Know Before You Go

Attendance is one of the most important factors in student learning. Students who attend regularly are more likely to learn on grade level, graduate on time, and be ready for college and careers. Students who regularly miss two (2) days a month are 7.4 times more likely to drop out of high school! School attendance is mandatory according to North Carolina state law for children between the ages of seven (7) (or younger if enrolled) and 16, and parents are accountable for their attendance. 

• Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring daily school attendance. 

• Accurate attendance records are kept by school officials, and these records are used to enforce North Carolina’s Compulsory Attendance Law. 

• Students are expected to be on time and remain at school until dismissed. Late arrivals and early departures should be excused in writing by a parent or guardian. 

• Absences can be excused for reasons such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, medical appointments, religious observances, and participation in valid educational opportunities. 

• Unexcused absences are deemed unlawful, but out-of-school suspension or expulsion is not considered an unlawful absence. 

• School-related activities, such as field trips and athletic contests, are not counted as absences. 

• In the case of excused absences and short-term out-of-school suspensions, students are permitted to make up missed work. 

• Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing ten percent or more of school days, is monitored and addressed with strategies to improve attendance. 

• Special circumstances, such as chronic health problems and homelessness, are considered when addressing attendance issues. 

• Attendance may impact eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities.

For more details, see Board Policy 4400 Student Attendance. 

Click here for attendance resources from the GCS Social Work/Dropout Prevention team. 

It takes a strong partnership between you and your child’s school to make sure your child stays on track with attendance.  

• Each school has a designated staff person responsible for improving attendance and an annually updated written attendance plan. 

• Attendance is recorded daily in elementary and middle school, and for each class period in high school. 

• Students must be in attendance for at least one-half of the instructional day or class period to be counted present. 

• Excused absences require a written explanation from a parent, guardian, or custodian. Absences for educational reasons must be pre-approved. 

• Late arrivals and early dismissals require an explanation from parents according to the school attendance plan. 

• Students who miss instruction due to absences are offered a meaningful opportunity to make up the learning and demonstrate proficiency in the missed content within a reasonable time. 

• Procedures are in place for teacher contacts and attendance interventions when a student has accumulated three, six, and ten unexcused absences in a school year. 

• For students enrolled in virtual school programs, ten unexcused absences may result in a recommendation for the student to return to their zoned in-person school at the conclusion of the quarter. 

For more details, see Administrative Regulation 4400-R Student Attendance. 

Sometimes it is hard to know when a child is too sick for school. Guidelines for when to stay home: 

• A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher that is not responsive to medicine. 

• Sore throat when accompanied by fever, chills, or a stomachache; especially if there are red or white spots in the throat. 

• Vomiting or diarrhea. 

• A contagious infection such as pinkeye (conjunctivitis) or lice. 

Click here for more information about when to stay home.  

Click here for updated guidance about COVID-19. 

When you know your child will not be at school: 

• Contact your child’s school if your student is sick. Send an email or leave a voicemail message with the date and reason for the student’s absence. 

• If you know your child will be absent due to a trip, a religious holiday, or other planned reason, contact your child’s school as far in advance as possible. 

Sign up for the PowerSchool Parent Portal to get up-to-date information about your child’s attendance. In Parent Portal, you can opt in to receive weekly reports of grades and attendance. You will receive an automated message when your child has an unexcused absence if your contact information is correct. 

The Guilford County Board of Education values students’ self-expression through appearance, while also emphasizing the need for an orderly and respectful learning environment.  

• Each school will publish its dress code at the start of the school year. 

• Students are required to maintain an appearance that is appropriate for school. If a student’s attire disrupts the educational environment or violates the dress code, they will be asked to change. 

• Principals will provide written guidelines to help students determine appropriate dress for school. These guidelines are subject to the Superintendent’s review. 

• Schools may initiate plans for a Standard Mode of Dress (SMOD) or school uniform with the Superintendent’s approval. These plans must be supported by educational reasons, such as achieving school objectives, promoting a positive school climate, and increasing school safety. 

