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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Student and Athlete Conduct Behavior Code

Gwinnett County Public Schools (“GCPS” or “District”) is committed to creating a safe, positive environment for all of our students, staff, parents, stakeholders, and community partners. GCPS will work to ensure that all students and staff are well-motivated, fully aware of their potential, and dedicated to pursuing excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior. GCPS believes that all children can thrive in a safe learning environment where students are emotionally and physically safe. The District utilizes a range of activities to recognize, celebrate, and reward positive behavior at the classroom, school, and district levels. 

In addition to this Student Behavior Conduct Code (“Code”), GCPS has various policies that govern conduct in the District. Find a copy of the Student Behavior Conduct Code on the district website at www.gcpsk12.org. Families also may call the Chief of Staff at 678- 301-6005. 

Purpose of the Code 

GCPS has adopted this Code to support the creation of a safe learning environment for all members of the school community. The purpose of this Code is to state clearly our standards for acceptable conduct of students. The Code also explains the consequences of not meeting these standards of conduct. This Code establishes a strict policy for conduct that endangers the safety of the schools and/or disrupts the educational experience for other students. GCPS does not permit corporal punishment. 

The Code also sets forth the discipline procedures for the students who have committed violations of the Code. This Code is not meant to be a contract between the District and the students and may be amended at any time. It is a place for GCPS to explain certain policies applicable to students. 

Scope of the Code 

Everyone is entitled to a safe, secure, and orderly environment in which to learn and work. The rules and regulations in this Code are designed toward that end and are effective during the following times and places:

  1. On school grounds at any time;
  2. Off school grounds at a school bus stop, on a school bus, or other GCPS provided transportation vehicle;
  3. Off school grounds when the misconduct constitutes an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school official or employee. (O.C.G.A. §  20-2-751.6)
  4. Off school grounds when the behavior of a student (1) could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony or which could result in a felony criminal charge if committed by an adult; and which (2) makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to person or property at school or which disrupts the educational process. (O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.5(c)).
  5. Off school grounds at a school related function.  School related functions include any activity sponsored by or associated with an individual GCPS school or the GCPS system.  School related functions include, but are not limited to, virtual meetings, virtual classes, athletic and extracurricular events, athletic and extracurricular practices, athletic and extracurricular meetings, athletic and extracurricular conferences, field trips, camps, foreign language trips, booster club meetings and events, parent-teacher organization meetings and events, and any activity designed to enhance the school curriculum.
  6. Off school grounds when the misconduct constitutes bullying by use of data or software that is accessed through Gwinnett County Public Schools computer(s), computer system(s), computer network(s), or electronic technology. (O.C.G.A. §  20-2-751.4) 
  7. Off school grounds when the misconduct constitutes cyberbullying.  (O.C.G.A. §  20-2-751.4)
  8. Off school grounds and during school hours when a student leaves without permission (AWOL) of a school official.
  9. Off school grounds when the student has been convicted of, been adjudicated to have committed, been indicted for, or had information filed for the commission of any felony or any delinquent act under Code Sections 15-11-602 and 15-11-707 which would be a felony if committed by an adult.

The rules of this Code do not apply to:

  1. Student speech that occurs off campus if the speech is at a non-school-sponsored event and does not cause or is not likely to cause a material and substantia disruption to the school environment or a school activity.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The District complies with all federal, state, and local laws and provides an equal opportunity for all students. GCPS prohibits discrimination in admission, grading, discipline, and any other activity based on race, creed, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation (known or perceived), gender identity expression (known or perceived), sex, handicap, nationality, or citizenship. All decisions of GCPS will be administered without regard to any of the categories listed above. Any student who believes they have been discriminated against, or any parent or guardian who believes their child has been discriminated against, is invited and encouraged to contact their local school Title IX Coordinator or the GCPS Department of Employee Relations (Title IX) to file a complaint. 

The rules in this Code are designed to notify students (grades K–12) as to the types of behaviors that are not acceptable; nevertheless, every specific variation of the prohibited conduct may not have been included. Consequently, students should expect to be disciplined for misconduct that is obviously inappropriate. A specific rule need not be written for every conceivable variation of behavior that directly affects the orderly mission of the school. 

References to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated 

References to Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) included in the Student Behavior Conduct Code do not require that the elements of the specific criminal code section referenced be proved beyond a reasonable doubt before schools may punish misconduct. Further, these code references do not impose any additional intent requirements upon schools pursuing discipline against students for the violation of this Code.

When a school rule is violated that may also be a violation of the law, the schools may notify the School Resource Officer (SRO) who will review the incident for possible criminal charges or notification of the District Attorney.

Student Behavior Conduct Code 

The following is general information regarding discipline: 

  1. A principal, or other personnel designated to perform the duties normally performed by the principal, may suspend a student for violation of school rules or for any other act of misconduct or insubordination for a period not exceeding ten (10) school days. Oral notice and an opportunity to discuss the matter with the principal or an assistant principal must be given to the student as soon as is practicable, and written notice (disciplinary referral) stating the reason for suspension shall be given to parents or guardians within a reasonable time, not to exceed one school day. 

  1. Students under short-term suspension (1–10 days), long-term suspension (10 or more days), or expulsion are not allowed on any Gwinnett County school campus or to attend any school activity, function, or event. Students assigned to in-school suspension are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities on the date of their ISS assignment. 

  1. All dangerous weapons, instruments, or controlled substances confiscated by school authorities are to be turned into Safety and Security. 

  1. A student is considered to be in possession of an illegal and/or banned item(s) or substance(s) when such item(s) or substance(s) is found on the person of the student, in their possession, in their locker, in a student’s vehicle on school property, or in any vehicle a student brought on school property, on property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, or any school event held away from the school. 

  1. Students are prohibited from engaging in gang/hate group or hazing related activities in school. 

  1. School administrators and/or their designated representatives possess the authority to conduct a reasonable search of students, including, but not limited to, their possessions, lockers, and vehicles when on school property, on property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, or at any school event held away from the school if it is established there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal a violation of the law, the Student Behavior Conduct Code, or local school rules. 

