Student Behavior Descriptions

The following section outlines specific behavior descriptions and examples of behaviors that fall under each of the six behavior categories (outlined in the previous section). For additional information or clarification regarding a specific incident, please contact the student’s school.

Note: The following behavior codes have been removed by the state and are not listed below: BSC 20, BSC 23, BSO 4, BESO 8.

Behaviors that impede Academic Progress (BAP)

Behaviors that Impede Academic Progress (BAP)
of the student or other students

BAP 1: Interfering with learning in the classroom (e.g., inappropriate talking, excessive noise, off-task, out of seat, horse playing, making rude noises, and possession of items that distract)

BAP 2: Interfering with learning outside of the classroom (e.g., excessive noise, interrupting a class, inappropriate talking, horse playing, and making rude noises)

BAP 3: Scholastic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, giving or receiving any unauthorized aid or assistance or unfair advantage on any form of academic work; and plagiarism, falsely claiming authorship, to include copying of language, structure, idea, and/or thought of another and representing it as one’s own original work)

BAP 4: Unexcused tardiness to class

BAP 5: Unexcused tardiness to school

Behaviors Related to School Operations (BSO)

Behaviors Related to School Operations (BSO)
interfere with the daily operation of school procedures

BSO 1: Altering an official document or record

BSO 2: Giving false information, misrepresentation (to include verbal or written statements, counterfeit money, imitation alcohol and drug look-alike)

BSO 3: Refusal to comply with requests of staff in a way that interferes with the operation of school (to include refusal to work in class, minor insubordination, refusing to be searched, improper vehicle use and repeated refusals to comply or display appropriate behavior)

BSO 5: Failure to attend assigned disciplinary setting (e.g., detention, In-School Suspension, afternoon/evening school, Saturday school, failure to complete Substance Abuse Intervention Program)

BSO 6: Bringing unauthorized persons to school or allowing unauthorized persons to enter the school building

BSO 7: Dress code violation

BSO 8: Gambling (playing or being present at the scene of games of skill or chance for money, property
or profit; to include shooting dice)

BSO 9: Possessing items that are inappropriate for school (e.g., toys, literature, lighters, tobacco-free dip) All items will be confiscated and turned over to the parent/legal guardian at a reasonable
time convenient to the school.

BSO 10: Possession of stolen items (property obtained without permission of owner)

BSO 11: Unauthorized use of school electronic or other equipment
School electronic equipment/computer technology includes, but is not limited to, all computers, electronic
tablets, electronic readers, network devices, telecommunication devices, multifunction devices, printers,
scanners, and peripheral equipment (such as headphones, microphones, flash drives). School electronic
equipment/computer technology shall not be used to conduct illegal activities or to send, receive, view, or
download illegal materials. (e.g., student uses school-issued laptop to send nude photos)

BSO 12: Violation of the Acceptable use of Technology/Internet Policy
Network systems include local and wide area networks, Internet access, software, apps, application systems,
web resources, data and digital content. Network systems shall not be used to conduct illegal activities or to
send, receive, view, or download illegal materials. (e.g., hacking, bypassing network security and/or accessing
inappropriate websites on personal or school-issued device). Any violation of the Acceptable Use Policy which
disrupts or interferes with the learning environment, students or staff members in any manner; or involvement
in willful acts that cause physical, financial, social, emotional or other harm in any manner is prohibited and
may result in a recommendation for expulsion. Students may lose system privileges and be subject to appropriate
legal action.

BSO 13: Violation of school board policy regarding the possession or use of portable communication devices

To include but not limited to cell phones8 and all other future personal electronic communication devices.

BSO 14: Vandalism, graffiti or other damage to school or personal property
A student will not willfully or maliciously deface, damage, or destroy property belonging to another, including
school property at any time and private property while the student is under the school's jurisdiction. A student
or parent/legal guardian will be held financially responsible, as allowed by state law, for willful or malicious
destruction of school property.

BSO 15: Student is not going to class as assigned

BSO 16: Student is in an unauthorized area of the campus

Relationship Behaviors (RB)

Relationship Behaviors (RB)
create a negative relationship between two or more members of the school community
(no physical harm)

RB 1: Bullying with no physical injury Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. Bullying does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. It can include repeated use of slurs based upon the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, weight, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

RB 2: Cyberbullying Using information and communication technologies, such as cell phone text messages and pictures, internet email, social networking websites, defamatory personal websites, and defamatory online personal polling websites to support deliberate, hostile behavior intended to harm others.