• For theme, choice, or magnet schools, the School Leadership Team can adopt a uniform or SMOD plan without community input, but input is welcomed. 

• For traditional attendance zone schools, the School Leadership Team will solicit parent input before adopting a uniform or SMOD plan. 

• Once a uniform or SMOD plan is approved, the school will provide notice for purchasing attire, a procedure for registering objections, clear enforcement guidelines, and a process to reconsider the plan every two years (for traditional attendance zone schools only). 

For more details, see Board Policy 4316 Student Dress Code. 

Individual schools publish their student dress codes at the beginning of the school year. Contact your child’s school for more information. 

The Guilford County Board of Education welcomes parents and community members to participate in school activities and events. However, to ensure a safe and focused learning environment, the following rules apply: 

• All visitors must first check in at the school’s administrative office for permission to be on campus. 

• School staff will direct any visitor without permission to the office or notify the principal. 

• Students should report any unusual or suspicious behavior to a staff member immediately. 

• Visitors should not distract teachers or interrupt classes. 

• At public events, spectators, including students and adults, should demonstrate good sportsmanship and citizenship. This means they should not harass or heckle players, participants, or referees; throw anything onto the playing surface; or approach a team’s coach unless invited. 

• Students who violate these rules may face disciplinary action according to the Code of Conduct. 

• Visitors who violate these rules may be asked to leave and could lose the privilege of visiting the campus or attending future school events. 

These rules help ensure that our schools remain safe, respectful, and conducive to learning for everyone. 

For more details, see Board Policy 5020 Visitors and School-Sponsored Activities.

Contact your child’s teacher or the school principal to arrange for a visit to school. Schools may have reasonable restrictions on times and days available for visits. Conferences with teachers and classroom visits must be scheduled in advance with the teacher. 

If you would like to spend a lot of time in your child’s school or classroom, join Team GCS as a volunteer! Volunteers must pass a background check to ensure our students are safe. Click here for more information about how to register. 

The Guilford County Board of Education’s Student Discipline policy emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in students’ learning.  

• All school personnel are expected to treat students fairly and respectfully, and parents/caregivers are encouraged to maintain regular communication with school personnel. 

• The Code of Conduct for student behavior applies to all student activities on and off school property, including online conduct. 

• Certain disciplinary methods are prohibited, including suspension for attendance violations, corporal punishment, and the use of seclusion or restraint except as provided by law. 

• The Superintendent or designee will develop intervention services and strategies for students who violate the Code of Conduct. These may include school-level programming and placement in alternative learning programs. 

• Principals have the authority to impose short-term suspensions (10 days or fewer), while long-term suspensions (11 days or more) can only be imposed by the Superintendent or designee upon recommendation of the principal. 

• Only the Board has the authority to expel a student from school if the student’s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employees. 

These rules are designed to create a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment for all students. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves and their children with these rules. You and your child will be asked to sign a verification that you have received and understand the Code of Student Conduct. 

For more details, see Board Policy 4300 Student Discipline. 

The GCS Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster a safe and positive learning environment. Here are the key points: 

• The Code applies to all student activities on and off school property, including online conduct. 

• Certain acts that occur on school property must be reported to law enforcement, such as assault resulting in serious personal injury, sexual assault, and possession of a firearm in violation of the law. 

• Each type of unacceptable behavior in the school environment is grouped into a “level” that is based on the severity and level of harm to others and to the learning environment. 

• Disciplinary intervention depends on various factors, including the circumstances of the violation, the age and maturity of the student, and the potential for disruption or safety concerns at the school. 

• Mitigating factors, such as the student being in elementary school or having no prior record of violating the Code of Student Conduct, may lead to a reduction in the level of the violation. 

• Aggravating factors, such as the student being in high school or having violated the Code of Student Conduct before, may lead to an increase in the level of the violation. 

• The principal or designee at the school is responsible for determining the appropriate response to behavior incidents. 

Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV	Level V
Minimal disruption to school, consequences typically handled at the school level.	Mild disruption to school typically without injury to other students or staff.	Serious rule violations typically with serious impact on learning, well-being, and/or safety of students or staff.	Serious offenses that threaten the safety of others, or substantially disrupt the education environment.	Offenses that result in the indefinite removal of a student from school and all school properties by the GCS Board of Education.

