code of conduct

STUDENT‚S STANDARDS of CONDUCT and STUDENT DISCIPLINE ACT; SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AND INTERNET ACCESS PRIVILEGES

The District shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent prior to removing a child from school premises. If the parent cannot be notified prior to removal, the parent shall be notified as soon as possible of the reasons for removal. In the applying these rules and consequences, Lexington High School acts in accordance with State Statutes, Section 79-4, 170 to 79-4, 205.14.20 Student Emergency Exclusion, Short-Term or Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion, and Mandatory Reassignment. If necessary.Students may be removed from regular classes or school premises pending any hearing required by law. Any student removed from school for a reason shown above who is in a condition that threatens his own welfare or the welfare of others shall be released to the parent/guardian, the parent's representative, or other proper authority, including, but not limited to law enforcement officers and medical personnel.

Definitions and standards The following student conduct will constitute grounds for long term suspension , expulsion, or mandatory reassignment, subject to the the procedural provisions of the Student Disciplinary Act, when activity occurs on school grounds, in school owed vehicle being used for school purposes, or at a school sponsored activity or athletic event.

1. Use of violence, force, coercion, threat, intimidation, or similar conduct in a manner that constitutes a substantial interference with school purposes; 2. Willfully causing or attempting to cause substantial damage to property, stealing or attempting to steal property of substantial value, or repeated damage or theft involving property; 3. Causing or attempting to cause personal injury to a school employee, to a school volunteer, or to any student. Personal injury caused by accident, self-defense or the action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person shall not constitute a violation of this sub-division; 4. Threatening or intimidating any student for the purpose of or with the intent of obtaining money or anything of value from such student ; 5. Knowingly possessing, handling, or transmitting any object or material that is can be considered a weapon or which is a firearm as defined by 18 U.S.C. 921. 6. Engaging in the lawful or unlawful possession, selling, dispensing, or use of a controlled substance, or an imitation controlled substance, as defined in Statute 28-401 a substance represents to be controlled substance, or alcoholic liquor as defined in Status 53-103 or being under the influence of a controlled substance or alcoholic liquor; also to include the possession, selling, dispensing or a use of tobacco, in any form. 7. Public indecency as defined in Statue 28-806, except that this subdivision shall apply only to the students at least twelve years of age but less than nineteen years of age; 8. Sexually assaulting or attempting to sexually assault any person if a complaint has been filed by a prosecutor in a court of competent jurisdiction alleging sexual assaults any person, including sexual assaults which occur off school grounds not an educational function or event. For the purposes of this subdivision, sexual assault shall mean sexual assault in the first degree and sexual assault in the second degree as defined in Statutes 28-319, and 28-319, and 28-320, as such sections now provide or may hereafter from time to time be amended; 9. Engaging in any other activity forbidden by the laws of the State of Nebraska which activity constitutes a danger to other students or interferes with school purposes; or 10. A repeated violation of any rules and standards validly establishes pursuant to States 79-4,176 such violations constitute a substantial interference with school purposes. After hearing requested pursuant to Statute 79-4, 181 and Statute 79-4, 182 R.R.S., a report shall be made by the hearing Examiner of his/her findings and a recommendation of the action to be taken, which report shall explain, in terms of the needs of both students and the school board, the reasons for the particular action recommended. Such recommendations may range from no action through the entire field of counseling, to a long term suspension, 4, 197.01, provided, however, that nothing in this policy shall be construed to require the alternative educational placement.

Alternative Education School The district may provide for the alternative education of a student who has been expelled from the regular school setting or who requires a non-traditional setting due to extenuating circumstances. Before removing a student to an alternative education program, the principal/assistant principal shall conduct an informal hearing and planning conference, to which the student‚s parents are invited. The student will be advised of the conduct with which continued attendance in a mainstream class is not compatible. The student will be given the opportunity to explain his/her perspective of the problem. The student could be placed in an alternative education program by the multi-disciplinarian team (alternative education program teacher, counselor, and building administration) if they determine that the following situation(s) exist: 1. The student has been expelled from the regular school setting. 2. The student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior that interferes with the regular learning environment. 3. The student‚s needs can best be met in an individualized setting.

