• To protect the rights of all students and their teachers, the State of California, the Board of Trustees, the Sonoma Valley Unified School District (SVUSD), and Sonoma Valley High School (SVHS) have teamed together to establish clear expectations for student behavior. Sometimes students do not follow the rules and regulations established, or behave in a manner which disrupts the educational process. When this behavior denies their right or the rights of other students to an education in a safe, orderly, environment, disciplinary action is taken. The consequences for violating behavior expectations are intended to discourage students from making poor behavior choices. The Sonoma Valley High School staff is committed to assisting students in understanding the behavior expectations and appropriate behavior.

    STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: California State Education Code 48908 states all pupils shall comply with the regulations, pursue the required course of study, and submit to the authority of the teachers of the schools.

  • When are School Rules in Effect?

    California Education Code states school rules are in effect

    • From the time a student leaves home to go to school until the student arrives at school.
    • During school hours, whether the student is on or off the campus.
    • After school, until the student arrives home.
    • When truant.
    • On any district site at any time including nights, vacations, weekends or holidays (24hrs/7days a week).
    • On the way to a school activity, during the activity and on the way home from the school activity

     

  • Sonoma Valley High School Policies 

    Permission to Use Internet/Responsible Use Policy: To obtain Internet access at school, students must have a completed Network/Internet Use Form on file and must follow the District’s Acceptable Use Policy. If violated, students may have their privileges suspended or revoked and may be subject to other discipline, including possible civil or criminal action if appropriate. This agreement must be signed by both the student and the parent/guardian. The reverse side of the contract has a separate form to indicate if the parent/guardian gives permission for the school to use samples of the student’s schoolwork and/or picture on our website. Forms to complete before Internet use:

    • Responsible Use Agreement and Contract
    • Consent and Release Agreement for Students, Employees and Volunteers

    The Sonoma Valley Unified School District is committed to the use of technology and the Internet for educational purposes. Technology has allowed teachers to enhance and extend curricula in ways not envisioned only a few years ago. The technologies available today allow teachers to present subject matter and challenge students in ways not possible with other media. Along with the advantages of using technology also comes the need to educate students about digital responsibility and safety when using computers and the Internet. The entire staff of Sonoma Valley Unified School District is committed to ensuring students use computers and Internet access for educationally sound and productive learning activities.

    In order to comply fully with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the SVUSD uses various filtering and monitoring devices and techniques. However, no system is 100% secure and SVUSD cannot guarantee the appropriateness of all materials that may be accessed on the Internet. Students who do not adhere to the SVUSD’s rules may be able to locate inappropriate material. Although teachers will review the information in this policy with students, parents should also spend a few minutes reviewing it with their students, as many of the rules apply to home computer usage as well. Before students are allowed to use a computer or other device, a signed Responsible Use Agreement and Contract must be on file.

    Gang Activity (Board Policy 5114.5): SVHS will not tolerate threats or the harmful influence of any group that advocates drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior. For this policy, a gang is two or more people who form an allegiance to engage in acts that are threatening or criminal, and/or include harassment, intimidation, threats or violence. The administration works with local law enforcement agencies to share information and prevent gang activity. Gang clothing and I.D. items are NOT allowed including, but not limited to, bandanas, belts, numbers, area codes and colors (Dodger Blue and 49er red).

    Searching and Questioning Students: School officials have the right to open and inspect a student’s possessions when they have reasonable suspicion that the search will disclose evidence of illegal possessions or activity. School officials may also search students and their property when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that the student is violating the law or school/district rules. Searches for possession of alcohol, drugs, and related paraphernalia are permitted and are conducted in accordance with the law or school/district rules. Search includes review of digital devices, such as phones, iPads, or computers. SVUSD shall notify parents/guardians when a student has been subjected to a search as soon as possible after the search. Law enforcement officers have the right to interview and question students on school premises. If the officer needs to interview or question the student immediately, the principal or designee shall accommodate the process in a way that causes the least possible disruption to the school, gives the student privacy, and models exemplary cooperation with community law enforcement.

    Off Campus Policy: The “Off-campus Policy” ensures the safety of students and maintains focus on academic endeavors. No students may leave campus during the morning nutrition break. Freshmen (9th) and sophomores (10th) must stay on campus during lunch. Juniors (11th) and seniors (12th) in “Good Standing” who have no D’s or F’s in the prior 6 week grading period, may leave campus at lunch with parent permission. Parking lots are off limits unless students are going to and 5 from their cars. Students may not sit in cars in parking lots during passing periods or lunch. Loitering in or around cars is not permitted. The student parking lot is off limits during class time. Students will be allowed to retrieve possessions from cars during school time, at break, or during the first or last 5 minutes of lunch only.

    Driving and Parking Rules: Driving on campus requires a student parking permit from the ASB office. Students may obtain a student-parking permit which must be displayed in their car. Student parking is ONLY in lot nearest the main office. If a student is in violation of driving or parking regulations, disciplinary consequences may include termination of campus parking privileges. Speeding, driving over barriers/sidewalks/walkways, driving recklessly, revving of engines, unnecessary honking, or inappropriately exiting from or entering into parking lots is not permitted. No parking is allowed in faculty lots, visitor spaces, handicapped spaces or in a fire lane. Parking laws are enforced on campus and tickets will be given for parking in disabled parking spaces as well as red zones. The student parking lot is off limits during class time or passing periods.

    Visitors on Campus: ALL visitors to campus must have valid identification and check in at the main office to obtain a visitor’s pass. Visitors must be on campus for school business; drop-in visits are not permitted.

    Personal Property: Students are responsible for protecting their personal property. It is expected that valuables will be left at home. Backpacks and personal belongings should be put in locked lockers during P.E. class. The school is not responsible for iPods, cell phones or other items of value, nor is the school responsible for any item that is left in the main office for pick-up.

    Dance Rules and Expectations: Students attending dances must be in “Good Standing” (See page 3).

    • All dance tickets must be purchased in advance at school to attend school dances. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable.
    • Students MUST have a SVHS ID card to pay for tickets and must have a photo ID to enter a school dance.
    • If a student is suspended at the time of a dance, he/she shall not be allowed to attend the dance.
    • Dances are for SVHS students ONLY, except Homecoming and Senior Prom. For these two dances, guests must be between 14 and 20 years old and have an approved guest form on file prior to the dance. Guest forms for dances are available in the Student Activities Office. All campus dances are from 7 pm to 10:45 pm. There is no admittance after 8:30 p.m. unless pre-approved on an individual basis by an administrator.
    • Once students leave a dance they may not return.
    • If a student dresses or dances inappropriately, he/she will be asked to leave and parents will be called.
    • Do not bring valuables to dances.
    • If a student is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at a dance, he/she will be suspended and may not be allowed to attend future dances (including Prom that year). Parents will be called to pick up any student suspected of being under the influence and police may be contacted.