Student Rights and Responsibilities and Code of Conduct (English)

2025-26 Loudoun County Public Schools

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for Families and Student Code of Conduct ©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

Table of Contents SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE SIGNATURE PAGE AND OPT-IN/OUTS MISSION AND VISION INTRODUCTION IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR ● Academics, Rigor and Student-Centered Instruction ● Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy ● Attendance ● Discipline ● Mental Health ● ParentVUE ● Racial Slurs and Hate Speech ● Equity Statement ● Title IX ● Vaping and Substance Use ● Office of the Ombuds (Constituent Services) STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ● Student Rights Overview ● Basic Rights and Responsibilities ● Rights and Responsibilities as Students ● Rights and Responsibilities of Students ● Rights and Responsibilities of Adult Students PARENT/GUARDIAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ● Rights of Parents/Guardians ● Parental/Guardian Responsibility and Involvement STAFF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ● Roles and Responsibilities of the Principal and School-Based Administration ● Roles and Responsibilities of the Professional Teaching Staff ● Staff Rights EXPECTATIONS A-Z; IMPORTANT TOPICS/THEMES TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR STUDENT ● Acceptable/Responsible Use of Technology Policy ● Activities and Organizations ○ Student Activity Guidelines ○ Student Council/Government Association (SCA/SGA) ○ Non-Curriculum-Related Student Groups ● Attendance ○ Absences from School ○ Dismissals During the School Day ○ Waiver of Full-Day Attendance ○ Making Up School Work After an Absence ○ Tardiness ○ Truancy

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Cell Phone Use Child Find Notification for Special Education Comments and Complaints Dances Face Coverings Field Trips - International Freedom of Expression Graduation Requirements - Notification McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Military Connected ○ Release of Information to Military Recruiters Minute of Silence Motor Vehicles and Parking Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Opt-Out Guidelines ○ Media Release and Photographs ○ Opt-out for Survey Information Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Pledge of Allegiance Publications Records ○ Directory Information (Release by LCPS) ○ Student Educational Records ○ Provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ○ Records of Eighteen-Year-Old Students School Counseling School Meals School Resource Officer Student Fees Virginia Assessment Programs Virginia High School League (VHSL)

EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND SAFETY ● Overview ● Emergency Authorization ● Emergency Drills ● Emergency Safety Procedures ○ Restraint and Seclusion ● Sex Offender and Crime Against Minors Registry (SOR) ● Safety Operations ○ Fire Drills ○ Tornado Drills ○ Lockdown Drills ○ Bus Drills ○ Additional Drills ● Weapons ○ Category A Weapons ○ Category B Weapons ○ Exceptions to Weapons Classification

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Safe Harbor Provision Reporting to Law Enforcement Right of Appeal

EQUITY ● Non-Discrimination ● Office of Ombuds (Constituent Services) ● Responding to Racial Slurs and/or Hate Speech MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS ● Harassment/Bullying ● Wellness ○ Wellness Policy PHYSICAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE ● Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Chemical Substances ● Concussions ● Hearing and Vision Screening ● Injuries, Accidents, and Medical Bills ● Medication ○ Prescription Medication ○ Non-Prescription Medication ○ Extended Day Field Trip Medication ○ Overnight or International Field Trip Medication ● Return to School After Surgery, Hospitalization or Emergency Room Visit ● Tobacco Use, Electronic Cigarettes, and Vaping Devices STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ● Introduction to Student COC ● Student COC Terms and Expectations ○ Administrative Reviews and Searches ○ Behavior Definitions for Administrators and Parents ○ Bus Conduct ■ General Bus Information ■ Meeting the Bus ■ Conduct on the Bus ■ Leaving the Bus ■ Denial of Bus Transportation ○ Discipline ■ Denial of School Privileges ■ Detention ■ Disciplinary Procedures ■ Dishonesty in Assigned Work ■ Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities ■ Friday/Saturday School Policy ■ In-School Restriction (ISR) ■ Intervention and Counseling ■ Removal From Class ■ Removal from School ■ Removal from School for Conduct Not Related to School Activities ■ Restorative Practices ■ School-based Community Service ■ Suspension and Expulsion 3

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General Suspension Reminders Short-Term Suspension from School by the Principal Disciplinary Action by the Superintendent - Long Term Suspension from School Expulsion by the School Board Students Expelled or Suspended by Another District or Private School

Dress Code Due Process Safe Harbor Special Circumstances Student Behavior - Equitable Administrative Responses The Appeal and Review Process Fighting Law Enforcement - Roles, Police Reports, and Required Notification ■ Law-Enforcement Agencies/Personnel ■ Roles of Law Enforcement ■ Required Notification of Certain Offenses to Law-Enforcement Authorities Code Requirements for Drug and Weapons Offenses Prohibited Behaviors ■ Threatening or Violent Behavior ■ Disruption of the School Environment ■ Property Damage Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults for Certain Crimes Questioning by School Officials Questioning by School Officials and Law Enforcement Reporting Requirements for In-School Restriction for Students with Disabilities Virginia Department of Education Student Behavior Categories Intervention Responses to Student Behaviors

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ● Appendix A - Virginia Compulsory School Attendance Law ○ LCPS Compulsory Attendance Policy ● Appendix B - Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults for Certain Crimes ● Appendix C - Emergency Terminology ● VDOE Student Behavior and Administrative Responses “SBAR” and LCPS Description

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Superintendent’s Message Dear Students, Parents and Guardians: Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. This guide is provided to our students to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities as members of the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) community. It is by setting these clear expectations and working closely together that we create a space where every student can thrive and feel known, seen and heard in our schools.

The Student’s Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) is updated annually, and provided so you can support your student’s behavior at school and school-related events. The SR&R summarizes the rights, responsibilities and expectations adopted by the Loudoun County School Board to ensure and enhance a positive, healthy and safe teaching and learning environment, free from disruption.

The right to free public education is among the most important rights guaranteed to the residents of Virginia. As such, we expect the highest standards of personal conduct on the part of our students as they engage in the classroom, in arts, activities, athletics, and civic participation locally and across the state.

I strongly encourage students and parents to read and discuss the SR&R for student behavior with each other, and with school personnel if you have any questions. The School Board’s Policy Manual, which provides additional detail, is available on the LCPS website for your reference.

Our staff remains committed to partnering with parents, caregivers, and the broader community to create school environments where students and educators can focus on learning and growth. We believe every classroom should be a safe, inclusive, respectful, and academically challenging place where students feel valued and supported.

We recognize that today’s students face unique and complex challenges. That’s why LCPS is dedicated to promoting consistent school attendance, providing access to mental health and wellness supports, preventing substance use, and fostering spaces for critical thinking and open dialogue.

These efforts help ensure that all students are equipped to succeed not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We encourage students to connect with a school counselor, administrator, or trusted adult to learn more about the resources available to them.

LCPS continues to be one of the top-performing school divisions in Virginia and across the country.

We are proud of our students’ achievements and of the dedicated educators and staff who support them. As we look ahead, we remain focused on ensuring that every student has access to highquality instruction, enriching learning opportunities, and the preparation they need to thrive in college, careers or service to our country.

Take care and let’s have an outstanding school year.

Aaron Spence, Ed.D. Superintendent

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Opt-Ins and Opt-Outs in the Online Verification Process DIRECTORY INFORMATION Colleges and Educational Institutions Va. Code § 22.1-288 requires school systems to provide institutions of higher learning with secondary students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings upon request. Parents/legal guardians of minor students or a student, if they are 18 years old or a legally emancipated minor, may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing not be released to any such agencies without prior written consent. ▢ I allow the release of my student’s directory information to colleges/educational institutions. ▢ I do NOT allow the release of my student’s directory information to colleges/educational institutions.

Military Recruiters Va. Code § 2.2-3804 requires school systems to provide military recruiters with secondary students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings upon request. Parents/legal guardians of minor students, or a student if they are 18 years old or a legally emancipated minor, may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing not be released to any such agencies without prior written consent. ▢

I allow the release of my student’s directory information to military recruiters.

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I do NOT allow the release of my student’s directory information to military recruiters.

Third-Party Requests From time to time, school divisions receive requests for student directory information, as defined in Loudoun County School Board Policy 8640, from outside agencies who are not school officials.

Examples include legislators who want to send congratulatory letters, colleges that intend to send marketing materials, and prospective employers who wish to send letters of recruitment. ▢

I allow the release of my student’s directory information to any third-party requests.

▢

I do NOT allow the release of my student’s directory information to any third-party requests.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND SERVICES Access to Additional Google Services Used for Instruction As part of our efforts to provide an engaging learning experience, Loudoun County Public Schools uses a range of digital tools and services to support instruction and enhance student learning. Of these digital tools and services, LCPS uses Google Workspace for Education productivity tools, which include Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive and more.

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, LCPS is now required by Google to ask parents to consent, or “opt-in,” for their student to be able to access Google’s additional services that are not part of Google Workspace for Education and are commonly used in K-12 instruction, like YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Translate. More information about Google’s additional services and Google’s use 7

of student data can be found in the LCPS Student Software Catalog along with other approved technology used as educational resources.

LCPS already limits access to Google services that are not required or recommended for learning to the greatest extent possible on LCPS-issued devices. In addition, student access to digital tools and services varies according to their elementary, middle or high school level.

Please indicate below if you give your consent. Please note should you not provide consent, your student may be impacted, since students who cannot use Google’s additional services may need to use other avenues to complete assignments or collaborate with peers. ▢ I allow my student to access Google’s additional services which are commonly used by LCPS for classroom instruction and schoolwork. ▢ I do not allow my student to access Google’s additional services which are commonly used by LCPS for classroom instruction and schoolwork.

Counseling Services The LCPS School Counseling program provides school counseling services for academic, counseling, career counseling, and personal/social counseling. The LCPS School Counseling program is in compliance with the Virginia Board of Education and Loudoun County Public Schools policies and LCPS regulations. Pursuant to those authorities, parents and legal guardians have the option to opt-out their student of Personal/Social Counseling Instruction within LCPS per Loudoun County School Board Policy 5040 and Virginia Code 8VAC20-620-10.

School counselors provide personal/social counseling services to encourage students to develop an understanding of themselves and the rights and needs of others, learn healthy ways to resolve conflicts, develop emotional vocabulary, and enhance their emotional intelligence. School counselors provide classroom lessons covering a variety of developmentally appropriate topics to support student wellness.

All students will receive the following personal/social counseling services: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Morning meetings in elementary school or advisory lessons (in middle and high school) taught by classroom teachers; Social Emotional Learning lessons (Second Step K-8); Prevention lessons and/or presentations delivered by school social workers, school psychologists, and student assistance specialists; Short-duration personal/social counseling which may be needed to maintain order, discipline, or a productive learning environment; Academic counseling participation; Career counseling participation.

Parents may opt their student out of only personal/social classroom lessons for all students taught by school counselors (e.g., bullying prevention, friendship skills, kindness, and peer conflict resolution). ▢ I allow my student to receive personal/social counseling services delivered by the school counselor for the 2025-2026 school year. ▢ I do NOT allow my student to receive personal/social classroom lessons taught by the school counselor for the 2025-2026 school year.

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Family Life Education In response to the requirements of Va. Code § 22.1-207.1, LCPS has implemented a comprehensive, sequential, abstinence-based, age-appropriate Family Life Education curriculum for grades 4-10.

Learn more about the LCPS FLE program. ▢ I allow my student to receive Family Life Education. ▢ I do NOT allow my student to receive Family Life Education.

Weekly Internet Use Emails Each week, parents/legal guardians can receive an automated email summarizing their student’s internet activity on LCPS devices. ▢

YES, I want to receive weekly notifications of my student’s internet activity.

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NO, I do not want to receive weekly notifications of my student’s internet activity.

MEDICAID CONSENT Medicaid Parental Consent LCPS is eligible to receive partial reimbursement under the Virginia Medicaid and Schools Program for specific qualified reimbursable services that your student receives in the school setting. This program is designed to help LCPS recuperate some of our costs in order to provide better services to our students. Examples of reimbursable services could include, but are not limited to, audiological, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, mental and behavioral health, skilled nursing, personal care assistance and specialized transportation services. Whether or not your student is yet Medicaid eligible, as the parent or legal guardian or an adult student you can give LCPS permission to file reimbursement claims for these qualified reimbursable services.

Your consent is completely voluntary and does not have any impact on the services your student receives as part of their education. Please also know that our filing reimbursement claims is at no cost to you (no copays) and will not impact your Medicaid or insurance coverage for services received outside of the school setting, such as doctor and specialist visits.

For more information about the LCPS Medicaid Program, please contact the LCPS Medicaid Specialist or call 571-252-1045.

I understand my right to refuse consent for the school system to access my student's Medicaid or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) coverage to seek reimbursement for the qualified reimbursable services. Any refusal will not affect the delivery of these qualified reimbursable services to my student as part of their education and delivery of such services will be at no cost to me and my family.

I understand that my permission is voluntary and may be revoked at any time. I also understand that I have the right to request a copy of the records disclosed. By selecting Yes, I as the parent/legal guardian, give permission for information from my student’s educational record to be released to outside entities for the purpose of claiming of qualified reimbursable services my student receives from LCPS as part of their education.

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Consent to Release Information: I consent for Loudoun County Public Schools (or Local Education Agency, LEA) to release information from my student's education record (such as evaluation reports, IEPs, service logs, etc.) about my student’s participation in qualified Medicaid reimbursable services to participating physicians, other healthcare providers, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), any DMAS billing agents, and any LEA billing agent as necessary, to process claims for reimbursement

by DMAS for covered qualified reimbursable services, evaluations for these services and specialized transportation on the day my student receives any qualified reimbursable service. I understand that my permission is voluntary and may be revoked at any time. I also understand that I have the right to request a copy of the records disclosed. ▢

YES, I consent.

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NO, I do not consent.

Emergency Authorization In the case of an accident or serious illness involving my child, I request LCPS personnel contact me or my designated emergency contact if I am unable to be reached. Furthermore, in the case of an emergency, I hereby specifically authorize LCPS personnel to call 911 for Emergency Medical Services, and I give consent for my child to be transported to a medical facility regardless of my child’s age. I agree that I am responsible for paying all fees and expenses incurred for medical services and transportation by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). I agree that this permission is effective as long as my child is enrolled in school. ●

By checking this box, I acknowledge this statement.

PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEDIA Media Participation During the school year, there may be times when LCPS and/or organizations authorized by LCPS, such as media representatives, will seek to interview, photograph, and/or videotape students both on school grounds and/or at student activities. This generally will lead to students being featured in publications, social media, websites, television programs, radio shows, and video productions. Please note that LCPS carefully screens all requests from outside groups to help ensure that student work and accomplishments are highlighted in a responsible and appropriate way, and outside media is not permitted on school grounds during regular school hours without prior approval through the LCPS Communications Office. Parents will normally be notified prior to their student participating in an interview with commercial media, and parents may choose to opt out of that specific event. Parents who do not wish for their student to participate in any media opportunities as listed above must indicate below. Opting out will not prevent news or sports reporting, including images, undertaken by the media without going through LCPS. ▢ I allow my student to be photographed, audio recorded, or videotaped for the purpose of publishing their likeness in LCPS video productions, LCPS publications, LCPS webpages, or commercial media (including television, radio, the newspaper, and the Internet) with or without identifying information. ▢ I do NOT allow my student to be photographed, audio recorded, or videotaped for the purpose of publishing their likeness for any reason. I understand that media news or sports reporting, including images, may occur without the prior approval of LCPS. 10

Student Work Your student may participate in and/or create original works as a result of a class assignment or a program/activity sponsored by LCPS. This participation may include but is not limited to, stories, essays, charts, graphs, diagrams, poems, plays, cartoons, drawings, paintings, sculptures, musical compositions, video and audio recordings, and photographs. Please note that LCPS carefully screens all requests from outside groups to help ensure that student work and accomplishments are highlighted in a responsible and appropriate way, and outside media is not permitted on school grounds during regular school hours without prior approval through the LCPS Communications Office. Parents who do not wish for their student’s work to be recorded, published or displayed must indicate below. Opting out will not prevent news or sports reporting, including images of your student’s work, undertaken by the media without going through LCPS. ▢ I allow my student’s class participation and/or original works to be recorded, published, displayed, and/or used for any medium, including print, electronic/digital, announced (i.e., radio), or television. ▢ I do NOT allow my student’s class participation and/or original works to be recorded, published, displayed, and/or used for any medium, including print, electronic/digital, announced (i.e., radio), or television.

Yearbook The school division includes yearbooks as 'directory information' as set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Parents who do not wish for their student's photo/information to be included in the school's yearbook must indicate below. ▢ I allow my student’s photograph or name to be included in the school yearbook. ▢ I do NOT allow my student’s photograph or name to be included in the school yearbook.

TRANSPORTATION Bus Service LCPS is committed to providing top-level transportation service to every student and family we serve.

Parents and legal guardians have the option to opt in or out of bus transportation services for the 2025-26 school year. If your student requires bus transportation, please select that you will allow bus transportation services. Please note: Any change in selection will require 7-10 business days to process and post transportation information in ParentVUE. ▢

YES, my student needs bus transportation services for the 2025-2026 school year.

▢

NO, my student does not need bus transportation services for the 2025-2026 school year.

ACL Transportation Bus Transportation to the Academies of Loudoun for the 25-26 School Year - Please note: Any changes made after 5 pm on July 7, 2025 will not be guaranteed by the first day of school.

By requesting bus transportation my student will be routed and assigned hub stop bus transportation to the Academies of Loudoun based on home residence and in accordance with my student's academic schedule.

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By declining to request bus transportation, I confirm that my student will not need to be scheduled on a Loudoun County Public School bus to the Academies of Loudoun. If, at a later time, my student requires transportation on a Loudoun County Public School bus, I understand I will be required to update this selection to request transportation, and my student will be routed on a bus as soon as possible (5 -10 day time frame depending on circumstance).

Students attending the Academies of Loudoun will only be routed and given a bus assignment by submitting a request for bus transportation through ParentVUE. ▢ I request bus transportation for my student attending Academies of Loudoun ▢ I do not request bus transportation for my student attending Academies of Loudoun

For SENIORS ONLY LCPS Transcript Release Form RT-10 This transcript release form is an essential part of our commitment to providing reliable and authorized academic records to students and authorized third parties, for example, to colleges or universities to which students apply. As you complete this document, it is imperative to take note of the following crucial information: Transcript Request Information: ● ● ●

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Requests for electronic transcripts are FREE. Requests for transcripts for all scholarships are FREE. Transcript requests should be made through SchooLinks, accessible through a student’s LCPSGO account. ○ Information to make a transcript request to entities outside of universities or colleges (e.g., programs, scholarships, NCAA, etc.) ○ Information to make a request for a college or university.

High schools require a minimum of 2 weeks to process requests for transcripts and counselor letters of recommendation.

Mid-year transcripts will be sent automatically to all schools requested by the student in SchooLinks, after semester grades are finalized.

Final grades (end-of-year transcripts) will be sent to the colleges/universities selected on the student's end-of-year survey and as indicated in SchooLinks 'enrollment decision.'

More information about transcript requests and letters of recommendation.

Acknowledgment of Transcript Release: By selecting “Yes”, I acknowledge that once my student adds/links a college application to the SchooLinks College Application Manager, it will initiate a request to the School Counselor to send the student’s academic records to the requested institution.

▢ Yes, I acknowledge the above statement.

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Paper Transcript Request: If your college or university requests that you submit paper transcripts, they are $3.00 each. See your counselor for payment information. Requests for electronic transcripts and paper transcripts for all scholarships are FREE. Student Transcript Release: By selecting "Yes," I authorize LCPS to release my student records covered under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to a third party; such as an institution of higher education, organization or scholarship committee. Student records are only available to those who have authorization from the student (if 18 or older), parent or legal guardian.

By selecting "Yes," I give permission for LCPS to send my student’s academic records to the institutions requested by my student throughout the current academic year. Please note you have the right at any time during this academic year to withdraw permissions by contacting your student's school counselor or Director of School Counseling. ▢ Yes ▢ No Letter of Recommendation Review Waiver: If your college or university requests a confidential letter of recommendation or other information on the secondary school report form, the letters or information are sent directly to the institution once entered into the system. I acknowledge that I am waiving the right to review these materials in advance.

▢ Yes ▢ No

Other Information: Test Scores SAT Reasoning and Subject tests, Advanced Placement Exams, and ACT must be sent directly from the College Board or ACT at the request of the student. LCPS does NOT send standardized test scores as part of student transcripts. ● www.collegeboard.org ● www.act.org Dual Enrollment Transcripts: ● Request your end-of-year Dual Enrollment (DE) transcript directly from the college awarding the DE credit (NOVA, JMU, GMU, Shenandoah or Richard Bland.) ● LCPS does NOT send Dual Enrollment transcripts.

Document Acknowledgement Student Device Handbook SY25-26 I acknowledge the receipt of 2025-2026 School Year Student Device Take-Home Procedures and Information Handbook. You can view this document on the First Day Information website (https://www.lcps.org/firstday).

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▢ I acknowledge I have received a copy of the Student Device Handbook, Loudoun County Public Schools.

SR&R Family Handbook and Code of Conduct SY25-26 I acknowledge the receipt of 2025-2026 School Year Student Rights and Responsibilities Family Handbook and Code of Conduct. You can view this document on the First Day Information website (https://www.lcps.org/firstday). ▢ I acknowledge I have received a copy of the SY25-26 Student Rights and Responsibilities Family Handbook and Code of Conduct.

Student Activity Rules and Regulations SY25-26 Student participation in student activities is a privilege and students shall abide by the Loudoun County Public School rules and regulations to be eligible for participation. You can view the SY25-26 Student Activity Rules and Regulations on the First Day Information website (https://www.lcps.org/firstday). ▢ I acknowledge I have received a copy of the SY25-26 Student Activity Rules and Regulations.

By providing my signature below, I acknowledge receipt and understanding of the 2025-2026 Student Rights and Responsibilities and will provide this information to the school principal within the first five (5) days of school.

Date _______________________________________________________________________ Student’s First and Last Name _____________________________________________ (Please Print) Student’s School ___________________________________Student’s ID___________ Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Printed Name_____________________________________________ Please indicate below if you give your consent. Please note should you not provide consent, your

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MISSION AND VISION LCPS has adopted the One LCPS: 2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence to provide direction for our School Division through 2027.

Our students are at the center of all we do. The vision, mission, and core values not only guide our work with students but are also the pillars of what we imagine for our students: Vision: Every student will reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Mission: Empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

LCPS Core Values:

● HOLISTIC SUPPORT: Every student should have the support to feel safe, happy, and cared for in school.

● EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY: All students and staff should have access to resources, programs, and support that enable a successful future.

● TRUST THROUGH LISTENING: All students, staff, and community members should have regular opportunities to be heard in two-way conversations across the Division.

● RIGOROUS TEACHING AND LEARNING: All students should be challenged to reach their full potential in the classroom as part of a system that aspires to become the best-performing Division in the nation. ● INDIVIDUALIZED SUCCESS: All unique strengths, skills, and passions should be celebrated, encouraging diverse pathways that support readiness after graduation. ● CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: A culture of continuous improvement should drive the fulfillment of our mission.

