It is the purpose of the Calhoun City School System to operate each school in a manner that will provide an orderly process of education and that will provide for the welfare and safety of students. In accordance with that purpose, the Board of Education has adopted a policy that requires students to conduct themselves appropriately at all times in order to facilitate a learning environment for themselves and other students. These standards for behavior require students to respect each other and school district employees, to obey student behavior policies adopted by the Board, and to obey student behavior rules established within the district. The school’s primary goal is to educate, not to punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole. Accordingly, students shall be governed by policies, regulations, and rules set forth in this Code of Conduct. 

Also, students may be disciplined for conduct off campus which is felonious and which may pose a threat to the school’s learning environment and the safety of students and employees. Any student charged with a felony, or crime of a felonious nature, shall be suspended for up to 10 days pending a tribunal. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the Code of Conduct and to be supportive of it in their daily communication with their children and others in the community. 

Code of Conduct Glossary:

Bus Suspension – The school administrator suspends the student from the bus for a specified period of time. The student is expected to attend school, but the parents are responsible for providing transportation to school. Failure to attend school will result in an unexcused absence.

Campus Beautification - The school administrator assigns the student one or more periods of work detail with the custodial staff. The student may help clean the cafeteria or campus grounds. 

COLA – Calhoun City Schools’ Online Learning Academy that also serves as an alternative-learning environment for eligible students who are long-term suspended from the regular school setting.

Detention – Student attends a session outside of regular school hours. Parents are responsible for transportation.

Disciplinary Probation – A student found guilty of certain offenses might be placed on probation by the local school and/or the Disciplinary Tribunal Panel. Probation is a trial period during which a student violating school and/or school system rules is subject to further disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Waiver – Parents may sign a waiver if they cannot attend or do not elect to attend the panel hearing. In the event a parent or student does not attend the hearing, it will proceed as scheduled.

Due Process – A student is afforded oral or written notice of the charges against him/her and is given an opportunity for a review, hearing or other procedural rights in accordance with state and federal laws.

In-School Suspension (ISS) – The student is removed from regular classes for a specified period of time at the local school. The teachers send class work assignments to the student. Student remains under the direct supervision of school personnel.  

Long-Term Suspension – The student is suspended out-of-school for more than ten (10) days. During the term of suspension the student is not allowed on the school campus or at any school activity or school-sponsored event unless prior approval is received from the school principal.

Permanent Expulsion – The student is removed from all public school property and activities or events for an indefinite period of time. This action may be taken by the Board of Education or Disciplinary Tribunal. Schoolwork may not be made up or credit given.  

Prohibited Acts - Any violation of local, state, or federal law. This also includes any act that violates the student code of conduct. 

Short-Term Suspension/Out of School Suspension (OSS) – The student is suspended out of school for up to ten (10) days by the local school administrator. The student may be suspended for an accumulation of offenses, as well as a major offense. Suspended students may make up tests and assignments that the teacher determines will have an impact on the student’s final grade and mastery of course content. Assignments that the teacher does not require to be made up will not count towards a student’s final grade. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up work within five (5) school days upon return to school. During the term of suspension the student is not allowed on the school campus or at any school activity or school-sponsored event unless prior approval is received from the school principal.

Student Disciplinary Tribunal Panel – A three-member panel composed of an administrator, teacher leader, or other school official. The Panel hears evidence presented by the school system, the student, and parents when a student is referred by the school principal or designee. The Panel has the authority to make decisions ranging from returning the student to school or recommending permanent expulsion of the student.

Unapproved Item – Students may not have in their possession any tool or technology that may attempt to duplicate, replicate, or hack school, personal, or confidential data and/or information. Possession and/or use of such an item may result in disciplinary measures and the potential for criminal prosecution. 

Zero Tolerance – There will be consequences for serious drug, weapon, and youth gang/hate group offenses on school property, on social media, and/ or at a school activity, function, or event. The school system will be proactive. Each individual case will be reviewed and handled accordingly.

Progressive Discipline Procedures

When it is necessary to impose discipline, school administrators and teachers will follow a progressive discipline process. The degree of discipline to be imposed will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior of a particular student and will take into account the student’s discipline history, the age of the student, and other relevant factors. 

The Code of Conduct provides a systematic process of behavioral correction in which inappropriate behaviors are followed by consequences. Disciplinary actions are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help them substitute inappropriate behaviors with those that are consistent with the character traits from Georgia’s Character Education Program. 

