TASB Model Student Code of Conduct

BELLS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

2008-2009

Dear Patron:

Providing the proper environment for learning in the school setting has been a major goal in this school district for many years. We recognize that maintaining proper order in the classroom is essential to a productive learning atmosphere.

We are fortunate in Bells not to have experienced the problems of many other districts with regards to student discipline and pupil management. The cooperation and mutual support that exists between the home and our schools have contributed greatly to this success. This mutual concern for appropriate discipline and behavior has been reinforced time and again over the years.

Regardless of our successes in this area, the Texas Legislature approved Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, which contained special sections about school discipline. This law requires each school district to develop a discipline management program that protects the rights of all students to have an educational setting that is safe, orderly, educationally efficient and free from disruptions from normal teaching-learning functions.

The Bells Independent School District Discipline Management Program endorses techniques which reflect usual and customary disciplinary actions. These include the types of cooperative discipline programs worked out between principals, teachers, parents and students and include strategies such as conferences, counseling, verbal corrections, detentions, corporal punishment, and reassignment to alternative settings. In cases of incorrigible conduct, it is sometime necessary to expel a student with mandatory referral to the county juvenile court.

This booklet has been prepared to inform you about Bells Independent School District’s Discipline Management Plan. Its secondary purpose is to insure that we will have an even better basis for continued cooperation. This cooperation, when coupled with sound policies regarding students’ rights and responsibilities, allows each student to benefit most from his/her school experience.

Sincerely,

Mr. Joe Moore

Superintendent of Schools

Mission Statement

We live in a world of constant change, and while some traditional values must stand the test of time. Static traditionalism does not answer the challenge of a dynamic ever-changing world. The needs of our students are rapidly changing. The skills needed to cope with societal changes as well as work force changes cause our schools to look into the future and predict what is needed to function effectively in the future.

The motto, "Committed to the Future", is a challenge to our school board, staff, and community to plan and prepare now so that our students will be prepared for the future. To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail. The Bells I.S.D. will not make the mistake of failing to prepare and plan for the future of our students. Through communication with key people in the work force and professional organizations, the future needs of our students will be planned for so that students from the Bells I.S.D. will be "Prepared for the Future".

Introduction

The objective of the Bells Independent School District is to provide students with a quality educational program which allows them to develop to their fullest potential. This objective may be achieved only in an environment which promotes cooperation and is free from disruptions which interfere with the educational process. This school district respects the rights of students as recognized and protected under state and federal law, but it also expects students to behave in an appropriate manner and to contribute in a positive way to the school community.

Under authority granted to the Board of Education in Section 37.001 of Senate Bill 1 and the Texas Education Code, the Board has adopted this Code of Conduct. The code is designed to inform students, parents, and school personnel of conduct rules applicable in this district.

The Code: Describes a positive learning atmosphere.

Specifies conduct that disrupts such an environment.

Assures the rights and responsibilities of students and

standardizes procedures to be used in responding to

disciplinary problems.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Student Code of Conduct that follows is the District's response to the requirements of Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code. The law requires the District to define misconduct that may—or must—result in a range of specific disciplinary consequences including removal from a regular classroom or campus, suspension, placement in or removal from a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), or expulsion from school.

This Student Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Bells I.S.D. Board of Trustees with the advice of its District-level committee. The Student Code of Conduct provides information to parents and students regarding expectations for behavior, consequences of misconduct, and procedures for administering discipline.

In accordance with state law, the Student Code of Conduct will be posted at each school campus or will be available for review at the office of the campus principal. Parents will be notified of any Student Code of Conduct violation that may result in a student being suspended, removed to a DAEP, or expelled from the District.

CONTENTS

This code is organized into the following sections:

1. Standards for Student Conduct....................................................................................... pages 3--6

1. General Misconduct Violations....................................................................................... pages 7--10

2. Removal from the Regular Educational Setting:

a. Suspension ........................................................................................................... page 11

b. Placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program......................................... pages 12--18

c. Expulsion .............................................................................................................. pages 19--22

The Glossary at the back of the Student Code of Conduct provides easy access to definitions of legal terms.