Per the One LCPS: 2027 Strategic Plan, LCPS has adopted four goals that are foundational in helping us achieve our Mission and Vision:

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Empowered Students; Exemplary Staff; Enriched Division; and Engaged Community.

Thank you for reviewing the SR&R including the Code of Conduct with your child and being a partner with LCPS in your student’s journey for 2025-2026.

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INTRODUCTION The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and Code of Conduct (SR&R) is a compilation and summary of some of the most common rules and policies governing students.

For a comprehensive understanding of expectations, Loudoun County School Board (LCSB) policies and school rules must be carefully read and observed by parents, students and community stakeholders. A complete and current copy of the LCSB Policies and Regulations is available online at https://www.lcps.org/policyreview. Printed copies may be made available at the student's school for those who do not have Internet access.

The Loudoun County School Board has the authority and responsibility to make local policies and regulations for student conduct and discipline at schools and at school-sponsored activities, including going to - or returning from - school. This authority and responsibility are recognized as necessary for maintaining a school environment that is conducive to learning, free of disruption and threat to persons and property, and supportive of the rights of individuals. The School Board also recognizes its responsibility to assist and encourage students to achieve self-discipline and become responsible citizens.

The School Board has adopted policies governing student behavior and has authorized each school to develop school rules consistent with School Board policies. These policies and rules shall apply to students during the school day; while going to - or returning from - school, whether the student is walking, waiting for, or riding in the school bus or private vehicle; and while the student is participating in or attending any school-sponsored activity, whether at school or elsewhere. These policies and rules also apply to students whose conduct at any time or place interferes with or obstructs the mission or operation of the schools or the safety or welfare of students, employees or property.

Parent engagement is encouraged through the LCPS ParentVUE app. ParentVUE provides parents with access to grades, report cards, attendance, communication from teachers, and other student information; including the ability to update opt-outs and acknowledgements online. To gain access to ParentVUE, parents must receive an activation letter from their student’s school. Parents with multiple students will only require one activation code and will be able to view all of their students’ records referenced above once they log in. Parents may use ParentVUE to update their email address, phone numbers, and to verify other related student data or submit requests for changes. Parents/Guardians may also opt-out of the Release of Directory Information to non-school officials or outside entities and to sharing emails. Parents/Guardians may also opt-in to Release of Directory Information to military recruiters through ParentVUE. ParentVUE will also provide access to Schoology, the LCPS learning management system that houses students’ course materials and assignments. Once logged in to Schoology from ParentVUE, parents will be able to view their child’s courses, course materials and course activity in the Schoology system. Parents may access ParentVUE at https://portal.lcps.org/, or via an iOS/ Android app, where the Division URL is https://portal.lcps.org/. Please direct all questions to your student’s school or visit the school website ParentVUE channel. If you do not have ParentVUE access, please contact your child’s school.

In addition to this SR&R, each school may publish and distribute a handbook of school rules. In the event of a conflict between this version of the SR&R, a school handbook, and School Board policies, School Board policies shall be followed in all cases.

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Acknowledgment of this SR&R must be completed electronically through ParentVUE or signed and returned to your child’s school administration within five (5) days from the start of school. Please see the OPT-OUT OF SURVEY section for a list of documents you may acknowledge through ParentVUE.

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IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR Discipline

Attendance

Per Policy 8205, Discipline Authority, LCPS is committed to providing every enrolled student a quality education in an environment that is safe and conducive to teaching and learning. Each student has the responsibility to ensure that their behavior does not deny that right to others.

Please review the expectations and guidelines related to student behavior and accountability outlined below and in the Code of Conduct.

Regular school attendance is essential if students are to benefit fully from the educational opportunities provided to them. Every child between the ages of 5-18 is required to attend school (public or private), be approved for religious exemption, or receive home instruction, according to Virginia Code § 22.1-254. Please review Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirements and Procedures and LCPS Attendance Resources for additional information.

ParentVUE

Mental Health

ParentVUE and StudentVUE provide access to student schedules, assignments, grades, and more. These platforms are an important part of your students' educational experience and are designed to keep parents and students informed and connected to their school team. For additional information, please visit the ParentVUE webpage.

LCPS offers comprehensive mental health services and support provided by our Unified Mental Health Teams (UMHT), which include counselors, psychologists, social workers, and student assistance specialists. Staff can assist and direct your student to the right level of services and connect your student to needed community resources, if appropriate. Embedded in each school, these teams work together with families and school staff to provide resources and support to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. More information can be found at the Student Mental Health Services Website or by contacting your school UMHT.

Racial Slurs and Hate Speech Every individual is valued in LCPS. When overheard or reported, staff members are to immediately address racial slurs, hate speech, or a related incident in accordance with LCPS policy and the Code of Conduct, as appropriate.

Vaping and Substance Use Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, vaping, and other chemical substances and medications (see Medication section below) that impact the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of students are prohibited.

Students are expected to adhere to the law and applicable School Board policy through their actions and deeds. Any paraphernalia, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, vaping devices, or electronic cigarettes will be confiscated and given to the School Resource Officer/law enforcement. Please review the Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Chemical Substances section, outlined in the Mental and Physical Health section below, and Policy 8240, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes.

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Title IX

Office of the Ombuds

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

The Office of the Ombuds serves constituents– families, employees, and community members– as a designated confidential, informal, independent, and impartial resource to help them advocate for fairness, equity, and consistency, if such constituents have concerns or issues. The Office assists with student or employee-related complaints and provides information on resources and referrals. The The Loudoun County School Board is committed Office also helps parents, students, and other to maintaining a learning and working partners through issue-mediation or resolution to environment free from all forms of sex foster positive educational relationships with the discrimination, including sexual-based Division. Families or employees can contact the harassment. Questions regarding the Title IX Office of the Ombuds directly at (571) 252-2447, process should be directed at Christopher Moy, or visit www.lcps.org/ombuds to learn more.

Division Title IX Coordinator, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148,571-252-1548, Christopher.Moy@lcps.org.

Information about LCPS’ nondiscrimination policy, grievance procedure, and how to report and make a complaint of conduct that may constitute sex discrimination under Title IX can be found on https://www.lcps.org/TitleIX. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may also be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

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STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Student Rights Overview Residents of Loudoun County who are of school age are entitled to a free education in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This right, and those granted under the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and applicable federal and state laws, shall be guaranteed regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender orientation, disability, age, or genetic information.

School rules are necessary to ensure all students have access to their education without disruption and in an orderly and appropriate setting. School rules are designed to deter undesirable behavior, while teaching proper behavior. A goal of public education is to have students become responsible adults in a free society. This requires that students learn to be sensitive to the needs and rights of others and to be aware of the consequences of their actions of themselves and others.

Basic Rights and Responsibilities The rights of individuals must be exercised in a way that does not infringe upon the rights of others or threaten the general welfare of society. Some restrictions may therefore be lawfully imposed by governments, including school boards, upon the manner in which individual rights may be exercised.

The Loudoun County School Board is legally empowered to adopt local regulations for the conduct of students. The School Board is also committed to providing an equitable, safe and inclusive learning environment for students and affirms this principle for all persons. School Board policies and the rules of individual schools provide a code of student conduct which the School Board expects students to follow. These policies and rules are designed to protect the essential rights of students while ensuring a safe, orderly school environment in which students may learn and develop into responsible citizens.

As provided for in the Code of Virginia, any parent, custodian, or legal guardian of a student attending LCPS who is aggrieved by an action of the School Board may, within thirty (30) calendar days after such Board action, petition the Circuit Court to review the action of the School Board. The action of the School Board shall be sustained unless the School Board exceeded its authority, acted arbitrarily or capriciously, or abused its discretion.

Rights and Responsibilities as Students Students generally enjoy the same rights in school as they do in other settings, although there are some restrictions on the exercise of these rights that are specific to the school environment. For example, the right to freedom of speech may be restricted to prevent one student from disrupting a class, monopolizing class time or subjecting other students to verbal abuse.

Students, therefore, have a responsibility to protect the rights of other students by not impeding upon their education. In addition, students are expected to follow the expectations outlined in School Board Policy and the SR&R to benefit from - and protect - the large financial investment of the residents of Loudoun County. The School Board insists that students conduct themselves as

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responsible citizens while in school, on any school property, at any school-sponsored event or enroute to - or from - any school-sponsored event. Specifically, the School Board requires that students: ● ● ● ● ●

Obey school rules and regulations; Respect the authority of school personnel; Respect the rights and property of other students and school employees; Take care of school property provided for their use; and Dress in an appropriate manner.

Rights and Responsibilities of Students Students have a right to avail themselves of the educational opportunities offered to them through LCPS. This implies not only a right of access to these opportunities but also a right to be protected from disruptive influences within the school. Students have a right to express their concern when other students disrupt a classroom and prevent them from learning.

To benefit from the opportunities provided for them, students must assume certain responsibilities for learning. These responsibilities include being in school when physically able, being on time for school and classes, being engaged and participating in learning, dressing in an appropriate manner, paying attention in class, participating in class discussions and other activities, asking questions when something is not understood, getting proper rest, doing homework and other assignments, making up all work missed because of absences and doing one’s best at all times. Teachers can do much to facilitate learning, but students also must take responsibility for their own learning.

Students also share a common responsibility for the overall learning environment. They should encourage and help each other, work cooperatively in group activities and avoid creating disturbances that interfere with the efforts of others to learn.

Rights and Responsibilities of Adult Students Students who have reached the age of 18 have been granted certain rights as adults. They also assume certain adult responsibilities. In school, students 18 years and older may act in place of their parents where parental permission is required. Students 18 years and older also assume control of their school records. Students who accept these rights as adults must provide written notification to the school principal or designee, by submitting the ADULT/ELIGIBLE STUDENT DECLARATION FORM and are expected to act as responsible adults. If the student is identified as a dependent, parents do maintain certain educational rights. If the student chooses to attend school, they are subject to all school rules and regulations. See Policy 8025, Rights of Adult/Eligible Students, for more information.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Rights of Parents/Guardians LCPS recognizes the importance of taking proactive steps to engage families in creating and maintaining a school community that is safe, supportive and conducive to learning. It is important that the school and parents/guardians work closely together. Parents have a right to expect that school staff will use appropriate and fair interventions and responses. In doing so, schools will communicate effectively with parents/guardians to explain behavior issues, actions taken, due process procedures, and the goal of working together to see positive results to improve student outcomes and provide a strong home-school partnership, focusing on the student.

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Parents/Guardians Responsibility and Involvement Virginia Code § 22.1-279.3 contains provisions addressing parental/guardian responsibility and involvement to promote proper student conduct and compulsory school attendance. Through the enactment of this legislation, the General Assembly has asserted its position that parents/guardians have a duty to work collaboratively with school administrators to enforce these standards and maintain a safe and orderly school environment. ● ●

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Within one calendar month of the opening of school, the School Board must provide parents/guardians information regarding the School Board’s standards of student conduct and the compulsory school attendance law. These are included in this SR&R. Parents/guardians must sign the SR&R, which includes the School Board’s standards of student conduct and the compulsory school attendance law by acknowledging receipt through ParentVUE or a paper copy. In doing so, parents/guardians recognize their responsibility to assist the school in disciplining their student.

NOTE: By signing such acknowledgment, parents/guardians shall not be deemed to waive, but to expressly reserve, their rights protected by the constitutions or laws of the United States or the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Parents/guardians are not precluded from expressing disagreement with the implementation of the School Board’s standards of conduct through the appropriate channels. Parents/guardians continue to maintain the right to appeal a suspension or expulsion under Virginia Code § 22.1-277.

Each school must maintain records of the signed statement of parental/guardian acknowledgment.

The principal is authorized to request that the student’s parents/guardians, if both have legal and physical custody of the student, meet with the principal or designee to review the standards of conduct, the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to participate in disciplining the student, and ways to improve the student’s behavior and educational progress (See Policy 8210, Introduction to Student Discipline).

The principal or designee shall notify the parents/guardians of any student who violates a School Board policy or the compulsory school attendance requirements when such violation is likely to result in the student’s suspension or the filing of a court petition, whether the administration has imposed such disciplinary action/filed a petition or not. The notice must: 1) state the date and particulars of the offense, 2) the parents’/guardians’ obligation to assist the school in improving the student’s behavior and ensuring compulsory attendance compliance, 3) the fact that if a student is suspended, a parent/guardian may be required to accompany the student to meet with school officials, and 4) that a petition with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may be filed under certain circumstances to declare the student a child in need of supervision.

Suspended students may not be readmitted to the regular school program until the student and their parents/guardians meet with school officials to discuss improving the student’s behavior; however, the principal or designee is authorized to readmit the student without the parent/guardian conference if it is appropriate for the student.

If parents/guardians fail to comply with these requirements, the School Board may petition the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to proceed against the parents/guardians for willful and unreasonable refusal to participate in efforts to improve the student’s behavior or school attendance. The Court is authorized to take the following actions: a. Order the parents/guardians to meet with school officials if the parents/guardians willfully and unreasonably fail to meet with the principal after such a request has been made; or b. Order the student or parents/guardians, or both, to participate in treatment or programs to improve the student’s behavior, including participation in parenting 22

counseling or a mentoring program, as appropriate, or be subject to other limitations and conditions as the Court deems appropriate. In addition, the Court may impose a fine of up to $500, per Virginia Code § 16.1-241.2(A)(2). * For additional information, review the LCPS Multi-Tiered System of Supports Pyramid of Strategies and Interventions in the Appendices.

STAFF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Roles and Responsibilities of the Principal and School-Based Administration Section 8VAC20-132-200 of the Regulations Establishing Standards of Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia sets forth the role of principals, instructional leaders and managers of schools.The principal shall facilitate communication with parents by maintaining and disseminating the SR&R and procedures for enforcement, along with other matters of interest to parents and students. Moreover, principals must follow local and state laws and policies with regard to reporting requirements. At the school level, school-based administrators have primary responsibility for enforcing the School Board policy and SR&R. Finally, the principal and school-based administrative team have the responsibility to serve their staff, students, parents/guardians and their community to ensure a climate that is conducive to learning and inviting to all that represent LCPS. Roles and Responsibilities of the Professional Teaching Staff Section 8VAC20-132-210 of the Regulations Establishing Standards of Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia provides, “[t]he professional teaching staff shall be responsible for providing instruction that is educationally sound in an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy….” Because there is a correlational link between student behaviors, positive school climate and academic achievement, LCPS’ expectations for teachers are as follows: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Develop positive relationships; Develop a safe and positive physical environment; Teach (and re-teach when necessary) behavioral expectations; Reinforce positive behavior; Provide instructional feedback on behaviors; Utilize the school’s tiered framework of interventions and supports for students who are not meeting behavioral expectations, including working closely with parents/guardians; Recognize personal stress, reactions that may escalate negative student behavior, and personal bias; and Use individual and classroom data to monitor student behavior and the teacher’s responses to behavior.

Staff Rights Public education is education accessible to all; therefore, for children attending LCPS or participating in school-sponsored activities, staff assume the role of in loco parentis. In their role, staff have a right to work in an environment that is safe. In addition, the Loudoun County School Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School Board does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, age, religion, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any basis protected by law.

To support your student, staff also have a right and responsibility to correct inappropriate student behaviors and language. Staff have a right to expect students to engage in learning and activities in a manner that allows for learning for all. Staff have a right to expect students to attend class/activities, complete assignments, and follow expectations outlined in policy, regulation, the Code of Conduct 23

and the SR&R. Staff have the right to speak to students without parental permission to support their needs as learners. Staff have the right to instruct students per their training, per the Code of Virginia, and per the course requirements to ensure students are provided the foundation they require to learn the assigned material. Finally, staff have the right to be treated as professionals by both students and parents. Together, LCPS, parents, students, and our community are One LCPS working to support each student’s educational journey.

EXPECTATIONS A-Z; IMPORTANT TOPICS/THEMES TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR STUDENT Acceptable/Responsible Use of Technology Policy With increased access to computers and online material from all over the world, students may access content that is not of educational value in the context of the school setting. LCPS does not condone the use of such material and does not permit the usage of inappropriate materials in the school environment. LCPS is also not responsible for the accuracy or the quality of information obtained through the Internet.

When using computer equipment and networks in schools for any purpose, all students need to act responsibly. Students must use appropriate language and behavior on computers and networks as described in Policy 8650, Student Technology Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy. Malicious behavior and unauthorized use of equipment, systems, or applications could be in violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action.

All students will be monitored closely by school personnel as they use approved technology in the school building. Students must connect to the LCPS network, which will filter Internet use of all school activities. Elementary students will be supervised when using telecommunications services and technology resources in the regular school setting.

LCPS uses third-party websites to offer online programs solely for the benefit of students and the School Division and not for commercial purposes. Agreements and contracts are vetted to ensure that terms and conditions include privacy provisions that meet our high standards and are in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), and applicable Virginia laws. COPPA permits LCPS to act as an agent for parents in consenting to the collection of limited information from children under 13 years of age where an application collects personal information from students for the use and benefit of the school and for no other commercial purpose.

Per Policy 8655, Student Personal Device Use, students' cell phones may not be used during instructional time.Students in grades K-8 must keep devices off and away from bell to bell, meaning the entire school day. Students in grades 9-12 may use devices during non-instructional times based on their school administrators’ direction. Parents/guardians and students are advised to be aware of this policy. Parents/guardians and students are also reminded that School Board policies shall be followed in all cases.

LCPS is not responsible for training, maintenance, troubleshooting, loss, theft, or damage of any personal technology and reserves the right to monitor and/or investigate all activities initiated on these devices when connected to the authorized LCPS network.

Any violation of this policy by a student may result in the student’s loss of privileges and/or possession of such devices while on school property, under school control, or attending any schoolsponsored function or activity and may result in further disciplinary action. Student use of such devices for unlawful or other prohibited purposes while on school property, under school authority,

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or attending any school-sponsored function or activity may result in seizure of the device by school officials and disciplinary action, including expulsion.

When parents/guardians acknowledge that they understand the Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy via ParentVUE, they are agreeing that they: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Have read and understand Policy 8650, Student Technology Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy; Understand that Internet access is designed for educational purposes; Recognize that it is impossible for schools to restrict access to all controversial material, even with LCPS staff members monitoring student access; Will not hold LCPS responsible for materials acquired on the network; Give the student permission to access the Internet services in school; and Understand that this privilege may be revoked if the student violates Policy 8650.

Activities and Organizations The educational value of student activities is recognized by the School Board. Activities provide students opportunities to develop special interests and talents, to mature socially, to represent their school community, and to experience the responsibilities of participation and management in organizations.

Student Activity Guidelines Student activities are a part of the total educational program and are therefore subject to school supervision and regulations. Student conduct at such activities is governed by the same rules for students that apply at all other times they are under school supervision. In addition, students are expected to display good sportsmanship in competitive activities, whether they are participants or spectators, and to conduct themselves in a manner demonstrating respect for persons and property.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Student Activities Handbook.

All student activities must be approved by the principal of the school. Student activities shall relate to the school’s curricular program and shall not interfere with the operation of the school. Reasonable qualifications will be established for membership or participation governed by the following guidelines: ● ● ● ●

It shall be open to all qualified students, except that certain athletic teams may be restricted to members of one sex, in accordance with federal and state regulations on sexual discrimination; It shall have an LCPS faculty sponsor approved by the principal; The use of school facilities and equipment must be scheduled in accordance with the school’s activity calendar and approved by the principal or designee; and All monies raised or collected by student organizations are school funds and shall be deposited promptly with the school financial technician. The principal shall be responsible for the accounting and auditing of activity funds. Such monies shall be used only for the purpose raised or for purposes approved by the faculty sponsor and the principal.

Student Council/Government Association (SCA/SGA) Each school is authorized to establish a SCA/SGA that is duly elected by, and representative of, the student body to provide opportunities for experiencing the responsibilities of self-government and participation in the management and operation of student affairs. The SCA/SGA of any school shall establish, with the approval of the principal, election procedures and qualifications for the office that provide opportunities for representation of the student body.

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The purpose of this organization is to maintain cooperation between the student body and the faculty or administration, to promote leadership and responsibility, and to train the students in the principles of self-government. This organization shall be the student representative body of the school.

Non-Curriculum-Related Student Groups No activity, club, or other group that unlawfully restricts its membership or operates as a secret society may be approved as a school activity, nor shall it be permitted to engage in any activity within the school.

Attendance Students of school age have a right to a free public education and have a responsibility to attend school. Regular attendance and on-time arrival are essential if students are to benefit fully from the educational opportunities provided to them. Students are expected to attend school and arrive on time every day. Appropriate interventions will be implemented to address attendance concerns.

The General Assembly of Virginia has recognized the importance of regular attendance by enacting a compulsory school attendance law for students under the age of 18. As outlined in Virginia Code § 22.1-254, Policy 8120, Compulsory Attendance, and Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirements and Procedures, every parent, guardian, or other person having control of any child between the ages of 5 and 18 shall send such child to a public, private, denominational, or parochial school, have such child taught by a tutor or qualified teacher, or provide home instruction as approved by the Superintendent or designee. This law requires parents/guardians to see that their children attend school for the same number of days and hours that school is in session, and it provides penalties for failure to do so. Penalties are also provided for anyone, including other students, who encourages or induces students to be absent or who employs or harbors a student who should be in school. The School Board employs attendance officers who are authorized and required to file a petition in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to obtain compliance with this law.

Parents/guardians who believe that a child is not mentally, physically, or emotionally prepared for school must notify the Superintendent in writing that they wish to delay compulsory attendance until the following year if the child has not reached their 6th birthday on or before September 30 of that school year.

(See Appendix A for a reprint of the Compulsory School Attendance Law in its entirety.)

Absences from School Recognizing there are legitimate circumstances that prevent students from being in school, the School Board has provided that absences because of personal illness, death in the family, medical or dental appointments, court appearances, religious holidays, and certain other circumstances when notification and appropriate documentation has been provided by the parent/guardian will be excused per Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirements and Procedures.

When a student is absent for all or any portion of the day, the parent/guardian is responsible for notifying the school of the reason and justification for the absence on the morning of the absence. If school officials do not receive notification of the student's absences, parents will be contacted and informed that their child did not arrive at school as expected. The absence or tardiness is unexcused if the parent/guardian does not inform the school in advance or supply a note when the student returns to school. Medical documentation, such as a note from the physician, may be required to excuse an absence due to illness.

Regardless of the reason, 8VAC 20-110-130 requires that the student be dropped from the attendance rolls if they are absent for 15 consecutive days. Such students must be re-enrolled and assigned to a classroom as determined by the principal or designee. Principals or designees may 26

implement strategies and interventions for unexcused absences, and students may face consequences for unexcused absences. If a student accumulates five unexcused absences or otherwise demonstrates a pattern of absenteeism, the principal or designee will make a reasonable effort to make direct contact with the parent/guardian and develop an attendance improvement plan.

After 10 unexcused absences and after direct contact with the parent/guardian, the principal or designee will schedule and hold a face-to-face attendance conference with the parent/guardian and the student. The attendance conference, consisting of a multidisciplinary team, must be held within 10 school days of the 10th unexcused absence. The multidisciplinary team will monitor the student’s attendance and, as needed, meet again to address concerns and plan additional interventions. In circumstances in which the parent/guardian is intentionally non-compliant or the student is resisting parental efforts to comply with compulsory attendance, a referral shall be made to the attendance officer.

