POLICY 7-4.1 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: GENERALLY
Generally
Many student activities are extracurricular and supplement the regular school curriculum. Extracurricular
activities are voluntary and do not carry credit toward graduation. They take the form of special interest groups,
honor societies, athletic teams, and other extensions of classroom work. All extracurricular activities are designed
to promote character, building qualities of participation and leadership ability. Extracurricular activities and the
eligibility requirements shall be approved by the division superintendent and School Board as required by Virginia’s
accreditation standards. All student organizations and activities shall be under the direct supervision of the school
principal or his designee. They should be evaluated periodically to ensure that interruptions of the instructional
programs are avoided. Students should not be permitted to engage in such organizations and activities if doing so is
a detriment to their classroom work.
Categories
Extracurricular activities are divided into four general categories:
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Interscholastic, intramural, and extramural athletics.
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Activities stemming directly from classroom studies: examples include the student government,
musical productions, dramatics, debate, the school newspaper and literary publications.
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Activities designed to promote interest in academic achievement and/or specific subject areas: examples
include the National Honor Society and subject matter organizations.
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Activities which promote general educational goals and are school-oriented: examples include service and
special interest clubs.
Supervision
Each Hanover County Public School administration shall appoint members of the faculty to serve as sponsors
for each activity. The sponsor shall be responsible for the guidance and general supervision of the activity and shall
ensure that all actions conform to School Board policies and regulations.
Financial Support
The extracurricular activities named in categories 1 and 2 above may receive partial financial support from the
Hanover County School Board, consistent with applicable law. Transportation may be provided, or the cost of
transportation may be paid from appropriated funds. An estimate of funds required for each activity shall be submitted
for approval. This estimate shall be submitted by the sponsor of the activity for inclusion in the individual school budget.
The extracurricular activities covered in categories 3 and 4 should be financially self-supporting. School
transportation for these activities, however, may be requested. If it cannot be provided, then vehicular transportation may
be by commercial means or by private car under regulations established for such use.
Permission by School Principal
The actions and activities of each organization must be approved by the school principal.
Parental Permission
In each instance when an organization schedules an activity away from school, parents will be notified and
written permission obtained when appropriate.
Evaluation and Approval
The division superintendent or his designees shall periodically evaluate the extracurricular activities program to
ensure compliance with all applicable law, including Virginia accreditation standards.
Restrictions
The School Board authorizes each school principal to work out a point system regulating and limiting
participation of individual students in activities and organizations.
Compliance - Virginia High School League and Middle School Council
All athletic, forensic, debating, public speaking, reading, spelling, and school publication activities shall be
conducted, where applicable, in strict accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Virginia High School
League or the Middle School Council. In addition, students must meet county academic standards.
Academic Standards for Students Participating in Interscholastic Activities
All students participating in interscholastic competition in athletics, forensics, debate, public speaking, and
school publications shall meet, where applicable, the eligibility requirements of the Virginia High School League or the
Middle School Council and the following standards:
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The student shall have passed at the end of the semester immediately preceding that in which he
desires to compete not less than five (5) subjects or their equivalent offered for credit, either for
graduation or completion of the IEP program. Semester grades will be used to determine eligibility at
the conclusion of each semester and deficiencies may be made up only by work recognized by the
Virginia Department of Education. Second semester grades for one unit of credit will be defined as
the annual grade. Second semester grades for one-half unit of credit will be defined as the semester
grade.
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In the event that a student does not earn passing grades for five (5) subjects or their equivalent, the student
may remain eligible to participate if all of the following requirements are met: (a) the failing grade is
received in only one subject, (b) a C average is earned for the semester for all remaining subjects, and (c)
the student is making normal progress towards graduation or completion of an IEP. Semester grades will
be used at the conclusion of the second semester. The principal and a panel from the guidance department
shall determine if a student meets the preceding standards.
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All exceptions to the preceding standards requested because of hardship shall be governed by the Exception
Regulations of the Virginia High School League.