RB 3: Posting, distributing, displaying, or sharing inappropriate material or literature, including using electronic means (to include nude or explicit photos)

RB 4: Saying or writing either directly or through electronic communication sexually suggestive comments, innuendos, propositions, or other remarks of a sexual nature (to include obscene phone calls and sexual harassment)

Sexual Harassment Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal conduct or communication of a sexual nature, including gender-based harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.

RB 5: Stealing money or property without physical force (to intentionally take or attempt
to take the property of another without consent)

RB 6: Speaking to another in an uncivil, discourteous manner (e.g., talking back)

RB 7: Teasing, taunting, engaging in a verbal confrontation

RB 8: Using profane or vulgar language or gestures (swearing, cursing, or inappropriate gestures)

RB 9: Using slurs based upon the actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, national
origin, citizenship/immigration status, weight, gender, gender identity, gender
expression, religion, sexual orientation, or disability

RB 10: Failure to respond to questions or requests by staff (includes refusing to identify
self properly)

RB 11: Unwanted or inappropriate physical contact (e.g., offensive touching, unwanted/undesirable contact, amorous behavior, “pantsing”)

Behaviors of a Safety Concern (BSC)

Behaviors of a Safety Concern (BSC) create unsafe conditions for student, staff, and/or visitors to the school

BSC 1: Alcohol: Possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol
Students will not use, have in their possession, have dominion and/or control of, or be under the influence of alcohol on School Board property, at school sponsored activities, or while going to or from school.

BSC 2: Alcohol: Distributing alcohol to other students Students will not distribute alcohol on School Board property, at school-sponsored activities, or while going to or from school.

BSC 3: Drugs: Possessing drug paraphernalia Students will not use, have in their possession, have dominion and/or control of drug paraphernalia on School Board property, at school-sponsored activities, or while going to or from school. (e.g., pipes, DAB pens, E-cigarette if found to contain marijuana/THC oil or to have been used to smoke marijuana/illegal drug, and/or lighter when found with marijuana, illegal drugs and/or other drug paraphernalia).

BSC 4: Drugs: Violating school board non-prescription (over-the-counter medication or look-alike drug policy) Students are not to be in possession of medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) at any time. (see Health Services & Student Medication)

BSC 5: Tobacco: Possessing/Using/Distributing tobacco products, possessing tobacco paraphernalia, electronic cigarettes, vaping equipment Students are prohibited from possessing, selling or trading or offering to do so, smoking, and/or using tobacco products or nicotine vapor or alternative nicotine products as defined in Virginia Code §18.2-371.2, as amended, at all times while on School Board owned or leased property, in School Board vehicles, in any vehicle parked on School Board property, at on or off site school-sponsored or school-related activities, or while going to or coming home from school.

BSC 6: Bullying Behavior without physical injury that continues after intervention
Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves
a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or
causes severe emotional trauma. Bullying does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.

BSC 7: Cyberbullying that continues after intervention Using information and communication technologies, such as cell phone text messages and pictures, internet email, social networking websites, defamatory personal websites, and defamatory online personal polling websites to support deliberate, hostile behavior intended to harm others.

BSC 8: Harassment: Repeatedly annoying or attacking a student or a group of students or personnel creating an intimidating or hostile educational or work environment
A student will not harass or discriminate against another person based upon that person’s race, color, sex, disability,
national origin, ethnicity, religion, or any other protected class/category as outlined in School Board of the
City of Virginia Beach Policy 5-7, as amended. Harassment or discrimination consists of verbal or physical
conduct or other action relating to a person’s race, color, sex, disability, national origin, ethnicity, or religion
when one or more apply:

The conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment.
The conduct had the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance or another person’s employment or participation in school activities.
The conduct otherwise adversely affects a student’s learning opportunities.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

Written or spoken language or graffiti containing offensive language or graphic depictions;
Name calling, jokes or rumors;
Threatening or intimidating conduct directed at another person;
Notes or drawings/illustrations;
Slurs, negative stereotypes, hostile acts;
Physical acts of aggressive conduct such as assault, theft, or damage to property.

BSC 9: Bus: Distracting the bus driver (e.g., inappropriate talking, horseplay, making rude noises)

BSC 10: Bus: Endangering the safety of others on the bus (e.g., throwing item from moving bus)

BSC 11: Fire alarm: Falsely activating a fire or other disaster alarm (to include false calls to 911)

BSC 12: Fire Related: Possessing items that could be used to set or cause a fire or produce large amounts of smoke (to include smoke bombs) Students shall not possess, distribute, discharge, or participate in the discharge of fireworks or similar items capable of producing a combustible or explosive reaction by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonation, including, but not limited to firecrackers.

