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The primary mission of Golden Strip Career Technology Center is to provide students with the educational opportunities needed to enable them to reach their highest individual potential and to live and work successfully in a global economy.

The beliefs of Golden Strip Career Technology are

1. That all students are learners.

2. That learning is lifelong.

3. That all people have a right to reach their highest individual potential.

4. That each person has unique worth as a member of a diverse society.

5. That each student would be challenged to develop academically, physically, intellectually, socially, and morally.

6. That every student should have the opportunity to experience success and develop confidence.

7. That all people should develop their skills and abilities to live successfully in a global economy.

8. That all educational opportunities should be inclusive in a supportive learning environment.

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Golden Strip Career Technology Center seeks to foster an appreciation of the dignity of work, worth of the individual, pride of accomplishment, respect for quality workmanship, the importance of a positive attitude, and the desire to excel in a chosen career.

We feel that it is our responsibility to meet each student as an individual with his/her own unique set of abilities, interests, values, and ambitions and to offer that individual an opportunity to develop to his/her fullest potential. The training programs offered are developed to satisfy the interests of area students, to meet business and industry personnel •needs, and to meet technological requirements of the expanding •Greenville community.

Learning experiences in the Center's programs are designed to prepare graduates with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to successfully enter and compete in today's job market or to continue their education at the post-secondary level. Golden Strip Career Technology Center also assumes an obligation to the students, the community, and the nation to emphasize their fundamental concepts of American Democracy: (1) respect for the individual, (2) respect for the opinion of others, and (3) respect for authority.

The staff and faculty of Golden Strip Career Technology Center recognize that their educational responsibility does not terminate when graduates |leave the center. Learning and career education are introduced as life-long processes.

In an effort to fulfill this philosophy, Golden Strip Career Technology Center has as its major objectives:

1. To respond to the changing labor needs of the local business and industrial community;

2. To encourage students to explore the opportunities available in a continuing education program;

3. To help prepare students to become responsible, thinking, creative individuals;

4. To maintain an open line of communication with local business and industry through the regular use of advisory/craft committees for the purpose of program planning and continual evaluation;

5. To aid students in utilizing their acquired skills on a job, or to encourage them to continue their education in military training programs or other post-secondary schools;

6. To provide vocational skill training in a classroom/lab setting that |closely correlates to real work experiences.

The counselors at Golden Strip Career Technology Center are available to help students in making career choices as well as to provide counseling with personal problems or other high school needs. The career center counselors work closely with the high school counselors to assist all students in career center course selection. All counseling services are available to each student enrolled at Golden Strip Career Technology Center.

To gain on-the-job work experience, eligible students who are meeting course requirements may participate in shadowing, internship, co-op, and youth apprenticeship experiences. The school-to-work advisor is available to help students with eligibility and activities.

For some courses at Golden Strip Career Technology Center, students meeting course requirements may receive Technical Advanced Placement credits or dual credit at Greenville Technical College.

Students should report directly to class upon arrival on school grounds. No loitering in the parking lot will be allowed.

Students must be in class 150 minutes per day in order to be eligible for two units of credit per semester. Consequently, students who come in tardy must make up times missed. They will be given an assignment by their teacher to complete during that time.

Morning Session 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM*

Afternoon Session 12:50 PM - 3:20 PM*

Discipline Process

In order to insure the safety of all students riding school buses in Greenville County Schools, appropriate behavior is required for all students. Transportation to and from school is part of the school day and is an extension of the classroom. The same premise applies while students are transported to and from extra-curricular activities.  Students are expected to comply with the same Code of Conduct on the bus that is expected in the classroom.  The issue of safety requires the student to be on his/her best behavior while on school buses or school system vehicles.

The School District's Student Behavior Code is in effect for all students at all times when being transported on school buses to and from school or school activities.  Thus, while a student may lose the privilege to ride the bus due to his or her misconduct on the bus, based on the seriousness of the misconduct, the student may also be disciplined according to the District's Student Behavior Code, up to and including suspension or recommendation for expulsion.

Students, parents and school employees must understand that rules are to be consistently and fairly enforced and obeyed.

