Student Code of Conduct - Kenton County Schools

Code of Expected Behavior & ConductPHILOSOPHY AND RATIONALEAll of our policies and procedures have been developed through the cooperative efforts of students, parents, teachers, andadministrative personnel of the Kenton County School District using a variety of sources designed to improve and maintain a positive andsafe learning environment. We ask that all students, staff and members of our learning community treat others as you would like to betreated. Using the “Six Pillars of Expected Behavior” as our examples, we strive to maintain a positive school attitude through theexpectations and rules for conduct for our students, staff and our learning community.This document has been developed for the following purposes:1. To provide certain disciplinary procedures to ensure that students may learn in an environment conducive to learning.2. To provide all concerned parties with information regarding regulations and procedures affecting the educational program as itpertains to individual rights and responsibilities.It is with these purposes in mind that this Code of Expected Behavior & Conduct has been developed. Pupils will be subject toschool discipline for any violation of this Code of Expected Behavior & Conduct at all school related functions including, but not limitedto, buses, traveling to and from school, regular school day activities, extracurricular and curricular activities at home, school facilities, oraway from school.This Code of Expected Behavior & Conduct provides for consistent and equitable treatment of all students in the Kenton CountyPublic Schools. Students will be responsible for adherence to this code in school, at school sponsored or related activities, on school buses,and at any extra-or co-curricular activities at, or away from school.This Code of Expected Behavior & Conduct provides for an annual review by the school community and the Board of Education toinsure an effective document, which meets the changing needs of the total educational community.This Code of Expected Behavior & Conduct provides the basic procedures which will be followed in disciplinary matters and themeanings and explanations of the procedures and the violations.The Kenton County School DistrictBeechgrove Elementary 371-1636J.A. Caywood Elementary 341-7062Ft. Wright Elementary 331-7742Kenton Elementary 356-3781Piner Elementary 356-2155R.C. Hinsdale Elementary 341-8226River Ridge Elementary 341-5260Ryland Heights Elementary 356-9270Summit View Elementary 363-4700Taylor Mill Elementary 356-2566White's Tower Elementary 356-9668Summit View Middle School 363-4800Turkey Foot Middle School 341-0216Twenhofel Middle School 356-5559Woodland Middle School 356-7300Dixie Heights High School 341-7650Scott High School 356-3146Simon Kenton High School 960-0100Success Academy 356-1502J.D. Patton Area Technology Center 341-2266Northern Ky. Youth Development Ctr 356-3172Transportation Department 356-5050TABLE OF CONTENTSSix Pillars of Expected Behavior….…….………………………………….…………………………. 02Six Pillars of Expected Bus Behavior and Conduct …………………………………….…….….…… 03Bullying Behaviors ………………………………………………………………………….………… 04Attendance Policies/Truancy.................................................................................................................. 05General Guidelines for Discipline Consequences…… .......................................................................... 06School Violations, Procedures, Due Process and Statutes..................................................................... 07Procedure Definitions............................................................................................................................. 08Violation Definitions.............................................................................................................................. 09Additional Information........................................................................................................................... 13The Kenton County School DistrictSPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIPThe Kenton County School District appreciates all of those who participate in and attend ourevents. Positive school spirit and sportsmanship are key factors to a successful event. Anybehavior or language, however, deemed inappropriate by the school administration and/orgame officials will not be tolerated and may be grounds for ejection from the game and/orfacility.2

STOP BULLYING BEHAVIORS!LIVE BY THE “SIX PILLARS OF EXPECTED BEHAVIOR”(KRS 158.154, 158.155, 158.156)Treat others as you would like to be treated - Respect, Responsibility, Trust, Fairness, Citizenship and CaringWhat is Bullying and/or Cyber-Bullying? Bullying and/or Cyber-Bullying is defined as any intentional, written, electronic (i.e.,Internet, Youtube, e-mail, text messages, picture phones); verbal or physical act or actions against another person that a reasonableperson knows will have the effect of:♦ Placing a person in reasonable fear of harm to his or her emotional or physical well-being or♦ Creating a hostile, threatening, humiliating or abusive educational environment due to the pervasiveness or persistence of actionsor due to a power imbalance between the bully and the target or♦ Interfering with a student having a safe school environment that is necessary for successful educational performance,opportunities or benefits or♦ Perpetuating bullying by inciting, soliciting or coercing an individual or group to demean, dehumanize, embarrass or causeemotional, psychological or physical harm to another person.Because we believe every student deserves a safe learning environment, the Kenton County School District is committed to dealingwith bullying behaviors in our schools. To help the student who is the target of bullying behaviors:1. We strive to identify the student who is using bullying behaviors, administer consequences for bullying behavior andhelp our students learn new ways of relating to others.2. We educate our school community of the serious impact of bullying behaviors in order to respond consistently to allinstances of bullying.What do bullying behaviors look like?• Inappropriate physical contact, including hitting, kicking,shoving, pushing• Intimidating and threatening comments either verbal,written or electronically• Name calling or put-downs• Malicious manipulation of others to do things they don’twant to do• Setting someone up to be bullied• Excluding from the group• Spreading rumors or hurtful gossip• Stalking• Hurtful teasing or making fun of someone• Harassment• Hiding or destroying someone’s belongings• Standing by and watching bullying behaviorBULLYING PREVENTION TIPSAre you being bullied? Do you bully others? Do you witness bullying?1. Tell a trusted adult what ishappening (like your parents,teacher, principal, bus driver orguidance counselor)1. Think about what you are doingand how it makes others feel.Think about their feelings, andthen don’t do it!1. Support someone who is beingbullied. Spend time and include himin activities or just talk to show youcare.2. Stay in a group so you won’t be aneasy target and so others can help.2. Hurting others and making themfeel bad is never cool. Think how2. Stand up to the person doing thebullying. Try to get other kids to join3. Try to stand up to the person who you feel when you’re hurt.you. It’s not easy, but it works.is bullying you. Tell him/her youdo not like it, what he/she is doingis wrong, and you want it stopped.3. Talk to an adult if you are not surewhy you bully others or how tostop, you need to talk about it. AWhen a bully sees that other kidsdon’t think bullying is cool, he’smore likely to stop.4. Make a joke. Sometimes humorcan make a bad situation moretrusted parent, teacher or counselorcan help you change.3. Report bullying to an adult. Kidswho are bullied may fear things willmanageable.4. Treat others as you would like to just get worse if they talk about it;5. Remember it’s not your fault; noone deserves bullying.be treated.kids who know they can’t get awaywith bullying may stop.Specific steps to reporting bullying behavior:If you or someone you know is being bullied or know of any unsafe conditions please report to any Kenton County Employee(teacher, counselor, advisor, principal, secretary) or 859-341-KIDS.If your child is involved in an incident related to KRS 158.156, the Principal shall notify parents/guardians in writing and createan incident report with police if required. Additionally, the Principal shall report only the number of students involved to theKenton County School District Central Office, Department of Student Support Services.We believe much student misbehavior is a result of bullying.Therefore, in The Kenton County School District all bullying behavior is unacceptable!5