Short-Term Suspension The principal or designee may deny a student the right to attend school or take part in any school functions for a period of up to five school days based on violations of rules of behavior outlined in this manual as well as conduct set out in the Student discipline Act.. The following shall be effected with regard to short-term suspension: 1. The party considering the short-term suspension shall make a reasonable investigation of the alleged misconduct or violation. In addition, such short-term suspension shall be made only after a determination that the suspension is necessary to help any student, to further school purposes, or to prevent an interference with school purposes. 2. Prior to commencement of the short-term suspension, the student shall be given oral or written notice of the charges against him/her. The student shall be advised of what he/she is accused of having done, and the basis of the accusation, and an explanation of the evidence the authorities have. 3.The student shall be afforded an opportunity to explain his/her version of the facts to the person effecting the short-term suspension. 4.Within twenty-four hours or such additional time as is reasonably necessary following the suspension, the Principal or administrator shall send a written statement to the student, student's parents, or guardian describing the student's conduct, misconduct or violation of the rule or standard and the reasons for the action taken. An opportunity shall be afforded to the student, parents or guardian of the student to confer with regard to the matter with the Principal or administrator ordering the short-term suspension. A reasonable effort will be made by the Principal or administrator to confirm the conference time in writing and to specify in said writing the reason for the short-term suspension. 5.Time missed due to suspension shall not be considered a violation of state or local compulsory attendance. Students will be able to get assignments during suspension through a courier, and must have assignments completed by the end of the suspension for full credit. 6.Students receiving short term suspension may complete class work and examinations missed during the suspension if they do so in the time and manner outlined in guidelines developed at the hearing and through the letter to the parents.

Special Circumstances involving use of Force and Personal Injury The knowing and intentional use of force in causing or attempting to cause personal injury to a school employee, volunteer, or student, except when the injury is caused by accident , self-defense, or other action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person, and the knowing an intentional possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm shall make the student liable for an an expulsion as outlined below: 1. First semester offenses: a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year. 2. Second semester offenses: an expulsion to remain in effect the remainder of the school year.

Special Circumstances involving firearms The knowing and intentional possession, use, or transmittal of a firearm on school grounds, in a school owned vehicle, or at a school sponsored activity or athletic event shall result in the expulsion from school of the student determined to commit the offense for a period of not less than one calendar year. (Exception: members of Reserve Officers Training Corps in training or persons receiving instruction in the use of firearms under the immediate supervision of an adult instructor). The superintendent or the school board are authorized to modify this expulsion requirement on an individual basis. Conclusion of Rehabilitative Period At the conclusion of the designated period, the school district shall reinstate any student whose conduct has been satisfactory and permit the student to return to school or enforce the expulsion action if the student‚s conduct has been unsatisfactory. The district may also take action to expunge the student‚s record.

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES School officials may search a student and student's property with reasonable cause or the student's free and voluntary consent. Vehicles on school property are also subject to search. Areas such as lockers, which are owned and jointly controlled by the district, may be searched if reasonable cause exists to believe that contraband is inside the locker. Students shall not place, keep, or maintain any article or material in school-owned lockers that is forbidden by District policy or that would lead school officials to reasonably believe that it would cause a substantial disruption on school property or at a school-sponsored function. Searches of student's outer clothing, pockets, or property may be conducted if a reasonable cause exists. Highly intrusive invasion of a student's privacy, such as searches of the student's person, shall be conducted only if probable cause exists to believe that the student possesses contraband. Students shall not place, keep or maintain any articles or materials in lockers or vehicles parked on school property that are forbidden by district policy. Students shall be responsible for any prohibited items found in their lockers or vehicles parked on school property and shall be subject to disciplinary measures as outlined in state law and school board policy. Administrators, teachers, and other professional personnel have the right to question students regarding their conduct or the conduct of others.

POLICE QUESTIONING OF STUDENT/POLICE INVOLVEMENT For police questioning of students in school the following guidelines shall apply: 1. Before the principal permits the questioning of a student by law enforcement officers, the officer must state the necessity of questioning the student while in school. The questioning officer name and title shall be obtained and recorded by district officials. 2. The principal shall make reasonable efforts to contact the student's parents unless valid objection is warranted. If a student at school is subject to arrest or apprehension by a law enforcement officer, the principal shall request to see the summons or warrant and shall immediately notify the superintendent and shall make reasonable efforts to contact the parents of the student.

REMOVAL OF MINOR FROM SCHOOL PREMISES When a principal or other school official releases a minor student to a peace officer, as defined below, for the purpose of removing the minor from the school premises, the principal or other school official shall take immediate steps to notify the parent, guardian, or responsible relative of the minor regarding: i. the release of the minor to the officer and ii. the place to which the minor is reportedly being taken, except when a minor has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse, in which case the principal or other school official shall provide the peace officer with the address and telephone number of the minor‚s parent or guardian. [(NE Student Discipline Act as amended by LB 1250 (1994), LB 658 (1995), ref. 79-4.205.02]

Glossary of Terms Truancy State law requires school attendance by all persons under the age of sixteen. Parents and guardians, as well as the students themselves, are subject to penalty when this law is violated. Violation of this law -- absence of school without reasonable excuse -- is labeled truancy. Truancy can be for any class period of the school day.

