Chesterfield County School District

The South Carolina Board of Education adopted a model policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day on September 3, 2024. This policy took place January 1, 2025. We believe it will significantly reduce distractions and enhance the learning environment for all.

State Requirement

Proviso 1.103 in the General Appropriations Bill, H.5100 of 2024, reads as follows: To receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, a school district shall implement a policy adopted by the State Board of Education that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day. For purposes of this provision, a personal electronic communication device is considered to be a device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the Internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals.

Policy

Students will not be allowed to have cell phones or smart watches powered on in the building during any part of the instructional day. This includes lunch time and class transitions. Cell phones and smart watches must be powered off and placed in lockers, purses, backpacks, or other nonvisible secure locations. Additionally, headphones and earbuds are also prohibited unless specifically authorized for instructional purposes.

Benefits

We are confident that this policy will help:

• Improve focus and engagement during lessons.

• Reduce classroom distractions.

• Foster stronger face-to-face interactions among students.

Enforcement

If a student is caught using a cell phone, smart watch or other prohibited device during the day:

1. The device will be confiscated and held in the office, where it can be picked up at the end of the school day.

2. Multiple offenses will result in disciplinary actions, including ISS and OSS.

Parent and Guardian Support

We are asking for your support with this policy. Please discuss these changes with your child to ensure a smooth transition. If you need to contact your student during the day, please call the school office, and we will relay your message.

Emergencies

In case of emergencies requiring the use of phones, school staff will manage and facilitate communication appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

We know this policy may be challenging initially, but with your cooperation, we can create an environment focused on learning and growth. Thank you for your understanding and support.

The clear bag policy applies to gymnasiums, stadiums, baseball/softball fields within Chesterfield County School District.

Acceptable:

Clear Tote:  Plastic, vinyl, or PVC  (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”)

Plastic Zip Top Bag:  (No larger than 1 gal resealable clear)

Small clutch bag (no larger than 5”x7”)

Medical Items (Items related to a medical condition)

Unacceptable:

purses

oversized totes

printed pattern plastic bag

diaper bag

tinted plastic bag

binoculars case

fanny pack

backpacks

camera case

Effective December 4, 2023, Chesterfield County School District implemented a new vaping policy. This policy is designed to address the rising concerns surrounding the use of vaping products among our students.

Key Points of the New Vaping Policy:

Prohibition of Vaping on School Property: The use, possession, and distribution of vaping products will be strictly prohibited on all school premises, including our school buildings and grounds.

Education and Prevention Programs: A part of the policy will include educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and provide resources for students, parents, and staff.

Consequences for Violations: The policy outlines clear consequences for students found in violation of the vaping policy.

Parent and Community Involvement: We encourage parents and guardians to engage in open conversations with their children about the risks associated with vaping.

Support Services: Our school counselors and support staff are available to provide assistance and resources for students who may be struggling with vaping-related concerns.

We encourage open communication and invite any questions or concerns you may have regarding the vaping policy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the vaping policy, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Services and Administration at 843-623-5509.

• All students in eighth grade or below must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older.
• No loitering outside of the stadium.
• Attendees will be expected to remain in their seats or move directly to and from the concession stands and restrooms.
• All attendees must be checked by metal detectors and/or wand to enter the stadium.
• Only clear bags, per the district’s clear bag policy, will be permitted. (A diaper bag will be the only exception, but it must be searched.)
• No tickets will be sold after the 3rd quarter.
• No one can enter the stadium after the 3rd quarter.
• No re-entry will be permitted.
• All CCSD facilities are tobacco free. Anyone caught smoking or vaping will be asked to leave the stadium.
• No running or horseplay permitted.
• Anyone not following the rules will be removed from the premises and banned from all district events until further notice.
• If students are not picked up within 30 minutes after a game is over, the student may not be permitted to attend another football game.
• For entry, students must have their school issued ID.