Additional information can be found in Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirements and Procedures, and its accompanying Regulation 8140-REG. (See Appendix A for a reprint of the Appointment of Attendance Officers.)

Dismissals During the School Day When a student leaves the school premises during regular school hours for any reason, parents/guardians must provide advanced notice and permission. Parents/guardians of elementary students must sign a school release log. Parents/guardians of secondary students must arrange for early release through the school attendance office and comply with release procedures. All students, including declared 18-year-old students, must comply with established release procedures.

Waiver of Full-Day Attendance Waivers of full-day attendance are required if a student or parent/guardian desires a dismissal during the school day on a regular basis. Such waivers will be granted only in exceptional circumstances. Students of parents/guardians who wish to apply for a waiver may obtain a form from their counselor, who will explain the next steps in the process.The principal may still approve occasional dismissals for illness, emergencies, and other justifiable reasons as outlined in Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirements and Procedures, Making Up School Work After an Absence Whenever a student is absent, whether an excused or unexcused absence or suspension-related absence, make-up work may be required. If the principal/teacher requires make-up work, a reasonable amount of time, consistent with the length of the absence, will be provided to the student to complete the missed work. Upon return from the absence, the student and the teacher are responsible for developing a plan to make up the work. The teacher is responsible for providing assignments, tests, and other work that must be made up by the student and for informing the student, and the parent/guardian as appropriate, when the work is due. Failure to complete such make-up work within the time allowed will impact the final grade for those assignments, tests, or other work. Make-up work turned in within the time allowed will be graded on the same basis as other work, if submitted in the time allowed.

Tardiness A student is tardy when they arrive at an assigned place after the time their school schedule requires them to be there. Tardiness may be caused by many factors, and teachers and administrators should always strive to determine the reason for tardiness. Tardiness that resulted from valid reasons should be addressed accordingly. Repeated or habitual tardiness, however, encourages the formation of undesirable personal habits and disrupts the orderly instructional process of the school. Therefore, corrective action is required, and the principal and/or teacher should employ appropriate interventions.

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Truancy Truancy means the act of accruing one or more unexcused absences. Truancy is a serious offense that warrants timely corrective action on the part of the school and the parents/guardians or other adults having control of the student. All cases of truancy shall be reported to parents/guardians.

Child Find Notification for Special Education LCPS will implement ongoing and continuous strategies to identify, locate, and evaluate children residing within its jurisdiction who are birth to age 21, inclusive, and need special education and related services as defined in 8VAC20-81-50. Strategies will focus on addressing children who: live in typical homes; are highly mobile, such as migrant and homeless children; are wards of the state; attend private schools, including children who are home-instructed or home-tutored; are suspected of having a disability and are in need of special education, even though they are advancing from grade to grade; and are under age 18, who are suspected of having a disability who need special education and related services, and who are incarcerated in a regional or local jail in Loudoun County for 10 or more days.

LCPS shall locate, identify, and evaluate children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private, including religious, elementary and secondary schools. ● ● ●

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Strategies to identify children who are parentally placed in private schools will be designed after consultation with representatives of those settings.

These efforts will ensure an accurate count of these children.

The cost of carrying out the child find requirements, including individual evaluation, may not be considered in determining if a local educational agency has met its obligation for calculation of its expenditures under federal and state regulations governing special education.

If the location of the administration of the private school in which the child attends is within Loudoun County and the child lives outside of Loudoun County, LCPS will be responsible for the child find activities.

LCPS will consult with appropriate representatives of private school children with disabilities, as well as home-instructed or home-tutored children with disabilities and representatives of parents of parentally-placed private school children with disabilities, on how to implement the child find and evaluation activities.

Referrals will be accepted in written, electronic, or oral form by the principal or designee of the school the child attends or if initially enrolling in the school division, the school in the parent’s attendance zone. Referrals can be received from any source including parents, school staff, the school-based team, the Virginia Department of Education, any other state agency, or other individuals regarding children who are residents of Loudoun County or who attend a private school that is located within Loudoun County. Once a referral is received, the principal or designee will ensure that the referral is documented on a referral form which includes the child’s name, the reason for the referral and the efforts made to address the concerns, the date the referral was received, the name of the person or agency making the referral, the parents’ names, and contact information for the parents.

In reviewing the child’s performance, the team may use a process based on the child’s response to scientific, research-based interventions or other alternative research-based procedures. The team shall ensure that these interventions are documented and do not needlessly delay a child suspected of having a disability from being evaluated for special education and related services. If the child has not made adequate progress after an appropriate period of time during the implementation of the interventions, the team shall refer the child to the special education administrator or designee for an evaluation to determine if the child needs special education and related services. Referrals from the

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team for a special education and related services evaluation will be forwarded to the special education administrator or designee within three days of their decision.

Within 10 business days following its receipt, the referral will be reviewed by the school-based team which includes the referring source, as appropriate, the principal or designee, at least one teacher, at least one specialist, and one member who is knowledgeable about alternative interventions and about procedures required to access programs and services that are available to assist with children’s educational needs. Additional professionals may be included as appropriate and based on the reason for the referral. The school-based team will review the reason for the referral and review the child’s record and any other performance evidence or data that will be used to make recommendations for educational and/or behavioral needs. The team may: (1) determine the referral for special education evaluation is not needed for the student, noting that the child is performing adequately; (2) recommend interventions with prescribed review dates; or (3) refer the child for a special education evaluation. All decisions of this team will be documented in writing and include information upon which a decision was based. Such documentation will be maintained in the student’s scholastic record.

If the team decides not to refer the student for a special education and related services evaluation, the parents will be provided with prior written notice indicating that the request for a special education evaluation was refused, the reasons for the decision, a description of other options the team considered and reasons why they were not accepted, a description of the evaluation information (each evaluation procedure, assessment, record or report) used to make the decision and any other factors that were relevant to the team’s decision, and their right to appeal the decision through the due process hearing procedures. The parents will be given a copy of the procedural safeguards.

If the referral is made to the special education administrator or designee within three business days, the special education administrator or designee will initiate the evaluation-eligibility process, forward the referral to the school team to review and respond to the request, or deny the request. If the referral is made by the child’s parents, the parents will be notified of the decision. If the request is denied, the parents will be provided prior written notice as already described and as is required pursuant to 8VAC 20-81-170 of the Virginia Administrative Code.

Comments and Complaints Policy 8070, Written Comments and Complaints, provides a process that allows parents and students to offer input, comments, and suggestions. Parents/guardians and students with complaints should attempt to resolve their concerns first with the staff at the child’s school, beginning with, where applicable, the teacher, school assistant principal, or principal. Comment and complaint forms are available on the LCPS website. Paper forms will also be available at individual schools. Retaliation against parents/guardians and students who file complaints or participate in related proceedings is strictly prohibited.

Dances Dances are a part of the extracurricular program of the school primarily for the benefit and enjoyment of the students of that school and guests, as approved by school administration. Conduct at school dances is governed by the same rules for students that apply any other time students are under school supervision. These include policies concerning: dress; the possession and use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; and violence. Obscene or provocative dancing is also prohibited. Failure of a student or guest to comply with these rules may result in removal from the event or exclusion from future school dances and may result in additional disciplinary action, including expulsion.

Face Coverings Students may choose to wear a face covering during school, school-related activities, or when on school property.

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Field Trips - International Travel outside the contiguous states in conjunction with instruction can provide excellent educational experiences for high school students since it enriches and expands the students’ classroom experiences and provides opportunities which enhance studies in any discipline. International field trips shall be considered school-sponsored activities with all rules and standards for student conduct applicable.

No School Board or school funds will be committed to underwrite a trip or to reimburse individuals for financial loss due to trip cancellation or modification or for loss of money or possessions during the trip. The principal of the teacher/coordinator’s school shall, as they deem necessary or unavoidable, have the authority to effect changes in trip itinerary, cancel the trip, and institute procedures not otherwise covered in the Administrative Guidelines.

Students who have graduated from high school are not eligible to participate in international field trips as an LCPS student. Each student’s principal has the authority to deny eligibility for an international field trip.

Student Speech and Expression In accordance with Policy 8273, Student Speech and Expression, students have the right to freedom of speech and expression during instructional and non-instructional time, both inside and outside classrooms or other areas where instruction is occurring. Such freedom of speech includes oral and written communications, student advocacy for social or political causes, and communications in different formats such as in publications, on clothing, or through electronic/digital/social media.

This right does not extend to or include speech or other expressive conduct that violates Policy 8210, Introduction to Student Discipline, and/or that leads to, or is likely to lead to, substantial disruption or material interference with instructional time, school activities or an invasion of the rights of others.

Student demonstrations (e.g., walkouts) are permitted unless they lead to, or are likely to lead to, substantial disruption or material interference with instructional time, school activities, or an invasion of the rights of others. Students who participate in any demonstrations must do so in a peaceful and orderly manner and must govern their conduct in accordance with Regulation Regulation 8273-REG, Student Demonstrations, and with the LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities for Families and Student Code of Conduct (SR&R).

Graduation Requirements - Notification The graduation requirements for students who entered the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond are prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education in 8VAC20-131-51. There are multiple diploma types recognized by the Virginia Department of Education to include the Advanced diploma, Standard diploma, and Applied diploma, along with other certifications. Information regarding the standard and verified credits, along with additional requirements for graduation, can be found on the Virginia Department of Education website.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Subtitle VII-B reauthorized by Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 identifies students who qualify for services who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including: ●

Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals.

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● ● ● ●

Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and Migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described above.

School aged students not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian living in any of the above situations.

LCPS will support the rights of McKinney-Vento students as per federal and state law. Contact information and additional resources are available on the McKinney-Vento webpage.

Military-Connected Virginia Code § 22.1-287.04 requires school divisions to annually survey parents of students to determine if they are “uniformed services-connected.” The data collected is reported to the Virginia Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education various times each year, in nonidentifiable, aggregate format for the purposes of becoming eligible for fund sources and receiving services to meet the needs of uniformed services-connected students residing in Virginia. Parents should respond to this question in ParentVUE and select from the following options: 1. Student is not military-connected (this is the default response); 2. Active duty; student is a dependent of a member of Active Duty Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, the Atmospheric Administration, or the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Services); 3. Reserve; student is a dependent of a member of the Reserve Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard); or 4. National Guard, active or reserve; student is a dependent of a member of the National Guard (and not a dependent of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.).

Data collected from the identification of uniformed services-connected students shall not be a public record as defined in Virginia Code § 2.2-3701. No person shall disclose such data except as permitted under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g) and related regulations. No such data shall be used for the purposes of student achievement, the Standards of Accreditation, student-growth indicators, the school performance report card or any other school rating system.

Release of Information to Military Recruiters In accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act and the National Defense Authorization Act, the schools shall, upon a request made by military recruiters or an institution of higher learning, provide access to secondary school student names, address, and telephone listings; however, a student or parent/guardian of a student may submit a request that the student’s information not be released without prior written parental consent. Parents/guardians may choose to opt out in ParentVUE. Minute of Silence Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1-203, Virginia requires each school to provide time for a minute of silence during the school day. Students shall not disrupt or distract others during the minute of silence.

Motor Vehicles and Parking Student use of motor vehicles for transportation to and from school or school-sponsored activities is voluntary, discouraged by the School Board, and is the responsibility of the student's parents/guardians. Parking facilities are provided at high schools for those students who must drive 31

to school. Parking on school grounds is a privilege that must be granted by the principal or designee and may also be revoked for students’ failure to comply with rules and regulations governing parking privileges. Students must have a valid driver's license to park on school property. Students shall submit an application to the principal to obtain a school parking permit. The application must be authorized with parent/guardian permission. Any vehicle which may be driven by the student to school must be registered with the school and included on the application. Any motor vehicle on school property, which cannot be identified, is subject to being towed from the premises. Unlicensed motor vehicles, including mini-bikes, mopeds, and scooters, are prohibited from school grounds at all times. Parking permits are non-transferable. (See Policy 8060, Parking, for more details.)

The School Board will not be responsible for, does not accept liability for, and does not provide insurance coverage for any liability or physical damage involving private motor vehicles while on or off school property.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) MTSS is an evidence-based, integrated framework of practices and interventions aimed at supporting the needs of all students. This holistic approach addresses academic, behavioral and socialemotional needs through the approaches of Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)/school mental health.

The MTSS framework encourages schools to implement prevention strategies and provide early intervention for addressing academic, social-emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. Through problem-solving conversations and use of multiple sources of data for decision making, school-based teams can identify supports needed for student success. The MTSS framework addresses student needs at three tiers, each including instructional strategies and interventions. At Tier 1, all students are provided with high-quality learning environments and instructional strategies across all settings.

At Tier 2, interventions are provided for students who are in need of more focused, targeted and frequent small group supports. At Tier 3, interventions are provided for students who are in need of more intensive and individualized supports.

Opt-Out Guidelines Media Release and Photographs Students may occasionally be photographed or video recorded during their participation in school activities. These photographs/videos may be used to provide information to the public about LCPS programs and activities. Photographs and videos may be shared through various school system publications and displays, in newspapers and other print media, on television, and in connection with school system information on the Internet.

Parents/guardians may elect to not have their child photographed or video-recorded for use in LCPS media publications. Parents may further request that no individual pictures or videos be used in the school or classroom photos, in the school yearbook, on team photos, or as part of their child’s school media publications.

Parents/guardians may select opt-out options through ParentVUE or by submitting the hardcopy form provided at the beginning of this document to their student’s school administration.

Opt-Out for Survey Information The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) (20 U.S.C. §1232h) requires LCPS to notify parents or guardians to obtain consent for or to allow parents/guardians to opt their child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include student surveys, analysis or evaluations that concern one or more of the following eight areas: 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent(s); 32

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Mental health or psychological concerns of the student or the student’s family; Sexual behavior or attitudes; Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors or ministers; Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or Income, other than as required by law, to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”) and certain physical exams and screenings.

Parents and guardians will also be provided an opportunity to review the surveys. Surveys are generally conducted during February-April. Per Policy 8540, Questionnaires and Surveys of Students, parents are notified at least 30 days before a survey is administered and are provided a link to an opt-out form.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) LCPS implements PBIS, an evidence-based, multi-tiered behavioral framework to promote social, behavioral, and academic success for all students. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves school climate, strengthens relationships, increases positive behaviors and academic achievement, decreases office referrals and suspensions, and improves teacher well-being.

PBIS emphasizes four integrated elements: ● ● ● ●

Data for decision-making to select, monitor, and evaluate outcomes, practices, and systems across all three tiers; Evidence-based behavioral practices to meet the needs of students across all three tiers; Systems to support school implementation that include teaming, structure, training and coaching for education; and Outcomes based on collection and use of data that is meaningful, culturally equitable, and centered on student achievement and/or school-level implementation.

Consideration of the 5‐point Intervention Model for Addressing Discipline Disproportionality (Kent McIntosh, et al., 2014) is imperative to support equitable discipline for all students. This Model includes the following components: ● ● ● ● ●

Using effective instruction to reduce the achievement gap; Implementing PBIS to build a foundation of prevention; Collecting,using and reporting disaggregated discipline data; Developing policies with accountability for disciplinary equity; and Teaching neutralizing routines for vulnerable decision points.

Pledge of Allegiance Virginia Code § 22.1-202 requires the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The statute provides that no student shall be compelled to recite the Pledge if the student or the parent/guardian objects on religious, philosophical, or other grounds to the students participating in this exercise.

The statute further provides that students who are exempt from recitation of the Pledge shall remain quietly standing or sitting at their desks while others recite the Pledge and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts others.

Publications Student publications, such as web pages/sites, brochures, flyers, videos, newspapers, literary magazines, and yearbooks, are authorized at a level appropriate to the student body and serve a 33

curricular or pedagogical purpose. The principal of the school must approve all publications. Refer to Policy 8360, School Publications - Digital and/or Print.

The editorial staff and faculty advisor of each approved publication shall establish an editorial policy which promotes and guarantees responsible journalism and which must be approved by the principal.

This policy prohibits publication of material which: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Is not an original work or is in violation or infringement of copyrights or patents; Is inappropriate to the educational level of the student audience; Has caused, is causing, or reasonably leads the principal to forecast substantial disruption or interference with school activity; Advocates practices that endanger the health or safety of students; Advocates the violation of any federal, state, or local law or official school policies, rules, or regulations, or is a criminal act in itself; Tends to besmirch the memory or the private life of one who is dead or the reputation of or the private life of one who is alive, or exposes any person or group to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or invades the privacy of any persons; or Is obscene per Virginia Code § 18.2-372 in that: ○ The average person, applying community standards, would find that it, taken as a whole, appeals to lewd interests; ○ Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is appropriate for students of the age group for which it is to be published; or ○ Taken as a whole, it is without redeeming social importance for students of this age and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Records Directory Information (Release by LCPS) The following information, is known as “directory information,”: name and address of student and parents/guardians, telephone listings, electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information of parents/guardians, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight if a member of an athletic team, dates of attendance and grade level, awards and honors received, division student ID number, most recent educational institution attended; and other similar information, as permitted by federal and state law and regulation. Directory Information may be released without written consent of the parent or eligible student. However, no school shall disclose the address, telephone number, or email address of a student and parents/guardians, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) unless the parent or eligible student has affirmatively consented in writing to such disclosure.

Additionally, other educational records may be disclosed, without prior consent, to a school official if they have a legitimate educational interest in the record. Refer to Policy 8640, Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information and Other Educational Records, for updates to Directory Information.

Student Educational Records An educational record is maintained on every student enrolled in LCPS. At a minimum, the student educational record contains directory information, grades, health and physical education records, discipline records if any, and the results of standardized group testing. Any individual special evaluations (psychological, medical, educational, or social history), official records relating to special education or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and records relating to the gifted program, Title I, Head Start, and other special programs would also be included in the educational record.

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The student educational record is kept at the school currently attended by the student. Files for students who have left the system are kept at the last school attended. The principal is the custodian of the educational record. A portion of some students’ files may be maintained in the central office; the educational record will specify the department.

The entire contents of the student educational record are not retained permanently; however, a permanent record of the student’s name, address, telephone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level, and year completed is maintained. For students who graduate or withdraw from LCPS after June 30, 2024, the special education portions of records are destroyed seven years from the date of graduation, transfer, or withdrawal from the school system. Individual assessments and protocols for special education evaluations are destroyed three years after such testing is administered. Copies are not permitted for test protocols even though they are student records because they are copyrighted. Complete information regarding the maintenance and disposition of student records can be found at Policy 8610, Student Records and its accompanying regulation 8610-REG. Provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational record. Detailed information on the inspection and review of education records can be found in Policy 8630, Inspection and Review of Education Records, and its accompanying regulation 8630-REG. They include the following: ●

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The right to inspect and review the student’s educational record within a reasonable amount of time after the School Division receives a request for access. Parents/guardians or eligible students should submit to the school principal or appropriate school official a written request that identifies the information they wish to inspect. The principal, principal’s designee, or central office administrator will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the information may be inspected. See the LCPS webpage, Current Student Records Request, for the form to submit a FERPA request.

Please note, that a school is not required to provide information that is not maintained or to create educational records in response to a parent’s request.

The right to request the amendment of the information in the student’s educational record that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. To initiate this process, the parent/guardian should fill out the LCPS Student Record Amendment Form. In this form, the parent should clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why they believe it is inaccurate, misleading, or a violation of the student’s privacy rights. The principal will notify the parent/guardian of their decision. If the principal decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the principal will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. ○ Under guidance from the United States Department of Education, the amendment procedure afforded to parents under FERPA is intended to ensure schools conform to fair recordkeeping practices. This process is not intended to challenge grades, opinions, or the substantive decisions of school officials, nor are they intended to supplant the accepted standards and procedures for making determinations, to include disciplinary rulings.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school 35

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officials with legitimate educational interests. In line with Policy 8640, Disclosure of Student Personally Identifiable Information and Other Educational Records, a school official is a person employed by the Division as an administrator; supervisor; School Security Officer (SSO); or School Resource Officer (SRO), when performing duties with a legitimate educational purpose, participating on a school threat assessment team, or if part of a designated school law-enforcement unit; instructor; chaperone; or support staff member (including health and medical staff); a person serving on the School Board; a person, company, vendor, or subcontractors of a company or vendor with whom the Division has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, insurer, or therapist); or a person, company or vendor and/or federal, state, or local governmental unit or political subdivision who provides a service or provides goods and/or software products and services to assist the division in fulfilling its educational purpose and responsibilities; or a parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing their tasks; and volunteers, student teachers, and counselor interns designated by the principal to perform a school function and who are under the authority of the principal. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility. Upon request, LCPS also discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school division in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. In addition, school officials may also release personally identifiable information from educational records without parental consent in connection with a health or safety emergency.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School Division to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520.

Records of Eighteen-Year-Old Students Under applicable relevant law, the rights of parents to educational records of students generally transfer to the student upon reaching the age of 18. This includes the rights of access, challenge, and control of release of data from their school records. Parents of children who are still dependents, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, are eligible, however, to obtain copies of their children’s records. See Policy 8025, Rights of Adult/Eligible Students, Rights of Adult/Eligible Students, for more information.

School Counseling Per Policy 5040, School Counseling Services - Elementary, Middle, and High School, LCPS provides a comprehensive School Counseling Program for all students. The LCPS School Counseling Program assists students’ development in academic, career, and personal/social areas through the school counseling curriculum, individual student planning and counseling, responsive services, and systems supports. The LCPS School Counseling team and the Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) utilize a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to provide targeted interventions, education, and prevention strategies when providing support for all students. All aspects of the program are complementary to the efforts of parents, school staff and the community.

The curriculum adheres to the “Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools,” to include: ●

Academic counseling that assists students and their parents/guardians to acquire knowledge of the curricula choices available to students, to develop an academic and career plan, to arrange and interpret academic testing, and to seek post-secondary academic opportunities; 36

● ●

Career counseling that helps students acquire information and plan action about work, jobs, apprenticeships, and post-secondary educational and career opportunities; and Personal/social counseling that encourages students to develop an understanding of themselves, the rights and needs of others, how to resolve conflict, and how to define individual goals reflecting their interests, abilities, and aptitudes.

School counseling involves individual, small group, and large group interaction over a period of time.

A student may meet with the counselor, when they request counseling; when parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other school staff members refer the student; or when the counselor initiates contact.

A positive relationship between school and home helps to foster the academic, personal, and social growth of students. School counselors understand that family involvement is essential to building a positive and supportive environment for our students. Through this partnership, school counselors and families collaborate together to support the needs of each student. Except in cases of crisis intervention, written parental/guardian permission is required for students to participate in either individual counseling or in small group multi-session counseling, which focuses on specific goals.

Permission forms for group counseling to be conducted on a continuing basis will be sent home via the student except in those instances outlined in Policy 5040(C)(1)-(4).

Parents/guardians are notified annually about the counseling programs that are available to their children and have the option to withdraw their children from personal/social counseling at the beginning of the school year in ParentVUE or by submitting a request in writing to the school principal and school counselor. The opt-out provision excludes short duration personal/social counseling which is needed to maintain order, discipline, a productive learning environment, or crisis intervention and responsive services. Materials used in the School Counseling Program shall be made available for the parent/guardian to review by making arrangements with the school counselor.

Information and records of personal/social counseling shall be kept confidential and separate from a student’s educational records and not disclosed to third parties without prior parental/guardian consent or as otherwise provided by law.

