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Code of Conduct

Rationale
Briarcrest Christian School is committed to the philosophy of providing excellence in education within a Christian environment. An essential part of the School's mission is to promote the development of strong ethical and moral values in our students. Therefore, this Student Code of Conduct has been established to assist the School in fostering personal integrity and responsibility among our students. BCS students are expected to meet the highest standards of personal, ethical and moral conduct possible. Attending BCS is a privilege that is extended on the condition that students and parents accept and support School policies, including this Code of Conduct. When used in this document, the term "parents" will be considered to include legal guardians. Students and parents are expected to be familiar with the School's conduct policies and to willingly abide by them. If any student or parent violates the School's conduct policies, there will be a disciplinary response by the School. The School, in its sole discretion, will make the final determination of whether there has been a violation of the School's conduct policies. Serious violations may result in exclusion (defined later), a request that the student be withdrawn from the School, or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees. If a student is excluded, withdrawn, or expelled, there will be no refund of tuition or waiver of financial obligations.

Authority
The Board of Trustees has given authority for all behavioral/disciplinary matters to the President of the School System. In turn, the President has delegated to the Principals the responsibility to administer discipline on a daily basis. Any person observing or having reliable information relating to a violation of the Code of Conduct may report verbally or in writing to the Principals for investigation and further action.  When warranted in the sole opinion of the School Administration, a search of a student's person, locker, phone, car, backpack, athletic bag, purse, or other personal property may be conducted by school personnel.

The Principals, with the consent of the President, are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions. The President holds the final decision on appeal. In the case of a serious offense that would lead to expulsion, if in the opinion of the Administration there is a material dispute about the facts of a case or lack of clarity about the applicability of a policy, the President may call for an expulsion hearing before an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees.  

Guiding Principles
School officials are guided by certain principles in the administration of discipline. These guiding principles include the following:

  • All sanctions and consequences imposed should be fair, redemptive, and instructive.
  • Sanctions may include counseling, community and/or school service, and restitution.
  • The attitude, repentant spirit, and cooperation of the student and/or parents involved may be considered in the imposition of sanctions and consequences.
  • When, in the sole opinion of the School Administration, a student is untruthful during an investigation into a possible violation of this Code of Conduct, the penalty imposed on the student will be significantly increased.  Conversely, when the School Administration believes a student is cooperative, truthful, and repentant, the penalty for a violation may be significantly reduced.  The opinion of the School Administration will be formed by the total cumulative information gained in the investigation.
  • If a student has violated or is struggling with temptations to violate this Code of Conduct, and if the student is wanting help with such issues, the student may, without fear of disciplinary action under this Code of Conduct, seek the counsel of the Principal, Counselor or any administrator or teacher.  Such exemption from disciplinary action is not available if the student seeking counsel is, in the sole opinion of the School Administration, seeking to avoid the consequences of an impending investigation and possible findings of a violation.  Information shared by a student with school personnel will not be kept confidential if, in the sole opinion of the School Administration, failure to share the information might result in harm to the student or other individuals.  Depending on the nature of the information shared, communication with parents or civil authorities may be necessary.  The nature of such information may include but is not limited to involvement with drugs or alcohol, inappropriate sexual activity including pregnancy, and the possibility of violence.
  • While BCS has no direct control over and accepts no responsibility for the behavioral choices BCS students make when off-campus, the School reserves the right to discipline a student for off-campus misconduct.
  • If the circumstances surrounding a violation of a School conduct policy are sufficiently serious (e.g., driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) or if there are violations of multiple policies, the School may immediately request that the student be withdrawn or may recommend expulsion to the Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees.
  • Tennessee statutes require the School to report violations of law to civil authorities. When conduct policy violations occur that may also be violations of law, the School will notify civil authorities when, in the sole discretion of the School, it is determined to be required by law or otherwise determined to be appropriate. When civil authorities are involved, the School is not obligated to wait on or concur with the findings of the civil authorities in determining the appropriate action under the School's policies.
  • The school reserves the right to consider any attempt to commit a violation of the Code of Conduct as a completed violation. Accomplices may be considered as violators and face similar consequences. We strongly recommend that students avoid situations where others are violating the School's conduct policies. When students find themselves in such situations, they should remove themselves immediately to avoid being implicated (2 Timothy 2:22).
  • This Code of Conduct is not intended to be an exhaustive list of misconduct that will subject students to discipline; therefore, the School reserves the right to discipline a student for any conduct the School, in its sole discretion, considers worthy of discipline, even though the specific conduct is not mentioned in this Code.

