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 Students
Code of Student Conduct
Print a copy of the 2010-2011 Code of Student Conduct. This document will open in a new window. 
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| V. |
Behavioral Infractions |
V. Behavioral Infractions
- Arson, etc.
- Assaults, threats & harassment
- Property Crimes
- Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and alcohol
- Tobacco
- Cell phones and pagers
- Weapons
- Sex offenses
- Sexual harassment
- Gang activity
- Group fights (frays)
- Classroom/school disruption
- Student demonstrations
- Bus misconduct
- Student dress
- Offensive language/conduct
- Attendance
- Searches
- Computer, technology misuse
- Internet use/contracts
- Self-reporting of possession of prohibited objects/materials
- Student driving privileges
- Public displays of affection
- Academic dishonesty/cheating
- Filing of false reports
- Use of cameras/video/audio
The following is behavior that falls into the category of misconduct or gross
misconduct. While not complete, the following lists of infractions are examples of the types of behavior that the Board of Education considers unacceptable.
Misconduct in any of these areas on school grounds, in a school vehicle, or at a
school-sponsored or system-sponsored event will result in disciplinary consequences.
- Arson, etc.
Infractions involving the act of setting fires, reporting false
alarms, interfering with the response to an emergency, possessing
or threatening to use dangerous flammable or explosive materials and/or
making bomb threats are viewed by Charles County Public Schools as gross
misconduct.
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Arson, attempted arson
Arson is defined as the willful and malicious burning
of, or the attempted burning of, any part of any building
or property.
This includes any property located within or upon public
school-owned premises or property. Such action may constitute
a felony, under Section 6-101 et seq., of the Criminal Law Article, Annotated
Code of Maryland.
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Reporting a false alarm, bomb threats, interfering with emergency
response
The act of initiating a fire alarm, or initiating a report warning of a fire, or an impending bombing, or other catastrophe without cause, or any interference with the proper response to an emergency
by authorities, may be a violation of state law under Section 9-601 et
seq., of the Criminal Law Article, Annotated
Code of Maryland. Individuals found guilty of making false fire or bomb
reports will be prosecuted and recovery of the cost to the taxpayers by the responding
agencies will be sought from the guilty party through the courts.
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Fireworks/explosives
The possession, use or threatened use of any fireworks,
explosives or similar dangerous materials not a part
of the authorized program of studies and not approved for possession or
use by the principal is prohibited and may be a violation of state law.
- Matches and lighters
Students may not possess or use matches, lighters, or any other instrument used to burn or create a fire, unless under the direction and supervision of a staff member as part of the educational program.
- Incense
Students may not possess, use, or distribute any incense on school property or at a school-sponsored activity.
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- Assaults, threats & harassment
Students must feel safe in order to learn in school. Conduct that threatens
the safety and sense of well being of others to the detriment of the educational
program is not tolerated.
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Harassment/Bullying/Hazing/Teasing/Intimidation
Charles County Public Schools does not condone or allow the harassment,
bullying, hazing, teasing or intimidation of students by others. Bullying,
harassment or intimidation means intentional conduct, including verbal,
physical or written conduct or intentional electronic communication:
- that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a studentÂ’s educational benefits, opportunities or performance or well-being; and
- is motivated by actual or perceived personal characteristics, including: race; national origin; marital status; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; religion; ancestry; physical attributes; socioeconomic status; family status; physical or mental ability or disability.
Hazing is defined as any activity that humiliates, teases, harasses, injures or potentially injures another student as part of a ritual of belonging to any club, team, gang or group.
Unacceptable behavior of this type will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Consequences may range from counseling to suspension or expulsion from school dependent upon the circumstances of the incident, age, and/or level of understanding of the students involved.
All incidents of bullying, teasing, intimidation or hazing should be reported to a teacher, school administrator, counselor or other school staff immediately. CCPS recommends that the Bullying Complaint Form be completed in any case. This form will be sent home the first week of school every year, and additional copies may be obtained from all school main offices. Complaint forms may be turned in to any school administrator, teacher or counselor.
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Physical and verbal assaults/battery and threats
The Board of Education considers physical or verbal attacks
and threats upon fellow students, teachers, administrators
and other staff members, and any other individual on school grounds, as
serious conduct to be dealt with in a severe manner. This may include threats
made against school employees away from school grounds. The principal or
victim may, based upon the level of seriousness of the infraction, notify
the police, who may take appropriate action under Section 26-101 of the
Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The police may charge the
individual involved with simple assault or a more serious charge. Physical
or verbal attacks upon staff members, or any other violation of this section,
are considered gross misconduct and are dealt with accordingly.