Athletics
Interscholastic athletic programs shall be available to all eligible high school students. Interscholastic athletic
activities shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Virginia High School League as approved by the School
Board. The primary consideration in all decisions regarding student athletics shall be the safety, health and welfare of the
student. The School Board may provide partial financial support and transportation and shall approve any new
interscholastic athletic programs.
Cheerleading is an interscholastic athletic program in all high schools in Hanover County Public Schools.
Therefore, all cheerleading including sideline cheering and competitive cheering shall be conducted in accordance with
the rules of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) as approved by the School Board.
Elementary Schools
Elementary schools shall not sponsor interscholastic competitive sports programs and shall not allow the school
name to be used as a team designation in a program conducted by another agency. Elementary school students may not
participate in interschool competitive sports at the middle school level.
Intramural Activities
Intramural activities should be an integral part of the physical education program provided to meet the needs
and interests of students. This program should be developed cooperatively with the principal, teachers, and resource
personnel. Intramural programs should be as extensive as facilities, sponsoring and coaching personnel, finance and
interest will allow within the confines of the philosophy and aims of the total school program. The intramural program
shall be supervised by the principal or his designee.
LEGAL REFERENCE: Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 22.1-70, 22.1-78; Rules Governing Accreditation of
Public Schools in Virginia, 8 VAC 20-131-200; Virginia High School League, Inc. Handbook.
Recodified: August 2000, Amended July 9, 2001, February 12, 2003
ACCOMPANYING REGULATIONS
REGULATION 7-4.1 (A) COLOR GUARD, MAJORETTES
Generally
The following regulations pertain to eligibility and selection procedures for students seeking
membership in the color guard, or majorettes. However, in addition to meeting these requirements,
students seeking membership shall also be subject to the requirements of the school and to the
Hanover County Code of Student Conduct.
Eligibility
Students eligible to participate in the tryouts for color guard, or majorettes are subject to the
criteria set forth below:
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Students shall secure recommendations from six (6) teachers employed at school. Three
(3) of the six (6) recommendations shall be submitted by teachers currently teaching the
students. The forms available for this procedure shall not include a rating scale; teachers
shall simply indicate that they recommend or do not recommend the students. THESE
RECOMMENDATIONS SHALL BE USED ONLY TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR TRY-OUTS. The
recommendations shall not be used in the judging/selection procedures.
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Students shall have an overall C academic average. In order to remain eligible as a
member, students shall maintain an overall C average. Students who receive an F in
any subject shall be placed on probation for a period of nine weeks. Students placed
on probation shall be allowed to participate in practice; however, they shall not be
permitted to perform at official functions. Students who receive an F in any subject for a second consecutive marking period shall be dismissed as members of the team for the
year.
Selection Procedures for Color Guard and Majorettes
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A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of seven (7) judges shall be named to serve in
the selection process. Judges should have prior knowledge of the skills required for
membership or shall be provided all necessary information for evaluation of the
candidates. The judges shall not be directly affiliated with the school or with the
students who are seeking membership.
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During the time designated for the official try-outs, only the students seeking
membership, the judges and authorized personnel shall be permitted to be present.
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Students shall be selected based on the judges’ evaluations of the students’ skills.
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The principal or his designee shall confirm the final scores before any positions are
awarded.
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The rating scales shall be considered confidential and the decision of the judges final.
Amended July 9, 2001, February 12, 2003
REGULATION 7-4.1 (B) SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS
Middle school cheerleading is governed by the rules and regulations set forth by the
Hanover/Henrico Middle School Athletic Council and as approved by the School Board.
Cheerleading selection procedures are as follows:
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A minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) judges shall be named to serve in the
selection process. Judges should have prior knowledge of the skills required by
membership or shall be provided all necessary information for evaluation of candidates.
The judges shall include cheerleading sponsor(s) at each school. The remaining judges
shall not be directly affiliated with the school or with the students who are seeking
membership.
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During the time designated for the official try-outs, only the students seeking
membership, the judges and authorized personnel shall be permitted to be present.
