CODE OF CONDUCT (Authority: TCA 49-6-4203)
The Tennessee General Assembly Code of Conduct provides students at CHS an effective and safe learning environment centered on respect, high morals, and values conducive to producing literate, responsible, functional citizens of the community, state, nation, and world.
● It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this part to secure a safe environment in which the education of the students may occur.
● The general assembly recognizes the position of the schools in loco parentis and the responsibility this places on principals and teachers within each school to secure order and to protect students from harm while in their custody.
● It is the intent of this part to extend further, rather than limit, the authority of principals and teachers to secure order and provide protection of students within each school.
● The general assembly further recognizes that a rising level of violent activity and use of drugs is occurring in some public schools, especially in urban areas, and that these activities threaten the wellbeing of all students in such schools.
● Any other areas as designated by the general assembly.
List of Expected Behaviors
Students will:
● know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established by CHS.
● respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual.
● refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression.
● maintain the best possible level of academic achievement.
● be punctual and present in the regular school program.
● dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty, and safety.
●maintain and/or improve the school environment, preserve school and private property, and exercise care while using school facilities.
● refrain from behavior which would lead to physical or emotional harm or disrupts the educational process.
● respect the authority of school administrators, teachers and other authorized personnel in maintaining discipline in the school and at school sponsored activities.
● obey local, state, and federal laws.
● obey school rules.
Acts in Violation of Laws and School Policy
All violations of the Code of Conduct will be handled as expediently as the offense permits. Since no students have the right to interfere in any way with their fellow classmates’ right to learn, students will observe the Code of Conduct which will in no way interfere with the educational opportunities of their classmates. The administration and faculty of the school will make and enforce such rules as are necessary for the efficient operation of the learning process of CHS students. The principal, the vice principal, or their designee will classify any offense not listed below.
All discipline codes and options apply to all school-sponsored activities (e.g., field trips, home and away athletic events, dances). Confiscation Items and devices that are inappropriate in school during school hours and that may interfere with the learning environment and/or the orderly operations of the school will be confiscated (e.g., caps, hats, iPods, mp3 players, trading cards, skateboards, rollerblades, lighters, matches or other incendiary devices)
Disciplinary Options
● First offense = confiscation for one day
● Second offense = confiscation for one week
● Third offense = confiscation for remainder of school year
CONDUCT VIOLATIONS
At the bare minimum, students may be placed in detention or in Alternative School for conduct violations. Detention will be assigned during the lunch period in a designated room.
Level I = misbehaviors which interfere with the learning climate of the educational environment and/or the orderly operations of the school
● Classroom disturbances
● Failure to complete assignments
● Tardiness
● No hall pass when out of classroom
● Open food or drinks without permission
Disciplinary Options
● First offense = handled by the teacher according to classroom/school rules
● Second offense = one day of detention
● Third offense = three days of detention
● Fourth offense = three days of Alternative School
● Fifth offense = five days of Alternative School or three days of suspension
Level II = misbehaviors which interfere with the learning climate of the educational environment and/or the orderly operations of the school
● Displays of affection
● Dress code violations
Disciplinary Options
● First offense = warning and conference with teacher, principal, the vice principal, or their designee
● Second offense = conference with or call to parents or guardians and one day of detention
● Third offense = five days of detention
● Fourth offense = three days of suspension or five days of Alternative School
Level III = misbehaviors which interfere with the learning climate of the educational environment and/or the orderly operations of the school
● Missing assigned detentions
● Roughhousing
● Violations of Fentress County Board of Education computer policy
Disciplinary Options
● First offense = three days of detention
● Second offense = five days of detention
● Third offense = five days of Alternative School
● Fourth offense = five days of Alternative School or ten days of suspension
● Severe violations of computer policy = may revert to Fentress County Board of Education Policy
Level IV = misbehaviors and acts of extreme conduct which are in violation with school policies
● Cutting class or Range Time Assignment
● Leaving school without permission
● Disrespect to teachers, staff, and peers
● Insubordination (not following a directive from a teacher, administrator, or other school system employee)
● Lying
● Verbal and written threats
● Use of verbal and written vulgar language and profane gestures
● Possession of pornographic materials
Disciplinary Options
● First offense = five days of Alternative School
● Second offense = 10 days of Alternative School
● Third offense = 45 days of Alternative School and referral to discipline committee
Level V = misbehaviors or acts that are in violations of local, state, or federal laws
● Fighting (All involved students will be disciplined unless clear proof shows that one student was attacked without provocation.)
● Verbal, physical, and sexual harassment
● Use or possession of tobacco in any form (Students must also appear in juvenile court.)
● Verbal and physical assault
● Extortion
● Receipt, sale, and possession of stolen property 1
● Stealing
● Gambling
● Possession, use, and under the influence of alcohol
● Possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia
● Possession of weapons
● Prescription drug policy violation
● Destruction or defacing of school property 1
1 - (Students must also be reported to local law enforcement.)
Disciplinary Options
● First offense = three days of suspension or five days of Alternative School and a court referral.
● Second offense = 10 days of Alternative School and a court referral.
● Third offense = 45 days of Alternative School, a court referral, and referral to the disciplinary committee for possible expulsion.
Level VI = acts which are violations of the Zero Tolerance Policy as required by state law. Any violation will result in expulsion for one calendar year and be reported to local law enforcement authorities; however, the director of schools may modify this expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
● Battery on school personnel and school resource officers
● Possession of firearms
● Possession of and being under the influence of illegal drugs