WALTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Student Code of Conduct 2009-2010
The Walton County Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment for all students. Student behavior is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will contribute to the best interest of the school system. Students are expected to:
· Participate fully in the learning process - students should report to school and class on time, attend all regularly scheduled classes, remain in class until excused or dismissed, pay attention to instruction, complete assignments to the best of their ability, and ask for help when needed. · Avoid behavior that impairs their own or other student's educational achievement - students should know and avoid the behaviors prohibited by the student code of conduct, take care of their books and other instructional materials, and cooperate with others. · Show respect for the knowledge and authority of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel - students must obey directions, use acceptable and courteous language, avoid being rude or disrespectful and follow school rules and procedures. · Recognize and respect the rights of others - all students should show concern for and encouragement of the educational achievements and efforts of others.
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are grouped into three levels (Level 1, Level II, and Level III). Before determining the level of a violation, the principal or assigned administrator will review the facts and consult with individuals necessary to make this determination. Once the level of the violation has been determined, appropriate disciplinary procedures will be implemented.
For minor classroom disruptions, the teacher will take appropriate in-class disciplinary action and, where appropriate, will contact the student's parent(s) or guardians(s). If the student's behavior does not improve, or the disruption is severe, or when local Board of Education policy, or state or federal law has been violated, a referral will be made to the principal or assigned administrator. Misbehavior on the bus may be treated in the same manner as misbehavior in the classroom or on school property. Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right.
Administrators will follow a progressive discipline process whenever discipline is to be imposed including bus misbehavior. However, the degree of the discipline to be imposed for any violation, including the first time a student had committed a disciplinary infraction, will be in proportion to the severity of the violation. When considering the discipline to be imposed, administrators will take into account any and all relevant factors to assure that the appropriate degree of discipline is imposed. These factors include: the seriousness of offense, the student's prior disciplinary history as part of the permanent record; the degree of pre-meditation, impulse of self-defense, the student's age, and/or disability, and the student's attitude and willingness to cooperate.
Walton's Code of Conduct extends to misbehavior occurring during extracurricular activities and field trips. Also, students with school Parking Permits are reminded that they can have their parking privileges revoked as a consequence of misbehavior. Certain offenses will be referred to the school district's Disciplinary Hearing Officer to determine whether the student should be expelled, suspended, or assigned to the Alternative Program. The violations for which referral to the school district's Disciplinary Hearing Officer will be made include offenses listed in Level II which are serious in nature and offenses listed in Level III. Parents will be given the option to waive the Student Due Process Disciplinary Hearing and accept the school's recommendation for disciplinary action. Information will be shared in the school level administrative discipline conference concerning the waiver procedure.
Students are reminded that misbehavior at school can negatively affect academic performance. Students are also reminded of restrictions during disciplinary action. Students shall not be allowed to participate or attend any school sponsored activities including, but not limited to school dances, athletics, and marching band and are restricted from attending any school events where Walton County students are guests during the period of time that they are being disciplined through an assignment for Out-of-School Suspension, Alternative School or Expulsion. Further, the student may not enter into any Walton County Public School building or onto property owned and operated by the Walton County Public School District. Failure to comply with this restriction will result in the student being arrested for trespassing and could result in expulsion from Walton County Schools. Also, returning RYDC students may be placed in the Alternative School up to 20 days as a transitional strategy. A placement committee will convene for students coming from a long term residency assignment to review Walton County School District placement options.
Teachers and administrators will report to the principal the students who have committed aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, sexual offenses, possession of a deadly weapon and commission of drug offenses. Such students will be reported to the Superintendent, Sheriff's Department, and the District Attorney as required by O.C. G.A. § 20-2-1184, as well as filing a Certificate of Non-Compliance with the Ga. Department of Motor Vehicle Safety if age of the student and disciplinary category are applicable as required under §40-5-22. (NOTE: Students in grades K-5 are subject to the student code of conduct, and may be referred to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer where appropriate).
Level I Misconduct
1.01 Bus Misbehavior Unsafe loading and unloading of the bus; continuously late to bus stop; out of assigned seat/articles in the aisle; food, drink, gum on bus; verbally distracting the driver; oversized or dangerous objects on the bus; not properly seated; not keeping seating area clean; failure to signal driver when article is dropped; as well as any of the following misbehaviors if occurring on the school bus.
