J.

FRANKHILLYARDMIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT - PARENT HANDBOOK
2014-2015
WELCOME TO J. FRANK HILLYARD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Each day at JFHMS we talk about giving All our Best, All the Time. We believe this is important in the
preparation for success. As students give their best effort, they experience positive results. The lessons learned
about hard work and commitment will serve them well as students and as adults. We are excited about the start
of a new year and the opportunity for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
All students, parents and school staff have an important role in making this the best school year for everyone
involved. By showing the traits of good character (respect, trustworthiness, citizenship, caring, responsibility,
and fairness) we can ensure a productive and successful school year. We ask that you join us in this team
effort.We wish you a great school year and look forward to working with you during the coming months.
-- JFHMS Administration and Faculty
DAILY SCHEDULE
J. Frank Hillyard Middle School operates on a Block Schedule, with students meeting eight different classes spread over
two days (four block classes on ODD days and four classes on EVEN days). A warning bell rings at 8:10 a.m. each
morning to signal all students to report to their homeroom classes by 8:15 a.m. Homeroom is dismissed at 8:30 on a
normal day and students report to 1 st block class by 8:35 a.m. Classes conclude each day at 3:10 p.m. On days when
school is delayed by inclement weather, or when students are released for Early Dismissal, an attempt is made to ensure
that all four blocks have an opportunity to meet during the shortened school day.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
Student attendance is a cooperative effort and the School Board shall involve parents and students in accepting the
responsibility for good attendance. Each parent/guardian or person having control or charge of a child within the
compulsory attendance age shall be responsible for such childs regular and punctual attendance at school as required
under provisions of the law. A reasonable effort shall be made to contact a parent/guardian of each absent student every
day, and to obtain an explanation for the students absence, where there is no indication that the students parent is aware
of and supports the absence. A log will be kept of call attempts. Students who are absent must bring a valid note stating
the reason for absence upon returning to school. Unexcused absences shall be handled according to regulations issued by
the Superintendent. Students shall attend school for a full day unless otherwise excused.
When a student is unable to attend school, parents should telephone the school (896-8805) as soon as possible to report
the students name and the reason for absence. Upon the students return to school, parents are to write a note to be given
to the students homeroom teacher. For students who have permission to leave school early, he or she is to bring a parent
note to one of the school secretaries before school begins. Parents need to come to the main office to sign a student out
before he or she can leave.
ABSENCE PROCEDURES
Upon a students 8th absence to school for any reason (excluding school sponsored events), the students administrator
will contact the parent by phone and letter to request that all further absences by the student be cleared and approved by a
medical physician. This will require the student to furnish a physicians note for every absence following this notification.
If a physicians note is not supplied to the attendance clerk following a students absence, this absence will be considered
unverified regardless of parental awareness and support.
The accumulation of Unverified Absences will be addressed according to RCPS guidelines.

AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

Students are reminded that after 3:20 p.m., only students attending school events, or those under a teachers supervision or
under a parents supervision, are allowed to be on J. Frank Hillyard Middle School property.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES& ATHLETICS

Students at JFHMS are provided many opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular athletics and clubs. Different
clubs and after-school events are provided each year when different teachers become involved in sharing their hobbies and
interests with students. Activities such as drama, art, chorus, band, and student government help students to develop their
interests outside of the classroom. Several after school dances are scheduled for the students during the school year.
Students are encouraged to try out for teams in the athletic program. All grade level students can try out for cross country
(fall), wrestling (winter), and track (spring). Seventh & eighth grade students may try out for boys and girls basketball
teams. Seventh and eighth grade girls can participate in volleyball and drill team. Girls interested in cheerleading can try
out at the end of their seventh grade year and/or the beginning of their 8 th grade year for participation during 8th grade.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS & BLOCK SCHEDULING

In case of inclement weather, students and parents may check local Harrisonburg television and radio stations for school
closings and delay information. Updates will also be provided on the Rockingham County schools website at the
following address: www.rockingham.k12.va.us. Parents may also sign up for text alerts regarding school delays or
closings through the RCPS technology department. Go to: http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/technology-notification.html
for more information.
If schools are closed (for one day or several consecutive days) because of inclement weather, when students return to
school, they will proceed through the day (odd or even) they would have had if school had not been closed at all. After
the first day back, the normal Odd/Even schedule will resume as listed in the school calendar. Any changes in Odd/Even
day designation or any addition of makeup days in the school calendar will be determined by the School Board or central
office administration as needed.