In case of conflict between the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook, the Student Code of Conduct will prevail. The Student Code of Conduct is adopted by the District’s Board of Trustees and has the force of policy.

Please Note: The discipline of students with disabilities who are eligible for services under federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) is subject to the provisions of those laws.

Behaviors	Consequences
Each student is expected to: · Demonstrate courtesy even when others do not. · Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline. · Attend all classes, regularly and on time. · Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class. · Meet District and campus standards of grooming and dress. · Obey all campus and classroom rules. · Respect the rights and privileges of other students and of teachers and other District staff. · Respect the property of others, including District property and facilities. · Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline. · Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct. · Cooperate with staff in investigation of disciplinary cases and volunteer information when student has knowledge relating to a serious offense. · Be properly attired. · Exhibit an attitude of respect toward individuals and property and conduct themselves in a responsible manner. · Obey all school rules in the Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. · Seek changes in school policies and regulations in an orderly and responsible manner. · Refrain from making profane, insulting, threatening, or inflammatory remarks, engaging in disruptive conduct, and cheating. · Be honest and tell the truth. · Demonstrate courtesy even when others do not. · Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline. The District may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the Student Code of Conduct. These rules may be posted in classrooms or given to the student and may or may not constitute violations of the Student Code of Conduct.	A student whose behavior shows disrespect for others, including interference with learning and a safe environment, will be subject to disciplinary action. School rules and the authority of the District to administer discipline apply whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. The District has disciplinary authority over a student: 1. During the regular school day and while the student is going to and from school on District transportation; 2. During lunch periods 3. For certain mandatory DAEP and discretionary expulsion offenses, within 300 feet of school property as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line; 4. While the student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location; 5. For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location; 6. For any mandatory expulsion offense committed while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity of another district in Texas; 7. When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location; 8. When the student commits a felony, as provided by Texas Education Code 37.006 or 37.0081; and 9. When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event. Lockers and vehicles are subject to blanket searches or inspections by District administrators. Searches or inspections may be conducted at any time and without notice. Students shall be responsible for any prohibited items found in their lockers or in vehicles parked on school property A school administrator will report crimes as required by law. A school administrator who suspects that a crime has been committed on campus will call local law enforcement. The District has the right to revoke the transfer of a transfer student for violating the District's Student Code of Conduct. In general, discipline will be designed to correct misconduct and to encourage all students to adhere to their responsibilities as citizens of the school community. Disciplinary action will draw on the professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques. Disciplinary action will be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student's age and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student's attitude, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment, and statutory requirements. The District will take into consideration self-defense as a factor in a decision to order suspension, removal to a DAEP, or expulsion. (See glossary) Because of these factors, discipline for a particular offense (unless otherwise specified by law) may bring into consideration varying techniques and responses. The following discipline management techniques may be used—alone or in combination—for misbehavior violating the Student Code of Conduct or campus or classroom rules: · Verbal correction. · Cooling-off time or "time-out." · Seating changes within the classroom. · Counseling by teachers, counselors, or administrative personnel. · Parent-teacher conferences. · Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process. · Grade reductions as permitted by policy. · Rewards or demerits. · Behavioral contracts. · Detention. · Sending the student to the office or other assigned area, or to in-school suspension. · Out-of-school suspension, as specified in the suspension section of this Student Code of Conduct. · Placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), as specified in the DAEP section of this Student Code of Conduct. · Expulsion, as specified in the expulsion section of this Student Code of Conduct. · Assignment of school duties such as scrubbing desks or picking up litter. · Withdrawal of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities and eligibility for seeking and holding honorary offices, and/or membership in school-sponsored clubs or organizations. · Techniques or penalties identified in individual student organizations' extracurricular standards of behavior. · Withdrawal or restriction of bus privileges. · Withdrawal or restriction of driving privileges. · School-assessed and school-administered probation. · Corporal punishment. Corporal punishment is permissible and will be administered when, in the judgment of the principal or designee, it would be the most appropriate means of discipline. Such punishment is to be administered in a reasonable manner, in which reasonableness is to be determined on the basis of the size, age, and the physical, mental, and emotional condition of the student. When corporal punishment is to be administered, it shall be done in the presence of another professional district employee and in a designated place out of view of other students. Parents who object to the use of corporal punishment on their children should provide a written statement to the office at the beginning of the school year. · Referral to an outside agency and/or legal authority for criminal prosecution in addition to disciplinary measures imposed by the District. · Other strategies and consequences as specified by the Student Code of Conduct. Parental questions or complaints regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the teacher or campus administration, as appropriate, and in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). A copy of the policy may be obtained from the principal's office or the central administration office. Consequences will not be deferred pending the outcome of a grievance.

