Couch R-I Student Handbook Couch Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies

Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies

It is essential that the district maintain a classroom environment that allows teachers to communicate effectively with all students in the class and allows all students in the class to learn. To assist district staff in maintaining the necessary classroom environment, the Board of Education has created a discipline code that addresses the consequences, including suspension or expulsion, for students.

The comprehensive written code of conduct of the district is composed of this policy and includes, but is not limited to, the following policies, procedures and regulations: JG-R, JGA, JGB, JGD, JGE and JGF. A copy of the district's comprehensive written code of conduct will be distributed to every student and the parents/guardians of every student at the beginning of each school year and will be available in the superintendent's office during normal business hours. (JG)

Application (JG)

These policies, regulations and procedures will apply to all students in attendance in district instructional and support programs as well as at school-sponsored activities. Off-campus misconduct that adversely affects the educational climate will also be subject to these policies, regulations and procedures. Students who have been charged, convicted or plead guilty in a court of general jurisdiction for commission of a felony may be suspended in accordance with law.

The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student. Any such removal will be subject to the appropriate due process procedures and in accordance with law.

No student may be confined in an unattended locked space except in an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel. For the purpose of this policy, a student is unattended if no person has visual contact with the student, and a locked space is a space that the student cannot reasonably exit without assistance.

Enforcement (JG)

Building principals are responsible for the development of additional regulations and procedures regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision. All such regulations and procedures shall be consistent with Board-adopted discipline policies.

Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for internal governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom. All district staff are required to enforce district policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and that considers the student and the individual circumstances involved.

All employees of the district shall annually receive instruction related to the specific contents of the district’s discipline policy and any interpretations necessary to implement the provisions of the policy in the course of their duties including, but not limited to, approved methods of dealing with acts of school violence, disciplining students with disabilities and instruction in the necessity and requirements for confidentiality.

Detention and/or In-School Suspension of Students (JGB)

The provisions of detention or an in-school suspension program for student violations of policies, rules and procedures shall provide principals with an additional alternative for dealing with disciplinary problems that occur in the schools. When this alternative is appropriate, students will be assigned to serve a specified time period in the in-school suspension program. These assignments, and the determination of the time period for them, shall be determined by the principal, or his or her designee.

Corporal Punishment (JGA-2)

For the purposes of this policy, corporal punishment is the use of physical force as a method of correcting student behavior. No person employed by or volunteering on behalf of the Couch R-I School District shall administer corporal punishment or cause corporal punishment to be administered upon a student attending district schools.

A staff member may, however, use reasonable physical force against a student for the protection of the student or other persons or to protect property. Restraint of students in accordance with the district's policy on student seclusion, isolation and restraint is not a violation of this policy.

Student Suspensions and Expulsion (JGD)

The following procedures apply to all students. However, additional procedures for discipline for students with disabilities are sometimes required, as discussed in policy JGE, Discipline of Students with Disabilities.

The Board of Education believes that the right of a child to attend free public schools carries with it the responsibility of the child to attend school regularly and to comply with the lawful policies, rules and procedures of the school district. This observance of school policies, rules and procedures is essential for permitting others to learn at school.

Therefore, the administration may exclude a student from school because of violation of school rules and procedures, conduct which materially or substantially disrupts the rights of others to an education, or conduct which endangers the student, other students or the property of the school. Furthermore, if a student poses a threat to himself or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student, the administration may immediately remove the student from school. Such actions will be taken in accordance with due process and with due regard for the welfare of both the student and the school.

The terms "suspension" and "removal" refer to an exclusion from school that will not exceed a specific period of time and shall be subject to the due process procedures set forth for "suspensions" in this policy. The term "expulsion" refers to exclusion for an indefinite period.

The district may honor suspensions and expulsions from another in-state or out-of-state school district including a private, charter or parochial school or school district pursuant to law and policy JEC, Student Admissions. Before making any decision to honor such suspensions or expulsions, the superintendent or designee will consider whether the student has received the due process required by law.

Suspensions (JGD)

In Missouri, a principal may suspend a student for up to ten (10) school days. A superintendent may suspend a student for up to 180 school days. Procedures for suspending a student are outlined below.