The following range of disciplinary actions may be imposed for violations of this Code of Conduct:

• Warning and/or Counseling with a School Administrator or Counselor

• Loss of Privileges

• Time Out/STOP

• Temporary or Permanent Removal from Class, Activity, or Event

• Notification of Parent or Guardian

• Parent or Guardian Conference

• Detention

• Campus Beautification

• Suspension or Expulsion from the School Bus

• In School Suspension 

• Short-Term Suspension - (Ten days or less)

• Referral to a Tribunal for Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion - (More than ten days)

• Assignment to Calhoun Online Learning Academy (COLA)

• Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Court Officials. Georgia law mandates that certain acts of misconduct be referred to law enforcement, the district attorney, or other public officials. School officials may also report other acts of misconduct as deemed appropriate. 

The maximum punishment for an offense includes long-term suspension (more than 10 days) or expulsion, including permanent expulsion. Those punishments will be determined by a disciplinary tribunal panel as outlined in the Calhoun City Board of Education policies. 

School principals or designees may recommend that a student be considered eligible to apply to attend COLA during a long-term suspension. Upon this recommendation or decision, long-term suspended students may attend COLA for all or any assigned portion of their long-term suspension pursuant to a contract. The contract may include a minimum length of time that extends past the long-term suspension. All students accepted into COLA will be on an individualized education plan and contract that will address behavior, attendance, and academic objectives. If the student violates the terms of the contract, he/she may forfeit the opportunity to attend COLA during the remainder of his/her long-term suspension pursuant to the order of the Tribunal Panel, waiver, and/or the terms of the contract. Students who violate the terms of the contract and have been assigned to COLA for reasons other than a disciplinary tribunal decision may be referred to a disciplinary tribunal for further disciplinary action. Students permanently expelled from Calhoun City Schools are not eligible for enrollment in COLA.

Parents or students may elect not to contest whether a student has violated the Code of Conduct or the appropriate discipline, and in such case, an agreement may be negotiated with the school administrator. This would include the parents or students waiving a right to a hearing before a disciplinary tribunal. Such an agreement and waiver must be approved also by the disciplinary tribunal or hearing officer in accordance with local Board policy. 

Before a student is suspended for ten days or less, the principal or designee will inform the student of the offense for which the student is charged and allow the student to explain his or her behavior. If the student is suspended, the student’s parents will be notified if possible. School officials may involve law enforcement officials when evidence surrounding a situation necessitates their involvement or when there is a legal requirement that an incident be reported. 

School officials may search a student if there is reasonable suspicion the student is in possession of an item that is illegal or against school rules. Student vehicles brought on campus, student book bags, school lockers, desks and other school property are subject to inspection and search by school authorities at any time without further notice to students or parents. Students are required to cooperate if asked to open book bags, lockers or any vehicle brought on campus. Metal detectors and drug or weapon sniffing dogs may be utilized at school or at any school function, including activities that occur outside normal school hours or off the school campus at the discretion of administrators. 

Behavior at School Functions 

Students are expected to be on their best behavior at all times, including when they attend either home or away athletic events, dances, etc. This expectation applies to both participants and spectators. Students not exhibiting proper conduct may be required to leave the athletic event and may be unable to attend future events or may be subject to disciplinary action. Students attending any school system activity, not just high school events, are subject to this policy.

Rules of Conduct

The following behaviors will result in disciplinary procedures. The degree of discipline imposed will be in accordance with the progressive discipline process unless otherwise stated and is noted at the end of each rule. The Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the following places: a) at school or on school property at any time; b) off school grounds at any school activity, function or event, and while traveling to and from such events; c) on vehicles provided for student transportation by the school system. Georgia law mandates that certain acts of misconduct be referred to law enforcement, the district attorney, or other public officials. School officials may also report other acts of misconduct as deemed appropriate. 

Offenses and Discipline Procedures

1. Verbal Assault: A student shall not verbally assault, including threatened violence, of the school, school staff, visitors or other students. This includes, but is not limited to, social media, writings, e-mails, and/or text messages threatening harm or hurt.

2. Physical Assault: A student shall not physically assault school staff, visitors or other students. This includes fighting, attempting to cause physical injury or behave in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to a school employee, other student, or to any person attending school related functions.

3. Disrespectful Behavior: A student shall not engage in disrespectful behavior toward school staff, visitors, or students. This includes refusal to carry out staff instructions; disrupting the learning environment; use of vulgar and profane language towards staff and/or students; or being out of area.

4. Attendance Related: A student shall not be absent to or late from school or any class or other required school function during school hours except as permitted under district policy and Georgia law pursuant to Code Section 20-2-690.1. This includes repeated or excessive unexcused absences or tardiness; including failure to report to class, skipping class, leaving school without authorization, or failure to comply with disciplinary sanctions.

5. Damage to Property: A student shall not willfully or with malicious intent, damage real or personal property of the school or personal property of any person at the school. This includes arson, marking, defacing or destroying school property or the property of any person on campus or at a school sponsored event.