PARENT TRANSPORTATION PEDESTRIANS ABSENCES & LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

Student dropped off at school should arrive at the front entrance of the school between 7:45 and 8:10. If you plan to park
and walk your child into the building, please park in a designated Visitor parking space. Students will report to their
grade levels designated location if arriving before 8:05 a.m.
Student Pick up in the afternoons occurs in the West parking lot with a return to Route 259 the same way entered.
Students should load in vehicles located between the orange cones (typically three to four vehicles at a time).
Students with parent permission may walk from the school campus after all bus traffic has left J. Frank Hillyard Middle
School. Students are responsible to respect and follow all laws for safe and proper pedestrian traffic on state maintained
highways, roads, and streets.
If a students regular transportation method changes in any way, parents should write a note giving permission for their
child to go home with another designated driver, to ride a bus to a different stop on their route, or to ride a different bus to
another students stop. Parents who agree to accept another student into their home from another bus must also write a
note giving permission for this to take place. Students are to bring their notes and place them in the Transportation Box
in the office before school. Students will be given a Transportation Change ticket that may be picked up after lunch in the
office. If a student changes his or her bus stop or bus, the school must receive a note from parents verifying that
permission is granted.

GUIDANCE OFFICE
Guidance counselors are available to counsel individual students and groups of students. Students are encouraged to
make an appointment with a counselor to help them resolve issues with their day-to-day school experiences and
disagreements or problems with other persons. Conferences with parents also can be arranged to increase the homeschool communication which leads to increased student success.

LIBRARY
The Library hours are from 8:05 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. daily. Students may check out or check in books anytime during the
school day. Instruction and orientation in the use of library will be given to all students beginning in September.
Checkout of books is computerized and identifies the borrowing student. Students not able to return library books and
materials after receiving notice are expected to pay for the replacement of lost items.

LOCKS & LOCKERS

All students are assigned lockers with combination locks. Lockers are the property of the school, and the administration
reserves the right to inspect student lockers for the safety of all students. Students in P.E. classes will also be assigned
locker room gym lockers for securing their clothing and personal items after dressing out for P.E. class. It is the
responsibility of all students to ensure that their hallway and P.E. lockers are locked at all times. Students who make a
habit of locking school supplies, personal items, and clothing in their lockers will ensure the safekeeping of their items.

LOST & FOUND

Lost & Found articles that are turned in are kept in the physical education area. If you have lost something, ask your P.E.
teacher to check any Lost & Found contents they may have. All items in the Found box which are not claimed within a
reasonable time are periodically sent to local agencies which assist needy families.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS POLICY

Students must wear a J. Frank Hillyard Middle School gym suit or any other plain gray or white, loose fitting, crew neck
t-shirt with sleeves and plain green or black, knee length, loose fitting athletic shorts. We will be putting the students
name on both the shirt and shorts so, if misplaced, can be returned. Sweatpants/shirts may be worn over the gym suit
during colder weather but must be the school colors (plain green, black, white, or gray).
Gym suits, Sweatpants, & Sweatshirts are available for purchase:
Shirts $6.00
Shorts $9.00
Sweatshirts, Sweatpants and other athletic apparel may be sold by the P.E. departmentas well.
In addition, crisscross laced sneakers must be worn. No jewelry of any kind is permitted in P.E. with the exception of
post/stud earrings. No cut off shirts or shorts, midriffs, tank tops, undershirts, shirts or shorts that show undergarments or
jean shorts are allowed. Saggy shorts and rolled up shorts will not be permitted.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION LOCKS

Each student will be issued a combination lock for P.E. If the lock is broken or lost there will be a replacement fee of
$5.00. Students will be issued their own lock and may not share with another student. Students may not bring a lock
from home.