Before suspending a student, a principal or superintendent must
1. tell the student, either orally or in writing, what misconduct he or she is accused of;
2. if the student denies the accusation, explain, either orally or in writing, the facts that form the basis of the proposed suspension;
3. and give the student an opportunity to present his or her version of the incident.
If the principal or superintendent concludes that the student has engaged in misconduct punishable by suspension, the procedures described below apply. If the student has a disability as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, additional procedural safeguards described in the policy dealing with the discipline of students with disabilities apply.
The principal or superintendent should determine whether the student should be suspended or whether less drastic alternative measures would be appropriate. In many cases, the principal or superintendent may decide not to suspend a student unless conferences (between the teacher, student and principal and/or between the parent, student and principal) have been held and have failed to change the student's behavior.
If suspension is imposed, the student's parents or guardians must be promptly notified of the suspension and the reasons for the action.
Any suspension by a principal must be reported, immediately and in writing, to the superintendent, who may revoke the suspension, either part or in full, at any time.
If a student is suspended for more than ten (10) school days, the following rules also apply:
1. The student, his or her parents, guardians or others having custodial care have a right to appeal the superintendent's decision to the Board or a committee of the Board appointed by the Board president.
2. If the student gives notice that he or she wishes to appeal the suspension to the Board, the suspension shall be stayed until the Board renders its decision, unless in the superintendent's judgment, the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process.
3. All notices of appeal shall be transmitted, either by the appealing party or by the superintendent, to the secretary of the Board. Oral notices, if made to the superintendent, shall be reduced to writing and communicated to the secretary of the Board. The superintendent, when notified of an appeal, shall promptly transmit to the Board a full written report of the facts relating to the suspension, the action taken by the superintendent, and the reasons for the action.
4. Upon receipt of a notice of appeal, the Board will schedule a hearing and within a reasonable time in advance of the scheduled date, will notify, by certified mail, the appealing party of the date, time and place of the hearing and of the right to counsel, to call witnesses, and to present evidence at the hearing.
5. earings of appealed suspensions will be conducted as described in the section of this policy dealing with student disciplinary hearings.

Suspensions for More Than 180 School Days and Expulsions (JGD)

Only the Board may expel a student or suspend a student for more than 180 school days. The applicable procedures are outlined below.

Before recommending to the Board that a student be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days, the superintendent must:
1. tell the student, either orally or in writing, what misconduct he or she is accused of;
2. if the student denies the accusation, explain, either orally or in writing, the facts that form the basis of the proposed suspension/expulsion;
3. give the student an opportunity to present his or her version of the incident.
If the superintendent concludes that the student has engaged in misconduct and should be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days, the procedures described below apply unless the student has a disability. (In the case of a student with a disability, the procedures described in the policy dealing with the discipline of students with disabilities shall apply.
1. The superintendent will recommend to the Board that the student be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days. The superintendent may also immediately suspend the student for up to 180 school days.
2. Upon receipt of the superintendent's recommendation, the Board will follow the procedures described in the section of this policy dealing with student disciplinary hearings.
If the student is expelled, he or she may later apply to the Board for readmission. Only the Board can readmit an expelled student.

Student Discipline Hearings (JGD)

The Board of Education may originate student discipline hearings upon recommendation of the superintendent. In such cases, the Board of Education will review the superintendent's report and determine whether to conduct a discipline hearing. In addition, student discipline hearings also will be held upon written request of the student or the student's parents, to consider appeals from student suspensions in excess of ten (10) school days. A discipline hearing will always be held in cases of suspensions in excess of 180 school days or expulsions, unless after meeting with the superintendent or designee, the parent or guardian waives, in writing, the right to an expulsion hearing.

In all hearings, whether initiated by the Board of Education or by appeal, the following procedures will be adhered to:

The student and the parents/guardians will be advised of the charges against the student; their right to a Board hearing; the date, time and place of the hearing; their right to counsel; and their procedural rights to call witnesses, enter exhibits and cross examine adverse witnesses. All such notifications will be made by certified mail, addressed to the student's parents or guardians. The Board shall make a good-faith effort to have the parents or guardians present at the hearing.
Prior to the Board hearing, the student and the student's parents/guardians will be advised of the identity of the witnesses to be called by the administration and advised of the nature of their testimony. In addition, the student and the student's parents/guardians will be provided with copies of the documents to be introduced at the hearing by the administration.
The hearing will be closed unless the Board decides otherwise. The hearing will only be open with parental consent. At the hearing, the administration or their counsel will present the charges and such testimony and evidence to support such charges. The student, his or her parents/guardians or their counsel shall have the right to present witnesses, introduce exhibits, and to cross-examine witnesses called in support of the charges.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Education shall deliberate in executive session and shall render a decision to dismiss the charges; to suspend the student for a specified period of time; or to expel the student from the schools of the district. The administration or its counsel, by direction of the Board of Education, shall promptly prepare and transmit to the parents/guardians written notice of the decision.

