CCSS High School Student Handbook

C.C.S.S. HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

“GREATNESS IS WAITING FOR…YOU!”

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CHESAPEAKE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

605 Providence Road

Chesapeake, Virginia 23325

Phone: 578-7046

Mission Statement

The mission of Chesapeake Center for Student Success (CCSS), through the combined

efforts of students, parents, community, and staff, believe that a child’s potential is not

necessarily predicted by their past performance. It is our belief that students learn when

doubt is supplanted by assurance of possibilities. Shaping character and nurturing

intellect in a safe environment will give students the opportunity to attain the academic,

social, emotional, and behavioral skills needed to become productive citizens in their

schools and communities.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Chesapeake Public School System is an equal opportunity system in terms of education.

The School Board of the City of Chesapeake also adheres to the principles of equal opportunity

in employment and therefore, prohibits discrimination in terms and conditions of employment

on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, religion, age, or disability.

Personal Information

Name _____________________________________________________Grade _________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ___________________ Emergency Phone Number _____________________

Homeroom Teacher __________________________ Room # _________ Bus # __________

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TEAMwork Makes a Difference

Together Everyone Accomplishes More

Dear Parent/Guardian:

In order to work effectively with your child, we need your support. You can help in the following

ways:

Please be sure that your child has paper, pens, pencils, headphones or ear buds,

and a black or white 2-3” three ring binder.

Please check your child’s homework assignments on a daily basis.

Please review and sign your child’s score card on a daily basis.

Please review and sign your child’s progress report on a weekly basis.

It is important that you maintain an active telephone number and stay in contact with

Chesapeake Center for Student Success.

Please make sure that your child attends school regularly. Students should enter the

building between 4:55 and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Dismissal occurs at 8:00 p.m.

Assist your child in adhering to the school rules and regulations.

Encourage and support school event that may occur on or off campus. Notification and

further details will be sent regarding each event.

Participate in parent teacher conferences, community nights, and open houses.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to visit or call our school any time (578-7046). I

look forward to working with you in order to help your student have a successful school year at

Chesapeake Center for Student Success.

Sincerely,

N. L. Brown, Jr.

Principal NLB/was

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CHESAPEAKE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Chesapeake Center for Student Success (CCSS) was founded in 1971 under its previous name

of the Chesapeake Alternative School (CAS). With a change in the students served and the

academic programming came the desire for a name change. CCSS provides a highly structured

learning environment and offers a variety of positive-based interventions and materials that

meet the individual needs of the student. We maintain clearly defined limits and consistently

enforced consequences for inappropriate behavior. Using behavior modification and positive

reinforcements, CCSS offers a program designed to create a positive school climate for the

student. We follow the same curriculum standards and pacing guides as all other Chesapeake

Public Schools with emphasis on individualization and small group instruction. At CCSS we

want students to acquire both academic and behavioral skills to ensure that they will be the

best version of themselves that they can be, upon return to their home school.

CCSS offers students who have previously experienced difficulties in the traditional school

setting, a clean slate on a new path that will lead to success in the home school. Our hope is

students will not only recognize their way of handling thing in the past did not help with

outcomes but with a new skill-set, a positive attitude, and a desire to show others their best self,

they now have the power in their heads and hands to determine the path that their feet will take.

They have been empowered with skills and a look at the possibilities that their future could have

as they move beyond the classroom to adult life with the ability to advocate for themselves in an

appropriate manner.

CCSS offers each student the opportunity to acquire the academic and social skills necessary

for him or her to return to the home school and to be successful. CCSS implements the Positive

Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to support the growth of each

student. The PBIS framework uses evidence-based interventions to support each student

academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. The PBIS framework develops a positive,

predictable, and safe environment for students to practice empathy, impulse control, and problem

solving skills. PBIS implementation involves explicitly prompting, modeling, practicing, and

encouraging positive expected social skills across settings and individuals.

The CCSS student body includes Grades Nine through Twelve. Each student is closely

monitored and remains with his or her group as the group transitions (moves) during the school

day. Every week, each student is evaluated to identify behaviors (appropriate and inappropriate)

that may require individual program modifications to meet the students where they are. Evening

class sessions will begin promptly at 5:00. Sessions will run nightly from Monday - Thursday

evenings and each evening will focus on a specific content area. A student that has completed all

requirements in a specific content area towards his/her Standard Diploma is not require to attend

school on that evening that that content will be addressed. Students will not be permitted to enter

the building prior to 4:45 p.m. Dinner will be from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m., and a snack will be offered

to students as they board the evening bus home at 8:00 p.m.

