Student Conduct

The school division publishes a Standards of Student Conduct Code booklet that is provided to each student, but extra copies are available in the main office. That publication is the ruling document regarding rules and procedures, but some rules are restated here for emphasis. The Salem City Schools Code of Conduct is the ruling document for rules and procedures. In order to maintain safety and proper decorum, South Salem's policy on student behavior is as follows:

  1. Students must show respect for all school personnel. This includes all teachers, the principal, the secretary, librarian, guidance counselor, aides, lunchroom supervisor, and cafeteria/ custodial staff members.
  2. Students will use appropriate language at all times. Abusive or obscene language will not be tolerated.
  3. Students will be careful in the use of building materials and supplies, and of all learning materials (including textbooks).
  4. Students should observe all rules of safety, whether in school or traveling to orfrom school. This includes orderly conduct in the halls and bathrooms. Students should not be in the hallways without permission of their teacher.
  5. When leaving or arriving at school, the students must obey the school safety patrols.
  6. Behavior on the school bus is important. All students are expected to sit and talk quietly during trips to and from school. Improper behavior will result in removal from the bus.
  7. All rules for student conduct apply to field trips.
  8. All students are subject to the guidelines as outlined in the City of Salem Schools’ Standards of Student Conduct and Administrative Procedures. Violations will result in the appropriate punishment.

Unacceptable student behavior includes the following:

  1. Sassing, talking back, or arguing persistently.
  2. Marring walls or desks, defacing or destroying school property.
  3. Inappropriate dress or dress that is not age appropriate.
  4. Using another student's belongings without permission.
  5. Using threats toward another student.
  6. Chewing gum or eating candy without permission of the teacher.
  7. Any behavior which might be termed as fighting. Bullying will not be tolerated. Examples include: physical intimidation, taunting, name calling, insults, and hazing.
  8. Students shall not endanger the health or safety of a student or students or inflict bodily harm on a student in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, or organization, regardless of whether the student or students injured participated voluntarily in the activity

Disruption of School

The City of Salem School Division has defined disruptive behavior as “violation of the school board regulations governing student conduct that interrupts or obstructs the learning environment.” A student shall not, by use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct intentionally cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school. Please review “ Rule 1 – Disruption of School” in the Standards of Student Conduct Code booklet.

Drug Policy

The City of Salem School Division has defined alcohol and other drug abuse as follows: "Possession, attempted possession or purchase, using or having evidence of prior use of illegal substance, alcohol, "look-alike" drugs, any prescription drug not prescribed for the student by a physician, or any substance represented as a drug; OR possession or use of drug paraphernalia on school grounds or at any school-related event.” Please review "Rule 5 - Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse of the Standards of Student Conduct Code booklet.

Weapons Policy

South Salem follows the same guidelines as presented in the booklet, Standards of Student Conduct And Administrative Procedures, "Rule 4 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments," as stated: "Carrying, bringing, using or possessing any weapon or dangerous instrument in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle or at any school-sponsored activity without the authorization of the school or the school division is prohibited, and grounds for disciplinary action. Such weapons include, but are not limited to, any pistol, shotgun, stungun, taser, revolver, or other firearm designed or intended to propel a projectile of any kind, look-alike guns, rifle, dirk, any knife having a metal blade three inches or longer, razor, slingshot, brass or metal knuckles, blackjacks, explosives, throwing stars, flailing instruments, or other dangerous articles. Violation of this policy shall require that proceedings for the expulsion of the student involved shall be initiated immediately by the principal. In accordance with Section 22.1-277.01 of the Code of Virginia, expulsion shall be for no less than 365 days for a student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school. The superintendent or the 8 School Board may modify the length of this state requirement for expulsion on a case-by-case basis.” Any student who brings a firearm or weapon to school shall be referred to the criminal justice orjuvenile justice system. An exception to this policy may be made for students participating in an authorized extracurricular activity or team involving the use of firearms. In accordance with federal or state law, a child with disabilities who brings a weapon to school may be placed in an alternative education setting for not more than 45 days.

Dangerous Instruments

This rule also applies to dangerous instruments. Examples are knives with blades less than three inches, letter openers, screwdrivers, hammers, hatchets, and other devices that could be used to inflict harm upon another person. Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing dangerous instruments in any school building, or school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited and is grounds for any disciplinary action other than expulsion.

Responsibilities of School Personnel

The school principals are responsible for ensuring that all students, staff members, and parents are provided the opportunity to become familiar with these standards of conduct. Principals also have the authority and responsibility to enforce the Standards of Student Conduct. Teachers are responsible for the enforcement of the Standards of Student Conduct whenever students are under school authority. When a student is to be questioned as a suspect in a police investigation, the provisions of Policy JFCAC will be followed.

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