Code of Conduct, Behavioral Expectations, and Student Discipline

Student Behavior and Code of Conduct

The Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework at OHVA integrates student behavior expectations, CharacterStrong, school culture and initiatives like Hope & Kindness. PBIS provides an ideal framework for promoting social-emotional competencies to improve outcomes for the whole child. To foster positive behavior and provide social emotional learning opportunities, students may earn rewards and recognition for their positive behavior and engagement in CharacterStrong activities in online Live Class sessions and events.

The school theme of “We ARE OHVA, A = Accountable, R = Respectful, E = Engaged” applies to all students, staff and families. OHVA believes that the school environment should be one that ensures the care, safety, and welfare of all students and staff members. For more information refer to the Student Code of Conduct section in the handbook.

Discipline Code

As an OHVA student, you are subject to the rules and restrictions implemented by OHVA and the Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Guidelines. Prior to the start date for each school year in which you are registered, you must read the Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Guidelines and agree to abide by its terms.

This Student Code of Conduct describes the policies and guidelines for proper student behavior and exists to ensure that all OHVA students are aware of and understand their responsibilities when accessing and using OHVA resources.

OHVA reserves the right to update or alter this agreement at any time. Such revisions may substantially alter access to OHVA instructional computing resources. OHVA instructional computing resources include any computer, software, or transmission system that is owned, operated, or leased by OHVA.

As a student enrolled in OHVA, you should be aware of the following guidelines and expectations. Any activity that is not listed here, which violates local, state, or federal laws, is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Guidelines.

Failure to follow these guidelines could result in:

Removal of your access to OHVA instructional computing resources, which could result in your inability to complete learning activities
Your removal from the course
Involvement with law enforcement agencies and possible legal action

Student Conduct

Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as general provisions of law affecting students. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community.

Respect for real and personal property; pride in one's work; achievement within the range of one's ability; and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, and honesty shall be maintained in OHVA.

Students may be subject to discipline for violation of the Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code even if that conduct occurs on property not owned or controlled by the school but that is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the school, or conduct that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a student, school administrator or employee, or the property of such student, school administrator or employee.

Appendlix M: Seclusion and Restraint Policy

Accountability

Logging into a live class session with a name other than your own is not permitted.
Use only your own user name and password, and do not share these with anyone.
Posting anonymous messages is not permitted unless authorized by the course’s online teacher.
Impersonating another person is also strictly prohibited.
Do not interfere with other users’ ability to access OHVA or disclose anyone’s password to others or allow them to use another user’s account. You are responsible for all activity that is associated with your username and password.
Do change your password(s) frequently; at least once per semester or course is encouraged.
Do not publicly post your personal contact information (address and phone number) or anyone else’s.
Do not publicly post any messages that were privately sent to you.
Do not download, transmit or post material that is intended for personal gain or profit, non- OHVA commercial activities, non-OHVA product advertising, or political lobbying on an OHVA owned instructional computing resource.
Do not visit any inappropriate websites or any websites unrelated to school tasks.
Do not use OHVA instructional computing resources to sell or purchase any illegal items or substances.
Do not upload or post any software on OHVA instructional computing resources that are not specifically required and approved for your assignments.
Do not post any MP3 files, compressed video, or other non-instructional files to any OHVA server.

Inappropriate Behavior Includes:

- - Insults or attacks of any kind against another person, including students, staff, or administrators.
  - Use of obscene, degrading, or profane language.
  - Harassment (continually posting unwelcome messages to another person) or use of threats
  - Posting material that is obscene or defamatory or which is intended to annoy, harass or intimidate another person. This includes distributing “spam” mail, chain e-mail, viruses, or other intentionally destructive content or cyberbullying.
  - Using school equipment for purposes other than what it is intended for.

Please note that this behavior can be addressed whether occurring during typical school hours or after due to the nature of our school day.

School provided computers will come equipped with filtering software to protect students and families from inappropriate content being accessed on them. This software is standard on all newly issued machines and is being remotely installed on equipment already at use in student homes. It is suggested that parents/guardians reach out to their internet providers to request additional blocks or filtering be placed on their home network. Families may also access help.k12.com for additional information on how to block websites from the browser.

Use of Tobacco

Ohio Virtual Academy and its Board of Trustees is committed to providing students, staff and visitors with an indoor tobacco and smoke-free environment. The negative health effects of tobacco use for both users and non-users, particularly in connection with secondhand smoke, are well established. Further, providing an indoor non-smoking and tobacco-free environment is consistent with the role-modeling responsibilities of teachers and staff to our students.