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TEAM CONCEPT

A multi-stage, data-tracking system is used to monitor student behavior.

Positive reinforcement is given during each stage to encourage long-term changes in

attitude, behavior, and academic success.

A daily score card is used to document student data on 3 different behavioral areas:

1. Follow Directions (A) 2. Appropriate Interactions (B) and 3.Complete Academic Work (C)

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS means to:

-Remain dressed appropriately

-Follow directions the first

time given or within the

acceptable allotted

time/prompts.

-Remain in designated area

APPROPRIATE INTERACTIONS means to:

-Conduct your-self in a manner that

displays respect for self and others.

Therefore you REFRAIN from:

-Making verbal or physical threats

-Using curse words or profane

language

-Yelling, Arguing, Teasing

-Horse playing, touching others,

and/or fighting

COMPLETE WORK

means to:

-Complete academic

assignments in the allotted

time.

In order to progress through the “SHARK” stage levels, the student must maintain the

minimal daily percentage required for his or her current stage if the student drops below

the minimal daily percentage he or she will earn a strike for the day.

A student who earns two “strikes” in a single week must remain at his or her current

stage level.

A student must acquire three consecutive weeks without strikes in the Hammer-head,

Tiger, and the Great White “Shark” levels to progress to the final stage of the Megalodon.

A student must maintain four consecutive weeks without dropping below 97% in the

Megalodon stage to be considered for return to the home school.

Conduct is also monitored during dinner time and while students transition from one area

in the school building to another area.

A student must meet the following requirements to be considered for return

to the comprehensive setting:

Beginning September 2019, a student must have been in the program for a semester.

He/she should have at least nine consecutive weeks with no critical incidents. A

critical incident is defined as an incident that involves the student being in conflict

with: school protocols/rules, a peer and/or staff member, and/or concerns regarding

bus conduct that result in a referral.

A student must be in the final week of the Megalodon stage.

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A student must have the recommendations of two administrators and two of their

teachers.

A student must be passing two of their three classes.

A student must not have any truancy issues.

An unexcused absence will earn a strike which translates to an X (an

unsatisfactory) on the data. Removal of this X will occur if an excusal note

has been turned in within three days of the absence.

Five days of unexcused absence will result in a truancy referral.

An unexcused tardy will result in an x earned for missed class time. A valid

excuse note is due upon arrival.

NOTE: A student attending CCSS may not enter any other Chesapeake Public School campus

except for transportation purposes. Students may not enter the high school building for any

reason. The unauthorized presence on any campus may bring charges against the student

for trespassing.

(CCSS) @ Work

In addition to providing academic programs, CCSS works tirelessly to create programs and to

improve existing programs (Art Therapy, ESTAT, TEAM, VTSS, and PBIS) that will help our

students to succeed in all areas of their lives.

Art Therapy is provided by the Eastern Virginia Medical School via student internships.

The interns help the CCSS students develop strategies to resolve conflicts, develop social

skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. These sessions

will begin pending verification of intern placement.

Enhanced Student and Teacher Assistance Team (ESTAT) and Behavior Analysis

Team (BAT) are problem-solving committees. They monitor student progress and

makes critical educational decisions based on student academic performance and on the

effects of behavior interventions.

TEAM (Together Everyone Accomplishes More) is a behavioral program that uses

positive reinforcement to encourage the student to manage his or her behavior while

working through multiple stages. The object of the program is that the student learns to

replace inappropriate behaviors and responses to problems with appropriate, positive

alternatives.

Virginia Tiered System and Supports (VTSS) and Positive Behavior Intervention

and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and

social culture needed for the student to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

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Guidance and Counseling

Guidance, as defined by Chesapeake Public Schools, is a developmental process by

which our students (or other individuals) are assisted in making appropriate choices and

adjustments. It is a very important part of the total educational program. Guidance helps

our students to develop their potential and to achieve self-reliance. The effectiveness of

our program is the result of the collaborative efforts of all those involved in the

educational process (students, parents, school staff, and community members). The

school counselor is the school-based member of the program who coordinates the various

aspects of the guidance program. The counselor at Chesapeake Center for Student

Success encourages students, parents, and teachers to seek assistance if it is needed.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF CCSS: is to return students to the comprehensive setting

with newly acquired skills that facilitate a change in actions and attitude, whereby, moving

forward students aspire for greatness.

DAILY PREPARATION: In order for significant educational progress to take place in

school, each student must assume certain responsibilities for his or her learning.