Remedial Conference (JGD)

Prior to the readmission or enrollment of any student who has been suspended out of school or expelled in accordance with this policy for any "act of school violence" as defined in § 160.261.2, RSMo., and Board policy JGF, a conference must be held to review the student’s conduct that resulted in the suspension or expulsion and any remedial actions needed to prevent future occurrences of such conduct or related conduct. The conference shall include the appropriate school officials including any teacher directly involved with the conduct that resulted in the suspension or expulsion, the student, and the parent or guardian of the student or any agency having legal jurisdiction, care, custody or control of the student. The Board of Education shall notify, in writing, the parents or guardians and all other parties of the time, place and agenda of any such conference. Failure of any party to attend this conference shall not preclude holding the conference. This requirement applies to enrolling students transferring from another school as well, regardless of whether the "act of school violence" was committed at a public school or at a private school in Missouri, provided that such act shall have resulted in the suspension or expulsion of such student in the case of a private school.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities (JGE)

It is the goal of the Couch R-1 School District to provide a safe and productive learning environment for all students. The district does not believe in a double standard for misbehavior and holds the welfare and safety of all persons in the district in highest regard. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with the district's discipline code applicable to all students, subject to the modifications mandated by law. All students, including those with disabilities, will be referred for law enforcement action when required by law and when their conduct constitutes a crime.

The district will comply with all state and federal laws governing the discipline of students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, applicable regulations and state and local plans for compliance with the law. In addition to the process outlined in special education law, students with disabilities will receive the same due process afforded other students.

The Board delegates to the superintendent or designee the authority to seek the removal of a student with a disability as allowed by federal or state law to an alternative educational setting through the state hearing process or to seek a court injunction ordering removal or a different educational placement.

The superintendent or designee will provide all district employees training on violence prevention, the district's discipline code and the legal requirements for disciplining students with disabilities. The Board delegates to the superintendent or designee the authority to contact the district's legal counsel for legal advice or training on the district's responsibilities.

Discipline Reporting and Records (JGF)

In compliance with state law, the Board of Education establishes clear channels of communication between teachers, administrators, law enforcement officials and other schools concerning acts of school violence and other behaviors that endanger the welfare or safety of students, staff or patrons of the district. The purpose of this policy is to designate specific actions committed by students that must be reported to teachers, administrators and/or law enforcement officials as well as those actions that must be documented in a student’s discipline record.

Definitions (JGF)

The following definitions and terms apply to this policy:

Act of School Violence/Violent Behavior – The exertion of physical force by a student with the intent to do serious physical injury to another person while on school property, including while on school transportation in service on behalf of the district or while involved in school activities.
Serious Physical Injury – Physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of any part of the body.
Serious Violation of District’s Discipline Policy – One or more of the following acts if committed by a student enrolled in the district.
Any act of school violence/violent behavior.
Any offense that occurs on district property, on district transportation or at any district activity and that is required by law to be reported to law enforcement officials.
Any offense that results in an out-of-school suspension for more than ten school days.
Need to Know – Relates to school personnel who are directly responsible for the student’s education or who otherwise interact with the student on a professional basis while acting within the scope of their assigned duties.
School or District Property – Property utilized, supervised, owned, rented, leased or controlled by the school district including, but not limited to, school playgrounds, parking lots, school transportation and any property on which any school activity takes place.

Reporting to School Staff (JGF)

School administrators shall report acts of school violence to all teachers at the attendance areas in which the involved students are educated and to other school district employees with a need to know the information to adequately supervise the students and to protect themselves or others. In addition, any portion of a student’s individualized education program (IEP) that is related to demonstrated or potentially violent behavior shall be provided to any teachers and other district employees with a need to know the information.

The superintendent or designee will inform district employees with a need to know of any act committed or allegedly committed by a student in the district that is reported to the district by a juvenile officer or an employee of the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services, sheriff, chief of police or other appropriate law enforcement authority in accordance with state law. Such reports shall not be used as the sole basis for denying educational services to a student.