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Robbery/shakedown/strong-arm/extortion
Extorting, borrowing or attempting to borrow any money or thing of value
from any individual is not allowed unless both parties enter into the agreement
freely and without the presence of an implied or expressed threat. These
activities may be a violation of Maryland law under Section 3-701 et seq.,
of the Criminal Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
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Hate incidents
An individual may not, based upon another person's race, religious beliefs,
sexual orientation, color, gender, disability or national
origin, harass or commit a crime against that person
or damage or deface the property of that person. An infraction of this
rule may constitute a hate crime as defined under Section 10-301 et seq.,
of the Criminal Law, Annotated Code of Maryland. Any person who violates
this rule is subject to suspension to the Superintendent with a recommendation
of expulsion from school.
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- Property Crimes
- Destruction of property - vandalism
A student may not willfully destroy or deface any property
belonging to the school or another individual. The
student may face appropriate disciplinary action and may be required to
pay for the costs of the repair or replacement of the damaged property.
- Theft/larceny
An individual may not knowingly take or obtain property
belonging to another without their permission and knowledge.
- Trespassing on school property
Section 26-102 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, states
that the principal or designee has the authority to deny access to the buildings
or grounds to any person who:
- is not a bona fide student at the school and who does not have any
lawful business at the school;
- is a student of CCPS who is suspended or expelled; and/or
- acts in a manner that disrupts or disturbs the normal educational
functions of the school.
The law also states that administrative personnel and authorized
employees of any public school may require identification
from any person who desires to use or enter the premises of the school.
Employees of Charles County Public Schools have the authority to ask individuals
who have no apparent lawful business or are acting in a disruptive manner
to leave the school property.
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- Controlled dangerous substances (CDS)
and alcohol
The Board of Education views the illegal possession, use and
distribution of drugs as one of the single most important problems
facing our community and the school system.
The decision was made to provide a high level of drug prevention
and awareness programs at all grade levels and at the same time
assume a clear and uncompromising position against the possession, use and
distribution of drugs on school property and during school activities.
Students may voluntarily request drug abuse assistance. Confidentiality
is extended to the student according to state regulations.
- Definitions
The definitions of the following terms are defined in
Section 5-101 et seq., of the Criminal Law Article, Annotated Code
of Maryland.
- Anabolic steroid
- Controlled dangerous substance
- Counterfeit substance
- Deliver [distribute]
- Dispense [distribute]
- Drug
- Inhalants
- Marijuana (including seeds)
- Manufacturing
- Narcotic drug
- Opiate
- Possession
- Paraphernalia
- Prescription drugs
In this section CDS is defined as including applicable terms above.
CDS is also defined as a look-a-like of the items listed
above that are presented in a manner such that a fellow student might
reasonably believe them to be real.
- Possession, use or distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS)
(CDS)
It is illegal and a violation of school system policy for students to possess, use, distribute or intend to distribute any CDS. In certain situations, students may be found to have constructive possession of a CDS by having domain over and control of the substance. Students who have in their possession or control any CDS in an amount that indicates a likelihood that they had intended to distribute the CDS may be deemed to have had an intent to distribute the CDS. Additionally, students may not purchase or attempt to purchase a CDS. Students may not be under the influence of CDS on school property or at a school-sponsored activity.
Students found to be in violation of this section shall be suspended from school with a recommendation to the Superintendent for a long-term suspension or expulsion of the student. The principal shall notify the studentÂ’s parents and may contact the police. In addition to these actions, if a student is found to be or suspected of being under the influence of a CDS, medical treatment may be sought.
Medications not requiring a prescription, classified as over the counter (OTC) medications, may not be possessed by students on school property or during school-sponsored activities. OTC medications will be confiscated and parents notified. Repeated violations of this rule, or the distribution of an OTC on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, could result in more serious consequences.
- Alcohol
In Maryland, the possession of alcohol by persons under
age 21 is against the law under Section 10-114 of the
Criminal Law Article, Annotated
Code of Maryland. Charles County Public Schools' policy prohibits students
from using, possessing or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages while
under its jurisdiction or on Charles County Public Schools property during the
regular school day. The use, possession or being under the influence of alcoholic
beverages is not permitted on school property by students or adults at after-school
activities or at activities conducted on the weekends. Students who violate the
prohibitions of this rule are subject to suspension for their first offense for
up to 10 school days with readmittance only after a successful conference involving
the principal, the parent and the student. On occasion of a second offense for
violation of the alcohol policy the student is suspended to the Superintendent
with a recommendation for expulsion from school.
- Anabolic steroids
Maryland law prohibits the non-prescription use, possession
or distribution of anabolic steroids or human growth
hormones. Upon conviction, violators are subject to a fine or imprisonment
or both. The school system treats these cases as CDS violations.