1. A student is to arrive to school prepared to work by having pens, pencils, a 3-ring white

or black binder, loose-leaf paper, one pair of ear phones or ear buds, and any other

supplies needed for classes.

2. A student is expected to do all homework that is assigned. If a student is absent on the

day that the homework is due, the homework is due on the day that the student returns.

3. A student is expected to complete and submit all make-up work that is assigned. Make-up

assignments are due within five days of the student’s return to school. In case of

extenuating circumstances, a student may submit make-up assignments before the end of

the grading period.

4. A student is expected to participate in all written, oral, and listening activities.

5. A student is to take his or her binder and/or homework folder home every day.

6. A student is to adhere to CCSS policies, procedures, and programs.

7. A student is to treat everyone in a manner that will reflect respect and dignity by having a

positive attitude and proper school conduct.

8. A student is to adhere to the Chesapeake Public School attendance policy.

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MEDICAL PROTOCOLS

Emergency Cards

Parents or guardians are asked to review the information on the emergency cards. It is imperative

that the school staff and/or the student be able to contact an adult in an emergency situation.

Please, add the names of all adult individuals who are authorized to pick up a student from

school. Individuals with authorization will be asked to show proper identification before a

student will be released to picking up a student.

Accidents

A student who is injured on school property must immediately report the injury to his or her

teacher, who will alert the designated. Persons who are injured on school property will complete

the necessary Chesapeake Public Schools accident form. School insurance is available.

School Clinic/Nurse

A parent/guardian will be called should a student need to see a nurse during the high school

evening sessions (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.).

Medications

The school nurse will identify a designee to administer medications to a student who has a

physician’s order and a parent or guardian permission form (No. CS-405) is on file.

The designee will administer over-the-counter medications if prescribed by a physician and if the

medication is brought to the school in the original container. Short-term prescription

medications may not be administered for more than five consecutive days without the

completion of a CS-405 form from the physician.

A student is not allowed to carry medications on his or her person during the school day. A

parent (or other authorized adult) must bring medications for the student to the clinic between the

hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. while the school nurse is on duty. A student may not transport

medications.

A student who routinely receives medications should come to the clinic as scheduled and follow

the prescribed policy of the nurse and/or designated personnel.

ACADEMIC PROTOCOLS

Students will not be permitted to enter the building prior to 4:45 p.m. Dinner will be from 6:00 -

6:30 p.m., and a snack will be offered to students as they board the evening bus home at 8:00

p.m. Worth noting is the fact that an important part of the educational process is that each

student learns to be responsible for his or her own academic growth and performance.

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Textbooks

Textbooks are provided by Chesapeake Public Schools. Their care is the student’s

responsibility. The student’s name and the name of the issuing teacher should be recorded by the

teacher in each textbook. The student is financially responsible for the replacement of a lost or

damaged book.

Homework

The Chesapeake School Board considers homework an important part of the learning process. It

is the natural link between the home and school and is an extension of the direct instruction that

took place in time in classroom. Correctly monitored, homework gives the student an

opportunity to practice previously learned skills, to work independently and to demonstrate some

responsibility for their learning. Please remember that homework should be the product of the

student with minimum assistance from adults.

Homework is an extension of the classroom, and it is this independent practice which reinforces

the learning that takes place in school.

Homework assignments depend on the grade and ability of the individual student. When

assigning homework, teachers use the following guidelines.

1. One student or class may not require the same kind of homework assignments as another

student or another class. Homework provides the feedback needed for teachers to

individualize instruction to meet the needs of each student.

2. Homework should be of a reasonable length. Homework at the high school level should

require, approximately, sixty to seventy minutes per class, per night.

3. The student and parents should be aware of homework policies, including evaluation

procedures and frequency of homework assignments.

Evaluation

1. Homework will be reviewed.

2. Written assignments that are evaluated will be returned to the student.

3. Non-written assignments may be assessed by the student’s participation in class

discussions or other class activities.

4. Homework will account for no more than ten percent of the final grade for each grading

period.

Progress Reports

Reports concerning student progress will occur at each four-week grading period, per the

Chesapeake Public Schools calendar. This progress report will be sent to the home address for

each student enrolled.

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Penalties for Cheating

A. Statement of Issue

Cheating is a serious issue.