  1. A student may be considered a party to a violation of the Student Behavior Conduct Code and disciplined for the underlying offense where the student: (1) Directly violates the Student Behavior Conduct Code; (2) Intentionally causes some other person to commit a violation of the Student Behavior Conduct Code; (3) Intentionally aids or abets another in a violation of the Student Behavior Conduct Code; or (4) Intentionally advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to commit a violation of the Student Behavior Conduct Code. A student may be considered a party to a violation of the Student Behavior Conduct Code even where the underlying actors are not students subject to the Code. 

  1. Certain violations of the Student Behavior Conduct Code may also be violations of state law and juvenile authorities, or other law enforcement agencies may address the student’s misconduct in accordance with state laws, in addition to the school system’s administrative procedures and regulations. 

  1. Students are to notify an administrator or staff member when suspected illegal items, dangerous items, or other items banned from school are found in the school building, on the school campus, or on the school bus. Students are advised not to pick up or handle illegal, dangerous, banned, or unidentified items. 

  1. Students who are under suspension or expulsion through spring semester will not be allowed to participate in any school-sponsored activities, including the prom, graduation exercises, or baccalaureate ceremonies. 

  1. Students should recognize their responsibility to know the contents of this student discipline handbook information and to ask the local school administration or staff for any clarification. All students, regardless of age, are subject to the rules and regulations of the Gwinnett County Public Schools. Each local school will review the contents of this handbook with its students. 

  1. State law requires that certain criminal offenses committed by a student while on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event be reported to the principal, school superintendent, appropriate law enforcement authority, and the District Attorney. (O.C.G.A. § 20-2- 1184). 

  1. Georgia law makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, distribute, disperse, or possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance or marijuana in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any public or private elementary school, secondary school, or school board used for elementary or secondary education. Any person who violates or conspires to violate this code section shall be guilty of a felony. (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-32.4) 

  1. Students coming from DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice) placement or incarceration for longer than 30 school days will be remanded to transition through the GIVE Centers as a first step back toward their local school. The Office of Student Discipline shall determine the length of the transition. 

  1. During the regular school year, students who are on long-term suspension from their regular school and who are currently enrolled at the GIVE Centers are allowed to enroll in online courses, with approval of the GIVE Centers’ administration. Students not enrolled at the GIVE Centers will not be allowed to enroll. GIVE students must pay for online courses taken during summer school. 

  1. After a disciplinary tribunal has been held, textbooks, materials, or equipment belonging to the local school must be returned to a school administrator at their local school. 

  1. The Unsafe School Choice Option provides students at schools classified as “persistently dangerous” with the option of transferring to another school. Major offenses, including, but not limited to, drug and weapon offenses, can lead to a school being named “persistently dangerous” or unsafe pursuant to State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.16. 

Student Behavior Conduct Code

Student Infractions and Behavioral Responses 

SRO Notification: Rules marked with an “X” require the local school administrator to notify the SRO. If a rule is marked with “XX,” the SRO will notify the District Attorney’s office. 

Rule 1: Disruption and Interference with School 

No student shall cause or attempt to cause (either directly or indirectly) a disruption or interference with school by any means including, but not limited to, any of the following behaviors: 

Rule 1 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

1A 

Pull fire alarm; 

IV or 

 

1B 

Occupy or block any area on campus, prevent or attempt to prevent students from attending a class, school activity or event; 

III or III 

 

1C Except under the direct instruction of the principal, block or attempt to block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus or adjacent grounds; III  

1DA 

School disruption. A student may not in any manner, by use of violence, noise, force, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, insult, or other conduct, intentionally or unintentionally cause the disruption of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

1DB 

Class disruption. Student behavior that is repetitive or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to teach and/or students’ ability to learn; 

I, II or III 

 

1DC 

Disorderly conduct. Any act that substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment, or poses a threat to the health, safety and/or welfare of one or more students, staff members and/or others; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

1E 

Refuse to identify himself/herself upon request of any teacher, principal, 

superintendent, school bus driver, or other school personnel; 

III 

 

1F 

Urge, encourage, or counsel other students to violate any rules of the Student Conduct Behavior CodeStudent Behavior Conduct Code; 

II or III 

 

1H 

Be on campus or enter the premises of a school without proper authorization of the superintendent, principal, or other school personnel; 

III 

 

1I 

Dress inappropriately (including drug, alcohol, or tobacco advertisements, graffiti, tattoos, etc.) (A list of each prohibited item is available at each local school); 

I or II 

 

1J 

Willfully fails to leave the premises after being told to do so; 

III or 

IV 

 

1Z 

Other (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

Mandatory Reporting of Repeated and Substantial Class Interference 

Teachers in Gwinnett County Public Schools are required to report any student’s violation of the Student Behavior Conduct Code which repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in their class or with the ability of the students in their class to learn. Teachers shall report any such incidents to the principal or the principal’s designee within one school day of the most recent occurrence of such behavior. Such report shall not exceed one page and shall describe the behavior. The principal or the principal’s designee shall, within one day of receiving such report, send to the student’s parents or guardians a copy of the report, and information regarding how the principal or the principal’s designee may be contacted. See O.C.G.A. § 20-2-737. 

Student Removal from Class 

A teacher may remove or refer to the principal or designee a student from class if the student has exhibited behavior that repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to teach students in their class or the ability of other students to learn in the class. See O.C.G.A. § 20-2-738(a- h). 

Where a teacher has previously filed a report of a student’s repeated or substantial interference with the classroom or where the behavior of a student poses an immediate threat to the safety of student’s classmates or the teacher, the teacher shall have the authority to remove the student from the classroom pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-738. 