For purposes of this policy, “use of tobacco” shall mean all uses of tobacco, including a cigar, cigarette, pipe, chewing tobacco, snuff, or any other matter or substances that contain tobacco, as well as electronic, “vapor,” or other substitute forms of cigarettes. Additionally, “use of betel nuts” shall mean any and all use, possession, consumption or chewing of the areca nut (commonly known as the betel nut) or substances containing the areca nut. Papers used to roll cigarettes and smoking clove cigarettes or other substances are also prohibited.

The term “tobacco” includes any produce that contains tobacco, is derived from tobacco, contains nicotine, or e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices, but does not include any cessation product approved by the USDA for use as a medical treatment to reduce to eliminate nicotine or tobacco dependence.

In order to protect students and staff who choose not to use tobacco from an environment noxious to them, OHVA prohibits the possession, consumption, purchase or attempt to purchase, and/or use of tobacco products on school premises, in vehicles used for school purposes, within any indoor facility owned or leased or contracted for by the school, and used to provide education or library services to children, and at all school-sponsored events.

OHVA cannot, even by indirection, condone the use of tobacco or the use of betel nuts. As such, OHVA prohibits the use of tobacco or betel nuts on school property and any school-related event.

Drug Free Schools

In accordance with Federal Law, the Ohio Virtual Academy prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of drugs by students on school grounds, in school or school-approved vehicles, or at any school-related activity. Drugs include any alcoholic beverage, anabolic steroid, and dangerous controlled substance as defined by State statute or substance that could be considered a "look-a-like" controlled substance. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students. Any student who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with due process and as specified in the student handbooks, up to and including expulsion from school. When required by State law, OHVA will also notify law enforcement officials. OHVA is concerned about any student who is a victim of alcohol or drug abuse and will facilitate the process by which they receive help through programs and services available in their local community. Students and their parents should contact the school Principal or counseling office whenever such help is needed.

Harrassment reporting

If you are being harassed within the school environment (email, Live Class, school outings, including testing), it is important to report it immediately to your teacher. Harassment comes in many forms including:

spam (unsolicited e-mails not pertaining to the course)
threatening communications
offensive communications or any other kind of communication that makes you feel uncomfortable

The Ohio Virtual Academy will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of the parties involved in a harassment investigation. Confidentiality, however, cannot be guaranteed.

The School administrators reserve the right to investigate and resolve a complaint or report of unlawful harassment regardless of whether the member of the OHVA school community or third party alleging the harassment pursues the complaint.

Student Internet Safety

Do not reveal on the internet personal information about yourself or other persons. For example, you:

Should not reveal your name, home address, telephone number, or display photographs of yourself or others to persons outside of the OHVA.
Should not agree to meet in person anyone you have met only on the internet and who is not affiliated with the Ohio Virtual Academy.
OHVA provides parents, students and teachers with a yearly internet safety presentation and encourages all to attend. For more information, refer to the OHVA Internet Safety Policy.

Network Etiquette

As an OHVA student, you are expected to follow the rules of network etiquette or netiquette. The word "netiquette" refers to common-sense guidelines for conversing with others online. Please abide by these standards:

Avoid sarcasm, jargon, and slang. Swear words are unacceptable.
Never use derogatory comments, including those regarding race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, political persuasion, body type, physical or mental health, or access issues.
Focus your responses on the questions or issues being discussed, not on the individuals involved.
Be constructive with your criticism, not hurtful.
Review your messages before sending them. Remove easily misinterpreted language and proofread for typos.
Respect other people’s privacy. Don't broadcast online discussions, and never reveal other people's email addresses.

Use of Copyrighted Materials

All materials in the courses are copyrighted and provided for use exclusively by enrolled OHVA students. Enrolled students may print or photocopy material from the website for their own use but distribution to others is prohibited unless expressly noted. Unauthorized copying or distribution may result in revoked access to course(s).

Users shall not upload, download, transmit or post copyrighted software or copyrighted materials, materials protected by trade secrets or other protections using OHVA computer resources. This includes copyrighted graphics of cartoon characters or other materials that you found that may appear to be non- copyright protected.

Academic Integrity

All work submitted by a student is assumed to have been completed by the student. Students are responsible for observing the standards on plagiarism and properly crediting all sources relied on in the composition of their work. Failure to abide by these standards will be reported to the appropriate administrative authorities and may result in loss of credit and revoked access to course(s), including suspension and possible expulsion for repeated occurrences.

Unless otherwise instructed by your teacher or by a specific assessment, you are expected to honor the following principles while taking assessments:

• You and you alone will take the assessment.

