented for enrollment in the public school system at any time during the following school year, the child will be placed in kindergarten as provided by Policy 6011.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-81(f)(2), -288(a), -364

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6020 SCHOOL ADMISSIONS 6020

Qualification for admission to the Pamlico County Schools shall be considered complete upon satisfaction of the criteria listed under the respective types of entrants.

6020.1 DOMICILIARY STUDENTS. Students who are domiciled in Pamlico County (or who meet the requirements of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-366(a2), (a3), (a6) or (a8)) shall satisfy the following requirements for admission:

A. Student under the age of 21 who has not completed the prescribed course for graduation from high school.

B. Student has satisfied North Carolina immunization requirements.

C. Receipt of transcript and other student records for a student whose parent or guardian is a new resident of Pamlico County. If the student's parent, custodian, or guardian provides the student records, the receiving school's principal shall verify the records as required by Board policy 6322.2. The principal shall in all cases obtain such records, or the aforementioned verification, within thirty (30) days of the child's enrollment, as required by policy 6322.2.

6020.2 DETERMINATION OF DOMICILE. The Superintendent shall develop and be responsible for administering a system to determine the domiciliary status of each pupil desiring to attend the Pamlico County Schools, for the purpose of determining qualifications for admission.

6020.3 HOMELESS STUDENTS. Homeless children, the children of homeless parents, and “unaccompanied youth,” as defined by Policy 6023, who actually live in Pamlico County shall be considered domiciliary students for the purpose of this policy.

6020.4 TRANSFER STUDENTS. The Board requires that a student’s parent, guardian, or custodian provide a sworn statement (affidavit) indicating whether the student currently is under suspension or expulsion from attendance at any public or private school or has been convicted of a felony, in any state. This requirement will not apply to a student who has never been enrolled in or attended a private or public school in this or any other state.

For students who have been suspended from school, the Superintendent may deny admission until the suspension period expires, or place reasonable conditions on admission if the student has been suspended for conduct which could have resulted in suspension from Pamlico County Schools.

The Superintendent may deny admission or place reasonable conditions on admission to a student convicted of a felony or expelled. If admission is denied to a student who has been expelled or convicted of a felony, the student may request the Board of Education to reconsider that decision pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-391(d).

The Superintendent’s decision to deny admission to a transfer student under this policy may be appealed to the Board of Education.

Cross Reference: Homeless Students (Policy 6023)

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-40, -45(c), -366, -366.1, -403; 20 U.S.C. §11431 et seq., as amended.

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

Revised: January 7, 2008

6021 IMMUNIZATION 6021

No child shall be permitted to attend school unless a certificate of immunization indicating the child has received the immunizations required by G.S. 130A-152 is presented to the school. If on the first day of attendance the child does not present such a certificate, the child's parent, guardian or caretaker shall be notified. This person shall be given thirty (30) calendar days from the first day of attendance to obtain the required immunizations for the child. If, following approved medical practice, the administration of a vaccine requires more than thirty (30) calendar days to complete, upon certification of this fact by a physician, additional days may be allowed in order to obtain the required immunization. At the end of the thirty (30) calendar days or extended period, if the required immunizations have not been obtained, the school shall not admit the child. No child will be required to have any such immunization if his parent objects thereto, in writing, on the grounds that it conflicts with their religious beliefs, or if the child's physician certifies that the required immunization is or may be detrimental to the child's health for as long as a medical contraindication exists.

The school shall maintain on file immunization records for all students which contain the information required for a certificate of immunization as specified in G.S. 130A-154, and these records may be inspected by officials of the county or state health departments. When a child transfers to another school, the school from which he his transferring shall send a copy of the child's immunization record to his new school at no charge.

Each school principal shall file an immunization report with the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources within sixty (60) calendar days after the commencement of a new school year.

Legal Reference: G.S. 130A-152 through -157

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6022 KINDERGARTEN HEALTH ASSESSMENT 6022

No child shall be permitted to enter kindergarten unless a health assessment transmittal form is presented to the principal on or before the child's first day of attendance. If the form is not presented, the principal must present a notice of deficiency to the parent, guardian or responsible person. If the health assessment transmittal form is not received within 30 calendar days after the principal has given the notice of deficiency, the child must be prohibited from attending school until the health assessment transmittal form has been presented.

Within 60 calendar days after the commencement of a new school year, the principal shall file a health assessment status report with the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. The report shall document the number of children in compliance and not in compliance with the requirement to provide the health assessment transmittal form.

Legal Reference: G.S. 130A-440 through -441

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6023 HOMELESS CHILDREN 6023

In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Actand the North Carolina State Plan for Educating Homeless Children, the Board of Education will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment, and eliminate barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices. Based on individual need, homeless students will be provided services available to all students, such as preschool, free or reduced school meals, services for English language learners, special education, career and technical education, academically and intellectually gifted services, and after-school programs.

The provisions of this policy will supersede any and all conflicting provisions in Board policies that address the areas discussed in this policy.

A. DEFINITION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS

Homeless students are children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Homeless students include unaccompanied youth which shall mean a youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. Homeless children and youth include those students who are:

1. sharing the house of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;

2. living in motels, hotels, transienttrailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

3. living in emergency or transitional shelters;

4. awaiting foster care placement;

5. living in a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

6. living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings; or

7. living in a migratory situation that qualifies as homeless because the child lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

B. HOMELESS LIAISON

The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will appoint a school employee to serve as the homeless liaison.The homeless liaison’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. ensuring that school personnel identify homeless children and youth;

2. ensuring school/pre-school enrollment and opportunities for academic success for homeless children and youth;

3. informing parents of available transportation services and helping to coordinate such services;

4. ensuring that public notice of the educational rights of homeless students is disseminated in locations where these students and families receive other support services;

5. informing parents of educational and related opportunities available to their children and ensuring that parents have a meaningful opportunity to participate in their child’s education;

6. helping to mediate enrollment disputes;

7. working with school personnel, the student, parents or guardians and/or other agencies to obtain critical enrollment records, including immunization and medical records, in a timely manner; and

8. working with the superintendent or his/her designee to identify board policies or procedures that might serve as a barrier to enrollment of homeless students, including those related to immunization records, medical records, uniforms or dress codes, school fees, and school admission.

C. ACCESS TO STUDENT’S RECORDS

Homeless students transferring into the school district may provide cumulative and other records directly to the school district. The school district will not require that such records be forwarded from another school district before the student may enroll. However, school personnel will immediately request the official records from the previous school.

School personnel will immediately enroll homeless students, even if they do not have proof of residency, school and immunization records, birth certificates, or other documents, and even if they are not accompanied by an adult. The homeless liaison will assist the students/parent in securing appropriate records or otherwise meeting enrollment requirements.

D. ENROLLMENT

A homeless student (or his/her parent or guardian) may request to attend his/her school of origin or any public school that other students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend. The school of origin is defined as the school the student attended before losing permanent housing or the school in which the student was last enrolled. To the extent feasible, the student will remain enrolled in the school of origin for the entire time the student is homeless or until the end of any academic year in which the student moves into permanent housing.

The superintendent, or the superintendent’s designee, in consultation with the homeless liaison, will make the decision regarding which school a homeless student will attend. The decision will be based upon the student’s best interests. In making the enrollment decision, the superintendent or designee may consider the following factors:

• the age of the student;

• the distance of the commute and its impact on the student’s education;

• personal safety issues;

• the student’s need for special instruction (such as special education and related services);

• the length of any anticipated stay in a temporary shelter or other temporary location; and

• the time remaining in the school year.