Each school will have a placement review committee. The placement review committee shall be responsible for determining the appropriate placement of a student when the principal recommends that the student be returned to the classroom, and the teacher withholds consent for the student’s return. The placement review committee shall consist of three members, including two teachers and one alternate teacher chosen by the faculty, and a member of the professional staff chosen by the principal. See O.C.G.A. 
§ 20-2-738(d). 

Rule 2: Damage, Destruction, or Misuse of School Property or Equipment 

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or alter/misuse school technology or any other equipment, including accessing unauthorized areas on the computer. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal school property. A student shall not engage in authorized access/alteration of school/teacher/student records maintained by GCPS. A student shall not possess, sell, use, buy, or transmit stolen school property or attempt to possess, sell, use, buy, or transmit stolen school property. 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 2 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

2A 

Damage or vandalize school property; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

2BA 

Steal school property (valued at less than $300); 

II or III 

 

2CA 

Engage in larceny/theft of school property (valued at $300 or more); 

III, IV 

or V 

 

2DA 

Possess, use, sell, buy, or transmit stolen school property (valued at less than $300); 

II or III 

 

2DC 

Possess, use, sell, buy, or transmit stolen school property (valued at $300 or more); 

III, IV 

or V 

 

2I 

Alter/misuse technology or any other equipment, hardware or software or school web site/page; 

II or III 

 

2J 

Engage in computer trespass (accessing unauthorized areas on the computer/software); 

III 

 

2JB 

Unauthorized accessing/altering school/teacher/student records maintained by GCPS; 

IV or V 

 

2K 

Commit First Degree Arson- Knowingly damage or knowingly cause, aid, advise, encourage, hire, counsel, or procure another to damage, by means of fire or explosive, any building, vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, aircraft, or other structure: (a) that is insured without the consent of the insurer and the insured; or (b) under such circumstances that it is reasonably foreseeable that human life might be endangered; [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

2L 

Undertake breaking and entering and/or burglary; 

IV or 

2M 

Commit arson (by means of fire or explosive a person knowingly damages or knowingly causes, aids, abets, advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to do damage); 

IV or V 

2N 

Rob or attempt to rob by using violence, threat, or intimidation; 

IV or 

2O 

Commit armed robbery (with intent to commit theft, a person takes property of another by use of any offensive weapon or replica, article, or device having the appearance of such weapon); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

2P 

Compromising test security of an international, national, state, or county standardized test; (See note below); 

IV or 

 

2Z 

Other; (list) 

I, II or III 

 

Rule 3: Damage, Destruction, or Misuse of Private Property 

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to private property or steal or attempt to steal private property. A student shall not possess, sell, use, buy, or transmit stolen private property on school grounds. Further, off school grounds, a student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to private property belonging to a school employee where such theft or damage is on account of that school employee’s performance of their official duties. A student shall not sell or buy or attempt to sell or buy personal property on school grounds. 

 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 3 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

3AA 

Damage or vandalize the private property of another person (valued at less than $300); 

II or 

III 

 

3AC 

Damage or vandalize private property (valued at $300 or more); 

III, IV 

or V 

 

3BA 

Steal the private property of another person (valued at less than $300); 

II or 

III 

 

3CA 

Possess, use, sell, buy, or transmit stolen property (valued at less than $300); 

II or III 

 

3CD 

Possess, use, sell, buy, or transmit stolen property (valued at $300 or 

more); 

III, IV 

or V 

 

3H 

Commit First Degree Arson-Knowingly damage or knowingly cause, aid, advise, encourage, hire, counsel, or procure another to damage, by means of fire or explosive, any building, vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, aircraft, or other structure: (a) that is insured without the consent of the insurer and the insured; or (b) under such circumstances that it is reasonably foreseeable that human life might be endangered; [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

3J 

Buy or sell personal property; 

I, II or 

III 

 

3LA 

Engage in larceny/theft of private property (valued at $300 or more); 

III, IV 

or V 

 

3M 

Steal or attempt to steal a motor vehicle; 

IV or 

3N 

Rob or attempt to rob using violence, threat, or intimidation; 

IV or V 

3O 

Commit armed robbery (with intent to commit theft, a person takes property of another by use of an offensive weapon or any replica, article, or device having the appearance of such weapon); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

3P 

Commit arson (by means of fire or explosive a person knowingly damages or knowingly causes, aids, abets, advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to do damage); 

IV or V 

3Z 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

Rule 4: Abuse, Threats, Intimidation, Assault, or Battery on a School

Employee SECTION A: 

A student shall not make oral or written communication, create a document, or make a symbolic gesture or contact of a threatening, undermining, or provoking nature to or about a school employee or in the presence of a school employee. This includes, but is not limited to, disrespectful conduct, insult, use of profanity, ethnic, racial, sexual, disability, or religious slur, or harassment and includes the development of a “hit list,” “people to kill,” “people to shoot,” or a statement about bringing a weapon to school and injuring people. 

The prohibited behaviors below include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 4 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

4AA 

Oral threat/verbal assault (oral speech that creates, or is intended to create, a fear of physical harm) 

III, IV 

or V 

 

4AB 

Written threat; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

4AC 

Rude and/or disrespectful conduct including but not limited to symbolic gestures and insults; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

4AE 

Cyberbullying. Bullying (as defined by state law and in Rule 5) that involves the use of electronic communication, including, but not limited to, communication devices and services, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, cameras, computers, social media platforms, text messages, chat platforms, and internet sites that originate on school property or involve the use of school equipment, including, but not limited to acts that occur within a school sponsored online activity.