6. Accessory to Prohibited Acts: A student shall not incite, advise, aid, counsel, or be an accessory to others engaging in prohibited acts which would violate the Code of Conduct. This may include but not limited to the use of social media and other avenues to promote, incite, encourage or provoke others to violate school rules or otherwise advocate for any disruption in the school or take away from the purpose of the school or its orderly operation.

7. Possession of Firearm/Weapon/Hazardous Object:  A student shall not possess, handle or transmit weapons or dangerous instruments including firearms, knives and any object that can be reasonably considered a weapon; or any object which may be used in such a manner as to inflict bodily injury or place another person in fear of his/her safety. This includes having items in vehicles, lockers, backpacks, etc.

8. Unlawful Possession of Alcohol/Drugs: A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any illegal drug, alcoholic beverage, unauthorized prescription medicine or over-the-counter medications, or intoxicant of any kind, including artificial or synthetic drugs. This includes pretending a substance is an illegal drug. Students shall follow school procedures for prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

9. Bullying (OCGA 20-2-751.4): A student shall not engage in any acts that would be classified as bullying. For the purposes of this policy, the term “bullying” as defined by state law means:

   1. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or

   2. Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or 

   3. Any intentional written, verbal or physical act which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass or intimidate; or 

   4. Any occurrence of cyber bullying which occurs through the use of electronic communication which is directed specifically at students or school personnel, maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school and creates a reasonable fear of harm or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose. 

10. False Accusation (OCGA 20-2-751.5 (a)):  A student shall not falsify, misrepresent, omit or erroneously report information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, other school employee, or student. This includes but is not limited to any form of harassment.  Such false accusations are prohibited both on and off school grounds. 

11. Gang-Related Activity: A student shall not display unauthorized group, gang, and/or any organizational symbols, colors, and/or any identification markings or communications. Any gang-related activity that is reasonably likely to disrupt or adversely affect the educational climate or mission of the school is also prohibited. Such behavior may include, but is not limited to wearing or display of clothing, articles, paraphernalia, graffiti, symbols or gestures, assault, theft, extortion, hazing or bullying.

12. Terroristic Threat: A student shall not threaten or commit any crime of violence, release any hazardous substance, burn or damage property, or pretend to do any of the previous with the purpose of terrorizing another person or persons on school property, including, but not limited to buildings, grounds, school transportation, bus stop, or at a school sponsored event.

13. Electronic Smoking Device (e-cigarette/vape): Any device used to deliver nicotine or any other substance intended to be used by a person to simulate smoking through inhalation of vapor or aerosol from the device.

14. Use or Possession of Tobacco Related Products: A student shall not possess or use tobacco products of any kind at school or any school-related activities on or off campus. This includes any chemical delivery system such as aerosol, E-cigarettes and/or other vaping equipment.

15. Bus Conduct: A student shall not engage in any behavior or action that has the potential of interfering with the safe operation and/or the safety of bus occupants including any behavior prohibited in the code of conduct. 

16. Computer/Technology Trespass: A student shall not inappropriately use electronic or technologic resources or devices, including but not limited to, unauthorized access to the system network, creating or using the email or messaging account of another without permission, unauthorized access of private information of another individual or any flagrant violation of the acceptable use policy.  

17. Sexual Misconduct: A student shall not make unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other inappropriate oral, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature; view, possess or transmit obscene or pornographic videos, pictures, materials or objects; engage in indecent exposure; or engage in any type of sexual contact.

18. Academic Dishonesty: A student shall not cheat, take someone else’s work or ideas and pass them off as one’s own, share information about assessments, omit citations, or use AI resources when completing assignments, projects or tests without teacher authorization.

19. Theft/Robbery: A student shall not steal or attempt theft of any school property, the property of school employees, or the property of another student; extort, bribe, theft by deception, or have possession of stolen property.

20. Trespass: A student shall not willfully be present in a school building, locker room, restricted area of the school building or any part of the school grounds at an unauthorized time or without specific permission from a staff member. A student shall not attempt to enter a locker, classroom, closed and/or restricted area without proper authorization.

21. Dress Code: A student shall not willfully violate the student dress code as outlined in the student handbook.

22. Unapproved Item: A student shall not display, use, exhibit or otherwise possess an unauthorized item that is inappropriate and/or distracting in the school setting as determined and communicated by school personnel.

23. Campus Parking and Traffic Violations: A student shall not park without authorization or park in an unauthorized area, speed, race and/or engage in reckless driving on school campus. 

24. Off-Campus Behavior: A student shall not engage in any off-campus behavior which could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony and which makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or which disrupts the education process.