If the superintendent or designee assigns a student to a school other than the school of origin or one requested by the parent/guardian, he/she must provide a written explanation of the decision to the parent/guardian, along with a statement regarding the right to appeal the placement decision.

E. ENROLLMENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The school district will implement an enrollment dispute resolution process that is consistent with the process required by the State Board of Education in the North Carolina Administrative Code section 06H.0012.

1. Initiation of the Dispute and Stay Put

If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment in a school for a homeless student, the following will occur:

a. The homeless student shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought, shall receive all services for which he/she is eligible and shall be allowed to participate fully in school activities, pending resolution of the dispute.

b. The parent/guardian of the student shall be provided a written explanation of the school’s decision regarding the enrollment, including the right to appeal the decision. Such information must be provided in a language that the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth can understand.

c. The student or parent/guardian shall be referred to the district’s homeless liaison who will carry out the appeal process as expeditiously as possible after receiving notice of the dispute.

2. Homeless Liaison Review

a. Any parent/guardian or student initiating an enrollment dispute (hereinafter “complainant”) is encouraged to attempt to resolve the dispute informally through discussion with the homeless liaison. If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, the complainant may present a formal complaint orally or in writing to the homeless liaison.

b. The complaint should include the date of the filing, a description of the disputed action, the name of the person(s) involved and a description of the relief requested. The complainant may provide supporting written

or oral documentation and may be accompanied by an advocate or attorney.

c. Within five school days after receiving the complaint, the homeless liaison will provide a written decision, including the reasons for the decision, to the complainant and the superintendent.

3. Appeal to the Superintendent of the Liaison’s Decision

a. Within five school days of receiving the liaison’s decision, the complainant may appeal the decision to the superintendent in writing. The homeless liaison shall ensure that the superintendent receives copies of the written complaint and the response.

b. The superintendent or his/her designee shall schedule a conference with the complainant to discuss the complaint.

c. Within five school days of receiving the appeal, the superintendent or designee shall provide a written decision to the complainant including a statement of the reasons for the decision.

4. Appeal to the Board of the Superintendent’s Decision

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the superintendent’s decision, he/she may file a written appeal with the board of education. The board will provide a written decision within 30 days of receiving the appeal. The board’s decision will constitute the final decision of school district. The written statement of the board’s opinion will include the name and contact of the state coordinator for homeless education and will describe the appeal rights to the state coordinator.

5. Appeal to the State Coordinator of the Board’s Decision

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the action taken by the board of education, he/she may file an appeal with the state coordinator for homeless education, who will issue a final decision on the complaint.

F. TRANSPORTATION

The board of education will provide homeless students with transportation services comparable to those of other students. In addition, at the parent/guardian’s request (or the request of the homeless liaison for unaccompanied youth), the board will provide transportation services to/from the school of origin. The superintendent or designee and the homeless liaison will coordinate homeless students’ transportation needs, based on the child’s best interest and feasibility. In situations where a student attends school in this district but his/her temporary housing is in another district (or vice versa), the superintendent or designee will work with the other district to share the cost and/or responsibility for transportation. If an agreement cannot be reached between the districts, the cost of such transportation will be divided evenly.

If a homeless student becomes permanently housed and chooses to remain in his/her school of origin, the board will provide transportation to the student for the remainder of the school year, except in extraordinary circumstances as recommended by the superintendent.

G. TITLE I

Homeless students are automatically eligible for Title I services.The homeless liaison and the Title I directorwill collaborate to identify the needs of homeless students.

Legal References: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 11431, et seq.; U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (2004); G.S. 115C-366(a2); 16 N.C.A.C. 6H.0112; State Board of Education Policy EEO-I-000

Cross References: Immunization (policy 6021), School Admissions (policy 6020), School Assignment (policy 6201)

Adopted: December 3, 2007

6024 HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM 6024

The Pamlico County Board of Education recognizes that student health issues can impact a student’s ability to succeed in school. Some health conditions are common enough in any given student population to make mass screenings beneficial for identifying barriers to success in that population.

The Board further recognizes that identifying a potentially handicapping health condition is only the first step in a health-screening program. Appropriate referrals for further evaluation and remediation must be made. In addition, adequate follow up with parents is necessary to assure that the condition is corrected or, if the condition cannot be corrected, that appropriate accommodations are made.

The superintendent or designee shall develop procedures for mass screenings and follow up to be conducted within the district. A determination of what health screenings shall be conducted, as well as the frequency and scope of those screenings, will be made annually in accordance with the available resources of the district.

Reference: G.S. §115C-36; North Carolina School Health Program Manual of 2005.

Adopted: December 3, 2007

6030 TAKING A STUDENT FROM SCHOOL 6030

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to determine that any person appearing at a school and requesting permission to take a student from the school shall be properly identified before allowing him to proceed.

6030.1 In no case shall a person other than an authorized parent, or guardian, or custodian be permitted to take a student from school until or unless the principal is satisfied that such person has the approval of the authorized parent or guardian.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-40, -47, -288

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6031 PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL 6031

BEFORE CLOSING HOUR

All requests to leave the building while school is in session must be approved by the principal or his/her designee. Leaving school without permission constitutes truancy. Students shall not be permitted to leave school before the regular closing hour except for appropriate and bona fide reasons.

6031.1 Senior high school students are initially required to obtain the principal’s permission to leave the school grounds for participation in dual enrollment and established cooperative work programs.

6031.2 A student may be dismissed from school for a medical or dental appointment for the time required by the specific appointment. Such an absence shall be considered excused.

6031.3 Students shall not be excused for outside activities such as music lessons, dancing lessons, etc.

6031.4 Each school has the responsibility for developing its own procedures for permission to leave school before the closing hours. These shall be included in the student/parent handbook.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-40, -47, -288

Adopted: January 2, 2007

6101 ABSENCES: PRINCIPAL'S RESPONSIBILITY 6101

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to be familiar with current rules and regulations relative to attendance and absences and to monitor regularly:

A. Teacher compliance,

B. Decisions relative to classifications of absences as excused or unexcused, and

C. Absence cases needing further review or action.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -288, -378 through -381

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6102 ABSENCES: TEACHER'S RESPONSIBILITY 6102

It shall be the teacher's responsibility to be familiar with current rules and regulations relative to attendance and absence and to carry out his/her duties as set forth.

6102.1 Teachers shall notify parent(s), guardian(s), or custodian(s) when a student accumulates excessive tardies or absences and inform them of the consequences. Parent(s), guardian(s), or custodian(s) should be invited for a parent-teacher conference to resolve any missing assignments or coursework.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -307, -378 through -381

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6103 ABSENCES 6103

In the event of absence or tardiness, it shall be the responsibility of the student to bring to the principal or his designee a note signed by the parent or guardian citing the reason for such absence or tardiness. A principal may require any additional documentation deemed necessary to verify an absence or tardiness.

Such notes should be presented within three (3) days of the student's return to school. Failure to comply will result in the absence or tardiness being recorded as unexcused, as provided in Policy 6111.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -288, -378 through -381

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6110 EXCUSED ABSENCES 6110

6110.1 Valid conditions for excused absences are:

A. Illness, injury or disability which makes the student physically unable to attend school.

B. Quarantine/isolation ordered by the local health officer or State Board of Health.

C. Death in the immediate family. This would include but not necessarily be limited to parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters.

D. Emergency medical or dental appointment or such an appointment which has been approved in advance by the principal.

E. Participation as a party, or under subpoena as a witness, in a court proceeding or before an administrative tribunal.

F. Observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student's parent(s), guardian(s), or custodian(s), with prior approval by the principal.