• You will not copy or redistribute any part of the assessment in any way—electronically, verbally, or on paper.

• You will treat the assessment as "closed book"—meaning that you may not use any textbooks, references, or other materials (printed or electronic) during the assessment—unless your teacher or the specific assessment otherwise instructs (for example, you are specifically told to refer to certain pages in a book as part of the assessment).

• You will treat the assessment as "single browser"—meaning that during the assessment you may not log in a second time to your course or open your course or related materials on another browser on another computer.

• Your answers will represent your work and only your work, free of any outside assistance. You will not plagiarize in any way.

• You will not confer with other students, family members, or acquaintances, either in person or through electronic communication, during the assessment.

Middle and High School Students failing to abide by these standards could receive a zero for the assignment, the unit, or could fail the course entirely. Failing the course will impact the student cumulative GPA. The course may not be available for grade replacement. These decisions will be made by the grade level principal.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of submitting someone else’s work as your own original, creative production. Plagiarism is a serious academic violation and the following will be the general consequences:

1st Offense:
- Expected to redo the assignment and parent will be informed. Student will redo assignment and receive a 25% reduction in grade.
2nd Offense:
- Students will redo the assignment with 50% credit. Parent/Guardian will be contacted.
3nd Offense:
- The student will receive no credit for assignment (receive a zero).
4th Offense:
- Principal will decide on the consequence that the student will receive.

*Principals have the right to adjust or modify the consequences above at their discretion after reviewing the details of the offense.

Examples of Plagiarism

• Passing off someone else’s work as your own.

• Taking credit for something that is not your work

• Not citing sources when using direct language from someone else’s work—includes website information

• Paraphrasing information without citing a source

• Exchanging class information with other students, such as copying tests or homework

• Putting your name on group work that you did not participate in

The use of Artificial Intelligence “chatbots” (i.e. ChatGPT) within the classroom setting and assignments can fall under the school plagiarism policy when used outside of classroom teacher specifications. At the same time, OHVA recognizes artificial intelligence as a tool that continues to change the educational landscape. To that end, OHVA will attempt to help students understand acceptable use of these tools of artificial intelligence tools through classroom academic integrity lessons.

Source Citation

Citation is course specific and must be followed as prescribed by the classroom teacher. Do not quote or paraphrase a source without giving due credit as directed by the teacher of the course.

Monitoring Email, Computer Downloads to OHVA Computers, and other Material

OHVA reserves the right to review any material transmitted using OHVA instructional computing resources or posted to an OHVA instructional computing resource to determine the appropriateness of such material. OHVA may review this material at any time, with or without notice. Students and parents using OHVA instructional computing resources should have no expectation of privacy regarding all material found or transmitted on these resources. Email transmitted via OHVA instructional computing resources is not private and may be monitored.

Student Discipline

The school’s Administration acknowledges that conduct is closely related to learning - an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment and the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students.

The Administration believes that the best discipline is self-imposed and that students should learn to assume responsibility for their own behavior and the consequences of their actions.

The Administration requires each student of this school to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code set forth by the Administration and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules. Such rules shall require that students:

1. conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior;

2. respect the person and property of others;

3. preserve the degree of order necessary to the educational program in which they are engaged;

4. respect the rights of others;

5. obey constituted authority and respond to those who hold that authority.

The Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code designates sanctions for the infractions of rules, excluding corporal punishment*, which shall:

relate in kind and degree to the infraction;
help the student learn to take responsibility for their actions;
be directed, where possible, to reduce the effects of any harm which may have been caused by the student’s misconduct.

*Per the Ohio Revised Code 3319.41, no employee of OHVA will administer corporal punishment to a student enrolled at Ohio Virtual Academy. Students may be prohibited by authorized school personnel from participating in all or part of co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities without further notice, hearing or appeal rights.

Due PRocess Rights

A student cannot be suspended or expelled and thereby deprived of a free education provided in the public schools without due process. Due process requirements guarantee all students the right to fair notice, fair procedures, and a fair hearing. The student and their parents or guardians have the responsibility to follow the procedures set forth herein in a respectful and timely fashion.

A student who is accused of misbehavior or a breach of this Code of Student Conduct will be presented to the Head of School or their designee by the person having knowledge of the violation or potential violation of the Code of Conduct.

Written Referral: Violations shall be presented in written form and should be specific, indicating the breach of the Code of Student Conduct for which the referral is being issued.

Student Notification: The student will be placed on notice of the violation by the Head of School or designee and afforded an opportunity to explain.