III, IV 

or V 

 

4AF 

Use of profanity; 

III 

 

4AG 

Ethnic, racial, sexual, religious, or disability slur; 

III 

 

4AL 

Harassment - Repeated words (verbal or written), conduct, or action that annoys, alarms, or causes distress and serves no legitimate purpose; 

IV or 

 

4AM 

Any expression (oral, written, or gesture) which has the effect of undermining the authority of the school employee or distracting staff and/or students from the learning environment, including writings of a threatening or provoking nature; 

III 

 

4AN 

Terroristic threats (threatening to commit any crime of violence, release any hazardous substance, or to burn or damage property with the purpose of terrorizing another, with the purpose of causing the evacuation of a building, with the purpose of causing serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror, the evacuation of a building, or serious public inconvenience); 

4AO 

Posturing to inflict physical harm. Any action or gesture directed toward a school employee that places the school employee in reasonable fear of immediate physical harm; 

IV or V 

 

4AZ 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

SECTION B: 

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury or behave in such a way that could reasonably cause physical injury or make physical contact of a threatening or provoking nature to a school employee. 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 4 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

4BB 

Behavior that unintentionally caused physical injury to employee; 

III 

 

4BC 

Intentional physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature to employee; 

4BD 

Aggravated battery (maliciously causing bodily harm to another by depriving them of a member of their body, or by rendering a member of their body useless, or by seriously disfiguring their body or a member thereof); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

4BE 

Homicide/murder; [Rule may only be charged w/consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

4BF 

Kidnapping (seizure, transportation, and/or detention of a person against their will); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

4BG 

Voluntary manslaughter; [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

4BH 

Enter without permission the private property of a school employee and/or deface/damage/vandalize such property; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

4BI 

Intentional physical contact that caused physical harm to an employee; 

XX 

4BK 

Violence against a teacher or teachers; 

IV or 

4BZ 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

Rules 4BA-4BZ also apply off school grounds when the misconduct by the alleged perpetrator is because of the school employee’s performance of their official duties. 

Intentional Physical Contact with a Teacher, Bus Driver, or Other School Employee 

Any student who intentionally makes physical contact of a threatening or provoking nature with a teacher, bus driver, school official, or other school employee shall be suspended and brought to a disciplinary tribunal. 

The minimum penalty for a student found in violation of Rule 4BC shall be suspension from public school until the end of the school year. Any tribunal finding a student in violation of Rule 4BC may impose a more severe penalty in its discretion. This minimum penalty shall not be applied in conflict with federal law. 

Any student found in violation of Rule 4BI shall be expelled from the public school system for the remainder of their eligibility to attend public school. The following exceptions apply: (1) The Board of Education, in its discretion may allow a student found in violation of Rule 4BI to attend the alternative school, (2) The Board of Education, in its discretion and upon the recommendation of the disciplinary tribunal, may allow a student in grades 6-8 to return to the public school system for grades 9-12, (3) The Board of Education, in its discretion, may allow a student in grades K-5 to return to the public school system, (4) Permanent expulsion will not be imposed where this penalty would infringe any right created under federal law, and (5) Permanent expulsion will not be imposed where the student acts in defense as provided in O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21. See O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.6; § 20-2-751.4. 

Rule 5: Abuse, Threats, Intimidation, Assault, or Battery by a Student on another Student or to Any Other Person Not Employed by the School 

SECTION A: 

A student shall not make oral or written communication, create a document, or make a symbolic gesture or contact of a threatening, distracting, or provoking nature to or about a person/student or in the presence of a person/student. This includes but is not limited to bullying, disrespectful conduct, insult, use of profanity, ethnic, racial, sexual, disability, or religious slur, or harassment and includes the development of a “hit list,” “people to kill,” “people to shoot,” or a statement about bringing a weapon to school and injuring people. 

The prohibited behaviors below include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 5 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

5AA 

Oral threat/verbal assault (oral speech that creates, or is intended to create, a fear of physical harm) 

II or 

III 

 

5AB 

Written threat; 

II or III 

 

5AC 

Rude and/or disrespectful conduct including but not limited to symbolic gestures or insults; 

II or 

III 

 

5AD 

Bullying (See note below on bullying and state law.); 

II or 

III* 

 

5AE 

Cyberbullying. Bullying (as defined by state law and in Rule 5) that involves the use of electronic communication, including, but not limited to, communication devices and services, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, cameras, computers, social media platforms, text messages, chat platforms, and internet sites that originate on school property or involve the use of school equipment, including, but not limited to acts that occur within a school sponsored online activity.

III, IV 

or V* 

 

5AF 

Use of profanity; 

I, II or 

III 

 

5AG 

Ethnic, racial, sexual, religious or disability slur; 

II or 

III 

 

5AL 

Harassment - Repeated words (verbal or written), conduct, or action that annoys, alarms, or causes distress and serves no legitimate purpose; 

II or III 

 

5AO 

Posturing to fight; 

II or III 

 

5AR 

Terroristic threats (threatening to commit any crime of violence, release any hazardous substance, or to burn or damage property with the purpose of terrorizing another, with the purpose of causing the evacuation of a building, with the purpose of causing serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror, the evacuation of a building, or serious public inconvenience) 

IV or V 

5AZ  Other (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

*State law defines "bullying" as: 1) any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; 2) any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily injury or harm; or 3) any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate that: a) causes substantial physical harm or visible harm; b) substantially interferes with a student's education; c) is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating/threatening educational environment; or d) substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Upon finding that a student in grades 6-12 has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, such student shall be assigned to an alternative school. (O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.4) Retaliation for reports of bullying will not be tolerated and will be subject to independent disciplinary action. 

SECTION B: 

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury or behave in such a way as could reasonably cause bodily injury to any student/person. A student shall not engage in any behavior that threatens the safety or well-being of another person or has the likelihood of provoking a fight. 