The driver should generally follow the steps listed below for routine student misconduct that may appropriately be addressed with steps.  Should a student's conduct warrant an immediate referral to an administrator, the driver should move immediately to step 3 and notify the appropriate administrator of the conduct for handling by the administration.  In following the steps set forth below, the driver shall explain to the student the offending behavior and what behavior is expected.

Video Camera Systems

All buses may be equipped with video surveillance equipment. This equipment is used to view student/driver behavioral issues by the transportation staff and principal/principal designee and other appropriate staff.

Driver and school administrators will generally observe the following steps when the driver submits a School Bus Disciplinary Report (form 130-07).  However, if a student engages in severe misconduct as a first offense, the school administration is authorized to modify the disciplinary consequences, as appropriate.  Depending upon the student's conduct, the school administration is authorized to skip the steps below and impose more severe disciplinary consequences, if circumstances warrant.

Driver Responsibilities

Step 1 -- Verbal Warning.  Verbal warning will be documented and retained by the bus driver.

Step 2 -- Seating Change. Driver will relocate student to another seat either temporarily or permanently and will document on the Student Behavior Profile and Disciplinary Report.

Step 3 -- Student Referral.  If student progress is not satisfactory after the driver has taken steps 1 through 2 or in the case of a student who engages in more severe misconduct as a first offense, the driver will submit the completed School Bus Disciplinary Report (form 130-07) to the school administration.  The driver will note on this form what corrective action taken with the student prior to submitting this form, when applicable.

School Responsibilities

1.  First Offense -- Warning

The principal/principal designee will meet with the student to issue a warning and will also assure communication of the warning to parents/guardians.  Students and parents/guardians will be informed of future steps that will be taken should a second offense occur.

2.  Second Offense -- Short Term Suspension

The principal/principal designee is required to initiate an immediate suspension of bus service for up to five (5) school days.  The principal/principal designee will then communicate the disciplinary action to parents/guardians and a meeting shall be held at the school if necessary.  Parents/guardians will be informed of future steps that will be taken should a third offense occur.  In all cases involving the suspension of bus service, the principal/principal designee will notify the driver immediately of student’s suspension.

3.  Third Offense -- Long Term Suspension

The principal/principal designee is required to initiate an immediate suspension of bus service for a period of up to ten (10) school days.  The principal/principal designee will notify the parent/guardian and a conference may be scheduled by the principal/principal designee or the parent.  The purpose of this meeting will be  to provide assurance of future good behavior by the student and to establish that if appropriate safeguards cannot be mutually agreed upon after a third offense, the principal/principal designee will immediately suspend bus services for a period of forty-five (45) school days.  Students and parents/guardians will be informed that future instances of misconduct could result in permanent suspension from the bus.

Alternate Transportation

In case of suspension or termination of bus service, the parents must provide the student with transportation to and from school.

Special Education Students

Special Education students (whose IEP includes a transportation requirement) may be afforded alternate transportation should a student’s bus privileges be revoked.  Special Services personnel will be kept apprised of any service changes or interruptions.
Review of Suspensions

Requests for review of school bus suspensions may be made to the Parent Resource Representative, then to the Superintendent’s designee.

School Bus Disciplinary Report Distribution Procedure

 The white, canary, and pink copies will be hand delivered to the school by the driver.  The driver will retain the gold copy and turn it into his or her supervisor no later than the next school day.

After appropriate action has been taken the school administrator will distribute the white copy to the parent, retain the canary copy in the student’s folder and place the pink copy in an appropriate location at the school for pick up by a transportation department representative.

 The pink copy will be hand delivered to the supervisor.

 Steps to Process a School Bus Disciplinary Report (form 130-07)

1. The bus driver writes the report on the same day the incident occurs.  The team supervisor may require the driver to submit the referral to him/her before sending it to the school.  The report is returned to the bus driver before the next AM or PM route is driven.