1.02 Continued refusal and/or failure to complete assignments
1.03 Excessive distraction of other students Any conduct and/or behavior, which is disruptive to the orderly educational process in the classroom or any other instructional setting.
1.04 Excessive tardiness* Repeatedly reporting late to school or to class.
1.05 Failure to serve a teacher assigned detention
1.06 Gambling/Possession of Gambling Device A student may not participate in any form of gambling or be in possession of any device or item which can be used to promote or facilitate gambling. (NOTE: Participation in gambling activities involving amounts of $100.00 or more can result in referral to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer for appropriate discipline).
1.07 Inappropriate Public Display of Affection
1.08 Intentional and/or non-directed use of profane or obscene language
1.09 Littering of school property
1.10 Minor Parking Violation
1.11 Minor School Disturbance
1.12 Non-conformity to the dress code Students are expected to follow school and agenda specific descriptions for dress code.
1.13 Sleeping in Class
1.14 Any other violation that the principal may deem reasonable to fall within Level I after consideration of extenuating circumstances (including misbehavior during extracurricular activities and field trips).
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR LEVEL 1 OFFENSES
First Offense Actions may include in-school conference and parental contact. Bus Drivers will follow Walton County Transportation procedure and give a first offense verbal warning unless the misconduct is a level 2 or 3 offense. Circumstances may warrant disciplinary action as outlined under subsequent offenses, including, but not limited to those listed in the next paragraph.
Subsequent Offenses Actions may include in-school disciplinary action such as parent contact, administrative probation (set up by administrators-content is discretionary and based upon individual student issues), detention, work assignments before or after school, Corrective Action Plan, Saturday Work Detail, ISS, corporal punishment, bus behavior contract through Administrative Probation, or other reasonable disciplinary action at the discretion of the principal or his/her designated person(s). For Level 1 repeated bus misbehavior, drivers will: re-assign seat, give parent notification, and refer to the school administration. * Repeated Level I chronic offenses or extreme circumstances may result in long term bus suspension and/or a Disciplinary Hearing with a recommendation for removal to the Alternative Program.
LEVEL 11 MISCONDUCT
2.01 Bus Misbehaviors from Level II offenses Pushing and shoving; ignoring the driver's directions; placing head and arms out of the window; not remaining seated until the bus stops/door opens; throwing objects from the school bus or inside the school bus as well as any of the following misbehaviors listed for Level 2 Misconduct. See 2.07.
2.02 Bullying (GA .17) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so OR an intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. See code numbers but not limited to 2.05, 2.07, 2.11, 2.15, 2.17, 2.19, 2.21, 3.02. An ongoing pattern resulting in three (3) documented bullying offenses in the same school year will result in Level III Misconduct, a Student Disciplinary Hearing, a recommendation of expulsion or placement in the Alternative Program (20-2-751.4).
2.03 Cheating Students shall not engage in any act of deception or falsification. This includes: Academic dishonesty - giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on a test or other school assignment, and plagiarism. Providing false information - forging another person's signature, presenting a document with a forged signature, using a false I.D. card, or giving false identification to any school official or employee for any purpose.
2.04 Directing obscene, offensive, or profane language at any Walton County Board of Education Employee (GA .06)
2.05 Disrespectful Behavior/Disregard for Directions or Commands Disrespectful behavior can be rude behavior; profanity; racial, ethnic, religious or sexual slurs; derogatory statements; name calling; indecent, lewd or vulgar language or conduct; defamatory statements; taunting, and instigation. Disregard for directions or commands can include but is not limited to failure to follow teacher and/or administrator directives, failure to follow school rules, and failure to attend after school detention and/or Saturday School detention (GA .06).
2.06 Electronic/Communication Device Use during school hours of a beeper, pager, cellular phone, any visual and/or audio recording device, or other electronic equipment during the school day or on a school bus is prohibited with the exception of the student receiving prior permission from the principal or principal's designee for use of the item. Phones and other electronic devices must remain off during instructional classes unless prior administrative approval has been obtained by the instructor for instructional use of the devices relevant to the curriculum. Schools are not responsible for loss, theft, or replacement of items. Electronic devices used without permission will be confiscated by administration and will not be returned to students. Also prior notification and permission is required for recording of instructional classes. Students are reminded that possession and transmission of pornographic materials via electronic devices can result in a Disciplinary Hearing and criminal prosecution.