Initial Conference: An initial conference (in person or by teleconference or other appropriate communications technology) shall be conducted by the Head of School or designee at each level of discipline.

Charges and Evidence: The Head of School or designee shall confer with the student, explain the charges and evidence against the student, and allow the student an opportunity to present their side of the story prior to taking disciplinary action.

Parental Assistance: A good faith effort shall be made by the Head of School or designee to employ parental assistance or other alternative measures prior to suspension, except in the case of emergency or disruptive conditions that require immediate suspension or in the case of a serious breach of conduct.

Parental Notification:

By Telephone or Electronic Messaging: The Head of School or designee shall make a good faith effort to notify the parent by telephone or electronic messaging of the student’s misconduct and the proposed disciplinary action.

By Written Notice: Regardless of whether there has been communication with the student’s parent by telephone, the Head of School or designee shall, within twenty-four (24) hours of taking disciplinary action, send written notice to the parent describing the disciplinary action imposed and the reasons for taking such action.

Suspension, Expulsion, and Permanent Exclusion of Students: Violations Leading to Suspension

"Suspension" shall be the temporary exclusion of a student for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. Suspension may extend beyond the current school year, if at the time a suspension is imposed; fewer than ten (10) days remain in the school year. A suspended student shall be allowed to make-up schoolwork missed due to suspension. Administration and Staff will provide the suspended student with access to schoolwork/assignments. A deadline for turning in all schoolwork completed during the suspension will be provided by administration. Violations which may lead to Suspension include:

Abusive Language or Conduct: Abusive conduct is when a student uses or engages in abusive, profane, obscene, or vulgar language or conduct in the presence of another person, whether in person or electronically.

Disruptive Behavior (including Use of Tobacco) and/or minor infractions: A student who engages in unacceptable behavior or conduct that is disruptive to the educational process, but is not considered a serious breach of conduct, or who violates school rules and policies determined by the Head of School to be minor in nature, is guilty of unacceptable conduct.

Unauthorized Access: A student who enters part of the school website that has been denied to them by administrators will be in violation of the school’s Technology Use Policy.

Indecent Exposure or Conduct: A student, who exposes or exhibits their sexual organs in the presence of others, either in person or on-line, is guilty of a serious breach of conduct that may also be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Burglary: A student who enters or remains in a building or property owned or maintained by the school with the intent to commit theft, vandalism, or some other criminal offense therein, is guilty of burglary unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the student is legally authorized to enter or remain. However, the fact that the premises may be open to the public or that the student may be authorized to enter or remain will not excuse any other offense, violation, or other breach of conduct committed by that student while therein. Burglary is a serious breach of conduct that may also be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Abusive language or conduct directed at a school employee or trustee: A student who uses or engages in abusive, profane, obscene, or vulgar language or conduct directed at a school employee or trustee is guilty of a serious breach of conduct.

False Information: A student who knowingly and intentionally reports or gives false or misleading information, either oral or written, which may injure another person’s character or reputation or disrupt the orderly process of the school, is guilty of a serious breach of conduct.

Interference with the education process (including Harassment of any type, Bullying, and Cyberbullying)

A student who is guilty of willful disobedience, open defiance of the authority of the administration or any member of the school staff, violence against persons or property, or any other act that substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of the school is guilty of a serious breach of conduct.

Vandalism: A student who intentionally destroys, damages, or defaces records or property (whether physical or electronic) owned by or in the possession of the Board or other members of the district staff is guilty of a serious breach of conduct.

Theft: A student who takes from another person money or other property (whether physical or electronic) belonging to the other person with the intent to permanently deprive the victim of such property is guilty of a serious breach of conduct that may also be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Harassment: Pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, "sexual harassment" is defined as:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:
Submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, or status in a class, educational program, or activity.
Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual.
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity.
Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender.

Prohibited acts that constitute sexual harassment may take a variety of forms. Examples of the kinds of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

Unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, solicitations, and flirtations.
Physical assault
Threats or insinuations that a person's academic grade, promotion, classroom work or assignments, academic status, participation in school-related activities may be adversely affected by not submitting to sexual advances.
Unwelcome verbal expressions of a sexual nature, including graphic sexual commentaries about a person's body, dress, appearance, or sexual activities; the unwelcome use of sexually degrading language, jokes or innuendoes; unwelcome suggestive or insulting sounds or whistles; obscene telephone calls.
Sexually suggestive objects, pictures, videotapes, audio recordings or literature, placed in the work or educational environment, which may embarrass or offend individuals.
Unwelcome and inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching; obscene gestures.
A pattern of conduct, which can be subtle in nature, that has sexual overtones and is intended to create or has the effect of creating discomfort and/or humiliation to another.
Remarks speculating about a person's sexual activities or sexual history, or remarks about one's own sexual activities or sexual history.
Consensual sexual relationships where such relationship leads to favoritism of a student with whom the teacher or superior is sexually involved and where such favoritism adversely affects other students.
Not all behavior with sexual connotations constitutes unlawful sexual harassment. Conduct must be sufficiently severe, pervasive, and persistent such that it adversely affects an individual’s education, or such that it creates a hostile or abusive educational environment.