Reporting to Law Enforcement Officials (JGF)

Any crime listed in this section, or any act that if committed by an adult would be a crime listed in this section, that is committed on school property, on any school transportation or at any school activity must be reported immediately by the appropriate school administrator to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The following acts are subject to this reporting requirement:

First- or second-degree murder under §§ 565.020, .021, RSMo.
Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter under § 565.023, .024, RSMo.
Kidnapping under § 565.110, RSMo.
First-, second- or third-degree assault under §§ 565.050, .060, .070, RSMo. *
(Immediate reporting of third-degree assault under § 565.070, RSMo., may not be required if an agreement with law enforcement exists.)
Rape in the first or second degree under §§ 566.030, .031, RSMo.
Sodomy in the first or second degree under §§ 566.060, .061, RSMo.
Burglary in the first or second degree under §§ 569.160, .170, RSMo.
Robbery in the first degree under § 569.020, RSMo.
Possession of a weapon under chapter 571, RSMo.
Distribution of drugs and distribution of drugs to a minor under §§ 195.211, .212, RSMo.
Arson in the first degree under § 569.040, RSMo.
Felonious restraint under § 565.120, RSMo.
Property damage in the first degree under § 569.100, RSMo.
Child molestation in the first degree pursuant to § 566.067, RSMo.
Sexual misconduct involving a child pursuant to § 566.083, RSMo.
Sexual abuse in the first degree pursuant to § 566.100, RSMo.
Harassment under § 565.090, RSMo.
Stalking under § 565.225, RSMo.

*Immediate reporting of third-degree assault under § 565.070, RSMo., may not be required if an agreement with law enforcement exists.

If the district is aware that a student who is suspended for more than ten days or expelled is under court jurisdiction, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court of the suspension or expulsion.

All employees shall immediately report to the principal any incident that constitutes a crime, including any incident in which a person is believed to have committed an act that if committed by an adult would be first-, second- or third-degree assault, rape in the second degree or sodomy in the second degree against a student or school employee, while on school property, school transportation or at school activities. Employees shall also inform the principal if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district’s policy. The principal shall immediately report these listed offenses to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the superintendent. However, if the district has entered into an agreement with law enforcement regarding the reporting of third-degree assaults, the district will report third-degree assaults to law enforcement in accordance with that agreement.

School districts may report or disclose education records to law enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure concerns law enforcement's or juvenile justice authorities' ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions set forth in state and federal law.

Reporting Third-Degree Assault (JGF)

The superintendent and the appropriate local law enforcement agency may develop a written agreement outlining the procedure for reporting any incident in which a student is believed to have committed an act that if committed by an adult would be third-degree assault. If such an agreement exists in the district, the principal shall report third-degree assaults to the appropriate local law enforcement agency in accordance with the agreement.

Student Discipline Records (JGF)

The Board of Education directs the superintendent or designee to compile and maintain records of any serious violation of the district's discipline policy for each student enrolled in the district. Such records shall be made available to all district employees with a need to know and shall be provided to any school district in which the student subsequently attempts to enroll within five business days of receiving the request, in accordance with state law. If a student is placed in another school by the CD, the records will be transferred to the new school within two business days after notification by the CD. Personally identifiable student records will only be released or destroyed in accordance with state and federal law.

Pursuant to Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) data reporting requirements, the district shall report rates and durations of, and reasons for, student suspensions of ten days or longer and expulsions.

Confidentiality (JGF)

Any information received by a school district employee relating to the conduct of a student shall be received in confidence and used for the limited purpose of assuring that good order and discipline are maintained in the schools.

Liability (JGF)

Teachers and authorized district personnel, including volunteers selected with reasonable care by the district, shall not be civilly liable when acting in accordance with the Board's policies, including the Board's discipline policies, or when reporting to the appropriate supervisor or other person acts of school violence or threatened acts of school violence, pursuant to law and district policy.

Code of Conduct (JG-R1)

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for others, and to provide for the orderly operation of district schools. No code can be expected to list each and every offense that may result in disciplinary action; however, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action. Any conduct not included herein, any aggravated circumstance of any offense, or any action involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the district, the superintendent or designee may reduce the consequences listed in this regulation, as allowed by law. This code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, acts of students on district property, including playgrounds, parking lots and district transportation, or at a district activity, whether on or off district property. The district may also discipline students for off-campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment, to the extent allowed by law.

Nondiscrimination in Application of Policies (JG-R1)

The Couch R-I School District prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or military status in its programs and activities as required by: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. Section 6101, the Americans with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and Missouri Law.