School Meals School Nutrition Services (SNS) - provides breakfast and lunch in Loudoun County Public schools during the school year. In collaboration, the registered dietitian and executive chef create menus by incorporating insights from student feedback collected through taste tests, focus groups, and point of sale data. Menus reflect the diversity of students in Loudoun County. School Nutrition Services operates under the guidance of the United States Department of Agriculture, receiving federal funds based on student participation and adherence to federal guidelines. Families with students with special dietary needs should contact Brittany Palaschak, RDN at - Brittany.Palaschak@lcps.org The Top Nine Food Allergens are noted on the menu boards mounted above the service lines and online menus. Nutrient values and food allergen information for food and beverages sold can be found at https://www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/school-nutrition The School Board establishes meal prices. Free and reduced-price meal applications are available to families all year, both electronically and in paper format. Applications are in English and Spanish.

Applications in a variety of languages are available in the LINQ Connect portal. Children in foster care, Head Start, and those served under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are eligible for breakfast and lunch at no cost throughout the year.

Free or reduced meal benefits will carry over for 30 operating days of the new school year.

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Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Students enrolled at these qualified school sites will receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost to the family. Families at these sites are not required to submit a meal application to receive free meal benefits. If a family is interested in the “other” benefits and they are not directly certified, a meal application is required to receive the approval letter.

All students participating in academic summer school or enrichment programs at qualified sites receive meals at no cost. After-school snacks and dinner programs are provided at selected qualified schools. Parents/guardians may obtain additional information on all school nutrition programs from the LCPS Division of School Nutrition Services at 540-751-2690 or on the department website, https://www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/school-nutrition The School Board will ensure that any LCPS back-to-school night event will provide parents in attendance with notification of and access, in paper and/or electronic form, to information about application and eligibility for free or reduced price meals for students and a fillable free or reduced price meals application that may be completed and submitted on site. See Policy 6140, Free and Reduced-Price Meal Services.

The School Board will also send home information sheets on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process and such other information as the Department of Social Services deems necessary or appropriate in order to properly inform the parents of LCPS students of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible at the beginning of each year, or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment.

School Resource Officer A School Resource Officer (SRO) is defined in Virginia Code § 9.1-101 as “a certified lawenforcement officer hired by the local law-enforcement agency to provide law-enforcement and security services to Virginia public elementary and secondary schools.” SROs who are assigned to schools will operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the law enforcement agency, the School Division, and personnel from both. SROs are not deemed “school officials” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) Student Fees A schedule of student fees is available in Policy 4020, Student Fees and Charges, and its accompanying regulation 4020-REG. Fees and charges will be reduced or waived for economically disadvantaged students and students whose families are undergoing economic hardships and are unable to pay, including, but not limited to, families receiving unemployment benefits or public assistance such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicaid; foster families caring for children in foster care; or families that are homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. Along with each fee will be a notice explaining how affected families may apply for a fee reduction or waiver. Requests are kept confidential and should be submitted to the principal of your child’s school. Additional information regarding student fees, including fees that are prohibited, is provided in Policy 4020, and its accompanying regulation 4020-REG. Virginia Assessment Program The Virginia Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia state that students in grades K-12 will take the Virginia assessment program tests that are required by the Board of Education after receiving instruction. These tests are administered during set state windows and permit accommodations for eligible students. Tests are administered to students during the school day, with testing completed by dismissal. Parents/guardians requiring 38

scheduling flexibility to accommodate a religious observance for their student should contact their student’s school administrator. Parents should make every effort to ensure their student is in attendance during test administration windows.

Parents/guardians may obtain additional information from the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, 8VAC 20-132-40.

Virginia High School League (VHSL) All high schools in LCPS are members of the VHSL, which includes athletic competition, as well as various drama, debate, forensics, and academic competitions. In order to be eligible for VHSL activities, students: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Must have been enrolled in a minimum of five subjects and passed five subjects the previous semester; May not repeat courses for eligibility purposes for which credit has been previously awarded; Cannot have been enrolled in high school for more than eight consecutive semesters; Must not have reached their 19th birthday on or before the first day of August of the year in which they are participating; Must have completed a VHSL physical form in order to participate in athletics; and Must not violate the VHSL transfer rule.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements, contact the athletic director at the high school the student attends. Families considering special permission transfers under Policy 8155, School Assignment, should contact their school’s athletic director concerning the VHSL transfer and other rules.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND SAFETY Overview Schools consider student safety to be of the utmost importance, and LCPS encourages every student and parent to adhere to the principle of See Something, Say Something. While some information may seem trivial, when reported and pieced together with other information, it may save someone’s life. This includes social media postings. This is critical to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. Students and parents can report concerning information directly to their principal; to law enforcement at: 703-777-1021 or 911; or to the Safe2Talk app, which allows students and community members to anonymously report concerning behavior.

The following emergency information applies to all schools, parents/guardians, and students.

In order to be prepared for a school emergency, parents/guardians should: ● ●

Ensure your child’s emergency contact information is accurate, current and updated as needed. To update this information, please log into ParentVUE to make any necessary changes; and Become familiar with the LCPS emergency communication procedures. LCPS is committed to providing accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Authorization In the case of an accident or serious illness involving a student, LCPS personnel will attempt to contact the student’s parent/guardian or their designated emergency contact, if the parent/guardian is unable to be reached. Furthermore, in the case of an emergency, LCPS personnel will call 911 for Emergency Medical Services, and the student will be transported to a medical facility.

Parents/guardians are responsible for paying all fees and expenses incurred for medical services 39

and transportation by EMS. This process remains in effect as long as the student is enrolled in LCPS. Emergency Drills Throughout the school year, students and staff will participate in the following drills, as required by law and/or LCPS policies and practice: ● ● ● ● ●

Evacuations; Lockdowns; Secure the Building; Shelter in Place; and Holds.

In case of a school emergency, parents should follow the tips listed below: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Do not call or come to the child’s school. Phone lines and staff are needed for emergency response efforts.

Do not phone or text students. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communication because it ties up critical bandwidth needed for emergency responders.

Check for email and/or listen to the message parents/guardians will receive via the Division’s emergency notification system, LCPS’s primary method of contacting you.

You will be told where to meet your child.

Check www.lcps.org for updates.

Rely only on official communication from school officials and/or public safety officials.

Refrain from posting or reposting unofficial information on social media.

Emergency Safety Procedures Restraint and Seclusion Maintaining a safe and productive environment for student learning is a high priority of LCPS for both students and staff. A multi-tiered systemic (MTSS) approach, to include Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), shall be used to address the needs of students with behavior challenges. Physical restraint and seclusion safety procedures shall only be used consistent with Policy 5345, Restraint and Seclusion of Students, and the associated regulation 5345-REG. LCPS recognizes restrictive emergency procedures are used as a last resort. The intent of Policy 5345, Restraint and Seclusion of Students is to ensure that every effort is taken to eliminate the use of restraint. LCPS prohibits the use of seclusion as defined in Policy 5345, Restraint and Seclusion of Students and shall focus on ensuring communication supports, trauma-informed practices, and the elimination of exclusionary discipline. Please review Policy 5345, Restraint and Seclusion of Students and Regulation 5345-REG, Restraint and Seclusion of Students, for information regarding these emergency safety procedures.

Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (SOR) Information to parents/guardians regarding the registration of sex offenders and the availability of information on the SOR is available via the Internet pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-913. The SOR homepage can be accessed by entering the following website address:https://www.vspsor.com/ Safety Operations Fire Drills LCPS conducts regular evacuation drills as described below to prepare in case of a fire emergency. ●

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1-137, in every public school, there shall be a fire drill at least twice during the first 20 school days of each school session in order that pupils may be 40

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thoroughly practiced in such drills. Every public school shall hold at least two additional fire drills during the remainder of the school session.

Section 8VAC20-132-240 of the Board of Education’s Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (Standards of Accreditation) requires that “every public school conduct a fire drill at least twice during the first 20 days of school and conduct at least two additional fire drills during the remainder of the school term; ...” The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) (Sections 403.5.1, 404.2.1, 404.2.2, 405.1, and 405.2) requires that schools conduct: ○ A fire drill within the first 10 days of school; and ○ At least one fire drill per month.

NOTE: A school conducting one fire drill in the first 10 school days, a second fire drill at any time within the first 20 school days, and one fire drill every month thereafter will meet all requirements.

Tornado Drills ( Shelter in Place) Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1-137.1, in every public school, there shall be at least one tornado drill every school year in order that students may be thoroughly practiced in such drills.

Lockdown Drills ● Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1-137.2, in every public school, there shall be a lock-down drill at least once during the first 20 school days of each school session in order that students and teachers may be thoroughly practiced in such drills. Every public school shall hold at least one additional lock-down drill after the first 60 days of the school session. Lock-down plans and drills shall be in compliance with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (§ 27-94 et seq.). ● Section 8VAC20-132-240 of the Standards of Accreditation requires that every public school administration shall conduct a lockdown drill at least twice during the first 20 days of school and conduct at least two additional lock-down drills during the remainder of the school term. ● With respect to lock-down drills required by Virginia Code § 22.1-137.2, any requests for prekindergarten and kindergarten students to be exempt from participation in a lock-down drill during the first 60 days of a school session should be directed to the principal and shall be honored.

NOTE: In order to comply with the Code of Virginia and the Standards of Accreditation, every public school will need to conduct a lock-down drill at least twice during the first 20 days of school and conduct at least two additional lock-down drills during the remainder of the school term.

Bus Drills ● Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1-184, at every public school having public school buses, there shall be held at least once during the first 90 calendar days of each school session and more often, if necessary, a drill in leaving school buses under emergency circumstances. ● Section 8VAC20-70-110 of the Board of Education’s Regulations on Pupil Transportation Safety Instruction requires the following: ○ At the Pre-K-1 grade levels, initial safety training shall occur during the first week of school with additional training on a periodic basis during the year. ○ Emergency exit drills shall be practiced by all pupil riders at least twice a year, the first occurring during the first 30 instructional days and the second in the second semester and shall include the school bus driver. Summer session evacuation drills should be performed as needed.

NOTE: A school division meeting the requirements of 8VAC20-70-110 will also meet the requirements of Virginia Code § 22.1-184. Requirements for Annual Training on Emergency Situations House Bill HB1732 and Senate Bill SB1215, which became effective July 1, 2019,

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amended the Code of Virginia to require school divisions to develop training on safety procedures that shall be delivered to each student and employee at least once during the school year.

Additional Drills Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1-137.3, in addition to complying with the requirements for drills set forth in Virginia Code §§ 22.1-137, 22.1-137.1, and 22.1-137.2, each school board shall develop training on safety procedures in the event of an emergency situation on school property. Such training shall be delivered to each student and employee in each school at least once each school year.

Weapons In accordance with Policy 8235, Weapons, except under specified circumstances, the possession or use of any weapon by a student while on LCPS property, at an LCPS-sponsored activity, or while traveling to or from LCPS property or an LCPS-sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. The term "weapon" is intended to be construed broadly and includes any instrument or device which, by its design or use, is capable of causing injury, harm, or threat of injury or harm to another person. For the purposes of determining appropriate sanctions, weapons are classified as either Category A, Category B, Category C or Category D. Category A Weapons ● Category A Weapons are those weapons that a student is prohibited from possessing on LCPS property or at an LCPS-sponsored activity, in accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1277.07. ● Category A weapons include, but are not limited to, any firearm (e.g. pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun); destructive device (e.g. explosive, poison gas, bomb, grenade); firearm muffler or silencer; pneumatic gun; and starter gun. ● Any student who violates Policy 8235, Weapons with respect to a Category A weapon will be suspended for ten days and referred to the Office of School Administration (OSA) for consideration of further disciplinary action.

Category B Weapons ● Category B Weapons are those weapons (other than firearms) that a student is prohibited from possessing on LCPS property or at an LCPS-sponsored activity, in accordance with Virginia Code § 18.2-308.1. ● Category B weapons include, but are not limited to, any stun weapon; knife with blade length of three or more inches; machete or straight razor; sling bow, spring stick, brass knuckles or blackjack; nunchuck or fighting chain; and throwing star, oriental dart or shuriken. ● Any student who violates Policy 8235, Weapons with respect to a Category B weapon will be suspended for ten days and referred to OSA for consideration of further disciplinary action.

Category C Weapons ● Category C Weapons are instruments, devices or substances that a student is prohibited from possessing on LCPS property or at an LCPS-sponsored activity, and which could be used to threaten, intimidate, injure, or harm another person. ● Category C weapons include, but are not limited to, any knife with a blade that measures less than 3 inches; blade designed to cut (e.g., razor blade, X-acto knife); slingshot, bow, spring-loaded or battery-powered shooting device; pepper spray or mace; ammunition or cartridge; tool (e.g. hammer, screwdriver, multitool); blunt instrument (e.g., bat, mallet); and “look-alike” weapon. ● Any student who possesses a Category C weapon in violation of Policy 8235, Weapons will be suspended for up to ten days and may be referred to OSA for consideration of further disciplinary action. Any student who uses a Category C weapon to threaten, intimidate, 42

injure, or harm another person will be suspended for ten days and referred to OSA for consideration of further disciplinary action.

Category D Weapons ● Category D Weapons are instruments or devices that are generally permissible on LCPS property and at LCPS-sponsored activities but have been used to threaten, intimidate, injure, or harm another person. ● Category D Weapons may include but are not limited to metal water bottles, chairs, pointed scissors, and writing utensils. ● Any elementary school student who uses a Category D weapon to threaten, intimidate, injure, or harm another person will be suspended for up to ten days and may be referred to OSA for consideration of further disciplinary action. Any secondary school student who uses a Category D weapon to threaten, intimidate, injure, or harm another person will be suspended for five to ten days and may be referred to OSA for consideration of further disciplinary action.

Exceptions to Weapons Classification An instrument or device may not be considered a weapon Policy 8235, Weapons, depending on the appropriateness of its use and provided that the possession or use of such instrument or device is approved by an authorized LCPS administrator. Examples include: 1. Any instrument or device that is a part of the LCPS curriculum or any LCPS-sponsored program or activity, including a pneumatic gun or other firearm that is used within the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program in conducting marksmanship training when such training is a normal element of such program.

2. Any instrument or device that is a part of the curriculum, program or activity of any organization permitted by LCPS to use its premises, where such organization provides advance notification to the building or other relevant LCPS administrator of the use of such instruments or devices.

3. Any tool, such as a knife, customarily used for food preparation or service, that is being used for such purpose.

Safe Harbor Provision If a student accidentally or inadvertently possesses a weapon it will not be considered a violation of Policy 8235, Weapons so long as the student immediately reports the presence of the weapon to a teacher or administrator and does so before the weapon is discovered or seen by LCPS staff, or by another student. Whenever Safe Harbor is invoked there will be a parent conference, which will be documented in the Student Information System. No student may invoke the Safe Harbor provision more than once in any two-calendar-year period.

Reporting to Law Enforcement If state law requires that a student’s possession of a weapon be reported to law enforcement officials, the school administration will make such a report.

Right of Appeal Any suspension from school of ten or fewer days may be appealed in accordance with Regulation 8220.1-REG, Procedures for Short-Term and Long-Term Suspension - REGULATION. Any longterm suspension, reassignment, exclusion, or recommendation for expulsion may be appealed in accordance with Policy 8230, Procedures for Student Disciplinary Appeals to School Board.

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EQUITY Non-Discrimination Per Policy 1040, Equal Opportunity for Equitable, Safe and Inclusive Environment, the Loudoun County School Board is committed to providing an equitable, safe, and inclusive learning and working environment. Policy 8030, Student Discrimination and Harassment, explicitly prohibits discrimination and harassment against any student or by any student on the basis of any actual or perceived race, color, national origin, caste, religion, sex, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, and any other characteristic provided by law.

The Loudoun County School Board affirms a commitment to this principle for all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, caste, religion, sex, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, age, or genetic information, or any other characteristic provided by law.

It is the intent of the Loudoun County School Board that every policy, practice, and procedure shall reflect this commitment. Behavior that is not unlawful may nevertheless be unacceptable for the educational environment or the workplace. Demeaning or otherwise harmful actions are prohibited, particularly if directed at personal characteristics, including, but not limited to, socioeconomic level, sexual orientation, perceived sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Grievance procedures for Title IX (sex discrimination and sexual harassment) and Section 504 (disability discrimination) have been established for students and parents in Policy 8035, Title IX, Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and it’s accompanying regulation Regulation 8035REG, and Regulation 8030.1-REG, Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability for School-Aged Students, for any person who believes a student has been subjected to discrimination. See also the “Harassment/Bullying” section below for procedures to file a complaint.

Per Policy 1040, Equal Opportunity for Equitable, Safe and Inclusive Environment, and in compliance with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination in Vocational Programs, 34 C.F.R. Part 100, App B, IV(O), all career and technical education opportunities of LCPS are offered regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, age, or genetic information. A complete listing of courses can be found in the LCPS Program of Studies on the home page of the LCPS website under “Student Information.”

Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX and Section 504 (disability) should be referred to: ● Title IX Coordinator 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148 571-252-1548 https://www.lcps.org/TitleIX; and/or ●

Student Section 504 Coordinator 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148 571-252-1013

Questions about Career and Technical Programs should be referred to: ●

Supervisor, Career and Technical Education 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148 571-252-1300 44

Office of the Ombuds The Ombuds Office serves constituents – families, employees, and community members – as a designated confidential, informal, independent, and impartial resource to help them advocate for fairness, equity, and consistency if they have concerns or issues. The Office assists with student - or employee-related complaints and provides information on resources and referrals. The Office also helps parents, students, and other stakeholders through issue mediation or resolution to foster positive educational relationships with the Division. Families or employees can contact the Office of the Ombuds directly at (571) 252-2447; or visit www.lcps.org/ombuds to learn more.

Responding to Racial Slurs and/or Hate Speech Every individual is valued in LCPS. When overheard or reported, staff members are to immediately address racial slurs, hate speech, or a related incident in accordance with the Code of Conduct Student Discipline Guidelines or LCPS policy. Students and families can expect school administrators to address incidents of racial slurs or hate speech by: ● ● ●

Denouncing the use of insensitive language, hate speech, and hateful expressions/actions; Taking necessary action to investigate each instance until a healthy resolution occurs, recognizing that appropriate follow-up will take time to meet with students and adequately meet their needs; and Addressing incidents in accordance with Loudoun County School Board policies and the Code of Conduct section in the SR&R.

If a student is confronted with or aware of hate speech and/or racial slurs, they should immediately report the information directly to a teacher, administrator, counselor, or other trusted adult at school.

For additional information for immediate action or post-incident actions, please refer to Policy 8030, Student Discrimination and Harassment, or Regulation 8030.3-REG, Discrimination and Harassment Based on Racism and Hate Speech.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS LCPS offers comprehensive prevention and intervention mental and behavioral health services that support the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students and promotes healthy development important to student well-being both in school and in life. Unified mental health members, including school counselors, school social workers, student assistance specialists, and school psychologists support students through prevention presentations, targeted interventions, responsive services, and crisis response. Unified mental health team members also provide consultation and presentations to parents/guardians. Additional information about the services and programs provided by the Office of Student Mental Health Services can be found at Student Mental Health Services.

Harassment/Bullying All students have the right to attend school where their individual differences are respected and where they are free from fear of harassment and bullying. LCPS actively upholds and supports efforts to prevent harassment and bullying.

Harassment means to repeatedly annoy or attack a person or group in such a way as to cause anxiety or fear for safety. Harassment in any form, including bullying or hazing, creates a climate that is not conducive to learning and is prohibited. Harassment based upon race, color, national origin, caste, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, and any other characteristic provided by law will not be tolerated. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any student engaging in this type of behavior.

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Bullying is the systemic and chronic infliction of physical hurt or psychological distress on another person. Virginia Code § 22.1-276.01 defines bullying as “any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. Bullying includes cyberbullying. Bullying does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

Any student who believes they have been the target of bullying/cyberbullying, or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of bullying/cyberbullying at school or during school-approved activities, should immediately report incidents to a school administrator or faculty/staff member. Staff members shall take steps to prevent bullying and attempt to take developmentally appropriate steps to intervene with bullying.

When allegations of bullying/cyberbullying are reported to the principal or designee, they shall promptly investigate such allegations and/or incidents when such behavior occurred at school or school-related activities.

The principal or designee shall report any allegation of bullying by or against a student via telephone, personal conference, and/or in writing to the parent/guardian within 24 hours. The status of any investigation of an allegation or incident of bullying, as defined by Policy 8250, Bullying Prevention and Education, shall be reported to the parent/guardian within five school days or sooner. Notification must be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of FERPA. Bullying violations under Policy 8250, Bullying Prevention and Education are prohibited and constitute grounds for various interventions such as Restorative Practices and/or student discipline ranging from in-school disciplinary measures to involuntary transfer, short- or long-term suspension, and/or expulsion under School Board policies. When investigating the allegation and/or incident, all of the surrounding facts, circumstances, severity, and age/developmental factors should be considered. Incidents of harassment or bullying should be reported to the principal or designee immediately.

Hazing means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or to inflict bodily injury on a student in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity. Virginia Code § 18.2-56 prohibits hazing and imposes a Class 1 misdemeanor penalty for anyone found guilty of this violation.

“Flagging” or “pantsing” is unacceptable behavior under any circumstance while under school authority, on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity. Any incident will be treated as a very serious violation and will result in appropriate disciplinary consequences.

The School Board supports maintaining a working and learning environment for employees and students that provides for fair and equitable treatment, including freedom from sexual discrimination and harassment. Sexual harassment, as defined in §106.30 of the Title IX regulations, means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 1.

2.

3.

The provision of aid, benefit, or service for a student on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to LCPS’s education program or activity; or Any incident of: 46

a. b. c. d.

“Sexual assault,” as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)(6)(A)(v); “Dating violence,” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10); “Domestic violence,” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8); or “Stalking,” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

No employee or student shall discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, or gender expression; harass another employee or student by making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; or engage in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Procedures are described in Policy 8035 and Regulation 8035, Title IX, Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment for resolving complaints arising from alleged sexual harassment or discrimination or alleged violations of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318), as amended.

Any student who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination should provide notice of the alleged act immediately to the principal or the Title IX Coordinator. The information for the Title IX Coordinator and how to file a formal complaint can be found at: Title IX. An investigation of all reported incidents shall be undertaken promptly and supportive measures shall be provided to maintain educational access. The confidentiality of the reporting party will be observed, although we are not able to guarantee that a report will remain confidential. In certain instances, we may be required to disclose it by law.

Wellness LCPS will promote practices that enhance students’ and employees’ health, safety, and wellbeing; that support safe learning and working environments; and that improve nutrition and promote physical fitness through lifetime activities. These practices shall include goals that promote nutrition education through the classroom, school gardens, and other school-based activities designed to promote connections between nutrition and student wellness.

Wellness Policy Under Federal and State regulations, Local Education Agencies (LEA) are required to adopt a Wellness Policy and submit a Triennial Assessment Report every three years. LCPS has adopted Policy 6120, Wellness, to meet these regulations.

