Discipline

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES/ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

The following information is a condensation of rules and policies concerning student conduct. Any student who violates these policies/ rules shall be subject to discipline up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. 

1. Threats – Students are expected to use words and actions that help create a safe and respectful learning environment. Any statement, gesture, written message, or action that threatens to harm another person or disrupt the school environment is prohibited. This includes bullying, intimidation, blackmail, extortion, or making threatening comments. Students may not make threats including handguns, or use phrases such as "kill you" or "shoot", even if they are intended as jokes or not meant to be taken seriously. All threats will be taken seriously and addressed according to the Cabarrus County Schools Student Code of Conduct.

2. Bomb threats – No student shall give or cause to be given, or advise or aid another person in giving a false statement that there is located in the building or other structure or car or any device designed to destroy or damage the building, structure, or car by explosion, blasting. Any student who becomes aware that another student or other person intends to use a bomb, make a bomb threat or perpetrate a bomb hoax must notify a teacher or the principal immediately.

3. Weapons – No student shall possess, handle or use or transmit any weapon, or any instrument that reasonably looks like a weapon or could be used as a weapon. Weapons include, but are not limited to, any gun, knife, explosive, slingshot, leaded cane, blackjack, metal knuckles, BB gun, air rifle or air pistol, stun gun or other electric shock weapon, ice pick, razor or razor blade, fireworks, laser pointers, mace, pepper spray, or any sharp pointed object. A person who finds a weapon, or witnesses another student or other persons with such items must notify a teacher or the principal immediately. 

4. Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Alcoholic Beverages – No student shall manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use any alcoholic beverage or any narcotic drug, caffeine or diet pills, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana or any other controlled substance. No student shall manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess a counterfeit or “look-alike” version of any of the above substances. No student shall be under the influence of any of the above substances or any other controlled substance that the student did not lawfully obtain. No student shall use, manufacture, distribute, or possess drug paraphernalia. No student shall transmit or sell prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs or substances. 

5. Tobacco – No student shall possess, distribute, display, or use any tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia, including but not limited to pipes, rolling papers, matches and lighters.

6. Disruptive Actions – No student shall participate, engage or encourage any activity that interferes with or disrupts the educational process. 

7. Fighting – No student shall intentionally hit, shove, scratch, bite, block the passage of, or throw objects at another person. No student shall take any action or make any comments or written messages intended to cause another person to fight or which might reasonably be expected to result in a fight. A student who is physically attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense, but only to the extent necessary to free himself or herself from the attack and notify school authorities or other adults. A student who exceeds this reasonable force may be disciplined, even though he or she may not have provoked the fight. 

8. Sexual Harassment – No student shall engage in any form of sexual harassment and harassment based   on gender.

9. Theft – No student shall take property belonging to another person. 

10.  School Bus Misconduct – Students are expected to follow all bus safety rules and the directions of the bus driver while riding the school bus. Behaviors that disrupt the safe operation of the bus—including delaying the route, distracting the driver, damaging the bus, or getting off at an unauthorized stop—are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action or the loss of bus privileges.

GREENBLATT ACT

Cabarrus County Schools will follow the requirements of the Deborah Greenblatt Act (House bill 1032) ratified July 14th, 2006 and to take effect July 1, 2006. The complete Greenblatt Act is posted on the Cabarrus County Schools website. This Act addresses the permissible uses of seclusion and restraint in public schools. It is required as part of school board policy and as a part of the Safe Schools Plan. The Act contains a provision for training school personnel in the management of disruptive and dangerous student behavior. It includes a parent notification component.