The Torrance High School community is dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment that fosters democratic ideals and good citizenship; nurtures mutual respect and individual differences; develops lifelong learners and productive members of society; encourages critical thinking and problem-solving; and recognizes personal responsibility for the well-being of the environment and global society.

The goal of our disciplinary program is to hold students responsible for their actions while continuing to provide a positive educational experience. We believe that our policies will help to ensure a campus environment that is clean, safe, and conducive to learning. We are confident that if we are clear about our standards and consistent in enforcing them, students’ behavior will in most cases, meet our expectations.

The staff and students at THS actively protect the safety of our campus. We enforce a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for the following offenses:

  • Possession of a firearm (including imitation firearms)
  • Possession of an explosive
  • Brandishing a knife
  • Sale of a controlled substance
  • Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or battery

ZERO TOLERANCE means that committing one of the above offenses will result in immediate suspension and expulsion from TUSD.

DISCIPLINE MATRIX

The discipline matrix linked below indicates the disciplinary offenses and actions that may apply to each offense. These actions may be applied to a first-time or repeated incident. Progressive consequences, when applicable, are listed for each subsequent offense within the respective education code violation. School officials use this matrix as a guide intended to standardize disciplinary procedures throughout the District. The recommendations are not intended to substitute for the judgment of professional personnel based upon knowledge of the student’s behavior record and statutory restraints. Click here for the TUSD Discipline Matrix.

Students may be suspended or expelled if the act is related to a school activity or school attendance, including but not limited to the following:  (a) while on school grounds; (b) while going to or coming from school; (c) during a school lunch period, whether on or off campus; or (d) during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity.  Education Code 49079 requires that teachers be informed of a pupil’s suspension and the infraction specific to the case, as described in Education Code 48900, except for smoking.  The information shall be provided confidentially to teachers for the previous three school years.  All students will be held accountable for the last three years of their discipline history.

ATHLETICS: 
Student athletes at THS are held to high behavioral and academic standards. Please click here for specifics regarding rules and eligibility for THS Athletics. Athletes leaving prior to the end of the school day for their sport must show their physical school ID with an athletic pass sticker to campus security in order to leave campus. Students who do not have or present their physical school ID with their athletic pass sticker may be assigned a 30-minute detention.

ACTIVITIES:
Students involved in certain clubs and activities may be subjected to discipline at the discretion of the club/activity sponsor. Please check with your club/activity sponsor for more information.

ANONYMOUS REPORTING:
We encourage students and parents/guardians to report anything suspicious or concerning to the school administration. We are collaborating with Sandy Hook Promise to offer an easy way for our community to make truly anonymous reports. Here is a link to the “Say Something” anonymous reporting website.

ATTENDANCE:
Regular attendance and being on time are requirements for a successful high school experience and future success after high school. California State Law requires daily school attendance to the age of eighteen unless the California High School Proficiency Test has been passed, or until graduation.  We encourage continued parent support to promote good school attendance and student achievement.

TORRANCE HIGH SCHOOL IS A CLOSED CAMPUS. STUDENTS CANNOT LEAVE CAMPUS FOR LUNCH, AND THE SCHOOL WILL NOT ISSUE OFF-CAMPUS LUNCH PASSES.  

Please click here to see THS attendance policies and procedures.  

The Truancy Policy operates on a semesterly and class basis, and is as follows:

  • Truant absences result in students earning no credit for any assignments that were due on the day of truancy. However, students may request an opportunity to make up missed work for partial credit by attending a teacher-approved study session during Tutorial within one week of the absence. 
  • First Truant – The student and their parent/guardian will receive a warning from the teacher about the potential for a "U" in citizenship.  
  • Second Truant – Beginning at two (2) truant absences, students will be assigned a detention. 
  • Third Truant – Beginning at three (3) truant absences for any class, the citizenship grade will be impacted, and a "U" will be assigned on the report card. A parent conference with an administrator may be required, and additional interventions (such as a behavior contract) may be assigned. On a case-by-case basis, students who earn a "U" due to truancy may recover their citizenship grade by demonstrating improved attendance, attending Saturday School voluntarily, or participating in required interventions such as a behavior contract. The teacher will determine if the student’s progress warrants a grade adjustment.
  • Fourth Truant – Beginning at four (4) truant absences, students will be assigned Saturday School detention.
  • Fifth or More Truants – With five (5) or more truant absences, the student may be referred to the District Attendance Review Board (SARB). However, if the student demonstrates improved attendance over four consecutive weeks, the referral may be reconsidered.

The Tardy Policy operates on a quarterly and class basis, and is as follows:

  • First and Second tardies – Students will receive a verbal warning from the teacher and may be reminded of the school’s tardy policy.
  • Third tardy – The student and their parent/guardian will receive a warning from the teacher about the potential for a "U" in citizenship. This warning may be given as a physical notice, an email, a comment on the progress report, or a phone call (follow up with an email to document) to the parent/guardian informing them of the situation.
  • Fourth tardy – Detention will be assigned as a consequence for tardiness. In addition to detention, a conference with the Dean may be scheduled to discuss the student's tardiness and plan for improvement.
    • This will be initiated by the Student Services office
  • Fifth tardy – If tardiness continues, a "U" in citizenship may be assigned on the report card. This may affect eligibility for athletics and extracurricular activities. 
    • On a case-by-case basis, students who earn a "U" due to tardiness may recover their citizenship grade by demonstrating consistent improvement in punctuality, completing teacher-assigned tasks, or participating in required interventions. The teacher will determine if the student’s progress warrants a grade adjustment.
  • Sixth tardy – Further disciplinary actions may be implemented, including Saturday School, a discipline referral, a parent conference with the Dean, and possible loss of privileges (e.g., attending the next school dance or participating in extracurricular activities).
     
  • If a student is late 30 minutes or more to class, the student will be marked absent and will need a note from the parent to clear the absence.

Additional Notes:

  • Students begin each quarter with a clean slate for tardies. Those who earned a “U” at the quarter for tardiness may earn an “S” or “E” at the semester if the tardiness has been resolved, and the teacher feels the student deserves such a mark. School detention or Saturday School does not clear a tardy or a U in citizenship.
  • Tardy sweeps may be conducted periodically. Students caught without a valid pass will be assigned detention.
  • Saturday School: Saturday School will be assigned as a more serious consequence and lasts for 4 hours. During Saturday School, students will complete academic work, reflect on their behavior, and/or participate in activities that encourage responsibility and self-reflection.
  • Detention: Detention will be 30 minutes in duration and take place before school, during lunch, or after school. Students will be expected to complete academic or reflective work during this time.
  • Students who demonstrate consistent improvement by reducing tardiness may have their consequences reduced or reset (e.g., fewer detentions or a review of the “U” citizenship grade).
  • Special Circumstances: If a student is consistently tardy due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical issues, family emergencies), they should notify their teacher and/or counselor to discuss potential adjustments or accommodations.

BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS:
Bicycle parking is available in front of the Counseling Office and near the Annex. Please make sure your bike is locked. Any student under 18 years of age is encouraged to wear a helmet while riding their bikes in accordance with CA state law. Students must walk their bikes on campus. THS is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles and/or helmets. Skateboards are not to be carried on school grounds at any time during school hours (8:30 AM - 3:22 PM). They can be locked on the skateboard rack in the front of the Counseling Office. Students must provide their own lock or purchase one in the Student Services Office for $5. Skateboards cannot be ridden on campus at any time, including nights and weekends. Violators will be referred to Torrance Police for violation of 49.2.7 (B) TMC. Torrance High School is not responsible for the loss or theft of skateboards. 

BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING:
Torrance High is committed to protecting students’ and employees’ civil rights and ensuring all programs and activities provide an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. No individual or group shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, threaten, intimidate, retaliate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any student or school personnel. 