Following and adhering to this policy and the associated regulatory requirement is deemed important in running the School Nutrition Program. The Wellness Policy provides guidance for schools to support an environment for students that promotes academic success through healthy eating, physical activity, and social-emotional and mental well-being. The LCPS Wellness Policy guides how the Division makes the healthy choice the right choice. The Wellness Policy benefits students and staff to be better learners and is also a federal requirement that includes specific components: ● ● ●

Nutrition Education/Guidelines; Physical Education/Activity; and Other School-Based Activities (Social-Emotional, and Mental Well-being).

The Policy is available on the LCPS website and on the School Nutrition Services (SNS) website under Wellness.

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PHYSICAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Chemical Substances Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other chemical substances and medications (see “Medication” section) that impact the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of students are prohibited.

Students are expected to adhere to the law and Policy 8240, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes and its accompanying regulation 8240-REG, through their actions and deeds. Any paraphernalia, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, vaping devices, or electronic cigarettes will be confiscated and given to the School Resource Officer/law enforcement.

Students are strictly prohibited from possessing, distributing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any chemical substance that affects the brain or nervous system; or any substance represented to be or believed to be alcohol, drugs, or a chemical substance that affects the brain or nervous system; or from possession of any drug-related paraphernalia while under school authority, on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity at any time.

A breath analysis test may be authorized and administered by law enforcement to determine whether a student is under the influence of alcohol or not. Possession or distribution of counterfeit or “look-alike” drugs is also strictly prohibited and will be addressed in the same manner as possession or distribution of any other drug.

Middle and high school students with a first violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in addition to participation in a Substance Use Education Program as required by Regulation 8240-REG, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes, Students who violate the policy for a second offense or are involved in any distribution of any substance represented to be or believed to be alcohol, drugs, or other chemical substance shall be subject to disciplinary action and the Substance Use Education Program as required by Regulation 8240-REG,; long-term suspension from school, referral to the School Board for expulsion, or such other action as may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or the School Board.

When a student violates Policy 8240, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes and is assigned to the Substance Use Education Program, the Student Assistance Specialist will contact the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss the requirements of the program. Once the student completes the Substance Use Education Program, the SAS will provide recommendations to the parent(s)/guardian(s) for ongoing services at the parent(s)/guardian(s) discretion.

Publications or other printed materials which advocate the use of illegal drugs, the use of legal drugs, or other chemical substances which portray such use as socially acceptable behavior or which advertise the sale of counterfeit or “look-alike” or “act-alike” drugs or drug-related paraphernalia are prohibited from sale or distribution on school property. Any student selling or distributing such materials on school property shall be subject to school discipline.

See the “Medication” section for information regarding prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Student use of medications will be subject to disciplinary actions as described in this section.

Concussions Concussions can have serious, long-lasting effects. LCPS seeks to ensure that students and student-athletes who may have concussions are properly diagnosed, are given adequate time to heal, and are comprehensively supported with a return-to-learn plan until they are symptom-free.

Student-athletes receive a Student Activities Handbook annually, which includes detailed information regarding concussions in high school sports and the steps to Return to Learn. Parents and students are required to read and sign various acknowledgements of the concussion policy, Policy 8445, Concussions in Students and Student-Athletes, which is contained in the Student Activities Handbook.

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Parents/guardians should notify teachers and school officials, including the school health office staff and trainer, if a student of any age has been treated for a concussion outside of school.

Hearing and Vision Screening Virginia Code § 22.1-273 requires students new to Virginia public schools and students in grades K, 3, 7, and 10 to have a screening of vision and hearing completed. LCPS screens grades K, 2 or 3, 7, and 10. If a student is unable to pass the initial screening, the student will be rescreened.

Parents/guardians will be notified if their student is not able to pass the second screening.

Injuries, Accidents, and Medical Bills LCPS does not carry medical or accidental injury insurance to cover medical costs for students who become ill or injured while at school or while participating in school-sponsored activities on or off of school property. The School Division does carry liability insurance for incidents that are determined by an authorized investigator to have been caused by gross negligence on the part of the School Division. These are the only instances in which medical bills might be paid by the School Division.

Optional, voluntary student accident insurance is made available for purchase on behalf of students for a nominal fee. There are various benefit plans from which to choose, including school-time coverage, 24-hour coverage for accidents year-round, additional accidental injury protection available for football players, and extended dental accident insurance coverage.

Careful consideration should be given to purchasing voluntary student accident insurance coverage if no other coverage is available to the student.

In addition, students without medical or accident insurance may be eligible for FAMIS. FAMIS is Virginia’s health insurance program for uninsured children. FAMIS Plus is Virginia’s name for children’s Medicaid. Both provide quality health care for children. If the student qualifies, they will be enrolled in either FAMIS or FAMIS Plus based on the student’s household size and income.

FAMIS and FAMIS Plus cover the regular care children and students need to keep them healthy and services that will help them if they get hurt or sick. More information may be found at: coverva.org or by calling 1-855-242-8282 to apply.

Medication Per Policy 8420, Student Medication, all medication will be managed and administered per the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) guidelines. All student medication must be provided by the parent/guardian. It is also recommended that all medications be administered to students at home whenever possible. Policy 8420 and its accompanying regulation, Regulation 8420-REG, provide a comprehensive overview of the information provided below and should be reviewed by parents.

If medication is brought to school, it must be kept secure in the school health office unless the student has permission to carry it, per Policy 8420. If it is necessary for a student to take medication while attending school, the following procedures must be observed: ●

●

Students are not permitted to transport medication to and from school or carry any medication while on school property except for medications for diabetes, rescue inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, hydrocortisone or Solu-Cortef, and pancreatic enzymes - if they have LCPS authorization and an order from a licensed health care provider to do so.

Students may carry naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray if they meet the criteria for doing so as outlined in Policy 8420.

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● ●

All prescription and non-prescription medication provided by the parent/guardian must be in the original, labeled container.

LCPS health offices do not stock acetaminophen/Tylenol.

Prescription Medication The parent must provide the principal, school nurse, or school health clinic specialist with the medication and a completed “Authorization for Medication Administration” form. This form includes written instructions from the physician. Copies of the form are available in the school office, the health office, and on the LCPS website under the “Student Health Services” link of the “Services” tab. A new “Physician Order/Action Plan” must be provided to the school at the beginning of each school year for medications, seizures, asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, or any other serious medical condition.

Parents are asked to bring in no more than a 60-day supply of prescription medicine at a time.

Any herbal or natural alternative medications (botanicals, dietary or nutritional supplements, homeopathic medicine, phytomedicines, vitamins, and minerals) require an “Authorization for Medication Administration” form that includes dosage, time, and reason for administration signed by the physician and parent/guardian.

A 24-hour supply of the medication needed for students who must have the medicine to avoid serious health consequences (insulin, seizure medication, etc.) should be left in the school health office in case of a prolonged school day.

The medication must be in an original pharmacy-labeled container with a physician’s order on file in the health office and must include the time that the medication is to be administered in a 24-hour period.

All medication forms are available here.

Non-Prescription Medication The parent must provide the principal, school nurse, or school health clinic specialist with the medication and a completed “Authorization for Medication Administration” form with the nonprescription portion completed and signed by the parent/guardian. The medication must be in the original, labeled container.

Non-prescription medication will only be administered according to the directions on the label. If a higher dosage is required, a signed “Authorization for Medication Administration” form from the physician must accompany the medication. Cough drops and throat lozenges are considered nonprescription medications.

In order to maintain a high standard of safety and care, medical information regarding students with health concerns is shared with school staff on an as-needed basis.

Extended Day Field Trip Medication Any prescription medication which needs to be administered on an extended day or overnight field trip must have the “Authorization for Medication Administration” form completed and signed by the parent and physician on file in the health office. Medication for these field trips must be supplied in an original pharmacy-labeled container with the amount of medication required for the field trip.

Overnight or International Field Trip Medication The parent/guardian of a high school student who is participating in an overnight or international field trip has the option of signing permission to authorize the child to carry and self-administer either over-the-counter or prescription medication when the parent/guardian accepts complete responsibility for both the child’s decision and actions while on the overnight or international field 50

trip. The Overnight and International Field Trips forms must be completed and submitted to the school nurse with completed “Authorization for Medication Administration” paperwork for each medication no later than two weeks prior to the departure date of the field trip.

Parents must supply both the over-the-counter and the prescription medication for all overnight or international field trips, even if the parent does not choose to have the child carry and selfadminister the medication. Medication will not be provided from the health office for overnight and international field trips. Over-the-counter medication must be stored in the original manufacturer’s container with no more medication than is required for the duration of the field trip. Prescription medication must be stored in the pharmacy-dispensed and labeled prescription container with no more than what is required for the duration of the field trip.

Return to School After Surgery, Hospitalization, or Emergency Room Visit Students who had surgery, were treated in the emergency room, or were hospitalized are expected to bring a physician’s clearance for school attendance when the student is authorized to return to school (i.e. Return to Learn). This clearance should include any restrictions the student may have and the duration of the restrictions.

Tobacco Use, Electronic Cigarettes, and Vaping Devices Per Virginia Code § 22.1-79.5, students shall not possess, distribute, smoke, or use tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and electronic vaping devices, at school, on a school bus, while going to - or returning from - school, on school field trips or at any school-related activity on school grounds.

Middle and high school students with a first violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in addition to being assigned participation in the Nicotine Education Program. Students who violate this policy for a second offense shall be subject to disciplinary action and shall be required to complete an assessment with the Student Assistance Specialist who has expertise in substance use treatment as required by Regulation 8240, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco, and Electronic Cigarettes.

Parents and students are asked to attend this meeting, and if recommended by the Student Assistance Specialist and with the consent of the student’s parents/guardians, the student may be recommended to participate in the school-based community treatment program. Students who violate this policy for a third offense shall be subject to disciplinary action in addition to participation in the Substance Use Education class as required by Regulation 8240-REG. The Superintendent or designee may determine, based on the facts of the particular case, that special circumstances exist and another form of discipline is appropriate. In addition, the Superintendent or designee may conduct a preliminary review of such cases to determine whether disciplinary action, other than what is provided for under Policy 8240 and its accompanying Regulation 8240-REG, is appropriate. Any disciplinary action imposed pursuant to such a review must be taken in accordance withVirginia Code § 22.1-276.01 et seq.

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT (COC) Introduction Approaching school discipline from an instructional, prevention‐based standpoint contributes to a positive school environment and ensures equity, fairness, and continuous improvement. Applying an instructional, prevention-based perspective to student behavior is fundamental in a multi‐tiered system of support. The COC addresses elements important to providing a safe, welcoming, affirming, and academically rigorous school environment. The COC has been developed to reflect the organizational, instructional, and interpersonal expectations and experiences that set the parameters for behavior in LCPS. Finally, each individual is responsible for the role they have to support the mission and vision of LCPS as described in the SR&R. Terms and Expectations Administrative Searches School authorities have a responsibility to investigate suspected violations of School Board policies.

Principals or designees, who have reasonable suspicion to believe that the search of a student will reveal evidence of a violation of LCPS rules or policy, may search the student and their personal property in accordance with Policy 8265, Student Searches and Seizures.

School facilities issued to students by LCPS for storage of personal belongings and school equipment remain the property of LCPS. A principal or designee is authorized to search any school facility or equipment when there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will yield evidence of a violation of LCPS rules or policy. Likewise, private vehicles parked on school property may be searched if there is reasonable suspicion to believe the search will yield evidence of a violation of LCPS rules or policies.

Students who interfere with a search that is based on reasonable suspicion, are subject to disciplinary actions.

Behavior Definitions for Administrators and Parents Behaviors referenced in the Code of Virginia and terms related to those references are listed alphabetically in this section. The Code of Virginia requires that certain behaviors be included in COC and reported to law enforcement. Those behaviors are noted in the last column of the leveled response tables. The Code also states that whenever a student commits a reportable incident named in the Code, the student shall be required to participate in prevention and intervention activities as determined appropriate by the superintendent or designee.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Related Products, and Other Drugs - The student conduct policy for alcohol and drugs is addressed related to the possession, use, consumption, purchase, distribution, manufacture, and/or sale of restricted substances on school property, in school vehicles, or during school‐sponsored activities on or off school property. This includes, but is not limited to, alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, inhalant (vaping) products, and other controlled substances defined in Virginia’s Drug Control Act, such as anabolic steroids, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, marijuana, imitation and look‐alike drugs, drug paraphernalia, and any prescription or nonprescription drug possessed in violation of School Board policy.

Arson - Virginia Code § 18.2‐79 prohibits the burning or destroying of any school. The destruction may be in whole or in part‐‐only a slight burning is necessary to violate this section of the Code. Incidents that rise to the level of arson of a school should be turned over to law enforcement for investigation.

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Assault: Assault and Battery - The legal definition of assault is a threat of bodily injury. A battery, according to Black’s Online Law Dictionary, is any “wrongful physical violence or constraint inflicted on a human being without his consent.” Courts use these terms to describe behavior. They do not take into account the developmental age of children and, therefore, should not be used to describe student behavior that does not rise to the level of delinquency. Within the leveled system of student behaviors, age and development should be considered in any instance of physical contact between students. Behavior that is developmentally expected should not be labeled as assault or battery. However, the student conduct policy should specifically prohibit assault and battery of students and staff.

Attendance: Truancy - Truancy means unexcused absence from school. However, there is an important distinction between a student who is truant and one who is chronically truant. A student displays truant behavior with a single unexcused absence from school. However, a student needs to reach or surpass a certain number of unexcused absences to be considered chronically truant. Virginia law does not define truant behavior specifically, but does define a child who is habitually and without justification absent from school as a "child in need of supervision" when certain other conditions are met. Virginia Code § 22.1‐254 addresses compulsory attendance, excuses and waivers, alternative education program attendance, and exemptions.

Virginia Code § 22.1‐277 specifically prohibits the use of suspension in cases of truancy.

Students may be suspended or expelled from attendance at school for sufficient cause; however, in no cases may sufficient cause for suspensions include only instances of truancy.

According to Virginia Code § 16.1‐228(A), the following criteria define a “child in need of supervision” who is truant: ● ● ● ●

A child who, while subject to compulsory school attendance, is habitually and without justification absent from school; The child has been offered an adequate opportunity to receive the benefit of any and all educational services and programs that are required to be provided by law and which meet the child's particular educational needs; The school division from which the child is absent or other appropriate agency has made a reasonable effort to affect the child’s regular attendance without success, and The school division has provided documentation that it has complied with the provisions of § 22.1‐258 that address actions to be taken when a pupil fails to report to school.

Aggravating Circumstances - For the purposes of Virginia Code §§ 22.1‐277 and 22.1‐ 277.05, “aggravating circumstances” shall mean: ●

● ●

That a student engaged in misconduct which caused serious harm (including but not limited to physical, emotional, and psychological harm) to another person(s) or posed a credible threat of serious harm to another person(s), as determined by a threat assessment; That a student’s presence in the school poses an ongoing and unreasonable risk to the safety of the school, its students, staff, or others in the school; or That a student engaged in a serious offense that is: ○ Persistent (repeated similar behaviors are documented on the student’s disciplinary record); and ○ Unresponsive to targeted interventions as documented through an established intervention process.

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Bomb Threat - LCPS prohibits bomb threats and conduct involving firebombs, explosives, incendiary devices, or chemical bombs. Threats to bomb or damage buildings and giving false information as to the danger to such buildings are prohibited by Virginia Code § 18.2 ‐ 83. Definitions of "explosive material," "fire bomb," and "hoax explosive device" are defined in Virginia Code § 18.2‐85. Bomb threats must be reported to law enforcement.

Bullying - Virginia Code § 22.1‐276.01 defines bullying as any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. This includes cyberbullying. It does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. School boards are expected to include bullying as a prohibited behavior in their student codes of conduct. Non‐criminal behavior associated with bullying includes intimidation, taunting, name‐calling, racial slurs, hate speech, and insults. Typically, cyberbullying is defined as using information and communication technologies, such as cell phone text messages and pictures, email, social media, blogs, networking websites, defamatory personal websites, and defamatory online personal polling websites, to support deliberate, hostile behavior intended to harm others.

Disruptive Behavior - “Disruptive behavior” is defined in Virginia Code § 22.1‐276.01 as a violation of school board regulations governing student conduct that interrupts or obstructs the learning environment.

Dress Code - Any practice, policy, or portion of a code of student conduct adopted by a school board that governs or restricts the attire, appearance, or grooming (including the hairstyle) of any enrolled student.

Exclusion - A Virginia school board's denial of school admission to a student who has been expelled or has been placed on a long‐term suspension of more than 30 calendar days by another school board or a private school, either in Virginia or another state or for whom admission has been withdrawn by a private school in Virginia or another state.

Expulsion - Any disciplinary action imposed by a school board or a committee thereof, as provided in school board policy, whereby a student is not permitted to attend school within the school division and is ineligible for readmission for 365 calendar days after the date of the expulsion.

Extended Long-Term Suspension - Any disciplinary action whereby a student is not permitted to attend school for 46 to 364 school days.

Gambling - Virginia Code § 18.2‐325 defines illegal gambling as the “making, placing, or receipt, of any bet or wager of money or other things of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake or other consideration or thing of value.” A gambling device includes any device, machine, paraphernalia, equipment, or other things, including books, records, and other papers, which are actually used in illegal gambling operations or activities.

Gang‐Related Activity - "Criminal street gang" is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2‐46.1 as meaning “any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, (i) which has as one of its primary objectives or activities the commission of one or more criminal activities, (ii) which has an identifiable name or identifying sign or symbol, and (iii) whose members individually or collectively have engaged in the commission of, attempt to commit, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation of two or more predicate criminal acts, at least one of which is an act of violence, provided such acts were not part of a common act or transaction.” Virginia Code § 16.1‐260(G) requires an intake officer to report 54

to the Superintendent any student against whom a petition is filed for certain offenses including: ● ●

Prohibited criminal street gang activity pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2‐46.2; and Recruitment of other juveniles for a criminal street gang activity pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2‐46.3.

Hazing - Local school board codes of student conduct, in accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1‐279.6(B), are required to prohibit hazing and to cite “the provisions of [Virginia Code] § 18.2‐56.”

Long‐Term Suspension - Any disciplinary action whereby a student is not permitted to attend school for 11 to 45 school days.

Portable Communication Devices - Virginia Code § 22.1‐279.6 authorizes school boards to regulate the use or possession of portable communication devices and establish disciplinary procedures for students violating such regulations.

Profane or Obscene Language or Conduct - School board student conduct policy, in accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1‐279.6(C), is required to prohibit profane or obscene language or conduct. The Code of Virginia does not specifically define these terms. Conduct typically prohibited under this provision includes swearing and obscene/offensive gestures, materials, and communications.

Property Violations - Property violations include, but are not limited to, arson, destruction of property, vandalism, and theft. ●

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Destruction of property: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 22.1‐280.4, school boards are authorized to seek reimbursement from a pupil or the pupil's parent for any “actual loss, breakage, or destruction of or failure to return property owned by or under the control of the school board, caused or committed by such pupil in pursuit of his studies.”

Theft – Larceny: The wrongful taking of the property of another without the owner’s consent and with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of possession of the property.

Self‐Defense - In accordance with Policy 8210, Introduction to Student Discipline, students involved in a physical assault or fighting may qualify for the rationale of self-defense if all the requirements, as detailed below, are satisfied and proven by the student, but under no circumstances may a child ever bring to school or possess a weapon or knife of any kind whatsoever. ●

As a last resort, a student may use physical force to defend themselves from physical aggression from other students or individuals on school property or at schoolsponsored activities provided that the student: ○ Is without fault in provoking or bringing on the fight or incident; ○ Reasonably fears, under the circumstances as they appeared to the student, that the student was in danger of harm and the aggressor committed at least one overt act indicative of imminent physical danger; and ○ Uses no more force than was reasonably necessary to protect themselves from the threatened physical harm.

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In accordance with Policy 8205, Discipline Authority, claims of self-defense do not constitute a valid defense of possession or use of a weapon or knife when students are: ○ Present at any school or on school property; ○ Participating in or attending any school-sponsored activity, regardless of its location, including traveling to and from an event; ○ Going to - or returning from - school, whether or not the student is walking, waiting for, or riding a school bus, or is in a personal or private vehicle, or any other mode of transportation; or ○ Involved in conduct, regardless of whether it took place off school property or at a school-sponsored event that substantially disrupts school operations.

Short‐Term Suspension - Any disciplinary action whereby a student is not permitted to attend school for a period not to exceed ten school days.

Stalking - Stalking is defined in Virginia Code §18.2‐60.3 as conduct, occurring on more than one occasion and directed at another person, that places that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury.

Threats: Intimidation - Threats to kill or to do bodily harm “to any person or persons, regardless of whether the person who is the object of the threat actually receives the threat, and the threat would place the person who is the object of the threat in reasonable apprehension of death or bodily harm” are specifically prohibited by Virginia Code § 18.2‐60.

The prohibition includes threats to any person or persons “(i) on the grounds or premises of any elementary, middle or secondary school property, (ii) at any elementary, middle, or secondary school‐sponsored event, or (iii) on a school bus….”

Virginia Code § 18.2‐60(B) prohibits an oral threat to kill or to do bodily injury to any employee of any elementary, middle, or secondary school, while on a school bus, on school property, or at a school‐sponsored activity. The 2009 General Assembly amended Virginia Code § 22.1‐279.6 to prohibit the “use of electronic means for purposes of bullying, harassment, and intimidation....”

Virginia Code § 22.1‐79.4(C) directs division superintendents to establish threat assessment teams for schools. The teams are to: provide guidance to students, faculty, and staff regarding recognition of threatening or aberrant behavior that may represent a threat to the community, school, or self…”

Trespassing - Trespassing on school property, including school buses, is specifically prohibited by Virginia Code § 18.2‐128. Any person who, without the consent of some person authorized to give such consent, goes or enters upon, in the nighttime, the premises or property of any school property for any purpose other than to attend a meeting or service held or conducted in such school property, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Trespassing should be used to report instances of unauthorized student presence that occur outside of school hours or are deemed to have an unlawful purpose. These instances should be reported to law enforcement as they are violations of Virginia Code § 18.2‐128.

During school hours, no one is permitted on a campus unless they have official business and/ or are participating in activities related to their child at that specific school.

Weapons or Other Dangerous Articles - Weapons violations considered for expulsion shall permit but not require those stipulations enumerated in Virginia Code § 18.2‐308.1. and in the federal Gun‐Free Schools Act. An exception to this policy may be made for students 56

participating in an authorized extracurricular activity or team involving the use of firearms.

Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing dangerous instruments in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school‐sponsored activity on or off school property is grounds for disciplinary action. Dangerous instruments, for example, may include letter openers, screwdrivers, hammers, hatchets, and other devices that could be used to inflict harm upon another person. Not subject to mandatory expulsion is possession of a knife that is customarily used for food preparation or service and is possessed by the student for the sole purpose of personal food preparation and service.

Bus Conduct General Bus Information Students are expected to use their assigned bus to and from school each day. Riding a different bus is prohibited unless a parent/guardian sends a written request and this request is approved by the school principal or designee in advance. Similarly, students must get off the bus on their way home at their regular bus stop unless a parent/guardian has requested in writing that a student get off at a different bus stop and the principal or designee has approved the request.

Students who ride school buses are expected to conduct themselves in a way that does not endanger themselves or others. Students are expected to obey all Bus Safety Rules. Improper behavior will result in temporary or even permanent denial of school bus privileges or other discipline.