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- Tobacco
The Board of Education prohibits the use or possession of tobacco
and tobacco paraphernalia by students on school property and
at any school-related or school-sponsored activities on or off campus.
The use of tobacco is not permitted on school property by students or adults
at any time.
- Definitions
Tobacco includes any and all forms of tobacco that might
be consumed either by smoking, chewing or in any other
manner including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing
tobacco and snuff. Tobacco paraphernalia is that equipment that is used
to consume tobacco products including, but not limited to, pipes and
tobacco pouches or bags.
- Possession/use of tobacco products
The sale or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited
in school buildings, on school grounds and in school
vehicles at all times. Tobacco regulations are strictly enforced. The
following consequences may be applied:
- First offense:
Students are required to successfully complete
an approved smoking education class and sign
a contract with the school and their parents/guardians that they will
not violate the tobacco policy in the future.
- Second offense:
Students are suspended from school for five days
and must work at least five hours after school
on a school cleanup project or work five hours at an approved health
care facility.
- Third offense:
Students are suspended to the Superintendent
with a recommendation of expulsion from school.
If found guilty of a third violation of the Charles County Public Schools
tobacco policy, the student is removed from the regular day school
program.
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- Cell phones and pagers
Except as provided in this rule, students may not possess or
use cell phones, pagers, beepers, two-way radios, or any other
portable electronic communication devices on school property, on school
buses or school-chartered vehicles, or at any school-sponsored activity
before, during or after the school day.
- Elementary and middle school students may not possess or use
cell phones on school property except under the following
conditions:
- A student may possess and use a cell phone, pager, beeper, two-way
radio, or other portable electronic communication
device if that student's parent or guardian
receives approval from the school principal for a specific purpose.
At no time will permission for cell phone possession or use be granted
for socializing or other non-essential purposes.
- A student may possess and use a cell phone while attending and not
participating in any event held on school grounds after school hours and
open to the general public.
- High school students may not possess or use cell phones on
school property except under the following conditions:
- Cell phones must not be visible and must be powered off at all times
during the school day and either in the school
building, or while aboard a school bus or other
school-sponsored vehicle, or during after-school
activities. A cell phone in the vibrate or
other non-audible mode is not considered "off."
- Cell phones may be used after school hours, but not during a time
when the student is either attending a school-sponsored
activity not open to the general public, or participating in a school-sponsored
activity, whether on or off school grounds.
A student may possess and use a cell phone while attending and not
participating in any event held on school grounds after school hours
and open to the general public.
- In order to briefly communicate with the student's parent/guardian/caregiver,
a cell phone may be used while attending or traveling to or from a schoolsponsored
activity on a school bus or other school vehicle, as long as the
supervising teacher/coach has granted the student permission. At no time
will permission for cell phone use be granted for socializing or other non-essential
purposes.
- A student may possess and use a cell phone if that student's parent
or guardian receives approval from the school
principal for a specific purpose. At no time
will permission for cell phone possession or
use be granted for socializing or other non-essential purposes.
- Cell phones with camera and/or video functions must not be used to take or transmit
any image or video at any time, even if the use of the
cell phone is otherwise permitted.
The possession or use of a cell phone must not cause any disruption to
the school setting at any time.
Cell phones with camera and/or video functions must not be used to take or transmit
any image or video at any time, even if the use of the cell phone
is otherwise permitted.
It is the intent of the Superintendent to ensure cell phone possession
does not disrupt the learning environment, after-school
activities, or the safe transportation of students. Therefore, students
found to be in violation of this rule are subject to the following disciplinary
action:
- Upon the first offense for middle and high school students the student
shall be warned; the student's parent or guardian
shall be notified; and the cell phone or other
portable electronic communication device shall
be confiscated and returned to the parent or guardian, upon request,
after a successful conference with the appropriate school administrator.
- Upon the second offense for middle and high school students the student
shall be suspended out-of-school for three days; the student's parent or
guardian shall be notified; and the cell phone or other portable electronic
communication device shall be confiscated and returned to the parent or
guardian, upon request, after a successful re-admittance conference with the
appropriate school administrator.
- Upon the third offense for middle and high school students the student
shall be suspended out-of-school for seven days; the student's
parent or guardian shall be notified; and the cell phone or other portable electronic
communication device shall be confiscated and returned to the parent or
guardian, upon request, after a successful re-admittance conference with the
appropriate school administrator.
- Upon the fourth offense for middle and high school students the student shall be suspended to the Superintendent; the student's
parent or guardian shall be notified; the cell
phone or other portable electronic communication
device shall be confiscated and returned to the
parent or guardian, upon request, after a successful
conference with the Superintendent's hearing officer;
and the Superintendent's hearing officer may remove
the privilege of possession and use of cell phones or other portable
electronic communication devices.