Behaviors

Consequences

Each student is expected to:

· Demonstrate courtesy even when others do not.

· Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.

· Attend all classes, regularly and on time.

· Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.

· Meet District and campus standards of grooming and dress.

· Obey all campus and classroom rules.

· Respect the rights and privileges of other students and of teachers and other District staff.

· Respect the property of others, including District property and facilities.

· Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

· Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

· Cooperate with staff in investigation of disciplinary cases and volunteer information when student has knowledge relating to a serious offense.

· Be properly attired.

· Exhibit an attitude of respect toward individuals and property and conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

· Obey all school rules in the Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct.

· Seek changes in school policies and regulations in an orderly and responsible manner.

· Refrain from making profane, insulting, threatening, or inflammatory remarks, engaging in disruptive conduct, and cheating.

· Be honest and tell the truth.

· Demonstrate courtesy even when others do not.

· Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

The District may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the Student Code of Conduct. These rules may be posted in classrooms or given to the student and may or may not constitute violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

A student whose behavior shows disrespect for others, including interference with learning and a safe environment, will be subject to disciplinary action.

School rules and the authority of the District to administer discipline apply whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities.

The District has disciplinary authority over a student:

1. During the regular school day and while the student is going to and from school on District transportation;

2. During lunch periods

3. For certain mandatory DAEP and discretionary expulsion offenses, within 300 feet of school property as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line;

4. While the student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location;

5. For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location;

6. For any mandatory expulsion offense committed while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity of another district in Texas;

7. When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location;

8. When the student commits a felony, as provided by Texas Education Code 37.006 or 37.0081; and

9. When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event.

Lockers and vehicles are subject to blanket searches or inspections by District administrators. Searches or inspections may be conducted at any time and without notice. Students shall be responsible for any prohibited items found in their lockers or in vehicles parked on school property

A school administrator will report crimes as required by law. A school administrator who suspects that a crime has been committed on campus will call local law enforcement.

The District has the right to revoke the transfer of a transfer student for violating the District's Student Code of Conduct.

In general, discipline will be designed to correct misconduct and to encourage all students to adhere to their responsibilities as citizens of the school community. Disciplinary action will draw on the professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques. Disciplinary action will be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student's age and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student's attitude, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment, and statutory requirements.

The District will take into consideration self-defense as a factor in a decision to order suspension, removal to a DAEP, or expulsion. (See glossary)

Because of these factors, discipline for a particular offense (unless otherwise specified by law) may bring into consideration varying techniques and responses.

The following discipline management techniques may be used—alone or in combination—for misbehavior violating the Student Code of Conduct or campus or classroom rules:

· Verbal correction.

· Cooling-off time or "time-out."

· Seating changes within the classroom.

· Counseling by teachers, counselors, or administrative personnel.

· Parent-teacher conferences.

· Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process.

· Grade reductions as permitted by policy.

· Rewards or demerits.

· Behavioral contracts.

· Detention.

· Sending the student to the office or other assigned area, or to in-school suspension.

· Out-of-school suspension, as specified in the suspension section of this Student Code of Conduct.

· Placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), as specified in the DAEP section of this Student Code of Conduct.

· Expulsion, as specified in the expulsion section of this Student Code of Conduct.

· Assignment of school duties such as scrubbing desks or picking up litter.

