2025-2025 SY Student Conduct Video
Statement of Purpose
These are the Standards of Student Conduct (“Standards”) as adopted by the School Board of Goochland County Public Schools. The Board is committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for all of our students and employees. These standards are established with that in mind as well as helping ensure that public education in Goochland County is conducted in an atmosphere free of disruption and threat, where people and property are respected, where individual rights are supported, and where effective teaching and learning can take place.
Parental Involvement
Success in this effort is not possible without parental involvement. Accordingly, parents are reminded that Virginia law expressly states that parents have a duty to assist the schools in enforcing these Standards. Va. Code § 22.1-279.3. For a more comprehensive statement on roles and responsibilities of parties on the subject of Student Conduct, please see School Board Policy JFC Student Conduct.
Definitions
The following definitions are applicable to all policies and regulations in the Goochland School Board Policy Manual Section J.
“Assault” includes any physical confrontation that may result in no injury, minor injury, or serious injury that includes, but may not be limited to, kicking, shoving, pushing, hitting and fighting. An assault is also a threat of bodily injury.
“Battery” is the unlawful application of force to the person of another. A battery is also any bodily injury, however slight, done to another in an angry, rude or vengeful manner.
"Bullying" means 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. The School Board further clarifies that expression, whether oral, written, or electronic, is included within the definition of “bullying” only to the extent that (1) such expression is lewd, indecent, obscene, advocating for illegal conduct, intended to incite an immediate breach of peace, or the severe and pervasive use of threatening words that inflict injury; or (2) school administrators or officials reasonably believe that such expression will cause an actual, material disruption of school.
“Cyberbullying” is defined as willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior per Va. Code §§ 18.2-152.7:1 and 18.2-427.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
Social media
Text messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards
Online gaming communities
“Hazing” means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily harm on a student or students 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 or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.
“School Premises” means any building, structure, athletic field, sports stadium or other real property owned, operated, leased or rented by the Board or one of its schools, including, but not limited to, any kindergarten, elementary, secondary, or vocational-technical school.
“School-Sponsored Functions or Activities” means a field trip, sporting event, distance learning, or any other function or activity that is officially sponsored by the Board or one of its schools.
“School-Sponsored Transportation” means a motor vehicle owned, operated, leased, rented or subcontracted by the Board or one of its schools, and where such interpretation is permitted and the context so applies, this also means while waiting for a school bus or in the area immediately after being discharged from a school bus.
General Statement on Consequences
Consequences shall be determined on the basis of the facts presented in each instance of misconduct in the reasonable discretion of the Board, its designated committees and other appropriate school officials.
Standards
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the following standards are applicable to students while on school premises, at school-sponsored functions or activities, or on school-sponsored transportation.
Acceptable Use of Technology
Students shall abide by Policy IIBEA/GAB Acceptable Computer System Use.
Attendance/Truancy
Students shall attend school on a regular and punctual basis unless otherwise excused in accordance with Policy JED Student Absences/Excuses/Dismissals/Truancy Procedures.
If a student who is under 18 years of age has 10 or more unexcused absences from school on consecutive school days, a school official may notify the juvenile and domestic relations court, which may take action to suspend the student’s driver’s license.
Bomb Threats
Students shall not engage in any illegal conduct involving firebombs, explosive or incendiary materials or devices or hoax explosive devices or chemical bombs as defined in the Code of Virginia. Moreover, students shall not make any threats or false threats to bomb school personnel or school property.
Cheating
Students shall not cheat, plagiarize or knowingly make false statements with respect to any assigned school-work or tests.
Defiance of the Authority of School Personnel
Students shall comply with any oral or written instructions made by school personnel within the scope of their authority as provided by board policies and regulations.
Disruptive Conduct, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Profane or Obscene Language, Threats, Vandalism, etc.
The Board finds that any disruptive or violent behavior is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment; therefore, while on school premises, in school-sponsored functions or activities, or on school-sponsored transportation:
Students are entitled to a learning environment free of unnecessary disruption. Any display or physical or verbal disturbance that interrupts or interferes with teaching and orderly conduct of school-sponsored functions or activities is prohibited.
