Section B - Character Traits Character education is the deliberate effort to help people understand, care about and act upon core ethical values. An intentional and comprehensive character education initiative provides a lens through which every aspect of school becomes an opportunity for character development. Benefits: It promotes character development through the exploration of ethical issues across the curriculum. It develops a positive and moral climate by engaging the participation of students, teachers and staff, parents, and communities. It teaches students how to solve conflicts fairly, creating safer schools that are freer of intimidation, fear and violence, and are more conducive to learning. The following character traits are essential for students to compete locally, nationally and internationally! These traits should be modeled and maintained by adults and students. Trustworthiness* Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country Fairness* Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly Respect* Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements Caring* Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need Responsibility* Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others Citizenship* Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer *Character Counts Program, taken from South Carolina Character Education Toolkit
Nothing shall prohibit a school district from reporting a crime committed by a student with a disability to appropriate authorities as provided under Section 59-24-60. In reporting such a crime, the school shall ensure, consistent with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, that copies of the special education and discipline records of the student are made available to the appropriate authorities to whom it reports the crime. Section R – Prohibited Object Disclosure Provision A student who inadvertently possesses or finds a prohibited object shall immediately notify school staff and surrender the object. A student may approach a school staff member and voluntarily surrender an object prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct without being subjected to discipline so long as the object is one that the student could lawfully possess off school grounds. This rule does not apply to firearms or destructive devices. If a student discovers an illegal object (i.e., drugs or weapons) or other contraband on school property or at a school function, the student may approach a school official and report the discovery. A student shall not be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct solely for making such a report. School officials shall make a determination after an investigation of the report. The Prohibited Object Disclosure Provision may not apply if a search is ongoing in any location at the school, if the object is surrendered during a search, or if the object is not turned in prior to discovery by school staff with respect to objects that have been turned over to school staff, the parent/guardian must make arrangements to pick up the object from the school, unless it is an object that must be turned over to law enforcement. Section S – Extenuating, Mitigating, or Aggravating Circumstances The board may give the appropriate administrator the authority to consider extenuating, mitigating or aggravating circumstances which may exist in a particular case of misconduct. The age of the student could be a mitigating factor when dealing with elementary students. The administrator should consider such circumstances in determining the most appropriate sanction. Section T – Search and Seizure School administration has the right to conduct a search that is reasonable in scope of a student or his/her possessions if the administration has a reasonable suspicion that the student may be in possession of a weapon, illegal substance or other items prohibited by or used in violation of law or the Student Code of Conduct. In accordance with SC Act 373 of 1994, any person entering the premises of any school shall be deemed to have consented to a reasonable search of his/her person and effects.