Race/Color Harassment: Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's race or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial customs.

National Origin Harassment: Prohibited national origin harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's national origin and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's national origin, such as negative comments regarding customs, manner of speaking, language, surnames, or ethnic slurs.

Disability Harassment: Prohibited disability harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's disability and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's disabling condition, such as negative comments about speech patterns, movement, physical impairments or defects/appearances, or the like.

Bullying: Bullying is understood as a person willfully and repeatedly exercising power or control over another with hostile or malicious intent (i.e., repeated oppression, physical or psychological, of a less powerful individual by a more powerful individual or group). Bullying can be physical, verbal, and/or psychological.

Definition: bullying, harassment, or intimidation: Any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical act that a student or group of students exhibited toward another student more than once and the behavior both:

causes mental or physical harm to the other student; and
is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student.

The term “bullying” is used throughout this handbook to convey all instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying as defined by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3313.666 (B)(3). This definition also appears in the State Board of Education’s Anti-Harassment, Anti-Intimidation or Anti-Bullying Model Policy, section 3.1 which has been implemented by OHVA.

- Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling, taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact.
- Verbal – taunting, making fun of, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats.
- Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation.
- Cyberbullying - repetitive, hostile behavior with the intent to harm others through the use of information and communication technologies such as Web sites, instant messages, camera phones or iPods.

Anti-Bullying Policy: Prohibition against Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Hazing:

Students who have been determined to have engaged in prohibited behaviors are subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion from school. OHVA’s commitment to addressing such prohibited behaviors, however, involves a multifaceted approach, which includes education and the promotion of a school atmosphere in which harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing will not be tolerated by students, faculty or school personnel.

Harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing means any of the following:

1. Any intentional written, verbal, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student.

2. Violence within a dating relationship.

3. Any act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device, or other electronic communication device (“cyberbullying”) and the behavior causes mental or physical harm to the other student/school personnel and is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student/school personnel.

"Hazing" means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code. In evaluating whether conduct constitutes harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing, special attention should be paid to the words chosen or the actions taken, whether such conduct occurred in front of others or was communicated to others, how the perpetrator interacted with the victim, and the motivation, either admitted or appropriately inferred.

The prohibition of harassment, intimidation, bullying (including cyberbullying), or hazing extends to all school-sponsored activities which means any activity provided as part of the online curriculum and related resources, as well as any activity conducted on or off school-property that is sponsored, recognized, or authorized by the OHVA Board of Trustees or the OHVA administration.

Complaint Procedures

The following procedures shall be used for reporting, investigating, and resolving complaints of harassment, intimidation, bullying (including cyberbullying), and/or hazing

Grade principals, assistant principals, and the Head of School have the responsibility for conducting investigations concerning claims of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and/or hazing. The investigator(s) shall be a neutral party having had no involvement in the complaint presented.

Any student, OHVA employee, K12 employee or third party who has knowledge of conduct in violation of this policy or feels they have been a victim of behavior in violation of this policy shall immediately report their concerns.

Teachers and other school staff, who witness acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing, as defined above, shall promptly notify the appropriate principal and/or their designee of the event observed, and shall promptly file a written incident report concerning the events witnessed. Teachers and other school staff who receive student or parent reports of suspected harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing shall promptly notify the appropriate principal and/or their designee of such report(s). If the report is a formal, written complaint, such complaint shall be forwarded promptly (no later than the next school day) to the appropriate principal or their designee. If the report is an informal complaint by a student that is received by a teacher or other professional employee, they shall prepare a written report of the informal complaint which shall be promptly forwarded (no later than the next school day) to the appropriate principal or their designee.

In addition to addressing both informal and formal complaints, school personnel are encouraged to address the issue of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hazing in other interactions with students. School personnel may find opportunities to educate students about harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hazing and help eliminate such prohibited behaviors throughLive Class discussions, counseling, and reinforcement of socially appropriate behavior. School personnel should intervene promptly whenever they observe student conduct that has the purpose or effect of ridiculing, humiliating, or intimidating another student even if such conduct does not meet the formal definition of "harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing."