Bullying or cyberbullying, conducted on or off-campus, that impacts student learning, participation in school activities, or school attendance, shall be subject to discipline. 

Students are encouraged to submit a formal complaint to any school staff. Students can make anonymous reports through Say Something.

CELLPHONES/OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES (put these items away before you enter campus):
Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off or silenced between 8:30 AM and 3:22 PM and may not be used during school hours without teacher permission. Teachers/staff may confiscate cell phones/ electronic devices if they are used without permission or inappropriately. Confiscated cell phones/ devices can be picked up by a parent or guardian after school in the Dean’s Office. Students will be assigned Saturday School upon their 2nd cell phone/ device confiscation. This policy applies to all electronic devices and accessories. Students in the office for administrative or investigative reasons may be asked to hand over their cellphones or turn them off during their time there. Torrance High School is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen devices.

CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACCOUNTABILITY:
Students participating in specific academic programs, clubs, performing arts, teams, or other extracurricular activities are expected to maintain high standards of behavior. Disciplinary infractions may lead to additional consequences within those programs, including removal from events, suspension from participation, or dismissal from the program, at the discretion of the coach, advisor, program coordinator, or site/district administration.

DELIVERIES - FOOD ORDERS/ BALLOONS/ FLOWERS/ GIFTS:
Deliveries will not be accepted by Torrance High School. This includes deliveries of food, clothing, money, homework, or other personal items. Phone messages will only be delivered to students in emergency cases.  Confiscated items will be placed in the Student Services Office.

DRESS STANDARDS:
A good school learning environment is created when students have an appropriate, well-groomed appearance and conduct themselves properly.  Anything which tends to detract from this environment is unacceptable.  The following guidelines shall apply to all regular school activities:

  1. Shoes must be worn at all times.
  2. Clothing, jewelry, and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, etc.) shall be free from writing, pictures, or any other insignia which are vulgar, profane, or which advocate racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, religious prejudice, or drugs/alcohol (District Regulation #5220)
  3. Headwear: 
    • Sunglasses, hats, caps, and beanies shall not be worn indoors.  
    • Only medically/religiously required headgear, approved by the principal, may be worn indoors. 
    • Sun-protective clothing must comply with District and school site dress and grooming standards.  
    • Caps must be worn with the bill facing forward.  
    • Due to student identification and campus security concerns, hoods are not to be worn. 
    • Bandanas are prohibited except on Spirit Days and in alignment with the class colors.
  4. Clothes shall conceal underwear at all times. Pants should cover underwear. Muscle tee shirts (cut or modified) and tube tops are not permitted. All tops must have straps.
  5. Swimwear, pajamas, nightgowns, and oversized clothing are not appropriate school wear.
  6. Tattoos are to be covered at all times.  (District Regulation #5220)

Students appearing on school grounds in violation of the dress policy shall be counseled and sent home, as appropriate, in order to change clothes and dress properly for school.  Students may initially be counseled by the teacher with a follow-up referral to be filed.  A student who willfully and continuously violates the policy may be subject to detention or suspension.

DRUG/ ALCOHOL/ NICOTINE/ VAPING DEVICES: 
Drugs, alcohol, nicotine, vaping devices of any type and substance, and any associated paraphernalia are prohibited on campus. Consequences range from parent contact, Saturday School, participation in educational programs, and suspension.

FOOTBALL, SOCCER, BASEBALL and OTHER GAMES are confined to grassy areas away from buildings and sidewalks.  Only "touch" football is permitted.

IDs are provided to all THS students. IDs must be carried during the school day and at all school activities. ASB stickers are affixed and marked on these IDs. Student IDs must be presented upon request of any school staff member or city authority. Failure to produce an ID may result in detention.  Replacement IDs are $5.00. Students on a modified schedule must obtain an early-dismissal sticker for placement of their ID card. Early-dismissal stickers (for students with a shortened school day) may be obtained in the Attendance Office.  Athletes leaving prior to the end of the school day for their sport must show their athletic sticker and school ID to campus security when exiting campus. Athletes must obtain an athletic sticker from their coach.  