G. Participation in a valid educational opportunity with prior approval by the principal. Valid activities may include travel or student’s attendance at official deployment activities or ceremonies when the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian is a deploying member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Within five days after returning to the school setting, the student shall present to the principal for his approval a log of activities and a written report explaining what insight or perspective the student gained by this trip.

6110.2 Absences caused by out-of-school suspensions are not considered excused absences for purposes of academic credit, nor are they considered a factor in the administration of the compulsory attendance law or the ten-day rule.

6110.3 In the event of an excused absence, a student shall be entitled to make up work without receiving penalties to their marks or grades for such work.

6110.4 The responsibility for securing and arranging for make-up work rests with the student at the secondary level. Elementary students will have make-up work arranged at the direction of the teacher.

6110.5 Make-up work shall be assigned at the convenience of the teacher, and may be specific material missed by the student, or may be of a reinforcement or enrichment nature.

6110.6 When a student is absent for any of the seven reasons listed above, he or she shall provide appropriate written documentation of that absence as lawful, as required by policy of the local school and as made known to parents through the school handbook. Such documentation shall be kept on file. If there is any question regarding lawful absences, a person designated by the principal shall make contact with the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child.

6110.7 If a student is to be absent for medical or dental appointments, court or administrative proceedings, religious observances, or educational opportunities, the parent, guardian, or custodian should, except in emergencies, file the excuse and the dates for absences with the principal prior to the date that the student is to be absent.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -307, -378 to -381

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6111 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES 6111

Any absence not meeting the requirements of an excused absence shall be an unexcused absence. This includes, but is not limited to:

A. Any absence not classified as excused in Policy 6110.1.

B. Any absence listed in Policy 6110.1 for which proper notification is not furnished to the principal within three (3) days of returning to school or prior to the absence. However, upon receipt of adequate documentation that the absence met the requirements of an excused absence, the principal may reclassify the absence as excused.

6111.1 Any absence of a student that results from a suspension of that student for misconduct pursuant to G.S. 115C-391 shall not be considered an unexcused absence for purposes of the Compulsory Attendance Law. A student who has been suspended pursuant to G.S. 115C-391 shall be provided an opportunity to make up semester or grading-period examinations missed during the suspension and be encouraged to complete coursework and assignments during the period of suspension.

6111.2 Unlawful absences must be recorded for proper calculation of ADM.

6111.3 It is encouraged, when appropriate (i.e., parent support, student motivation/cooperation), that the administration provide means through the guidance counselors, child-family support teams, success coordinator and/or appropriate faculty members to allow work and tests to be made up so as to not compound the academic consequences of absences.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -378 through -381, -391

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6112 HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND SERVICES 6112

FOR NON-EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this policy is to help hospital/homebound students maintain access to the general curriculum through the provision of instructional and tutorial services, in order to support the students’ growth, development, and academic performance.

Eligibility:

Any student who is not participating in the Exceptional Children’s Program and is expected to be confined to hospital or home for four weeks or longer, as determined through consultation and documentation, is eligible for hospital/homebound services during the period of treatment or recuperation. Hospital/Homebound services for Exceptional Children will be determined by the IEP committee.

Priority Population:

· Accident Victim

· Surgery

· Extended Illness

· Pregnancy and Pregnancy Recuperation

· Other as Determined by Consultation and Documentation from doctor

Operational Procedures:

Once a request for hospital/homebound services has been received or a need has been identified by a parent/guardian, individual of legal age or emancipated youth, the principal or designee will immediately implement the process to make a determination. The following steps should be used to register students for the services:

· Request for Hospital/Homebound Services form is completed by parent/guardian. Parental Consent Form (HB-1).

· Parent/Guardian obtains medical documentation. Physician’s Statement (HB-2). When Hospital/Homebound Services are needed due to an emotional or psychological concern, a complete psychological or psychiatric evaluation by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist must accompany the physician’s statement.

· Parent submits forms HB-1 and HB-2 to school the student attends.

· Principal completes School Request Form (HB-3).

· Request for Hospital/Homebound Services packet (HB-1, HB-2, HB-3) is sent to the Central Office designee.

· Central Office designee approves/denies request. (HB-3)

· The Hospital/Homebound teacher, in conjunction with the student’s teachers, will develop a Hospital/Homebound Service Plan to include:

o Length of service

o Goals and objectives

o Daily/weekly hospital/homebound service schedules

o Other

· The Hospital/Homebound teacher will have access to textbooks, instructional materials, assignments, specific curriculum goals and objectives, and performance indicators to be used during the period of confinement.

· The student’s school should accept completed assignments and grades on goals, objectives, competencies and performance indicators that have been identified by the student’s teacher(s).

· Hospital/Homebound students will receive adequate opportunity to engage in learning with consideration given to the status of the student’s medical condition.

· As a general rule, two to five hours per week, provided on an individual basis, should be considered equivalent to one full week of school attendance.

· A student who is confined at home or in a hospital and is receiving homebound instruction is considered Hospital/Homebound and as such, should be counted PRESENT for the span of time during which regularly scheduled hospital/homebound instructional services are delivered. When hospital/homebound services are required for an extended period, medical documentation must be presented every four weeks. Services will be terminated if documentation is not provided.

· Students are to be released from hospital/homebound services based on the physician’s release form that has been obtained by the school.

· This policy shall not be construed as creating rights in addition to that provided by applicable law.

Legal Reference: G.S. §115C-36; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: June 4, 2007

6120 CREDIT FOR ATTENDANCE 6120

To be counted present, a student shall be in attendance at least one-half of the student school day.

6120.1 A student shall be considered present for that portion of the day that he is present to attend an official school activity at a place other than the school with the approval of the principal.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-379

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6121 TARDINESS 6121

A student shall be seated or at his assigned station for work at the time appointed for the school day or class to begin, or be recorded as tardy for the day or class. Skipping (truancy) school or any assigned classes is addressed in the Student Code of Conduct, Policy 6401 Rule 3.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-379

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: January 2, 2007

6201 STUDENT ASSIGNMENT 6201

Each student shall be assigned to the appropriate grade.

6201.1 An exceptional child shall be assigned to a school based upon the extent that facilities and the presence of an appropriate program offering permit.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-113, -366

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6202 NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT 6202

Notification of assignment of students for the coming school year shall be made and distributed prior to July 1.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-366(b), -368

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6220 PROVISIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS 6220

All children with special needs are capable of benefiting from appropriate programs of special education and training, and they shall be provided with an education that meets their needs.

6220.1 The term "special education" includes specifically designed instruction, including classroom instruction, instruction in physical education, and home instruction. It includes such related services as required to assist a special needs child to benefit from special education.

6220.2 Each child with special needs shall be educated in the least restrictive environment.

6220.3 The student records of children with special needs will be flagged, obtained or verified when appropriate under Board Policy 6322.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1412; G.S. 115C-107, -108

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6221 ASSURANCE OF APPROPRIATE SERVICES - 6221

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

No child between the ages of three (3) and twenty (20) with special needs shall be denied a free appropriate public education.

6221.1 Every child suspected of having special learning needs is entitled to multi-disciplinary diagnosis and evaluation.

6221.2 All testing and evaluation materials and procedures shall be non-discriminatory and administered in the child's native language.

6221.3 Parents shall be provided in writing with the results, findings and proposals based upon the evaluation.

6221.4 An individualized education program shall be developed for each child found to be a child with special learning needs.

6221.5 Special education and related services shall be provided to each child with special learning needs based upon the individual education program.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-108 through -111, -113, -146; 20 U.S.C. § 1412; 29 U.S.C. § 702 et seq.

