Code of Conduct

The City School District of ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵ Code of Conduct outlines expectations for behavior in school and at school events. These rules also apply whenever and wherever school is involved, including online.

This code is designed to help ensure that school is safe for everyone and a place where everyone can learn.  It also explains the supports the district offers to help students behave appropriately, and what happens if they do not. 

This code helps make sure that:

• Everyone knows what acceptable behavior looks like at school;
• All students get the help they need to act in positive ways;
• Students learn how to control their actions and recognize the impact of their actions on others;
• Students have chances to fix their mistakes and make better choices;
• Students understand what will happen if they break the rules; and
• Any discipline is consistent and fair.

Most of this code applies to everyone including students, school employees, parents/guardians and other visitors when on school property or attending a school event or activity, including sporting events.  If a section of the code applies only to some people, it says so in that section.

All children and young people must be assured that they can learn in a non-disruptive atmosphere and will be treated in a fair, equitable, consistent and nondiscriminatory manner.

Beliefs of the Board of Education:

• Students learn to control their actions and understand how their behavior affects others.
• Students are given chances to fix mistakes and make better choices.
• Students know what will happen if they break rules.
• Discipline is fair and consistent for everyone.
• The Code of Conduct applies to students, staff, parents/guardians and visitors at school or school events (including sports).
• If a rule applies only to certain people, it will be clearly stated.
• All students have the right to learn in a safe, calm and respectful environment.
• Everyone is treated fairly, equally and without discrimination.
• All students can succeed and improve their behavior with support and guidance.
• Students may need different types of help, time and support to do well and behave responsibly.
• Clear rules and consistent expectations help students understand routines and consequences.
• Out-of-school suspension is the last option as it is not the best way to improve behavior or school climate.

Students are more likely to behave well when:

• They understand what positive behavior looks like.
• They feel cared for and supported by school staff.
• Staff use the same expectations and language across the school.
• Staff recognize and give feedback for good behavior and effort.

Understanding discipline:

• Discipline means to teach, not just to punish.
• Good discipline helps students learn self-control and self-awareness.
• A well-organized school environment is important for learning.
• Everyone in the school community shares responsibility for keeping the school orderly.
• Clear rules help define responsibilities, encourage good behavior and address poor behavior appropriately.

For the Code of Conduct to be effective, it must:

1. Focus on preventing problems and staying positive.
2. Help students build self-discipline.
3. Support both individual students and the whole school community.
4. Build strong relationships between families and school staff.
5. Clearly separate minor and serious behaviors, and first-time vs. repeat actions.
6. Use fair and age-appropriate discipline.
7. Be applied fairly and consistently by everyone.
8. Respect each person’s right to fair procedures if accused of wrongdoing.
9. Follow all federal, state and local laws, including rules about reporting bullying, harassment, and discrimination (such as DASA)

• Help every school encourage positive behavior.
• Teach students self-regulation and treat others with respect.
• Make sure classrooms and shared spaces are safe, calm, and organized.
• Prevent unsafe and inappropriate behavior.
• Reduce the use of suspensions and discipline referrals
• Set clear schoolwide expectations that all school staff support and follow.
• Make sure all school staff help enforce school rules.
• Help administrators and staff step in early to support teachers with students, especially those with the highest needs.
• Help teachers respond to behavior in a fair and respectful way.
• Make sure school leaders guide and support effective discipline practices.
• Support student support teams so they can work well together.
• Help students with repeated behavior issues improve and succeed.

These principles help create safe, supportive, and positive schools.

Everyone—staff, students, families and the community—works together to help students succeed.

Role of adults:

• They encourage students to make good choices.
• They teach students to take responsibility for their actions.
• They model respectful and positive behavior.

Fair and respectful treatment:

• Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity.
• Rules and discipline must be fair for all students.
• No one should be treated unfairly based on their identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc.

Student support:

• Schools provide help at different levels: whole class, small groups and individual support.
• Support may include academic help, counseling and social-emotional skills like communication and conflict resolution.
• Schools use support and prevention to address problems early.

Discipline approach:

• Discipline should be clear, fair and effective.
• Rules, consequences and supports must actually work and be followed.
• The goal is to teach better behavior, not just punish.
• Schools use different levels of responses based on the behavior.
• Students are expected to:
  • Learn from their mistakes
  • Understand why their behavior was wrong
  • Recognize how their actions affected others
  • Think about what they could have done differently
  • Take responsibility
  • Learn better ways to act in the future
• If behavior continues, stronger consequences may be used.

Support and intervention:

• Schools should try to correct behavior using guidance and support first.
• Behavior may be a sign of bigger problems, so staff should be understanding and supportive.
• Interventions should help students improve, not just punish them.

School culture:

• Schools should promote respect, trust and responsibility.
• Everyone shares responsibility for a positive school environment.
• Staff should set high expectations and build positive relationships with students.
• Adults should model the behavior they expect from students.