Bus Conduct
FCPS bus transportation is an extension of the school day, and the same student behavior standards that apply in the classroom apply on the bus and at the bus stop. Riders are expected to respect the driver’s authority, remain in their
seats, keep their hands to themselves and their voices low, keep the aisles clear, and generally behave in a way that contributes to a safe, pleasant trip to and from school. A driver may report a student’s misconduct to the principal for discipline, and in serious situations, bus privileges may be taken away. See Standards of Conduct for Students Riding School Buses for details.

Cell Phones, Laptops, Tablets, Other Portable Devices
FCPS is committed to assisting students and staff members in creating a 21st century learning environment. To support this progress, with classroom teacher approval, students may use their personal devices during the approved time allowed per school level (smartphones, laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc.) to access the Internet and collaborate with other students during the designated time per grade level as documented in 2601.37P. FCPS is not responsible for loss or damage of students’ devices.

• Cell Phone Guidelines
  • Elementary school Kindergarten-sixth grade (including sixth grade at middle schools)
    Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones maybe used on campus only before and after school.
  • Middle School -Seventh and Eighth Grade
    Students in grades 7-8: Phones must be silenced and kept put away for the duration of the school day. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc., during the day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Teachers may allow usage of cell phone for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-toone FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones may be used on campus only before the first bell and after the last bell. Note: Secondary schools (i.e., Robinson Secondary, Lake Braddock Secondary, and Hayfield Secondary) have ability to permit cell phone usage during passing periods as the three schools support students in grades 7-12 who frequently use the same halls for class change to ensure cell phone expectations can be operationalized within the three schools’ unique structures
  • High School: Ninth- Twelfth Grade
    Phones must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods. Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc., during classes. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phone for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

Parent/guardians, multi-disciplinary 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 multi-disciplinary team [i.e., 504 Committee, IEP Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team].

Cheating, Plagiarism
Honorable school citizens take credit only for work that is their own. Deliberately copying or using the work of others is considered cheating, plagiarism, or forgery. Students are prohibited from sharing work or discussing assessments with others.

Disruption
A student who willfully disturbs a class or disobeys the teacher makes it difficult for the rest of the class to stay on task and continue learning and may put others at risk. This is also true at events such as athletic competitions and field trips. Disruptive behavior includes defying staff authority, using offensive language or gestures, making threats, and fighting. Laser devices, fireworks, matches, and lighters are also not permitted at school and other school-sponsored activities.

Dress Code
FCPS respects students’ right to express themselves in the way they dress. It is important, however, that their appearance is tasteful and appropriate for a K-12 school setting. Discussion about dress code violations shall be held privately and maintain the dignity of the student.

Clothing and accessories should not:

• Display vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images
• Promote illegal or violent conduct
• Contain threats or gang symbols
• Promote the unlawful use of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
• Expose genitalia, chest, buttocks, underwear or undergarments due to transparency, length, or lack of coverage.
• Anything that obscures the face unless an accommodation is present
• Accessories that constitute a health or safety hazard or are harmful to the building or equipment. (i.e., spiked belts)
• Sunglasses inside the school building except as accommodation for medical use

Expression
Students have the right to express themselves through speech, assembly, distributing literature, and other ways. They are expected to communicate their opinions in ways that do not interfere with the rights of others, cause disruption or harm, damage another’s reputation, or break the law. Middle and high school students should submit materials they want to display or distribute to the student government for review.

Gambling
Gambling—betting, wagering, playing games of chance—is not allowed in the school environment.

Medications at School
To ensure that students take prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications safely, including THC-A or cannabidiol oil with authorization from a licensed practitioner, the school health room must administer the medications. The parent must bring the medication to the school health room for storage and provide documentation for administering it.

Pledge of Allegiance, One Minute of Silence
Students are expected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and to observe one minute of silence each day, unless the student or their parent objects to participation in such exercises. Nonparticipating students are expected to sit quietly, or to stand silently, and to refrain from engaging in any disruptive or distracting activity. A student’s decision to participate or not to participate should be respected.