BSC 13: Engaging in reckless behavior the creates a risk of injury to self or others A student shall not engage in conduct that is dangerous to the health or safety of self, students staff or others. (e.g., failure to come under control during altercation, adding a foreign substance to another person’s food or drink, running into traffic)

BSC 14: Fighting that results in no injury as determined by the school administration
Fighting involves two or more parties in conflict when they are striking each other for the purpose of causing harm or injury. This may extend to wrestling, or other aggressive actions that may result in the danger of harm or injury to either party, bystanders, or school property. A student that is assaulted and retaliates by hitting/kicking/etc., may be disciplined for fighting.

BSC 15: Inciting or causing a substantial disturbance to the operation of school
or the safety of staff and/or students

Inciting a Riot Unlawful use of force or violence that seriously jeopardized the public safety, peace, or order. Three or more people acting together.

Substantial Disturbance Actions and/or statements (written or verbal), including threats to school, that result in a substantial disturbance to the operation of school.

BSC 16: Throwing an object that has the potential to cause a disturbance, injury,
or property damage

BSC 17: Shoving, pushing, striking, biting another student with no visible injury (physical abuse/physical aggression to include scratching, kicking or biting when injury does not occur,
blocking the passage of, and cutting or pulling another student’s hair)

BSC 18: Exposing body parts, lewd or indecent public behavior (to include “mooning,” urinating in public)

BSC 19: Physical contact of a sexual nature – patting body parts, pinching, tugging clothing

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Lewd behavior, indecent exposure that includes sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or other unlawful behavior or conduct intended to result in sexual gratification without force or threat.

Sexual Battery Against Staff or Student Involves an offensive or intentional threat, intimidation or ruse or physical helplessness of sexual abuse (Class 1 Misdemeanor)

BSC 21: Stalking as described in the Code of Virginia Section §18.2-60.3
One who engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury.

BSC 22: Stealing money or property using physical force (no weapon involved)

Attempted Burglary & Burglary Unlawful attempted entry or entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime.

Attempted Extortion & Extortion A student will not attempt to, threaten to or take another person’s property by force, violence, threats, or intimidation. This includes obtaining money, property, or other objects of value, either tangible or intangible.

BSC 24: Leaving school grounds without permission

BSC 25: Trespassing Entering or remaining on a public school campus or School Board facility without authorization or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry, including students under suspension/expulsion and unauthorized persons who enter or remain on a campus or school board facility after being directed to leave.

BSC 26: Possessing dangerous instruments/substances that could be used to inflict
harm upon another (to include pepper spray, mace and mace-like devices)

BSC 27: Weapons: Possessing any weapon (other than a firearm) as defined by §18.2-308.1. Possession includes bringing onto school property and/or storing in vehicle, locker or other receptacle.

Pneumatic Weapon (BB/Pellet Gun or Rifle, Paint Ball Gun) Possession, handling, using, or distribution of
pellet guns, BB guns, paint ball guns, air pistols and all other devices under the definition of pneumatic weapon
in the Code of Virginia.

Look-alike Firearm Possession of an instrument or device that resembles or looks like a pistol, revolver, or any
type of weapon but not capable of propelling a missile. May include but not be limited to a cap pistol, water
pistol, or any look-alike gun. Principal may determine if a look-alike is a weapon by considering the following:

Whether it is reasonable that a person would mistake the object for a weapon;
Whether the object was used for the purpose of threatening, intimidating, harassing, or harming another person; and/or
Whether it was the intent of the student who possessed, handled, used, or distributed the object to cause another person, or other persons, to believe that the object was, in fact, a weapon.

Knife Possessing or bringing to school or school-sponsored event any sharp-edged instrument that
is classified as a knife with a blade of three inches or more.

Razor Blade or Box Cutter

Ammunition Possession of any bullet, shell, cartridge, case, primer, or propellant powder designed
for use in any firearm.

Other Weapon Possession of any object or substance that could cause injury including (but not limited to)
slingshots, ice picks, knives less than three inches long, multi-fingered rings, heavy chains, metal knuckles,
clubs, stink bombs, itching powder, martial arts objects, chemical bombs; the use of any object or any
substance that will potentially cause harm, irritation, or bodily injury to students or any other persons;
giving a dangerous liquid, pill, or substance that causes illness; and laser pens, firearm mufflers and firearm
silencers when used to potentially cause harm, injury, or irritation.