B. Parameters

If the student is found guilty of cheating on an assignment:

1st Offense

o the parent will be contacted and be made aware of the situation

o the student will receive a zero and will not be allowed to submit the

assignment for credit

2nd Offense

o the parent will be contacted and be made aware of the situation

o the student will receive a zero and will not be allowed to submit the

assignment for credit

o the student will spend the remainder of the block in the intervention room

3rd Offense

o the parent will be contacted and be made aware of the situation

o the student will receive a zero and will not be allowed to submit the

assignment for credit

o the student will receive a day of OSS (Out of School Suspension)

A student will face more severe consequences if found guilty of cheating beyond five offenses.

Grading System

The grading system is a 4.0 alphabetical system with the following quality points

and numerical equivalents.

Range Letter Grade Points

93 – 100 A 4.0

90 – 92 A- 3.7

87 – 89 B+ 3.3

83 – 86 B 3.0

80 – 82 B- 2.7

77 – 79 C+ 2.3

73 – 76 C 2.0

70 – 72 C- 1.7

67 – 69 D+ 1.3

64 – 66 D 1.0

Below 64 E 0.0

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Parents of secondary students, may access specified grade reports from the internet through a

secured website – Synergy. Letters and activation codes will be mailed to you with directions

for logging into the secure website, steps to take if you forget your password or username, steps

to obtain free-email, steps to combine accounts for more than one child or school, support

information if problems occur, and the dates and times that grades will be posted. The students

should have access to Synergy shortly after school opens. There will be a designated time set to

assist students with activating his or her account in the lab.

HONOR ROLL CRITERIA

Grades 6-8 9-12

3.85–4.00 GPA

(with no grade lower than an

A- and no rounding or

weighting)

3.85–4.00 GPA

(with no grade lower than

an A- no rounding or

weighting)

Grades 6-8 9-12

3.50–3.84 GPA

(with no grade lower than a

B-)

3.50–3.84 GPA

(with no grade lower than

a B-)

Grades 6-8 9-12

3.00–3.49 GPA

(With no grade lower than a

C)

3.00–3.49 GPA

(With no grade lower than

a C)

Transition and Return to the Home School

High school students who have been mandated to attend school at CCSS will be here for a

minimum of one semester. The rationale behind this time frame involves several components:

To ensure that each student has the possibility of attaining three (3) credits towards their

Standard Diploma through rigorous work in their academic coursework.

To provide students with a proficient understanding of the curriculum content so that they

are successful on End-of-Course (EOC) exams and SOLs.

To facilitate a smooth transition for each student that entails a comprehensive plan which

addresses academic, social, and emotional components. This systematic transition will

occur over a designated time with clearly defined parameters. It will occur at a regular

break in the school calendar which will result in success for all.

A meeting with the Reintegration Team will be held to design an individualized

Reintegration Plan.

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GENERAL PROTOCOLS

Moment of Silence

The Moment of Silence will be observed during the evening announcements period. All students

are expected to be silent and respectful of their fellow classmates and teachers during this time.

Office Telephone Use

A student is not allowed routine use of the office telephone. Use of the office telephone is

limited to emergency situations. A student who has a legitimate emergency must have the

permission of a CCSS administrator to use the phone.

NOTE: We do not pull students out of class to take personal telephone calls for any

reason.

Student use of Electronic Devices

High school students (Grades 9-12) are permitted to have cellular telephones, other portable

communication devices, and electronic devices in the school building. These devices will be

signed in upon arrival and redistributed to their owner when the evening session is finished. The

fact that the high school operates on an extremely tight time frame, requires them to give their

undivided attention to their academic responsibilities without the distraction of cellular

telephones and other portable communication devices. Laptops and/or chrome books will be

provided for students should they require them for any instructional purposes.

Lockers

High school students will not be assigned lockers. Administration will secure approved items

that are brought to school and return them at the end of each evening session. Please refer to

the dress code policy as it relates to personal belongings (including hats, combs, brushes,

backpacks, money, jewelry, etc.).

Cash

Free dinner and snacks are provided to all students; hence cash on campus is not essential.

However, we also recognize that it may be necessary for students to carry a small amount of cash

on their person in the event of an emergency. Excessive amounts of cash will be confiscated and

inventoried. Confiscated money will only be returned when a parent comes to pick it up.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are encouraged and may be requested by either the parent or the

teacher. Conferences will be scheduled by appointment at a time convenient for both parties. If

a parent is unable to keep a conference appointment, notification to the school office between

3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. is requested.