General Expectations
BCS students shall not be engaged in any immoral, illegal, or unethical activities or any other activities that may have a detrimental effect on the offending student, other students, the School, the community, or the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This policy not only addresses the detrimental effects of a violation on individual students, but also the impact of the violation on the School's reputation and its ability to fulfill its stated mission. The School expects students to respect the physical and psychological well-being of others and will not tolerate behavior that exploits another individual. Students are expected to comply with all rules governing behavior as well as the directives of School officials.


Major Misconduct Policies

Drugs
A student's use of illegal drugs violates Biblical standards (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Romans 13:1-5) as well as Tennessee law. BCS students shall not be under the influence, possess, use, sell, or supply illegal drugs or drug-related products; nor shall BCS students abuse prescription drugs or over-the-counter products (see Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in School).

On Campus: Any student violating this policy on campus or at a School activity shall be terminated from the School without refund of fees and may be turned over to appropriate law enforcement personnel.

Off Campus: The first violation of this policy for being under the influence, possession or use off campus will result in 1) formal parental notification, 2) a referral for counseling at the parent's expense, and 3) a suspension and probation. If the student is on probation, the second violation for being under the influence, possession or use off campus will result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the School or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees. If the student is not on probation, the second violation for being under the influence, possession or use off campus may result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the School or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees, as determined by the Administration.
The first violation of this policy for sale or supply off campus will result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the School or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees. The School may report drug-related offenses to local law enforcement officials.

Alcoholic Beverages
There are differences of opinion in the Christian community regarding what the Bible teaches about the appropriateness of alcoholic beverages. However, the possession, use, sale, or supply of alcoholic beverages by an underage person is a violation of Tennessee law; and such acts, therefore, are violations of Biblical standards (Romans 13:1-5). BCS students shall not be under the influence, possess, use, sell, or supply alcoholic beverages.

On Campus: Any student violating this policy on campus or at a School activity shall be terminated from the School without refund of fees and may be turned over to appropriate law enforcement personnel.

Off Campus: The first violation of this policy off campus will result in 1) formal parental notification, 2) a referral for counseling at the parent's expense, and 3) a suspension, and probation. If the student is on probation, the second violation off campus will result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the School or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees. If the student is not on probation, the second violation for being under the influence, possession or use off campus may result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the School or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees, as determined by the Administration.

Parental Supply or Facilitation of Access to Alcoholic Beverages or Drugs
It is a violation of Biblical standards (Romans 13:1-5) and Tennessee statutes for an adult to provide alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs to a student. The parents of BCS students shall not provide or knowingly facilitate access to alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs to a BCS student. "Facilitating access" will include a parent's failing to adequately safeguard any alcohol or drugs that he/she possesses. Violation of this policy may result in the termination of the relationship between that family and the School, at the sole discretion of the Administration.

Tobacco
On Campus: The possession or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on campus or at a School activity for reason of health and safety. Students possessing tobacco in any form on the campus or at a School activity shall be suspended, with their reinstatement to the School to be determined by the Administration. In cases where the fire safety system has been activated by actions in violation of this policy, assumption of the cost of resetting the fire safety system shall also be considered by the Administration in reinstating the student.  Vapor cigarettes will fall under this policy and include a laboratory testing fee, paid by the parents, to determine the contents of the vaping device. Should the testing be positive for drugs, the student shall be terminated from the school without refund of fees and may be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement personnel. A repeat on campus tobacco offense is subject to progressive disciplinary action which may result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the school or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Off Campus: The possession of tobacco in any form off campus is subject to progressive disciplinary action, as determined by the Administration.