- Upon the first offense for elementary school students the student
shall be warned; the student's parent or guardian
shall be notified; and the cell phone or other
portable electronic communication device shall
be confiscated and returned to the parent or guardian, upon request,
after a successful conference with the appropriate school administrator.
- Upon the second offense for elementary school students the student
shall be suspended out-of-school for one day; the
student's parent or guardian shall be notified;
and the cell phone or other portable electronic
communication device shall be confiscated and returned to the parent
or guardian, upon request, after a successful re-admittance conference
with the appropriate school administrator.
- Upon the third offense for elementary school students the student
shall be suspended out-of-school for three days;
the student's parent or guardian shall be notified;
and the cell phone or other portable electronic
communication device shall be confiscated and returned to the parent
or guardian, upon request, after a successful re-admittance conference
with the appropriate school administrator.
The Charles County public school system, and its employees and agents, are not responsible for the loss,
theft, damage, or destruction of any cell phone, pager,
beeper, two-way radio, or other portable communication device, whether
allowed or prohibited by this policy.
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- Weapons
The Board of Education prohibits students from possessing weapons
of any kind for any reason, whether for offensive use, self-protection
or any other reason.
- Definitions
The Board of Education prohibits
any weapon defined by state law and any object that is used, is threatened
to be used, or is designed and readily capable of being used as a weapon
to inflict injury, including knives.
Weapons as defined by state law include:
- Dirk knife
- Star knife
- Razor
- Tear gas
- Starter pistols
- Bowie knife
- Sand club
- Nanchaku
- Pepper spray/mace
- BB guns
- Switchblade knife
- Metal knuckles
- Stun guns
- Pellet guns
- Look-a-like guns
Handguns, rifles, BB guns and shotguns of any type or design are considered
weapons as defined by the Board of Education and are forbidden on school property
including inside motor vehicles on school property.
Weapons also include all
types of gases such as tear gas, mace and pepper gas as well as devices
manufactured or designed to stun individuals by rendering a high
voltage electrical shock. In the event that a common object, designed
for innocent purpose, is used as a weapon or threatened to be used
as a weapon by a student against another individual, the object would
fulfill the definition of a weapon and the appropriate procedure
would be followed.
- Ammunition, etc.
It is a violation to possess
any live ammunition on Board of Education property. Possession of live
ammunition on Board of Education property may result in suspension or
expulsion from school. Live ammunition is defined as any device or any part of such a device for propelling a projectile from a gun. This includes the projectile and the explosive material or substance.
- Possession and/or use
The Board of Education views the possession and/or use
of a weapon as a serious example of gross misconduct and is grounds for
immediate suspension to the Superintendent with a recommendation for
expulsion from school. The parents are notified and police are contacted.
- Facsimile/replica weapons
Facsimile, replica or collector weapons, including starter
pistols, are permissible on school property for educational purposes
only with the knowledge and special permission of the school principal.
Otherwise, facsimile/replica weapons and look-a-like weapons are prohibited.
- Laser lights/laser pointers
Student possession and/or use of objects capable of emitting
laser light for whatever purpose is prohibited on school property and
at school activities unless approved by the school principal.
- Dangerous materials
Students are prohibited from bringing or possessing any
item or material that a reasonable person should realize constitutes
a danger to the safety of other students such as tools (including but not limited to screwdrivers, hammers, nails, and pliers), chemicals, hardware,
and/or toxic materials, unless under the direction and supervision of a staff member as part of the educational program.
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- Sex offenses
Any misconduct of a sexual nature towards another student or
staff member is viewed as potentially serious misconduct or gross misconduct dependent upon
the age and level of development of the student in question and the degree of the offense. Disciplinary
measures include notification of the parents of the students involved. The student may be suspended and the appropriate legal authorities
are notified in order that charges may be filed.
- Definition
Sex offenses are defined by Maryland law, under Section
3-301 et seq., and Section 11-107 (indecent exposure) of the Criminal
Law Article, Annotated
Code of Maryland.
- Procedure
The school administrator investigates alleged sex offenses,
taking into consideration the age and developmental level of the students
involved. Parents of the individuals involved are informed and, if appropriate,
the legal authorities are contacted. Depending upon the level of misconduct,
students guilty of violating the rules may be suspended from school for
up to 10 days or to the Superintendent with a recommendation for an extended
suspension or expulsion from school.
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- Sexual harassment
Charles County Public Schools does not condone or accept harassment
by an individual toward another.