LOCKERS:
Lockers are issued by the Business Office. They are the property of the school and are loaned to the students. Each student is responsible for the condition and contents of his locker at all times.  Lockers may be searched from time to time for health, safety, or maintenance reasons. Students may not share lockers with anyone else. Security of the contents of the locker rests with those who control the combination.  Gym lockers are provided in the gym locker rooms. Students must provide their own locks. Do not share lockers with other students. Never put valuables in P.E. lockers at any time. The school is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings due to locker break-ins or student negligence.  

LOST AND FOUND:
Located in the Student Services Office (across from the Counseling Office). Students who believe they may be victims of a theft should report this information to the Dean's Office.

MEDICATIONS ON CAMPUS:
TUSD Policy 462 and Education Code 49480 requires parents/guardians of pupils taking medication on campus to notify the school nurse or other designated school employee of the medication, dosage, and the name of the supervising physician. All medication, prescription, and over-the-counter, must be kept in the school health office. This includes Visine/eye drops. Asthma inhalers may only be carried by the student upon approval from the Health Office. Forms are available in the health office.

PARKING:
Students may park in designated student parking lots or in legal parking spaces on the streets near campus. Please be aware of the street sweeping days if parking on the streets. Students must have the appropriate parking permit displayed in order to park in school lots.  Permits are available in the Attendance Office.  All cars parked in TUSD lots are subject to be searched if suspicion is warranted. The parking lots behind the gym and the Annex are reserved for faculty and staff only.  They are off-limits to students at all times.  Cars will be ticketed and possibly towed. Parking permits may be pulled for violation of school rules.

PASSES: Students out of class during class time must have a pink written pass containing the student’s name, time, destination, and teacher’s signature. Students should request this pass before leaving the classroom.  

PERMANENT MARKERS/SHARPIES:
Permanent markers/Sharpies are not to be carried on campus as they contribute to incidents of vandalism and destruction of school property when used inappropriately. Not adhering to this rule could result in confiscation, school consequences, and possible citation by the police for possession of graffiti tools.

PROHIBITED ITEMS include drugs, alcohol, nicotine products, drug/ nicotine paraphernalia, vaping devices/ paraphernalia, weapons or imitation weapons, permanent markers (see above), lighters, matches, firecrackers, poppers, spray paint, pepper spray, laser pointers, and any other items that could be considered dangerous. Prohibited items will be confiscated and can be picked up by a parent/ guardian from the Dean’s office. This list is not exhaustive.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:
Students earn the privilege of attending school activities based on citizenship grades, academic grades, and following THS attendance, tardy, truancy, and behavior policies. Students may lose the privilege of participating in a school activity due to a violation of school policies. Students may be subject to a breathalyzer test and/or testing of items in their possession at any school activity. Any student or guest who is in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance during school or at any school activity, including dances, will lose the privilege to attend all school dances, including the Senior Prom, for one calendar year.  Torrance Police will be notified, and other disciplinary consequences may also be determined, but not limited to suspension from school.  Also, any student who attends a school dance or activity without school permission will lose the privilege of attending that particular dance/activity and all future dances/activities for one calendar year.
12th-grade students should refer to the Senior Contract for more specific information on their participation in school activities.

TEXTBOOKS/LIBRARY BOOKS are the responsibility of students and parents. Lost or stolen texts and library books must be reimbursed to the school.

THROWING/KICKING ITEMS such as food, bottles, trash, water balloons etc. will be subject to disciplinary procedures. Water toys are not permitted on campus. 

Torrance High School policies apply to all students and families. Attendance at Torrance High School constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of all school policies and expectations by both the student and the parent/guardian.