Students shall not use vulgar, profane, discriminatory, or obscene language or gestures or engage in conduct that is vulgar, profane, obscene, discriminatory, or disrupts the teaching and learning environment;
Students shall not make any verbal, written, or physical threat of bodily injury or use of force directed toward another person. Students shall not use electronic technology or communication devices, such as the Internet or cell phones, to intimidate or threaten for any reason.
Students shall not assault or commit battery upon another person on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation or during school-sponsored functions or activities on or off school property. Voluntary fighting resulting in physical injury, no matter how minor, to another person shall be prohibited and referred to law enforcement. Exchanging mutual physical contact between two or more persons by pushing, shoving or hitting with or without injury is prohibited.
Students shall not bet money or other things of value, or knowingly play or participate in any game involving such a bet, on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation or during any school-sponsored functions or activities.
Students shall not willfully or maliciously damage or deface any school premises, school buildings or other property owned or under the control of the School Board or property belonging to others.
Students shall not intentionally take or attempt to take the personal property of another person by force, fear or other means. No student may obtain or attempt to obtain anything of value from another by using a threat of any kind.
Students shall not trespass on school property or use school facilities without proper authority or permission, or during a period of suspension or expulsion.
Students shall not engage in nor participate in bullying of another student or students.
Reporting of Bullying
a. Any student who believes he or she has been or is currently the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the school principal or assistant principal. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate school administrator.
b. Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above.
c. All complaints about bullying behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated.
d. If the investigation finds an instance of bullying behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate disciplinary action. This may include up to expulsion. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
e. The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action has been taken.
f. The principal or principal's designee notifies the parent of any student involved in an alleged incident of bullying within 24 hours of learning of the allegation.
g. Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying. Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.
h. Interpretation of Bully Prevention Policy. This policy shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students, and is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that such expression does not cause an actual, material disruption of the work of the school.
Electronic Cigarettes
Students shall not possess electronic cigarettes on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation or at school-sponsored functions or activities.
Felony Charges
Students charged with any offense, regardless of whether it is state, federal, or local law, wherever committed, that would be a felony if committed by an adult may be disciplined and/or required to participate in prevention/ intervention activities.
Gang Activity
A student shall not engage in gang activities as defined in Policy JFCE Gang Activity or Association.
Harassment
A student shall not harass another student or any school employee, volunteer, student teacher or any other person present in school facilities or at school functions in violation of Policy JFHA/GBA Prohibition Against Harassment and Retaliation.
Hazing
Students shall not engage in hazing. Students and parents are notified that the principal of any school at which hazing which causes bodily injury occurs shall report the hazing to the local Commonwealth Attorney.
Laser Pointers
Students shall not have in their possession laser pointers.
Possession of Cellular Telephones, Tablets, or Other Mobile Devices
Students may possess a personal cellular telephone, tablet, or another mobile device on school premises, school-sponsored activities, and school transportation; however, to protect the health and safety of our students while preserving instructional time, use of such devices is prohibited during the school day.
Students in grades PK-5: Devices must be off and put away for the duration of the school day. Wearable devices are not permitted to be used for communication during the school day.
Students in grades 6-12: Devices will be stored at the beginning of the school day and retrieved upon dismissal. Wearable devices must be silenced and are not permitted to be used for communication during all instructional periods.
Parents/Guardians, IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team members, or other persons with knowledge of students who require access to personally owned devices as an accommodation shall make requests for such accommodations through their respective IEP team.
If a student possesses such a device other than as permitted in this regulation, disciplinary sanctions may be imposed to include confiscation. Devices must be used in accordance with Policy IIBEA/GAB Acceptable Computer System Use and its regulation IIBEA-R/GAB-R Technology Use Guidelines.
The division is not liable for devices brought to school or school activities.