- Definition
Sexual harassment is the verbal or physical conduct of
a sexual nature by a student that denies, limits, differentiates or conditions
the provisions of aid, benefits, services or treatment protected under
Title IX of the Education Act, 1972. Such unlawful behaviors may include:
- verbal comments such as derogatory statements, slurs or unwanted
sexual advancements, invitations or comments;
- visual displays such as derogatory posters, photography, cartoons,
drawings or gestures;
- physical conduct such as assault, unwanted touching, blocking normal
movement or interfering with the educational program of a student because
of his/her sex or race or any other protected basis;
- retaliation for having reported or threatened to report harassment;
- rape or attempted rape; and
- other sexual criminal offenses.
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual attention on a continuing
basis from peers or any unwanted sexual attention from anyone with whom
the victim must interact in order to perform school duties where the
result of that attention is that the victim's responses are restrained
by fear of reprisals. Sexual harassment may occur: male to female, male
to male, female to female or female to male.
- Procedure
When possible, students who feel they are the victims
of sexual harassment should report suspected sexual harassment to the
principal or the school Title IX Coordinator or the Title IX Coordinator
for Charles County Public Schools.
Any student who is found
to be responsible for sexual harassment is subject to appropriate disciplinary
action that may include counseling, suspension or expulsion. The severity
of the disciplinary action is based upon the circumstances of the infraction.
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- Gang Activity
- Definition
A gang is defined as a group of three or more individuals
who associate on a continued basis for the purpose of committing criminal
acts.
- Behavior, colors, dress, signs and symbols
Group (gang) behavior that poses a threat to individual
students or other groups of students or disrupts the orderly school process
is not tolerated by Charles County Public Schools.
Gang colors, gang signs or symbols and gang dress are
not allowed on school property or at school-sponsored activities.
The courts have made it clear that schools may restrict
the wearing of gang symbols. Schools may also restrict certain types of
dress that involve issues such as safety or discipline.
Students found to be participating in gang activities
are suspended from school until a successful readmission conference involving
their parents/ guardians can be held. They may be suspended to the Superintendent
with a recommendation for extended suspension or expulsion dependent upon
the nature of the activity and the level of the student(s) involved.
The police may be notified of any suspected gang activity
by the school administration. Any gang activity coupled with gross misconduct
on school property or during a school-sponsored activity will result in
expulsion from school.
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- Fighting/Frays
- Definition
Verbal or physical combat by two or more individuals
that represents a safety issue and/or a disruptive incident is classified
as fighting. Conflicts involving a group of individuals that become or
threaten to become physical in nature are defined as frays.
- Procedure
Fighting and frays are disruptive to the school program
and have the potential to result in injuries to students and/or staff.
Charles County Public Schools considers fighting and frays unacceptable
behavior and, in more serious cases, examples of gross misconduct. Participants
may be suspended to the Superintendent with a recommendation for extended
suspension or expulsion from school, dependent upon the nature of the
specific incident and the age or level of understanding and development
of the individuals involved.
Fights and frays involving groups
or individuals may, if there is evidence of group association, be considered
as gang activity and will be dealt with accordingly.
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- Classroom/school disruption
The education of all the students in a class is interrupted each
time one student disrupts the class. The classroom teacher has a responsibility
to maintain classroom order so that learning is possible. Students who
chronically disrupt the orderly learning process are guilty of misconduct
and are removed from the class. School disruption is dealt with as misconduct
or gross misconduct dependent upon the incident(s) and the level of the
student involved.
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- Student
demonstrations
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees "the rights
of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress
of grievances." These protections of the First Amendment apply to public school
students, subject to reasonable time, place and manner limitations, but they
may be restricted if the exercise of these rights materially and substantially
disrupts the educational environment.
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- Bus transportation/misconduct
Bus transportation to and from school is a privilege and not
a right. The public school system is not required to transport students
to and from school, and students may be denied transportation if they violate
the rules set forth by the school and the transportation service. Inappropriate
behavior on the school bus is considered serious misconduct. Infractions
are handled at the school level. In addition to being subjected to discipline,
a student may have his bus riding privileges suspended for a period of
time or for the remainder of the school year. Parents are normally notified
if there is a bus infraction and of the disciplinary action taken. Charles
County Public Schools reserves the right to randomly videotape students
on school buses. This might include both audio and video recording. The use of
the videotapes helps to monitor student behavior and evaluate bus drivers. The
school bus ride is an extension of the school day and the consequences of student
misbehavior will result in school disciplinary measures being taken that might
include suspension from school.
At the beginning of the year, all students receive a handbook
concerning bus rules and regulations.
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- Student dress
Suggestive, provocative or excessively tight clothing is not
allowed to be worn to school or to school-sponsored activities. Charles
County Public Schools does not allow clothing to be worn on school property
or to school-sponsored activities which display messages or images offensive
in terms of their reference to sex, race, national origin or religion.
Clothing that is judged by the school administration to be disruptive to
the orderly school process either by virtue of the design or in the manner
in which it is worn is also forbidden.