The prohibited behaviors below include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 5 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

5BA 

Pushing and shoving; 

I, II or 

III 

 

5BB 

Fighting; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

5BC 

Battery (when one individual physically attacks or beats up on another individual.); 

IV or 

 

5BE 

Behavior that caused physical injury to another student; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

5BF 

Physical contact of a threatening or provoking nature to another student; 

I, II, III 

 

5BG 

Aggravated battery (maliciously causing bodily harm to another by depriving them of a member of their body, or by rendering a member of their body useless, or by seriously disfiguring their body or a member thereof); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

5BH 

Homicide/murder; [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

5BI 

Kidnapping (seizure, transportation, and/or detention of a person against h their will); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

5BK 

Hazing (as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in any school or school organization, subjecting a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health or emotional wellbeing of a student, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in such activity) 

III, IV 

or V 

 

5BM 

Voluntary manslaughter (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

5BZ 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

Rule 6: Weapons, Dangerous Instruments, and Explosive or Implosive Devices 

A student shall not solicit to buy or sell, or buy or sell or possess, handle, transmit, threaten with or discharge/use, any object that can reasonably be considered or converted to and/or used as a weapon such as, but not limited to knives; guns; pellet guns; brass knuckles; fireworks; lighters, tear gas, mace, explosives, pepper spray; bats (other than for athletics); clubs, sticks or other instruments of a bludgeoning type; Chinese stars; razors; projectiles and the like. 

The prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 6 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

6A 

Knife less than 2 inches; 

IV or V 

XX 

6B 

Knife 2 inches or more; 

XX 

6C 

Handgun; 

XX 

6D 

Rifle or shotgun; 

XX 

6EA 

BB/pellet/airsoft/paintball gun; 

XX 

6EB 

BB/pellet/airsoft/paintball rifle; 

XX 

6F 

Toy or any look-a-like gun; 

II or III 

XX 

6G 

Destructive device (bomb, grenade, mine, rocket, missile pipe bomb or similar device); 

XX 

6H 

Brass knuckles or metal knucks; 

IV or V 

XX 

6I 

Fireworks; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

6IA 

Accelerants (any liquid/aerosol, etc. which may be used to perpetuate or start a fire or other hazardous condition); 

III, IV 

or V 

6K 

Tear gas, mace or pepper spray; 

III, IV 

or V 

XX 

6L 

Bats, clubs, sticks or other instruments of a bludgeoning type (other than for athletics); 

III, IV 

or V 

XX 

6N 

Razors or razor blades; 

IV or V 

XX 

6O 

Spring stick/expandable baton; 

IV or V 

XX 

6P 

Blackjack; 

IV or V 

XX 

6Q 

Nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, fighting chain (any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely); 

IV or V 

XX 

6R 

Throwing star, oriental dart, or any disc having two or more points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled; 

IV or V 

XX 

6S 

Taser/stun gun; 

IV or V 

6Z 

Other: (list) 

I, II or III 

Possession of a Firearm, Dangerous Weapon or Hazardous Object on School Property or at School Functions 

Students are prohibited from possessing firearms (including a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or electrical charge), dangerous weapons (as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121) or hazardous objects (as defined by O.C.G.A. § 20- 2-751), while on school property or at school functions. A student shall be excluded from school for one calendar year for possessing on school grounds or at a school function a firearm or a dangerous weapon (as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121), provided that all tribunal officers, tribunals, panels, administrators, the superintendent and the Gwinnett County Board of Education shall have the discretion to impose a lesser or more harsh, appropriate consequence on a case by case basis for any such offense. Any student possessing a hazardous object (as defined by the O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751), while on school property or at school functions shall receive disciplinary consequences in the discretion of the tribunal officer, tribunal, panel, administrator, the superintendent or the Gwinnett County Board of Education and consistent with the Gwinnett County Board of Education's policies and procedures. See O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751; § 20-2-751.1. 

 

Rule 7: Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Vaping SECTION A: 

A student shall not be involved in any substance, drug, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping transaction, including, without limitation to buy, possess, sell, use, transmit, solicit; attempt to buy, possess, sell, use, or transmit; or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, depressant, or stimulant drug including without limitation caffeine pills, hallucinogenic drug, anabolic steroid, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, inhalant, alcoholic beverage, vaping product, or intoxicant of any kind. A student shall not possess, sell, buy, or transmit, or attempt to sell, buy, or transmit any substance under the pretense that it is, in fact, a prohibited substance as described in this rule. The misuse or unauthorized possession of a prescription drug or nonprescription drug shall be considered a violation of this rule; however, this rule shall not apply to proper possession and/or use of a drug as authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician. 

The prohibited substances and behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 7 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

7AA 

Alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind; 

IV or V 

7AB 

Amphetamine/methamphetamine drug [schedule II]; 

XX 

7AC 

Hallucinogenic drug [schedule I] [ex. peyote, PCP, etc.]; 

XX 

7AD 

Anabolic steroid [schedule III]; 

XX 

7AE 

Controlled drug or controlled substance [ex. Ritalin, Adderall, Phenobarbital, Percocet, OxyContin, Xanax, etc.]; 

IV or V 

XX 

7AF 

Cannabis (including but without limitation to marijuana, hemp, THC, etc.); 

IV or V 

XX 

7AG 

LSD [schedule I]; 

XX 

7AH 

Cocaine [schedule II]; 

XX 

7AJ 

Heroin [schedule I]; 

XX 

7AK 

Inhalants* (any volatile solvents, aerosols, anesthetics, or volatile nitrites) 

[ex. glue, paint thinner, hair spray, Pam, ether, etc.]; 

IV or V 

XX 

7AL 

Over the counter (OTC) drugs [ex. NoDoz, Vivarin, asthma medicines, energy/diet pills, aspirins, herb pills, etc.]; 

III, IV 

or V 

XX 

7AN 

Look alike substance (under the pretense); 

IV or V 

XX 

7AO 

Cannabis (selling— including possession of cannabis that is packaged for distribution or possession of one ounce or more); 

XX 

7AP 

Offering, requesting and/or receiving of a substance; 

III, IV 

or V 

XX 

7AQ 

Furnishing/providing/selling of a substance; 

IV or V 

XX 

7AR 

Non-controlled Prescription Drugs [ex. Prozac, Seroquel, Amoxicillin, etc.]; 

III, IV 

or V 

XX 

7AZ 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

XX 

* SELF-ADMINISTRATION of asthma medication and prescription auto-injectable epinephrine is permitted with written parent/guardian approval and required documentation to the principal or his or her designee. See administration for completion of proper county form/procedures. 