Reporting to Law Enforcement (JG-R1)

It is the policy of the Couch R-I School District to report all crimes occurring on district property to law enforcement including, but not limited to, the crimes the district is required to report in accordance with law. A list of crimes the district is required to report is included in policy JGF.

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district's policy.

In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten days or expulsion of any student who the district is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court.

Documentation in Student's Discipline Record (JG-R1)

The principal, designee, or other administrators or district staff will maintain all discipline records as deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the schools and in accordance with law and policy JGF.

Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences (JG-R1)

All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity, or being on or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee. When appropriate, the district may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student's access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school. Likewise, a student may become ineligible for or be required to forfeit any honors and awards as a disciplinary consequence.

In accordance with law, any student who is suspended for any offenses listed in § 160.261, RSMo., or any act of violence or drug-related activity defined by policy JGF as a serious violation of school discipline, shall not be allowed to be within 1,000 feet of any district property or any activity of the district, regardless of whether the activity takes place on district property, unless one of the following conditions exist:

The student is under the direct supervision of the student's parent, legal guardian, custodian or another adult designated in advance, in writing, to the student's principal by the student's parent, legal guardian or custodian, and the superintendent or designee has authorized the student to be on district property.
The student is enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district.
The student resides within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district and is on the property of his or her residence.

If a student violates the prohibitions in this section, he or she may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the offense, "Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences," listed below.

Extended Summary Suspensions (JG-R1)

An asterisk * within the scope and sequence of a discipline consequence indicates that the potential exists for an extended summary suspension, or a suspension of greater than ten days. In accordance with state statutes § 160.261, § 167.161 and § 167.171 RSMo. and Board of Education policy JGD, Section VI, student suspensions of greater than ten days require a Review Meeting before the superintendent or designee. Extended summary suspensions can be up to 180 school days.

Impact on Grades (JG-R1)

As with any absence, absences due to an out-of-school suspension may result in the student earning a lower grade in accordance with the district’s policy on absences.

Bullying

The Couch R-I School district has a zero tolerance stance on bullying.

Bus Misconduct

The primary responsibility of the school bus driver is to safely transport students to and from school. Because misbehavior of students can distract the driver from the safe operation of the bus, inappropriate behavior will not be permitted. The safety of children is our primary concern, misbehavior on or around buses will not be tolerated. Students are expected to abide by school policy when on regular bus routes and while on buses on the way to and from school activities. However, because disruptions on a bus can be much more dangerous to the safety of students than are disruptions in a classroom, students may expect more severe consequences. Bus transportation is a privilege, not a right for the student. As a privilege, it may be revoked at any time. Students, parents/guardians, bus drivers and school officials must work together to provide for the safe transportation of students. The school buses, bus stops, and all other forms of transportation provided by the district or provided incidental to a school activity are considered school property. Students are subject to district authority and discipline while waiting for, entering and riding district transportation. The superintendent or designee will create and enforce administrative procedures detailing the conduct expected of students and will make that information available to students and parents. Students who fail to observe district rules or fail to contribute to a safe transportation environment will be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension of the privilege of riding the bus. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or applicable law. The bus driver or other authorized personnel shall report all misbehavior or dangerous situations to the principal as soon as possible.

The bus driver is in charge of the bus and the students riding the bus. The bus driver may use assigned seats, and students must sit where the driver seats them. Students must be on time, the bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule for those who are tardy. Students must realize that they are to follow the driver’s instruction when loading and unloading. Students are to NEVER stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus. While on the bus, students are to remain seated facing the front of the bus and talking quietly. Some of the behaviors considered unacceptable are: Hanging out of windows, Throwing objects from bus or at anyone on the bus, Harassment of other students, Profanity, Out of seat, Insubordination, Spitting, Loud talking or noises, Obstructing aisles, Having liquid containers on the bus. In addition to regular disciplinary action that may be imposed, students may be suspended from riding the bus.

Personal Electronic Devices (PED's)

Personal electronic devices (PEDs) (i.e., cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, portable video gaming devices, etc.) should be stored away, kept out of sight, and be turned off, or in silent mode (non-vibrating), from the time the student arrives at school until the end of the school day. The administration of Couch High School recommends that students not bring PED’s to school due the high theft nature of these items.

Couch High School students will be issued a Chromebook. Students will be responsible for the care of their individual Chromebook. Students are expected to use their school-issued device for school-related tasks only. Students may not choose to use their own device in place of their school-issued Chromebook.

