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.

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.

Effective 1/5/2026

Fighting

(Middle and High Schools)

The goal of this policy is to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment for all students and staff.  Fighting disrupts instruction, threatens safety, and undermines a positive school culture.  This updated policy establishes clear, progressive consequences while still allowing opportunities for learning, reflection, and behavioral change.  The policy aligns with district discipline standards, state law, and best practices for school safety.

1st Offense

• 5 to 10 Days OSS (If 10 days, students will also have to attend evening school for 10 days to make up seat time. This is equivalent to 20 hours of evening school.  Students can also attend Saturday school for up to 20 hours to make up for seat time as well.)

• Student Returns on a Discipline Contract

• Possible 3rd Degree Assault Charges (discretion of the SRO)

• 24 Hours of Community Service. Students must complete all assigned community service hours prior to participating in extracurricular activities. Failure to complete the required hours will result in ineligibility for all extracurricular activities until completion is confirmed.

2nd Offense

• Expulsion Recommendation to Hearing Officer

• Options for Hearing Officer: (Alternative Placement of up to 45 days. The infraction may warrant students spending additional time in alternative placement.)  If the infraction occurs towards the end of the school year, punishment will carry over to the next year to be equitable 

• Loss of Extracurricular Activity Participation. (For Seniors, possible loss of Senior Privileges and Graduation participation)

• 48 Hours of Work Detail or Community Service.  If a student’s assigned community service hours carry over into the next semester, the student will remain ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activities until all required hours are fully completed and verified, regardless of the semester.

3rd Offense

• Expulsion