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STUDENT DISCIPLINE

It is the policy of the Board for the principal of the school and his faculty to use whatever reasonable and lawful system of discipline that will most effectively meet the needs of the children in the school.

This system may include such measures as consultation with parents and pupils, suspension from school, expulsion from school (Board action necessary here), detention halls and other procedures decided upon by the principal and his faculty.

Approved by the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education on August 10, 1992.

The revised version of this Student/Parent Resource Guide and Code of Student Conduct has been approved by the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education.

CLASSIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS

Violations of the Code of Student Conduct are grouped into three classes: minor, intermediate and major. Before determining the classification of a violation, the principal or designee will consult with the involved students and school personnel. Once the classification of the violation is determined, the principal or designee will implement the disciplinary procedure.

Each teacher will deal with general classroom disruption through effective classroom management and involvement of parents, guardian, or school counselors. Only when the action taken by the teacher is ineffective, or the disruption is severe, should the student be referred to the principal or his/her designee. Failure to bring notebook, pencil, or books, or failure to do work in class is cause for concern. Continuous defiance of the teacher in regard to these areas is cause for disciplinary referral.

Systemwide Rules

(Elementary)

Follow directions the first time they are given.
Show respect for self, others, and property
Be prepared to learn (to do your best).
Talk at appropriate times.
Walk when in the school building.

(Middle/High Schools)

I will do what any adult asks on the first request.
I will use no part of my body or words from my mouth to cause harm to anyone or anything.
I will be in my assigned place on time and with necessary materials.
I will dress appropriately and wear my ID badge at all school functions.
I will follow the Code of Conduct at all times

MINOR OFFENSES – CLASS I

Petitions may be filed on students who continuously commit Level I offenses.

Administrative responses for Class I violations include, but are not limited to the following:

Elementary Students

Student conference/written warning
Parent contact/conference
After school detention
Suspension from school/bus
Out of school suspension not to exceed three days
Assignment to in-school intervention or Saturday School
BBSST Referral

Middle and High School Students

First Offense -In-school conference and parental contact when warranted. Special circumstances may warrant disciplinary action as outlined under subsequent offenses.
Subsequent Offenses
- Probation or detention
- Completion of extra academic assignments
- Work assignments before or after school, in-school intervention
- Suspension at the discretion of the principal or designee.
- Special circumstances may warrant a recommendation to the Board’s hearing officer for an alternative educational program apart from the normal setting.

Code	Offense
1.01	Distraction of other students Any conduct or behavior which is disruptive to the orderly educational process in the classroom or any other instructional setting, including extracurricular activities. Examples: Talking excessively, interrupting class functions, chewing gum, and provoking other students.
1.02	Excessive tardiness Repeatedly reporting to school or class late in violation of individual school tardy policies and procedures.
1.03	Nonconformity to dress code (See 'Additional Policies: Dress Code')
1.04	Inappropriate public display of affection Including, but not limited to, embracing and kissing.
1.05	Continued refusal to complete class assignments
1.06	Failure to follow instructions Examples: Failure to carry correspondence home, failure to obey directions in the hallways, assemblies, etc.
1.07	Unauthorized use of school or personal property Including, but not limited to, computers, software, research services, online services or web sites which access unauthorized sites containing inappropriate and /or pornographic materials.
1.08	Littering of school property
1.09	Failure to follow system's ID policy
1.10	Any other violation which the principal may deem reasonable to fall within this category after consideration of extenuating circumstances

INTERMEDIATE OFFENSES – CLASS II

Petitions may be filed on students who continuously commit Level II offenses.

Elementary Students

First Offense -Parental contact and disciplinary action.
Subsequent Offenses -Suspension for one (1) to five (5) days

Middle School and High Students

First Offense -In-school suspension, and/or extended work assignments before or after school, and/or suspension for one (1) to five (5) schools days, with a parent or guardian conference required before they student may return to school.
First offense, for assault and/or threat to Board employees, the principal or designee will investigate the violation to ascertain the facts and based upon the findings make a decision regarding the student's status in school and whether the violation should be classified as an intermediate or major offense.
Subsequent Offenses –In-school suspension and/or Saturday School Opportunity Program. Pending a full investigation, the violation may warrant a three (3) or five (5) day suspension or a recommendation for expulsion. The principal or designee will follow procedures identified in this handbook.