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6222 PLACEMENT OF EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS 6222

Written notice shall be given to parents of exceptional children a reasonable time before the school system proposes to initiate or change the identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with special needs. The written notice shall give a full explanation of all of the procedural safeguards available to parents in their native language.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1412; G.S. 115C-113, -116

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6223 HANDICAPPED STUDENTS 6223

No child will be excluded from any educational program or be subject to discrimination because he is an "individual with a handicap," as that term is defined in The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Protected individuals include any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.

6223.1 The Superintendent will appoint a Board employee to ensure that the school system complies with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

6223.2 Any student, or his parent/guardian, may file a grievance before the school system's Section 504 coordinator if they believe their rights under this policy or Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 have been violated. The procedures for such student grievances will be kept on file in the office of the Section 504 coordinator.

Legal Reference: 29 U.S.C. § 702 et seq.

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6300 STUDENT RECORDS 6300

An accurate cumulative record shall be maintained for every student enrolled in the school system. Parents will be notified annually of their rights regarding student records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.

Each student’s official record must contain notice of any suspension for a period of more than ten (10) days or expulsion, and the conduct for which the student was suspended or expelled. However, the notice of suspension or expulsion must be expunged (deleted) from the record if the following criteria are met:

1. a request for expungement is made by the parent, legal guardian, or custodian or by the student (if the student is at least 16 years old or emancipated);

2. the student either graduates from high school or is not expelled or suspended again during the two-year period commencing on the date of the student’s return to school after the suspension;

3. the superintendent or his designee determines that maintenance of the record is no longer needed to maintain safe and orderly schools; and

4. the superintendent or his designee determines that maintenance of the record is no longer needed to adequately serve the child.

If no request for expungement has been made under subsection 1 above, the superintendent or his designee may expunge any notice of suspension or expulsion if the remaining criteria in subsections 2, 3, and 4 are met.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; G.S. 115C-47, -402

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: July 1, 2002.

6301 PERMANENT RECORDS 6301

Permanent student records shall contain only information of recognized importance which may be used for the benefit or welfare of the student.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -402

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6302 TEMPORARY RECORDS 6302

Temporary student records also may be kept but shall be reviewed annually and destroyed when their usefulness is no longer apparent or when the student leaves.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47, -402

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6303 RECORDS OF JUVENILE COURT INFORMATION 6303

6303.1 Purpose of Notification Requirements. Juvenile Court Counselors are required to provide school principals information about delinquent juveniles. The purpose of the notification requirements is to protect the safety and to improve the educational opportunities for the student or others.

6303.2 Use of juvenile court information. Written notifications received by the principal are:

· Confidential records,

· Not public records, and

· Must not be made part of the student’s official record.

The principal must maintain these documents in a safe, locked storage area. These records must be kept separate from the student’s other schools records.

6303.3 Sharing notices with others. Upon receipt of the notice from the juvenile court counselor, the principal must share the document with those individuals who have:

· Direct guidance, teaching, or supervisory responsibility of the student, and

· A specific need to know in order to protect the safety of the student or others.

6303.4 Procedures for sharing notices. If the principal determines that an individual must be made aware of the notice, once the information is shared, that individual must:

· Indicate in writing that they have read the document; and

· That they agree to maintain its confidentiality.

Failure to maintain confidentiality is grounds for dismissal.

6303.5 Disposal of notices. The principal must maintain the notices received from the juvenile court counselor until notified that:

· The judge dismissed the petition,

· The judge transferred jurisdiction over the student to superior court, or

· The judge granted the student’s petition for expunction of records.

Once the principal receives notice of one of these events, the principal must then shred, burn, or destroy the documents. The principal is prohibited from making a copy of these documents.

6303.6 Return of notices. The principal is required to return the notice to the juvenile court counselor when:

· The student graduates,

· Withdraws from school,

· Is suspended for the remainder of the school year,

· Is expelled, or

· Transfers to another school. If the student has transferred to another school, the principal must give the juvenile court counselor the name and address of the school to which the student is transferring.

Legal Reference: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7A-675.2; 115C-404.

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6310 MAINTENANCE AND DISPOSITION OF RECORDS 6310

All student records shall be kept up-to-date and tended with appropriate measures of security and confidentiality.

6310.1 Maintenance of Student Records: Active records (the records of students currently enrolled) and inactive records (those for all other students -- transfers, dropouts, deceased) shall be maintained by the individual school. At the end of the five-year period from the student's exit, both the active and inactive student records shall be sent to the Pamlico County Schools' central office for storing and responding to information requests.

6310.2 Disposition of Records: The Pamlico County Schools will follow all instructions on Publication Number 335: "Directions for Using the North Carolina Cumulative Records," dated March 1965, or as revised. In addition, the following procedure will be used for transfer of students:

In County: Complete Transfer Record Card (yellow) and keep in files of original school. Send complete record to new school.

In State: Complete Transfer Record Card, attach brown envelope on card in section designated "Other Pertinent Data," and keep in files of original school. Mail remaining records to new school.

Out of Complete paper transcript and mail. Records remain as part of State & "Inactive File."

Private

Schools:

6310.3 Upon written request, a parent or student who has attained age eighteen (18) will be provided a list of the types and locations of education records maintained by the Pamlico County Schools.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. 1232g; G.S. 115C-402

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6311 ACCESS AND CHALLENGES TO RECORDS 6311

Access to student records and challenges thereto shall be allowed in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended.

6311.1 Access to Records: Official North Carolina cumulative student folders containing records, files and data directly related to the student are accessible to all school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in seeing the records. A parent shall be allowed access to all records of his child upon proper request. For purposes of this policy, “parent” is defined as natural parent, guardian or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a parent or guardian. A student who has attained his eighteenth birthday shall have access to his records upon proper request. This access will be provided at a time mutually agreeable to the parent or student and school official(s) and in no case longer than forty-five (45) days after the written request. For the purposes of interpreting and protecting the information in the records, the school principal or his designee must be present during the examination. If an education record contains information about more than one student, the parent or student may inspect and review or be informed of only the specific information about that student. The parent or student may receive a copy of the student's record upon written request and payment of a copy fee. Parents or students will not be charged a fee to search for or to retrieve student records.

6311.2 Challenge of Records: A parent or student who has attained age eighteen (18) shall have the right to challenge an item contained in the student record that is believed to be inaccurate, misleading or violative of the student’s privacy rights. The principal shall examine a formal challenge of a student record item and shall decide within a reasonable time whether to amend the record. If the principal decides not to amend the record, he will notify the parent in writing of his decision and of the parent’s right to a hearing. Subsequently, if necessary, the parent or student who has attained age eighteen (18) may receive a hearing before the Student Records Committee appointed by the Superintendent, consisting of the principal, director of student services and one director of instruction, within 5 days of submitting a written request. The Student Records Committee shall make its decision in writing within a reasonable time after the hearing.

a. If the Student Records Committee decides in favor of the parent or student it will amend the record and inform the parent or student of the amendment in writing.

b. If the Student Records Committee decides against the parent or student, it will inform the parent or student of that decision and of the right to place in the record a statement commenting on the information or stating his or her disagreement with the committee’s decision.

c. Any explanation added to the record by the parent or student will be maintained as part of the record as long as the record is maintained and will be disclosed as part of the record whenever the record is disclosed.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6320 RELEASE OF RECORDS 6320

Responsibility for release of student records shall rest with the principal. Automatic release of student records shall be made promptly in the following cases:

6320.1 Transfer Within the School System: Records are available upon request from proper school officials.

6320.2 Transfer Outside the School System: Records are available upon written request of other schools or school systems in which a student seeks or intends enrollment, provided the student's parents are notified of the transfer and are provided a copy of the record and an opportunity to challenge its contents, if desired.