· Withdrawal of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities and eligibility for seeking and holding honorary offices, and/or membership in school-sponsored clubs or organizations.

· Techniques or penalties identified in individual student organizations' extracurricular standards of behavior.

· Withdrawal or restriction of bus privileges.

· Withdrawal or restriction of driving privileges.

· School-assessed and school-administered probation.

· Corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment is permissible and will be administered when, in the judgment of the principal or designee, it would be the most appropriate means of discipline. Such punishment is to be administered in a reasonable manner, in which reasonableness is to be determined on the basis of the size, age, and the physical, mental, and emotional condition of the student. When corporal punishment is to be administered, it shall be done in the presence of another professional district employee and in a designated place out of view of other students. Parents who object to the use of corporal punishment on their children should provide a written statement to the office at the beginning of the school year.

· Referral to an outside agency and/or legal authority for criminal prosecution in addition to disciplinary measures imposed by the District.

· Other strategies and consequences as specified by the Student Code of Conduct.

Parental questions or complaints regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the teacher or campus administration, as appropriate, and in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). A copy of the policy may be obtained from the principal's office or the central administration office. Consequences will not be deferred pending the outcome of a grievance.

Behaviors	Consequences
The following behaviors are prohibited at all school and school-related activities: · Cheating or copying the work of another. · Throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or property damage. · Failing to comply with directives given by school personnel. · Leaving school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission. · Disobeying rules for conduct on school buses. · Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward another student or District employee. · Fighting or scuffling. · Hazing. (See glossary) · Stealing from students, staff, or the school. · Damaging or vandalizing property owned by others. · Defacing or damaging school property—including textbooks, lockers, furniture, and other equipment—with graffiti or by other means. (See glossary) · Possessing fireworks of any kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device. · Discharging a fire extinguisher. · Possessing a razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury to another person. · Possessing or selling a "look-alike" weapon. · Possessing an air gun or BB gun. · Possessing ammunition. · Possessing a stun gun. · Possessing mace or pepper spray. · Possessing or using any articles not generally considered to be weapons, including school supplies, when the principal or designee determines that a danger exists. · Gambling. · Making false accusations or hoaxes regarding school safety. · Falsifying records, passes, or other school-related documents. · Committing extortion, coercion, or blackmail (obtaining money or another object of value from an unwilling person). · Engaging in disruptive actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school activities. · Being insubordinate. · Refusing to accept discipline management techniques assigned by a teacher or principal. · Forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force. · Committing or assisting in a robbery or theft even if it does not constitute a felony according to the Texas Penal Code. (Felony robbery or theft offenses are addressed later in the Student Code of Conduct.) · Bullying, including intimidation by name-calling, using ethnic or racial slurs, or making derogatory statements that could disrupt the school program or incite violence. · Engaging in threatening behavior toward another student or District employee on or off school property. · Engaging in harassment motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or age and directed toward another student or District employee. (See glossary) · Engaging in any misbehavior that gives school officials reasonable cause to believe that such conduct will substantially disrupt the school program or incite violence. · Engaging in inappropriate verbal, physical, or sexual contact directed toward another student or a District employee. · Engaging in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment or sexual abuse, whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors directed toward another student or a District employee. · Inappropriate or indecent exposure of a student's private body parts. · Possessing or using matches or a lighter. · Possessing, smoking, or using tobacco products. · Possessing or selling look-alike drugs or items attempted to be passed off as drugs or contraband. · Possessing or selling seeds or pieces of marijuana in less than a usable amount. · Possessing, using, giving, or selling paraphernalia related to any prohibited substance. (See glossary) · Abusing the student’s own prescription drug, giving a prescription drug to another student, or possessing or being under the influence of another person’s prescription drug on school property or at a school-related event. · Violating the District’s policy on taking prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs at school. · Using a cellular telephone or other telecommunications device at school during school office hours. · Possessing or using a laser pointer for other than an approved use. · Violating computer use policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student, and/or agreements signed by the student's parent. · Using the Internet or other electronic communications to threaten students or employees, or cause disruption to the educational program. · Sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal. · Engaging in verbal or written exchanges that threaten the safety of another student, a school employee, or school property. · Possessing published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal behavior or that could threaten school safety; using e-mail or Web sites at school to encourage illegal behavior; or threatening school safety. · Possessing material that is pornographic. · Violating dress and grooming standards as communicated in the student handbook. · Repeatedly violating other communicated campus or classroom standards of behavior. · Inappropriate display of affection. · Membership in secret societies or organizations. · Profanity, offensive or abusive language toward personnel or other students. · Leaving school premises without permission. · Possession of any legal knife. (If a student brings a legal pocketknife to school and brings it to the principal’s office, the knife will be confiscated and returned to the parent in person.) · Possession of a picture phone is prohibited while on school property or attending any school sponsored activity.	General misconduct identified in the list of prohibited behaviors will result in application of one or more discipline management techniques consistent with law and the Student Code of Conduct. The principal or appropriate administrator will notify a student’s parent by phone or in writing of any violation of the Student Code of Conduct that may result in a suspension, removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), or expulsion. Notification will be made within three school days after the administrator becomes aware of the violation. The discipline of students with disabilities is subject to applicable state and federal law in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. To the extent any conflict exists, state and/or federal law will prevail. DISCRETIONARY REMOVAL General misconduct violations will not necessarily result in the formal removal of the student from class or another placement but may result in a routine referral, formal removal, or the use of one or more discipline management techniques. FORMAL REMOVAL Formal removal from class will be initiated by a teacher if: 1. The student's behavior has been documented by the teacher as repeatedly interfering with the teacher's ability to teach his or her class; or 2. The behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot teach, and the students in the classroom cannot learn. A teacher or administrator must remove a student from class if the student engages in behavior that under the Education Code requires or permits the student to be placed in a DAEP or expelled. A teacher or administrator may remove a student from class for a behavior that the District has determined is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. When a student is removed from the regular classroom by a teacher and a conference is pending, the principal may place a student in: · Another appropriate classroom. · In-school suspension. · Out-of-school suspension. · A Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. When a student has been formally removed from class by a teacher, the principal may not return the student to the teacher's class without the teacher's consent, unless the placement review committee determines that the teacher's class is the best or only alternative available. · Consequences for improper use of cell phones will result in a fine of $10.00 on each occasion of improper use of a cell phone. If a student persistently abuses the rules regarding cell phone use, more serious consequences such as ISS, DAEP, and loss of privileges may occur.