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Fire Drill/Emergency Evacuation

For safety purposes, fire drills and emergency evacuations are held, regularly, throughout the

school year. Students must follow their teachers’ directions and the fire exit directions posted in

each classroom. Students are to walk quickly and quietly to their designated areas outside the

building.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOL

Attendance

To be successful in school, it is necessary for a student to attend regularly. If an absence is

necessary, the parents or guardians should write an excuse stating the reason for the absence and

send it to the homeroom teacher on the day the student returns to school. If the student is going

to be out of school for three or more days (personal reasons), advance arrangements should be

made with the school administration. The student is responsible for all assignments missed (e.g.,

homework, tests, projects). Work assigned before an absence is due the day the student returns

from an excused absence. Work assigned during the time a student is absent should be submitted

within five days of his or her return. At the discretion of the CCSS administration, all

assignments may be submitted before the end of the grading period.

If the student is absent, a parent or guardian should call the school (757-578-7046) to report the

absence. If the student is absent and the parent does not telephone the school, the School

Messenger System will call the parent with notification of the absence. The school day is from

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Any student arriving after 5:10 p.m. will be considered tardy. An

excused tardy must be accompanied by a medical, dental or legal note. Unexcused

tardies/early departures will be referred for possible truancy violations.

Attendance Policy

1. A student who transfers to one of our schools from outside of the Chesapeake school

division will not be held accountable for absences accrued in other divisions. He or she

will be enrolled with zero absences. The Office of Student Enrollment will review

extreme cases.

2. In order to be consistent with recovery procedures offered to a student who has excessive

absences, all Chesapeake high schools will allow the student a maximum of four (4) days

of recovery time per semester.

3. According to Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS) policy, a high school student who is

absent from a class more than nine class periods for block-schedule courses, may forfeit

being awarded the credit for a course as a result of not meeting minimum seat time.

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State law, Code of Virginia 22.1-254 through 22.1-269, requires the following procedures

regarding unexcused absence(s):

5th Unexcused Absence: The school must contact the parent or guardian to

schedule a parent conference to develop an attendance improvement plan.

6th Unexcused Absence: The school must contact the parent or guardian to

schedule a second parent conference. During this conference, the participants

will determine if outside agencies should be used to improve attendance.

7th Unexcused Absence: The school will complete the Truancy Court Referral

form and will forward this notification to the Office of Student Services. Student

Services will review the documentation and forward it to Court Services for action.

Truancy

The Code of Virginia §22.1-254 through §22.1-269 and the policy of the School Board of the

Chesapeake Public Schools define excused absences as follows:

Sickness of a student, medical appointments, severe illness or death in the family, exposure to

contagious disease, religious holidays, or extenuating circumstances such as fire, accident, or

extremely inclement weather shall be considered the only legitimate excuse for absence or

tardiness unless the principal authorizes an exception. In all cases of absence or tardiness, the

parent or guardian must give an excuse, in writing, stating the cause of the absence or tardiness.

Absences, for reasons other than those stated, must be with the advance permission of the

principal, and the request must be made in writing stating the reason and time of the absence.

For the purposes of Truancy Court, the schools will report truancy and unexcused

nonattendance in the same manner. Therefore, the same procedures are followed whether or not

the parent indicates awareness of the absences. The schools will send the Office of Student

Services a Truancy Court Referral for every student who accumulates seven (7) unexcused

absences (excluding suspensions) within the school year. The student will be reported whether

he or she is classified as truant or as in unexcused nonattendance. All of these students will be

evaluated by the Interdisciplinary Team and referred to Truancy Court.

Parent drop-off and/or Pick-up

If a student is brought to school by a parent or guardian, the parent or guardian must

enter the building to sign the student in.

In addition, the parent or guardian must send a letter to be verified by office staff if someone

other than a parent or guardian is to pick up the student. That person should be listed on the

appropriate documentation and have ID for verification purposes.

Parents who are picking their student up from school at the end of the evening should arrive no

later than 7:55 p.m. and check in with security and office staff.

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If a parent has phoned in advance requesting that a student NOT be put on the bus as they are

picking the student up BUT if he/she is not here to pick up a student at dismissal the student will

be put on the bus.

Make-Up Work When a Student Is Absent

A. Work Missed Due to Absences

1. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and to complete all assignments missed

when absent. The student may have up to five school days to complete the assignments

for full credit. Exceptions may be made for extended absences.

2. Neither the parent/guardian nor the student should request that assignments be sent home

when the student is ill. However, exceptions may be made for extended illnesses. When

assignments have been requested and supplied by the teacher, they are due on the day the

student returns to school.

3. When a parent/guardian requests assignments, the assignments should be picked up from

the office preferably between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the day after

the request is made to provide a twenty-four-hour notice.