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments A student will not knowingly possess, handle , or transport any object that can be construed as a Deadly Weapon/Firearm, or Facsimile. A Deadly Weapon/ Firearm is any object, material or substance which in the manner it is used, or intended to be used, is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Examples would include (but not limited to): - any firearm (loaded or unloaded) including pellet and BB guns - any knife or instrument that could be used and/ or is displayed in a manner that is intended to threaten, intimidate, frighten or harass another person. - any instrument that that could be used as a bludgeon such as; brass knuckles, nun chucks, slingshots and /or any object modified to act as a bludgeon. The intended use of an object can also determine its definition as a weapon. Objects such as rocks, ball bats, bottles and cans, chains, shoes and boots, ropes, and chemicals of any kind could be considered a deadly weapon if used in any other fashion than that which it was intended.

„Look-alikes‰ or facsimiles of deadly weapons are a violation of this policy if they are used in a threatening or improper manner. Examples of a „look-alike‰ would include, but not be limited to : cap-guns, water pistols and any copy, reproduction, model or other object which is intended to appear like a deadly weapon regardless of the substance of which it is made.

This policy is in effect on school grounds; and off school grounds at any school activity, function or event. Any student who brings a a firearm to school will be expelled for a period not less than one year. However, the Superintendent may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. The possession of a weapon or „look-alike‰ is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Possible sanctions include suspension and expulsion.

In-School Suspension In-School suspension is assigned to students having excessive or serious violations of the conduct code. The student is placed by the principal/assistant principal and is expected to complete class assignments sent by the regular teacher. The student must successfully complete all work to receive credit. Students assigned to in-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in any co-curricular activities, in or out of town, (includes practice sessions) until he/she completes all their time in In School Suspension. Regular school hours will be observed. Students are usually assigned for 1-10 days per violation.

Out of School Suspension Students may be sent home and suspended for a period not to exceed five (5) school days if the principal/assistant principal determines the following: a. that the student's presence in the regular classroom program presents a danger of physical harm to the student or to other individuals; or b. that the student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior that violates the

The student's parent/guardian shall be notified by telephone or other appropriate means as soon as reasonably possible. The parent/guardian of the suspended student will pick them up at school. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the student may be released to those parties designated on the student's Emergency Care Form. The parent/guardian shall be advised that it is their responsibility to provide adequate supervision for the student during the period of suspension. It is the student's responsibility to request all assignments missed during the time of suspension, complete them, and turn them in on time. All work must be completed before returning to regular classes.

Students on suspension are excluded from all co-curricular activities, in or out of town, and are not allowed on school property during school hours during the time of suspension. Time of suspension is defined as: From the time he/she is suspended to the time he/she returns to class.

Technology

Terms and Conditions The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. (Students who are issued accounts will first be required to complete training in the proper use of the network. ) The administration, faculty, and staff of Lexington Public Schools may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts/access.

1. The use of your account an/or access must be consistent with the educational objectives of the Lexington Public Schools. Use of electronic resources for recreational games is prohibited.

2. To transmit or knowingly receive any materials in violation of any United States Nebraska, or Lexington Public Shoals regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: copyrighted material, threatening, harassing, pornographic, obscene, or profane material, materials related to the illegal use or manufacture of restricted substances, defamatory or discriminatory material, or material protected by trade secret.

3. Commercial activities, product advertising, political lobbying and extensive personal use are prohibited.

4. Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Be polite. Do not be abusive in your messages to others. b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language. c. Do not reveal your full name, phone number, or home address, or those of other persons when using the Internet. d. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Network storage areas will be treated as school property. Files and communications may be reviewed by District personnel. e. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other people. Talk, Write, and Chat commands may be intrusive and should only be used after receiving permission from the other party. Chain letters and Inter-Relay Chat are misuses of the system. f. Permission of the supervising staff member must be obtained before downloading large files. g. Disk space is limited. Remove outdated or unneeded files promptly.

5. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and possible criminal prosecution. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data or hardware on this system or any other system.

6. Respect the integrity of the computing system. Do not intentionally develop or activate programs that harass other users, infiltrate a computer system or alter the software components of a computer or system. This includes but is not limited to: revealing, or attempting to learn or use other users' passwords, spreading viruses, attempting to "hack" into restricted systems or attempting to use administrative commands.

7. Only public domain files and files in which the author has given expressed written consent for online distribution, may be uploaded to he system. Students and teachers may download copyrighted material for their own use following the fair use provisions in the U.S. Copyright law.

8. Security of any computer system is essential. Access to electronic resources is intended for the exclusive use of authorized individuals.

9. Any problems which arise from the use of an account are the responsibility of the account holder. Lexington Public School District makes no warranties of any kind for the service it is providing.

Students will:

Classroom Use: (under the direction and supervision of a classroom teacher and independent use) . agreeing to abide by these procedures and policies; . act in a considerate and responsible manner when using electronic resources; . be subject to a series of consequences should they choose not to follow the established guidelines.

The consequences of unacceptable use of technology/internet are: 1.Suspension and/or termination of electronic resource use privileges. 2.And/or additional disciplinary action as determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding unacceptable language and/or behavior. 3.And/or referral to law enforcement authorities for criminal or civil prosecution.

Last update: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 3:55:06 PM
Copyright 2008 Mr. Otero

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