Level I BEHAVIORs 

Rule	Description
I-1 Noncompliance	Students must comply with all directions of school personnel or volunteers.
I-2 School/Class Attendance	Being tardy to class, skipping class/school, or leaving campus without permission is prohibited.
I-3 Out of Area	Being in any area of the school campus or property without permission is prohibited.
I-4 Profane, Vulgar, or Obscene Language or Materials	Cursing or use of vulgar, profane, or obscene language is prohibited.
I-5 Inappropriate Dress	Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment.
I-6 Use of Unauthorized Electronic Devices or Applications During Instructional Time	Students may not use any electronic device or personal entertainment device during instructional time unless authorized.
I-7 Trespassing	No student shall be on the campus of any school except the one to which the student is assigned without the knowledge and consent of the officials of that school.
I-8 Gambling	Students shall not engage in any form of games of chance or gambling for money and/or things of value.
I-9 Invasion of Privacy	Students are prohibited from taking photographs, videos, or other media of any other student or school personnel without permission.
I-10 Tobacco and Cannabidiol (CBD)	No student shall possess, display, or use any tobacco product or CBD product.
I-11 Vaping	Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned from school campuses and school events.

Responses that may be appropriate for a Level I behavior include, but are not limited to: 

• Verbal warning 

• Parent/caregiver contact 

• Conference with student and/or parent/caregiver 

• Confiscation of unauthorized items 

• Restricted use of electronic devices 

• Required work-based contributions to the school 

• Required participation in Counseling services 

• Referral to student services team 

• Required participation in Restorative practices program 

• Bullying prevention training 

• Required attendance at tobacco, CBD, or vaping addiction programs 

• Temporary social restriction from peers 

• Service Learning 

• Return of property 

• Restitution for damage 

• Revocation of school-related privileges 

• Behavior contract 

• Up to a 3-day Suspension from receiving GCS-provided transportation 

• Warning of referral to Level II (repeated offenses) 

• Supports determined through the Multi-Tiered System of Support (“MTSS”) framework 

Level II BEHAVIORs 

Rule	Description
II-1 Integrity	Students must not engage in cheating, plagiarism, falsification, violation of copyright laws, or violation of computer access.
II-2 School/Class/Activity Disturbance	Any physical or verbal disturbance which interrupts or interferes with teaching or orderly conduct of class/school activities is prohibited.
II-3 School Transportation Disturbance or Misbehavior	Any physical or verbal disturbance which interrupts or interferes with the safe and orderly operation of the vehicle is prohibited.
II-4 Non-Compliance with Search or Safety Precaution	Students must comply with the directives of school officials to protect the safety of the school environment.
II-5 Unjustified Activation of a Fire or Other Alarm System	Students must not activate any fire or other alarm system unless authorized to do so by school employees or unless there are reasonable grounds to believe that an actual emergency situation exists.
II-6 Possession of Incendiary Material	The possession of any incendiary material (including but not limited to matches, lighters, or lighter fluid) or the use of any material reasonably likely to result in a fire on school property is prohibited.
II-7 Property Damage	No student shall intentionally damage or attempt to damage or deface school property or personal property.
II-8 Theft	No student shall steal, attempt to steal, or knowingly be in possession of stolen property.
II-9 Extortion	Students shall not extort through verbal, written or physical threats, including coercion or intimidation anything of value (personal property, money, or information) from another student or school employee.
II-10 Consensual Lewd or Sexual Behavior	Students shall conduct their personal and social relationships according to acceptable community standards. Inappropriate public displays of affection will not be allowed.
II-11 Threat/False Threat	No student shall make any threat through written or verbal language, sign, or act which conveys a serious expression of intent to cause harm or violence.
II-12 Failure to Report a Firearm or Firearms	Any student who has knowledge that another student possesses or intends to bring a firearm on any school campus or to any school activity must immediately report this information to school or law enforcement authorities.
II-13 Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination	Students are prohibited from engaging in discrimination, harassment, or bullying of other students.
II-14 Aiding and Abetting	No student shall aid or abet another student in violating any rule in the Code of Student Conduct.

