HCPS updates phone, self-defense and suspension policies [Video]

Henrico students have a new code of conduct to follow, with less punitive suspensions from sports and activities, as well as an updated definition for “self-defense” after a school fight.

The code of conduct also includes rewrites to the cellphone policy without banning cellphone use outright in schools.

Changes to the student code of conduct were discussed at the School Board’s April meeting. The updates were meant to reflect changes at the federal and state level and mirror those used in surrounding school divisions. The new policy was approved by the board June 6.

Cellphones

In high schools and middle schools, cellphones must be out of visible sight, silenced or in airplane mode during scheduled class times and during instruction-related after-school activities, unless given a teacher’s permission. Devices will now be confiscated for a first offense per the code’s recommended consequences. Students who reach a fifth offense must turn devices into a teacher daily.

At the elementary level, students are also barred from using phones during …