Long Range Plans must be submitted at the beginning of the year to principals for each course
taught.

Long Range Plans must include units, standards, timeline with specific dates of when material
will be taught and plans for assessing standards.

Primary (4K-1) Standards-based rubric reports
Elementary (2-5) (Numeric grades)
Test /Projects 40%
Quizzes 30%
Daily Grades 30%

Teachers are required to have a minimum of 12 grades in ELA and Math and a minimum of 6
grades in Science and Social Studies per quarter.

Middle (Numeric Grades)
Percentage Requirements:
Tests/Projects 35% (minimum of 3 grades)
Quizzes 25% (minimum of 5 grades)
Daily Grades 40% (minimum of 5 grades)

High (Numeric grades)
Percentage Requirements:
Tests/Projects 40% (minimum of 3 grades)
Quizzes 30% (minimum of 5 grades)
Daily Grades 30% (minimum of 10 grades)

Teachers are required to have at least twelve (12) grades per subject area/course each nine weeks. This is for courses/classes that meet five days per week. Teachers are required to have more than two tests grade per nine weeks. Homework should be a reflection on the content
taught daily but should not be punitive.

• All grades from the week before must be entered in Power Teacher in a timely manner.  Principals should be spot checking to make sure that grades are entered in a timely manner.  Principals must monitor grades weekly to ensure that teachers have enough grades and that they are entered on time.

• Please use rubrics for grading when at all possible.

• Projects can/should be done in class. If assigned outside of class, materials must be provided by the school. Students should be given choice when doing projects.

• Teachers must run verification reports for interims and report cards each nine weeks. Teachers must verify reports by signing and returning to administrator.

• Board Policy states: A student must be allowed to make up work missed during any absence from school as long as he/she makes appropriate arrangements with the teacher(s) within five days after returning to school. The teacher(s) will notify the student of a reasonable time in which the work must be completed.

• Report cards for middle and high school students must be mailed at the end of the first semester and at the end of the year. All virtual students’ report cards must be mailed at the end of each nine weeks.

• The changes outlined here are made to create a culture of accountability and to ensure that students master the content taught.

• Late work will have a 20% deduction after it is turned in. Late assignments should be turned in within a week. This is not the same as work that is late due to student absences.

Students in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to retest when a test grade is below 75%. The student must make the request to the teacher within 2 days of receiving the test grade. The student will complete a retest request form indicating 2 activities that will be done to improve the score (tutoring, completing missed work, etc.). The retest grade cannot exceed 75%. There are only two opportunities to retest in each class per quarter. There will be no retests within two weeks of the end of the quarter.

• There will be no retests after the following dates, each quarter:
•      September 24, 2025
•      December 3, 2025
•      March 5, 2026
•      May 15, 2026

• There will be two opportunities to retest in a class per quarter.

• There will not be retests for EOCs and final exams. `

At Chesterfield County School District, we believe that what students wear can influence their attitude, behavior, and academic success. Our goal is to support students in dressing appropriately for school and to help prepare them for life beyond graduation—whether they’re entering the workforce, continuing their education, or pursuing other opportunities.

We understand that families and students have the primary responsibility for personal appearance. However, clothing that may be acceptable in other settings isn’t always suitable for school. That’s why we’ve created these dress guidelines—to ensure a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

Students should wear clothing that is neat, clean, modest, and appropriate for a K–12 educational setting. Clothing that is distracting, disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate for learning is not allowed.