Members of the Charles County Association of Student Councils,
at the request of Superintendent James E. Richmond, developed the following
systemwide dress code, as amended and approved by the Board of Education:
- Shorts are permitted as long as the shorts reach the middle of the
thigh, defined as shoulders relaxed and arms straight down alongside
the body where fingertips touch the thigh.
- Skirts are permitted as long as the skirt reaches the middle of the
thigh, defined as shoulders relaxed and arms straight down alongside
the body where fingertips touch the thigh. Slits in the skirt may not
rise more than two inches above fingertips.
- Sleeveless shirts are permitted as long as at least two-fingers' width
of fabric covers both shoulders and the chest area and undergarments
are not exposed.
- Spaghetti straps are not permitted with the exception of formal wear.
- Midriff area (front and back) must not be visible at any time, even
while seated.
- Undergarments must not be visible at any time.
- Cleavage must not be visible at any time.
- Pants must be secured no lower than mid hip and must not cover the
front of the shoes while walking.
- Backless and open-toed shoes with a hard sole are permitted as long
as the shoes do not pose a safety hazard. Foam and similar soft-soled
shoes, such as flip-flops or beach footwear, are prohibited.
- Headwear is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to hats,
visors, bandannas and hoods. (Exceptions may be granted based on religious
and medical reasons with proper verification.)
- Sunglasses are not permitted except during outdoor activities.
- Sleepwear and sleepwear-type clothing are not permitted. (Exceptions
are granted for certain activities, such as overnight field trips.)
- Jewelry that poses a safety hazard to the student or other students
is not permitted.
- Sports uniforms that are worn during the school day must conform to
the dress code.
- Clothing that displays or symbolizes any language or material that
is inappropriate for school or offensive to any group is not permitted.
This includes, but is not limited to, material relating to drugs, alcohol,
profanity, obscenity, racism, gang activity and violence.
- Recreational and noninstructional swimsuit attire must not be disruptive
or distracting. Female swimsuits must be one piece and fully cover the
chest and buttocks. Male swimsuits must be mid thigh. All swimsuits must
remain nontransparent when wet. Swimsuits may not be worn uncovered
outside of the pool area.
- Formal attire must not be disruptive or distracting. Spaghetti straps
and sleeveless or strapless formal dresses are acceptable as long as
adequate coverage is maintained during activity. Slits in skirts or dresses
may not rise more than a hand's width above the knee. Transparent attire
is prohibited. Necklines may not fall below mid-sternum. Backless gowns
may be permitted at the end-of-year prom, but are inappropriate for all
other events including school dances, choral performances and in situations
where a student or group of students officially represent the school
system.
- The dress code is in effect at all school-sponsored events on and off
campus.
Note: Administrators have the flexibility to exercise their judgment,
with the authority of the Deputy Superintendent of Schools or his designee,
to determine if a student's attire is considered disruptive or distracting.
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- Offensive
language/conduct
- Language
Certain types of speech and behavior are considered so disruptive that
they are prohibited outright. The free speech rights that students have
in the school environment are governed by a rule of reason applied to
specific acts. For example, the Supreme Court has held that a school
official may take disciplinary action against students who use vulgar
and offensive language in school, or who promote drug use or other activities
that are either illegal or dangerous for students. Such language is not
allowed in school or at school-sponsored activities or events.
- Gestures and statements
Vulgar, offensive and/or disruptive physical gestures or verbal statements to other students
or staff members are not allowed. Students who engage
in this behavior are guilty of misconduct.
- Drawn/written material
Any student who wants to distribute a publication that is not officially
recognized as a school publication shall submit such
publication to the principal of the school for review and approval prior
to such distribution.
Written, drawn or printed material or publications
may not be distributed on school property during school
hours except at times and locations approved by the school principal.
Students who distribute materials may not substantially interfere with
the normal flow of traffic within the school corridors and entrance ways,
may not coerce any other person into accepting or rejecting any publication,
and may not interfere with normal school activities.
Written,
drawn, printed materials or publications that are obscene,
libelous, vulgar, offensive or disruptive or which otherwise violate
Board policies concern ing the distribution of materials or advertising
on school grounds, may not be produced, distributed or shown to other
individuals on school property, in school vehicles or during school-sponsored
activities. Students may not possess, distribute or show pornographic
materials in any format (including but not limited to printed or drawn
materials, electronic or photographic images, or “sexting”)
on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity.
School-sponsored publications
are subject to review by the school principal or by the faculty advisor or teacher
assigned to the particular class or publication staff that is producing the publication
or in which a student is preparing or editing material for publication. The principal
or teacher or faculty advisor may prevent the publication of material for legitimate
education-related concerns, such as if the publication or material is (1) poorly
written; (2) inadequately researched; (3) biased or prejudiced; (4) vulgar or
profane; (5) unsuitable for the intended audience; or (6) obscene, libelous or
disruptive.