2.  The bus driver submits the report to the school administration when the next route is driven.

3.  After the report is processed all copies will be distributed appropriately as soon as possible.

4.  School administration enters the bus referral information in SASI.

All students must ride the bus provided by the home school to and from the career center unless given special permission by the home school principal to travel by other means. The same rules of good behavior apply on the bus as in the classroom. Remember that you are to report directly to your classroom upon arrival at the center and that you are to board the bus only when you have been given permission to do so.

Permission to Drive or Ride in Automobiles - Students who drive or ride in an automobile to the center must have permission in writing. Standardized forms are available for students who wish to drive or ride with other students to the center. These forms must be completed and turned in with the appropriate fee before any authorization will be given. Driver/Rider permit fee is $5.00. Upon receipt of the completed form and fee, the principal or his representative will issue a parking permit. The Driver's parking permit must be hung from the rear view mirror of his/her car. Drivers will park in their assigned space. Riders are required to carry their permits at all times. If a permit is lost, Driver's/Rider's must purchase a replacement for $1.00 in order to continue to be able to drive or ride to Golden Strip Career Technology Center. Students who drive or ride to the center must be in class on time. Excessive tardiness will result in loss of permit.

Drivers and Passengers Who Attend Career Centers from the Home Schools The School District of Greenville County provides bus transportation between the regular high school campus and the area's career center campus. The School District prefers that all students take advantage of this transportation. The School District realizes that in certain instances the bus schedule and travel time may prohibit a student from attending the career center. The purpose of this application is to provide an alternative for these students who can furnish evidence as to hardship incurred by riding the bus. A student and his parent/guardian must agree to the following regulations before a permit can be issued.

Students are responsible for all items in automobiles that they drive onto school district property. Confiscation of illegal drugs, unauthorized medications, alcohol, and weapons (including but not limited to knives and guns), whether in plain sight or discovered as the result of a search by school or law enforcement officials, will result in a recommendation for expulsion of the student.

Vending machines containing soft drinks, crackers, and other refreshments have been placed in the building for your benefit and enjoyment. Use them wisely! No student will use the vending machines unless accompanied by a teacher.  Trash cans have been provided for the wrappers and trash. Please use them.

In accordance with the South Carolina Compulsory School Attendance Law, the School District of Greenville County has adopted uniform rules to assure that students attend school regularly. Each day that students are not in school, they miss hours of valuable instruction and opportunities for learning that they will not have again.

All children are required to attend a public or private school kindergarten beginning at age five and continuing until their seventeenth birthday.

Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal.

The school year consists of 180 school days. To receive credit, students must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170 days of each 180-day year course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course. Accrued student absences may not exceed five (5) days during the semester. Any absence in excess of five (5) may cause the student to lose credit for the semester.

Because 85 days each semester are the minimum required by the state, the first five (5) absences may be lawful, unlawful, or a combination. All absences beginning with the sixth (6th) must be lawful and will be excused if they fall within the following guidelines:

A. Lawful Absences

B. Unlawful Absences

C. Procedures for Make up Work

The faculty and staff believe that good attendance is essential if one is to benefit from the knowledge and skills presented by the instructors. All absences must be approved by the principal. When returning to the school after an absence, a parent/guardian note or an excuse from your home school to class at the center. The office clerk will then code your absence and give you an admittance slip for class. All work missed must be made up within five days of the absence. Pre-arranged absences may be excused or unexcused. The center follows district guidelines for allowing students to make up work. A parent note must be received within 5 days of a student returning to school for an absence to be counted as excused.

The guidance counselor, clerk, or principal must approve an early dismissal. When arriving at school on the day of an early dismissal, report first to the office with a note from your parent/guardian. Please include a telephone number where your parent/guardian can be reached at this time of day. The counselor or clerk will verify your excuse and give you an early dismissal slip. All early dismissals must be arranged in advance and a note presented. Telephone calls are not acceptable, for early dismissal. When advanced notice is not received the parent or guardian will be required to come to the school and sign the student out. Have the early dismissal slip signed and return it to the office the next day. All work missed must be made up within five days of the absence

Tardy Policy

Driving to Golden Strip Career Technology Center is a privilege extended to students taking classes here. All students are expected to adhere to our class time schedule. Morning classes start at 8:50, and afternoon classes start at 12:55. Students are expected to be in class on time; therefore, students arriving after these times will be considered tardy' Consequences for unexcused tardiness to class are 1st and 2nd - warning by teacher, 3rd - 30 minute detention by teacher, and 4th - Administrative referral (driving privilege maybe revoked). School bus riders will be excused when the bus arrives late.

