Student Handbook

Franklin County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic/national origin, gender, age or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Franklin County Schools expects all employees, students, and other members of the school community to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with concern and respect for all members of the school community. Discrimination, bullying, and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, disability, national origin, age, or language minority status will not be tolerated.

Chairperson, FCS Board of Education – Rosemary Champion (919) 496-2600

District Title IX Coordinator – Mr. Michael Zalewski (919) 496-2600

District 504 Coordinator – Ms. Jamie Thieman (919) 494-2642

The Franklin County Schools district website is a valuable source of current information for parents, students and staff. Parents will find school menus, kindergarten registration information, attendance zones, district calendar, and more on our site. Web pages for each school within the district may be accessed through the district home page. The website features items of interest for faculty and staff including information regarding employee benefits, staff development opportunities, email access and printable documents and forms. For job seekers, district vacancy announcements are available here.

In compliance with the United States Environmental Protection (EPA) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), Federal Register (40 CFR Part 763), inspections were performed in the fall of 1988 to record asbestos containing materials located in Franklin County Schools’ buildings. The inspection findings are recorded in each facility’s AHERA Management Plan, located in the main office of each school and at the maintenance shop at Franklin County Schools.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires re-inspection of asbestos containing materials every three years. During the spring of 2021, an accredited asbestos inspector performed the re-inspection. An accredited management planner received the results and recorded the recommended actions necessary to safely manage asbestos-containing materials.

Anyone interested in viewing this information may do so by written request to Franklin County Schools, 53 West River Road, Louisburg, NC 27549, Attention: Chief of Auxiliary Services, requesting an appointment during regular school hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Questions may also be directed to the LEA. To inquire, call 919-496-2600.

All students enrolled in Franklin County Schools are responsible for abiding by the Franklin County Schools’ Student Code of Conduct. This code is specifically designed to ensure that all schools operate in a safe and orderly fashion. Listed below are a few highlights from the Student Code of Conduct; however, the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct can be viewed in its entirety online at fcschools.net. Click on “Students,” then scroll down to “Student Handbook.” Please review the information below, read the Student Code of Conduct online, and return this form signed by your parent or legal guardian.

Cell Phones: Students are permitted to possess cell phones on school property as long as such devices are not powered on, used, displayed or visible in the classroom setting.  Reference policy #4318.

Image Consent: Franklin County Schools, and its delegated representatives, may capture student images on occasion as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the District and its activities. These images may be captured through digital photography and/or video. Student images might be published in printed materials, broadcast through video, posted on websites and social media channels, and distributed to local and regional media outlets, as well as external agencies and organizations. In addition, students may also be identified in the previously listed media, along with their image, in order to highlight their accomplishments or assist in the branding and promotion of FCS. Your acknowledgement below of this handbook also represents your consent for Franklin County Schools to include any captured images and identifications in any and all reasonable and ethical efforts to promote the District and its activities. To deny such consent and revoke FCS’ rights to access and distribute said images and identifications, please submit a signed and dated letter to your child’s school principal and copy the FCS’ director of communications. Please include the student(s)’ full name(s) and school(s). The revocation letter will remain active for one academic year.

Dress Code: A student will maintain personal attire and grooming standards that promote safety, health and acceptable standards of social conduct. Student clothing or jewelry that indicates gang identification or symbols will not be tolerated. Clothing must be age appropriate, not provocative or disruptive to the teaching process, revealing, indecent, vulgar or obscene. Students should be covered from mid-chest to mid-thigh. No shorts higher than mid-thigh; no skirts/dresses more than three inches above the top of the knee; no shirts/blouses that expose waist, midriff or cleavage. No clothing promoting alcohol, tobacco or the use of controlled substances or depicts violence, sexual or disruptive nature. No baggy clothing or visible underwear. No hats, sunglasses, sweatbands or bandanas. No tank tops, spaghetti straps or sleepwear. No chains on clothing.

Tobacco/Vaping Products: Tobacco/Vaping Product use or possession of any kind is prohibited on all FCS campuses, even during athletic events.

Computer Use: Students are prohibited from using computers for any activity that is not pre-approved by FCS, and students must be supervised by FCS staff for all computer use. Cyber bullying, gaming, etc. are prohibited. Please review Policy 3225.

Attendance: Students are to attend school (including all classes) each day of the school year. In addition, a student is to report to school and all classes on time. A student of compulsory school age is required to attend school by law.

It is your obligation to read the Franklin County School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. If you are unable to access the Handbook and Code of Conduct online, please contact your school’s office for a printed copy.