Students may not use their PED at any time during the school day to:

Take pictures of other students or staff members without their permission
Record videos of other students or staff members without their permission
Record audio of other students or staff members without their permission

PED’s are strictly forbidden in the following locations:

Locker rooms
Restrooms
Any area where privacy is expected

PED use in of these areas may be considered a criminal offense. A report of the violation will be made to law enforcement and be dealt with as a disciplinary issue by the school.

Please DO NOT text your child while they are in class. Parents/guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day, for legitimate reasons is by calling the school office. Except in the case of an emergency, your child will be notified of their message between class time so as not to interrupt the learning environment of your child and those around him/her.

Students are not allowed to use headphones or earbuds during class, unless for an educational purpose, assigned by a teacher.

Student Dress Code

The Board of Education recognizes the value of allowing individual student expression as well as the necessity of protecting student health and safety and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to education. Student dress code procedures must be designed with the goal of balancing these competing interests. All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law. Dress that materially disrupts the educational environment will be prohibited. No procedure will impose dress and grooming rules based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable.

Extremes in dress, personal hygiene, and overall personal appearance will not be tolerated. Clothing and personal appearance shall not be disruptive or distracting to the overall climate of the school. Any article of clothing or personal belonging that presents a health or safety risk will not be allowed. Some school programs, laboratory activities, physical education and interscholastic athletics may require special hair care, clothing, footwear, and restrictions on jewelry and body piercings to ensure the health and safety of all students. Common sense, a reasonable attitude, and parent support should eliminate the need to correct students in the areas of dress and personal appearance. Final decisions regarding the appropriateness of apparel and/or personal appearance will be at the sole discretion of the school’s administration. Failure to comply with the Dress Code guidelines will be interpreted as insubordination and will be treated as such per the Code of Conduct.

The following regulations are designed to set limits on what is permissible at school and school sponsored activities:

Clothing cannot, in any way, either directly or indirectly, advertise, endorse, or suggest the use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs and/or substances.
Clothing cannot, in any way, either directly or indirectly, display or suggest graphics of a sexual nature, profane or disparaging language, obscene language, gang affiliation, illegal activity, racial discrimination, violence, or anything else that is socially unacceptable or inappropriate for the high school setting.
Any dress or statement that may cause a hostile, intimidating, degrading, offensive, harassing or discriminatory environment is prohibited.
Headgear (Hats, Caps, Bandannas, Do-rags, Sweatbands, Hoods of any kind, Sunglasses, Ear Pods, Headphones, etc.) are not to be worn in the school building during school hours (from the time the student arrives at school until the end of the school day). Failure to comply may result in confiscation and will be considered a direct violation of the dress code policy.
Students are not allowed to use headphones or earbuds during class, unless for an educational purpose, assigned by a teacher.
Long chains and/or studded accessories are prohibited.
Clothing must completely cover undergarments, private areas, and other areas of the body that are typically hidden from public view. Shirts and blouses must extend beyond the belt level in both the front and the back. Shirts with spaghetti straps, tank tops, or other shirts with width of straps less than two inches or that leave the shoulders, midriff, back, or cleavage exposed are not permitted. Cut-out t-shirts may be worn but must have a shirt underneath. Skirts and shorts shall be no more than four (4) inches above the knee.
Clothing that has excessive or revealing rips, tears or holes is not permitted.
Appropriate shoes or sandals must be worn at all times.
Trench-type coats are not to be worn in the school building or at school sponsored activities.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of another’s language or thoughts and representing it as a person’s original work. This includes giving or taking information from the internet, books, and other students and claiming the information as your own. Students will also fall into this category if they give answers to assignments, test, etc. or share essays with other students without the teacher’s consent.

Direct plagiarism:

Submitting someone else’s work as your own. Sources may include all or parts of work from published journal articles, book chapters, internet research information, or the work of another student.
Using portions of one or more sources, such as lifting ideas, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs and scattering them in with the student’s own work. Sources may include work from published journal articles, book chapters, internet research information, or the work of another student.
Use of a direct quote without footnote citation.

Indirect plagiarism:

Unauthorized collaboration on an assignment or project, such as using another person’s ideas, suggestions, or work.

If the plagiarism involves the use of technology, the computer/technology agreement the student and parent/guardian signed off on will come into effect along with the punishments listed above.

Labels: Code of Conduct/Discipline

Last Updated Tuesday, July 23, 2024