All complaints will be promptly investigated in accordance with the following procedures:

Step One:Step 1: 1 I

Step One: Any complaints, allegations, or rumors of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and/or hazing shall be presented to the appropriate principal or assistant principal or the Head of School. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against a principal shall be filed directly with the Head of School. Complaints against the Head of School shall be filed with the Board President. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information will be reduced to writing and should include the specific nature of the offense (e.g., the person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of the suspected harassment, intimidation bullying, and/or hazing and the names of any potential witnesses). If the person filing the formal complaint is an adult, they must sign the charge affirming its veracity. If the person filing the formal complaint is a minor, they may either sign the charge or verbally affirm its veracity before two (2) administrators.

Step Two: The administrator/Board President receiving the complaint shall promptly investigate. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The administrator/Board President will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five (5) work days after receipt of the information or complaint. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The administrator/Board President conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents as appropriate, in writing, when the investigation is concluded and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined. A copy of the notification letter or the date and details of notification to the complainant, together with any other documentation related to the incident, including disciplinary action taken or recommended, shall be forwarded to the Head of School.

Step Three: If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision at Step Two, they may submit a written appeal to the Head of School or designee. Such appeal must be filed within ten (10) work days after receipt of the Step Two decision. The Head of School or designee will arrange such meetings with the complainant and other affected parties as deemed necessary to review and discuss the appeal. The Head of School or designee shall provide a written decision to the complainant’s appeal within ten (10) work days of the appeal being filed.

Documentation related to the incident, other than any discipline imposed or remedial action taken, will be maintained in a file separate from the student’s education records or the employee’s personnel file.

Anonymous Complaints: Students making a complaint may request that their name be maintained in confidence by the school staff members or administrators who receive the complaint. The anonymous complaints shall be reviewed, and reasonable action will be taken to address the situation, to the extent such action may be taken that does not disclose the source of the complaint and is consistent with the due process rights of the students alleged to have committed acts of harassment, intimidation bullying, and/or hazing.

Hazing Complaints: In accordance with Collin's Law: The Ohio Anti-Hazing Act, complaints of hazing will be immediately reported to law enforcement in the county in which the victim of hazing resides, or in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred.

Publication Requirements: This policy shall be publicized in student handbooks, parent handbooks and in other school publications that set forth comprehensive rules, procedures and standards of conduct for students. Information regarding the policy shall be incorporated into employee training materials. The following statement shall be included:

Harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing behavior by any student of OHVA is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying", in accordance with R.C. 3313.666 means any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical act including electronically transmitted acts via the Internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand-held device, either overt or covert, by a student or group of students toward other students, including violence within a dating relationship, with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule, or humiliate. Such behaviors are prohibited at an school-sponsored activity which means any activity provided as part of the online curriculum and related resources, as well as any activity conducted on or off school-property that is sponsored, recognized, or authorized by the OHVA Board of Trustees or the OHVA administration, that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:

A. Causing mental or physical harm to the other students including placing an individual in reasonable fear of physical harm and/or damaging of students’ personal property; and,

B. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other students.

Retaliation/False Charges: Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry related to a complaint of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying is prohibited. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. False charges shall also be regarded as a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action or other appropriate sanctions. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as harassment, intimidation, bullying and/or hazing.

Remedial Actions: Verified acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing shall result in an intervention by the appropriate principal or their designee that is intended to provide that the prohibition against harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing behavior is enforced, with the goal that any such prohibited behavior will cease.

Harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hazing behavior can take many forms and can vary dramatically in seriousness and impact on the targeted individual and other students. Accordingly, there is no one prescribed response to verified acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hazing. While conduct that rises to the level of "harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing," as defined above will generally warrant disciplinary action against the perpetrator of such prohibited behaviors whether or to what extent to impose disciplinary action (restrictions on computer access, suspension, expulsion) is a matter for the professional discretion of the appropriate principal and administrators. Anonymous complaints that are not otherwise verified, however, shall not be the basis for disciplinary action. Suspension may be imposed only after informing the accused perpetrator of the reasons for the proposed suspension and giving them an opportunity to explain the situation. Expulsion may be imposed in accordance with Board policy. This consequence shall be reserved for serious incidents of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing and/or when past interventions have not been successful in eliminating prohibited behaviors.