SECTION B: 

A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, buy or solicit any drug-related paraphernalia, any tobacco- related paraphernalia, or any vaping-related paraphernalia, which includes, but is not limited to, pipes, water pipes, clips, rolling papers, electronic smoking devices, or any other items related to drug use, tobacco use, vaping, or depicting drugs, drug use, tobacco use, vaping or tobacco use except where such items are related to approved curriculum. 

The prohibited paraphernalia include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 7 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

7BA 

Pipes, water pipes, clips, rolling papers, or other objects used for 

drug use; 

III 

XX 

7BB 

Photographs, drawings or depictions of drugs, drug use, or objects 

used for drug use; 

I or II 

 

7BC 

Tobacco paraphernalia (ex. matches, lighters, rolling papers and 

the like); 

III 

 

7BD 

Photographs, drawings or depictions of tobacco, vaping, tobacco use, or objects used for tobacco use or vaping; 

I or II 

 

7BE 

Electronic Smoking or Vaping Device 

III, IV 

or V 

 

7BZ 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

SECTION C: 

A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, buy, or solicit tobacco or nicotine products. The prohibited products include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 7 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

7CA 

Tobacco products (ex. cigarettes, electronic tobacco, or nicotine cartridges (any type), chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, cigars, liquid nicotine— regardless of bio-logical source, electronic cigarette 

vapors— with or without nicotine, etc.); 

III 

 

7CZ 

Other: (list) 

I or II 

 

Rule 8: Disregard of Directions or Commands 

A student shall not fail to comply with reasonable directions or commands of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, administrators, school bus drivers, or other authorized school personnel. 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 8 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

8A 

Failure to follow directions or commands of staff; 

I, II or III 

 

8B 

Failure to follow written directions, local school rules or regulations; 

I, II or III 

 

8C 

Failure to serve an administrative consequence (ex. Administrative Detention, Saturday School); 

III 

 

8Z 

Other: (list) 

I or II 

 

Rule 9: Sexual Misconduct/Indecency

A student shall not engage in any act of sexual harassment of a physical nature or verbal nature. A student shall not perform any act of indecent exposure, lewd exposure, gesture or lewd caress or indecent fondling/touching of the student’s own body or the body of another person, or any act of sexual intercourse. A student shall not use any inappropriate gestures that mimic or imply sexual acts or engage in any acts of “streaking” or “mooning” as those terms are commonly understood. Such acts will not be regarded lightly or considered pranks. 

A student shall not possess, view, copy, sell, buy or transmit printed or non-printed pornographic materials including any non-curricular sexually explicit printed or non-printed materials; or a student shall not possess, view, copy, sell, buy or transmit printed or non-printed pornographic materials including but not limited to non-curricular materials depicting the human male or female genitals or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering or any portion of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering. 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 9 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

9A 

Sexual harassment. Deliberate and unsolicited physical actions, gestures, or verbal or written comments of a sexual nature that are repeated or a single incident of a sufficiently serious nature to create a hostile environment; 

IV or V 

 

9B 

Lewd (sexual) exposure (any act of) (This includes “streaking” and “mooning.”); 

IV or V 

XX 

9C 

Obscene and/or indecent gestures or gestures that mimic or imply sexual intercourse; 

II or 

III 

 

9D 

Lewd caress or indecent fondling or touching of the student’s own body; 

IV or 

XX 

9E 

Lewd caress or indecent fondling or touching of the body of another person; 

IV or 

XX 

9F 

Sexual intercourse; 

IV or 

XX 

9G 

Oral sex or any act of sodomy; 

IV or 

XX 

9H 

Aggravated sexual battery (intentionally penetrating with a foreign object the sexual organ or anus of another person without the consent of that person); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline] 

XX 

9I 

Pornographic materials. Possession or transmission by any means of descriptions, images, recordings, or other materials involving the display of genitals, pubic area, buttocks or breasts; 

II or III 

9IB

Sexually Exploitative/Sexually Explicit materials. Possession or transmission by any means of descriptions, images, recordings or other materials involving (a) sexual acts of any type, (b) exposure of the genitals, pubic 

area, breasts or buttocks of a minor, or (c) other graphic sexual content; 

IV or V 

9IC Recording images of intimate areas. Recording, possession, and/or transmission of images of students or employees that are of a sexual nature and that were taken without the consent of the student or employee;  IV, V  XX 
9J Kissing or any act of intimacy; 

I, II or 

III 

 
9K  Aggravated child molestation. (An offense of child molestation which physically injures the child or involves an act of sodomy); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline]  V XX
9L  Aggravated sodomy (performing or submitting to any sexual act involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another with force and against the will of the other person or when the student commits sodomy with a person who is less than ten years of age); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline]  V XX
9M Rape (a person commits the offense of rape when he has carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will, or a female who is less than 10 years of age. Carnal knowledge in rape occurs when there is any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ); [Rule may only be charged with consultation of Office of Student Discipline]  V XX
9N Sexual battery (intentional physical contact with the intimate parts of the body of another person without the consent of that person);

IV or 

XX
9O Allowing another student/person to commit a lewd or indecent act to the body of oneself; 

IV or 

X
9Z Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

X

NOTE: Sexting (sending and receiving of lewd or pornographic text messages) will be handled under rules 9I, 9IB, and 9IC and may result in a range of consequences from suspension to referral to a disciplinary tribunal. 

