Student Code of Conduct

Students enrolled in programs administered by the Board of Education are required to follow and conform to all rules and regulations of the Board of Education, Administration and Staff. Therefore a Student Code of Conduct has been developed. An advisory group made up of administration, staff, students, and parents was created to help implement, review and suggest ways in which to further enhance a nurturing and safe learning environment.

The following code of conduct applies to all students who are enrolled in any and all programs at the Salem County Career and Technical High School.

A. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Students enrolled in programs offered by the Board of Education are required to adhere to and follow the student code of conduct. Students who have difficulty adhering to the code of conduct may jeopardize their opportunity to attend the Salem County Vocational Technical Schools and the programs that are operated through the schools. The Salem County Vocational Technical Schools are a public school of choice. Students who do not conform to the code of conduct, therefore, may be returned to their resident district, dependent upon the nature of the infraction.

The Student Code of Conduct offenses provided herein is not considered all-inclusive. Any student who violates the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action. When appropriate, as required by statute or code and/or the administration, a student shall be referred to a human and/or social service agency and notification of appropriate law enforcement authorities shall occur.

The penalties for Student Code of Conduct offenses presented herein represent the minimum action to be taken. Subsequent offenses may result in additional penalties including, but not limited to, written warnings, before, lunch or after school detentions, in school suspensions, out of school suspensions and removal from SCVTS. Depending upon the severity of the student misbehavior, the board reserves the right through its agents to administer the penalty that is considered most appropriate to the incident.

The SCVTS Board of Education and SCVTS administration regard the initial issuance and receipt of the Student Code of Conduct Student/ Parent Handbook to parents and students as a written warning.

Uniform and Identification Badges

· Uniform Violations – Failure to follow the CTHS uniform policy or the career and technical education program uniform in which the student is enrolled will result in disciplinary action. Students in violation of the CTHS uniform policy will receive one (1) administrative warning per semester and will be issued a detention for the second and third offense. After a third uniform violation, students will be assigned In-School Suspension. If available, a temporary uniform may be provided for the student to enter class.

· Identification Badges- All Career and Technical High School students will be issued an identification badge which is not to be altered or purposely damaged in any way. Additional badges may be purchased for a nominal fee. Staff may ask individuals they are unfamiliar with to produce their CTHS ID badge to verify that they are authorized to be on campus.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

· The CTHS administration understands that the use of cell phones have become a normal part of life in today’s society. However the administration requires that all students put their cell phones on silent during the school day in order to keep class disruptions to a minimum. Students are not to use their cell phones in class (phone calls or text/ instant messages) without approval.

· At no time are students allowed to use the cell phones (or any other electronic devices) built in camera or microphone to record audio/video or take pictures on campus or school events held off campus. Additionally, any student found using the cell phone inappropriately (sexting, bullying/harassment, illegal activities etc.) will have the phone confiscated and face additional disciplinary consequences.

· Continual use/abuse of cellular phones and/or electronic devices during school hours may result in confiscation of the cellular phone and/or electronic device. (A parent must pick up the confiscated item)

Academic Dishonesty

· The Board of Education believes that honesty and specifically academic honesty is a trait that is expected from all students who attend the Career and Technical High School. Acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to plagiarism, forgery, violation of procedural instruction for a test, assignment or project; and/or copying another student's work and/or assignment, either manually or electronically, is unacceptable behavior or will not be tolerated.

· Specific Acts of Academic Dishonesty

o Passing off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own or to use (another's creation) without crediting the source.

o Presenting as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source. (Committing literary theft)

o Copying another student's answer(s) during in class examinations, take-home examinations, laboratory work, homework, or class assignments.

Discussing answers during in-class examinations or take-home examinations.
Using crib notes (cheat sheets), or other types of unauthorized material or instruments.
Attempting to secure a future examination or information regarding the contents of a future examination.
Being in possession of a teacher copy of a test or testing materials of any kind.

· Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will receive a “0” on the assignment in question. Depending on the severity of the offense the CTHS administration may impose probation and/or suspension of participation in extracurricular activities for any student found guilty of academic dishonesty. Additionally a meeting may take place between the student, teacher, principal and parents to discuss the issue. Subsequent offenses will result in additional disciplinary actions including in school suspension and a parent meeting.

Late to School/Class and Truancy and Class Cutting

· Being late to class three (3) or more times will result in a detention for each subsequent offense. Additionally, lateness to first block if a full-time or AM shared-time student, or third block if a PM shared-time student may result in the loss of parking privileges for one full marking period. For a student who does not currently have parking privileges, there may be a marking period delay once he/she becomes eligible and applies.

· Truancy shall be considered an absence from school without authorization. Each absence will be considered unexcused. Truancy may result in loss of credit.

· Cutting a class or failing to be in a defined area – absence from any assigned class or area without authorization shall be considered absence without approval (class cut). This includes, but is not limited to failure to report to a cooperative education internship experience. Any classes cut will be counted as an unexcused absence.

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS	2 days ISS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Assistant Principal.	3 days ISS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Principal

· Leaving campus without permission

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
2 days ISS	3 days ISS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Assistant Principal	3 days ISS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Principal

Food and Cafeteria Issues

· Food or beverage outside of the cafeteria/in the classroom

· Inappropriate conduct in the cafeteria – persons who disrupt the orderly operation of the cafeteria (i.e. failure to clean-up and removing food from the cafeteria.)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention	2 detentions	1 day ISS

· Throwing food in the cafeteria

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention	2 days ISS	3 days ISS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Principal

· Inappropriate access/use of one’s own or another student’s lunch account.

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention and reparations	2 detentions and reparations	1 day ISS and reparations

Computer, Network and Internet Issues

· Internet violations - 2 detentions per violation

· Computer Network Violations

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS and reparations*	2 day ISS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Assistant Principal*	3 day OSS, mandatory parent conference with CTHS Principal*

*May also include loss of computer/network privileges.

Misconduct

· General misconduct – including but not limited to inappropriate conduct in the cafeteria or general meeting place, use of inappropriate language, verbal or physical threats or any general disruption of the education process and/or for the orderly operation of the school.

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention	2 detentions	3 detentions

· Inappropriate public display of affection

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
Warning	Parent conference	1 day ISS referred to counselor

· Pass abuse/loitering – failure to report to a designated area as noted on a written pass by a faculty and/or staff member and/or failure to reach a destination by the most direct route.

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention	2 detentions	3 detentions

· Profanity – Use of inappropriate language

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
Warning	1 detention	1 day ISS

· Transportation Violations – riding/driving to school without proper authorization

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention	1 day ISS and possible loss of parking privileges	1 day OSS and loss of parking privileges

· Safety Violations (See Policy 4-4.12)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 detention	1 day ISS	1 day OSS

· Theft/Possession of Stolen Property Major (over $101)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3 days ISS, reparations and notification of State Police	5 days ISS, reparations, conduct probation, notification of State Police and mandatory parent meeting with the Principal	5 days ISS, reparations, notification of State Police and mandatory parent meeting with the BOE for possible expulsion hearing

· Theft/Possession of Stolen Property Minor (under $100)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
2 days ISS, reparations,	3 days ISS, reparations, conduct probation and mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	5 days ISS, reparations, and mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Forgery of parental note

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS	2 days ISS	3 days ISS, mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Altering of teacher or administrator pass

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS	2 days ISS	3 days ISS, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal

Acts of Insubordination

· Insubordination (disobedient to authority) or disrespect to another student, staff person, or guest

· Vulgar and/or abusive language directed towards a student, staff member or guest.