4. When the student is absent on the day of a test but was in school on the day before, the

test will be given on the day that the student returns to school.

5. The student will receive zeroes for assignments that are not submitted.

B. Absences Due to Vacation and/or Trips

Prior approval from the principal is required when the student is absent due to vacations

or family trips. Please note that these absences may not be excused. Assignments in

advance will only be given with a four - days (prior to absence) written request from

the parent. The student will be expected to make-up assignments within three days of

his or her return. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and to complete all work

missed when absent. The student will receive zeroes for assignments that are not

submitted.

C. Make-Up Work for Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

1. A student is expected to complete work missed when he or she is assigned OSS.

2. Work will not be sent home while the student is suspended unless requested.

Assignments may also be requested the day the student returns to school.

3. Make-up work is due within five days after the student returns to school from a

suspension of three days.

4. If a student is absent due to a suspension of more than three days, the student will be

responsible for making up the work in a timely manner. Time lines will be determined

by the teacher based on the nature of the assignments missed and number of days absent.

5. When the student is serving OSS on the day of a test but was in school on the day before,

the test will be given on the day that the student returns to school.

6. The student will receive zeroes for assignments that are not submitted.

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D. Make-Up Work for Intentional Absences

In the case of an intentional absence (e.g., skipping school), the student will not be

permitted to make up work for credit and will receive zeroes for any graded work

assigned during the time of the absence.

Leaving/Returning to School during the School Day

For a student to officially leave school during the school day, a parent, guardian, or other

authorized adult must come to the security desk to complete the student sign-in/out sheet.

Picture identification must be presented and entered into a screening data base by the School

Security Officer.

CHESAPEAKE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS DRESS CODE POLICY

At Chesapeake Center for Student Success, it is our responsibility to provide an educational

environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. In order to facilitate this, students in the

school environment must conduct themselves in a manner that does not hinder the teaching

and/or learning process. Although, we understand that students may be concerned about fashion

and comfort, the priority of staff is health, safety, and modesty. Distractions that may have a

negative influence on the instructional progress of ALL students must be eliminated as much as

possible. Hence, student dress and grooming must be addressed.

Although student dress and grooming are the personal responsibility of the student and his or her

parents or guardians, we expect the student to dress appropriately for school and to avoid

extremes.

This is the Dress Code Policy for Chesapeake Center for Student Success.

All students are required to wear solid white shirts/blouses/tops, with or without a

collar. There must be no writing or drawing on the shirt/blouse/top. Shirt/blouse/top

must be long enough to hang below the waist in order to be tucked in. Colored garments

and undergarments may not be worn underneath the white shirt/blouse/top.

Shorts must reach, at least, mid-thigh. Skirts must be worn no shorter than one inch

below the middle fingertip.

Slits in skirts must not be higher than middle fingertip length from the hem.

Underwear/garments must be covered by clothing at all times.

Shirts/blouses/tops that expose the midriff, belly button, or cleavage are not permitted.

See-through shirts/blouses/tops are not permitted.

Shoulders (backs and fronts) must be covered with clothing – no tank tops.

Sleepwear and sweatpants are not permitted. Leggings/Jeggings are permitted only if

worn under the appropriate length skirt or shorts.

Pants/skirts/shorts (blue/black jean or khaki) MUST be secured at/above the waist

with a belt. No holes, rips, or tears are permitted. No cut-offs are permitted. Tape cannot

be used to cover hole/rips.

Students will be permitted to wear a coat or jacket to school. These items will be stored

on the back of the student’s desk and/or in a designated place. No coats or jackets will be

allowed to be worn in the classroom and/or throughout the school building. Students will

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be allowed to wear a white or black pull-over sweaters or sweatshirts. HOODED

SWEATSHIRTS and HOODED JACKETS are not permitted.

Clothing which is lewd or suggestive, apparel that advertises illegal substances, items

deemed gang related, dangerous, or that depicts graphic violence will not be permitted in

the building (e.g., crowns, stars, weapons, drugs).

Baseball caps and other headgear, including bandannas, do-rags, and scarves, must not be

worn in the school building at any time. Students are to store these items in lockers.

Brushes, combs, and/or picks will not be brought into the classrooms. Students are to

remain at home.

JEWELRY: A students may wear 1 pair of stud earrings, and a wrist watch. Jewelry

worn for religious reasons should be worn discretely. Key chains or clips are not to be

exposed. Excessive jewelry and smart watches are prohibited.