Taser or Stun Gun Possessing or bringing any mechanism that is designed to emit an electronic, magnetic
or other charge or shock through the use of a projectile or exceeds the equivalency of five milliamp 60 hertz
shock and used for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating a person.

Behaviors that Endanger Self or Others (BESO)

Behaviors that Endanger Self or Others (BESO)
endanger the health, safety, or welfare of either the student or others in the school community

BESO 1: Assault: Intending to cause physical injury to another person

BESO 2: Assault and Battery: Causing physical injury to another person

BESO 3: Fighting: The use of physical violence between students or on another person
where there is minor injury as determined by the school administration
Fighting involves two or more parties in conflict when they are striking each other for the purpose of causing harm or injury. This may extend to wrestling, or other aggressive actions that may result in the danger of harm or injury to either party, bystanders, or school property. A student that is assaulted and retaliates by hitting/kicking/etc., may be disciplined for fighting.

BESO 4: Striking Staff: The use of force against a staff member when no injury is caused
(to include hitting, pushing, scratching, kicking or biting when injury does not occur, spitting on, blocking the passage of staff)

BESO 5: Drugs: Possessing controlled substances, illegal drugs, inhalants, or synthetic
hallucinogens or unauthorized prescription medications Students will not have in their
possession or have dominion and/or control of marijuana or controlled substances on School Board property, at school-sponsored activities, or while going to or from school.

BESO 6: Drugs: Being under the influence of controlled substances, illegal drugs,
inhalants, or synthetic hallucinogens or unauthorized prescription medications
Students will not be under the influence of marijuana or controlled substances on School Board property, at school-sponsored activities, or while going to or from school.

BESO 7: Drugs: Using controlled substances or using illegal drugs or synthetic
hallucinogens or unauthorized prescription medications Students will not use marijuana or
controlled substances on School Board property, at school-sponsored activities, or while going to or from school.

BESO 9: Fire: Attempting to set, aiding in setting, or setting a fire To unlawfully and intentionally damage, or attempt to damage, any school or personal property by fire or incendiary device. Firecrackers, fireworks, and trash can fire would be included in this category if they were contributing factors to a damaging fire.

BESO 10: Gang-Related Behavior: Engaging in threatening or dangerous behavior
that is gang-related as defined in §18.2-46.1 Street gang means any ongoing organization,
association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has as one of its primary objectives or activities the commission of one or more criminal or non-criminal gang activities. This includes rituals, or activities identified by groups of students.

BESO 11: Hazing as defined in §18.2-56 and noted in §22.1-279.6. Initiation of another
student into a club, group, or any other organization through abuse and humiliation or as to cause bodily injury.

BESO 12 & 14: Threatening, intimidating, or instigating violence, injury or harm to a staff
member or members Note: BESO 12 pertains to threats that are not written; BESO 14
pertains to written threats A student shall be in violation of this rule regardless of whether the person who is the object of the threat receives the threat, so long as a reasonable person would foresee that the statement would be interpreted by those to whom the maker communicates the statement as a serious expression of intent to harm or assault, or it materially disrupts classwork, involves substantial disorder, or invades the rights of others.

Incitement/Instigation of Violence Against Staff
Encouraging, inciting, enticing, or soliciting (by actions, oral comments or written/electronic
messages) others to fight or harm another student/other person or which may result in physical aggression, fight or bodily harm

Posturing Toward Staff (to include intimidation)
Conveying by physical gestures, stance, raised fists, etc., the intention to harm or strike staff

Threat to Staff
Oral or written/electronic threat or false threat to do bodily harm

BESO 13 & 14: Threatening, intimidating, or instigating violence, injury or harm to another
student(s) or other(s) Note: BESO 13 pertains to threats that are not written; BESO 14
pertains to written threats A student shall be in violation of this rule regardless of whether the person who is the object of the threat receives the threat, so long as a reasonable person would foresee that the statement would be interpreted by those to whom the maker communicates the statement as a serious expression of intent to harm or assault, or it materially disrupts classwork, involves substantial disorder, or invades the rights of others.

Incitement/Instigation of Violence Against Student or Other Person
Encouraging, inciting, enticing, or soliciting (by actions, oral comments or written/electronic
messages) others to fight or harm another student/other person or which may result in physical aggression, fight or bodily harm

Posturing to Fight Student or Other Person
Conveying by gestures, stance, raised fists, etc., the intention to fight.