6320.3 Admissions and Honors Applications: Transcripts and confidential data will be released for admissions applications to institutions of higher learning and for consideration of honors and employment, provided the parent/guardian or student over age eighteen (18) has given written permission and been provided a copy of the record and an opportunity to challenge its contents, if desired.

6320.4 Judicial Order: Upon judicial order or subpoena, student records will be released to proper officials after notification to the parent/guardian and student involved.

6320.5 Upon receipt of written permission by a parent, guardian, or student who has attained age eighteen (18), for release of a student's records for any other reason.

6320.6 Student records will be flagged, obtained or verified when appropriate under Board Policy 6322.

6320.7 A record will be maintained of each request for access to and each release of personally identifiable information from the education record of each student (except access by the parent, eligible student, proper school officials and persons with consent of the parent or eligible student). This record will consist of the name of the party requesting or receiving the information; the date access was given; and, the legitimate interest the party had in requesting or obtaining the information.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. 1232g; G.S. 115C-403

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6321 RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION 6321

CONCERNING STUDENTS

Parents and students who have attained age eighteen (18) will be notified at the beginning of each school year that the school system may publish information relating to a student, including the following: the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student. A parent may notify the school system that any or all of this directory information should not be released without the parent’s prior consent.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6322 RECORDS OF MISSING CHILDREN 6322

Upon notification by a law enforcement agency or the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons of a child's disappearance, the Superintendent or his designee shall have that child's student record distinctively marked in such a manner that, if a copy or information regarding the record is requested, school personnel will be alerted to the fact that the record is that of a missing child.

6322.1 Upon receipt of such a request, and before providing a copy or other information concerning such a child, the Superintendent or his designee shall notify the agency that requested the record be marked of every inquiry made concerning the marked record, and shall provide to the agency a copy of any written request for information concerning the record.

6322.2 Upon transfer of a child into the Pamlico County Schools from any other school system, the principal shall, within thirty (30) days of the child's enrollment, obtain the child's record from the school in which the child previously was enrolled. If a copy of the child's record from the previous school is provided by the parent, custodian or guardian, the principal shall within thirty (30) days of the child's enrollment request written verification of the school record from the previous school. Any information received indicating that the transferring child is a missing child shall be reported promptly to the Superintendent and the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-403

Adopted: June 5, 2000

6400 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE 6400

INTRODUCTION

The Pamlico County Board of Education is committed to discipline practices that encourage the development of self-control, personal responsibility and respect for the dignity of all individuals. The Board is committed to maintaining effective discipline in order to establish positive learning environments within which students have the opportunity to receive an appropriate public education.

In order for effective discipline to be maintained in each school, the Board acknowledges that cooperative relationships must be established among students, parents and school personnel. Each individual is expected to work positively toward this goal and to respect the individuality and the rights of all people. Parents/Guardians, students and school personnel are also expected to deal effectively with behavioral concerns. To carry out this commitment, the Board established the following responsibilities and student behavior guidelines for all students system-wide in grades 6-12. This policy is to also serve as a guide for discipline in grades K-5. Additionally, a copy of the code of conduct and procedures shall be published and made available at the beginning of each school year to each student and his/her parent/guardian.

Efforts will be made to ensure early identification of students at risk for potential disciplinary problems. When it is recognized that a student is behaving in a manner which indicates potential disciplinary problems, school personnel shall make reasonable efforts to initiate preventive measures. Preventive interventions should attempt to identify and address the sources and cause of the potential discipline problems. Possible preventive intervention procedures may include, but are not limited to:

- change of educational setting

- change of instructional methods

- change of schedule or teacher

- conferences with parents/guardians, school personnel

- conferences with student

- referral to and/or consultation with community agencies

- referral to appropriate support personnel (counselor, nurse, attendance counselor, school resource officer, school social worker, juvenile justice, etc.)

- referral to Behavioral Management Teams (social worker, nurse, guidance counselor, parent, student, referring teacher, etc.)

- referral to Pamlico Alternatives to Suspension (PATS)

- referral to school assistance team

- referral to the Pamlico County Alternative Learning Center

- use of daily or weekly progress reports to parents

- use of peer mediation

- visit by parents in the classroom

School personnel shall actively seek effective, positive methods and strategies to help each student learn to behave in a manner that is conducive to effective learning and that respects the rights of others. Each school principal shall systematically identify potential problem areas with his/her school that may contribute to discipline problems within the school. The Board encourages the administration to continue to work with appropriate community agencies in dealing with discipline problems.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

A student with an identified disability as defined in the North Carolina Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Special Needs may be disciplined or suspended in accordance with those procedures, which are summarized below. However, the suspension procedure does not apply in the event that:

(1) the student's individualized education program contains procedures or other disciplinary techniques which are to the contrary, or

(2) the length of the proposed in-school or out-of-school suspension or any combination thereof related to the child's disability exceeds ten (10) school days; and, therefore, may constitute a change in the student's educational placement.

Before suspending a child for more than ten days, the Individual Educational Program Team shall be convened to evaluate the child in order to determine whether the disability caused the behavior. If it determines that the behavior was caused by the child's disability, then the child may not be suspended. In addition, there is a need to complete a manifestation determination. This determination will direct the team on the discipline options and possible recommendations. Then the IEP committee needs to complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment to plan and possibly prevent future problems. The Individual Education Plan (IEP) Committee shall be reconvened to recommend an appropriate placement.

In all actions involving in-school or out-of-school suspensions in excess of ten days, the parties shall have available all the due process rights of G.S. 115C and 20 USC 1415. Prior written notice of any change of placement shall comply with the requirements of the Procedures (Section .1517). Nothing in this policy shall be regarded as affording any rights additional to those provided under the most recent revision of Section .1517 of the North Carolina Procedures or Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and/or federal laws and regulations. (Recent amendments to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) give school authorities additional flexibility in protecting the safety of other students when any student with a disability brings a firearm to school.)

If the parent or legal guardian of a handicapped child appeals a suspension or expulsion decision

under the Procedures (Section .1517) "stay put", the right of a child to remain in his current educational setting pending the outcome of any appeals shall apply unless the guardians or, as a last resort, the courts give permission for the child's removal.

SYSTEMWIDE UNIFORM CONSEQUENCES FOR MISCONDUCT

The principal or his designee shall investigate and deal with incidents of alleged misconduct of students whenever:

- a student discipline problem is referred, or

- the alleged misconduct violates the Student Code of Conduct, or

- the principal determines that a situation exists which could pose a danger to persons or property or which seriously disrupts the learning environment.

The use of the following disciplinary consequences is based on the assumption that teachers and/or other student support personnel have utilized broad reasonable available discipline alternatives and preventive measures prior to referring the student to the principal or that the student's behavior presents harm or a significant risk of harm to others or property or a threat to the orderly operation of the school. The principal or his/her designee shall have the authority to suspend for ten days or less any student who violates the Student Code of Conduct by applying the Systemwide Uniform Consequences for Misconduct. The principal or his/her designee may suspend a student for more than ten days with prior approval of the superintendent following an infraction of the Student Code of Conduct.

School personnel may use reasonable force to control behavior or to remove a person from the scene in those situations when necessary:

- to quell a disturbance threatening injury to others;

- to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within the control of a student;

- for self-defense;

- for the protection of persons or property;

- to restrain or correct students and maintain order; and

- to maintain order on school property, in the classroom, or at a school-related activity on or off school property.