Behaviors

Consequences

The following behaviors are prohibited at all school and school-related activities:

· Cheating or copying the work of another.

· Throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or property damage.

· Failing to comply with directives given by school personnel.

· Leaving school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission.

· Disobeying rules for conduct on school buses.

· Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward another student or District employee.

· Fighting or scuffling.

· Hazing. (See glossary)

· Stealing from students, staff, or the school.

· Damaging or vandalizing property owned by others.

· Defacing or damaging school property—including textbooks, lockers, furniture, and other equipment—with graffiti or by other means. (See glossary)

· Possessing fireworks of any kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device.

· Discharging a fire extinguisher.

· Possessing a razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury to another person.

· Possessing or selling a "look-alike" weapon.

· Possessing an air gun or BB gun.

· Possessing ammunition.

· Possessing a stun gun.

· Possessing mace or pepper spray.

· Possessing or using any articles not generally considered to be weapons, including school supplies, when the principal or designee determines that a danger exists.

· Gambling.

· Making false accusations or hoaxes regarding school safety.

· Falsifying records, passes, or other school-related documents.

· Committing extortion, coercion, or blackmail (obtaining money or another object of value from an unwilling person).

· Engaging in disruptive actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school activities.

· Being insubordinate.

· Refusing to accept discipline management techniques assigned by a teacher or principal.

· Forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.

· Committing or assisting in a robbery or theft even if it does not constitute a felony according to the Texas Penal Code. (Felony robbery or theft offenses are addressed later in the Student Code of Conduct.)