Rule 10: Unexcused Absences 

A student shall not be absent from school or from any class or other required school function during required school hours except for illness or other providential cause, except with written permission of the teacher, principal, or other duly authorized school official. A student may not leave school grounds prior to the end of the school day, after their initial arrival on campus, without the permission of a duly authorized school official. 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 10 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

10A 

Tardy to class; 

I or II 

 

10B 

Tardy to school; 

II or III 

 

10C 

AWOL from class (absent without official leave); 

II or III 

 

10D 

AWOL from school; 

II or III 

 

10E 

Unexcused absence (failure to comply with compulsory school attendance law); 

I, II or 

III 

 

10Z 

Other: (list) 

I, II or 

III 

 

Rule 11: Other Conduct which is Subversive to Good Order A student shall not perform any other act which is subversive to good order and discipline in the schools. This includes but is not limited to violation of local school rules; violation of state and federal law; involvement in criminal gang-related behavior and/or criminal gang conduct as defined and prohibited by O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3 and § 16-15-4; providing false information to school personnel; unauthorized possession or inappropriate use of laser pointers, and electronic communications devices (including tape recorders, CD Players, MP3 players, video games, radios and televisions); loitering or trespassing, providing  false information to or about school personnel, providing false information to or about school personnel, or community misconduct that would be so serious as to pose a threat to the school community. 

A student shall not hold oneself out as a member of a criminal street gang identified by the Gwinnett County Gang Taskforce by one’s mode of dress, means, and method of communication, including the use of hand signs or the possession or publication of gang writing/symbols. 

Subject to the rules listed below, the Gwinnett County BOE permits students to possess electronic pagers or communication devices on a limited basis and provides local school principals with the authority to set forth rules pertaining to student possession and use of such devices at their individual schools. 

The prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Rule 11 

Description of Violation 

I or II 

Notify SRO 

11A 

Violation of local school rules (state specific rule); 

I, II or 

III 

 

11C 

Criminal gang-related activity (as defined by O.C.G.A.16-15-3 and 16-15- 4) including but not limited to: (1) Conduct or participate in a criminal street gang through criminal gang activity as defined in O.C.G.A. 16-15-3; 

(2) Acquire, maintain, directly or indirectly, through criminal gang activity or proceeds derived there from any interest in or control of any real or personal property of any nature, including money; (3) Engage in, directly or indirectly, or conspire to engage in criminal gang activity while acting as an organizer, supervisor or other position of management with regard to a criminal street gang; (4) Cause, encourage, solicit, or coerce another to participate in a criminal street gang; (5) Communicate, directly or indirectly, with another any threat of injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or to any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to deter such person from assisting a member or associate of a criminal street gang to withdraw from such criminal street gang; (6) Communicate, directly or indirectly, with another any threat of injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or to any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to punish or retaliate against such person for having withdrawn from a criminal street gang; (7) While employed by or associated with a criminal street gang, commit any offense enumerated in O.C.G.A. 16-15-3 with knowledge that members of such criminal street gang have committed one or more of such offenses; (8) Commit any offense enumerated in O.C.G.A. 16-15- 3 with the intent to maintain or increase their status or position in a criminal street gang; 

III, IV 

or V 

11D 

Retaliating against or deterring a witness. No student shall use threats, physical force, intimidation or violence to deter a student from, or retaliate against a student for: (1) providing information to school staff regarding the violation of the code, the commission of a criminal act or the commission of a delinquent act, or (2) testifying at a school disciplinary tribunal; 

I or II 

 

11E 

Provide false information and/or forgery; 

II or 

III 

 

 

11F 

Cheating; (See Note below) 

I, II, or 

III 

 

11G 

Gambling; 

II or 

III 

 

11H 

Plagiarism; (See Note below) 

II or 

III 

 

11I 

Foul language (profane or vulgar language not directed at another person) on school property or at a school-sponsored event; 

II or III 

 

11K 

Laser pointers; 

I, II or 

III 

 

11L 

Unauthorized use during school hours of electronic devices including but not limited to tape recorders, radios, CD players, MP3 players, video games, and televisions; 

II or III 

 

11N 

Loitering; 

II or 

III 

 

11O 

Criminal trespassing. Criminal trespass includes: (1) Conduct that intentionally damages any property of another without consent; (2) Entering the land, premises, or vehicle of another for an unlawful purpose; (3) Entering the land, premises or vehicle of another after receiving prior notice from the owner, rightful occupant, or their authorized representative that such entry is forbidden; (4) Remaining on the land, premises, or vehicle of another after receiving notice form the owner, rightful occupant, or their authorized representative to depart; 

III, IV 

or V 

 

11P 

Community misconduct that would pose a threat to the school community. Any off-campus behavior of a student which (1) could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony or which could result in a felony criminal charge if committed by an adult; and which (2) makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to 

person or property at school or which disrupts the educational process; 

IV or V 

 

 

11S 

Other Felony: (list) 

III, IV, 

or V 

 

11T 

Holding oneself out as a member of a criminal street gang identified by the Gwinnett County Gang Taskforce by more than one of the following: one’s mode of dress, means and method of communication including the use of hand signs, or the possession or publication of gang writings/symbols or admission of membership; 

II, III, 

or IV 

11U 

Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or school employee toward a student; 

III, IV, 

or V 

11V Conviction of, adjudication to have committed, indictment for, or having information filed for the commission of any felony or any delinquent act under Code Section 15-11-602 and 15-11-707 which would be a felony if committed by an adult. V X

11Z 

Other: (list) 

I, II or III 

 

 

NOTE ON RULE 11T: The first violation of Rule 11T is a Level II or III violation. However, with a Gang Activity Contract, any future offenses would be elevated to Level IV or V. 

Rule 12: Repeated Violations/Misbehavior/Chronic Disciplinary Problem Students 

Students who chronically disrupt or repeatedly violate other school rules may be charged with repeated violations of school rules or misbehavior. This rule applies after remediation attempts including the development and implementation of a Behavioral Correction Plan. 

Rule 12 Description of Violation  Level Notify SRO
12A Chronically disrupt or repeatedly violate other school rules; N/A  
12Z Other; N/A  

The student and parent must be notified in advance that once the student has been placed on a Rule 12, all subsequent violations will lead to an escalation in consequences and may lead to an independent Rule 12 charge and a disciplinary tribunal. 