2.07 Fighting The initiation of and/or participation in any physical conflict between individuals. (GA. 08) Includes pushing, wrestling or hitting between students in which no one sustains a significant injury; or participating in an altercation. (GA .03)
2.08 Fire Alarm (GA .06) False or unjustified activation of a fire alarm system or fire extinguisher.
2.09 Fleeing a school board employee to avoid contact and/or questioning
2.10 Gang Activity Possession, transfer, distribution, display or use of written material, drawings, signs, symbols, graffiti, tattoos, slogans, names, apparel or other materials related to or used in gang or secret society activities are not permitted on any Board of Education property or at any school related activity.
2.11 Inappropriate Use of Technology Use of technology resources to: · Send, display, or download offensive messages or pictures. · Harass, insult or attack others. · Use obscene, profane, discriminatory, threatening, or inflammatory language. · Computer Trespass, damage computers, computer systems, software/programs, or computer networks (this includes changing workstation and printer configuration). (GA .05) · Violate copyright laws. · Use other users' file folders, work, or password. · Intentionally waste limited resources. · Participate in on-line chat rooms without permission/supervision of a Walton County BOE employee.
2.12 Intentionally Providing False Information to a school board employee, including but not limited to, student information data and the concealment of information directly related to school business. Also a student shall not falsify, misrepresent, omit, or erroneously report information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school employee toward a student (OCGA 20-2-751.5-17). Making a false report against a BOE employee will be treated as a Level 3 offense.
2.13 Destruction/Vandalism/Criminal Mischief Intentional and deliberate action resulting in injury or damages of less than $500.00 to school property or the property of another. (GA .20)
2.14 Possession of and/or Use of a Laser Light pointer or any device designed to emit a laser light
2.15 Possession of Obscene and/or Offensive materials or Use of Obscene and/or Offensive Manifestations (verbal, written, or gesture) directed to another person. (GA .06)
2.16 Possession of Stolen Property with the knowledge that it is stolen
2.17 Sexual Misconduct (GA .16) and Sexual Harassment (GA .15) Sexual misconduct includes performing any act of lewd exposure. Completion of sex acts/threats, either by the victim's complying with the demands or carrying out of acts/threats against the victim constitutes a Level III offense. Sexual harassment includes offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions; statements of a sexual nature; graphic or degrading comments about an individual or his or her appearance; and offensive verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
2.18 Possession and/or use of Tobacco or Tobacco Products (GA .18) Includes use, distribution and possession of any tobacco or tobacco products or look-alike items being respresented as tobacco or tobacco products, including, but not limited to cigarettes, tobacco, rolling paper, pipes, matches and cigarette lighters.
2.19 Simple Assault, Simple Battery/ Harassment (GA .17) Simple assault, simple battery/harassment - a student shall not threaten, harass, haze, intimidate, instigate an incident of simple assault, simple battery or harassment or attempt to strike or hit another person. This includes but is not limited to bullying under 2.02 with codes as listed.
2.20 Theft (GA .11) Taking or being in possession of the property of another, including school property, without permission, where the property is valued at less than $500.00.
2.21 Threats/Extortion Verbally or by written or printed communication, threatening an injury to the person, property, or reputation of another. This may include the intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage whatever, or with the intent to compel the person so threatened, or any person, to do any act or refrain from doing any act against his/her will. NOTE: Completion of the threat, either by the victim's complying with the demands or the carrying out of the threats against the victim, constitutes a LEVEL III offense. (GA .17)
2.22 Trespassing (GA .19, .04) Entering school property without permission when neither school nor a school related activity is in session; remaining on school property when directed to leave by a school or law enforcement official; entering school property or attending a school sponsored function (whether or not on school property) while under expulsion, OSS, ISS, or assignment to the Alternative Educational Program.
2.23 Truancy and/or unauthorized leaving class/campus Unexcused and/or excessive absences from school. Failure to follow sign in or sign out procedure through the attendance office.
2.24 Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of school or personal property
2.25 Soliciting, procuring, causing, encouraging, aiding, abetting, or assisting another to commit any of the foregoing offenses (includes but is not limited to "horseplay", inciting, instigation, and/or encouraging a fight or altercation).
2.26 Any other violation that the principal may deem reasonable to fall within Level II after consideration of extenuating circumstances. This can include but is not limited to being out of an assigned area; being in an unauthorized area during school hours or after school hours without prior permission; misbehavior during extracurricular activities and field trips.
