The Core Value of Respect
 
Respect is the most important value at the Williamsburg Charter High School.  Helping students develop the art of respect is a school-wide goal and is modeled by all adults at the school. This code serves as the operational glue that holds the community together. All members are expected to demonstrate the following elements of respect:

Self-Respect-by their manner and in their school uniform dress, students are to carry themselves with a sense of dignity at all times.

Respect For Peers-by showing support and encouragement; by refraining from insulting, deriding, bullying, or humiliating others; and by refraining from physically, emotionally, or sexually harassing other students.

Respect For Adults-by listening and following directions; by using appropriate tone of voice; by honoring a teacher's need to present a lesson to the entire class; by demonstrating awareness of the appropriate time and place to disagree with a teacher's decision; and by accepting feedback.

Respect For Differences-by demonstrating sensitivity to physical, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual orientation differences, and by refraining from the use of stereotypes.

Respect For Property-by respecting the personal property of other students; by maintaining textbooks and other materials; and by caring for the school grounds and property, especially by pitching in to keep them clean and neat.  (Items that could be used to deface property are forbidden in school).

Honesty-by being truthful in all dealings with other members of the community, whether the matter is academic, social, extracurricular or otherwise.  It is expected that students accept responsibility for their actions and never claim ownership of something that is not theirs, be it a personal material possession or intellectual property.  When taking a test in school or completing an at-home exercise, it is expected that students act honorably and never represent another's work as their own.  Such actions are a discredit to the student and the community as a whole.

Cooperation-by working together towards common goals.  This means not only interacting fruitfully with their peers, but with all members of the community.  It is expected that students seek out new relationships and opportunities for mutual learning.

Effort-by devoting their fullest energy, thought, and attention to the task at hand, students are expected to push their own limits and those of their classmates in and out of the classroom.

Self-Control-by using proper restraint over emotions and impulses, and by making rational decisions with just motivations, even under stress.

Punctuality-by arriving on time, prepared, and ready to work in the morning, for each class, and for all after school activities.

Good Manners-by being polite and friendly to others.  Through their speech, demeanor, attitude, and body language, students are expected to be welcoming and gracious to all community members.

Fairness-by treating all their peers as equals, whether they are old friends or new acquaintances, students are expected to approach issues objectively and act in the interests of the community.

Citizenship-by being an active participant and meaningful contributor to the community.  All behavior is to show consideration of the physical environment and more importantly, of community members.