Torrance High School

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

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 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.

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.  ALL STUDENTS WILL REMAIN ON CAMPUS DURING LUNCH.  

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. 
  • Two (2) truant absences for any class during a semester may result in an “Unsatisfactory” grade on the semester report card.  
  • Beginning at three (3) truant absences, students will be assigned Saturday School detention. 
  • Five (5) truant absences for a period of class may result in a referral to the District Attendance Review Board (SARB). 
  • Forged absence notes will result in absences being marked “Truant” and the student will be assigned Saturday School.  This may also affect the student’s citizenship grade and athletic/ extracurricular eligibility.

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

  • Fourth tardy results in a “progress report card” signed by the student and a copy given to the student of possible “U” in citizenship, an electronic progress report, or a telephone call or email to the parent by the teacher warning of possible “U.”
  • Fifth tardy results in a “U” in citizenship on the report card.
  • Sixth tardy and up results in a student discipline referral, possible loss of attending the next school dance, assigned Saturday School and possible conference with the Assistant Principal to discuss further consequences for any additional tardies. A parent will be notified.

If a student is 30 minutes or later to class, the student will be marked absent and will need a note from the parent.

NOTE: 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.

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):

Cellphones/ electronic devices should not be used at school or in classes without the teacher’s permission. Cellphones must be turned off or silenced between 8:30 am and 3:22 pm. Teachers/staff may confiscate cell phones/ electronic devices if they are used without permission. 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 rule applies to all electronic devices and accessories. Torrance High School is not responsible for lost or stolen devices.  

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 with the exception of Spirit Days.
  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.

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.

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. Between the hours of 8:30 AM to 3:22 PM, student IDs must be presented upon request of any school staff member or city authority. Failure to produce an ID may result in after-school detention.  Replacement IDs are $5.00. Students on a modified schedule must obtain an off-campus sticker for placement of their ID card.  Student-athletes should obtain an athletic sticker from their coaches. Early dismissal stickers (for students with a shortened school day) may be obtained in the Attendance Office.  

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, prescriptions and over-the-counter, must be kept in the school health office. 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 lot 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 lots are off limits to students during the school day. Students are not to go to their cars at any time during the school day. The gates will be opened before and after school.  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 imitations weapons, permanent markers (see above), lighters, matches, fire crackers, 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/DANCES (All Grades): Students earn the privilege of attending school activities/dances based upon citizenship grades, academic grades and following THS attendance, tardy, and behavior policies.  Students may be subject to the “breathalyzer” test 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. NO EXCEPTIONS.  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 who does not have school permission, will lose the privilege of attending that particular dance/activity and all future dances/activities for one calendar year.  NO EXCEPTIONS. 12th-grade students should refer to the Senior Contract for more specific information on their participation in school activities.

SPITTING on campus is a health concern and will not be tolerated. Students may receive disciplinary consequences for this violation.

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.