Students are not permitted to wear extremely high-heeled or stiletto shoes. Flip-flops,

slip-ons, or bedroom slippers are not permitted. All shoes are to have straps or laces and

must be secured to the feet.

Purses, backpacks, handbags, etc. are prohibited. Pencil pouches and/or cosmetic

bags (secured in the black/white binders) are permitted.

Violations of Dress Code

1st Offense: A student may be given an opportunity to remedy the violation him or her

self. An administrator will meet with the student and provide the option of utilizing

school issued appropriate clothing and warn the students of possible consequences for

future violation. The students will also be notified that an X will be given on their score

card. However, if the student refuses this option then:

The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be called to request that a change of clothing be

brought to the school.

OR

A parent or guardian may opt to sign the student out of school. If a student is

signed out for a dress code violation, the absence will be considered unexcused.

2nd Offense: A meeting with the student to review the policy and expectations and a call

will be made to the parent making them aware of the fact that this is the second violation

(two X’s will be given on the score card).

3rd Offense: A meeting will be scheduled with the student and the parent to review the

policy and expectations (three X’s will be given on the score card and student will be

dropped one level).

4th Offense: The student will receive one day of OSS and be dropped to Hammer head

stage level, week 1.

NOTE: Students who bring prohibited items to school including extra phones,

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backpacks, purses, or any additional jewelry, not previously mentioned (bracelets,

rings, necklaces, any piercing item, smart watches, etc. will have their items confiscated

and inventoried. This also includes excessive amounts of money. Items will only be

returned to a parent who must come to the school and sign for the items.

Food / Snacks

A student is not permitted to bring snacks, candy, gum, drinks, etc. into the building. Borrowing,

lending, or giving any food item (including dinner and snacks) is strictly prohibited.

If a student is bringing an approved dinner it must be left with security upon entering the

building.

Search and Seizure

All students will have their property (clothing, binders, pencil pouches, wallet, etc.) screened and

will walk through a metal detector upon entering the building. If the school principal/designee

has reasonable suspicion that a student has unauthorized articles including but not limited to:

drugs, weapons, alcohol, any items dangerous to the health/safety of students or school personnel

or other items in violation of school rules or state law, they may conduct a more thorough search

of a student’s personal property. The search may also include an inspection of school property

including desks, and other areas in which items may be kept. If illegal substances or objects are

found in a search, the School Resource Officer (SRO) will be notified.

Visitor Information

Parents and other visitors are welcome and encouraged to visit the school. All persons must

have proper identification to present at the check-in kiosk. Parents or guardians who wish to

observe a classroom should contact the school in advance to schedule a time. This procedure is

necessary to avoid class interruptions.

BUS PICK-UP and DROP-OFF GUIDELINES

Please use these guidelines for bus pick-up and drop-off of your child attending CCSS.

Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from the designated library

hub that the child has been assigned as their pick-up and drop-odd location.

Students must use the designated library hub they are assigned, unless permission

is granted by the school to use an alternative.

Students are to arrive at the pick –up location at least five minutes prior to the established

pick-up time.

Parents are to be available to receive their child at the designated location at least five

minutes prior to the established bus drop-off time. The bus driver will return the student

to CCSS whose parent is not at the designated location for student drop-off. If a student

is returned to CCSS, the parent will be responsible for getting their child from the school,

immediately.

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A warning will be given to the parent for the first offense of returning their child

to the school due to parent’s failure to receive their child at the designated drop-

off location.

A student may be removed from the program if they are returned to school twice

due to parent’s failure to receive them at the designated drop-off location.

Students and parents/guardians should familiarize themselves with the Bus Regulations

as students are expected to follow them.

Bus Regulations

To ensure a safe and efficient trip to and from school, a student is expected to display proper

conduct on the bus as outlined in the Chesapeake Public Schools Regulations for Pupils Riding

School Buses. Riding the bus is a privilege that carries certain responsibilities. Improper

behavior on the bus will result in the revocation of this privilege.

A student will ride only the bus to which he or she is assigned.

A student will get on and off the bus at the assigned stop.

A student will remain in his or her assigned seat.

A student will keep arms, legs, and head inside of the bus.

A student will bring only school-related items on the bus.

A student will not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus.

A student will not use profane language on the bus.

A student will not throw items on or off the bus.

A student will adhere to the dress code policy while on the bus.

A parent/guardian will drop off and pick up their child at the

approved/identified transportation hub.

NOTE: When the bus arrives for pick-up and drop-off, the driver has time constraints. Ensure

that you have done ALL that you can do to make sure that things run smoothly for all involved.