Meeting the Bus ● Parents/guardians or other responsible persons must accompany kindergartners to and from the bus stop and should accompany young students to and from the bus stop; however, parents/guardians are not permitted to enter the bus. ● Students should be at their bus stop five minutes before the scheduled time for the bus to arrive. Drivers are not permitted to wait for late students. ● While walking to a bus stop, students should walk on sidewalks, if available. If it is necessary to walk in a street or road, students should walk on the left side facing oncoming traffic and move away from the street or road when traffic approaches. Parents/guardians should help young children cross any street or road and teach them to walk on the left side. ● Where there is a sidewalk at the bus stop, students should wait on the sidewalk until the bus comes to a complete stop. Where there is no sidewalk, students should stand far from the edge of the road and remain there until the bus comes to a complete stop. ● If the bus stops on the opposite side of the street or road from where students are waiting, the students must wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver directs the students to cross. Students should always walk, never run, in front of the bus to cross the street or road, and they should be sure that the driver can see them at all times. ● Pushing, shoving, or other horseplay is prohibited while walking to or waiting at a bus stop or while getting on the bus and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Conduct on the Bus ● While on the school bus, students are expected to cooperate with the driver and promptly obey all directions and orders given by the driver. Drivers will report students who disobey or violate rules of conduct on the bus to the principal of the school. School buses are equipped with video and audio equipment to record student activity. The principal will take necessary disciplinary action which may include suspension from school for serious or continued misconduct. ● Students should get on a school bus in an orderly manner, without crowding or pushing, and go directly to a seat and sit down. Students are encouraged to use the passenger

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● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

restraint system when available. They should remain seated at all times until they are ready to get off the bus.

Students may not bring pets, animals, glass containers, water pistols, radios, balloons, or weapons of any kind on school buses. Trained service animals are allowed on the school bus as an accommodation or related service by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 team. Trained service animals must meet the guidelines of LCPS Policy 3050, Trained Service Animals, and its accompanying Regulation, 3050-REG. Books, band instruments, or other objects must never be placed in the aisle or the front of the bus. Items that cannot be held by the student during transportation are prohibited.

Unnecessarily loud talking or laughter should be avoided.

Profane or indecent language, racial slurs, and discriminatory language are prohibited at all times.

Except in an emergency, students should not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion.

Students may not open windows without permission of the driver. Shouting at pedestrians and/or throwing objects out windows is prohibited.

Students must not put their arms, legs, or heads out of open windows.

Fighting, horseplay, and throwing objects within the bus are prohibited.

Tampering with doors or other bus equipment or defacing seats or other parts of the bus is prohibited. Parents/guardians and/or students must pay for willful or careless damage to the bus.

Smoking in any form of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, including vaping or e-cigarettes, is prohibited on the bus.

Littering of any kind is not permitted.

Leaving the Bus ● Students should remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. ● Kindergarten students should always be allowed to exit the bus first with the parent displaying the appropriate tag with corresponding ID number to the driver. ● Students should get off the bus in an orderly manner, allowing students in front seats to get off first. Crowding and pushing are not allowed. ● Once off the bus, students should promptly move to a safe place away from the bus. ● Students who need to cross a street or road should do so only in front of the bus and only after the driver has signaled that it is safe to cross. ● Students should never attempt to retrieve an object dropped in front of or under a bus. ● In no circumstance shall a kindergarten student be left unescorted at a bus stop after school.

Denial of Bus Transportation Students who misbehave on school buses may be denied the privilege of being transported on school buses for a short period of time. Attempts will be made by school personnel to utilize positive restorative measures as appropriate. The principal or designee or the Director of Transportation may deny transportation privileges. The parents/guardians of any student denied transportation shall be notified and must provide alternative transportation.

Discipline Per Policy 8205, Discipline Authority, LCPS is committed to providing every student enrolled with a quality education in an environment that is safe and conducive to teaching and learning. Each student has the responsibility to ensure that their behavior does not deny that right to others. Accordingly, the School Board adopts policies designated to assist and encourage students to achieve self-discipline, become responsible citizens, and discourage conduct that adversely impacts the health, safety, and welfare of the students and staff.

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In accordance with its responsibilities, the School Board adopts policies governing student behavior and authorizes the Central Office and school-based administration to develop and implement regulations and school rules consistent with those policies. The policies, regulations, and rules apply to students when they are: 1. Present at any school or on school property; 2. Participating in or attending any school-sponsored activity, regardless of its location, including traveling to and from an event; 3. Going to or returning from school, whether or not the student is walking, waiting for, or riding a school bus, or is in a personal or private vehicle, or any other mode of transportation; or 4. Involved in conduct that substantially disrupts school operations, regardless of whether it took place off school property or at a school-sponsored event.

Denial of School Privileges A student may be denied normal non-instructional/non-curricular school privileges for a specified period of time by the principal or designee when such denial of privileges serves as appropriate corrective action for the student’s misconduct. Per Policy 5011, (A)(3), Unstructured Activities Time, unstructured activity time is mandatory and should not be viewed as a privilege to be taken away.

Therefore, every student is entitled to unstructured activity time, and it should not be revoked as a disciplinary consequence or used as time to make up classwork. An exception to this guideline is permitted only when a student commits a disciplinary infraction during unstructured activity time and the logical consequence would be a temporary suspension for the student at the time of the infraction.

Detention A student may be assigned detention at the school beyond regular hours for violation of school rules and may be required during this time to engage in activities to promote positive behavior. A student may be assigned detention only by the principal or designee. Parents or guardians must be informed at least one (1) day or more in advance of such detention so that they may fulfill their responsibility to provide necessary transportation for the student.

Disciplinary Procedures Staff have the authority and will correct inappropriate behavior demonstrated by students who violate school rules and regulations. Unless School Board policies or regulations direct a specific action to be taken for an offense, the principal will apply appropriate measures for each situation. Minor infractions normally will not result in severe actions unless they are repeated and have not been corrected by lesser measures.

Each school will follow procedures consistent with School Board policies to resolve discipline problems. The principal may designate one or more members of the professional staff of the school to carry out the disciplinary powers assigned to the principal by the School Board. The principal, however, shall maintain the final authority and responsibility in matters regarding student conduct.

Students shall be informed of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct and the disciplinary procedures of the school. Retaliation against students who participate in LCPS investigations in any capacity is strictly prohibited. Disciplinary codes and administrative responses may be found in this document as well as on the LCPS SR&R webpage.

Dishonesty in Assigned Work Academic dishonesty is not acceptable. Students are expected to do their own work on all tests, papers, projects, or other assignments to be completed on an individual basis. Students should neither turn in another student’s work as their own nor complete other students’ assignments for

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them. Any student who turns in another student’s work as their own or who completes an assignment for another student may be given a grade of zero on that work and also is subject to disciplinary action.

Teachers expect that the work created for their class is unique to that assignment and represents the learning of the individual. Turning in previous work or using the work of others and representing it as one’s own is considered plagiarism,which is a form of cheating, and prohibited. Plagiarism can take various forms, including not giving credit for another person’s information and ideas that are used in student work. Students should cite a source when using material from other authors, Internet sites, artificial intelligence resources, electronic print or texts. Keywords and phrases reproduced as direct quotes should be indicated with quotation marks. Cited paraphrases and summaries that closely follow a source’s wording or structure may be considered plagiarism if they are not cited through footnotes or other means. Plagiarism is prohibited in all student work, including creative writing, essays, reports, projects, and presentations, whether print, oral, electronic, musical, graphic, or video.

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) on student projects should be disclosed to the teacher, and must adhere to expectations set by the teacher as to whether the use of Gen AI is appropriate and/or allowed for that assignment.

While LCPS encourages parents and guardians to support and supervise school work completed at home, the work should be done by the student and not by the assisting parent/guardian. Whether the homework is assigned to practice a skill taught in class or to finish a project begun in class, the teacher uses homework to evaluate the student’s understanding. If the student is assisted at home, the teachers do not have a reliable understanding of the student’s actual level of comprehension or mastery.

Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities A student may be excluded from participation in some or all extracurricular activities or attendance at school-sponsored events when such disciplinary action is appropriate to the misconduct of the student. Such exclusion may be for a fixed period of time or until assurance of acceptable behavior has been obtained. The principal or designee and the Superintendent and designees are authorized to exclude students from participation or attendance in accordance with Policy 8350, Student Activities. Parents/guardians of any student excluded from participation in extracurricular activities and/or attendance to school-sponsored events shall be notified.

Friday/Saturday School A student may be assigned to Friday/Saturday school by school administrators for violating school rules and regulations. During the assignment period, students may be assigned academic work or work assignments. Students assigned to Friday/Saturday school will be under the supervision of school personnel. The school does not provide transportation to or from Friday/Saturday school.

Parents/guardians of any student assigned to Saturday school shall be notified. Failure to attend Friday/Saturday school may result in additional disciplinary action.

In-School Restriction (ISR) For serious or repeated violations of school rules, a principal or designee may assign a student to ISR at the school. During the period of assignment to ISR, the student may be isolated from normal school activities and may be denied non-instructional/non-curricular school privileges and participation in - or attendance at - student interscholastic, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

The student may engage in restorative dialogue in order to understand the impact of their behavior, make positive behavior changes, and complete academic assignments. Parents/guardians of the affected student shall be notified of the ISR.

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Intervention and Counseling Any licensed employee of the School Board may provide intervention based on progressive discipline measures when a student is observed or otherwise known to have violated a school rule. Support will be provided to students who engage in inappropriate behavior and students who are impacted by inappropriate behavior. School personnel will assist students in understanding how their behavior affects others, developing healthy relationships, and making good choices to continue their learning.

For serious or repeated violations of school rules, the employee should also refer the student to the principal for other disciplinary measures and to the Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) for review of the student’s home life, current situation in school (e.g., grades, disability, attendance, etc.), and possible referral for a functional behavior assessment and behavior intervention plan.

Removal from Class After school staff have utilized early intervention strategies, based on positive behavior and restorative discipline, to address and promote appropriate behaviors in the classroom, a student may temporarily be removed by the principal or designee or teacher for improper behavior in any class or activity. If removed from the classroom, the student will be assigned to complete schoolwork or study in another place. Parents/guardians of any student shall be notified if a student is removed from instruction for any disciplinary action, or for any other reason if it is not related to their Comprehensive Support Plan, Health Care Plan, Safety Plan, IEP, or Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP).

Removal from School Conduct which may constitute cause for removal from school includes, but is not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Willful or continued disobedience of school rules and regulations or school personnel; Defiance of the authority of any teacher, principal, or other person having authority in the school; Conduct that endangers or threatens the physical well-being of themselves, other students, or school personnel; Physical assault upon another person; fighting; or non-consensual touching; Damaging LCPS property of the school or the personal property of another person; Theft or attempted theft of LCPS property or the personal property of another person; Participation in unauthorized occupancy of any part of an LCPS building or grounds; presence on any LCPS property in violation of a directive, or failure to leave promptly any school property after having been directed to do so by the principal or other person in charge; Use or possession of any weapon or explosives, including fireworks, on school property; Cursing, verbal abuse, written abuse, bullying, intimidation, or harassment of another person including by electronic means; Willful interruption or disruption of any school or part thereof; Any threat to bomb, burn, or damage in any manner a school building or other school property, or the property of another person; Violation of Policy 8240, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes and its accompanying regulation, 8240-REG; Violation of the Policy 8650, Student Technology Acceptable/Responsible Use , or Policy 8655, Student Personal Device Use; Lying or giving false information, verbally or in writing, to a school employee, including forgery or the knowing use of forged writing; Failure to abide by restrictions or sanctions of a lesser nature; Violation of any law of the United States or the Commonwealth while on school property or of any policy for which the prescribed punishment is suspension; Unauthorized or illegal use of, or access to, computers, software, telecommunications, and related technologies;

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Any willful act that causes physical, financial, or other harm; or otherwise disrupts technology; Participation in a group, mob, or gang activity that involves inciting, intimidating, harassing, threatening, or committing an assault or other act of violence; Disruptive behavior; or Other good, just, or sufficient causes.

Removal from School for Conduct Not Related to School Activities As provided for by Virginia Code § 22.1-277.2:1, the Superintendent or designee may require any student who has been charged with an offense relating to Virginia’s laws on weapons, alcohol, drugs, or intentional injury to another person or has been found guilty or not innocent of a crime relating to Virginia’s laws on weapons, alcohol, drugs, or of a crime which resulted in or could have resulted in injury to others, to attend an alternative education placement. The term “charged” means that a petition or warrant has been filed or is pending against the student. Such alternative education placements include but are not limited to adult education or any other educational program designed to offer instruction to students for whom the regular program of instruction may be inappropriate.

Notification is sent to the Superintendent by the staff of the juvenile court when a student is charged with or found in violation of certain laws as required by Virginia Codes § 16.1-260 and § 16.1-305.1.

Any student for whom the School Division has received a report of an adjudication of delinquency or a conviction pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-305.1 may be assigned to an alternative placement.

Restorative Practices Students who commit infractions while on school property, participating in or attending any schoolsponsored activity—regardless of its location, including travel to and from an event, going to - or returning from - school— irrespective of the mode of transportation, or that substantially disrupts school operations, regardless of where such conduct occurred, may be given an opportunity to understand how their behavior affects others in the school community, including students, teachers, and parent/guardians, through a process that directly involves relevant stakeholders to repair the harm caused. With the support of the United Mental Health Team (UMHT), students may participate in “circles,” “peer mediations,” or other “conferences” to allow affected parties to come together in a safe environment to explore how everyone has been affected by an offense and, when possible, to decide how to repair the harm. Principals may use restorative practices in conjunction with or as part of other dispositions.

School-Based Community Service A student may be assigned a non-hazardous school-based community service activity that is restorative and promotes positive student engagement at school and in the community. School-based community service activities may be scheduled before, during, or after the school day, when not in class, lunch, or recess, or on one or more specific non-school dates determined by the school administration and parents/guardians of the student. School-based community service assignments should be made only by the principal or designee or teacher, and the student must properly be supervised during the assigned activity by LCPS staff. Students assigned community service as a disposition will not be allowed to operate machinery, power tools, or equipment that requires training.

No student shall be assigned a school-based community service activity without approval by the parent/guardian.

Suspension and Expulsion General Suspension Reminders: ●

School Recommendation of Suspension Exceeding 10 Days ‐ Based on the violation for a specific discipline incident, a school‐based administrator may 62

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recommend a student’s disposition exceed 10 suspension days. Upon review of the discipline incident, the Office of School Administration may determine that the disposition will change to “Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion, or Suspension Followed by Alternative Placement.”

If school is closed due to inclement weather or a student holiday, the suspension shall be extended a like number of days.

When a student is suspended or expelled, the following will be considered and applied as appropriate: ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ●

Allow a student who has been suspended or expelled to complete academic assignments during the period of suspension or expulsion; Provide appropriate alternative placements to allow the student to make academic progress; Promote access to social‐emotional and/or behavioral supports to assist the student in learning appropriate behaviors before returning to school; Outline re‐entry processes for students who are returning to school after a suspension or expulsion; Require a readmission conference with the student, parent, principal, counselor, and other relevant support personnel to review the student’s schedule, expectations for behavior, and continuing or new student supports or interventions; Require a monitoring process for the student’s academic, behavioral, and social‐emotional progress upon return to school, which may include drug testing; Specify any limitations that may be included in a student’s re‐enrollment; Address the use of community service; Address student and staff participation in a restorative practice; and Outline any teacher and/or student preparation for the re‐enrollment of the suspended or expelled student.

Short-Term Suspension from School by the Principal A student may be suspended by the principal or designee for as many as 10 school days for each offense, except as provided in subsection C of Virginia Code § 22.1277.07 (re: firearms) or § 22.1-277.08 (re: drugs). Per LCPS Policy 8220, Student Disciplinary Consequences, no student in preschool through grade three will be suspended for more than three school days or expelled from attendance at school, unless: (i) the offense involves physical harm or credible threat of physical harm to others; or (ii) the School Board or Superintendent or their designee finds that aggravating circumstances exist, as defined by the Virginia Department of Education.

Unless the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or is an ongoing threat of disruption, an informal hearing by the principal or designee shall be given to the student before a decision to suspend is made. In the informal hearing, the student shall be notified of the reason for possible suspension and, if denied by the student, shall be provided with an explanation of the evidence and an opportunity to explain their version of the incident. When any student is suspended without prior hearing, the hearing shall be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Students have the right to be informed of any suspension, given specific reasons for the suspension, and offered the opportunity to tell their side of the story before being suspended. The student’s parents/guardians shall be notified promptly in writing of the reason for suspension, the length of the suspension, and the procedure for appeal. If 63

an assistant principal or principal’s designee has assigned the suspension, a parent/guardian may request a Principal Review (per LCPS Policy 8220). The request should be in writing and delivered directly to the principal. In a principal review, the principal will review the incident, actions by school staff, and statements by the student and witness(es). The principal may include a meeting with the student and parent/guardian. If a principal’s review has already been conducted, or the suspension was assigned by the principal, the student’s parents/guardians, or student aged 18 years or older, may petition for a review by the Superintendent’s designee, the Director of School Administration.

The request must be sent within two (2) school days of the date on the suspension letter or the principal’s review determination, whichever is later. The Petition for Review must include the reasons why the decision should be reversed.

The procedures for short-term suspension, including rights of appeal, are contained in Policy 8220.

Disciplinary Action by the Superintendent - Long-Term Suspension from School When, in the judgment of the Superintendent or designee, disciplinary action beyond the authority of the school principal is required, the Superintendent shall implement long-term suspension from school. The Superintendent or designee may suspend a student from school for a period of time longer than 10 school days but less than 46 school days. A suspension beyond 45 school days, not to exceed 364 calendar days is permitted if: (i) the offense involves weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury; or (ii) the School Board or Superintendent or designee finds that aggravating circumstances exist, as defined by the Virginia Department of Education, and to include consideration of a student’s disciplinary history.

Long-term suspension is used in cases of serious misconduct or when other measures, including short-term suspension or involuntary transfer, have failed to accomplish a necessary change in student behavior. The procedures for long-term suspension, including rights of appeal, are contained in Policy 8220, Student Disciplinary Consequences.

Students and families have the right to a written notice from the Superintendent’s designee about the conditions of a long‐term suspension and their relevant due process rights. The student has a right to the following: ● ●

● ●

A hearing in front of the Superintendent or designee; Consideration of a variety of factors aside from the offense itself, among them: age and grade level; the student’s academic and behavioral history; the availability of alternatives; mental health, substance abuse, or special education assessments; and any other relevant matters; Appeal to a committee of the School Board of an unfavorable decision; and Upon appeal to the School Board, a written decision within 30 days.

Schools should provide an academically appropriate alternative education program that permits students serving a long-term suspension to maintain sufficient progress in the curriculum and allow a smooth transition back into the student’s school once the suspension term concludes. Schools should provide opportunities for earlier re‐ admittance based on student progress.

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Expulsion by the School Board Expulsion means any disciplinary action imposed by the School Board or a committee thereof, whereby a student is not permitted to attend school and is ineligible for readmission for 365 calendar days after the date of such expulsion. Students may be expelled by a committee of the School Board or the School Board and only in accordance with the procedures set forth in Policy 8220, Student Disciplinary Consequences, Student Disciplinary Consequences, and the School Board hearing procedure set forth in Policy 8230, Procedures for Student Disciplinary Appeals to School Board. Cause for expulsion may be any serious or repeated acts of misconduct listed under “Prohibited Behaviors.” Expulsion is the most severe disciplinary procedure used in trying to correct student behavior. The procedures followed in recommending expulsion from school, including the right to a hearing before the School Board set forth in Policy 8220.

Students expelled by the School Board may be readmitted only by the School Board upon application for readmission to the Superintendent. Procedures for readmission are contained in Policy 8225, Re-admission, Exclusion, or Admission of Students.

Students Expelled or Suspended by Another District or Private School Students who have been placed in a nontraditional education program or expelled or suspended for more than 30 days by another school board or a private school, either in Virginia or another state or for whom admission has been withdrawn from any school where the student has been previously enrolled, may be excluded from LCPS. Students expelled or long-term suspended from previous schools will not be considered for admission until such time as they have served the term of the expulsion or long-term suspension as originally imposed. The School Board has the authority to exclude from LCPS any such student upon a finding that the student presents a danger to other students or staff of the School Division. Such exclusion of students from school is in accordance with the procedures of Policy 8225, Readmission, Exclusion, or Admission of Students, and its accompanying regulation, 8225-REG. Dress Code LCPS’s student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes and does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, age, or genetic information.

The student dress code, as outlined in Policy 8270, Student Dress Code, supports the goal of inspiring students to learn while leaving primary decisions around student clothing and style to students and their parents/guardians. LCPS expects that parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring student compliance with the school’s dress code, and students are responsible for knowing the student dress code and for complying during school hours and school-sponsored activities.

Parents/guardians of students requiring accommodations for religious beliefs, disabilities or other reasons should contact the principal.

Due Process All students have a right to adequate and meaningful due process prior to being excluded from school for disciplinary purposes. Schools should ensure that students and families understand school discipline processes and their right to due process.

Due Process Rights for Students with Disabilities 65

Students with disabilities shall be entitled to the same due process rights that all children are entitled to under the Virginia Code § 22.1-279.3 and LCPS’ disciplinary policies and procedures. In brief: ●

● ●

A short-term removal is a period of time of up to 10 consecutive school days or 10 cumulative school days in a school year. School personnel may short-term remove a student with a disability from the student’s current educational setting to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension, to the extent those alternatives are applied to a student without disabilities.

A long-term removal is for more than 10 consecutive school days or the student has received a series of short-term removals that constitutes a pattern. The IEP team determines on a case-by-case basis whether a pattern of removals constitutes a change in placement.

A Manifestation Determination is required if the IEP team is contemplating a removal that constitutes a change in placement for a student with a disability who has violated LCPS’ code of student conduct that applies to all students. In circumstances involving disciplinary actions, an expedited due process hearing may be requested.

When suspensions or expulsions are being contemplated, a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 plan, and/or Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan shall be reviewed to ensure all accommodations and necessary support services are in place and are being implemented with fidelity, and if necessary, convene an IEP, Section 504, or other team meeting to make any necessary changes to those Plans.

Safe Harbor When a student discovers they accidentally or inadvertently brought a weapon onto school property, the provision of “safe harbor” allows the student to immediately report this to a teacher or administrator and not receive consequences if the weapon has not yet been seen by a teacher, administrator, other school employee, or another student.

Special Circumstances Given the facts of a particular case, special circumstances may exist indicating that disciplinary action, other than suspension and/or expulsion, may be appropriate and may be recommended by the principal. The Superintendent or designee shall conduct a preliminary review of all cases under this policy to determine if disciplinary action other than suspension or expulsion is appropriate.

Student Behavior - Equitable Administrative Responses Each student is an individual with unique personal, social, and educational needs. As a result, every disciplinary situation should be considered on a case-by-case basis while adhering to the Code of Virginia, Virginia Student Behavior and Administrative Responses (SBAR), and the policies of LCPS. LCPS is committed to utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and intervention strategies to promote positive and safe student behavior.