Infractions of the Student Code of Conduct are grouped in classes of offense. Class of offense relates to the degree to which the behavior disrupts the orderly educational process in the school in terms of their effect on the behavior of others and the degree to which the behavior presents a potential for harm to others. For each rule a range of consequences is provided as appropriate responses depending upon the judgment as to:

- the degree to which the behavior disrupts the orderly educational process in the school;

- the degree to which the behavior presents a potential for harm to others or property;

- the degree to which the behavior harms others or property;

- the student's unresponsiveness to reasonable available discipline alternatives and preventive measures prior to the referral to the principal or his/her designee.

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS

A. Appeal To Long-Term Suspension (See Pamlico County Board Policy 6516.2)

The policy of the Pamlico County Public Schools Board of Education provides that a child suspended for more than ten (10) days or expelled from school shall have the opportunity for a hearing. If such a hearing is desired, the parent or student must so indicate in writing to the superintendent's office within three (3) calendar days after being informed in writing of the suspension. The parent or student may bring witnesses, documentary evidence and engage an attorney if so desired.

B. Assignment to the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Program - A long-term suspension could be waived at the discretion of the superintendent and a student could be assigned to the Alternative Learning Center Program. Students in grades 6-10 who have repeated or subsequent offenses may be assigned to the ALC.

C. Expulsion - Expulsion from the Pamlico County Public Schools is a permanent action in which the student is denied attendance at any school within the county. Expulsion may be exercised only when the student is at least fourteen (14) years or older and whose behavior shows that the student's continued presence at school threatens the safety of other students or employees. Expulsion may be recommended by the principal and Superintendent and approved by the school board. (Pamlico County Policy 6517)

D. Immediate Removal from School - If the principal witnesses or is made aware of serious student misconduct and believes that immediate removal of the student is necessary to restore order or to protect persons or school property on the school grounds, she/he may suspend the student immediately. In all cases, minimal due process (notice of the charge and an opportunity for the student to explain his version of what happened) must be given to the student as soon as is reasonably possible.

E. In-School Suspension - In-school suspension is used as a disciplinary procedure which allows students to remain in the school environment where their conduct and academic progress can be closely supervised by school personnel. In-school suspension also prevents the student from accumulating excessive days of absence. Any student assigned to in-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in school sponsored activities during the time of his/her in-school suspension and may be required to perform "community service" activities (i.e. pick up trash, police the grounds, and other cleaning duties). Parents should be notified of the suspension in a timely manner by letter or phone.

F. Long-Term Suspension - A long-term suspension is removal from school for more than ten (10) days. Following an investigation, if the principal determines that long-term suspension is appropriate, she/he shall invoke a short-term suspension of ten (10) school days and inform the student and parent that the superintendent is being requested to approve long-term suspension. The student and parent shall be provided a copy of the Due Process Procedures. (Pamlico County Policy 6516)

G. Loss of Driving Privileges - amount of time to be determined by the principal. May be used for repeated class cuts, leaving school without permission, repeated tardies, reckless driving, truancy, or other offenses that are appropriate.

H. Pamlico Alternatives to Suspension (PATS) – PATS is designed to target at-risk youth who have been suspended for three to ten days. Schools within the district and local agencies will combine community service with completing assigned schoolwork successfully in a structured environment. The decision to assign a student to PATS rests with the principal and is based on what is in the best interest of the student, assigned agency/school, student maturity, severity of infraction, cooperation of parent and student and discipline record.

I. Parent - Parent is the parent(s), guardian(s), or individual(s) standing "in loco parentis," as appointed by a court of law, of a student.

J. Parent Visitation - A student who breaks the Student Code of Conduct may be given the opportunity by the principal to have one of his/her parents attend school with him/her for a day and attend class with him/her. This disciplinary action is decided solely by the principal and will not be used when serious conduct infractions have occurred.

K. Principal - Principal shall include assistant principals.

L. Saturday In-School Suspension - May be used in some schools in lieu of in-school or out-of-school suspension. Students will attend school at a time set by the school on Saturday and will be required to perform "community service" activities (e.g., pick up trash, police the grounds, and other cleaning duties). (Pamlico County Policy 6511) Parents should be notified of the suspension in a timely manner by letter and or phone.

M. Search of Student Lockers - Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under control of the schools; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time without notice, without student or parent consent, and without a search warrant.

N. Short-Term Suspension - A short-term suspension is removal from school for a period of ten (10) school days or less. The principal may invoke a short-term suspension only after investigating the misconduct, confronting the student with the charges, and allowing for the student's response.

Note: A suspended student shall be provided an opportunity to take any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the suspension. Once a principal has decided to invoke a short-term suspension, she/he shall make every effort to talk by telephone with the parent and shall mail or hand deliver a timely notice to the parents and superintendent stating the charges against the student and the length of the suspension.

O. Restitution - The replacement of, or payment for, property taken, damaged, or destroyed shall be sought, including discovery cost. (Reward money)

P. Restrictions During "Any" Suspension

1. Student is not to be on any school campus in Pamlico County without special permission from the school principal.

2. Student cannot participate in or attend any school-sponsored activity without written permission from the school principal.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-390, -391; 20 U.S.C. § 141.5

Adopted: June 5, 2000

Revised: August 7, 2006

Revised: September 4, 2007

6401 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 6401

The following list of rules for Pamlico County Schools is provided as guidance for students, parents, teachers and administrators. This cannot be an all-inclusive list; however, administrators shall use their discretion in dealing with all specific behavior that violates the principles set forth in this policy. Consideration is to be given to the student's cognitive and developmental ability to appreciate the significance of his/her behavior and to assume responsibility for behavior.

Circumstances and degrees of involvement could mitigate an otherwise serious offense or make an otherwise minor offense more serious. The disciplinary measures specified in this Code shall be considered guidelines applicable to most cases. Particular facts and circumstances may justify a sanction that is more or less severe than the specified disciplinary measure, except as otherwise required by law. A student who violates more than one section of this Code may be subject to more severe disciplinary action than is specified for any single violation.

Each school staff will establish the need for acceptable social conduct. Each school staff will cooperatively develop a good school climate and positively directed rules and regulations, including a continuum of disciplinary consequences.

- Schools will operate under existing federal, state, local and Board regulations.

- Discipline is the responsibility of all personnel.

- Principals will assign all authority roles.

- Teachers and principals will develop procedures for communications concerning disciplinary action taken.

When a school official learns or reasonably believes that any student has violated any Board or school policy, rule or regulation that may also be a criminal violation of the laws of the United States or the State of North Carolina, he shall determine whether it is necessary or appropriate to report such violation to the proper law enforcement agency. 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.

General Statute 115C-288 requires certain acts to be reported by the principal to law enforcement. Those acts are: assault resulting 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. In addition to those that are specifically spelled out in North Carolina General Statutes all larcenies, extortion as well as extortion attempts, robbery (armed or common law), hate crimes, stalking, possession of any explosive or incendiary device or arson/attempted arson should be immediately reported to law enforcement officials. The superintendent's office shall be notified.

This policy pertains to all students in the Pamlico County Schools while they are on the campus of any school in the Pamlico County School System, while they are participating in any activity sponsored by the Pamlico County Schools, while they are being transported in a vehicle owned or operated by the Pamlico County Schools, while they are awaiting pick-up at a bus stop, while going to or from a bus stop, in route to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, while

they are representing Pamlico County Schools in any way or while students are off campus if the incident was initiated or aggravated at school or if the incident could disrupt the school environment. In circumstances where student behavior indicates that the student's continued presence in the school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of employees or other students, a student may be suspended or expelled regardless of where the acts and conduct occur. (It is expected that any subsequent infraction will build upon disciplinary actions of previous infractions.)