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Students shall be selected based on the judges’ evaluations of the students’ skills and
the overall performance. Discussions of the judges are confidential and final.
Adopted July 9, 2001
REGULATION 7-4.1(C) STUDENT ORGANIZATION (ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM)
Application
Any group seeking recognition as a student organization shall submit a written
application to the principal through its faculty sponsor, if curriculum-related, or supervisor, if
noncurriculum-related. Applications must be received by the principal on or before October 30
for consideration by the School Board in April. Applications shall include the following
information:
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Name of the organization;
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Name(s) of the faculty sponsor(s) or supervisor(s);
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A general statement of the purpose(s) of the organization;
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A description of the qualifications for membership, if any;
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A statement of the relation of the organization to the regular school curriculum, if
any. This shall include specific references to classes or other elements of the
educational program which the organization is interested in supplementing and a
description of how the organization will serve as an extension of, or adjunct to, the
curriculum;
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A description of the function of the faculty sponsor/supervisor in the promotion,
supervision, and leadership of the organization.
Approval Procedures
The principal shall review the application and such other information as he/she considers
appropriate and approve or disapprove the recommended recognition of the organization by
December 15. The principal’s decision, in writing, shall be given to the faculty sponsor/supervisor.
If the application is disapproved, the principal shall state the reasons for disapproval in the
decision. The School Board will review for approval/disapproval all recommended student
organizations annually.
Ongoing Review
The principal will review annually the purpose and description of all student organizations
for consistency with this regulation and its guiding policy. The principal may take disciplinary
action, including revocation of recognition of any student organization, at any time upon his or
her own initiative, or on complaint by any student or staff member for good cause. At any time,
the principal may review the recognition of any student organization and revoke the same for
good cause. Any such actions by the principal shall be final.
Adopted: July 12, 2005
Application for Student Organizations
REGULATION 7-4.1 (D) GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHING AN INTERSCHOLASTIC CLUB SPORT
Application
Any group seeking recognition as an interscholastic club sport shall submit a written
application to the school building principal. Applications shall include the following information:
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Name of the club sport;
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Name(s) of the faculty sponsor(s) or coach;
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A general statement of the purpose of the club sport;
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A description of the function of the faculty sponsor/coach in the promotion, supervision,
and leadership of the club sport;
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Eligibility (number of students, grade level, and gender);
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Student fees;
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A statement of what will be assumed financially by the club sport;
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Dates for practice or club season (including the length of the season);
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Draft of schedule of club sport events;
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Mode of transportation if travel is involved in club sport activities.
Approval Procedures
Applications must be submitted to the principal on or before October 30 for
consideration by the School Board in April.
The principal shall review the application and such other information as he/she considers
appropriate and approve or disapprove the recognition of the interscholastic club sport by
December 15. The principal’s decision, in writing, shall be given to the faculty sponsor / coach. If
the application is disapproved, the principal shall state the reasons for disapproval in the
decision.
Criteria for Principals to Consider the Establishment of an Interscholastic Club Sport
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The club sport under consideration must be an approved VHSL-sponsored activity, which
is listed on the current VHSL annual membership application. (See VHSL Membership
Application)
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Principals shall consider the following criteria when considering the establishment of an
interscholastic club sport:
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Student interest
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Student involvement
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Facility availability for practice and competition
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Title IX Compliance
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Supervision
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Funding including equipment, officials, etc.
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Schedule for practice and competition
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Safety
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The interscholastic club sport sponsor / coach must follow all Virginia High School League
(VHSL) and Hanover County School Board policies and regulations.
Ongoing Review
The principal may take disciplinary action, including revocation of recognition of any
club sport, at any time upon his or her own initiative, or on complaint by any student or staff
member for good cause. Any such action by the principal shall be final.