The following are examples of clothing and accessories that are not permitted:

· Clothing with vulgar, violent, discriminatory, or obscene language or images

· Clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, or weapons

· Clothing that is overly revealing or sexually suggestive, including:

• Tops that expose cleavage, midriffs, backs, or undergarments
• Tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, or strapless tops
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than mid-thigh
• Sheer or see-through clothing without appropriate coverage underneath
• Sagging pants or shorts that reveal undergarments
• Pants or jeans with holes, rips, or frays above mid-thigh, even if worn with tights underneath

· Tights, leggings, jeggings, yoga pants, or other form-fitting clothing, unless worn under a top or dress that covers to at least mid-thigh

· Pajamas, including pajama pants and sleepwear

· Hats, bandanas, or other head coverings (unless for religious or medical reasons)

· Hoods worn over the head while inside school buildings

· For secondary schools (middle and high school students only): flip-flops, slides, or other backless footwear that may pose a safety concern during daily school activities

Additionally, any clothing, jewelry, accessories, or grooming that suggests gang involvement or promotes disruptive behavior is not allowed.

If a student’s attire does not meet these expectations, school staff will work with the student to correct the issue. This may include asking the student to change clothing, cover the item, or be sent home for non-compliance.

We are committed to treating every student with respect. If your child requires an accommodation related to religious beliefs, a disability, or another valid reason, please contact the school principal.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a positive, respectful, and productive school environment.

En el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Chesterfield, creemos que la vestimenta de los estudiantes puede influir en su actitud, comportamiento y éxito académico. Nuestro objetivo es apoyar a los estudiantes para que se vistan apropiadamente para la escuela y ayudarlos a prepararse para la vida después de graduarse, ya sea que se incorporen al mercado laboral, continúen su educación o busquen otras oportunidades.

Entendemos que las familias y los estudiantes son los principales responsables de su apariencia personal. Sin embargo, la ropa que puede ser aceptable en otros entornos no siempre es adecuada para la escuela. Por eso hemos creado estas pautas de vestimenta: para garantizar un entorno de aprendizaje seguro, respetuoso y sin distracciones para todos los estudiantes.

Los siguientes son ejemplos de ropa y accesorios que no están permitidos:

· Ropa con lenguaje o imágenes vulgares, violentas, discriminatorias u obscenas

· Ropa que promueva drogas, alcohol, tabaco, productos de nicotina o armas

· Ropa demasiado reveladora o sexualmente sugerente, incluyendo:

     -Blusas que muestren escote, abdomen, espalda o ropa interior

     -Camisetas de tirantes, de tirantes finos, halter o sin tirantes

     -Pantalones cortos, faldas o vestidos que lleguen más abajo de la mitad del muslo

     -Ropa transparente sin la cobertura adecuada debajo

     -Pantalones o shorts holgados que dejen ver la ropa interior

     -Pantalones o jeans con agujeros, rotos o deshilachados por encima de la mitad del muslo, incluso si se usan con mallas debajo

Además, no se permite ninguna prenda, joya, accesorio o arreglo personal que sugiera participación en pandillas o promueva un comportamiento disruptivo.

Si la vestimenta de un estudiante no cumple con estas expectativas, el personal escolar trabajará con él para corregir el problema. Esto puede incluir pedirle que se cambie de ropa, que cubra la prenda o que lo envíen a casa por incumplimiento.

Nos comprometemos a tratar a todos los estudiantes con respeto. Si su hijo/a requiere una adaptación relacionada con creencias religiosas, una discapacidad u otra razón válida, comuníquese con el director/a de la escuela.

· Mallas, leggings, jeggings, pantalones de yoga u otra ropa ajustada, a menos que se use debajo de una blusa o vestido que cubra al menos hasta la mitad del muslo

· Pijamas, incluyendo pantalones de pijama y ropa para dormir

· Sombreros, pañuelos u otros artículos para cubrir la cabeza (excepto por motivos religiosos o médicos).

· Capuchas dentro de los edificios escolares.

· Para escuelas secundarias (solo estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria): chanclas, sandalias u otro calzado sin talón que pueda representar un riesgo de seguridad durante las actividades escolares diarias.

Los estudiantes deben usar ropa pulcra, limpia, modesta y apropiada para un entorno educativo desde preescolar hasta bachillerato. No se permite ropa que distraiga, interrumpa, sea insegura o inapropiada para el aprendizaje.