Students have the responsibility to comply with the rules of their individual school and the school system to pursue the prescribed courses of study and to submit to the lawful authority of teachers or school officials and the law. Students will also be subject to random searches for weapons or contraband in accordance with state and federal law.

In any case where out-of-school suspension is utilized, a parental conference with the principal and/or teacher(s) is required before re-entry into school. (If the parent/guardian cannot or will not come to school for a conference, the student may come back to school at the discretion of the principal.) Parents are to be notified concerning any rule violation and should be informed of all out-of-school suspensions by phone if at all possible. If parents are not available by phone, a letter should be mailed in a timely manner. All rule infractions will be retained in the Pamlico County NCWISE Database.

CLASS I

RULE 1 CLASSROOM AND EXTRACURRICULAR DISRUPTION OR DISTRACTION—LASER POINTERS OR SIMILAR DEVICES PROHIBITED

The act of disruption or distraction which affects the normal education process or interferes with any school extracurricular activity, including, but not limited to, interrupting the class, provoking other students or talking excessively. Laser pointers are prohibited. If a student uses a laser pointer, or similar devices, in a way that reasonable could or does cause physical harm, the laser pointer may be considered a dangerous instrument and the student may be charged with violation of assault. See Rule 25, 26, and 29.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFICE REFERRAL: Verbal warning up to two (2) days in-school

suspension.

SECOND OFFICE REFERRAL: Up to five (5) days in-school suspension. Special circumstances may warrant up to 2 days out-of-school suspension.

THIRD & SUBSEQUENT OFFICE REFERRAL(S): Up to three (3) days out-of-school suspension. Special circumstances may warrant suspension for remainder of the year.

RULE 2 BEING IN UNAUTHORIZED AREAS

Students shall not be in unauthorized areas during the school day.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to one (1) day in-school suspension.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days in-school suspension or up to two (2) days out-of -school suspension.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days in-school suspension or up to five (5) days out-of-school suspension.

RULE 3 SKIPPING (TRUANCY) SCHOOL ALL DAY OR ASSIGNED CLASSES DURING SCHOOL DAY

Students shall be on campus and in their assigned classes unless they have been authorized to be elsewhere by authorized personnel.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days in-school suspension. (Punishment may include but is not limited to before or after school detention, lunch detention, or Saturday detention.)

SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE(S): Up to five (5) days in-school suspension, loss of driving privileges.

UNEXCUSED TARDIES TO SCHOOL OR ASSIGNED CLASSES

It is imperative that students realize and recognize the importance of arriving at school on time and being punctual to class on a daily basis. Habits formed in school often determine habits after school. Punctuality is a habit that should be cultivated, practiced and endorsed.

TARDY TO SCHOOL OR CLASS: (Grades K-8)

The administration and teachers must be active in calling parents any time a child is absent. It should be stressed that good attendance will usually mean good grades. When appropriate, schools may also utilize lunch detention,

before or after school detention, Saturday detention, , possible revocation of a student transfer if applicable, suspension of extracurricular opportunities, or in-school suspension as a means to emphasize the importance of attendance. Schools shall not use out-of-school suspensions as punishment for being tardy to school. Other methods of dealing with students who are tardy to school should also be explored by each school.

TARDY TO SCHOOL OR CLASS: (Grades 9-12)

- Students tardy to school will check in at the office and be issued a pass.

- Teachers will refer students who are tardy to class to an administrator.

FIRST OFFENSE (1 –5 Tardies): Up to one (1) day in-school suspension (ISS) (day/period)

SECOND OFFENSE ( 5 – 10 Tardies): Up to two (2) days ISS and possible loss of driving privileges

THIRD OFFENSE (10+ Tardies): Up to three (3) days ISS, loss of driving privileges, mandatory parent conference

RULE 4 NON-COMPLIANCE WITH DIRECTIONS OF TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION

Students shall comply with all lawful directions of teachers, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, student teachers and any other authorized school personnel during any period in which they are subject to school authority. At no time shall a student provide false information to a teacher or staff member.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to two (2) days out-of-school suspension.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days out-of-school suspension based on the severity of the offense. Additional community service duties, such as picking up trash from the grounds, etc., may be assigned.

THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE(S): Up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension.

RULE 5 INAPPROPRIATE APPEARANCE OR CLOTHING

Appearance or clothing which is disruptive, provocative, indecent, vulgar, obscene, or which advertises illegal drugs or displays obnoxious or indecent signs, symbols or drawings, or which endangers the health or safety of the student or others is prohibited. Articles of clothing, which are patently offensive to race, creed, color, or sex will not be permitted. (Pamlico County Policy 6402)

Dress Which is Considered Inappropriate (This is not an all inclusive list.)

· any adornment such as chains, spike collars or spike wrist bands, etc. that could reasonably be perceived as or used as a weapon

· any symbols, styles or attire (such as bandanas) frequently associated with intimidation, violence, gangs, or violent groups

· articles of clothing that are patently offensive to race, creed, color, or sex

· attire with messages or illustrations that are lewd, indecent, or vulgar

· attire, jewelry, or buttons that display or promote drugs, smoking, alcohol, sex or violent behavior

· bell-bottom pants more than twelve (12) inches in width

· belts with excessive metal rings/materials and belt buckles in excess of two (2) inches

· excessively short or tight garments

– form fitting spandex material, nylon, denim are prohibited

· excessively loose fitting clothing

· exposed undergarments

· holes/tears in any attire (usually not from wear)

· head covering of any kind (hats, do-rags, bandannas, etc.)

· hoodies for students in Grades 6-12. (Note: Students in Grades K-5 may wear hoodies except in the months of August, September, April, May & June.)

· jewelry affixed to the nose, tongue, cheek, lip, eyebrow, or any part of the facial area less the ears – only piercing of the ears will be permitted

· necklaces of any substance (metal, rope, etc.) in excess of twenty-four inches in total length

· pajamas and/or lingerie

· sagging pants - pants should not drag the ground when standing

· skirts, shorts, skorts, jumpers, dresses shorter than three (3) inches above the knee when standing

· sunglasses inside of school building to include on top of head

· sweaters and sweatshirts lower than two (2) – three (3) inches from the waistline

· tank tops, net shirts, see through tops, halter tops, spaghetti-strap tops, open midriff tops, etc.

The code for students also bans various modes of dress that would fall under the “disruptive behavior” category. Prohibited are dark glasses worn within a building,

lack of appropriate foot covering, chains or jewelry that hang from wallets, studded collars and bracelets which may be used as a weapon, cause injury, or hinder movement.

ALL CLOTHING, TO INCLUDE SHOES, MUST BE THE APPROPRIATE SIZE FOR THE STUDENT. For example, the waist of the bottom wear should not be bunched or overlapped when a belt is worn. The length of the crotch should be in

close proximity of one’s crotch. Shirts, to include undershirts, should not be excessive in length and the shoulder seams should be within one (1) inch of the shoulder.

The school dress code also applies any time a student is participating in a school event, in the school library, and when being transported on a school bus.

Any other disruptive clothing or attire as reasonably determined by the principal.

1^st Offense

One (1) day in-school suspension

Documentation will be placed in discipline file;

Confiscation of unauthorized items (i.e. chains, do-rags, hats, bandanas, etc.). These may be returned at the end of the school year or earlier at the principal’s discretion.

Parent notification

2^nd Offense

One (1) day out-of-school suspension

Documentation will be placed in discipline file

Confiscation of unauthorized items (i.e. chains, do-rags, hats, bandanas, etc.). These may be returned at the end of the school year or earlier at the principal’s discretion.