Criteria to Recommend Movement from an Interscholastic Club Sport to a Bona Fide
VHSL Interscholastic Sport
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When an interscholastic club sport activity has been established and self funded for
three (3) school years, the principal(s), in September of the third year the interscholastic
club sport may recommend to the Director of Secondary Education and the Assistant
Superintendent of Instructional Leadership, that the interscholastic club sport become a
bona fide VHSL interscholastic sport. Interscholastic club sports under consideration for
addition to the athletic program must be approved VHSL-sponsored activities, which are
listed on the current VHSL annual membership application.
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All recommendations regarding new VHSL and interscholastic club sports shall address
the following criteria:
a. Student interest
b. Student involvement
c. Facility availability for practice and competition
d. Title IX Compliance
e. Supervision
f. Funding including equipment, officials, etc.
g. Schedule for practice and competition
h. Safety
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The division superintendent will review the recommendation. If the Division
Superintendent concurs, he or she will forward the recommendation to the School Board
for action. Each recommendation shall be accompanied by an examination of the
impact on existing sports and the facilities required.
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4. If the interscholastic sport is approved by the School Board, the sport may be considered
for implementation at each high school. The recommendation for the interscholastic
sport to be available at other high schools will be considered if the criteria in item 2
above are addressed.
This regulation will be implemented in accordance with Title IX.
Adopted: July 12, 2005
Application for Interscholastic Club Sport Activity
POLICY 7-4.2 SPORTSMANSHIP, ETHICS AND INTEGRITY
The Hanover County School Board recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities in the
educational process and the values that students develop when they have the opportunity to participate in an
organized activity outside of the traditional classroom.
Participants and responsible adults involved in School Board approved extracurricular activities are
expected to demonstrate the same level of responsibility and behavior at practice and competitions as is expected in
the classroom. The School Board further encourages the development and promotion of sportsmanship, ethics and
integrity in all phases of the educational process and in all segments of the community, including administrators,
participants, adult supervisors, parents, fans, spirit groups and support/booster groups.
LEGAL REFERENCE: Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 22.1-78, 22.1-176(B), 22.1-207, 22.1-208, 22.1-
211, 22.1-253.13:1.
Recodifed August 2000
POLICY 7-4.3 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Definition of Official School Publications
Official school publications such as newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines may be prepared in
regularly scheduled classes and are components of the curriculum approved by the Hanover County School Board.
These publications are not intended to provide a public forum for students or the general public. In all instances
related to these publications, the School Board will be the publisher, the principal will be the editor, the faculty
sponsor will be co-editor, and students appointed by the co-editor may serve as assistant editors and journalists.
Responsibilities of Student Editors and Journalists
Student editors and journalists shall be responsible for preparing and writing factual material that is not
obscene, libelous, or slanderous.
Responsibilities of Student Publications Faculty Co-Editor
School publications faculty co-editors shall instruct students in the Code of Ethics of the American Society
of Newspaper Editors and help students to understand and follow it. Faculty members shall instruct students in
correct and appropriate journalistic techniques and consult with the principal (editor) on material that may violate
the law or the journalism Code of Ethics. Material that may be considered controversial by some members of the
school community should be carefully considered by students and the faculty editor, and brought to the attention of
the principal (editor).
Responsibilities of the School Principal (Editor)
The school principal is responsible for approving all publications in accordance with School Board policy
and his judgment and discretion.
LEGAL REFERENCE: Hazelwood School Dist. v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 261, 108 S.Ct. 562, 98 L.Ed.2d 592
(1988).
Recodifed August 2000
POLICY 7-4.4 ASSEMBLIES
The Hanover County School Board encourages the use of assembly programs for the purpose of providing
worthwhile educational experiences. These programs shall be well planned in order to benefit a large number of
students. Principals should encourage a number of varied programs, such as cultural, informative and honor
assemblies.
LEGAL REFERENCE: Code of Virginia, 150, as amended, §§ 22.1-78, 22.1-79.
