Preface to the Code of Student Conduct

The Standards of Quality (§ 22.1­253.13.7.D.3) require standards and procedures “designed to provide that public education be conducted in an atmosphere free of disruption and threat to persons or property and supportive of individual rights.”  Each student has the right to learn in an environment which respects the safety and well­being of ​all students.  Students and school​ personnel are entitled to a school environment free from threat and the physical aggression of others. 

The School Board of Henry County holds all students responsible for appropriate conduct as defined in the Henry County Public Schools’ Code of Student Conduct. The Code ​outlines major categories of behavior and states disciplinary actions and interventions that may occur as a result of student misconduct. There is an intentional emphasis to use behavioral interventions to reduce suspensions and thereby keep students in the classroom.

When enforcing the Code of Student Conduct, school administrators and teachers alike bear a responsibility to uphold school and division policies. When student conduct violates the Code of Student Conduct, teachers and administrators have specific authority to address the conduct and take steps reasonably calculated to prevent the recurrence of the misconduct. Furthermore, school officials have a duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students and staff. For this reason, school administrators have the authority to search students and their property if there is reasonable suspicion that a law or school rule has been or is about to be broken. School staff may question or interview minor students regarding violations of the Code of Student Conduct and criminal matters without the consent or presence of parents or legal guardians. In addition, the educational team is responsible for reporting to the local law enforcement agency any act that may constitute a criminal offense. Depending on the infraction, appropriate legal charges may be pressed against a student. Section 16.1­269.1 of the Code of Virginia permits juveniles, 14 years of age or older at the time of an alleged offense, to be prosecuted as adults for specific crimes under certain circumstances.

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and/or hearing officer, a student may be required to attend an alternative education program for violations of the Code of Student Conduct, which include but are not limited to being:  (1) charged with an offense relating to state law or violation of school board policies on weapons, alcohol, drugs, or intentional injury; (2) found guilty or not innocent of a crime which resulted in, or could have resulted in, injury to others; (3) charged with a crime for which the disposition ordered by the court is required to be disclosed to the Superintendent; (4) chronically disruptive to the regular school program; or (5) expelled from school with permission to receive educational services.   The school board may require a student to attend an alternative program regardless of where a crime occurred, including the commission of crimes that occurred before the student was eligible to be enrolled in a Henry County school.