2.27 Reckless Conduct A student shall not have in his or her possession a weapon, or medication (prescription or non-prescription), or hazardous and/or noxious materials, including, but not limited to 'stink bombs'. This also includes possession of body piercing items. However, if the Principal, after a thorough investigation, determines that possession of one of these items was accidental (i.e.unintentional), then the student shall be punished for reckless conduct (instead of as a Level III Offense) for the reason that the presence of such item on school property or at a school function although accidental presents a safety hazard. (Note: The Principal must report the possession of a weapon in accordance with O.C.G.A. 20-2-1184(b) even if the student is punished under this section).
2.28 Inciting or Participation in a Minor Student Disruption Misbehavior interfering with the educational process but not rising to the level of personal injury, property damage, or disruption of school as described under 3.11.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR LEVEL II OFFENSES
First Offense Extended work assignments before or after school, Administrative Probation Contract for class and/or bus misbehavior, Corrective Action Plan, ISS, up to 10 days OSS, loss of parking privileges, suspension from the bus, Law Enforcement charges and/or Disciplinary Hearing with Alternative School Recommendation. Other reasonable disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the principal or principal's designee such as restitution, loss of parking privileges, etc.
Subsequent Offenses Extended work assignments before or after school and/or OSS, long term bus suspension and/or Law Enforcement Charges filed with Disciplinary Hearing requested with recommendation of removal to Alternative School or expulsion. Other reasonable disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the principal are referral to the Probation Officer, Truant Officer and/or School Social Worker. NOTE: Level II offenses may constitute a violation of criminal laws established by the state and federal government, with reports made to the appropriate authorities.
LEVEL III MISCONDUCT
3.01 Arson The willful and malicious burning of any part of Walton County Board of Education property. (GA .02)
3.02 Assault/Battery (GA. .03, .06, .08, .14, .17) Occurs where a substantial injury (i.e. one which requires medical attention or treatment) results from an unprovoked attack, fight or altercation; where a student attempts to inflict a substantial injury; or where a student makes physical contact of an insulting, offensive, or provoking nature. Any student who commits an act of physical violence against a teacher, administrator, or other school district employee will be suspended or expelled in accordance with O.C. G.A. § 20-2-751.6
3.03 Bomb Threats/False Alarms (GA .06, .17, .23) Includes falsely activating a school fire alarm; making a bomb threat, or falsely reporting a fire, bomb, emergency condition or any other threat the student does not believe to exist.
3.04 Burglary (GA. 04, .11) Burglary is unlawful entry of school property when school or school activities are not in session for the purpose of committing theft, damaging property, or committing any felony.
3.05 Bus Misbehaviors from Level III Offenses as listed in this part of this code section
3.06 Chronically Disruptive Student (GA. 24) O. C. G. A. § 20-2-765 A student who exhibits a pattern of behavioral characteristics which interfere with the learning process of students around him or her and which are likely to recur. Chronic Disciplinary Problem Student - A student who has been identified pursuant to OCGA 20-2-765 et. seq. as a chronic disciplinary problem student, and who thereafter violates any provision of this Student Code of Conduct (Level I, II, or III), shall be referred to the school district's Disciplinary Hearing Officer and, for that infraction, shall be subject to the discipline which may be imposed for a Level III offense.
3.07 Conduct Outside of School Time that is felonious and/or is misconduct that poses a threat to students, staff and/or safety of the school environment may subject a student to being excluded from school and all extracurricular activities at the school or host schools where Walton County students are guests.
3.08 Drugs/Alcohol (GA .01, GA .07) A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, distribute or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, depressant, inhalant, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, marijuana, controlled substance, prescription or non-prescription medication or pills, energy drink or energy pills containing prohibited substances or intoxicant of any kind, or item which is represented by the student to be one of these items. A student shall not possess, use, or distribute any drug related paraphernalia, including pipes, water pipes, clips, rolling paper or any other item related to drug use. School level administrators, operating under reasonable suspicion, will use surface area drug test kits to determine if illegal substances are present.
3.09 Explosives (GA .23) Preparing/possessing, using/igniting, or selling explosives, ammunition, firecrackers and/or fireworks.
3.10 Homicide (GA .09)
3.11 Inciting or Participating in a Major Student Disorder (GA .06, .20) Leading, encouraging, or assisting in activities or disruptions, which result in destruction or damage of private or public property or personal injury, and/or the disruption of school business or educational process.