Students who become ill at the center should report to his/her instructor and then to the office. The clerk will then notify your parents/guardian if necessary. Students who do not report to the office before leaving school will not be excused.

If you have an accident while at the center, report IMMEDIATELY to your teacher. He or she will notify the office to see that proper care of the injury is taken and that an accident report is filed. If you are insured under a plan other than the school plan, your parent or guardian should report the injury to your insurance company.

It is strongly recommended that every student enrolled at the center be insured against accidental death or injury. If you have school insurance through your home school, you must either show a card or bring a written statement from your home school representative stating that you have enrolled in the school insurance program. If you are insured in another policy at home, you should obtain a "Proof of Insurance" form from your teacher and have this form filled out, showing the name of the company and the policy number under which you are insured. Student insurance is REQUIRED in order to participate in Co-op and apprenticeship experiences, field trips, shadowing, and for all students working in labs.

All students transferring from school or dropping out of school must have the home school's and parent permission and must secure clearance from the guidance counselor. All textbooks and materials must be cleared with the instructor. The office will give you a final report sheet.

High school students will receive a numeric grade for each subject based on the state grading scale. The numeric grade and category of the course will determine the quality points earned for each subject. College Prep and Tech Prep courses earn the base weight. Honors, dual, credit, pre-IB, advanced placement, and IB courses have higher values. A grade of 62 or below for any high school course will result in earning zero quality points.

 Students and parents need to choose courses carefully. Students who withdraw from a course after five days in a 90-day course or 10 days in a 180-day course will receive a grade of 62 and zero quality points. The F with its accompanying zero quality points will be included in the student's grade point ratio (GPR). Also, there are rules regarding the retaking of courses. If a student earns a D or F in a course, the course may be retaken no later than the next academic year.  Both grades will be calculated into the student's GPR.  

 Grades earned 2000-01 and after will be calculated on the statewide B grading scale.  Students with a GPR between 2.8 and 3.0 who are concerned about scholarship eligibility can request hand calculations from the school counselor.  If you have questions about the new grading scale, contact the school counselor at 355-1050 or your counselor at your home school.

 The State Board of Education adopted a Uniform Grading Policy for South Carolina’s public schools in December 1999. That policy has now been revised.

 The new uniform grading scale and the system for calculating grade point averages (GPAs) and class rank will be effective for all students in the 2007-2008 school year. The policy requires that the lowest grade given to a student at the end of a course is a 61. This grade would be considered a “floor” for grading.

 High schools will have a floor of 50 for all students with one exception. Ninth graders will have a floor of 61 at the end of 1^st and 3^rd quarters (block schedule) or 1^st semester (traditional schedule). Interim progress reports will show all grades, including those below 61. Teachers will contact parents when a student receives a failing progress report.

 The range in each grading level is more equitable for students than previous grading processes. Extreme values can distort the “average.”

 

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The School District of Greenville County policy requires that all students be given exams.

Policy IHAA(P): A cumulative final examination shall be given in each academic course in high schools, career centers, the high school alternative school, and the Fine Arts Center except when the superintendent determines that there is a suitable substitute (e.g. an AP or IB exam or an end-of-class project comparable significance and; complexity). No student shall be exempted or excused from these examinations.

September 18, December 1, February 19, and May 4

Telephones are provided for normal business operations. Students may use the telephone only in case of extreme emergencies and with written permission from his/her instructor. The emergency must be a true emergency. You may not call to see who is picking you up, if you are to report to work, etc. You must make these and other arrangements ahead of time.

Students will be held liable for any willful damage to school property.

Use of tobacco in any form is not permitted at Golden Strip Career Technology Center. This is a tobacco free campus.