- Tattoos/body markings/jewelry
Permanent or temporary tattoos or other body markings that are vulgar,
offensive or potentially disruptive are prohibited
from being displayed by students on school property or during school
activities. Prohibited markings must be covered in such a way that they
are not visible by other individuals. Students may be required to remove
or cover jewelry, including those used in body piercing, if the jewelry
constitutes a danger to the student or others, or which causes substantial
disruption to the education environment.
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- Attendance
All Maryland residents who are five years old by Sept. 1 of the school year
and under 21 years shall be admitted free to the public schools. Students have a
right to public education in Maryland that cannot be taken away without due
process of law.
- Compulsory school attendance
Coupled with the right to an education is the legal duty of the student to attend
regularly and of the parent or guardian to ensure the student's regular attendance.
Section 7-301 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of
Maryland, requires
all children who reside in Maryland and who are between five and 16 years old
regularly attend a public school unless the child regularly receives, in some other
setting, instruction similar to that which is provided in the state's public schools.
- Lawful absences
Students may be excused from school attendance by county officials for necessary
absences under Section 7-301(b) of the Education Article, Annotated
Code of Maryland. Absences for the following reasons only are deemed lawful by the
state:
- Death in the immediate family;
- Student illness, for which the principal may require a physician's
certificate;
- Court summons;
- Hazardous weather conditions;
- Work, if approved or sponsored by the school;
- Observance of a religious holiday;
- State emergency;
- Suspension;
- Lack of authorized transportation;
- Other circumstances, as determined by school officials.
Students have the right to make up work missed due to lawful absence, but
need not be given such an opportunity when work is missed due to an unlawful
absence.
- Unlawful absence
It is a violation of state law to be absent from school for any reason that is not
considered lawful. Students who miss school harm not only themselves but they
also detract from the educational process of the school.
Students who are unlawfully absent are dealt with according to the steps outlined
in the Charles County Public Schools Attendance Procedures. This might
include referral to the Department of Juvenile Justice and/or the Charles County
State's Attorney Office.
- Cutting school, cutting class, leaving school grounds
It is difficult to educate students who miss classes and impossible to safeguard
their well-being and safety if they are not in school. It is a potentially dangerous
situation anytime a student leaves the school grounds without the knowledge and
permission of the school administration. Repeated class or school cutting or leaving
school without permission is viewed as gross misconduct. Any secondary
school student charged with two or more unlawful absences from school and/or
from class, with proper notification by the school authorities, will fail the
class(es) missed for the nine-week marking period.
Any student who leaves school property without the permission of the school
authorities is subject to school suspension for up to 10 days on the first occurrence.
Chronic behavior of this type is considered gross misconduct and the student
may be suspended to the Superintendent. Students who are unlawfully
absent from school may be referred by student services personnel to the
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.
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- Searches
The principal or designee may make a reasonable search of a student on the
school premises or on a school-sponsored field trip if the principal or designee has
a reasonable belief the student is in possession of an item, the possession of which
is a criminal offense under Maryland law or a violation of any other state law or
rule or regulation of the school system.
Designated teachers may conduct searches on field trips or other school-sponsored
activities away from the school under the same guidelines.
Student lockers may be assigned to students for their use, but
remain the property of the school. The principal and vice principal may search
lockers assigned for student use at any time for any reason.
Dogs trained to detect the presence of drugs, weapons or other contrabands
may be used on school property when deemed necessary or appropriate by school
administrators.
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- Computer, technology misuse
Computer, telecommunications and technology misuse is considered serious
misconduct and may result in suspension to the Superintendent with a
recommendation for expulsion. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- The unauthorized or illegal use of or access to:
- computers
- software
- telecommunications devices
- telecommunications systems
- related technologies
- Any willful act that causes physical, financial or other harm or otherwise
disrupts information technology; and
- Unauthorized use or attempts to use electronic technology to change or
alter grades, attendance, any part of any student information record or
the system's restricted information base or file.
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- Internet use/contracts
The Internet is used to enhance learning and to provide students the use of
resources from all over the world. Charles County Public Schools tries to prevent
students from being exposed to objectionable or offensive materials. The staff does
its best to guide and monitor student use of the Internet, but staff cannot be held
liable if a student accidentally or willfully goes to an objectionable site.
All students who plan to take advantage of Internet connections
at school must sign, together with their parents, the Charles County Public
Schools' Internet contract. The contract is provided to all students as an
insert in this booklet. Any student not returning a signed contract will
not be allowed to access the Internet at school.