FIRE DRILLS & OTHER SAFETY-RELATED DRILLS

In order to ensure a safe and orderly school, J. Frank Hillyard Middle School is committed to practicing the drills
necessary to ensure that students and staff respond promptly and decisively in the event of any emergency. Students are
expected to follow their teachers or any staff members directions during any emergency drill or evacuation. Students
will participate in monthly fire drills and other types of drills, including evacuation, lockdown, tornado, etc, as necessary
to ensure safe and orderly processes and responses.

HEALTH INFORMATION & MEDICATION PROCEDURES

In case of illness or accident, it is important that all students have complete, current and accurate information in their
Emergency Care Cards so that parents and other emergency contacts can be reached easily and promptly. If you should
become ill or injured while at school, you will be assisted by our school nurse. Medications will be administered under
the supervision of the school nurse or other authorized school personnel. Your parent must complete and return to the
office an AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION form which may be obtained from a clerk in the main office.
Prescription drugs may be administered only with the prior written permission of the parents and the physician (physician
permission is implied in the label on the original pharmaceutical package), stating the type, dosage and duration of the
treatment. Non-prescription drugs are regulated in the same way, but do not require physician permission. Medications,
both prescribed and non-prescribed, shall be brought to the office by the parent. They should never be transported by the
child on a school bus. Teachers will be notified if a students need to take medication affects their class period or their
transit time to or from lunch.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY & DISCIPLINE

One moment of horseplay can result in tragedy on a school bus. Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations
as identified by the Rockingham County Public Schools Transportation Office. Students must follow their bus drivers
directions at all times. Students are responsible for reading and understanding the bus rules distributed at the beginning of
the school year. Students are accountable for their behavior on school buses and at school bus stops. As noted in the bus
rules, violations of bus rules may result in the suspension of transportation privileges. All students and their parents
should sign and return the signature statement attached to the rules, as even students who do not ride buses to and from
school will ride school buses on approved field or athletic trips during their time at JFHMS.

ACADEMIC AWARDS RECEPTION

Students who achieve academic success at the ALL A level will be the recipients of JFHMS Academic Award medals
and will be honored in an awards reception late in the school year. Students can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold medals
for achieving the following criteria:
First Semester (any year) All As: BRONZE MEDAL
Finish the Bronze year with All As + First Semester of the following year All As: SILVER MEDAL
Finish the Silver year with All As + First Semester of the Eighth grade year All As: GOLD MEDAL
Students who do not qualify for a medal at the first semester break but who pull all grades up to A at the end of the year
will receive their medal over the summer or at the beginning of the next year and be moved into a position to work toward
the next medal honor. Students will be notified in school that they have qualified for an Academic Awards Medal.
Parents will then receive an invitation in the spring inviting them and the students family to the Academic Awards
Reception.

HAWKS CREST and SOAR PROGRAMS

The CREST Program is a positive incentive program recognizing students for demonstrating good character through
respect, trustworthiness, citizenship, caring, responsibility, and fairness. Students may be rewarded individually by
receiving Talons, Positive Academic Tickets, Positive Referrals or other special recognitions. The school store (Talon
Store) allows students to purchase items with their talon bank. Students may also receive recognition or rewards through
drawings held during the school year.
CREST also hosts activities that reward students as a group. Students in good standing with the school community may
participate in these events.
The Hawks SOAR Program is a team system designed to help each instructional team assist students by identifying the
area (or areas) in which a student is not experiencing success within the school. Staff members may issue a Fowl to any
student that fails to comply with school, team, or classroom guidelines. Each Fowl is documented electronically by the
staff member that issues it and can be viewed by the parent on PowerSchool. By reviewing these Fowls each instructional
team is made aware of each students individual needs. With the assignment of Fowls, the instructional team intervenes in
an attempt to help the student in whatever area or areas in which he or she is having difficulty. These interventions
include a range of consequences designed to influence the students behavior.
Expectations for student conduct center on the Character Traits of respect, trustworthiness, citizenship, caring,
responsibility, and fairness. A simple way to remember the schools expectations for students conduct is to remember to:
- Be RESPECTFUL (adults and other students)
- Be SAFE (respect school property and the property of others)
- Be RESPONSIBLE (for your academic and behavioral choices)
Students accumulating Fowls will be assigned consequences according to the schedule listed below.
* 1stFowl
* 2ndFowl
* 3rdFowl
* 4thFowl
* 5thFowl
* 6thFowl