Parent notification

3^rd Offense

Maximum of 3 to 5 days out-of-school suspension

Documentation will be placed in discipline file

Confiscation of unauthorized items (i.e. chains, do-rags, hats, bandanas, etc.). These may be returned at the end of the school year or earlier at the principal’s discretion.

Parent notification

4^th Offense

Maximum 5-10 days out-of-school suspension

Documentation will be placed in discipline file

Confiscation of unauthorized items (i.e. chains, do-rags, hats, bandanas, etc.). These may be returned at the end of the school year or earlier at the principal’s discretion.

Parent notification

Removal from athletic team and/or band/chorus for remainder of season

Possible assignment to the Alternative Learning Center

Loss of Prom privilege

RULE 6 CHEATING/INTEGRITY

Students shall not cheat on tests/examinations, not copy the work of another student nor assist a student who is attempting to copy his/her work, nor plagiarize work, nor complete in a dishonest or deceptive manner any type of academic assignment.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Teacher conference with administration, student and parent(s) and a grade of zero (0) for assignment.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days in-school suspension and a grade of zero (0) for assignment.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days out-of-school suspension and a grade of zero (0) for assignment will be given.

RULE 7 INAPPROPRIATE INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOR

Inappropriate public displays of affection or indecent exposure, as determined by school personnel, are not allowed. Examples are, but are not limited to, kissing, inappropriate touching, mooning, etc.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Conference with students and parent(s). Up to two (2) days in- school suspension. Extremely inappropriate acts may result in out-of-school suspension for the remainder of the school year.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to four (4) days in-school suspension or up to two (2) days out-of-school suspension. Extremely inappropriate acts may result in out-of-school suspension for the remainder of the school year.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days out-of-school suspension. Extremely inappropriate acts may result in out-of-school suspension for the remainder of the school year.

RULE 8 BUS MISBEHAVIOR

Students shall not engage in any type of behavior that interferes with the safe and efficient operation of the school bus and/or the safety of persons riding in the bus. Students at all times while riding a school bus or other school vehicle shall observe the directions of the school bus driver. TO BE ALLOWED TO RIDE THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH. All students are

required to remain on their assigned bus during the entire bus trip with the exception of changing buses to continue their route or in an emergency situation.

Grades K-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Conference with student and parent contact. Up to three (3) days suspension from riding the bus.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days suspension from riding the bus.

THIRD OFFENSE: Suspension from riding bus for up to 10 days.

SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE: Students may be suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of school year.

RULE 9 USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Students shall not use or possess any type of tobacco products on school property during the time school is open for the school day or for any supervised school activities, or when being transported to and from school in a school financed vehicle. (This includes school-sponsored events such as dances, field trips, athletic functions, etc. or while participating or being under the direct supervision of a school staff member.) This policy is in effect for any Pamlico County student on any campus of the Pamlico County Schools.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days in-school suspension and enrollment and successful completion in a tobacco awareness program. Confiscate products.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days out-of-school suspension. Confiscate products. Loss of driving privileges for one semester.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days out-of-school suspension. Confiscate products. Loss of driving privileges for one year.

FOURTH OFFENSE: Fourth violation of this rule may result in out-of-school suspension for remainder of year. Loss of driving privileges for one year. Confiscate products.

Rule 9A Use of Wireless Communication Devices

Wireless Communication Devices may include: Personal Entertainment Devices, Cell Phones, Pagers, Two-Way Radios, CD/MP3 Players, Electronic Game Players or Games, Media Players, and Similar Devices, etc.

No student shall use, display, transmit or have in the “on” position on school property any wireless communication device or personal entertainment device, including but not limited to, cell phones, pagers, two-way radios, cd/mp3 players, and electronic game players or games, media players or similar devices until after the conclusion of the instructional day. At all times during the instructional day, students shall turn off all wireless communication devices or personal entertainment devices and shall store them either in their locker, automobile, purse, or book bag.

Any wireless communication devices or personal entertainment devices used, displayed, or possessed in the “on” position will be confiscated. Confiscated

devices will be labeled by student names and the date confiscated. At the end of the confiscation period, the device(s) will be returned to the parent/guardian.

1^ST OFFENSE: Confiscation for ten (10) school days.

2ND offense: Confiscation for one calendar month.

Subsequent offenses: Confiscation for three calendar months and up to

10 days in school suspension.

NOTE: If the student has inappropriately used the picture cell phone or PDA, the incident may be forwarded to law enforcement to determine if a crime has been committed.

Principals may authorize individual students to possess and/or use for personal purposes wireless communication devices if, in the opinion of the principal, there is a reasonable need for such communication.

CLASS II

RULE 10 INSULTING, DISRESPECTFUL, ABUSIVE, PROFANE, OBSCENE WORDS, SIGNS, GESTURES, AND OTHER ACTS

Students shall not direct insulting, abusive, profane, obscene words, signs, gestures, and other acts toward other students, visitors, school employees, and other persons.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days out-of-school suspension.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to suspension for the remainder of school year.

RULE 11 SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Students shall not direct unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other inappropriate oral, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature to another student. Harassing conduct that is not sexual in nature but is directed against another student based on his or her gender is also prohibited. All students must be allowed to learn and work in an environment free from such harassment. Law enforcement officials may be notified.

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days out-of-school suspension.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to suspension for the remainder of school year.

RULE 12 GAMBLING

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

Grades 6-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days in-school suspension.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days out-of-school suspension.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension.

RULE 13 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF COMPUTERS/INTERNET/EMAIL/NETWORK/ETC.

Students shall not violate the Pamlico County Public Schools Appropriate Internet Use Policy (5451)

Grades K-12

FIRST OFFENSE: Up to five (5) days in-school suspension and loss of technology privileges.

SECOND OFFENSE: Up to three (3) days out-of-school suspension and possible loss of technology privileges.

THIRD OFFENSE: Up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension and possible loss of technology privileges.

CLASS III

Class III rules refer to student behaviors which are disruptive to the educational process and may have the potential for physical injury to others. In cases in which these behaviors are violations of North Carolina General Statutes, involvement of law enforcement officers will be required.

Required Suspension of Driver’s Permit Or License

General Statute 20-11 requires a student’s driver’s permit or license to be suspended one year by the Department of Motor Vehicles if a student is given an expulsion/suspension for more than 10 consecutive days or an assignment to an alternative educational setting for more than 10 consecutive days for one of the following reasons:

1. The possession or sale of an alcoholic beverage or an illegal controlled substance on school property.

2. The possession or use on school property of a weapon or firearm that resulted in disciplinary action under G.S. 115C-391(d1) or that could have resulted in that disciplinary action if the conduct had occurred in a public school.

3. The physical assault on a teacher or other school personnel on school property.

Violations of Class III offenses shall be considered on their own set of facts and circumstances. Appropriate punishment shall be determined by the principal, superintendent, and the school board where appropriate. The punishment set out under each Rule for first or second offenses is a guideline only. Any punishment, including expulsion of a student over 14 years of age, may be warranted in the circumstances, even for first offenses. Expulsion will be appropriate provided that the school board determines that the student's continued presence at school threatens the safety of other students or employees. The expulsion process in Policy 6517 shall apply.

RULE 14 TRESPASSING

Students shall not willfully enter or remain in any school structure, conveyance or property without having been authorized or invited, nor refuse to depart after being directed to leave by authorized personnel. Law enforcement may be notified based on the severity of the act.

- No student shall be on the campus of another school in the Pamlico County Schools during the school day without the knowledge and consent of the officials of the school he is visiting.

- Students who loiter at any school after the close of the school day without specific need or supervision will be considered trespassers and may be prosecuted if they do not leave when instructed to do so.