Silver Falls School District

Rights and Responsibilities of Students

Rights:

• To attend school.
• To attend school in a secure academic and social climate, free of discrimination, fear, violence, and disruption.
• To examine personal records upon reaching the age of sixteen or completing the 10th grade.
• To be fully informed of school rules and regulations, including due process.

Responsibilities:

• To attend school at a 95% attendance rate or better and arrive on time.
• To be prepared for class with necessary materials and completed work.
• To know and follow school rules and regulations.
• To treat staff and classmates with respect.
• To respect the property and rights of others.
• To demonstrate pride in the school’s appearance.
• To benefit from their educational experience.
• To immediately report dangerous behavior, weapons, drugs, or suspicious activity to school staff.

Rights and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
Rights:

• To expect that children will learn in a safe, caring environment.
• To work cooperatively with school staff.
• To be informed of district policies, rules, and procedures.
• To review their child’s records with a licensed staff member.

Responsibilities:

• To support 95% school attendance.
• To ensure children arrive on time and prepared.
• To attend school meetings and conferences.
• To treat school staff with respect.
• To provide basic needs: sleep, food, clothing, supplies.
• To support appropriate behavior and school control measures.
• To share current contact and medical info.
• To understand district policies and school rules.

Rights and Responsibilities of Staff Members
Rights:

• To expect student participation and effort.
• To receive support from parents and administrators when enforcing rules.
• To teach without interruption.
• To be treated with respect.

Responsibilities:

• To treat students with dignity.
• To hold students and themselves accountable.
• To respectfully handle differing opinions.
• To enforce consistent classroom rules.
• To base decisions on accurate information.
• To keep students and parents informed.

Rights and Responsibilities of Administrators
Rights:

• To establish control measures for learning environments.
• To prioritize student needs when making decisions.
• To enforce student accountability.
• To ensure all staff contribute to a safe campus.

Responsibilities:

• To create and enforce school rules that support learning and good citizenship.
• To treat all stakeholders with respect.
• To provide instructional leadership.
• To seek assistance from district and community services.
• To respond to concerns from all groups.
• To seek informed input on threats or decisions.

Rights and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
Rights:

• Empowered by Oregon law to set policy and oversee school governance.
• To delegate authority to administrators and staff while maintaining oversight.

Responsibilities:

• To govern in accordance with state law and educational rules.
• To establish behavior and conduct policies.

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Behavior examples that may result in discipline:

• Arson – Starting fires to damage property.
• Bus – Not following bus rules.
• Cheating/Plagiarism – Copying, using another’s work, or misrepresenting authorship.
• Dangerous Objects/Weapons – Possessing or attempting to use any dangerous/disruptive object or replica.
• Defiance of Authority – Refusing to follow staff directions.
• Disrespect for Others – Rude or discourteous behavior.
• Disruption – Interfering with school activities.
• Extortion – Demanding money or favors under threat.
• Failure to Report – Not reporting drugs, weapons, or threats.
• Fighting – Physical aggression.
• Gambling/Wagering – Playing games of chance for money or items.
• Gang Indicators – Possession or behavior that promotes gangs.
• Harassment, Bullying, Intimidation, etc. – All forms prohibited. This includes:
  • Cyberbullying
  • Discrimination
  • Physical/Sexual harassment
  • Verbal abuse
  • Threats
  • Teen dating violence
• Inappropriate Materials – Possession or sharing of disruptive content.
• Inappropriate Physical Contact – Affection or behavior unsuitable in school.
• Lying/Forgery – Giving false information or signing someone else’s name.
• Physical Assault – Attacking another person.
• Profanity/Inappropriate Acts – Swearing, obscene gestures, or sexual acts.
• Substance Abuse/Paraphernalia – Using, possessing, or pretending to use drugs/alcohol.
• Tardiness – Being late or leaving school without permission.
• Technology Misuse – Accessing inappropriate content or damaging devices.
• Theft/Stealing – Taking others’ property or having stolen items.
• Tobacco – Possessing or using tobacco.
• Trespassing – Being on campus without permission.
• Vandalism – Damaging property.
• Vaping/E-Cigarettes – Possession or use of e-cigarettes or e-liquids.

These actions may also violate the law and may be reported to police.

Students who display inappropriate behavior may be subject to the following consequences, depending on the seriousness of the behavior:

• Informal Talk

A school official discusses expectations and appropriate behavior with the student.

• Conference

A formal meeting between the student and staff to create a behavior improvement plan. Parents may also be included.

• Parent Involvement

Parent/guardian is notified by phone, letter, or in-person. A conference may be arranged with school staff and involved parties.