Warning & Conference with the Teacher

Core/Remediation Teacher Attempt to Contact Parent/Guardian
Silent Lunch
Team Referral to Administration for 1 Day of BIP
Referral to Administration and Assignment of 10 days of Poor School Standing
Team Referral to Administration for 2 Days of BIP

** All Fowls dropped at end of 4 weeks coinciding with the distribution of Progress Reports students begin
with a clean slate every 4 weeks

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

A) Mission: Each student and customer will be offered a variety of appetizing high quality nutritious food, served
promptly, at the proper temperature, and at a reasonable cost. Each customer will be served by friendly food service
staff in a clean and safe environment. Students will be encouraged to learn about the importance of proper nutrition
and will be active participants in the meal program.
B) National School Lunch Program:
1. Free/reduced price meal applications Each student receives an application form. For applications
containing income information, only one application is required per family. To qualify, a student must be
directly certified (food stamps, migrant, etc.) or have an approved application on file. For continuous benefits,
returning students in families with income applications must submit a form annually (during first 30-days of
school). Applications from students entering school after the initial 30-day grace period must be approved
before benefits are granted. Parents are notified about the result of the submitted application by means of a
letter. If the meal status qualifies the student for additional services, the parent must retain a copy of
this approval letter for further documentation.
2. Breakfast Each school offers a breakfast program. Lunch eligibility extends to breakfast.
3. Extras Regardless of meal status, if student packs lunch and desires to drink milk, cash or money in account
is required.
C) Financial Procedures:
1. Pre-payment system Each student is assigned a cafeteria number. This number is used at the point of service
and is never to be shared. It is preferred that pre-payment money be paid by check (identified with account
number). For elementary and middle school students cash should be placed in an envelope and clearly marked
with the students name and account number. Once the money is deposited in the students account, the school
cannot distinguish or control how it is spent. Unless authorized by the parent, money in the account is for
the child of the student, and the student is not able to purchase items for other students. The parent and
student should communicate about the selection of breakfast, ice cream, or other a la carte items.
2. On-line payment Parents have the opportunity to deposit money into their child(ren)s meal account using the
internet. To learn more and be able to view account balances, visit the web site: www.myschoolbucks.com
3. Prices School Level
Breakfast
Lunch
Full-paying Middle School
$1.25
$2.05
Reduced
All
$.30
$0.40
Adults
All
$1.75
$3.00
2nd Lunch
All
-$3.00
4. Charging Guardians are financially responsible for all items purchased by their child(ren). Students
with a negative account balance are not permitted to select a la carte items (cash or account).
Students are notified at the cashiers station as the account balance begins to approach a zero balance.
Every effort should be made to avoid reaching a zero balance. In the event it reaches zero, the
following procedures apply:
Middle School Meals will continue to be served, while student receives reminder slips to be taken
home. Weekly email correspondence is sent to parents. Continued charging may result in selected student
privileges being withheld.

D) Offer versus Serve: To be served and counted as a meal: Any student may refuse one menu item at breakfast,
but at least one fruit must be selected. All students must select minimum of three of the five lunch menu
components, one of which must be a fruit or vegetable. Individual servings (without a meal) of entrees and potato
products are not available to students.
E) Delayed School: Breakfast is available on one and two hour delay schedule.
F) Allergies: Students with special dietary needs or allergies require annual physician statement.
G) Guests: Welcome anytime! Please call/contact school in advance if planning to eat meal.
H) Smart Snacks in Schools: New federal regulations are intended to encourage the consumption of healthy snacks.
Specifically, they prohibit the sale of foods and beverages to students that fail to meet specified nutritional
criteria. This applies to all foods and beverages sold to students from 6:00 AM until 30 minutes after the
dismissal bell. Specifically, this means that all food fundraisers, person-to-student sales (with possible immediate
consumption), vending, etc. must occur after 30 minutes after the school day OR must be in compliance with
nutritional perimeters. The specific perimeters are: <200 calories per item, <35% of weight from total sugar,
<230 mg. sodium, <35% calories from total fat, <10% calories from saturated fat, and zero grams of trans fat.
Should any sales to students occur during the specified times above, the responsible school employee must
maintain records of nutritional compliance.

