Weapons Policy

No student shall possess a weapon when in the school building, on school grounds, or on any school sponsored trip or activity. “Possession” refers to having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control on school property or at a school trip/activity. Possession of an illegal or dangerous weapon will not be tolerated. Violations will be reported to the police for legal action. The parent/guardian will also be notified and the weapon will be confiscated.

“Weapons” are identified in two categories:

1. Articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and /or intimidate other persons. Examples are: firearms, whether loaded or unloaded; knives; clubs; metal knuckles used in a threatening manner; numchucks; throwing stars; explosives; shotguns; ammunition; chains; pellet guns; look-alike guns; and other non-functioning guns that could be used to threaten others.
2. Articles designed for other purposes but which are actually used to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate. Examples include, but are not limited to: belts, combs, pencils, files, scissors, compasses, and letter openers. A student who finds a weapon on the way to school or in the school building and takes the weapon immediately to the director’s office shall not be considered to possess a weapon.

Corrective action shall include: initial suspension for five days, confiscation of weapon, notification of police, parent notification, and possible recommendation to the school board for expulsion proceedings for up to 1 year.

Tobacco

VEHS is a tobacco-free campus. Students known to be using or possessing tobacco products on campus will be suspended and may be reported to the proper authorities. Students found using tobacco products off-campus during school hours or during a school function will be reported and disciplined similarly.

Substance Abuse

In the case of illegal drug use, the proper authorities will be contacted and due process given. Possessing illegal drugs on campus will result in immediate suspension and potential expulsion. This policy reflects mandatory provisions of state and federal law and is not discretionary.

VEHS authorities reserve the right to use canine team or other drug investigators at anytime, unannounced. Any public storage areas could and would be randomly searched.

Dress Code

VEHS trusts that students will use good judgment in selecting appropriate dress. However, in rare instances of outrageous, distracting or skimpy dress, students may be sent home to change into something more appropriate or expected to wear clothing provided by the school. Clothing that advertises products that are illegal to minors, such as alcohol and tobacco, along with clothing that displays offensive language or messages, is prohibited.

The wearing of gang identified attire is not acceptable within the school buildings.

Violence and Harassment

VEHS is committed to promoting healthy human relationships and learning environments that are physically and psychologically safe for all members of the school community. We further believe that students are the first priority, and they should be protected from physical or emotional harm during school activities, on school grounds, and on field trips under school supervision.

Harassment of any kind is contrary to VEHS values. There are many forms of harassment, which can include but are not limited to, slurs, offensive remarks, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation, physical contact, or violence. Any form of harassment related to an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or sexual orientation is a violation of VEHS values, and will be referred to the director for appropriate consequences.

Vandalism

Littering, graffiti, breakage, and other misuse of the facilities will be addressed immediately. Any destruction of property will result in both loss of privileges and monetary compensation for the damage.

Electronic Devices

Headphones, walkmans, MP3 players are not allowed during the school day. Music can be played publicly but isolating oneself with these devices is contrary to VEHS ideals. The first offense for violating this code will result in the music player being taken away for the day. The second offense will result in the music player being taken away and kept until a parent or guardian picks it up.

Cell Phones/Phone Use

Cell phone use during school hours is distracting and unnecessary. Cell phones must be left off and stored during school hours. The first offense for violating this code will result in the cell phone being taken away for the day. The second offense will result in the cell phone being taken away and kept until a parent or guardian picks it up. All school calls can be routed through the office.

You will not be allowed to make phone calls during class. You may use the student phone in the office before and after school. You must sign the phone log when using the phone. Students must have permission and a legitimate reason to use an alternative phone, found in the school buildings.

Off-Campus

The campus boundaries include the areas within the Mayflower building. Off-campus opportunities for VEHS students will be supervised. Students at VEHS are representatives of their school when in the community at large. Their conduct should therefore reflect the VEHS school design principles. Students who are off-campus without permission are subject to the disciplinary channels cited in this handbook.