Code	Offense
2.01	Excessive distraction of others students Any conduct that is continuous which is disruptive to the orderly educational process in the classroom or any other instructional setting.
2.02	Defiance of Board employee's authority Any verbal or nonverbal refusal with system wide and classroom rules or order of a Board employee. Refusal to comply with system wide or classroom rules.
2.03	Possession or use of tobacco products Possession on the person, or in other effects of a student; holding of a lighted cigarette (cigar, etc.); inhaling or exhaling of the smoke of tobacco; using any other kind of tobacco product, or possession of lighters.
2.04	Assault or threat to do harm to a person, without an apparent ability to carry out the threat and without creating a reasonable fear The threat by deed or act to do violence to the person of another, but without an apparent ability to do so and without creating in the mind of the person threatened a reasonable fear that such violence is imminent.
2.05	Vandalism Intentional and deliberate action resulting in injury or damages of less than $200 to public property or the real or personal property of another.
2.06	Stealing – larceny – petty theft The intentional, unlawful taking or carrying away of property valued at less than $100 belonging to or in the lawful possession or custody of another.
2.07	Gambling or participation in games of change Participation in games of change which result in the exchange of valuables less than $100 through illegal or unlawful means.
2.08	Possession of stolen property with the knowledge that it is stolen
2.09	Threats – extortion Verbally or by a written or printed communication, maliciously threatening an injury to the person, property, or reputation of another, with the intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage whatsoever, 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 or her will. Note: Completion of the threat, either by the victim's complying with the demands or the carrying out of he threats against the victim, constitutes a Class III offense.
2.10	Trespassing Willfully entering or remaining in any structure, conveyance, or property without being authorized, licensed, or invited, or having been authorized, licensed, or invited, is warned by an authorized person to depart and refuses to do so.
2.11	Use of obscene manifestations (verbal, written, gestures) directed or indirected toward another person. Unintentional or intentional use of obscene language, verbal, written, gestures directed toward another person
2.12	Illegal organizations and gang-related activities Any on-campus activities or out of school (using the school's name) activities of fraternities, sororities, secret societies, non-affiliated clubs or any disruptions cause by gang related behavior resulting from in school or out of school activities
2.13	Leaving class or campus without official permission Leaving class or school without permission or skipping class or school which is considered truancy.
2.14	Dishonesty and cheating Intentionally lying and cheating to deceive school authorities including but not limited to student information data and the concealment of information directly related to school business. Students who are caught cheating on a test, after investigation will receive no credit.
2.15	Minor disruption on a school bus
2.16	Possession of pagers or communication devices State law prohibits the Board from allowing students to carry pagers or other electronic communication devices in school. These devices include beepers, cellular phones, radio phones, and other communication devices. The law permits the Board to make exceptions for health or other extraordinary needs. The Board will enforce this law, and through principals and designees, will make exceptions as warranted by such circumstances as the student's reason for having the device, the time and place of the possession, and any disruption caused by the possession.
2.17	Unauthorized use of school or personal property Including, but not limited to, computers, software, research services, online services and internet services or web sites which access unauthorized sites containing inappropriate and /or pornographic materials.
2.18	Any other offense which the principal may deem reasonable to fall within this category after investigation and consideration of extenuating circumstances

Major Offenses – Class III

Petitions are filed in Juvenile Court for all Class III offenses

Elementary, Middle and High Students

The disciplinary action for such offenses will be suspension and/or recommendations for expulsion by the principal as authorized in the procedures previously stated. Pending final determination of the matter by the School Board, the student may be offered the opportunity to attend the Alternative Education Center.

Code	Offense
3.01	Drugs or alcohol Unauthorized possession, transfer, use or sale of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverages
3.02	Arson The willful and malicious burning of any part of Board property.
3.03	Battery upon Board employee The unlawful and intentional touching or striking of a Board employee against his or her will, or the intentional causing of bodily harm to a Board employee.
3.04	Robbery The taking of money or other property which may be subject of larceny from the person or custody of another by force, violence, assault or instilling the fear of same.
3.05	Stealing – larceny – grand theft The intentional unlawful taking or carrying away of property valued at $100 or belonging to or in the lawful possession or custody of another.
3.06	Gambling The intentional, unlawful participation in gambling activities involving amount of $100 or more.
3.07	Burglary of school property Entering or remaining in a structure or conveyance with the intent to commit an offense therein during the hours the premises are closed to the public.
3.08	Criminal mischief Willful and malicious injury or damages of $200 or more to public property, or the real or personal property to another.
3.09	Possession of firearms Any firearm (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device
3.10	Discharging of any pistol, rifle, shotgun or any other device
3.11	Possession of weapons A knife; metal knuckles; tear gas gun; chemical weapon or device; double, triple or quadruple rings which are attached or connected in such a fashion that they may be used as a weapon; fingernail files which have been altered in a manner that they may be used as a weapon; or any other weapon.
3.12	Bomb threats Any such communication concerning Board property which has the effect of interrupting the educational environment.
3.13	Explosions Preparing, possessing, or igniting explosives on Board property.
3.14	Sexual acts Acts of a sexual nature including, but not limited to, battery, intercourse, attempted rape, or rape.
3.15	Unsolicited written of verbal propositions to engage in sexual acts
3.16	Aggravated battery Intentionally causing great bodily harm, disability or permanent disfigurement; use of a deadly weapon.
3.17	Possessing and/or igniting fireworks, firecrackers or smoke bombs
3.18	Inciting or participating in major student disorder Leading, encouraging, or assisting in major disruptions which result in destruction or damage of private or public property or personal injury to participants or others.
3.19	Unjustified activation of a fire alarm system
3.20	Offensive touching of another person
3.21	Intentional and/or directing obscene or profane language, including threats toward Board employees
3.22	Battery upon students – fighting Intentionally touching or striking another student without cause or inflicting bodily harm.
3.23	Extortion Completion of a threat as described in 2.08.
3.24	Assault or threat to do harm to a person, with an apparent ability to carry out the threat or creating a reasonable fear The threat by deed or act to do violence to the person of another, when the person making the threat has the apparent ability to do so or creates in the mind of the person threatened a reasonable fear that such violence is imminent.
3.25	Bullying Repeatedly forcing an individual to act by either physical force or intimidation. This includes verbal fighting, threatening or intimidating students without actual physical contact, and attempts to hurt another or actions, which cause reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm.
3.26	Any other offense which the principal may deem reasonable to fall within this category after investigation and consideration of extenuating circumstances

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