Recodified August 2000
POLICY 7-4.5 CLUBS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Generally
Students shall be given opportunities to join various clubs and organizations in the Hanover County Public
Schools. Such organizations may meet on school premises during non-instructional time. The objective of these
clubs and organizations shall be to provide worthwhile goals for attainment by the students while maintaining a
close relationship with the regular school program. All activities not specifically approved by the division
superintendent or school principal are prohibited. Furthermore, club initiations which embarrass, ridicule, physically
abuse or intimidate students will are prohibited.
Student-Initiated Organizations
Curriculum-related student organizations serve as an extension of the regular school curriculum. Their
function is to enhance the participants' educational experience and supplement the course materials within the
educational program of the schools. The activities of these organizations should bear a clear relationship to the
regular curriculum. Student organizations meeting these criteria and approved by the principal shall be deemed to be
officially recognized, school-sponsored student organizations.
Secondary school students are also permitted to organize and conduct meetings of non curriculum-related
organizations to pursue activities outside of the school curriculum, subject to the provisions of this Policy. Such
organizations must be student initiated and directed, and school personnel, parents and any other persons who are
not students enrolled in the school division are prohibited from directing, controlling, conducting or regularly
attending the meetings of such organizations, except that the faculty sponsor(s)/supervisor(s) must attend all
meetings. Non curriculum-related student organizations that are student-initiated shall not be deemed to be school
sponsored or endorsed. The fact that such organizations are permitted to conduct meetings under this Policy shall
not constitute an expression of school division support for the purposes of such organizations or the content of any
meetings thereof.
Membership
Membership in all student-initiated organizations shall be open to and limited to all students currently
enrolled in the sponsoring school on a voluntary basis. These student organizations may establish academic
qualifications for membership where necessarily related to the purposes of the organization. No student shall be
denied membership on account of his race, color, national origin or religion.
Faculty Supervision
Curriculum-related student organizations shall be sponsored and supervised by one or more of the
members of the school faculty and approved by the principal. Faculty sponsors shall participate in the supervision
and direction of all activities of the organization and shall attend all meetings.
Non curriculum-related student organizations that are student-initiated shall not have a faculty sponsor.
However, a member of the school's professional staff shall attend every meeting or activity of such organizations in
a non-participatory capacity for purposes of general supervision. The organization shall be responsible to assure the
presence of a staff member for its meetings.
No school employee shall be compelled to attend a meeting of any student organization if the content of
such meeting is contrary to the beliefs of that school employee. School employees present at any meeting of a non
curriculum-related student organization which includes religious worship, prayer or practice or is identified as
having a religious purpose shall attend in a non-participatory capacity only.
Meetings of Student Organizations
All student organizations shall have the right to meet on school premises during non-instructional time as
designated by the school principal. No student organization shall be denied equal access to school facilities during
designated meeting times on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical or other content of the speech at the
meetings of such organization. No public funding or support shall be extended to any non curriculum-related
student organization other than the opportunity to meet on school premises on an equal basis as other student
organizations.
The principal of each school shall develop guidelines and rules concerning the procedure for scheduling
meetings of student organizations and setting the times and facilities which are available for such meetings. Meeting
times shall be limited to non-instructional time before or after regular classroom hours or during established
activities periods. These guidelines and rules shall be made available to all students. Student organizations wishing
to conduct meetings under this Policy must make application to the principal for permission in accordance with
school division procedures.
Compliance with Law and Policy
Student organizations shall not engage in any activity which is contrary to law, School Board policy or
school rules; which disrupts or clearly threatens to disrupt the orderly operation of the school; or which would
adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of any students or staff members. Failure to comply with these
provisions shall be grounds for disciplinary action.
Sororities, Fraternities and Secret Societies
Sororities, fraternities, clubs or secret societies whose membership depends on the permission of the group
rather than the free choice of the qualified student will not be permitted to operate in any school in this school
division.
Candidates for Office
It shall be clearly understood by any student running for office or for any honorary position that he
represents the whole student body and that, if elected or appointed, he will work with all students regardless of race,
religion or personal prejudices.
LEGAL REFERENCE: Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 22.1-70, 22.1-78; Rules Governing
Accreditation of Public Schools in Virginia, 8 VAC 20-131-200; 20 USC §§ 7071, et seq., Equal Access Act.