• Disciplinary Reassignment

Temporary reassignment from regular school activities. This could include counseling referrals, schedule changes, shortened day, detention, or in-school suspension. The student may be asked to create a behavior plan.

• Short Suspension

Student is suspended from school and/or school activities for up to 5 days. Parents will be notified. A behavior plan will be developed. Suspension from bus privileges may also apply.

• Long Suspension

Suspension lasts from 6 to 10 school days. Same procedures apply as with short suspension. Parents will be informed, and due process followed.

• Suspension Process Overview

Students are notified of the rule violation, given the opportunity to respond, and informed of the decision. Parents are notified and may request a meeting. Emergency suspensions may occur if there’s an immediate threat.

• Expulsion

Student is removed from school and activities for up to one calendar year due to severe or repeated violations. Parents will receive written notice, and the student’s rights will be explained. Firearms-related violations result in a mandatory one-year expulsion. Expelled students may be denied admission by other districts.

• Expulsion Process

Principal may recommend expulsion through the superintendent. The student is suspended while awaiting a hearing. The expulsion term depends on severity and timing of the incident.

• Appeal Process

To appeal a suspension or expulsion, contact the Superintendent in writing.

• Diversion Program

In some cases, students may participate in the Diversion Program instead of being expelled. This is offered at the District’s discretion and is typically for students who accept responsibility and have minor infractions. Students with drug or alcohol violations must also agree to counseling or assessment.

Dress Code Guidelines
Students are expected to avoid clothing or accessories that disrupt learning or create unsafe conditions. The following are prohibited:

• Items promoting alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances
• Gang-related clothing or accessories
• Clothing with hate speech, profane language, or sexual content

Gang Participation
Gang activity is strictly prohibited. A “gang” is any group that:

• Excludes others
• Has a name and/or claims territory
• Engages in criminal behavior

*Many of these behaviors may also violate laws and could involve law enforcement.

Use of Electronic Devices in School
Students may use electronic or personal communication devices only as permitted by district policy. If used inappropriately, devices may be:

• Confiscated
• Forfeited at the administrator’s discretion
• Temporarily removed if deemed disruptive

Search and Seizure Policy
Students have a right to privacy but schools may conduct searches when health or safety is at risk.

Searches may include:

1. Student property, with reasonable suspicion
2. Illegal/prohibited items (e.g., weapons or drugs)
3. Items causing disruption
4. School-owned property (e.g., lockers, desks)
5. Items handed over to authorities
6. Unclaimed items disposed of after 1 month
7. Law enforcement or fire officials may assist
8. Trained canines may be used for searches

Off-Campus and Outside-of-School-Time Conduct
Behavior outside of school can still result in discipline if it:

• Disrupts the school environment
• Poses a threat to safety or learning
• Violates the Student Code of Conduct

This includes social media activity, off-campus altercations, or substance abuse that could impact the school community.

Silver Falls School District is committed to digital accessibility for individuals with visual, hearing, or developmental disabilities.

Accessibility Commitment:

• Good faith efforts are made to follow current standards.
• Most pages are in HTML and can be accessed by screen readers.
• Some documents may be in PDF format.

To convert PDFs to more accessible formats, visit:
» Adobe’s Online PDF Converter

Need Help?
If you encounter any issues accessing content on the district website, please contact:

feedback@silverfalls.k12.or.us
Include:

• The page or document location
• Your name, email, and phone number

So the district can provide the content in another format.

• Silver Falls School District collaborates with community groups and organizations that sponsor activities of an educational/enrichment nature for students by distributing materials electronically to district families.
  • Must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or government agency to be able to distribute information.
  • All material must be submitted by Friday of each week for distribution on the following Monday.
  • All materials must be approved by the Office of the Superintendent prior to distribution.
  • Contact name and number and or email address must be listed on materials.
• Fliers will NOT be approved that:
  • Are lewd, obscene, libelous, or slanderous.
  • Incite students to commit unlawful acts, violate school rules, or disrupt the orderly operation of the schools.
  • Promote any particular political interest, candidate, party, or ballot measure
  • Proselytize religious beliefs
  • Position the district on any side of a controversial issue.
  • Discriminate against, attack or denigrate any group on account of gender, race, age, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability or other unlawful consideration.
  • Promote the use or sale of materials or services that are illegal or inconsistent with school objectives, including, but not limited to, images, materials or advertisements for tobacco, intoxicants, and movies or products unsuitable for children.
  • Solicit funds or services for an organization, with the exception of solicitations authorized in Board policy.

Submit in person or by mail to:
Silver Falls School District
Flyer Distribution
612 Schlador St.
Silverton, OR  97381

Or By Email:valoff_debbie@silverfalls.k12.or.us