Police Involvement
Under the Code of Virginia, principals must immediately report certain violations to the police. These include incidents that may be a misdemeanor or felony: assault and battery that results in bodily injury, sexual assault, wounding or stalking a person, conduct that involves alcohol or drugs, threats against school personnel, and conduct involving weapons, bombs, or other explosive devices. Under these circumstances, the principal may contact the school resource officer (SRO). In most situations, the SRO or other police officer will contact the parents before questioning a child. If there is immediate risk of danger, the SRO will act to alleviate the risk and may question the student without advance notice to parents. The principal will contact parents as soon as possible. Except as noted above, the SRO is not involved in school discipline matters.

Property Violations
FCPS expects students to respect school property. Damaging or threatening to damage, stealing, and vandalizing— as well as being on school property when not authorized—are subject to discipline.

Restitution
A student who damages, destroys, or steals another’s property, including property owned by FCPS, is responsible for compensating the owner for the loss by restoring the property to its original condition or paying for it to be repaired or replaced.

Restorative Justice
A formal process facilitated by trained and skilled facilitators which brings together students involved in wrongdoing and those impacted to discuss the incident, understand who has been affected, and to create an agreement for reparation of harm.

Search, Seizure
FCPS depends on students to help keep schools safe and drug-free. School officials may conduct random inspections of lockers, desks, and other areas on school property. If they have reason to believe a student has a weapon, alcohol, drugs, stolen property, or similar evidence, they may search their backpack, purse, pockets, outer garments, electronic device, or vehicle parked on school property. Items that do not belong at school, or are being misused, may be taken away from the student and returned to the parent.

Student Activities
School is more meaningful and enjoyable when a student becomes involved in activities such as clubs, teams, performing groups, yearbook, drama, student government, and safety patrols. Participation in these activities is a privilege, and students who participate are expected to maintain good grades and behavior.

Student Advisory Councils
Participation in a high school Student Advisory Council gives students an opportunity to advise the School Board about issues that impact them.

Student Government
By participating in student government at their schools, students experience the rights and responsibilities of self-government and have an active role in managing school affairs. Student governments are required to operate according to established guidelines and direction from school staff. An activity that does not meet guidelines may be cancelled or restricted.

Student Records
FCPS maintains student records in accordance with federal and state laws, under carefully prescribed conditions. Parents have the right to review their children’s official records, and eligible students aged 18 years or older may review their own records. Directory information—such as yearbooks, honor rolls, commencement programs, and sports statistics—may be released without parent consent.

Students Aged 18 and Older
With some exceptions, students aged 18 years and older are considered adults under Virginia law. They are still subject to school rules and regulations. They may sign a declaration if they want to act in place of their parent in certain situations, such as field trips and questioning by police. Parents will continue to be contacted regarding academic performance, emergency matters, and disciplinary action.

Technology Use
FCPS’ Internet network and computers allow students access to vast resources and a creative outlet to pursue writing, art, music, science, math, and many other subjects. With that opportunity comes responsibility. Students are expected to use the technology ethically, respect the privacy and work of others, leave the workstation in good condition for the next user, and generally follow established rules for safety and security. The same expectations apply to the use of student owned devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. See Acceptable Use Policy for Student Network Access in Appendix section.

Virginia High School League Eligibility
A student earns the privilege to participate in interscholastic athletics by meeting certain standards set by the Virginia High School League, the school district, and the school. Participation is dependent on positive conduct and citizenship. Meeting the intent and spirit of League standards will prevent the athlete, the team, the school, and the community from being penalized. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to know the rules.

Visitors
Schools welcome parents and other visitors who want to know more about our programs, meet staff members, and tour the facilities. All visitors must register at the school office upon arrival and may be required to wear an identification badge. Meetings and classroom visits should be arranged in advance. People who enter school buildings without reporting to the office or who disturb or interfere with school activities will be prohibited from remaining on school property and may be reported as trespassers.

Weapons
Students are not permitted to possess any gun, knife, explosive device, ammunition, object that is capable of discharging a projectile (pneumatic guns), or other weapon on school property. This includes starter guns, paintball guns, pellet guns, blades, brass knuckles, mace, and similar devices, as well as objects that look like weapons. Consequences are strict and aligned with the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act.