In addition to the prompt investigation of complaints of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing and direct intervention when such prohibited acts are verified, school personnel may take other action deemed appropriate to ameliorate any potential problem with harassment, intimidation bullying, or hazing in school or at school-sponsored activities. Strategies should also be implemented to protect the victim of alleged harassment, intimidation bullying, and/or hazing from additional harassment, intimidation bullying, and/or hazing and from retaliation following a report. Such strategies may include more supervision or monitoring of the students involved, maintaining contact with parents or guardians of involved students, checking with the victim regularly to verify no further incidents.

Training: Students will be provided with age-appropriate information on the recognition and prevention of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing including dating violence prevention education in grades 7-12, and their rights and responsibilities under this and other OHVA policies, procedures, and rules, at student orientation sessions and on other appropriate occasions. Parents will be provided with information about this policy and procedure, as well as information about other OHVA rules and disciplinary policies. This policy and procedure shall be reproduced in student, staff, volunteer, and parent handbooks.

Information regarding the policy on harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hazing behaviors shall be incorporated into training materials used with employees. The in-service education provided to middle and high school employees shall include training in the prevention of dating violence. Time spent by school employees in the training, workshops, or courses shall apply toward any State or District-mandated continuing education requirements.

Police and Child Protective Services: Allegations of criminal misconduct and suspected child abuse will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and/or to Child Protective Services (CPS), according to the prescribed timelines. The School District shall also investigate for the purpose of determining whether there has been a violation of school policy, even if law enforcement or CPS officials are also investigating. All School District personnel shall cooperate with investigations by outside agencies.

Other Actions: In addition to, or instead of, filing a harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing complaint through this policy, a complainant may choose to exercise other options allowed under applicable law. Any school employee, administrator or student who reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or hazing promptly in good faith and in compliance with the procedures specified in this policy should be individually immune from liability in a civil action for damages arising from reporting an incident in accordance with this policy.

Semiannual Summary: The Head of School shall provide the OHVA Board with a written summary of all reported incidents and post the summary on the OHVA website to the extent permitted by law.

Violations Leading to Expulsion

Any combination of the above offenses as well as the following violations will lead to expulsion, following the due process procedures noted above.

Weapons: A student who displays or is in possession of an object normally considered a weapon (other than a firearm), such as a knife or club, while attending a school-sponsored activity is guilty of a serious breach of conduct.

Firearms: A firearm is any weapon (including a starter gun, pellet gun, B-B gun, air rifle, or air pistol) that will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the actions of an explosive or compressed or forced air. It is the expressed policy of the Board, with the exception of law enforcement officers, no person shall have in their possession any firearm of any nature, including a firearm used for recreational activities, while on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on other property owned or maintained by the school.

Violations leading to permanent exclusion of Regular education (non-disabled) students

In accordance with the law, the Head of School may seek to permanently exclude a student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, who has been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for the reason of the following offenses:

carrying a concealed weapon or conveying or possessing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance on property owned or controlled by the school or at a school- related activity
possessing, selling, or offering to sell controlled substances on property owned or controlled by the school or at a school-related activity
complicity to commit any of the above offenses, regardless of where the complicity occurred

In accordance with law, any student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, who has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for committing the following offenses may be subject to permanent exclusion:

rape, gross sexual imposition or felonious sexual penetration
murder, manslaughter, felonious or aggravated assault
complicity to commit offenses described in paragraphs A and B, regardless of where the complicity took place.

The above statement of policy on permanent exclusion is posted at a central location at the school headquarters and placed in the Student/School handbook.

Prohibition from extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities at our school play an essential role in enriching students' experiences beyond the classroom. We offer a wide range of opportunities, including various online clubs, support groups, and school events, which allow students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.

Participation in school-sponsored extra-curricular activities is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, the Head of School authorizes the principal and assistant principals and other authorized personnel supervising a student activity program, to prohibit a student from participating in any particular or all extra-curricular activities of the school for offenses or violations of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which the offense or violation of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code took place.

A student may be removed from extracurricular activities when the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption in such a setting. If the school removes a student from extracurricular activities, such removal may include all extracurricular activities in which the student is involved.
Schools may suspend students from extracurricular activities for violations of the Code of Conduct or the Code of Conduct of the particular activity. Students with an unexcused absence from school are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities on that date.
Students suspended and expelled from school are excluded from extracurricular activities.

Students prohibited from participation in all or part of any extra-curricular activity are not entitled to further notice, hearing, or appeal rights.

School Sponsored Publications and Productions

The School may sponsor student publications and productions as means by which students can learn, under adult direction, the skills required for such activities, as well as the rights and responsibilities of public expression in a free society.