Stealing
On Campus: Any student found guilty of stealing on campus or at a School activity shall be suspended or terminated, as determined by the Administration. The student will be responsible for restitution and may be turned over to appropriate law enforcement officials.

Off Campus: Any student found guilty of stealing off campus is subject to progressive disciplinary action, as determined by the Administration.

Possession of Inappropriate Visual or Written Material

On Campus: Possession of inappropriate visual or written material including, but not limited to pornography, is unacceptable and shall result in suspension with the possibility of termination, as determined by the Administration.

Off Campus: The possession of inappropriate visual or written material including, but not limited to pornography, off campus is subject to progressive disciplinary action, as determined by the Administration.

Involvement in Break-In or Vandalism

On Campus: A student who has been involved in a break-in and/or malicious damage to the School shall be suspended, with reinstatement to the School to be determined by the Administration, contingent, in part, upon financial restitution for damages; or the student may be terminated from the School, at the discretion of the Administration, without refund of fees. The Administration may also turn the student over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Off Campus: A student who has been involved in a break-in and/or malicious damage off campus is subject to progressive disciplinary action, as determined by the Administration.

Disrespect Toward a Member of the Faculty or Staff

Any student guilty of insubordination toward a member of the faculty or staff on or off campus shall be suspended; or if such disrespect manifests itself in physical contact with the staff or faculty member, the student may be terminated from the School, at the discretion of the Administration, without refund of fees.

Harassment
Harassment of any type committed by one or more students toward one or more students, whether on or off campus, is viewed as a serious behavioral matter. Students are reminded of the "Golden Rule" (Matthew 7:12) and our expectation that one should treat another in the manner that they would want to be treated. Incidents of harassment, including but not limited to inappropriate comments or actions of a sexual or racist nature, may lead to serious disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, as determined by the Administration.

Threats of Violence
Any threat of violence, whether on or off campus, in jest or otherwise, will be taken seriously. Such threats may result in immediate termination, at the discretion of the Administration. A student may be turned over to law enforcement officials.

Possession of a Weapon
A student having in his possession and/or displaying, using, or threatening to use any weapon or any instrument that could be classified as a weapon on the campus or at a School activity shall/may be terminated from the School, without refund of fees, and turned over to appropriate law enforcement personnel, at the discretion of the Administration.

Possession of Fireworks
Possession, use, or sale of fireworks is prohibited on the campus or at school activities. Students violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, at the discretion of the Administration.

Academic Dishonesty
A student guilty of cheating may receive a "0" on the assignment and/or be suspended, at the discretion of the Administration. A repeat offense may result in termination, at the discretion of the Administration.

Pregnancy
The Board of Trustees has a moral and legal responsibility to maintain suitable standards within the School and to assure the welfare and health of all students; therefore, it is essential that all pregnant students report their pregnancy to the Principal as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed by medical authority. As soon as such pregnancy is confirmed, the student shall be terminated from the School immediately. The Principal will determine whether Homebound Services are warranted. If a male student has impregnated, he will be subject to the same discipline as a female. A student will not be considered for readmission until the conditions of Restoration and Reinstatement are met (see the conditions of Restoration and Reinstatement). In addition to the conditions of Restoration and Reinstatement, the Administration reserves the right to use its discretion to determine on a case-by-case basis, what constitutes disruption of the School environment.  The Administration also reserves the right to make inquiries of the students and parents regarding these issues. A student returning from a pregnancy will also be required to show proof of approved Christian counseling and will not be allowed to enroll until a minimum of 30 calendar days after the birth of the child.

In the event that the Principal has reason to believe that a student is pregnant, but that confirmation of the condition cannot be obtained from either the student or her parents or guardian, the Principal shall, after conferring with the student and her parents or guardian, suspend the student until such time as medical proof is presented. Upon receipt of the medical statement confirming pregnancy, the Principal shall implement this policy.