If a student is not at the designated hub at the appropriate time, the bus will not

wait.

If the parent, guardian, or designee is not at the hub to receive the student upon

completion of the evening session, the bus driver CANNOT allow a student to get off

the bus. The driver will return the student back to the school building.

Once a student is returned back to the school a parent/guardian or designee will be

contacted and be required to pick up the student.

Meals

Dinner will be provided free of charge. Students will receive their dinner and it will be eaten in

the classroom.

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School Closings

It may become necessary to close school due to weather conditions. Please tune to radio station

WFOS 88.7 or cable TV station WCTV 48 for up-to-date information concerning the closing of

Chesapeake Public Schools. School closings will also be posted on the CCSS website and twitter

page.

DISCIPLINE

A student who violates school rules and regulations will be referred to the administration.

The following behaviors may result in intervention, suspension, removal from the program

and/or the recommendation of expulsion from school:

Hand signals, gang signs, or gang drawings on binders (school materials)

The use or possession of tobacco or tobacco products by students on school property

The illegal use, possession, or distribution of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol on

school property

The use, possession, handling, or carrying of a gun, other weapon, or other dangerous

objects (look alike weapons included)

Physical and/or verbal threats to do bodily harm and/or assaults on other persons

Vandalism and/or destruction of school or personal property (binders included)

Forgery and/or cheating in any form

Obscene actions, words, gestures, or the use of profanity and/or ethnically degrading

statements and gestures

Any other act that may be considered disruptive to the educational process or to the

orderly atmosphere for learning

Electronic devices/phones are not permitted on students during the day. They are to be

turned off and placed in their lockers when they arrive at school.

Appeal Process

As stated in Policy R 9-21, the initial appeal of a short-term suspension shall be to the principal

of the school, in writing, from the parent or legal guardian, outlining the rationale for the

appeal. The appeal must be received in the principal’s office within three school days of the

first day of suspension. Appeals via email will not be accepted.

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Transitions

Students will walk with their teachers at all times. This includes to and from the

restroom, assemblies, and during class changes. Students are monitored while

transitioning to and from the buses.

Students are required to walk on the right side of the hallway and in front of the teachers.

Students are not to communicate during transitions. All transitions are silent.

Students are to keep their hands and feet to themselves.

Students are to maintain appropriate body space (arm’s length) from other students while

in transition.

R 9-20.1 Cellular Telephones, Other Portable Telecommunication Devices, and Electronic

Devices

A. Possession of Cellular Telephones, Other Portable Telecommunication Devices, and

Electronic Devices

Students shall not possess or carry on their person cellular telephones, other portable

telecommunication devices, or electronic devices during the school day. Cellular

telephones, other portable telecommunication devices, and electronic devices must be

turned off prior to the student exiting the school bus and must remain off during the

school day. These devices will be secured by a designated staff member and returned to

the student at the end of the day. These electronic devices will be secured under lock and

key to prevent theft and unnecessary distractions. Students who possess or carry these

devices on their person, in their binders, in their pencil pouches, or in any item taken into

any area of the school during the school day shall be subject to consequences up to and

including suspension. CPS assumes no responsibility for lost, destruction, damage or

charges to any device.

Typically, the following consequences will apply to students who violate this Policy.

1st Offense: The device will be taken from the student and returned at the end of

the school day.

2nd Offense: The device will be taken from the student. A parent must come to the school

to conference with administration, where the device will be returned.

3rd Offense: The device will be taken from the student and a parent must come to the

school to retrieve the device. The student will be assigned to intervention.

4th Offense: The device will be taken from the student and given to the parent.

The student will be assigned OSS.

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B. Use of Cellular Telephones, Other Portable Telecommunication Devices, or Electronic

Devices

The use of a cellular telephone, other portable telecommunication device, or electronic

device beyond simple possession will result in more severe penalties at the discretion of

the principal.

Any action that is disruptive to the educational process and/or includes the initiation

and/or passing of threats against persons or property will be subject to disciplinary

consequences, up to and including expulsion.

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“Keep your thoughts positive because your

thoughts become your words.

Keep your words positive because your words

become your behavior.

Keep your behavior positive because your

behavior becomes your habits.

Keep your habits positive because your habits

become your values.

Keep your values positive because your

values become your destiny!”

- Gandhi

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“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what

is possible; and suddenly you are doing the

impossible.”

- St. Francis of Assisi

It is most important to simply begin.

Start with a single step.

Soon you will be miles ahead of where you

began!