· Bullying, including intimidation by name-calling, using ethnic or racial slurs, or making derogatory statements that could disrupt the school program or incite violence.

· Engaging in threatening behavior toward another student or District employee on or off school property.

· Engaging in harassment motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or age and directed toward another student or District employee. (See glossary)

· Engaging in any misbehavior that gives school officials reasonable cause to believe that such conduct will substantially disrupt the school program or incite violence.

· Engaging in inappropriate verbal, physical, or sexual contact directed toward another student or a District employee.

· Engaging in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment or sexual abuse, whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors directed toward another student or a District employee.

· Inappropriate or indecent exposure of a student's private body parts.

· Possessing or using matches or a lighter.

· Possessing, smoking, or using tobacco products.

· Possessing or selling look-alike drugs or items attempted to be passed off as drugs or contraband.

· Possessing or selling seeds or pieces of marijuana in less than a usable amount.

· Possessing, using, giving, or selling paraphernalia related to any prohibited substance. (See glossary)

· Abusing the student’s own prescription drug, giving a prescription drug to another student, or possessing or being under the influence of another person’s prescription drug on school property or at a school-related event.

· Violating the District’s policy on taking prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs at school.

· Using a cellular telephone or other telecommunications device at school during school office hours.

· Possessing or using a laser pointer for other than an approved use.

· Violating computer use policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student, and/or agreements signed by the student's parent.

· Using the Internet or other electronic communications to threaten students or employees, or cause disruption to the educational program.

· Sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.

· Engaging in verbal or written exchanges that threaten the safety of another student, a school employee, or school property.

· Possessing published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal behavior or that could threaten school safety; using e-mail or Web sites at school to encourage illegal behavior; or threatening school safety.

· Possessing material that is pornographic.

· Violating dress and grooming standards as communicated in the student handbook.

· Repeatedly violating other communicated campus or classroom standards of behavior.

· Inappropriate display of affection.

· Membership in secret societies or organizations.

· Profanity, offensive or abusive language toward personnel or other students.

· Leaving school premises without permission.

· Possession of any legal knife. (If a student brings a legal pocketknife to school and brings it to the principal’s office, the knife will be confiscated and returned to the parent in person.)

· Possession of a picture phone is prohibited while on school property or attending any school sponsored activity.

General misconduct identified in the list of prohibited behaviors will result in application of one or more discipline management techniques consistent with law and the Student Code of Conduct.

The principal or appropriate administrator will notify a student’s parent by phone or in writing of any violation of the Student Code of Conduct that may result in a suspension, removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), or expulsion. Notification will be made within three school days after the administrator becomes aware of the violation.

The discipline of students with disabilities is subject to applicable state and federal law in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. To the extent any conflict exists, state and/or federal law will prevail.

DISCRETIONARY REMOVAL

General misconduct violations will not necessarily result in the formal removal of the student from class or another placement but may result in a routine referral, formal removal, or the use of one or more discipline management techniques.

FORMAL REMOVAL

Formal removal from class will be initiated by a teacher if:

1. The student's behavior has been documented by the teacher as repeatedly interfering with the teacher's ability to teach his or her class; or

2. The behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot teach, and the students in the classroom cannot learn.

A teacher or administrator must remove a student from class if the student engages in behavior that under the Education Code requires or permits the student to be placed in a DAEP or expelled.

A teacher or administrator may remove a student from class for a behavior that the District has determined is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

When a student is removed from the regular classroom by a teacher and a conference is pending, the principal may place a student in:

· Another appropriate classroom.

· In-school suspension.

· Out-of-school suspension.

· A Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.

When a student has been formally removed from class by a teacher, the principal may not return the student to the teacher's class without the teacher's consent, unless the placement review committee determines that the teacher's class is the best or only alternative available.

· Consequences for improper use of cell phones will result in a

fine of $10.00 on each occasion of improper use of a cell phone.

If a student persistently abuses the rules regarding cell phone use, more serious consequences such as ISS, DAEP, and loss of privileges may occur.