School administrators must find a balance between eliminating unacceptable behavior and maximizing student instructional time. Factors to be considered when disciplining a student: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Seriousness of the behavior and level of harm; Student’s age, health, or disability; Impact of the incident on any other student, staff member and/or the overall school community; Student’s understanding of the impact of their behavior; Impact of student’s action on the safety of other students or staff; Student’s willingness to accept responsibility for behavior and repair harm caused; and Student’s prior conduct and disciplinary record.

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A basic positive approach to discipline is using consequences as a “teachable moment” to address inappropriate behavior while teaching positive behaviors. The goals of progressive responses are to: ● ● ● ● ●

Increase accountability; Bring about behavioral change; Prevent recurring negative behavior; Teach students to understand why the behavior is unacceptable and what harm is caused; and Assist students in learning to take responsibility for their actions.

Students need to have an understanding of what they could have done differently in the same situation and take responsibility for their actions. They should be given the opportunity to learn positive social strategies and skills so as not to repeat the behaviors while understanding that the responses will increase if the behavior continues. Every effort should be made to correct unacceptable student behaviors through interventions, other school and Division resources, and progressive disciplinary responses.

The Appeal and Review Processes Under specific circumstances, when a student receives disciplinary consequences, parents/guardians have the right to petition for review/appeal the decision. The appeal process is different depending on the severity of the consequence. ●

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●

All in-school discipline dispositions as listed in Policy 8215, In-School Disciplinary Measures, where the student will remain in the school building, such as in‐school restriction, after-school detention, and/or Friday/Saturday school, are not appealable. Parents are encouraged, however, to discuss disciplinary actions with the principal of the school.

For all discipline dispositions where the student will be suspended from the building for 1‐10 days, the student or their parents/guardians may request a review by the building principal if the assistant principal has issued the letter. If, after the principal's review, the student is suspended from school for 1‐10 days and in cases where the letter is first issued by the principal, the parent may request a review by the Superintendent’s designee, Director, Office of School Administration (OSA). The OSA contact number is 571‐252‐1570. The decision of the Superintendent’s designee is final. A review of any type does not stop the time clock of the suspension.

For all discipline dispositions where the student is suspended or alternatively placed by the Superintendent’s designee for more than 10 days, the student or their parents/guardians may appeal to the Superintendent’s designee, Director, OSA, and request a hearing by the Discipline Committee of the School Board. A review of any type does not stop the time clock of the extended suspension or alternative placement.

Fighting Fighting creates a serious danger to the students involved, other students, school personnel and school property. Fighting will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will be taken against students who engage in or instigate fighting. Any medical bill that results from injuries sustained by students engaged in fighting will not be paid by LCPS and LCPS will not assume responsibility for damage to personal property caused by fighting.

In accordance with Policy 8210, Introduction to Student Discipline, students involved in fighting may be determined to have been acting in self-defense if all requirements set forth below are satisfied.

However, under no circumstances may a child bring to school, or possess at school, any weapon as defined by Policy 8235, Weapons.

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A student may use physical force to defend themselves from physical aggression, provided that the aggressor has taken at least one overt act indicative of imminent violence and the student: ● ● ● ●

Uses physical force as a last resort; Is without fault in provoking or bringing about the fight; Reasonably fears under the circumstances, as they appeared to the student that the student themself is in danger of imminent physical harm; and Uses no more force than is reasonably necessary to protect themselves from imminent physical harm.

Students claiming self-defense have the burden of proving that the elements of self-defense have been met.

Law Enforcement - Roles, Police Reports, and Required Notification In accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1-279.3:1 and Policy 8260, Reporting of Student Conduct, reports shall be made to the Superintendent or designee and to the principal or designee on all incidents involving: ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ●

The assault and battery, without bodily injury, of any person on a school bus, on school property or at a school-sponsored activity; The assault and battery that results in bodily injury, sexual assault, death, shooting, stabbing, cutting, or wounding of any person or stalking of any person on a school bus, school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; Any conduct involving alcohol, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, a controlled substance, imitation controlled substance, or an anabolic steroid on a school bus, school property or at a school-sponsored activity, including the theft or attempted theft of student prescription medications; Any written threats against school personnel while on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; The illegal carrying of a firearm onto school property; Any illegal conduct involving firebombs, explosive materials or devices, hoax explosive devices, explosive or incendiary devices, or chemical bombs on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; Any threats or false threats to bomb, as described in Virginia Code § 18.2.83, made against school personnel or involving school property or school buses; or, The arrest of any student for an incident occurring on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, including the charges therefore.

Any student who commits a reportable violation shall be disciplined in accordance with LCPS policies and regulations and shall be required to participate in any prevention and intervention activities that may be prescribed by the Superintendent or designee.

Law-Enforcement Agencies/Personnel School Resource Officer (SRO) is defined in Virginia Code § 9.1‐101 as “a certified law-enforcement officer hired by the local law-enforcement agency to provide law-enforcement and security services to Virginia public elementary and secondary schools.” SROs who are assigned to schools are not considered school officials and operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the law-enforcement agency, the School Division and personnel from both. School administrators and teachers are responsible for school discipline. Although SROs are expected to be familiar with the school division code of student conduct, the rules of individual schools, and their application in day‐to‐day practice, SROs should not be involved with the enforcement of school rules or disciplinary infractions that are not violations of law.

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Roles of Law Enforcement Law-enforcement officers are not school disciplinarians. The officers’ presence does not reduce the responsibility of teachers and of administrators to enforce school rules and the School Division’s student code of conduct. Classroom management rests with the teacher. Disciplinary responses remain the responsibility of school administrators. The focus of law-enforcement involvement in conduct matters is properly centered on incidents that involve a violation of the law. Additionally, issues that do not present a “clear and imminent” threat of serious physical injury to a student, teacher, or another member of the school community, or are not a violation of the law, should be handled by school personnel and not by SROs, police, other law enforcement, or security officers.

In addition, Virginia Code § 22.1‐279.3:1(B) requires law enforcement agencies to notify the Superintendent or a principal or designee when a student in their school commits certain offenses that would be a felony if committed by an adult, a violation of the Drug Control Act, or an adult misdemeanor as listed in Virginia Code § 22.1-279.3:1(A) and whether the student is released to the custody of their parent or, if 18 years of age or more, is released on bond. It further requires that any superintendent who receives notification that a juvenile has committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1‐260 should report the information to the principal of the school in which the juvenile is enrolled.

Required Notification of Certain Offenses to Law Enforcement Authorities A. The principal or designee of each school collects and maintains information on the listed acts below which occur on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity. Reports shall be made to the Superintendent or their designee on all incidents involving: 1. Alcohol, marijuana, a controlled substance, an imitation controlled substance, or an anabolic steroid on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, including the theft or attempted theft of student prescription medication; 2. The assault and battery that results in bodily injury, sexual assault, death, shooting, stabbing, cutting, or wounding of any person, abduction of any person as described in Virginia Code §§ 18.2-47 or 18.2-48, or stalking of any person as described in Virginia Code §18.2-60.3 on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; 3. Any written threats against school personnel while on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; 4. The illegal carrying of a firearm, as defined in Virginia Code § 22.1-277.07, onto school property; 5. Any illegal conduct involving firebombs, explosive materials or devices, hoax explosive devices, as defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-85, explosive or incendiary devices, as defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-433.1, or chemical bombs, as described in Virginia Code § 18.2-87.1, on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; or 6. Any threats or false threats to bomb, as described in Virginia Code §18.2-83, made against school personnel or involving school property or school buses; or 7. The arrest of any student for an incident occurring on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, including the charges, therefore.

B. Except as may otherwise be required by federal law, regulation, or jurisprudence, each principal: 1. Shall immediately report to the local law-enforcement agency any incident described in subsection (A)(1) that may constitute a felony offense; immediately report to the local law-enforcement agency any incident described in subsections (A)(2) through (6), except that a principal is not required to but may report to the local law enforcement agency any incident described in subsection (A)(3) committed by a student who has a disability;

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2. May report to the local law enforcement agency any other incident described in section A that is not required to be reported pursuant to subsection 1 or 2; and 3. Shall immediately report any act enumerated in subsections (A)(1) through (4) that 4. may constitute a criminal offense to the parents of any minor student who is the specific object of such act. Further, the principal shall report whether the incident has been reported to local law enforcement pursuant to this subsection and, if the incident has been so reported, that the parents may contact local law enforcement for further information, if they so desire.

5. The principal or designee reports all incidents required to be reported pursuant to 6. section A of this policy to the Superintendent. The Superintendent annually reports all such incidents to the Virginia Department of Education for the purpose of recording the frequency of such incidents on forms that are provided by the Department and makes such information available to the public.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 12 (Virginia Code § 16.1-299 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1, local law enforcement authorities shall report and the Superintendent and principal or designee shall receive such reports on offenses, wherever committed, by students enrolled at the school if the offense would be: 1. A felony if committed by an adult; 2. A violation of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.), and occurred on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity; or 3. An adult misdemeanor involving any incidents described in subsection A. Such a report should also provide whether the student is released to the custody of their parent/guardian, or if 18 years of age or more, is released on bond.

As part of any report concerning an offense that would be an adult misdemeanor involving an incident described in section A, local law enforcement authorities and attorneys for the Commonwealth shall be authorized to disclose information regarding terms of release from detention, court dates, and terms of any disposition orders entered by the court to the Superintendent, upon request by the Superintendent, if, in the determination of the law enforcement authority or attorney for the Commonwealth, such disclosure would not jeopardize the investigation or prosecution of the case.

No disclosures shall be made pursuant to this section in violation of the confidentiality provisions of subsection A of Virginia Code § 16.1-300 or the record retention and redisclosure provisions of Virginia Code § 22.1-288.2. Further, any school superintendent who receives notification that a juvenile has committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult pursuant to subsection G of Virginia Code § 16.1-260 shall report such information to the principal of the school in which the juvenile is enrolled.

Code Requirements for Drug and Weapons Offenses Virginia Code § 22.1‐277.07 permits, but does not require, the expulsion of any student determined to possess a firearm, destruction device, a firearm muffler or firearm silencer, or a pneumatic gun on school property or at a school-sponsored activity. Virginia Code § 22.1‐277.08 permits, but does not require, the expulsion of students who bring a controlled substance, imitation controlled substance, or marijuana onto school property or to a school‐sponsored event. In addition, in the cases of weapons or drugs, school administrators, pursuant to School Board policy, may consider factors listed in Virginia Code § 22.1‐277.06 in determining special circumstances and may conclude that no disciplinary action or a disciplinary action other than expulsion is appropriate. Students who violate the provisions of Regulation 8240-REG, Alcohol, Drug, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes, may be subject to disciplinary measures, including required attendance and participation in the LCPS Nicotine Education or Substance Use Education Class, in-school restriction, short-term suspension,

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long-term suspension, or expulsion–as well as being referred to the Superintendent’s designee for other action.

Prohibited Behaviors Students are expected at all times to behave responsibly and in accordance with all laws, School Board policies and regulations, and school rules. Students who engage in prohibited behaviors as set forth in Policy 8210, Introduction to Student Discipline, are subject to student discipline.

Threatening or Violent Behavior Threatening or violent behavior is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Violent behavior includes, but is not limited to, assault; battery; robbery; fighting; and use of any weapon as defined by Policy 8235, Weapons, to threaten, intimidate, injure or harm another person. Threatening behavior includes, but is not limited to, extortion and any oral, written or electronic communication that expresses an intent to physically harm any person.

When a student threatens another person, a threat assessment will be conducted by school officials in accordance with Policy 8290, Threat Assessment for the Protection of Schools, and its accompanying Regulation, 8290-REG. Threatening or violent behavior will result in school disciplinary action up to - and including - expulsion.

Disruption of the School Environment The environment of each school must be one in which learning can flourish, the security and dignity of each person is protected, and all activities can be conducted in an orderly and productive manner.

Students who disrupt the school environment are subject to student disciplinary procedures.

Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, any misconduct that interrupts or disturbs the learning environment or school operations.

Property Damage Students who intentionally damage LCPS property are subject to student discipline. LCPS property includes technology and other devices that LCPS provides students for their use and education.

Parents/guardians of students who intentionally damage LCPS property will be assessed and invoiced for the repair or replacement cost of the damaged property.

Likewise, students who intentionally damage the personal property of others while on LCPS property or while participating in a LCPS-sponsored activity are subject to student discipline.

Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults for Certain Crimes Virginia Code § 22.1-279.4 requires the School Boards to provide information to students about the laws regarding the prosecution of juveniles as adults. Essentially, the law permits juveniles to be prosecuted as adults under certain circumstances. The Office of the Virginia Attorney General has developed information provided in a question-and-answer format that parents/guardians and their students may review to further understand. (See Appendix B).

Questioning by School Officials School officials have direct responsibility for student behavior as well as school safety and security.

That responsibility allows school officials the latitude to question students in an effort to maintain order. Law enforcement officers will not be involved in the questioning of students as a part of routine school operations when no evidence suggests a crime has been committed. Retaliation against students who participate in LCPS investigations in any capacity is strictly prohibited.

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Questioning by School Officials and Law Enforcement Per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) executed by the School Board, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, and Leesburg Police Department, questioning students in the presence of a law enforcement officer greatly enhances the need to ensure that the student has all of the protections afforded them under the law. School administrators should consider the following questions: ● ● ● ●

Is the student able to understand their rights based on the student’s age and development, given the situation?

Has a crime been committed?

Is the student a suspect in the alleged crime?

Is the student free to leave the interview?

A student who is being questioned in the presence of law enforcement about involvement in a criminal offense should be afforded the same rights as any suspect being interrogated for criminal involvement. The school is a custodial setting, and students are not free to leave without permission.

This fact enhances the need for students to be advised/aware of their rights prior to and during an interrogation by law enforcement. This will include support from school personnel to ensure that the student fully understands the process and that they are aware of the magnitude of the situation. If, based on their observations and any information provided to law enforcement, law enforcement determines that a student is not able to understand their rights under the law, such student should not be questioned by law enforcement without parental involvement.

Reporting Requirements for In‐School Restriction for Students with Disabilities In‐School Restriction (ISR) involves instances in which students are temporarily removed from their regular classrooms for disciplinary purposes while remaining under the direct supervision of school personnel. Per Regulation 8220.3-REG, Disciplinary Procedures for Students with Disabilities, when students with disabilities are assigned in-school disciplinary measures in accordance with Policy 8215, In-School Disciplinary Measures, a student’s IEP, Section 504 Plan, and/or BIP will be reviewed to ensure all accommodations and necessary support services are in place to allow the student to access any assigned work.

In‐school restrictions of students with disabilities that are administered as part of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) are to be reported using the following: ● ● ● ●

Sanction Code In-School Restriction will be used for reporting all in‐school restrictions; The disability code will still be required for students with disabilities; An in‐school suspension must be reported even if there was no reportable offense; and The number of days of the in‐school restriction must be reported.

Virginia Department of Education Student Behavior Categories (see Appendix) The following behavior categories, as provided by the Virginia Department of Education, are designed to recognize the impact student behavior has on the school environment and learning. They encourage awareness for administrators, teachers, parents, and counselors of students’ social‐ emotional development and emphasize the importance of helping students achieve academically and develop SEL competencies.

Category A: Behaviors that Impede Academic Progress (BAP): These behaviors impede academic progress of the student or of students. They are typically indicative of the student’s lack of self‐management or self-awareness. Sometimes, the student may need help in understanding how the behavior impacts others so training in social awareness may also be indicated.

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Category B: Behaviors Related to School Operations (BSO): These behaviors interfere with the daily operation of school procedures. Students exhibiting these behaviors may need to develop self‐ management, self‐awareness, or social awareness skills.

Category C: Relationship Behaviors (RB): These behaviors create a negative relationship between two or more people that does not result in physical harm. Relationship behaviors affect the whole school community in that the school climate is often a reflection of how people treat one another.

Students who exhibit difficulty with relationship behaviors may also have difficulty with other social‐ emotional competencies.

Category D: Behaviors that Present a Safety Concern (BSC): These behaviors create unsafe conditions for students, staff, and visitors to the school. The underlying reasons for this type of behavior may lie in any of the social‐emotional competencies so the administrator should investigate the underlying motivation for the student’s behavior. Training in social awareness and decision‐ making is usually indicated in any behavior that creates a safety concern.

Category E: Behaviors that Endanger Self or Others (BESO): These behaviors endanger the health, safety, or welfare of either the student or others in the school community. Behaviors that rise to this level of severity are often complex. While they are indicative of poor decision‐making skills, students who exhibit these behaviors may also have developmental needs in the other social‐ emotional competencies.

Category F: Persistently Dangerous Behaviors (PD): Behaviors described in Virginia’s Unsafe School Choice Option Policy required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.

Intervention Responses to Student Behaviors Interventions are aimed to teach and correct alternative behavior to support a safe and respectful learning environment and ensure student academic and behavioral success. When working with students, it is important to remember that all behavior serves a function and has communicative intent. If the student’s needs are not met in an appropriate manner, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to be available for learning. Thus, consultation of the crisis cycle is an important component to support staff in preventing, intervening, and de-escalating behavior.

The categories are a means to sorting behaviors in order to apply administrative responses to student behaviors. The following is a list of the Level 1-6 administrative responses and their general descriptions: LEVEL 1: Interventions and Responses: Level 1 responses are intended to prevent further behavioral issues while keeping the student in school. Documented parental notification is required.

LEVEL 2: Interventions and Responses: When Level 1 is ineffective or the severity of incident warrants, administrative responses and interventions at Level 2 are designed to prevent further behavioral issues and keep the student in school. Depending upon the severity of the behavior, shortterm removal of the student from the classroom may be appropriate. Documented parental notification is required.

LEVEL 3: Referral to Administrator (Assistant Principal or Principal) Interventions and Responses: Depending upon the severity, chronic nature of the behavior and/or safety concerns, Level 3 behaviors may result in the student’s short-term removal from school. Documented parental notification is required.

LEVEL 4: Referral to Administrator Level Interventions and Responses: Some Level 4 behaviors require a report to the superintendent or superintendent’s designee as outlined in Virginia Code § 73

22.1-279.3:1. Local school board policy may require additional reporting. A referral to the superintendent or designee does not automatically result in a long-term suspension, change of placement, or expulsion. After a review of the incident in context, the superintendent or designee may return students to the comprehensive setting with additional supports and/or responses to be implemented. Documented parental notification is required.

LEVEL 5: Referral to Administrator with Possible Responses Beyond Suspension: Level 5 responses are reserved for those behaviors that require a referral to the superintendent or designee.

For preschool to grade three students, any suspension beyond three days must be referred to the superintendent. A referral to the superintendent or designee may not automatically result in an expulsion, alternative placement, school reassignment, or long-term suspension. Appropriate behavioral interventions and instructional supports should accompany any removals from the student’s regular school setting by the superintendent or designee.

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REFERENCED DOCUMENTS Appendix A - Virginia Compulsory School Attendance Law (Va. Code § 22.1-254) A. Except as otherwise provided in this article, every parent, guardian, or other person in the Commonwealth having control or charge of any child who will have reached the fifth birthday on or before September 30 of any school year and who has not passed the eighteenth birthday shall, during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools, send such child to a public school or to a private, denominational, or parochial school or have such child taught by a tutor or teacher of qualifications prescribed by the Board of Education and approved by the division superintendent, or provide for home instruction of such child as described in Virginia Code § 22.1-254.1.

As prescribed in the regulations of the Board of Education, the requirements of this section may also be satisfied by sending a child to an alternative program of study or work/study offered by a public, private, denominational, or parochial school or by a public or private degree-granting institution of higher education. Further, in the case of any five-year-old child who is subject to the provisions of this subsection, the requirements of this section may be alternatively satisfied by sending the child to any public educational pre-kindergarten program, including a Head Start program, or in a private, denominational, or parochial educational pre-kindergarten program.

Instruction in the home of a child or children by the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of such child or children shall not be classified or defined as a private, denominational or parochial school.

The requirements of this section shall apply to (i) any child in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Department of Corrections who has not passed his eighteenth birthday and (ii) any child whom the division superintendent has required to take a special program of prevention, intervention, or remediation as provided in subsection C of Virginia Code § 22.1253.13:1 and in § 22.1-254.01. The requirements of this section shall not apply to (a) any person 16 through 18 years of age who is housed in an adult correctional facility when such person is actively pursuing the achievement of a passing score on a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education but is not enrolled in an individual student alternative education plan pursuant to subsection E, and (b) any child who has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent, a certificate of completion, or has achieved a passing score on a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education, or who has otherwise complied with compulsory school attendance requirements as set forth in this article.

B. A school board shall excuse from attendance at school: 1. Any pupil who, together with his parents, by reason of bona fide religious training or belief is conscientiously opposed to attendance at school. For purposes of this subdivision, “bona fide religious training or belief” does not include essentially political, sociological or philosophical views or a merely personal moral code; and 2. On the recommendation of the juvenile and domestic relations district court of the county or city in which the pupil resides and for such period of time as the court deems appropriate, any pupil who, together with his parents, is opposed to attendance at a school by reason of concern for such pupil’s health, as verified by competent medical evidence, or by reason of such pupil’s reasonable apprehension for personal safety when such concern or apprehension in that pupil’s specific case is determined by the court, upon consideration of the recommendation of the principal and division superintendent, to be justified.

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C. Each local school board shall develop policies for excusing students who are absent by reason of observance of a religious holiday. Such policies shall ensure that a student shall not be deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award, or of the right to take an alternate test or examination, for any which he missed by reason of such absence, if the absence is verified in a manner acceptable to the school board.

D. A school board may excuse from attendance at school: 1. On recommendation of the principal and the division superintendent and with the written consent of the parent or guardian, any pupil who the school board determines, in accordance with regulations of the Board of Education, cannot benefit from education at such school; or 2. On recommendation of the juvenile and domestic relations district court of the county or city in which the pupil resides, any pupil who, in the judgment of such court, cannot benefit from education at such school.

E. Local school boards may allow the requirements of subsection A to be met under the following conditions: 1. For a student who is at least 16 years of age, there shall be a meeting of the student, the student’s parents, and the principal or designee of the school in which the student is enrolled in which an individual student alternative education plan shall be developed in conformity with guidelines prescribed by the Board, which plan must include: a. Career guidance counseling; b. Mandatory enrollment and attendance in a preparatory program for passing a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education or other alternative education program approved by the local school board with attendance requirements that provide for reporting of student attendance by the chief administrator of such preparatory program or approved alternative education program to such principal or his designee; c. Mandatory enrollment in a program to earn a Board of Education-approved career and technical education credential, such as the successful completion of an industry certification, a state licensure examination, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia workplace readiness skills assessment; d. Successful completion of the course in economics and personal finance required to earn a Board of Education-approved high school diploma; e. Counseling on the economic impact of failing to complete high school; and f. Procedures for re-enrollment to comply with the requirements of subsection A. 2. A student for whom an individual student alternative education plan has been granted pursuant to this subsection and who fails to comply with the conditions of such plan shall be in violation of the compulsory school attendance law, and the division superintendent or attendance officer of the school division in which such student was last enrolled shall seek immediate compliance with the compulsory school attendance law as set forth in this article.

3. Students enrolled with an individual student alternative education plan shall be counted in the average daily membership of the school division.