For purposes of this policy, "publications" shall include any audio, visual, or written materials such as tapes, banners, films, pamphlets, notices, newspapers, books, or other like materials. "Productions" shall include theatrical performances as well as speeches, skits, and impromptu dramatic presentations.

In sponsoring a student publication or production, the Administration is mindful of the fact that it may be heard, viewed, or received by students of varying ages and maturities, and must accordingly be suitable for those students who are likely to be exposed to such publication or production, either directly or indirectly.

Opposing points of view on topics of general interest may be presented in a responsible manner, which will ordinarily require that equal opportunity for expression is given to each viewpoint. As with all publications and productions, expressions of opinion must be made in a manner which does not violate prevailing community standards.

The Administration reserves the right to exercise editorial control over school-sponsored publications or productions, or to prohibit such publications or productions in their entirety if deemed necessary.

OHVA High School specific code of conduct and acceptable use guidelines

Discipline Code

As an OHVA student, you are subject to the rules and restrictions implemented by OHVA and the Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Guidelines. This document describes the policies and guidelines for the use of the OHVA high school and exists to ensure that all OHVA students are aware of and understand their responsibilities when accessing and using OHVA resources.

OHVA reserves the right to update or alter these guidelines at any time. Such revisions may substantially alter access to OHVA instructional computing resources. OHVA instructional computing resources include any computer, software, or transmission system that is owned, operated, or leased by OHVA.

Failure to follow these guidelines could result in the:

removal of your access to OHVA instructional computing resources, which could result in your inability to complete learning activities.
your removal from the course.
restriction from social networking anywhere in the K12 / OHVA system.
involvement with law enforcement agencies and possible legal action.
suspension and/or expulsion from OHVA.

Student Behavior & Code of Conduct: High School

Ohio Virtual Academy expects positive behavior from all students, teachers, staff, and parents/learning coaches. OHVA follows a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) policy and fosters a culture of accountability, respect, and engagement.

Prohibition from Extra-Curricular Activities

Participation in extra-curricular activities, including interscholastic sports, is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, the Head of School authorizes the Principals and other authorized personnel employed by the school to supervise or coach a student activity program, to prohibit a student from participating in any particular or all extra-curricular activities of the school for offenses or violations of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which the offense or violation of the Student Code of Conduct/Student Discipline Code took place.

Students prohibited from participation in all or part of any extra-curricular activity are not entitled to further notice, hearing, or appeal rights.

School Sponsored Publications and Productions

In sponsoring a student publication or production, the Principal is mindful of the fact that it may be heard, viewed, or received by students of varying ages and maturities, and must accordingly be suitable for those students who are likely to be exposed to such publication or production, either directly or indirectly.

Opposing points of view on topics of general interest may be presented in a responsible manner, which will ordinarily require that equal opportunity for expression be given to each viewpoint. As with all publications and productions, expressions of opinion must be made in a manner which does not violate prevailing community standards.

The Principal reserves the right to exercise editorial control over school-sponsored publications or productions, or to prohibit such publications or productions in their entirety if deemed necessary.

School Dance

School dances are designed to provide a healthy, safe environment for students to socialize and enjoy being together. School rules found in the HS Handbook for behavior and discipline are in effect. The following procedures have been established to allow the continuation of dances and to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all students at school dances:

Photo identification: Students will not be permitted to enter the dance without some form of photo identification. Photo identification can be (but does not have to be) a state driver’s license or state ID card. It can be any type of photo identification, such as a Passport or School ID Card. As a virtual school, we need to verify the identity and age of all attendees. Without proper identification, students will not be admitted to the dance.

Dress Code: Staff chaperones will review attire when students arrive and admittance could be denied if the student’s attire does not meet the guidelines for tasteful and appropriate dress. The chaperone’s decision is final. No ticket refund will be given if admission is denied for violation of the dress code. Purses, bags, and backpacks can be inspected at any time.

BRINGING A GUEST TO A DANCE POLICY: OHVA students may invite a guest who is of high school age but no older than 20 and out of high school. The following guidelines must be followed to bring an out-of-school guest to an OHVA dance:

Student and their out-of-school guest must complete the guest dance form prior to purchasing tickets.
All guests must show a picture ID at the door. The ID must either be a school ID, State ID or Driver’s License.
Out-of-school guests are expected to arrive at the dance and remain with their host while attending the dance.
Administration reserves the right to refuse out-of-school guests to enter the dances for any reason.
Out-of-school guests must follow all school rules.

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