P1464 PUPIL BEHAVIOR - REGULATIONS

BOARD POLICY:

  Each pupil is held responsible for his/her personal actions. The right to attend a Wichita Public School carries with it the obligation to maintain acceptable behavior.

Administrative Implemental Procedures:

1.     Behaviors other than those described in this policy may constitute unlawful or prohibited acts. The common standard against which behavior is measured is that which is conducive to learning and a contributor to the general purpose and welfare of the school.

2.     Bullying occurs in all forms including, but not limited to, appearance, status with a peer group (social power), intellectual, socio-economic, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc. Bullying in any form is prohibited on school property, in a school vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event. In addition, bullying is prohibited while utilizing school property. Bullying includes Cyberbullying. In compliance with K.S.A. 72-8256 and amendments thereto, the Board heretofore developed and adopted a plan that addresses bullying. In addition to disciplinary action described in BOE Policy P5113 - Suspension and/or Expulsion of Students, students who violate the bullying prohibition may be reported to local law enforcement, if appropriate. This AIP 2 of this policy and the Bullying Plan shall be reviewed by the Board on a yearly basis.

3.     Fighting will not be permitted at school, on school buses, or at school sponsored activities.

4.     Possession and/or use of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia are not permitted in school buildings or on school campuses. The prohibition against smoking and the use of tobacco should be supported by programs emphasizing the hazards of smoking and tobacco use.

5.     Any show of disrespect by word or action toward any staff member is prohibited.

6.     Profanity and vulgarity are prohibited.

7.     Defiance that may threaten the general discipline of the school or classroom is prohibited.

8.     It is within the discretion of the administration and the site council at each school to determine what type of dress code is most suitable to implement. Furthermore, the administration at each school will include in any dress code policy the underlying purpose of enacting the stricter dress code. Such dress code may include, but is not limited to, a standard uniform, restrictions relating to jewelry, and restrictions on colorful hair and extreme hairstyles. Reasonable criteria for determining appropriate appearance are based on health, safety, and public decency considerations. The relationship of dress and appearance to the safety of the individual pupil varies depending upon the nature of the activity or class. Any wearing apparel which, in the opinion of the principal, is associated with gangs and/or drugs and/or becomes disruptive to the educational process may be banned. The wearer of such apparel shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action. Refer to BOE policy P1473 - Standardized Dress Code - Regulations.

9.     A pupil who steals, maliciously destroys, or defaces school property will be expected to make restitution as part of the penalty for such action. Malicious destruction cases may also be referred to the police under the Kansas School Law.

10.  Loitering in school buildings or upon school grounds is prohibited. Any person loitering is subject to administrative and legal action. Wichita Police Department policy provides for the arrest and removal of violators. School district personnel are to report violations of the loitering ordinance to the police only when such personnel intend to assist in the prosecution of the violator.

11.  The use of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) by pupils during the school day is prohibited. These devices must be kept out of sight and powered off during the school day. The school day is defined by each school site.  PEDs include, but are not limited to, pagers, cellular phones, MP3 players, and other personal communication devices that have the potential to be disruptive to the educational process.  Items intended to look like or simulate such devices are also prohibited during the school day.

Students who violate this policy and the associated regulations shall be deemed to have created a disruption to the instructional environment and are subject to appropriate disciplinary actions.

Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their cellular telephones and other PEDs. The Wichita Board of Education shall not assume responsibility or liability for the theft, loss, or damage to a cellular phone or other PED, nor does it assume responsibility for the unauthorized use of any device.

12.  The use of explosive devices, starting fires, causing a false fire alarm, or causing a false bomb threat is considered conduct which substantially disrupts the operation of school and is subject to administrative and/or legal action.

13.  The act of extortion is defined as obtaining something of value from an unwilling person by either physical force or intimidation. This act substantially invades the rights of others and is subject to both administrative and legal action.

14.  Rules and regulations concerning school-sponsored activities apply to all pupils attending school functions held on school grounds, in school buildings, or at other facilities.

15.  Pupils may not hold membership or participate in an unauthorized organization on school property or at school sponsored activities.

16.  Pupil walkouts, boycotts, and any other unauthorized holidays will not be permitted or recognized. Once a pupil arrives at school, it is the pupil's responsibility to remain so long as he/she has classes scheduled or is required to do so. Any violations of this nature will be dealt with promptly and firmly.

17.  Plagiarism, cheating, and lying are prohibited.

18.  Pupils shall be informed of the provisions of this policy through the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook.

a.     5.48.030 Schools, school buildings, libraries - Prohibited conduct; violation declared loitering. It is unlawful for any person to disrupt the normal activity, disturb the peace, or to remain, to idle, or to loiter at any time on or about the premises or grounds of any public library, of any public or private school or school buildings, and/or assembly of students for any school activities or athletic events conducted by such public or private schools. Any student or any person who is not enrolled in said public or private school, or who has been suspended or dismissed from said public or private school, or who persists in staying or remaining on or about said premises or grounds without any lawful purpose shall be guilty of the offense of loitering. (Ord. No. 32-930, (part).)

Board counsel has approved this policy as to legal form and content.

Administrative Responsibility: Assistant Superintendents of High, Middle and Elementary Schools

Latest Revision Date: May 2008

Previous Revision Date: June 2007  P1464