Sexual Promiscuity, Non-Biblical Gender Identity and Abortion
BCS is a school for students who are unmarried and who live at home with their Parent(s). BCS upholds a traditional Biblical view of sexual morality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Students shall not engage in inappropriate sexual behavior (including but not limited to premarital sexual relations, homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender related actions) on or off campus. Violation of this policy will result in either exclusion, a request that the student be withdrawn from the School, or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Students or Parents who disrupt the school environment by advocating the acceptance of inappropriate sexual practices or beliefs (including but not limited to premarital sexual relations, homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender related actions or advocacy of such) are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion of the student or students.

The School Administration reserves the right to use its own discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, what constitutes sexually inappropriate behavior or advocacy and what constitutes disruption of the school environment. The Administration also reserves the right to make inquiries of students and Parents regarding these issues. (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:27, Leviticus 18:22, Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 1:27, Deuteronomy 22:5, I Corinthians 6:9-10)

BCS affirms the traditional teachings of Scripture that uphold the sanctity of life (Psalms 139:13-16 and Genesis 9:6). Abortion, unless necessary to save the life of the mother, is morally wrong. BCS students shall not obtain or knowingly facilitate an abortion, unless confirmed by the attending physician to be an essential requirement to prevent the imminent death of the mother, and then only with Parental permission unless emergency circumstances dictate otherwise. Violation of this policy will result in either a request that the student be withdrawn from the School or a recommendation of expulsion to an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Subsequent Violation of this Policy or Element Thereof
Where, in accordance with this Code of Conduct, the Principal shall have elected the punishment of suspension for a violation of this Code, it shall be assumed that repeated infractions of this Code or parts thereof shall result in termination from the School without refund of fees. Nothing in this Code shall be construed as setting forth the exclusive use of suspension or termination for misconduct. The use of suspension or termination is delegated by the Board of Trustees to the President for use, at his professional discretion, through the Principals.

Alcohol and Drug Testing
BCS will conduct a mandatory, random drug-testing program for Middle School and High School students. Students will be selected from a pool at random. Students may also be selected for drug testing when there is suspicion, in the sole opinion of the School Administration, that a student is using drugs illegally. Once a student has been selected and tested, if the results are negative, that student's name will be placed in a separate pool and may be selected for further testing later in the school year. Tests will be performed using a small sample of the student's hair (middle school and high school) or urine (high school only). If a student tests "positive," the applicable provisions of this Code will be enforced. The parent(s) will be contacted by the School Administration for a conference. During the conference, the Administrator will explain the test results and the disciplinary actions that will be taken. If the student is continuing his or her enrollment at BCS, the Administrator will also explain other requirements, including but not limited to the counseling referral, the re-testing procedure, and the consequences of a second positive test. A re-test with a negative result will be required for continued enrollment in or graduation from BCS.

BCS may conduct alcohol testing whenever there is suspicion, in the sole opinion of the School Administration, that a student has used an alcoholic beverage. If a student tests "positive," the applicable provisions of this Code will be enforced. The parent(s) will be contacted by the School Administration for a conference. During the conference, the Administrator will explain the test results and the disciplinary actions that will be taken. If the student is continuing his or her enrollment at BCS, the Administrator will also explain other requirements, including but not limited to the counseling referral and the consequences of a positive test in the future. If a student refuses to submit to testing (drug or alcohol), it will be presumed that he or she would have tested "positive" had the test been administered.

