Consequences of Student Misconduct

  • RANGE OF CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT

    The decision to charge a student for violation of this Student Conduct Behavior Code shall be made by the administration of the local school. The range of consequences for misconduct that can be assigned by a local school administrator and staff may include:

    Level I Discipline (Minor Consequences)

    Level I discipline is used for minor acts of misconduct which interfere with the good order of school. Following appropriate teacher intervention and/or positive preventive measures, students may be referred to an administrator. Consequences range from an administrative conference to three (3) days of out-of-school suspension.

    Level II Discipline (Major Consequences)

    Level II discipline is used for intermediate acts of misconduct which interfere with the good order of school. Students should be referred to an administrator. Consequences will involve any combination of in-school or out-of-school suspensions ranging from four (4) to nine (9) days.

    The only exception to this "combination" shall be for those first-time offenders or students identified by the administration of the Level II violations listed in Rule 7. Those first-offenders or students identified by the administration may receive a nine-day out-of-school suspension, which will be reduced to three days if the student and parent opt to participate in the CLFC Program or similar program (see Section 21.1).

    Level III Discipline (Severe Consequences)

    Level III discipline is used for serious acts of misconduct. Students should be referred to an administrator. The consequence for these acts of misconduct is up to a 10-day out-of-school suspension pending a disciplinary hearing for consideration of long-term suspension, placement in an alternative program, or permanent expulsion.

    Long-Term Suspension Re-entry Requirements

    The Gwinnett Board of Education, Hearing Officer, or a Disciplinary Panel may impose long-term suspension and refer the student to an alternative school program. The purpose of the alternative school program is to provide students with an opportunity to continue their education and learn how to control the behaviors that have resulted in their being suspended from the regular day school program. The alternative school program is designed to improve the likelihood that the student will return to a regular day or GED program, able to conduct himself or herself in a manner that is not disrespectful, disobedient nor disruptive, and does not threaten the safety and welfare of others.

    If the student fails to attend an alternative school program or is not given the option to attend an alternative school program or does not complete the term of suspension, a readmission review will be held at the local school before the student may be enrolled.

    The student must provide evidence of at least three (3) of the following to the Office of Student Discipline:

    Completion of a course of study through correspondence or some other accredited educational program or home school;
    Thirty hours of volunteer service to a community or religious organization during the suspension period;
    Part-time employment during the term of suspension;
    A student may submit an essay (minimum 300 words) reviewing the incident that brought the student before a disciplinary hearing, discussing what lessons have been learned and explaining why he/she wants to return to school;
    Letters of reference from at least three sources other than a relative attesting to the student's good behavior and fitness to return to school;
    Documentation that the student has sought assistance from a community or private health organization concerning the student's fitness to return to school;
    Any other documentary evidence to indicate that the student has been in pursuit of learning, has not engaged in any criminal misconduct, has contributed to the good of the community in some way, or any other evidence that established that the student desires to complete his/her education and will obey the disciplinary rules of the Board of Education.
    Rights of Students

    Students shall have the right to:

    Pursue a successful education in a safe environment without disruption;

    Receive fair and equitable treatment without discrimination in every aspect of the educational system;

    Be treated respectfully and as an individual; and

    Be informed of their rights, responsibilities and discipline policies.

    Responsibilities of Students

    All students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a safe learning environment within the school. Students shall have the responsibility to:

    Attend school regularly, arrive on time, and bring materials;

    Respect the personal, civil and property rights of others;

    Put forth conscientious effort in classroom work and homework;

    Groom and dress appropriately;

    Have knowledge of and conform to school rules and regulations;

    Not use indecent, obscene or foul language; and

    Report incidents or activities that may threaten or disrupt the school environment.