- Internet contract for elementary school students
- When I am in the computer lab or the media center, I will use the Internet
only for school-related projects and visit only the sites assigned by my
teachers. I will use all computer equipment with care and respect. I will
print only information that my teacher has approved.
- When I use computers in the school, I will be respectful of the computer
rights of others. I will not type or use any inappropriate or unacceptable
words on the computer. If I encounter any type of inappropriate materials, I
will immediately inform my teacher.
- I will limit my use of the Internet in school for education purposes assigned
by my teacher. I will not surf the Internet or visit chat rooms. I will never
log onto the Internet without permission from a teacher or supervising staff
member.
- Internet contract for middle and high school students
- Acceptable uses of the Internet include:
- searching for information on school-related projects using approved
search engines;
- accessing reference, newspaper or periodical services made available
to students by subscription to Charles County Public Schools;
- downloading information related to schoolwork; and
- communicating via e-mail for school-related purposes.
- Students should abide by the following rules when using the Internet and
school system networks:
- the Internet is to be used only for school-related activities;
- students are responsible for their behavior on the Internet just as they
are for their behavior in a classroom or on school property;
- students will use language acceptable to the workplace and school on
the Internet;
- students will follow the same code of conduct as required by Charles
County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct and pay special
attention to Section P. Offensive Language/Conduct;
- any harassment encountered on the Internet should not be responded to
and should be reported to the teacher; and students will respect the privacy
of others.
- Students may not:
- use offensive, obscene, libelous, disruptive or inflammatory language,
pictures or other material on any computer or network;
- install their personal service provider's software on school equipment
and may not log in to their personal service provider using school
equipment;
- reveal their home phone numbers, addresses or other personal information;
- use someone else's password or account number;
- copy or download materials in violation of copyright laws;
- attempt to degrade or disrupt system performance or attempt to enter
and/or destroy computer systems and files;
- repost personal communications without the author's prior consent;
- make personal purchases or unauthorized orders using the school
system's name; and
- download or copy information onto discs, hard drives, or other peripheral devices without prior
teacher approval.
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- Self-reporting
of possession of prohibited objects/materials
Students sometimes find they have brought something from home in their
pocket or bookbag that they didn't mean to bring that might be against the law or
school rules to possess on school property. Students who find themselves in possession
of any item that is a violation of the rules should immediately turn the
object or material into the nearest teacher or the school office. This action may
minimize or eliminate the disciplinary consequences.
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- Student driving privileges
Licensed students may drive to and from school after complying with the
school requirements to obtain permission. Violations of the driving regulations
may result in withdrawal of permission to drive to school. Notification to the
school by police of driving violations by students going to or from school may
also result in the loss of school driving privileges.
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- Public displays of affection
Public displays of affection are prohibited. The school building and school
programs or activities are not the proper time or place for personal-level touching.
Verbal reminders will normally be given for the first offense and followed by
more serious disciplinary actions, if necessary.
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- Academic dishonesty/cheating
Charles County Public Schools students are expected to maintain the highest
level of ethical standards. Students are required to exhibit honesty in both verbal
and written form. Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, photo
copying, copying off fellow students, using Internet or other sources without
acknowledgement and the use of electronic equipment such as cell phones, blackberries,
iPods and other similar devices to cheat, is not acceptable.
Dishonest behavior, when detected, may result in both academic and disciplinary
consequences such as academic failure and/or suspension from school.
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- Filing of false reports
Students are encouraged to provide information to assist school administrators
to carry out their responsibility to provide for the health and safety of the school
community and to maintain an orderly school environment. However, students
who are found to have intentionally filed false and malicious reports against staff
or other students will be subject to serious disciplinary consequences.
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- Use of cameras/video/audio
Students may not possess or use any cameras or video or audio equipment
on school property or at a school-sponsored event, except under the following
conditions:
- A student may possess and use the camera or video or audio
equipment at the direction of and with direct supervision
by a classroom teacher as part of classroom activities.
- A student may possess and use a camera or video or audio
equipment if that student receives prior written permission
from the school principal for a specific purpose. At no
time will permission be granted for socializing or other
non-essential purposes, or if the use will violate another
individual’s privacy.
- A student may possess and use a camera or video or audio
equipment while attending and not participating in an event
held on school grounds after school hours and open to the
general public, as long as the possession and use are neither
disruptive or in any way unlawful. This privilege may be
revoked on a case-by-case basis at any time for any reason
by the principal or school administrator, or by their designee.
- Cell phones with camera and/or video functions must not be used to
take or transmit any image or video at any time, even if the use
of the cell phone is otherwise permitted.
Students may not
use any type of camera, video, audio, or computer recording
device in any manner that interferes with or is disruptive
of the educational process, invades the privacy of any
individual, or violates the academic integrity of any school
activity.
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