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS	3 days ISS, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	3 days OSS, mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Gross Insubordination to Staff (outright and gross defiance to follow a teacher’s directions after repeated warnings)

· Gross Disrespect to Staff (degrading comments made to staff)

· Threatening Remarks (making remarks threatening the physical or emotional well being of a person)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3 days ISS *	3 days OSS, conduct probation and mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal*	5 days OSS, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE for possible expulsion hearing*

*Final determination of consequences will be based on a thorough investigation

Tobacco and Drug Possession /Distribution

· Possession and/or use of tobacco products and materials, including but not limited to smoking and loose tobacco (snuff/chewing tobacco). (See Policy 2-13)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS and SBYS referral, participation in Tobacco Cessation Program	3 days ISS, SBYS consult, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	5 days OSS, conduct probation and mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Use of alcohol, steroids and/or a dangerous controlled substance (See Policy 4-3.4)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3 days OSS, conduct probation, SBYS referral, parent conference, drug testing and State Police notification. *	5 days OSS, conduct probation, SBYS consult, parent conference, drug testing and State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the Principal*	5 days OSS, parent conference, drug testing State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE for expulsion hearing*

*Re-admittance after OSS will be based on written physicians’ approval and outcome of parent conference.

· Possession/ Distribution of alcohol, steroids and/or a dangerous controlled substance (See Policy 4-3.4)

First Offense
10 days OSS, parent conference, drug testing State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE for expulsion hearing

Bullying and Harassment

· Bullying/Harassment

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3 days OSS, parent meeting, SBYS referral, conduct probation and possible notification of State Police.	5 days OSS, SBYS consult, possible notification of State Police and mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	10 days OSS, State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE

Acts of Violence, Vandalism and Gambling

· Defacing School Property minor (under $50)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS and reparations	2 days ISS, reparations mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	2 days OSS, reparations mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Defacing School Property major (Over $51)

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
2 days OSS, parent meeting and reparations	3 days OSS, reparations, conduct probation, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	5 days OSS, reparations mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Gambling - participation in games of chance for money and/or any object of value.

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
1 day ISS, conduct probation and SBYS referral	3 days ISS, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	5 days ISS, mandatory parent meeting with the Principal

· Simple Assault - unprovoked violence against another student attempting to do bodily harm

· Fighting - any physical conflict between two or more individuals

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3 days OSS, parent meeting, conduct probation, SBYS referral	5 days OSS, SBYS consult, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal	5-10 days OSS, SBYS consult, mandatory parent meeting with the Principal and BOE expulsion hearing

· Aggravated assault - unprovoked violence against another student causing bodily harm

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3-10 days OSS, State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE

· Offensive touching and/or inappropriate sexual behavior – touching another student with a part of the body or with an instrument thereby causing offense, a perceived offense and/or alarm. Any action by one or more persons involving the use or display of those parts of the body generally referred to as “private.”

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
3 days OSS, conduct probation, SBYS referral, parent meeting and meeting with district affirmative action officer.	5 days OSS, SBYS consult, mandatory parent meeting with the Assistant Principal and affirmative action officer	5-10 days OSS, State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE

· Extortion, attempted extortion or any threat directed toward a student, staff member or guest which demands or request money, goods or services

First Offense	Second Offense
3 days OSS, conduct probation, SBYS referral and possible State Police notification	5-10 days OSS, State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE

· Aggravated assault with a weapon – attempted or actual physical attack upon a student, staff member or guest with a dangerous controlled weapon or any instrument.

· Arson – any act in which fire, fireworks or explosives, which cause alarm or danger to life and/or willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn school property or its contents or the personal property of a staff member, another student and/or guest.

· Terroristic Threat – a statement of intention by a student to another student, staff member or guest in which it is implied or a direct threat is made of bodily harm, mental anguish or personal property damage.

· False Fire Alarm/Bomb Threat

· Sexual Assault – forced sexual contact without consent committed on school property.

· Weapons - possession, concealment and/or use of a dangerous controlled weapon (including switchblades, gravity or ballistic knifes, stun guns, metal knuckles, etc.) or use of any instrument as a weapon/instrument. (See Policy 4-3.4 2b)

First Offense

10 days OSS, State Police notification, mandatory parent meeting with the BOE and other sanctions as provided by law

*If a student is found to be in possession of a small Swiss Army type knife/small pocketknife, the knife will be seized and returned to the parent/guardian.

B. DUE PROCESS

Before any offense leads to disciplinary action, the student shall be entitled to a hearing with the principal and/or his/her designee.