Responses that may be appropriate for a Level II behavior include but are not limited to: 

• Any responses available for Level I infractions 

• In-school suspension 

• Alternative classroom assignment 

• After-school detention or Saturday school 

• Permanent removal from participation in extracurricular/co-curricular programs or activities 

• Suspension from receiving GCS-provided transportation 

• Out-of-school suspension for one to 5 days 

• Warning of referral to Level III (repeated offenses) 

• Supports determined through the Multi-Tiered System of Support (“MTSS”) framework 

Level III BEHAVIORs 

Rule	Description
III-1 Physical Aggression/Fighting	Fighting or physical aggression toward students, staff, or any other person is prohibited. A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense.
III-2 Possession of a Dangerous Weapon or Other Instrument	Students shall not possess or conceal or transport any weapon, chemical agent or other instrument that could cause or that is intended to cause bodily injury or other harm to another.
III-3 Possession of a Counterfeit Dangerous Weapon or Other Instrument	Students shall not possess, conceal, transport, or wield any counterfeit weapon, chemical agent or other instrument that has the appearance of being able to cause bodily injury or other physical harm.
III-4 Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, Controlled Substances, Chemicals, and Drug Paraphernalia	No student shall possess, use, distribute, sell, possess with intent to distribute or sell, or conspire or attempt to distribute or sell, purchase, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, other controlled substance, any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, other intoxicating liquor, drug paraphernalia, counterfeit substance, any unauthorized prescription drug, or any other chemicals or products with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration, euphoria, or of otherwise altering the student’s mood or behavior.
III-5 Sex-based harassment, Sexual Assault, or Violent Sexual Offenses	Students are prohibited from engaging in unwelcome conduct towards another student on the basis of sex that could create a hostile environment for another student.
III-6 Hazing	Hazing is prohibited. No group or individual shall require a student to wear abnormal dress, play abusive or ridiculous tricks on him/her, frighten, scold, beat, harass, or subject him/her to personal indignity.
III-7 Bomb Threat	No student shall make a bomb threat or hoax by making a false report that a device designed to cause damage or destruction by explosion, blasting, or burning is located on the school premises or at the site of school activities.
III-8 Acts of Terror	No student shall threaten to commit an act of terror on school property or at the site of a school activity that is designed to cause, or is likely to cause, serious injury or death to another person.

Responses that may be appropriate for Level III behaviors include, but are not limited to: 

• Any consequences under Level I or II 

• Out-of-school suspension for one to 10 days 

• Reassignment to an alternative learning program or school 

• Warning of referral to Level IV (for repeated offenses) 

Level IV BEHAVIORs  

Rule	Description
IV-1 Arson	Students shall not cause any fire whether or not there is an intent to commit arson or other crimes involving fire or explosion. Any violation of this rule must be reported to the fire marshal.
IV-2 Firearm/Destructive Device	Any student shall be recommended for suspension of 365 calendar days for bringing a firearm or destructive device onto school property or to a school-sponsored event off school property, or for possessing a firearm or destructive device on school property or at a school-sponsored event off school property. Violation of this rule must be reported to law enforcement.

Responses that may be appropriate for a Level IV behavior include long-term suspension and/or assignment to an alternative school or program. In certain situations, the reassignment may be permanent. Additionally, by law, with limited exceptions, students must be recommended for suspension for 365 days for bringing a firearm or destructive device onto school property. 

Level V BEHAVIORs 

Level V refers to cases that justify expulsion: The indefinite removal of a student (age 14 or older) from school and all school properties by the GCS Board of Education. Level V behaviors are those in which the student’s continued presence constitutes a clear threat to other persons or who is a registered sex offender subject to the Jessica Lunsford Act. Any violation of a rule listed under Level III or Level IV may result in Level V intervention if the circumstances and aggravating factors warrant such a response. 

For more details, see Administrative Regulation 4300-R Student Discipline – Code of Conduct.