Disciplinary Sanctions and Consequences
Reasonable and effective consequences are essential elements of good discipline, which supports a quality educational program; they ensure a proper atmosphere for learning and develop meaningful character traits in students. Respect for others, friendliness, and cooperation are parts of discipline that provide for a pleasant atmosphere. Students are encouraged to communicate with teachers, counselors, and administrators when they have problems. Persistent failure to adhere to the standards of the School will result in separation from the School. Each student at Briarcrest Christian School is responsible for his or her behavior.
It is necessary to set up a system of consequences to deal with those students who choose not to act responsibly. The following sanctions and consequences will be used in the administration of discipline:

  • Lecture: Verbal reprimand or talking to student.
  • Cafeteria Duty: Used to address first-time problems with tardiness and other minor infractions.
  • Detention (Activity Detention, Lunch Detention, Before & After School Detention): Used to address minor infractions of school and classroom rules. Students are notified in advance of their assignments to detention. Detention is held within as well as outside of school hours at dates and times that will be assigned. If a student does not comply with assigned detention, additional disciplinary action will be taken.
  • Parent Conference: Used to confer with parents pertaining to continued disciplinary infractions and/or more serious infractions.
  • Suspension/Friday/Saturday School: Suspension/Friday/Saturday School may be issued by the principal when mandated by policy or when other actions do not seem appropriate or rise to the level of suspension.
  • Community Service: Performed at a Briarcrest campus, either after school or on a Saturday, or at community service projects approved by the Administration.
  • Suspension: A suspension may be issued by the Principal when mandated by policy or when other actions do not seem appropriate. When suspension is a component of disciplinary action, the duration of the suspension will not be less than one (1) school day and not more than ten (10) school days. When a student is suspended, he or she will be excluded from all School sponsored extracurricular activities (practices as well as games or performances) for the term of the suspension. With parental agreement, the Suspension may be served by campus community service work. A Suspension requires that the parent return to the School with the pupil for a conference with the principal. A suspension not answered within three days will automatically terminate the student's enrollment at Briarcrest. 
  • Probation: Any disciplinary action that includes probation or exclusion will, for the term of the probation or exclusion, prohibit the student from serving in all School-related officer positions to which he or she has been elected or appointed and prohibit participation in all non-credit extracurricular activities. When probation is a component of disciplinary action, the duration of the probation will not be less than ten (10) school days and not be more than the remaining term of the student's enrollment at Briarcrest. A probation agreement will be signed by the student and the parents covering all aspects of the probation, including but not limited to the following requirements: • Maintaining a satisfactory behavior record • Maintaining satisfactory academic progress • Maintaining a satisfactory attendance record • A minimum of twenty (20) hours of work detail at School or approved community service, as determined by the Administration. Students on disciplinary probation must adhere to the following guidelines regarding extracurricular activities (band, choir, cheerleading, athletic teams, academic team, etc.): While on disciplinary probation, students are expected to attend all practices and games, but may not participate in any games or events during the probationary period. "Not participate" means that the student is not "dressed-out" for the game/performance, but is in attendance at a location specified by the director, coach or adult sponsor. Failure to successfully complete the terms of probation may result in termination, at the discretion of the Administration.
  • Exclusion: Exclusion is the removal of a student from the student body for a specified length of time (with or without homebound services). Exclusion is invoked by recommendation of the Principal with the concurrence of the President. All conditions of exclusion and reinstatement will be determined by the Principal with the concurrence of the President.
  • Expulsion: In the event of a serious offense or the repetition of suspension-producing offenses, the student may be terminated from the School. The School reserves the right to terminate a student's enrollment at any point in the school year if, in the sole discretion of the School, the student's continued enrollment would present a threat to the healthy, orderly learning environment, or safety of the student or other students. If there is a dispute about the facts of a case or lack of clarity about the applicability of a policy, the Administration may call for an expulsion hearing before an Expulsion Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Restoration and Reinstatement: Whenever a student is withdrawn, excluded, or expelled, there is the possibility of restoration and reinstatement in the future if, in the sole opinion of the Principal with the concurrence of the President, 1) the student has demonstrated sincere repentance, 2) there is a sufficient probability that, after reinstatement, the student will remain in full compliance with this Code and all other BCS conduct policies, and 3) the student has been withdrawn, excluded, or expelled at least forty-five (45) school days.