F. A school board may, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article 3 (§ 22.1-276.01 et seq.) of Chapter 14 and upon a finding that a school-age child has been (i) charged with an offense relating to the Commonwealth’s laws, or with a violation of school board policies, on weapons, alcohol or drugs, or intentional injury to another person; (ii) found guilty or not innocent of a crime that resulted in or could have resulted in injury to others, or of an offense that is required to be disclosed to the superintendent of the school division pursuant to subsection G of 76

§16.1-260; (iii) suspended pursuant to § 22.1-277.05; or (iv) expelled from school attendance pursuant to § 22.1-277.06 or § 2.1-277.07 or subsection B of § 22.1-277, require the child to attend an alternative education program as provided in § 22.1-209.1:2 or § 22.1-277.2:1.

G. Whenever a court orders any pupil into an alternative education program, including a program preparing students for a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education, offered in the public schools, the local school board of the school division in which the program is offered shall determine the appropriate alternative education placement of the pupil, regardless of whether the pupil attends the public schools it supervises or resides within its school division.

The juvenile and domestic relations district court of the county or city in which a pupil resides or in which charges are pending against a pupil, or any court in which charges are pending against a pupil, may require the pupil who has been charged with (i)a crime that resulted in or could have resulted in injury to others, (ii) a violation of Article 1 (§ 18.2-77 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 18.2, or (iii) any offense related to possession or distribution of any Schedule I, II, or III controlled substances to attend an alternative education program, including, but not limited to, night school, adult education, or any other education program designed to offer instruction to students for whom the regular program of instruction may be inappropriate.

This subsection shall not be construed to limit the authority of school boards to expel, suspend, or exclude students, as provided in §§ 22.1-277.04, 22.1-277.05, 22.1-277.06, 22.1- 277.07, and 22.1-277.2. As used in this subsection, the term “charged” means that a petition or warrant has been filed or is pending against a pupil.

H. Within one calendar month of the opening of school, each school board shall send to the parents/guardians of each student enrolled in the division a copy of the compulsory school attendance law and the enforcement procedures and policies established by the school board.

I.

The provisions of this article shall not apply to: 1. Children suffering from contagious or infectious diseases while suffering from such diseases; 2. Children whose immunizations against communicable diseases have not been completed as provided in § 22.1-271.2; 3. Children under 10 years of age who live more than two miles from a public school unless public transportation is provided within one mile of the place where such children live; 4. Children between the ages of 10 and 17, inclusive, who live more than 2.5 miles from a public school unless public transportation is provided within 1.5 miles of the place where such children live; and 5. Children excused pursuant to subsections B and D. Further, any child who will not have reached his sixth birthday on or before September 30 of each school year whose parent or guardian notifies the appropriate school board that he does not wish the child to attend school until the following year because the child, in the opinion of the parent or guardian, is not mentally, physically, or emotionally prepared to attend school, may delay the child’s attendance for one year.

The distances specified in subdivisions 3 and 4 of this subsection shall be measured or determined from the child’s residence to the entrance to the school grounds or to the school bus stop nearest the entrance to the residence of such children by the nearest practical routes which are usable for walking or riding. Disease shall be established by the certificate of a reputable practicing physician in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board of Education.

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J. Subject to guidelines established by the Department of Education, any student who is absent from school due to his mental or behavioral health shall be granted an excused absence.

K. Subject to guidelines established by the Department of Education, each school board (i) shall permit one school day-long excused absence per school year for any middle school or high school student in the local school division who is absent from school to engage in a civic event and (ii) may permit additional excused absences for such students who are absent for such purpose. Local school boards may require that the student provide advance notice of the intended absence and require that the student provide documentation of participation in a civic event.

L. Subject to guidelines established by the Department of Education, any student who is a member of a state-recognized or federally recognized tribal nation that is headquartered in the Commonwealth and who is absent from school to attend such tribal nation's pow wow gathering shall be granted one excused absence per academic year, provided that the parent of such student provides to the student's school advance notice of such absence in the manner required by the school.

LCPS Compulsory Attendance Policy (Policy 8120, Compulsory Attendance) The Virginia compulsory attendance law requires that every child who will have reached the age of five years on or before September 30 of the school year and has not reached the age of eighteen shall regularly attend school unless exempt by law or excused by the School Board.

A. Compulsory Attendance.

1. Student Responsibility. A student is entitled to a free, public education under the laws of the Commonwealth. To obtain the benefits of this free education; however, a student must be in regular attendance, as stated in the Code of Virginia § 22.1-254. The School Board fully endorses the concept of compulsory attendance. To ensure regular attendance, LCPS Attendance Officers will investigate and collaborate with school staff to enforce compliance.

2. Parent/Guardian Responsibility. a. Parents, guardians or other persons having control or charge of the child are responsible for ensuring that the child attend school or receive instructions as provided by Virginia Code § 22.1-254.1, which outlines the requirements for home instruction, also known as home schooling as defined in Policy 8080, Home Instruction. b. Any person having control or charge of any child who permits the child to remain at home, and not attend school, shall be subject to prosecution under state law unless exempt per section B of the policy or § 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia. c. Children who are nonresidents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but who are temporarily living with a relative or others in Loudoun County for a period of sixty days or more, are required by state law to attend school. Persons having charge of such children must enroll them in school and must pay tuition for such children, as provided in Policy 8125, Admission Requirements, and Policy 4010, Tuition Fees, or must return them to their parents or legal guardians in the state or country in which they reside.

B. Exemptions from Compulsory Attendance 1. Kindergarten Exemptions a. Any child who has not reached the age of six years by September 30 and whose parent or guardian notifies the School Board that they do not wish the child to attend school until the following year because the child, in the opinion of the parent or guardian, is not mentally, 78

physically, or emotionally prepared to attend school, may delay the child's attendance for one year. b. Any child who enrolls in kindergarten, and is later withdrawn, may be exempted from compulsory attendance until the following year with a recommendation from the principal, written consent by the parent or guardian and approval by the School Board.

2. Other Exemptions. Students who are subject to compulsory attendance requirements may be released or excused from attendance under certain conditions prescribed by the Code of Virginia § 22.1-254. a.

The student, together with their parents or legal guardians, have indicated that they have bona fide religious training or beliefs that are conscientiously opposed to attendance at school, “bona fide religious training or belief” does not include essentially political, sociological or philosophical views or a merely personal moral code,

b.

On the recommendation of the juvenile and domestic relations district court for such period of time as the court deems appropriate as prescribed by Virginia Code § 22.1254 (B) 2 and § 22.1-254 (D) 2, or

c.

The School Board may determine that the student cannot benefit from an education based on the recommendation of the Principal and Superintendent or designee and with written consent from the parent or legal guardian,

C. Procedure for Obtaining Release.

1. Parents, or legal guardians, who seek the release of their child from compulsory attendance shall do so in writing to the principal of the school the student attends, stating the reasons for their request. The principal shall forward the request to the Assistant Superintendent of the Department of Student Services, along with their recommendation 2. If the principal initiates the recommendations for release, they shall obtain the consent of the parents or legal guardians in writing and send their recommendation and the parents' consent to the Assistant Superintendent of the Department of Student Services. Such requests and recommendations shall be presented to the School Board at a regular meeting with the Division Superintendent’s recommendation.

Appendix B: Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults for Certain Crimes The following information has been developed by the Office of the Attorney General regarding the prosecution of juveniles as adults: Section 22.1--‐279.4 of the Code of Virginia provides: School boards shall provide information developed by the office of the Attorney General to students regarding laws governing the prosecution of juveniles as adults for the commission of certain crimes. Methods of providing such information may include, but not be limited to, public announcements in the schools, written notification to parents, publication in the student conduct manual, and inclusion in those materials distributed to parents pursuant to 22.1--‐279.3.

The following information in question and answer format provides the notice required by this section of the Code.

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Who is a juvenile?

Section 16.1-228 of the Code of Virginia defines a juvenile as “a person less than 18 years of age.”

Section 16.1-269.1 of the Code of Virginia permits juveniles, 14 years of age or older at the time of an alleged offense, to be prosecuted as adults for specific crimes under certain circumstances. This process is called a transfer to the appropriate circuit court for trial as an adult.

How is the age of the juvenile calculated?

Section 16.1-241 of the Code of Virginia provides that for the purpose of transferring a juvenile to the circuit court for trial as an adult, the child must have been age 14 or older at the time of the offense.

Under what circumstances does the law permit the transfer of juveniles for trial as adults?

The Code of Virginia permits the transfer of juveniles for trial as adults under three specific circumstances. Following is a description of each circumstance and the procedure that is followed in order to determine whether the student is transferred to the circuit court.

Circumstance #1: A transfer can occur when a juvenile, who is age 14 or older at the time of the offense, is charged with a crime that would be a felony if committed by an adult (§ 16.1-269.1 A. of the Code of Virginia).

Offenses are either felonies or misdemeanors. Those offenses that are punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility or death are felonies; all other offenses are misdemeanors. Felonies are classified for the purposes of punishment and sentencing into six classes. The authorized punishments for conviction of a felony are as follows: ●

● ● ● ● ●

Class 1 felony—death if the person convicted was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense and is not determined to have an intellectual disability and a fine of not more than $100,000. If the person was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense or is determined to have an intellectual disability, the punishment shall be imprisonment for life or imprisonment for life and a fine of not more than $100,000.

Class 2 felony—imprisonment for life or for any term not less than twenty years or imprisonment for life or for any term not less than twenty years and a fine of not more than $100,000.

Class 3 felony—a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than twenty years or a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than twenty years and a fine of not more than $100,000.

Class 4 felony—a term of imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than ten years or a term of imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than ten years and a fine of not more than $100,000.

Class 5 felony—a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than ten years, or at the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

Class 6 felony—a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both. (§§ 18.2-9 and 18.2-10 of the Code of Virginia)

In this circumstance, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office makes a formal request to the judge of the juvenile court for the juvenile to be transferred to the circuit court. The juvenile court holds a transfer hearing and may retain jurisdiction or transfer the juvenile to the appropriate circuit court for criminal proceedings. Any transfer to the circuit court is subject to the following conditions: (1) notice; (2) probable cause to believe that the juvenile committed the alleged delinquent act or a lesser included delinquent act; (3) the juvenile is competent to stand trial; and, (4) the juvenile is not a proper person to remain within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

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The decision regarding whether the juvenile is not a proper person to remain within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court is based upon, but not limited to, the following factors: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The juvenile’s age The seriousness and number of alleged offenses Whether the juvenile can be retained in the juvenile justice system long enough for effective treatment and rehabilitation The appropriateness and availability of the services and dispositional alternatives in both the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems needed by the juvenile The record and previous history of the juvenile in the jurisdiction where the alleged crime occurred or in other jurisdictions Whether the juvenile has escaped from a juvenile correctional entity in the past The extent, if any, of the juvenile’s degree of intellectual disability or mental illness The juvenile’s school record and education The juvenile’s mental and emotional maturity The juvenile’s physical condition and physical maturity

Circumstance #2: A transfer can occur when a juvenile 14 years of age or older is charged with an offense which would be a felony if committed by an adult. (§ 16.1-269.1 C of the Code of Virginia) In this circumstance, transfer is requested at the discretion of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. If the Commonwealth’s Attorney wishes to transfer the juvenile for trial as an adult, the juvenile court holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the juvenile committed the alleged delinquent act. Upon a finding of probable cause, the juvenile is transferred for prosecution as an adult. (§ 16.1-269.1 C of the Code of Virginia) Circumstance #3: A transfer occurs when a juvenile 14 years of age or older at the time of the alleged offense is charged with capital murder, first or second-degree murder, lynching, or aggravated malicious wounding. (§ 16.1-269.1 B of the Code of Virginia) Whenever a juvenile 14 years of age or older is charged with aggravated murder, first or seconddegree murder, lynching or aggravated malicious wounding, the juvenile court holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the juvenile committed the alleged delinquent act. Upon a finding of probable cause, the juvenile may be transferred for prosecution as an adult. (§ 16.1-269.1 B of the Code of Virginia) If a juvenile is transferred for prosecution as an adult on one offense, what happens if he or she has also been charged with other offenses?

If any one charge is transferred, all other charges of delinquency arising out of the same act will be transferred. (§ 16.1-269.6 of the Code of Virginia) Does the transfer impact subsequent alleged criminal offenses?

Yes. Once a juvenile is convicted of a crime as an adult in circuit court, all subsequent alleged criminal offenses of whatever nature, will be treated as adult offenses and no transfer hearing will be required. (§ 16.1-269.6 of the Code of Virginia) What happens when an adult is sentenced for a crime he or she committed as a juvenile?

When the juvenile court sentences an adult who has committed, before attaining the age of 18, an offense which would be a crime if committed by an adult, the court may impose a penalty up to a maximum of 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. (§ 16.1-284 of the Code of Virginia)

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What can happen if a juvenile is tried as an adult?

There are significant differences between a juvenile being tried as a juvenile and a juvenile being tried in the circuit court as an adult. In the juvenile system, a juvenile is given added protections because of his or her youth. First, records pertaining to the charge and adjudication of delinquency are confidential and may not be available to the public unless the crime was a felony. Second, if the adjudication is for a misdemeanor, the juvenile court record is expunged when the juvenile reaches the age of majority and is considered an adult. Third, a juvenile who is adjudicated delinquent remains in the juvenile system where a judge has discretion in the determination of the punishment or consequences to be imposed. In the juvenile system, the emphasis is on treatment and education.

In contrast, if a juvenile is prosecuted as an adult, the issues and information related to the charge and the conviction of a crime are part of the public record. Because the information becomes an adult criminal record, it is not expunged when the juvenile reaches the age of 18. Additionally, the judge does not have the same discretion in sentencing. The judge in circuit court must impose at least the mandatory minimum sentence that is prescribed in sentencing guidelines. The circuit court does have the discretionary power to commit the juvenile to the juvenile system even if prosecuted as an adult.

Appendix C: Emergency Terminology (See Policy 3070, Safety- and Emergency-Related Communications.)

Evacuate - “Evacuate” is used to describe situations where the building has become uninhabitable and must be evacuated. A fire or chemical spill are just two examples. During an evacuation, all occupants will relocate to a predetermined location outside of the school. Once at that location, a decision will be made by school administration in consultation with law enforcement on a potential evacuation to a secondary location further from the source of the problem.

Secure the Building - "Secure the Building” is used to prevent unauthorized entry if a potential threat is in the vicinity of the school. A police foot pursuit in the area of the school, a wild animal on campus, or criminal activity (e.g., an armed robbery) in geographical proximity to a school building are just three examples. Outside activities are canceled, and anyone outside at activation is instructed to move inside; all exterior doors are secured while staff and students are free to move about inside the school. All visitors and deliveries are initially turned away during this scenario, and arrivals or dismissals would also be delayed if warranted.

Lockdown - “Lockdown” is used to describe enhanced security measures taken to protect against potentially violent intruders that may be inside the school or on the school campus. The response secures students and staff, usually in classrooms, to prevent access or harm to the occupants of the school. This may also involve quickly moving students and staff from unsecured locations to secure locations or outside and away from the threat.

Shelter in Place - “Shelter in Place” is used to temporarily shelter people from a hazardous outdoor atmosphere, such as extreme weather or a chemical, biological, or radiological incident. During this scenario, all exterior doors should be locked, and measures may be taken to shut down the intake of outside air, if warranted. No one is allowed to enter the school until public safety officials or the affected principal declares the area clear.

Hold - “Hold” is used to temporarily halt all movement inside a school. This is done to further evaluate a potential issue such as a medical situation in a hallway.

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VDOE Student Behavior and Administrative Responses (SBAR) and LCPS Description Category A: Behaviors that Impede Academic Progress (BAP). These behaviors impede academic progress of the student or of students. They are typically indicative of the student’s lack of self-management or self-awareness. Sometimes, the student may need help in understanding how the behavior impacts others so training in social awareness may also be indicated.

2025-2026 VDOE SBAR State Code and LCPS Description

LCPS Division Response Level 1

BAP1: Interfering with learning in the classroom

Elementary Secondary

LCPS Division Response Level 2 Elementary Secondary

BAP2:Interfering with learning outside of the classroom

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BAP3: Scholastic dishonesty

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BAP4: Unexcused tardiness to class

Elementary Secondary

BAP5: Unexcused tardiness to school

Elementary Secondary

LCPS Division Response Level 3

LCPS Division Response Level 4

LCPS Division Response Level 5

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Category B: Behaviors Related to School Operations (BSO). These behaviors interfere with the daily operation of school procedures. Students exhibiting these behaviors may need to develop self-management, self-awareness, or social awareness skills.

2025-2026 VDOE SBAR State Code and LCPS Description BSO1: Altering an official document or record

LCPS Division Response Level 1

LCPS Division Response Level 2

LCPS Division Response Level 3

LCPS Division Response Level 4

LCPS Division Response Level 5

Elementary Elementary Secondary Secondary

BSO2: Giving false information, misrepresentation

Elementary Secondary

BSO3: Defiance interfering w/school operations

Elementary Elementary Elementary Secondary Secondary Secondary

Elementary Elementary Secondary Secondary

BESO4: Striking staff: no injury Elementary Elementary Secondary Secondary

BSO5: Failure to attend assigned disciplinary setting

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSO6: Bringing / allowing unauthorized persons in school

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSO7: Dress Code Violation

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary

Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

BSO8: Gambling

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BSO9: Possessing items inappropriate for school

Elementary Secondary

BSO10: Possession of stolen items

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSO11: Unauthorized use of electronics

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

Secondary

BSO12: Violation of acceptable use-tech/internet policy

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

BSO13: Unacceptable cellphone use

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary BSO14: Damage to school or personal property

Elementary Secondary

BSO15: Student not going to class as assigned

Elementary Secondary

BSO16: Student in unauthorized area of campus

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary Elementary Secondary

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Category C: Relationship Behaviors (RB). These behaviors create a negative relationship between two or more people that does not result in physical harm. Relationship behaviors affect the whole school community in that the school climate is often a reflection of how people treat one another. Students who exhibit difficulty with relationship behaviors may also have difficulty with the other social-emotional competencies.

2025-2026 VDOE LCPS Division LCPS Division LCPS Division LCPS Division LCPS Division SBAR State Code and Response Response Response Response Response LCPS Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 RB1: Bullying with no physical injury

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

RB3: Possessing / Elementary distributing inappropriate material

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

RB4: Communicating remarks of sexual nature

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

RB7: Elementary Teasing/Taunting/Incit Secondary ing Fight

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

RB8: Using profane or vulgar language or gestures

Elementary Secondary

RB2: Cyberbullying

RB5: Stealing money or property w/o physical force RB6: Speaking in a disrespectful manner

Secondary

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

Secondary

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RB9: Using slurs based Elementary on a protected class

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary RB11: Unwanted or inappropriate physical Secondary contact

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

RB10: Failure to respond to requests by staff

Elementary Secondary

Category D: Behaviors that Present a Safety Concern (BSC). These behaviors create unsafe conditions for students, staff, and visitors to the school. The underlying reasons for this type of behavior may lie in any of the social- emotional competencies so the administrator should investigate the underlying motivation for the student’s behavior. Training in social awareness and decision-making are usually indicated in any behavior that creates a safety concern.

2025-2026 VDOE SBAR State Code and LCPS Description

LCPS Division Response Level 1

LCPS Division Response Level 2

LCPS Division Response Level 3

LCPS Division Response Level 4

BSC1: Alcohol: possessing, using or under the influence

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC2: Alcohol distribution

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC5: Tobacco / e-cig/vape violation

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC6: Bullying after intervention, no injury

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC3: Drugs: possessing drug paraphernalia

BSC4: OTC or look-alike drug violation

Elementary Secondary

LCPS Division Response Level 5

Elementary Secondary

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BSC7: Cyberbullying after intervention

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC8: Harassment based on a protected class

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC9: Bus: Distracting Elementary the bus driver Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC10: Bus: Elementary Endangering safety of Secondary others

Elementary Secondary

BSC11: Fire alarm: falsely activating

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

BSC12: Possessing items used to set/cause fire/smoke

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC13: Reckless behavior endangering others/self

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC14: Fighting that results in no injury

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC15: Inciting disturbance to school/staff/student

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC17: Shove / push / Elementary strike / bite - no visible injury

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC18: Exposing body Elementary parts or indecent behavior

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BSC16: Throwing an object

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

Elementary Secondary

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BSC19: Physical contact of a sexual nature

Elementary

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary BSC21: Stalking Elementary

BSC22: Stealing money/property using physical force

Secondary Elementary Secondary

BSC24: Leaving school Elementary w/o permission Secondary

BSC25: Trespassing

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

BSC26: Possessing dangerous item that could inflict harm

Elementary Secondary

BSC27: Weapons: possession

Elementary Secondary

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Category E: Behaviors that Endanger Self or Others (BESO). These behaviors endanger the health, safety, or welfare of either the student or others in the school community. Behaviors that rise to this level of severity are often complex. While they are indicative of poor decision-making skills, students who exhibit these behaviors may also have developmental needs in the other social-emotional competencies.

2025-2026 VDOE LCPS Division LCPS LCPS Division LCPS Division LCPS Division SBAR State Code and Response Division Response Response Response LCPS Description Level 1 Response Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 2 BESO1: Assault: intending to cause injury to another

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BESO2: Assault/Battery: Causing injury to another

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BESO3: Fighting b/w students with minor injury

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Secondary

BESO5: Drugs: possession

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BESO6: Drugs: under the influence

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BESO7: Drugs: using controlled/Rx/illegal substances

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

BESO4: Striking staff: no intent to injure

BESO9: Fire: attempting/setting a fire

BESO10: Gang: engaging in gang related behavior

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary

90

BESO11: Hazing BESO12: Threat/intimidation staff

BESO13: Threat / intimidation - student

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary

Elementary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

- not written threats BESO14: Threat/intimidation student - written threat

BESO15: Threaten/attempt to injure staff -

Elementary

Elementary

w/non-weapon BESO16: Threaten/attempt to injure student - w/ non-weapon Elementary BESO17: Bomb threat BESO18: Crime in the Community

91

Category F: Persistently Dangerous Behaviors (PD). Behaviors described in the Virginia’s Unsafe School Choice Option Policy required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.

2025-2026 VDOE LCPS Division LCPS LCPS Division LCPS Division LCPS Division Response Division Response Response Response SBAR State Code and LCPS Description Level 1 Response Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 2 Sub-Category I PD1: Homicide w/ firearm

Elementary Secondary

PD2: Homicide w/ other weapon

Elementary Secondary

PD3: Sexual assault PD4: Attempted sexual assault

PD5: Use of a bomb

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary

Sub-Category II

PD6: Assault w/ firearm or weapon

Elementary Secondary

PD7: Actual/Attempted robbery with weapon

Elementary Secondary

PD8: Kidnapping/Abduction

Elementary Secondary

PD9: Malicious wounding w/o a weapon

Elementary Secondary

PD10: Aggravated sexual battery student

Elementary Secondary

92

Sub-Category III

PD11: Illegal possession of handgun

Elementary Secondary

PD12: Illegal possession of rifle/shotgun

Elementary Secondary

PD13: Illegal possession of other projectile weapon

Elementary Secondary

PD14: Illegal possession of bomb

Elementary Secondary

PD15: Illegal possession of other firearms

Elementary Secondary

PD16: Illegal possession of drugs w/ intent to distribute/sell

Elementary Secondary

Elementary Secondary

93