J. Frank Hillyard Middle School

Definitions, Guidelines, and Consequences for Disciplinary Infractions
At J. Frank Hillyard Middle School we have high standards for student behavior based on the Code of
Responsible Student Conduct adopted by the Rockingham County School Board. This code is founded on the
six Pillars of Character respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, citizenship, caring, and fairness. Through
this document and our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Program (PBIS), we encourage positive
student behavior with a variety of strategies and incentives.
There are times however, that students make poor choices regarding their behavior at school. In these cases, the
faculty and staff work together with students and families to resolve these issues in a positive manner. In order
to help manage and improve student behavior, consequences are assigned when necessary. This document is
designed to communicate important information regarding the definitions, guidelines and consequences for
disciplinary infractions.
On the following pages you will find specific definitions of inappropriate behavior along with a list of possible
consequences that are associated with this infraction. In most cases there is a range of consequences that could
potentially be assigned for a particular offense. The decision regarding which consequence is utilized depends
on the specific details of the incident. It is important to note that this document serves only as a guide and
the final decision regarding school disciplinary action rests with the school administrator.
Disciplinary offenses have been divided into the following twelve (12) major categories:
Physical Altercation
Verbal Altercation
Vandalism
Disrespect

Lying
Forgery
Disruptive Behaviors
Harassment

Tardies and Skipping

Stealing
Material Abuse
Academic Noncompliance

Each category is given a broad definition then broken down into specific behaviors. The behaviors are further
classified as incidents to be handled in the Classroom by the teacher or referred to the Office for attention from
an administrator. Classroom incidents may also be handled using team level discipline procedures. While this
guide addresses most of the behavior issues we see in the middle school, it is not comprehensive. Any
behaviors not specifically listed in this document will be handled at the discretion of the school administrator.
Definitions of Consequences
Warning An adult communicates with a student that a specific behavior is unacceptable and further violations
would result in a stiffer consequence.
Poor School Standing (PSS) Students lose various school privileges including participation in after school
events and other in-school restrictions.
Fowl As part of our Hawks Soar Program, staff members may issue a Fowl for any student that fails to
comply with school, team, or classroom guidelines.
After-School Detention (ASD) The student is required to remain after school until 6:00 p.m. under the
supervision of the ASD Supervisor.
Behavior Improvement Program (BIP) The student is required to spend the assigned time isolated from
peers in a room under the supervision of the BIP Supervisor.
Saturday School The student is required to report to school for three hours of detention (9 a.m. noon) on a
specific Saturday morning. Students will be under the supervision of two Saturday School teachers or
administration.
Out of School Suspension (OSS) The student is prohibited from attending school for a specified period of
time.
Students are not allowed to attend after-school events on the day assigned to ASD or BIP.

PHYSICAL ALTERCATION
Use of physical aggressions that inflict or risk bodily harm
Classroom
Incidental bumping, pushing or physical contact.
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Office
Intentional horseplay that results in physical injury.
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Intentional bumping, pushing or physical contact.
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Fighting - Where two or more parties engage in physical
contact that has the potential to cause bodily harm.
Consequence: 3 Days OSS
Throwing an object that results in physical injury or has the
potential to harm.
Consequences: ASD, BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Spitting on another individual.
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS

Actions that are openly defiant, uncooperative or insubordinate

towards authority figures.
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS

TARDIES AND SKIPPING

Willful decision to miss a portion or all of a class period or
school day
Classroom
Identifiable actions that cause the student to be tardy to class or
school.
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Office
Chronic or willful actions that cause a student to miss a portion
or all of a class period or school day.
Consequences: ASD, BIP, Saturday School, OSS

