LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Students Policy 5131 Conduct The Board of Education believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions. To maintain such an environment, students, parents/guardians, staff and the Board all must understand and fulfill their responsibilities related to student conduct. Students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the school program while on school grounds, while going to or coming from school, while at school activities, and while on district transportation. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each school site develops standards of conduct and discipline consistent with district policies and rules. Students and parents/guardians shall be notified of district and school rules related to conduct. Prohibited student conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. Behavior that endangers other students and/or staff. 2. Behavior that disrupts the orderly classroom or school environment. 3. Harassment of other students or staff including bullying (including bullying by electronic means), intimidation and hazing. 3. Harassment or bullying of students or staff, including, but not limited to, cyberbullying, intimidation, hazing or initiation activity, extortion, or any other verbal, written, or physical conduct that causes or threatens to cause violence, bodily harm, or substantial disruption, in accordance with the section entitled "Bullying/Cyberbullying" below. Cyberbullying includes the transmission of communications, posting of harassing messages, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social networking sites, or other digital technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person's electronic account and assuming that person's identity in order to damage that person's reputation. 4. Damage to or theft of property belonging to the district, staff or other students. 5. Possession, use or sale of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. 5. Possession or use of a laser pointer, unless used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose, including employment. Prior to bringing a laser pointer on school premises, students shall first obtain permission from the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall determine whether the requested use of the laser pointer is for a valid instructional or other
Page 2 school-related purpose. 6. Use of electronic devices during class time, while driving on school property or during other activities that are disruptive the school environment. 6. Use of profane, vulgar, or abusive language. 7. Possession or use of laser pointers. 7. Plagiarism or dishonesty on school work or tests. 8. Profane, vulgar or abusive language. 8. Inappropriate attire. 9. Plagiarism or dishonesty in school work or on tests. 9. Tardiness or unexcused absence from school. 10. Inappropriate dress. 10. Failure to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules. 11. Tardiness and unexcused absence from school. 11. Possession, use, or being under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or other prohibited drugs. 12. Failure to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules. 13. School property, for the purposes described in Education Code 48900, includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and databases. Student Responsibilities The Board of Education believes that it is important for students to understand that they have a choice to make regarding their actions and that appropriate conduct benefits both themselves and others. Students are encouraged to freely express their individuality as long as this expression does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the instructional program. Behavior is considered appropriate when students are diligent in study, neat and clean, careful with school property, respectful towards their teachers, and courteous to other students, staff and volunteers. Students are expected to be punctual and regular in attendance and to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules. They are further expected to refrain from profane, vulgar or abusive language. Students shall receive regular instruction in district and school rules and regulations related to conduct. Students who violate these rules and regulations may be subject to discipline, suspension, exclusion, expulsion or transfer to alternative programs. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities Parents/guardians are expected to comply with laws governing the conduct and education of their children and to cooperate with school authorities regarding their children's behavior.
Page 3 California law holds parents/guardians liable for any willful student misconduct which results in the death or injury of any student or persons employed by or volunteering for the district. Parents/guardians are also liable for any defacement, injury or loss of property belonging to the district or to a school employee. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are annually informed of their liability for death, personal injury or district property damage resulting from willful student misconduct. Parents/guardians shall also be informed that the district will not be responsible for damage caused by any student to any item of personal property which another student brings to school. District Responsibilities The Board of Education is responsible for prescribing behavioral and disciplinary guidelines for students. The Board of Education shall give certificated staff all reasonable support with respect to student conduct and discipline. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures necessary to enforce the Board of Education's conduct and discipline policies and shall notify parents/guardians of the availability of these policies and procedures at the beginning of each school year. The school principal shall establish and enforce school rules that conform with district procedures and that foster safety and good citizenship. He/she shall ensure that students are informed of these rules when they enroll and at the beginning of each school year. Teachers shall establish and enforce classroom rules that facilitate safety and effective learning. They shall cooperate with other certificated staff in enforcing general school rules and helping students to understand the benefits of choosing behaviors that show respect for other people and property. Enforcement of Standards Employees are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or become aware of a violation of these standards, to immediately intervene or call for assistance. If an employee believes a matter has not been resolved, he/she shall refer the matter to his/her supervisor or administrator for further investigation.
Page 4 Students who violate district or school rules and regulations may be subject to discipline, including but not limited to suspension, expulsion or transfer to alternative programs in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation. In addition, when the conduct involves intimidation, harassment, or other endangerment of a student or employee, the Superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate assistance as necessary for the victim and the offender or make appropriate referrals for such assistance. Students who violate district or school rules and regulations may be subject to discipline including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, transfer to alternative programs, or denial of the privilege of participation in extracurricular or co-curricular activities in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation. The Superintendent or designee shall notify local law enforcement as appropriate. Legal References: EDUCATION CODE 5131.1 - Bus Conduct 6145.2 - Athletic Competition 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment 5145.9 - Hate-Motivated Behavior 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression 5131.9 - Academic Honesty 6162.54 - Test Integrity/Test Preparation 6162.6 - Use of Copyrighted Materials 5132 - Dress and Grooming 5113 - Absences and Excuses 5113.1 - Truancy 5112.5 - Open/Closed Campus 5131.63 - Steroids 5131.62 - Tobacco 5131.6 - Alcohol and Other Drugs 6145 - Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities 32050 Hazing 35181 Board of Education policy on responsibilities of students 35291-35291.5 Rules 44807 Duty concerning conduct of students 48900-48925 Suspension or expulsion 48908 Duties of students CIVIL CODE 1714.1 Liability of parents and guardians for willful misconduct of minor CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5 300-307 Duties of pupils
Page 5 UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42 2000h-2000h6 Title IX, 1972 Education Act Amendment MANAGEMENT RESOURCES: CSBA PUBLICATIONS Protecting Our Schools: Governing Board Strategies to Combat School Violence, 1998 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS Assembly Bill 86 Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Schools and Communities, 1998 WEB SITES California Department of Education, Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Office: http://www.cde.ca.gov/spbranch/safety CSBA: http://www.csba.org Policy adopted: 05/11/67 revised: 01/06/82 revised: 07/21/87 revised: 06/02/98 revised: 04/04/00 revised: 11/19/02 revised: 06/03/03 revised: 09/21/04 (technical revision) revised: 05/19/09 revised: 06/09/10 revised: / /10