Threat to Student or Other Person
Oral or written/electronic threat or false threat to do bodily harm

Threat of Violence Against School
Oral or written/electronic threat or false threat to do bodily harm

BESO 15: Using an object not generally considered to be a weapon to threaten or
attempt to injure school personnel

BESO 16: Using an object not generally considered to be a weapon to threaten or
attempt to injure students or others

BESO 17: Bomb threat – Making a bomb threat Making a bomb threat, including false threats, against division personnel or School Board property, or encouraging, inciting, enticing, or soliciting any person to commit such a threat is unlawful and forbidden.

Students are forbidden from threatening injury to the person or property of another by the use of an imitation
infectious biological, toxic, or radioactive substance; use of an imitation infectious biological, toxic, or radioactive
substance in such a manner as to place any person in reasonable apprehension of death or bodily harm, or with the
intent to disrupt or interfere with the operations of any school, school bus, or school-sponsored event or activity;
possess, manufacture, sell, give, or distribute an imitation infectious biological, toxic, or radioactive substance with
the intent to place a person in reasonable apprehension of death or bodily harm; or knowingly release or place, or
cause or procure to be released or placed in, on, or around any school, school bus, school event, or school activity
any imitation infectious biological, toxic, or radioactive substance with the intent to place any person in reasonable
apprehension of death or bodily harm.

Behaviors Used to Determine Persistently Dangerous Schools (PD)

Behaviors Used to Determine Persistently Dangerous Schools (PD)

PD 1: Homicide – Firearm

PD 2: Homicide – Other Weapon

PD 3: Sexual Assault Sexual penetration (e.g., oral, anal, or vaginal) without consent. This category includes statutory rape that is defined as sexual penetration with or without the consent of a minor.

PD 4: Attempted Sexual Assault Attempted sexual penetration (e.g., oral, anal, or vaginal) without consent. This category includes statutory rape that is defined as sexual penetration with or without the consent of a minor.

PD 5: Use of a Bomb Use of any device possessed or assembled at school that contains combustible material or combustible material and a fuse.

PD 6: Assault with Firearm or Weapon Physical violence with use of a weapon, directed toward another person and causing bodily harm is considered an assault with firearm or weapon.

PD 7: Actual or Attempted Robbery A student will not take or attempt to take another person’s property by force or violence. This includes obtaining money, property, or other objects of value, either tangible or intangible.

PD 8: Kidnapping/Abduction Unlawful seizure, transportation, and/or detention of a person against his/her will, or of a minor without the consent of his/her custodial parent(s)/legal guardian(s). This includes hostage-taking.

PD 9: Malicious Wounding without a Weapon Any person who maliciously wounds another person
or by causing bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill.

PD 10: Aggravated Sexual Battery on a Student Sexual abuse of a victim: who is less than thirteen years of age, or that act is accomplished against the will of the victim, by force, threat or intimidation, or through the use of the victim’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness, and—the victim is at least thirteen but less than fifteen years of age, or the accused causes serious bodily or mental injury to the victim, or the accused used or threatens to use
a dangerous weapon. Sexual Abuse means an act committed with the intent to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify
any person.

PD 11: Illegal Possession of Handgun The possession, handling, using, or distribution of a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, operative or inoperative, on the way to or from school, on school property, or at any school-sponsored or related activity is prohibited. Possession includes bringing a firearm onto school property, storing it in a vehicle, locker, or other receptacle.

PD 12: Illegal Possession of Rifle or Shotgun The possession, handling, using, or distribution of a rifle or shotgun, whether loaded or unloaded, operative or inoperative, on the way to or from school, on school property, or at any school-sponsored or related activity is prohibited. Possession includes bringing a firearm onto school property, storing it in a vehicle, locker, or other receptacle.

PD 13: Illegal Possession of Any Other Projectile Weapon Any weapon designed to expel a projectile or that may readily be converted or modified manufactured guns to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive device.

PD 14: Illegal Possession of Bomb Any device possessed or assembled at school that contains combustible material or combustible material and a fuse.

PD 15: Illegal Possession of Other Firearms Any weapon that will, or is designed to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; this includes firearms not mentioned previously (operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded) such as, but not limited to, a zip or starter gun.

PD 16: Illegal Possession of Controlled Drugs and Substances with Intent to Distribute or Sell (to include sale/distribution of anabolic steroid, illegal drug inhalant, marijuana, Schedule 1 or 2 drug and prescription drugs)

In This Section

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Specialty Centers