A parent(s) and/or guardian(s) shall be notified of all suspendable offenses as soon as he/she can be reached for all students less than eighteen years of age and/or who live in the domicile of a parent or guardian. Written verification will also be sent as follow-up by the principal. An appeal process is granted for all suspendable offenses; however, the suspension will immediately be administered without delay for all offenses involving possession and or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, dangerous controlled substances, possession or use of a weapon, fighting, assault and any other act deemed to constitute a threat to a safe and nurturing learning environment. Parents must also verbally notify the CTHS Administration that they wish to appeal the consequence for lesser offences prior to the start of the assigned detention, ISS or OSS.

A student who is serving an out of school suspension who enters school district property or a school sponsored event shall be considered a trespasser and charges may be filed with the New Jersey State Police. For shared-time students suspended from the Salem County Career and Technical High School, the suspension shall also apply at the resident district high school. The Salem County Vocational Technical Schools recognizes and fully honors all out of school suspensions of the resident high school district. Such students shall not be permitted to attend the Salem County Vocational Technical Schools or school related functions or activities while under an out of school suspension at his/her resident school district. This purpose shall not apply to in-school suspension.

Students serving an in-school suspension at the Salem County Career and Technical High School are permitted to attend their resident district high school program. Students who are suspended internally from their resident high school program are expected and are required to attend classes at the Salem County Career and Technical High School.

C. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Affirmative Action officer

Investigates allegations of discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status

Probation/Restriction

Parents/guardians of any student placed on probation/restriction will be notified at the beginning of the probationary period. Any student placed on probation/restriction will be ineligible for any extracurricular activities on or off the school site (e.g. dances trips, Career and Technical Education leadership clubs, student council, etc.) The building principal and/or his/her designee may alter this length, however. Any student assigned probation shall be under such probation for up to 30 calendar days.

Detention

Administrative detentions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Times are as follows:

· AM Detention: 7:25 am - 7:55 am

· Lunch Detention: during the students assigned lunch period

· PM Detention: 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

*Teacher Detentions may also be assigned at the discretion of the individual teacher prior to administrative referrals and will take place with the teacher in their classroom.

All students scheduled for detention shall report on time and prepared to work. Detentions shall normally be 30 minutes in duration. The building principal, however, may modify the length of the detention.

The consequence for failing to attend an assigned administrative detention will be two (2) detentions; if the student fails to attend the two (2) detentions the student will be placed on restrictions and must attend a mandatory parent meeting with the Principal. The consequence for failing to attend an assigned teacher detention will be an administrative detention.

*Arrangements for transportation for students assigned to detention are the responsibility of the parent and student.

Exclusion

Long term removal from classes or the Salem County Vocational Technical High School and return to resident district.

Expulsion

Permanent removal from the Salem County Vocational Technical School district and return to resident district.

In-house counseling

Counseling provided by the Career and Technical High School student services staff. This may include, but is not limited to, peer mediation.

ISS (In-School Suspension)

Students will be removed from their regular classroom and placed in a monitored location. Students are responsible for all missed class work and assignments.

OSS (Out of School Suspension/ External Suspension)

Students will be prohibited from attending classes at the Career and Technical High School. Students are responsible for all missed class work and assignments.

School Based Youth Services Referral (SBYS / Youth Mall)

Minimally will include an assessment by SBYS staff with recommendations for a follow-up course of action will be determined by SBYS and CTHS administration.

Weapon

Any device or item within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 2C: 39-1r including any device readily capable of inflicting serious bodily injury (See Policy 4-3.4 2b)

D. ALL INCLUSIVE

Regulations established for the Student Code of Conduct are not intended to be all-inclusive and may be supplemented from time to time by the administrative staff and/or by state or administrative code. Consequences are also supplemented by board policy and regulations regarding the use and/or distribution of tobacco, tobacco products, alcohol, dangerous controlled substances and/or anabolic steroids and possession or use of a weapon. The latter policies and/or regulations supersede the consequences as defined herein.