STEALING
Taking school or personal property that does not belong to
you
VERBAL ALTERCATION
Classroom
Use of vulgar, abusive or threatening language or gestures. Inadvertent procurement of an item that does not belong to the
Classroom
student.
Inappropriate comments that are inadvertently overheard.
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Inappropriate language or gestures that are not directed toward Office
another individual or group.
Advertent and premeditated procurement of an item or items
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
that do not belong to the student.
Office
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Inappropriate language that is directed toward an individual or
group. Language that is intentionally meant to offend, incite or LYING
berate another person or group. Inappropriate gestures that are Failing to provide accurate information, or willful
recognized to offend, incite or berate an individual or group.
misrepresentation of information which results in a
Consequences: ASD, BIP, Saturday School, OSS
disruption of the learning process or school operations
Lingo, gestures, writing or pictures that may be related to
Classroom
gangs.
Situations where students do not disclose the full truth but that
Consequence: OSS
allow for a teachable moment.
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
VANDALISM
Office
Any action that defaces or destroys school or personal
Situations where students fail to provide information or
property
willfully represent information that results in a disruption of the
Classroom
learning process.
Temporary markings that deface school or personal property. Consequences: ASD, Saturday School, BIP
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Making false accusations against another student or staff
Office
member.
Permanent or temporary markings that deface or destroy school Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS
or personal property.Actions that deface or destroy school or
personal property including student yearbooks or textbooks.
FORGERY
Consequences: Payment for damages, ASD, BIP, Saturday
Signing someone elses name or initials to school related
School, OSS
documents
Classroom
DISRESPECT
Instances that the teacher feels are better dealt with by
Any action that displays defiant, uncooperative or
contacting the parent.
insubordinate behavior
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Classroom
Office
Actions directed toward peers that result in a teachable moment. Instances that the teacher feels are better dealt with by an
Flippant comments that are not meant to directly challenge
administrator and/or repeat offenses.
authority.
Consequences: ASD, BIP, Saturday School
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Office
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS

An act that causes a significant interruption in the learning

process or school operations
Classroom
Any disruption that can be easily redirected.
Intentional writing/drawing on self or others
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Office
Any significant or ongoing interruption in the learning process
or school operations.
Consequences: ASD, BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Betting/gambling, including exchanging items of value.
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Intentionally setting off a fire alarm without cause.
Consequence: OSS
PDA / Inappropriate displays of affection (hugging, holding
hands, kissing)
Consequences: Warning, BIP,
Saturday School and/or OSS
Students chewing, eating, or spitting sunflower seeds
Consequence: BIP

HARASSMENT
Any action, gesture or language that offends or degrades
another individual
Classroom
An instance where the teacher intervenes and resolves the
situation to the satisfaction of the parties involved
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Office
Verbal comments, nonverbal gestures, inappropriate physical
touching, inappropriate writing or illustrations.
Consequences: BIP, Saturday School, OSS
Pulling down the shorts or pants of another student
Shanking
Consequence: OSS

A pattern of refusal to participate actively in the learning

environment and/or to meet teacher and classroom
expectations
Classroom
Academic problems that can be alleviated through working with
the student, working with the parent, with individualized
contracts, after-school tutoring and mentoring.
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD
Office
A pattern of refusal after teacher interventions.
Consequences: ASD, BIP, Saturday School
Cheating the giving, receiving or use of unauthorized
assistance on an assignment.
Consequences: Redo assignment, Failing grade on
assignment, ASD, BIP, Saturday School, OSS

BUS DISCIPLINE
Students are expected to demonstrate good character and
behavior in all school settings including the school bus. In
addition to the consequences mentioned in these guidelines,
students who misbehave on the school bus are subject to
temporary or permanent loss of bus riding privileges.
Discipline Consequences for Athletes
Athletes in the middle school are leaders and expected to
demonstrate a high level of responsibility. Athletes are
subject to the following team level sanctions:
Cheerleading, Basketball, and Volleyball:
Silent Lunch/ASD Decreased playing time
BIP/PSS Suspended from one game
Saturday School/OSS Suspended from two games
Cross Country, Track, and Wrestling:
Silent Lunch/ASD Extra drills during practice
BIP/PSS Suspended from one game
Saturday School/OSS Suspended from two games

