Student 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 Conduct Behavior Code (“Code”), GCPS has various policies that govern conduct in the District. 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 for 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:
a. On school grounds at any time;
b. Off school grounds at a school bus stop, on a school bus, or other GCPS provided transportation vehicle;
c. 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)
d. 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).
e. 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.
f. 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)
g. Off school grounds when the misconduct constitutes cyberbullying. (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4); and
h. Off school grounds and during school hours when a student leaves without permission (AWOL) of a school official.
The rules of this Code do not apply to:
i. 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 substantial 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 Conduct Behavior 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.
Gwinnett County Public Schools (“GCPS” or “District”) is committed to creating a safe, ensure that all students and staff are well-motivated, fully aware of their potential, and dedicated to pursuing work to assure 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 Conduct Behavior Code (“Code”), GCPS has various policies that govern conduct in the District. Use the Quick Links to find a copy of the Student Conduct Behavior Code on the district website at www.gcpsk12.org. Families also may call the Special Assistant to the Superintendent at 678-301-6005.
Student Conduct Behavior 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.
2. 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.
3. All dangerous weapons, instruments, or controlled substances confiscated by school authorities are to be turned in to Safety and Security.
4. 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.
5. Students are prohibited from engaging in gang/hate group or hazing related activities in school.
6. 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 Conduct Behavior Code, or local school rules.
7. A student may be considered a party to a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code and disciplined for the underlying offense where the student: (1) Directly violates the Student Conduct Behavior Code; (2) Intentionally causes some other person to commit a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code; (3) Intentionally aids or abets another in a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code; or (4) Intentionally advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to commit a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code. A student may be considered a party to a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code even where the underlying actors are not students subject to the Code.
8. Certain violations of the Student Conduct Behavior 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 information with its students.
12. 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).
13. 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)
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
Glossary of Discipline Terms
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/Interference with School
Rule 2: Damage/Destruction/Misuse of School Property
Rule 3: Damage/Destruction/Misuse of Private Property
Rule 4: Abuse, Threats, Intimidation, Assault, or Battery on a School Employee
Rule 6: Weapons, Dangerous Instruments, and Explosive or Implosive Devices
Rule 7: Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Vaping
Rule 8: Disregard of Directions or Commands
Rule 9: Sexual Misconduct/Indecency
Rule 11: Other Conduct Subversive to Good Order
Rule 12: Repeated Violations/Misbehavior/Chronic Disciplinary Problem Students