The faculty and parents of Roane County Schools believe that pupils commit themselves to learning, accepting responsibility for their work and their behavior. Our goal is to instill qualities such as common courtesy, manners, respect for others, self-discipline, responsibility and accountability, consistently enforcing the West Virginia Student Code of Conduct.

We expect students to behave responsibly, recognizing the rights of others to be physically safe, emotionally secure, and to pursue their own learning without interference. As nurturing as we aim to be in helping children to respect rules, we also recognize the time and energy this draws from others who are behaving appropriately. Our faculty and parents have a tremendous positive influence when setting clearly define limits, providing appropriate consequences for behavior.

The following school rules and regulations apply to student actions at any time when under the supervision and guidance of school personnel. Please read these policies over very carefully, and discuss them with your children and students.

Abiding by School and Class Rules

• Students, teachers and parents should work closely together to insure excellent behavior and educational success. Students are expected to consistently abide by our behavior code. Obey teachers, principals and others in authority.
• The individual rules of each classroom should be followed, with any questions discussed first with the classroom teacher. Give full, respectful attention to your teachers, cooperatively following directions.

School Hallways and Restrooms

• When moving on school property, walk calmly and slowly. With the exception of Physical Education or organized Recess Period activities, there is to be absolutely no running , helping to prevent needless accidents. Store book bags in lockers.
• Hallways, restrooms, and class lines should be reasonably orderly to prevent disturbing classes which are in session. Pencils, pens, crayons and markers should be left in classroom when visiting restrooms. Proper hallway behavior and care, including litter prevention, are expected. A "hall pass" system is maintained to regulate pupils in the hallways. Lockers should only be visited at designated times with teacher permission.
• During morning arrival and afternoon dismissal, orderly student hallway procedures should be consistently followed using bell signals and any assigned monitors' directions. If designated, a common entrance/exit to the school is to be used.
• Class "group" lines should generally walk on the right side of the school hallways to provide for a uniform traffic flow.

Classrooms

• Come to class prepared with all the materials you need and be ready to begin work on time. When students enter a classroom, it should be done in an orderly manner. Students should take their seats and prepare for their next lesson, and not exit until dismissed by a teacher.
• During class lessons, excellent behavior is always expected. Raise your hand politely and wait to be called upon if you wish to speak during a class lesson. If the class is involved in an informal discussion, take turns with others when speaking. Give your full attention to the teacher or student who is speaking, and allow other students to concentrate on their work. Behave in a manner that does not disrupt classroom learning or the operation of the school.

Cafeteria/Playground

• Lunch periods at school are to be conducted in an orderly manner with socializing permitted at a normal conversational level. Respect and good manners are expected; the directions of the supervisory teachers and aides should be followed with respect. Students should remain seated in the School Cafeteria unless granted permission to leave their seats. Classes should enter and exit the lunchroom in an orderly manner, and respect any "quiet time" requested by supervising teachers during Lunch Period.
• The directions of the adult supervisors on the School Playground should be carefully followed. Energetic play should happen outdoors only, and only with respect for others' well-being. No rough play will be permitted. Running on the School Playground is permitted in organized activities with the permission of adult supervisors. Play is limited to designated areas, and students should stay within sight of an adult. Unless otherwise directed, parking lots and public roads are off limits. Students should remain on the School Playground unless given permission to enter the building. Leave sticks, stones, and snow on the ground unless using them in a safe, adult-approved activity.

Class Assignments

• Homework and classwork assignments should be completed neatly, carefully, and on time. Students should work to their full potential. If a child experiences difficulty in completing an assignment with "good cause", the child's parent should explain the situation to the teacher with a short note or phone call. The teacher may decide to excuse the student, allowing extra time to complete the assignment.

Attendance

• Students should never leave the school property for any reason unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or school faculty member, after being properly "signed-out" at the School Office.
• Students are required to attend school faithfully. Tardiness and the early dismissal of students are discouraged. A student is considered tardy after attendance is taken in the morning. Students should be removed from school early only when a reasonable situation prevents the child from attending school for the entire day. Early dismissals interrupt both the child's education and other students in class.
• Whenever a student is tardy or absent from school for any reason, a note should be sent to school the day the child returns explaining the cause. This regulation is a legal protection for each child and his/her parents.

Respect for School and Personal Property

• Be respectful of others' belongings, using them only with permission. A student who steals or damages any property not belonging to him/her may be required to make appropriate restitution. Though the school manages a "lost-and-found" area, students are strongly encouraged to take good care of their personal belongings. Parents should mark a child's special belongings with name and phone number.
• Use equipment and materials in school for thier intended purposes only. Students will be held accountable for proper care of school books, educational materials, and their classrooms. Keep your work areas litter-free.

Prohibited in School

• Students are not permitted to bring chewing gum into the school building or on school grounds to prevent the litter it causes.
• Refrain from the possesstion or use of any illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products. Failure to respect this regulation may have legal consequences resulting in suspension or expulsion.
• Gambling, immorality, disrespectful or profane language will not be tolerated in the school or on school grounds.
• Use of bicycles and skateboards on school grounds during school hours may be prohibited, if the Principal determines them to be safety hazard.

Honesty and Respect for Others

• Honesty, respect and trust are student virtues highly valued and encouraged by the Roane County Schools community. Treat others with kindness, respect and courtesy. Make other students feel welcome with your friends.
• Settle disagreements with others through discussion, asking for help if you need it. Touch others and speak to others in kindness only. Refrain from agressive or threatening behavior toward fellow students, teachers or other school staff. Fighting or rough play are strictly prohibited in school. If a child experiences a problem with another child, s/he should notify the nearest teacher or aide immediately. Children should be instructed in ways to avoid getting involved in conflicts.

Dress Code

• Students should respect and abide by the dress policies adopted by the Roane County Board of Education. Student grooming or dress which presents a health or safety hazard, interferes with the educational program, causes excessive wear of damage to school property, blocks vision or restricts movement is prohibited. Neatness and cleanliness are encouraged.

Transportation

• School regulations concerning bus conduct and school bus safety should be consistently followed. It is recommended that these policies be periodically discussed at home and in the classroom.

Any situation which is not covered in these general rules and regulations will be considered a matter of professional discretion by the School Principal and faculty, considering current school regulations and policies. Each school regulation is designed to encourage safety, respect, cooperation, order and a positive learning climate. Make everyone proud of Roane County's children.