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Policy JIC
System-Wide Student Code Of Conduct
Ethical and responsible student behavior is an essential part of the educational mission of our schools. To that end, the Board has developed this System-Wide Code of Conduct with input from school staff, students, parents and the community. The Code defines our expectations for student behavior and provides the framework for a safe, orderly and respectful learning environment.
Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior
The Code of Conduct is intended to support and encourage students to meet the following state-wide standards for ethical and responsible behavior:
Respect
Honesty
Compassion
Fairness
Responsibility
Courage
Code of Conduct
All students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and all related Board policies and school rules. The Code applies to students:
on school property
on buses or at bus stops
while in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or
at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school.
General Behavior Expectations
The following expectations for student behavior are fundamental to a safe, orderly and respectful environment in our schools. South Portland School Department uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Each school has a clear set of expectations for behavior that focus on:
Respect
Responsibility
Safety
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in restorative interventions and/or disciplinary action. School administrators have the discretion to tailor discipline to the facts and circumstances of the particular situation. Disciplinary consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses. Behavior that also violates the law may be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Expectations
The following is a summary of the school unit’s expectations for student behavior. In many cases, the Board has adopted policies that address these expectations in greater detail. Students, parents and others should refer to the policies and student handbooks for more information about the expectations and consequences. In case of an inconsistency between the Code of Conduct, Board policies and/or school handbooks, Board policies will prevail. The following policies represent key elements for student code of conduct.
Weapons, Violence and School Safety (Policy JICIA-Weapons, Violence, and School Safety)
Bullying (Policy JICK Bullying)
Hazing (Policy ACAD Hazing)
Discrimination and Harassment/Sexual Harassment (Policy AC/Policy ACAA)
Prohibited Substance Use (Policy JICH)
Computer/Internet Use (Policy JICH)
Discipline
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in restorative interventions and/or disciplinary action. School administrators have the discretion to tailor discipline to the facts and circumstances of the particular situation. Disciplinary consequences range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses.
The following limitations on expulsions and out-of-school suspensions for students in grade five or below:
Students in grade five or below may only be expelled for violations of the federal Gun-Free Schools Act, as provided in 20-A MRSA § 1001(9-A). The Superintendent may determine on a case-by-case basis, in writing, that an expulsion is not required.
Students in grade five or below may not receive an out-of-school suspension except when a student a) has violated the federal Gun-Free Schools Act or b) presents an imminent danger of serious physical injury to the student or others, and it is determined that less restrictive interventions would be ineffective.
Any out-of-school suspension of a student in grade five or below can be no longer than three school days.
Recess may not be withheld as a consequence of violating this Code of Conduct by any student enrolled in grade five or below, except when recess is the only time when restorative interventions can occur.
Removal of Disruptive/Violent/Threatening Students
Students who are disruptive, violent, or threatening death or bodily harm to others may be removed from classrooms, school buses, other school property, and/or school sanctioned activities regardless of location when necessary to maintain order and safety.
Students are expected to comply with staff member directions.
Staff members should not use force or restraint, except only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm. Staff members are not required to take action that puts them at risk of injury.
If the student fails to obey verbal directions, force or restraint may be used only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm or to quell a disturbance.
Special Services
Review of Individual Educational Plan. The school shall schedule a meeting to review the IEP of a student who has been removed from class when: a) school officials and/or the parent believes the student may present a substantial likelihood of injury to himself/herself or others; b) the class removals are sufficient to constitute a change in the student’s special education program; or c) school officials or the parent believes that the student’s behavior may warrant a change in educational programming.
Referrals to Law Enforcement Authorities
The Superintendent and administrators have the authority to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when there is a substantial threat to the safety of the schools, students or staff. The Superintendent/ administration may also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state or federal statute. All serious offenses, as determined by the Superintendent, must be reported to law enforcement authorities.
Dissemination of System-Wide Student Code of Conduct
The System-Wide Student Code of Conduct shall be distributed to staff, students and parents through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 254 (11); 1001 (15)
Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior in Maine Schools and Communities (Report of the Commission for Ethical and Responsible Behavior, 2/01)
Cross Reference:
AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
ACAA/ACAA-R - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students
ACAD - Hazing
ADAA - School System Commitment to Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior
ADC – Use of and Possession of Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices
EBCC - Bomb Threats
IHBAA – Referral and Use of General Education Interventions
IHBAC - Child Find
IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use and Internet Safety
JICIA - Weapons, Violence, and School Safety
JICH - Drug and Alcohol Use by Students
JICK - Bullying
JK - Student Discipline
JKD - Suspension of Students
JKE - Expulsion of Students
JKF - Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities
Adopted: September 9, 2002
Revised: August 28, 2017 (policy links only)
Board Reviewed: September 11, 2017
Revised: February 24, 2025
*Please excuse any formatting errors.