The Board of Education recognizes that postsecondary and adult students have achieved the age of responsibility. Students therefore shall be expected to conduct themselves accordingly. A student whose behavior is contrary to school policies, rules, or regulations may be asked to withdraw from a program.

The administration shall have the right to exclude at any time a student whose conduct is judged to be undesirable. In such cases, no part of the fees paid by the student will be refunded.

E. STUDENT UNIFORM

· Full-time students are required to wear the CTHS uniform (see below) in addition to their Career and Technical Education (CTE/“shop”) uniform (see below).

· Shared-time students are required to wear the specific CTE/“shop” uniform described below and are not required to wear the CTHS uniform*.

· Students are not permitted to change in the student parking lot and/or on the busses, but only in the designated shop areas.

1. The Career and Technical High School (CTHS) uniform shall consist of the following:

a. Shirt: A maroon or blue collared golf style shirt. The shirt shall be long enough to be tucked in at the waistband of the pants (no bare midriffs.), but not below the waist if not tucked in. The shirt may be long or short sleeved. In cold weather, maroon or blue sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn.

b. Pants: Khaki or black pants and jeans for male and female students or khaki, jean or black skirts for female students should be worn. Full-length pants and skirts are to be worn at the natural waist. Skirts shall be worn at the natural waist and be below the knee when the student is standing erect with her arms down at her sides in a relaxed position. Short pants, capri’s, and pants that are too wide or too long are considered a safety hazard and/or a security risk and are strictly prohibited.

c. Shoes: Shoes should have a hard surface on both top and bottom and a low non-marking sole. Sandals or similar footwear are not to be worn to classes. For physical education classes, students shall wear sneakers with a non-marking sole. Open toe/open back footwear is not permitted due to safety concerns.

d. Eyewear must be prescription or safety in nature.

e. Hats/bandanas/head wraps are not permitted inside the school buildings.

2. Career and Technical Education (CTE aka “shop”) Program Uniforms

The following uniform requirements apply to all Career and Technical Education programs as identified. Students are permitted to change into shop-specific personal protective clothing once they are in their respective shop.

a. Automotive Collision Repair Technology, Automotive Technology

Students in these programs are required to wear dark blue coveralls during all hands-on activities and related instruction. Students shall wear hard surface, non-marking, hard-toed boots. Safety goggles and other safety equipment may also be required.

b. Construction and Electrical Technology

Students shall wear the CTHS shirt and blue jeans/work pants, hard surface, non-marking, hard-toed boots. Safety goggles, hard hats and other safety equipment may also be required.

c. Cosmetology

Cosmetology students shall wear a black smock as a lab coat over their CTHS uniform during all practical and demonstration lessons and/or as directed by the teacher.

d. Allied Health Professionals

Allied Health Professional students may wear “scrub’s” or their CTHS uniform during all practical and demonstration lessons and/or as directed by the teacher. A low heeled, closed-toe, non-skid shoe should also be worn.

e. Culinary Arts

Culinary students shall wear a white chef’s coat or coat shirt, an apron, white chef’s hat and black (hard top) non-skid, closed toed, low-heeled dress shoes while in the Culinary Arts shop.

f. Air Force JROTC

AFJROTC uniforms shall be worn on designated AFJROTC uniform days as prescribed by the AFJROTC instructors in lieu of the regular CTHS uniform otherwise the regular CTHS uniform shall be worn. AFJROTC physical training gear should only be worn during the appropriate physical training class of the AFJROTC program.

g. Welding Technology

Welding students may wear the specialized welding jackets and/or leathers and blue jeans/work pants*. (Polyester coveralls are not permitted in the Welding shop.) Hard surface, non-marking, hard-toed boots are also to be worn in addition to safety goggles, hard hats, welding masks and other safety equipment as required by the instructor.

*Clothing must be 100% cotton.

h. Physical Education Classes

The approved school uniform shall consist of a grey, white or black colored crew neck shirt (t-shirt) with grey, white or black shorts, which do not come below the knees when worn at the natural waist. Baggy shorts are not permitted. A grey, white or black sweatshirt/sweatpants may also be worn. Sneakers must have a non-marking bottom.

i. Career Orientation Classes