Fire drills and other emergency evacuation procedures as described by district policy will be observed by the center.

Because of the requirement for safety equipment in shops and classes, all visitors must first report to the office, be approved for a visit, and receive a visitor's pass.

In order to prevent accidents and to make our school a safe environment in which to study and work, we urge you to observe the following rules:

1. See that all rings and wristwatches are removed in shop areas.

2. See that proper shop clothing is worn.

a. Necktie tucked in or removed.

b. No sweater.

c. Sleeves rolled up.

d. No loose long hair.

3. Report violations of known safety rules.

4. Report or correct dangerous work habits or shop practices.

5. Allow no running, poking, throwing, and playing.

6. Watch for improper use or abuse of equipment.

7. Inspect tools daily for possible hazards.

8. Check set-up before starting machines.

9. See that all injuries, no matter how slight, are treated properly.

10. See that all guards are on all machines.

11. Allow only authorized students to operate machines.

12. Stop machines before cleaning or oiling them.

13. Be responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of the shop area.

14. See that tools, supplies, materials and the like are kept off the floor.

15. Make certain that any long stock or other barricade is properly flagged to avoid
accidents.

Each course of study at GSCTC has defined requirements regarding jewelry and adornments based on state and industry safety regulations. Individual instructors will provide the students with the specific regulations for their course. Students are required to follow those regulations.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) require that enclosed, sturdy shoes, or safety shoes be worn in all lab settings and shops. GSCTC adheres to DHEC and OSHA standards and regulations. Students WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to participate in lab activities unless they are appropriately attired. All teachers will issue and review safety procedures for their classrooms.

The primary objective of The School District of Greenville County is to provide a World-Class instructional program and learning opportunity for every student. The personal appearance of every student is an important component of establishing a safe environment for optimal learning and respect for one another.

Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner while on school district property or representing the school. Personal appearance shall be such that it does not disrupt student work or school order, become distractive to other students, or violate health and safety guidelines.

The following minimum standards apply throughout The School District of Greenville County and will be vigorously enforced. Principals may make additions to these standards.

When your teacher issues equipment or books to you, it becomes your individual responsibility to see that they are used wisely, cared for properly, and returned in good condition. Remember that you will be charged for damage or loss. Use every safety rule in handling equipment and clean it after each use. Make sure that is always returned to its proper place.

Students are responsible for debts that they incur at Golden Strip Career and Technical Center. Students will not receive equipment or tools prior to paying for them. In the event that a student does not purchase required equipment or tools for a course, he /she will be withdrawn from the class, after five days. Golden Strip Career Center cannot accept partial payments for fees owed unless the final payment is made prior to the beginning of the class.

We will make two attempts with no penalty to collect money for checks that are returned. If the check is not covered after the two attempts, a $25.00 collection fee will be charged. Returned checks in excess of $25.00 will be given to law enforcement when no attempt is made to pay.

A student's conduct is a personal matter that should be kept within reasonable bounds that apply equally to all members of the community. A student should have freedom and encouragement to express individuality in school in any way so long as this conduct does not intrude upon and endanger the freedom of their peers-especially upon the freedom of peers to receive instruction.

All students, on the other hand, should recognize the consequences of their conduct. This refers to their actions toward each other, to their language, to their dress, and to their manners.

Students both individually and in groups should comply with school regulations and shall recognize the authority of the teachers. Disobedience or open defiance of the teacher's authority shall constitute sufficient cause for disciplinary action and may result in suspension or expulsion from school. When, in the judgment of a teacher, an individual or a group effectively challenges the teacher's authority to conduct meaningful instruction in a classroom through disruptive acts, abusive language, or threats of bodily harm, the teacher shall report such activity at once to the principal who is empowered to institute appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.

A. Illegal Harassment

1. Prohibition

No student shall be subject to harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or disability by any district employee or other student. This protection shall apply during the school day and at any school-sponsored function or extracurricular event.

2. General Definition

The illegal harassment prohibited under this policy refers to any unwelcome and persistent verbal or physical act based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or disability that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's performance or of creating an unreasonably intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.