3.12 Intentional Damage to personal property of a school employee, teacher, or student (GA .20)
3.13 Kidnapping (GA .10)
3.14 Damage to Property and Vandalism (GA .11, .20) Willful or malicious damage to or defacement of property of another or school property where the value of the property or damage is $500.00 or more. (Note: The Board of Education may seek restitution through legal proceedings).
3.15 Possession and/or Discharge of Firearms [Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun, Other] (GA .25, .26) In addition to actual guns and firearms, this includes possession of any toy gun or other object that looks like, may be construed to be, or is represented to be a gun, firearm, or ammunition.
3.16 Possession of Weapons (Knife) (GA .22) The possession, use, or intention to use any type of knife, including a pocket or penknife, to inflict harm on another person, or to intimidate any person.
3.17 Possession of Other Weapons (GA .23) The possession, use, or intention to use any instrument or object to inflict harm on another person, or to intimidate any person, included in this code are chains, pipes, razor blades, ice picks, dirks, nunchakus, brass knuckles, Chinese stars, 'billy' clubs, tear gas guns, electrical weapons or devices, explosives, ammunition, or propellants. Also use of body piercing items at school will be considered a Level 3 offense.
3.18 Robbery (GA .13) A student shall not take the property of another by use of force (including a weapon), by intimidation, by use of threat or coercion or by sudden snatching.
3.19 Sexual Misconduct (GA .14; .16) Rape, including statutory rape, sodomy, sexual battery or other non-consensual sexual touching, or the attempt to do so. Performing any act of lewd caressing or indecent fondling/touching; engaging in consensual sex acts; engaging in "streaking" or other displays of nudity.
3.20 Theft (GA .11, .12) Taking or being in possession of the property of another, including school property, without permission, where the property is valued at $500.00 or more.
3.21 Terrorist Threats (GA. 03) A student shall not threaten to commit any crime of violence or threaten to burn or damage property with the purpose of terrorizing another person or causing the evacuation of a building or other facility.
3.22 Threats/Intimidation (GA .17) A student shall not (a) threaten to create a disturbance at school or at school related activities; (b) threaten to bring or use weapons or explosive devices on school property or at a school related activity; (c) fabricate a threat including stating falsely that an act of violence will or may occur; (d) threaten a Walton County Board of Education employee.
3.23 Violation of the conditions of Administrative Probation (GA .06)
3.24 Soliciting, procuring, causing, encouraging, aiding, abetting, or assisting another to commit any of the foregoing offenses (including, but is not limited to, reckless conduct that endangers others).
3.25 Other Offenses Commission of any act that constitutes a criminal offense under the CODE of GA. and which in the principal's opinion warrants Level III Disciplinary Action (including but not limited to misbehavior during extracurricular activities and field trips and making a false report against a BOE employee (20-2-751.5-17).
3.26 Other Firearms (GA .23, 25.26) Firearms other than handguns, rifles, or shotguns as defined in 18 USC 921 (Note this does not include toy guns, cap guns, bb guns, pellet guns, or Class C common fireworks). This does include any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of any explosive; the frame or receiver of any weapon described above; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device, which includes any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas (i.e. bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge more than 4 ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than ¼ ounce, mine or similar device); any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than ½ inch in diameter; any combination or parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described above, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR All LEVEL III OFFENSES Disciplinary action for Level III offenses will be loss of parking privileges, out-of-school suspension by principal or principal's designee up to 10 days, immediate removal from the school bus, Student Disciplinary Hearing with recommendation for removal/expulsion from school including the bus, possible ISS beyond 10 days OSS pending scheduling/results of the Disciplinary Hearing, filing a report with law enforcement, and contact made to the Superintendent and District Attorney. Parents and guardians are encouraged to inform their child of the consequences, including potential criminal penalties, of underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult.
STUDENT/ PARENT RECEIPT OF CODE OF CONDUCT - WALTON COUNTY SCHOOLS 2009-2010 If students and/or parents have questions concerning the Code of Conduct, please contact your school administrators. If you would like to make a suggestion for improving the Code, please do so under the comment section below:
I have read the student Code of Conduct and understand the regulations and policies. ________________________________________________ ______________________ Student's Signature Date
As the parent/guardian of _______________________, I have read the student code of conduct and understand the regulations and policies.
_________________________________________________ ______________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Comments:
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