Included below is the Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR\&R) 2026-2027, a comprehensive guide designed to maintain safe, equitable, and orderly learning environments for all students. CCS students, staff, and families are expected to know this information as we each have a specific role in assuring our schools remain safe, productive, and free from harm.
Core Philosophy and Applicability
Purpose:
The handbook defines behavioral expectations and provides instructional interventions and responses to support student growth, focusing on restorative practices over purely punitive discipline.
Jurisdiction:
Rules apply on all school property, during school-sponsored activities, on school vehicles, at bus stops, and during travel to/from school.
Restorative Justice in Education (RJE):
The division emphasizes community-building and healing to address harm, ensuring consequences are intentional and educational.
Stakeholder Roles
Students:
Have the right to a safe, fair, and equitable education and the responsibility to conduct themselves respectfully, attend school regularly, and follow division expectations.
Parents/Guardians:
Act as partners in education with the right to be informed of policies and student progress, and the responsibility to support school efforts, promote positive behavior, and ensure attendance.
Employees:
Responsible for maintaining safe environments, implementing rigorous instruction, and enforcing policies fairly.
Behavioral Framework
Misconduct is categorized into levels, with consequences becoming more intensive based on severity, frequency, and safety impact:
Leveled Responses (Levels 1–5)
Frameworks range from classroom-level interventions (e.g., warnings, seat changes) to administrative referrals (e.g., long-term suspension or expulsion).
Behavior Categories:
These include Academic Progress (BAP), School Operations (BSO), Relationship Behaviors (RB), Safety Concerns (BSC), Endangering Self/Others (BESO), and Persistently Dangerous (PD) behaviors.
Determining Consequences:
Administrators consider factors such as the student's age, disability status, prior record, willingness to repair harm, and the severity of the offense.
Transportation Safety
Bus riding is a privilege requiring adherence to safety rules. Drivers report infractions to principals; continued misconduct may result in the suspension of transportation privileges. Students younger than 2nd grade must be met by an authorized adult at afternoon bus stops.