3. Definition of Sexual Harassment

In addition to its inclusion in the previous definition, illegal harassment on the basis of sex also refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to the conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student advancement or assessment, of student participation in school programs or activities, or of any decision affecting the student.

4. Sanction

A violation of Part A of this policy will subject the violator to disciplinary sanction, possibly including termination or expulsion.

5. Reporting Illegal Harassment

(a) Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of any illegal harassment when the alleged harasser is another student should promptly report the alleged harassment to his or her teacher.

(b) Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of any illegal harassment when the alleged harasser is a teacher or other staff member of the school should promptly report the alleged harassment to his or her principal.

(c) Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of any illegal harassment when the alleged harasser is the principal or any District staff member outside the student's school should report the alleged harassment promptly to the superintendent.

(d) If any employee receives a report of illegal harassment, but is not the person identified above to receive it, that employee must advise the student of the person to whom the student should properly make the report.

6. Investigation

Any District employee identified in the previous subsection to receive a report of illegal harassment and who receives such a report must promptly investigate that report, determine whether the allegation is true, and, if it is true, take appropriate steps to eliminate the illegal harassment.

7. No Retaliation

No person making a complaint of illegal harassment will be subjected to any retaliatory action because of making of the complaint.

8. Annual Discussion

Each principal shall develop an annual process for discussing illegal harassment with students. This discussion may take place in the context of an annual discussion of the entire District code of conduct and may be accomplished through the use of resources provided by the District administration for these purposes.

9. Annual Notice

The superintendent shall ensure that this policy is included in any annual notice or publication sent to parents or students. Any school that publishes a student handbook shall include this policy in that handbook.

B. Bullying

1. Prohibition

The harassment, intimidation, or bullying of one student or group of students by another student or group of students is prohibited. This prohibition shall extend to all District classrooms, all District property, all school buses, all other school related vehicles, all school-sponsored activities or events (regardless of where those activities or events occur), and all other programs or functions at which school officials are responsible for the student.

2. Definition

The words "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" mean a gesture, an electronic communication, or a written, verbal, physical, or sexual act directed at another student or group of students when, to a reasonable person, that gesture, communication, or act has the effect of (a) harming the other student (or students) physically or emotionally or damaging that student's (or students') property or placing that student (or students) in reasonable fear of personal harm or damage to that student (or students) property or (b) insulting or demeaning that student (or student's) in such a way as to cause substantial interference with the orderly operation of the school.

3. Appropriate Student Behavior

All students should conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the District's Code of Conduct and with a proper regard for rights and welfare of other students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment.

4. Sanctions, Consequences, and Remedial Actions

Sanctions, consequences, and remedial actions for a student who commits an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be at the discretion of the classroom teacher or principal (or principal's designee). Depending on the severity of the infraction and the age of the student, the resulting sanction, consequence, and/or remedial action may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

5. Reporting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Any student who believes that harassment, intimidation, or bullying has occurred in violation of this policy should report the situation to the classroom teacher. If the student has previously reported the harassment, intimidation, or bullying to the classroom teacher, but the misconduct continues, the student should report the situation to the principal (or designee). A student may submit a report anonymously, but a teacher or principal (or designee) may not impose formal disciplinary action based solely on an anonymous report. If requested, the identity of the victim will be protected to the extent the law allows.

6. Investigation

Whenever a teacher or principal (or designee) receives a report alleging harassment, intimidation, or bullying, the person shall promptly investigate it and shall determine whether the alleged perpetrator violated this policy.

7. No Retaliation

Reprisals or retaliation against any student who reports an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying are prohibited. The staff member to whom a report of retaliation is made shall determine the appropriate sanction for any student who engages in such action.

8. False Accusations

Falsely accusing another student of harassment, intimidation or bullying is prohibited. The staff member to whom the false accusation was made shall determine the appropriate sanction for any student who engages in such action.

9. Annual Discussion

Each principal shall develop an annual process for discussing harassment, intimidation or bullying with students. This discussion may take place in the context of an annual discussion of the entire District's Code of Conduct and may be accomplished through the resources provided by the District administration for these purposes.

