File JIC: District-Wide Student Code of Conduct
Promoting ethical and responsible student behavior is an essential component of the M.S.A.D. No. 75’s Board’s educational mission. The Board is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and orderly school environment in which students may receive and staff may deliver quality education without disruption or interference and in which students may develop as ethical, responsible and involved citizens
To achieve this goal, the Board has developed this Student Code of Conduct with input from school administrators, staff, students, parents and the community. Based on values identified as essential to ethical and responsible behavior, the Code articulates the M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board’s expectations for student conduct.
The Board believes that each member of the school community should take responsibility for their own behavior. To that end, the Board recognizes the need to define unacceptable student conduct, identify the possible consequences for unacceptable conduct, and ensure that discipline is administered fairly, promptly, and appropriately.
A. STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR
The Code of Conduct is intended to support and encourage students to meet the following standards for ethical and responsible behavior:
- Respect
- Honesty
- Compassion
- Fairness
- Responsibility
- Safety
- Courage
B. CODE OF CONDUCT
All students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and all related Board policies and school rules. The Code applies to students:
- On school property,
- While in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or
- At any time or place, including digital formats, that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline, or general welfare of the school.
C. GENERAL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AND DISCIPLINE POLICIES
The following expectations for student behavior are fundamental to the safe, orderly, and respectful environment in our schools. Each student should:
- Prioritize Attendance: Attend school regularly and arrive on time and ready to engage, to support your own learning and contribute to the community.
- Show Respect and Kindness: Treat fellow students, staff, and visitors with respect and kindness. Practice empathy and inclusivity in all interactions.
- Honor Rights and Privileges: Recognize and honor that every child has the right to education and the privilege of attending school and participating fully in their education. It is important to recognize and respect these rights, ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have safe and equitable access to schooling.
- Adhere to Policies and Rules: Follow all Board policies and school rules and guidelines regarding student behavior. Stay informed about expectations and updates.
- Follow Staff Guidance: Listen to and follow the directions given by school staff to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
- Promote a Safe and Orderly Environment: Work together with staff and peers to maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful school atmosphere.
- Meet Dress and Grooming Standards: Adhere to the school's standards for dress and grooming to foster a positive and respectful school environment.
- Respect Property: Treat both personal and school property with care. Handle all property responsibly and avoid damage or misuse.
- Maintain Academic Integrity: Uphold academic honesty by refraining from cheating, plagiarism, or any form of dishonesty in your work.
- Use Appropriate Language: Communicate respectfully, avoiding language that is vulgar, profane, obscene, lewd, or otherwise inappropriate.
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences depend upon the seriousness of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record. Consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor violations up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses. Behavior that also violates the law may be referred to law enforcement authorities.
D. DISCIPLINE
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in positive and restorative interventions and/or disciplinary action. School administrators have the discretion to tailor discipline to the facts and circumstances of the particular situation. Disciplinary consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses.
The following limitations on expulsions and out-of-school suspensions for students in grade 5 or below:
- Students in grade five or below may only be expelled for violations of the federal Gun-Free Schools Act, as provided in 20-A MRSA § 1001(9-A). The Superintendent may determine on a case-by-case basis that an expulsion is not required, and will communicate the decision in writing to the student and parent/guardian.
- Students in grade five or below may not receive an out-of-school suspension except when a student a) has violated the federal Gun-Free Schools Act or b) presents an imminent danger of serious physical injury to the student or others, and it is determined that less restrictive interventions would be ineffective.
- Any out-of-school suspension of a student in grade five or below can be no longer than three school days.
Recess may not be withheld as a consequence of violating this Code of Conduct by any student, except when recess is the only time when restorative interventions can occur.
E. EXPECTATIONS
The following table lists references to policies adopted by the Board that outline expectations for student behavior. Students, parents/guardians, and others should refer to the Board policies and student handbooks for detailed information about the expectations and consequences.
Behavior Category |
Related Policies |
Violence and Threats |
JICIA – Weapons |
JICK – Student Protection from Bullying |
|
EBCC – Bomb Threats |
|
Weapons |
JICIA – Weapons |
Bullying |
JICIA – Weapons |
JICK – Student Protection from Bullying |
|
Hazing |
ACAD – Hazing |
Discrimination and Harassment/Sexual Harassment |
AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action |
ACAA –Harassment and Discrimination of Students |
|
Drug and Alcohol Use |
JICH – Student Substance Use |
Tobacco Use |
ADC – Tobacco-Free Schools Policy |
Conduct on School Buses |
JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses or Other District-Provided Transportation |
Computer/Internet Use |
IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use |
Discipline |
JK – Student Discipline |
JKD – Suspension of Students |
|
JKE – Expulsion of Students |
|
JKF – Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities |
F. ATHLETIC/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students must follow all M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board policies and school rules while participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. Students who violate policies and rules may be subject to suspension or removal from the team/activity as well as additional disciplinary action under applicable Board policies and/or school rules.
G. REMOVAL OF DISRUPTIVE/VIOLENT/THREATENING STUDENTS
- Students who are disruptive, violent or threatening death or bodily harm to others may be removed from classrooms, school buses, or other school property when necessary to maintain order and safety. The staff member who orders the student removed should arrange to have the student escorted to the office or other designated location.
- If a student does not comply with a staff member’s order to leave, the staff member will contact an administrator, or, if not available, another suitable person, who shall respond promptly.
- Staff members should not use force or restraint, except only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm. Staff members are not required to take action that puts them at risk of serious injury.
- The responding administrator will take appropriate action. If the student fails to obey verbal directions, force or restraint may be used only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm or to quell a disturbance. Whenever practicable, law enforcement should be called to restrain or physically remove the non-compliant student. The administrator may invoke the school unit’s emergency management plan if appropriate.
H. SPECIAL SERVICES
- Referral. The school unit has adopted policies and procedures for determining when a student shall be referred for special services.
- Review of Individual Educational Plan (IEP). The school shall schedule a meeting to review the IEP of a student who has been removed from class when: a) school officials and/or the parent/guardian believes the student may present a substantial likelihood of injury to themself or others; b) the class removals are sufficient to constitute a change in the student’s special education program; or c) school officials or the parent/guardian believes that the student’s behavior may warrant a change in educational programming.
I. REFERRALS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
The Superintendent and principals have the authority to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when there is a substantial threat to the safety of any individual and/or the schools, students or staff. The Superintendent/principals may also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state or federal statute. All serious offenses, as determined by the Superintendent, must be reported to law enforcement authorities.
J. DISSEMINATION OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The Student Code of Conduct and summary of consequences for violation of the Code of Conduct shall be distributed to staff, students, and parents/guardians through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators.
LEGAL REFERENCE:
- 20-A MRSA §§ 254 (11); 1001 (15)
- Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior in Maine
- Schools and Communities (Report of the Commission for Ethical and Responsible Behavior, 2/01)
CROSS REFERENCE:
- AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
- ACAA-2020 – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students
- ACAA-2024 – Harassment and Discrimination of Students
- ACAD – Hazing
- ADAA – School System Commitment to Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior
- ADC – Tobacco-Free Schools Policy
- EBCC – Bomb Threats
- IHBAA – Referral and Use of General Education Interventions
- IHBAC – Child Find
- IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use
- JFCF – Hazing
- JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses or Other District-Provided Transportation
- JICIA – Weapons
- JICH – Student Substance Use
- JICK – Student Protection from Bullying
- JK – Student Discipline
- JKD – Suspension of Students
- JKE – Expulsion of Students
- JKF – Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities
FIRST READING: December 12, 2024
SECOND READING: January 9, 2025
ADOPTION: January 9, 2025