Rule 13: School Bus Infractions 

No student shall cause or attempt to cause (either directly or indirectly) a disruption or interference with a school bus by any means including, but not limited to, any of the following behaviors: 

Rule 13 

Description of Violation 

Level 

Notify SRO 

13A 

Disruption of school bus. A student shall not in any manner use violence, force, fear, threat, or other conduct to disrupt or interfere with a bus driver’s ability to operate a bus safely; 

III, IV, 

or V 

 

13B 

Throwing objects at the driver; 

IV or V 

 

13C 

Failure to follow directions, rules, or regulations; 

I, II or 

III 

 

13D 

Use of mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices during the operation of a school bus without the permission of the driver; 

III 

 

13E 

Posturing to fight; 

III 

 

13F 

Fighting; 

IV or V 

 

13G 

Diverting or distracting the driver’s attention; 

III 

 

13H 

Throwing objects on the bus or out the bus window; 

III 

 

13I 

Excessive noise; 

I, II or 

III 

 

13J 

Use of any electronic device during the operation of a bus, including but not limited to cell phones, audible radios, tape, or compact disc players without headphones; 

I, II or III 

 

13Z 

Other (list): 

I, II or 

III 

 

All other GCPS rules still apply while on the school bus or at the bus stop. 

Safety is the first priority while transporting students to and from school. While on a school bus, the bus driver/manager is the school official who has supervisory responsibility of students. Drivers must be able to concentrate on their driving at all times. A momentary distraction from their concentration can lead to a serious accident resulting in injury or death. The safety and well-being of each student depend on everyone following the standards of conduct outlined in this Code. That safety is why certain infractions have a different level of consequence or are singled out as a school bus infraction. 

If a student is found to have engaged in bullying or other acts of physical violence such as physical assault or battery of another person on the school bus, a meeting with the student’s parents or guardian and appropriate school officials will be required in order to develop a school bus behavioral correction plan for the student. See O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.5. 

Any student who receives an in-school suspension or assignment to Opportunity Room (for elementary students) for a bus infraction may forfeit their bus-riding privileges on the day(s) of suspension. 

Glossary of Discipline Terms 

GCPS Code of Conduct for Athletes 

Participation in interscholastic athletic competitions is a privilege extended to the students by the Board of Education. Students participating in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) extracurricular athletic activities act as representatives of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). All students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to meet the highest standards of GCPS at all times. 

The Code of Conduct is designed to establish high expectations and standards for all students participating in GHSA-sanctioned athletic activities.  All students, parents, and coaches understand that the top priority is academic achievement. The Code of Conduct establishes high expectations regarding behavior and consistent consequences when violations occur. 

The Code of Conduct goes into effect on the first day a student joins a GCPS athletic team. The Code remains in effect for the entire calendar year, including time when school is not in session. 

The offenses and consequences listed below are in addition to (not in lieu of) any school or criminal consequences associated with the student misconduct. 

All consequences listed in this Code of Conduct are minimum standards. The coach has the discretion to set consequences over and above the minimum standards. 

Code of Conduct for Athletes Violations and Consequences 

Violation A: Students given Long-Term Suspension (exceeding 10 days, with or without GIVE option)
Consequence: Ineligible to attend or participate in any athletic or extracurricular activity during time of suspension 

 

Violation B: Arrest for, or charged with the commission of, any act that is a felony or would constitute a felony if committed by an adult (regardless of location or time of the alleged act; in or out of school) 
Consequence: Immediate suspension from all participation until such time as: 

  1. School officials determine that the student did not commit the act(s) or other felony conduct; or 

  1. Local prosecutors dismiss or drop all pending charges and petitions; or 

  1. The student pleads guilty to a misdemeanor charge, in which case refers to Violation D listed in this Code; or 

  1. The student is convicted and sentenced to a felony or is adjudicated delinquent in the Juvenile Court of conduct which if committed by an adult could be charged as a felony and serves any and all portions of the sentence including all periods of probation. 

For the following violations (C, D and E), the school administration must have valid evidence and/or verification of the violation as defined in the following: 

  1. Self-admitted involvement by the student; 

  1. Witnessed student involvement by the sponsor, coach, or any staff member; 

  1. Parent admission of their student’s involvement in tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs; 

  1. Verified by official police report given to the school; 

  1. Evidence of violations through investigation by school officials. 

If the offense occurs at school or on school property (at any time), off school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event, or en route to and from school, the student will be subject to the actions described in the Student Conduct Behavior Code (Policy JCDI) and the following consequences for extracurricular activities. 

Violation C: Tobacco (any type) 

Consequences: 

1st Offense: 

Consequence determined by approved local school athletic/extracurricular policy;  

2nd Offense: 

Suspension from athletic extracurricular competition for a minimum of 10% of the remainder of the season; 

3rd Offense: 

Dismissed from team but allowed to try out for subsequent athletic extracurricular activities after that sport/activity has completed its season. 

 

Violation D: Alcohol/Other Drugs (Possession and/or Use)/Misdemeanor Criminal Law Violations 

Consequences: Coach/Sponsor and Administrator will meet with the student and parent(s) or guardian. 

1st Offense: 

Consequence determined by approved local school athletic/extracurricular policy ; 

2nd Offense: 

Suspension from athletic extracurricular competition for a minimum of 20% of the remainder of the season; 

3rd Offense: 

Suspension from all athletic extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. 

Violation E: Violations of school rules that result in ISS or OSS 

Consequences:  

1st Offense: 

  1. In-School Suspension: Participation may resume when student is released from ISS. Student cannot participate on the day the student is released from ISS. 

2nd Offense: 

  1. Out-of-School Suspension (Short-Term, not exceeding 10 days): Participation may resume after suspension is served (Policy JDD). 

Violation F: Hazing (as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in any school or school organization, subjecting a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health or emotional well-being of a student, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.)    

All instances of hazing will be immediately referred to the administration.