10. Annual Dissemination of Policy

The superintendent shall ensure that this policy is included in any annual notice or publication sent to parents or students. Any school that publishes a student handbook shall include this policy in that handbook. Each notice of this policy shall specify that it applies at all school-sponsored functions.

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All students are urged to join the student organizations which are sponsored by the center. These include Skills USA, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Family, Careers, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and Future for America (FFA). Awards are given by the center to deserving students at the end of each year. This recognition is given to recipients who are chosen on the basis of attendance, conduct, quality of skills, and overall contribution to their class and to the center.

Students’ Expression of Religious Beliefs

 Greenville County Schools support the right of individual students to express their religious beliefs as long as the expression does not interfere with the rights of others or the operation of the school.  For a comprehensive overview of student’s rights, please review the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines concerning religious expression in public schools at http://www.ed.gov/Speeches/08-1995/religion.html.

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Student Access to Networked Information Resources

 Students are encouraged to use telecommunications to explore educational topics, conduct research, and communicate with others.  Access to computers, however, also makes available material that may not be appropriate for a student’s age or course of study.  The District will take reasonable steps to restrict access to inappropriate materials, but because it cannot guarantee such restrictions, students using telecommunications must also bear responsibility for not accessing inappropriate materials.  Students agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Acceptable Use Policy upon acceptance of the school handbook.  All school handbooks will contain the districts Acceptable Use Policy.

 No student will engage in the following activities while using the Internet:

 1.   Sending, displaying, or requesting offensive messages or pictures

2.   Using obscene language

3.   Harassing, insulting, threatening, or attacking others

4.   Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks

5.   Violating copyright laws

6.   Using others’ passwords

7.   Trespassing in others’ folders, work, or files

8.   Intentionally wasting limited resources

9.   Employing the network for commercial purposes

10.    Downloading software or installing personal CDs of any kind.

 Sanctions may include:

    1.   Loss of access to computer

2.   Disciplinary action for inappropriate language or behavior

3.   Notification of law enforcement agencies when criminal conduct is suspected

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The School District of Greenville County

Student Acceptable Use Policy Agreement

 The School District of Greenville County has developed a computer network that connects all schools to each other, the District Office, and the Internet. "Acceptable use" of this network is use that is consistent with the instructional goals of the District. The District takes precautions by using filtering software to keep inappropriate Internet sites out of the classroom. Electronic teaching and learning tools and online access are designed to support your education. If you break "acceptable use" rules, you may lose the privilege to use both classroom computers and/or the Internet. Further disciplinary and/or legal action may be taken at the discretion of school administration.

 Please note that students who do not have access to the internet will not be able to access web based programs that teachers may be using in class. Your child has agreed to the terms and conditions of this document upon acceptance of the school district handbook. Violation of any of the terms or conditions will result in disciplinary action.

• Treat computer equipment with care and respect – Willful destruction of any computer equipment or software will be considered vandalism, and may warrant the involvement of local law officials.

• Any written text, graphics or executable files created, downloaded, displayed, or exchanged with another student or teacher must be education-related and not offensive in any way.

• Do not use school computers for illegal activities such as planting viruses or hacking.

• Do not use school computers for commercial purposes.

• Follow copyright laws at all times – See District copyright policies for more information. If you have questions about the legality of using software, text, graphics, or music you find online, ask your teacher or media specialist for guidance.

• Keep your password secret – You will be held responsible for all computer activities associated with your password. For example, if you share your password with your friend and he/she signs on as you and breaks one of the rules outlined above, you may be held responsible.

• All online communication must be polite and not threatening or offensive in any way – The District has the right to review any email sent or received using District equipment and email accounts. Email accounts should be used for educational and district purposes only.  

• Do not give out personal information on the Internet. Never give out your phone number, social security number, full name, age, home address, or any other personal information.

• Home directories are provided to students for educational related work. Students should not store personal or non-school related work in home directories. The District reserves the right to review the contents of student’s home directories.

Students agree to the terms and conditions contained in this policy upon signing for the school handbook

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