MATERIAL ABUSE
Procedures for Further Disciplinary Action
Use of any school materials or technology in a way for
RCPS Parent-Student Handbook:
which it was not intended
As a student is referred to the office for violation of policies,
Classroom
administrators will respond with consequences listed in this
Inadvertent accessing inappropriate internet
guide, including assigning a Fowl, Poor School Standing
site(s).Reprogramming of basic operations that can be easily
recovered.
(PSS), After School Detention (ASD), Behavior
Consequences: Warning, Fowl, ASD, Loss of internet
Improvement Plan (BIP), Saturday School, and Out of
privileges
School Suspension (OSS).
Office
Willful inappropriate use of the internet.Use of school materials Specific disciplinary infractions may cause a principal to
without permission.
utilize any of the actions listed in this document. However,
Consequences: Loss of internet privileges, ASD, BIP,
when a student accumulates 10-12 discipline referrals within
Saturday School, OSS
the middle school grades (6-8), the school will call a parent
conference and inform the student and the parent that the
next referral will result in a referral to the Student Conduct
Committee. Any subsequent referral will result in an
appropriate response of a three (3), five (5) or ten (10) day
ACADEMIC NONCOMPLIANCE
suspension.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISCIPLINE POLICIES

The Rockingham County Public Schools Parent-Student Handbook has numerous behavior polices that guide school
decisions on specific incidents. Parents and students should review the RCPS Student Code of Conduct (as defined in
School Board Policy JFC- Student Conduct) at the beginning of each academic year. Two specific policies are highlighted
here for review.
Please review the following policies specifically as you prepare for the 2014-2015 Academic Year:

DRESS CODE (from RCPS Policy JFCJ)- REVISED POLICY- Please Review
General Dress Code Expectations
In general, student dress is considered appropriate as long as it does not, or foreseeably could not, interfere with the
educational process, cause disruption, including by undermining or distracting from the curriculum, threaten or cause
harm, or jeopardize or damage school property. In support of these expectations, a student is prohibited from attending
school in dress or presentation that is contrary to the dress code reflected in this policy.
Inclusions in Dress Code Expectations
For purposes of this policy and the code reflected in it, the term dress includes, for example: clothing; hats;
shoes; jewelry; and, any emblem, badge, depiction, symbol, sign, comment, or other items worn or displayed or presented
by a student as related to bodily-related attire or accessory. Dress does not include any religious symbol or expressive
activity by a student which otherwise would not be subject to prohibition or restriction.
In furtherance of the considerations and purpose of this policy, the following dress or attire is prohibited:
1)
Clothing which exposes undergarments;
2)
See-through apparel;
3)
Clothing that exposes the midriff, lower back, cleavage, or bare chest;
4)
Strapless tops or tops with spaghetti straps;
5)
Dresses, skirts, pants, or shorts that are shorter than the students mid-thigh;
6)
Hats, hoods, or head coverings inside the school building, unless they are required
for religious or medical reasons;
7)
Sunglasses or other obscuring glasses inside the school building, unless they are
required for medical reasons;
8)
Spiked accessories or wallet chains;
9)
Extremely tight pants worn without clothing which covers the student to midthigh, including, but not limited to: yoga pants, leggings, spandex shorts, compression shorts, "jeggings," or
tights.
10)
Jewelry, including facial or body piercings, that is actually or likely to be disruptive, distracting, or hazardous
to the student or other students in the student's presence;
11)
Dress that promotes, depicts, or in any way affirms, explicitly or implicitly, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or illegal
activity, including gang activity;
12)
Dress that promotes, depicts, threatens, or in any way affirms, explicitly or implicitly, violence, profanity,
vulgarity, or sexually implicit or explicit messages; and,
13)
Dress that promotes or depicts discriminatory messages or practices or that denigrates a particular group of
people.
Consequences for violations of Policy JFCJ
The administrators of each school shall have the discretion to decide on the consequences of a students violation of the
Dress Code. Recommended dispositions as a guideline are:
First Offense:
Second Offense:
Third Offense:
Fourth Offense:
Fifth Offense:

