Student Code of Conduct Revision

Process Student Code of Conduct Committee Assistant principals, parents, interventionists, AEA representatives Elementary and Secondary Building Administrators Parent-Business Advisory Council

Page 5: Acknowledgement Combine section I and II and bold to encourage the return of this page

P. 22: Property (Search & Seizure) Students have the right to privacy in their person and property. When school authorities have reasonable suspicion to believe that a student possesses an illegal item or an item determined to threaten safety and security, the school administration may search a student and his/her property. A student’s cell phone is subject to a search if there is reasonable suspicion to believe it is being used in connection with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Items deemed to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily removed from student possession. Student lockers, desks, cubbies, etc. are the property of the school and may be searched at any time. The school district shall not be responsible for lost or stolen personal property that is brought to school without permission of school officials. Returning to school after leaving without permission may be considered reasonable suspicion to conduct a search.

Suggestion for: Property (Search & Seizure) P. 22 USE OF SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY To help assure the safety and security of the students and staff of the Appoquinimink School District, the District may use cameras and audio devices to monitor public areas or accesses to restricted areas in schools or on school property. Recordings from devices installed for safety and security may be used as the basis of disciplinary actions, or, if appropriate, criminal prosecutions against persons committing violations on school property. This section does not preclude the installation of recording or monitoring devices as part of a criminal or administrative investigation in compliance with pertinent authorities, laws, and procedures for the conduct of such investigations. Notice of presence of surveillance equipment will be posted to the extent required by law. The use of video cameras is subject to pre-approval by the Superintendent.

Page 42 – Disorderly Conduct Remove: Police notification when necessary DOE Student Conduct report will be filed as required by law

Page 46: Offensive Touching of a Staff Member For First Offense and Subsequent Offenses OPTIONAL: Placement in an alternative program

P. 58: Student Expulsion Procedures Step II A. The Superintendent or designee, shall, within ten (10) school days of the date of the incident, notify the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), of the intent to expel and of the date, time and location for a formal hearing on the recommendation for expulsion. The notification shall be sent to the residence of the student. For students with disabilities as defined by Federal and State law and regulations, the Superintendent or designee shall within ten (10) school days from the date of the manifestation meeting, notify the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of intent to expel and of the date, time, and location for a formal hearing. The notice of intent to expel shall be sent by certified mail, stating the reasons for the expulsion and the time and place of the hearing. In addition, a copy of these procedures and the District Student Code of Conduct shall accompany the notice.

P. 59: Student Expulsion Procedures - Step III: C. Following a review of the hearing officer’s report, the transcripts, and the exhibits submitted at the hearing, the District Board shall decide whether or not to expel the student at the next scheduled District Board meeting. The duration of an expulsion is within the discretion of the District Board based upon the circumstances of each case. D. In lieu of a formal expulsion hearing, a student or his/her representative, may elect to waive the hearing and admit to the violation charges. In these circumstances, the student’s parent/guardian must provide a written hearing waiver request at least 24 hours prior to the date of the hearing or be given the opportunity to waive on the day of the hearing. This waiver does not absolve the student from required consequences for the violation under state law and the Student Code of Conduct.

P. 66: Updates to State Drug and Alcohol Policy To be consistent with the State “Drug like substance” shall mean any noncontrolled and/or nonprescription substance capable of producing a change in behavior or altering a state of mind or feeling, including, for example, some over- the-counter cough medicines, certain types of glue, and caffeine pills and diet pills. The definition of drug like substance does not include tobacco or tobacco products which are governed by Title 14 Delaware Admin. Code Section 877 Tobacco Policy.

P. 66: Updates to Drug and Alcohol Policy Remove: A District Substance Abuse Advisory Committee including teachers, parents, school nurses, and community leaders will be appointed.

Staff and Student Orientation All students will be oriented to the 2009 – 2010 Student Code of Conduct during the first week of school. They will sign that they have received a copy as well as their parent/guardian will sign acknowledging receipt. Staff will be oriented to the 2009 – 2010 Student Code of Conduct and the updates during the August in-service days.