Possession, use, being under the influence, and/or distribution of Alcohol, Nicotine Vapor Products, Tobacco, Anabolic Steroids, and Other Drugs
Possession, use, being under the influence, and/or distribution of any restricted substance on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity, or on school-sponsored transportation is prohibited.
Except as provided in Policy JHCD Administering Medicines to Students, a student shall not possess, use, be under the influence of, distribute, or manufacture illegal drugs, a controlled substance, imitation controlled substance or marijuana, as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-247, on school premises, during school-sponsored activities, and on school-sponsored transportation.
A student shall not be under the influence of any of the restricted substances listed below on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation or during school-sponsored functions or activities, on or off school property.
Restricted substances include but are not limited to alcohol, tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, and inhalant products, and other controlled substances defined in The Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, such as anabolic steroids, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, marijuana, imitation and look-alike drugs, drug paraphernalia and any prescription or non-prescription drug possessed in violation of School Board policy.
The School Board may require any student who has been found in possession of, or under the influence of, drugs, tobacco, nicotine vapor products, or alcohol in violation of School Board policy to undergo evaluation for drug or alcohol abuse, or both, and, if recommended by the evaluator and with the consent of the student's parent, to participate in a treatment program. Referrals to resources to help students overcome tobacco addictions may be provided to those who are found to be in violation of this policy.
A student who is a member of a school athletic team may incur consequences in addition to any other disciplinary action which may result, if the school principal and the division Superintendent determine that the student used anabolic steroids during the training period immediately preceding or during the sport season of the athletic team, unless such steroid was prescribed by a licensed physician for a medical condition.
Possession or Use of Weapons or Other Dangerous Articles
A student may not possess or use any weapon or dangerous article as defined in Policy JFCD Weapons in School.
Reports of Conviction or Adjudication of Delinquency
Any student for whom the Superintendent has received a report pursuant to Va. Code § 16.1-305.1 of an adjudication of delinquency or a conviction for an offense listed in subsection G of Va. Code § 16.1-260 may be suspended or expelled.
Stalking
Students shall not engage in a pattern of behavior that places another person in fear of serious harm.
Student Dress
The responsibility for student dress and general appearance rests with individual students and parents. However, the Board requires students to attend school in appropriate dress that meets health and safety standards and does not interfere with the learning process.
Appropriate school dress has a positive impact on student behavior and increases the esteem in which students and the Goochland community regard the school. Students have the responsibility to use discretion and common sense in their choice of clothing. Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for school, weather, and anticipated classroom activities for the day.
Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable. Clothing and accessories with language or images that are vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene, or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia or clothing that contains threats such as gang symbols is prohibited. In addition:
Clothing worn on the upper half of the body must have shoulder straps, covers areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, and must be long enough to meet clothing worn on the bottom half of the body;
Clothing worn on the lower half of the body must cover the buttocks;
See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of the dress code; and
Unless required for religious or medical purposes and with the exception of school spirit days, head coverings are prohibited inside school buildings during the school day.
Consistent with School Board policies JFHA/GBA Prohibition of Harassment and Retaliation and JB Equal Educational Opportunities/Nondiscrimination, clothing and accessories that contain derogatory or suggestive diagrams, pictures, slogans, or words that may be interpreted as racially, religiously, ethnically, or sexually divisive that cause or are likely to cause a disruption within the school environment are also prohibited.
Additionally, disciplinary action will be taken against any student taking part in gang-related activities that are disruptive to the school environment, which include the display of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, tattoo, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior.
Parents of students requiring accommodation for religious beliefs, disabilities, or other reasons should contact the principal.
Students not complying with this policy will be asked to cover the noncompliant clothing, change clothes, or go home.
Students must comply with specific building dress regulations of which students will be given prior notice in the school handbook.
Other Conduct
In addition to these specific standards, students shall not engage in any conduct that materially and substantially disrupts the educational process.
Corrective Actions
Corrective actions per regulations JFC-R1 Conduct Code Violations and Consequences and JFC-R2 Specific Conduct Code Violations and Consequences are among those available to the school administration for violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The facts and circumstances of each offense are considered fully in determining reasonable corrective actions.