Warning with requested change of clothes and notification to

parent.
One day of in-school suspension, lunch detention, or Saturday school and notification of
parent.
Three days of out-of-school suspension (with required notification to parent).
Five days out-of-school suspension (with required notification to parent)
Ten days of out-of-school suspension with recommendation to the Division
Superintendent of Schools for regular school suspension for the remainder of the
semester or school year (with required notification to parent), with the opportunity to
continue academic studies in an alternative setting or arrangement, as may be available.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Please refer to Policy JZK, which addresses the Use of Student-Owned Electronic Devices, in the RCPS Parent-Student
Handbook. Parents and students should review the policy in detail as stated in the RCPS Parent-Student Handbook prior
to the beginning of the school year.
Student use of any personally owned electronic device, including but not limited to laptops, iPods, iPads, or cell phones,
shall adhere to the following regulations:
1. Rockingham County Public Schools assumes no liability for the loss, theft, or damage of any student-owned
electronic device or the information stored on the device.
2. Student-owned electronic devices shall be prohibited during instructional time unless a teacher directs students to
use them for a specific educational task. Violations of this regulation will be disciplined according to the
accompanying Administrative Directive, AD-JZK. Unless directed otherwise by the teacher, student-owned
devices must be concealed and muted.
3. Student use of personally owned electronic devices during instructional time is allowed strictly at the teachers
discretion. There is no blanket teacher approval for student-owned electronic devices; permission to use them is
to be granted on a day-by-day basis by teachers who plan to use them for instructional purposes.
4. Use of personally owned electronic devices during the school day:
a. Middle school students may NOT use personally owned electronic devices during school day except as
approved by the teacher as described in item 3 above. Students may have personally owned devices in
their possession; however, these devices must be silenced so as to not create a disruption. They must be
concealed at all times except as approved by the teacher as described in item 3 above.
b. Middle school students may use personally owned electronic devices after school, at extracurricular
events after school hours, and on buses.
d. Student-owned electronic device use on buses is subject to Transportation Department safety guidelines.
5. The use of student-owned electronic devices anywhere on school property shall be governed by these
regulations:
a. Middle or high school students who connect to the Internet shall use the schools WiFi system, not
through the devices 3G or 4G capabilities.
b. Students shall comply with all local, state and federal laws related to personally owned technology.
c. Students shall comply with the Rockingham County Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy (IIBEA).
d. Students shall comply with all other applicable school rules including, but not limited to, no cheating,
bullying, or unauthorized sharing of assignments or information on assessments.
e. An administrator may revoke a students permission to use his/her personally owned device in the school
at any time; any teacher who otherwise allows student use of personal electronic devices may revoke a
students permission to use his/her device in his/her classroom.
f.
Students shall not use devices to record, transmit, or post photographic images or video of a person or
persons.
6. Rockingham County Public Schools reserves the right to:
a. Monitor and log activity of student-owned devices on the RCPS network.
b. Determine when and where student-owned devices may connect to the RCPS network.
c. Make determinations on whether specific uses of student-owned devices are consistent with the Districts
Acceptable Use Policy.
d. Regulate the users access to the RCPS network.
Student acceptable use of student-owned electronic devices on school property will be governed by the guidelines
established in the RCPS policy and the Parent-Student Handbook.
Consequences for violating the Electronic Device Policy:
1st Offense Warning Phone/electronic device taken and given back to student at end of the day
2nd Offense 1 day BIP Parent must pick-up phone/electronic device
3rd Offense 3 days OSS Parent must pick-up phone/electronic device
4th Offense 10 days OSS (possible referral to the Superintendent Disciplinary Committee)

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

ItisthepolicyofRockinghamCountySchoolBoardtocomplywithallapplicablestateandfederallawsregardingnondiscriminationin
employmentandeducationalprogramsandservices.TheRockinghamCountyPublicSchoolswillnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,religion,
gender,nationalorigin,disability,economicstatus,orageastoemploymentoreducationalprogramsandactivities.Concernsshouldbe

discussedwiththebuildingprincipaland/ortheAssistantSuperintendentforInstruction,100Mt.ClintonPike,Harrisonburg,VA22802.Phone:
(540)5643200.