Recodifed August 2000
POLICY 7-4.6 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
The principal and faculty sponsors must approve all social activities sponsored by the school. All schoolsponsored
dances, parties, and social activities must be limited to students of the school and invited guests approved
by the school principal. These functions must be chaperoned by school personnel designated by the principal, and
when deemed appropriate by the principal, parents will be encouraged to attend.
Recodified August 2000
ACCOMPANYING REGULATION
REGULATION 7-4.6 ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR CLASSROOM PARTIES
Generally
Over the years principals have exercised good judgement in allowing parties to be held
in the schools. Parents have been extremely generous in giving of their time and in many cases
donating items toward the parties. The intent of this administrative regulation is to establish
some consistency in the procedures for classroom parties being held in schools. Principals
should make every effort to maintain good public relations with the community and at the same
time administer a school for the prime purpose of maintaining good instruction for students.
School parties should be conducted in such a manner as to provide good learning experiences.
Guidelines for Parties and Field Days
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Two parties may be held during the school year. Principals may request the PTA/PTO
assist in the planning of these parties.
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The parties should be conducted during the last hour of the school day.
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Principals and faculties should evaluate parties periodically and organize them so
that interruptions of regular classroom work will be kept to a minimum.
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One day may be set aside for schools to have a field day.
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At the discretion of the principal, he may ask PTA/PTO to assist in some of the
planned activities and/or sale of refreshments.
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When Field Days are used primarily for fund-raising and not for an educational
objective, the Field Day should be scheduled on Saturday or after school hours
(principal’s judgement).
POLICY 7-4.7 STUDENT VEHICLES
Automobiles
The division superintendent or his designee may establish guidelines for students driving vehicles to
school.
Bicycles
The division superintendent or his designee may establish guidelines for students riding bicycles to school.
Bicycles may not be ridden during the school day.
LEGAL REFERENCE: Code of Virginia, 150, as amended, §§ 22.1-78, 22.1-79.
Recodifed August 2000
ACCOMPANYING REGULATIONS
REGULATION 7-4.7 (A) USE OF AUTOMOBILES AT SCHOOL
The regulations for student parking, and use of vehicles are as follows:
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Students must register and obtain a parking permit for all motor vehicles. Only
students with a valid driver’s license are eligible to apply. Parking permits will be
issued on a space available basis in a priority order established at individual high
schools.
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As a condition for obtaining a permit to park a vehicle on the school grounds, a
student and the student's parents, if they are the owners of the vehicle, must agree,
in writing, to allow school officials to search his vehicle if a school official has a
reasonable cause to believe that the student has a prohibited substance, a
weapon, or any other dangerous or illegal item in his vehicle.
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Student motor vehicles are not to be moved or otherwise used during the school day
without permission from the school office.
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Students shall not sit in nor congregate around motor vehicles at any time during the
school day.
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Upon request of the principal or his designee, motor vehicle keys may be required to
be turned in to the principal’s office each day upon arrival at school.
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Under certain circumstances, principals will have the right to revoke the student’s
parking permit.
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Students parking their vehicles on school grounds shall park in designated parking
areas only.
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All motor vehicles parked on school grounds shall have a valid registration as
required by the State of Virginia.
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Additional regulations for the control of the use of motor vehicles by students may be
made by the principals as deemed necessary to maintain proper control.
REGULATION 7-4.7(B) USE OF BICYCLES
The following guidelines shall apply to students riding bicycles to schools:
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Students may ride their bicycles to school only with permission from the principal and
written consent from their parents or guardians.
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Upon arrival at school the student must park his bicycle in an area designated by the
principal.
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Student bicycles are not to be ridden or otherwise used during the school day.
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Students riding a bicycle to school in the morning shall see that the bicycle is
removed from the school premises in the evening.
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The school shall assume no responsibility for the loss or theft of bicycles.
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Bicycles will not be allowed on school walkways.