ATTENDANCE POLICIESAttendance calculations are as follows: Tardy Event will equal 35% or less of the school day. Half Day Event will equal 36% -83% of the school day. Whole Day Event will equal 84% or greater of the school day.COMPULSORYATTENDANCEATTENDANCEEVENTKENTONCOUNTYATTENDANCEPOLICYEXCUSEDATTENDANCEEVENTSUNEXCUSEDATTENDANCEEVENTSLATEARRIVALS TOSCHOOLTARDIESEARLYDISMISSALSMAKE-UPPOLICYNo Pass – NoDriveKRS 159.010 requires parents, guardians or custodians to send their child/children to school except as provided inKRS 159.030. Each parent, guardian, or other person residing in the state and having custody, guardianship, or incharge of any child who has entered the primary school program or any child between the ages of six (6) andeighteen (18) shall send their child to a regular public day school for the full term that the public school of the districtin which the child resides is in session, or to the public school that the Board of Education of the district makesprovision for the child to attend. 159.150 Definition of Truancy - Any child who has been absent from schoolwithout a valid excuse for (3) or more days, or tardy on (3) or more days is a truant regardless of the number ofminutes tardy. Any child who has been reported as a truant (2) or more times is a Habitual Truant. KRS 159.150defines Habitually Truant students as those with six (6) or more unexcused absences.An Attendance Event includes any/all absences, tardies, late arrivals and/or early dismissals.An attendance policy has been developed in an attempt to comply with the state law, to emphasize the importance ofattendance to a pupil’s education and the responsibility of the pupil and parent. Every effort has been made toprovide consistency, fairness and due process in its development. The Kenton County Attendance Policy allows fora limited number of excused attendance events, providing the responsible student and parent some flexibility, butalso providing consequences for unexcused attendance events. Excessive unexcused attendance events, includingabsences, tardies, late arrivals and/or early dismissals, may contribute to the loss of credits for the semester orretention for the school year. While all attendance events negatively affect student learning and performance,students with attendance events exceeding 10% of the school year do not meet school attendance policies, whichimpacts credits, promotion, retention and graduation. Disciplinary action for skipping school or truancy (#5 Code ofConduct) may include a referral to Juvenile Court for Habitual Truancy or Educational Neglect.Excused attendance events include illness, physician visits, funeral/death of immediate family, and court appearancesmust meet established criteria. Parent notes are accepted for up to (3) events per grading period up to a maximum ofnine (9) events per school year. Additional attendance events in a school year may be deemed unexcused without acertified doctor's statement indicating that the student was seen by the doctor and unable to attend school.Documentation including, but not limited to, physician statements (must state the date(s) the student was unable toattend school), court subpoenas, and other proof may be required to excuse an attendance event in a case other thanpersonal illness. Students and parents are responsible for all notes which are due upon return to school.Unexcused attendance events include skipping school, suspension, organized skip day, and attendance events notaccompanied by a note or attendance events not meeting excused guidelines. Students with unexcused attendanceevents may not receive credit or make up work during time missed and are not permitted to attend school functionson unexcused absence days. Family vacations are considered avoidable and may be classified by the principal asunexcused.Late arrivals to school include any student who does not arrive to school on time. Schools have the discretion toassign consequences for students with unexcused late arrivals following the code of acceptable behavior guidelines.Chronic late arrivals will be treated as truant. According to 702 KAR 7:125, Section 7 (3), the State Law requiresthe legal parent/guardian sign in their elementary student.Students who are not in their classroom before the tardy bell rings are considered tardy. Schools have the discretionto assign consequences for students with unexcused tardies following the code of acceptable behavior guidelines.Any student who leaves school before the end of the school day is considered to have an early dismissal. Schoolshave the discretion to assign consequences for students with unexcused early dismissals following the code ofacceptable behavior guidelines. Chronic early dismissals may be treated as truancy. Depending on the time of theearly dismissal, this attendance event may be coded as a tardy in the school’s computer system.Makeup work is the sole responsibility of the student missing school. Students with excused attendance eventsshould see their teachers the day they return to begin the make-up process. For excused attendance events, it isrecommended that school’s SBDM polices for make-up work be applied or students should be given one day foreach absence in order to complete makeup work. Work not made up in time will be graded according to the school'spolicy for late work.No Pass/No Drive Law (KRS 159.051) pairs the responsibility of maintaining good grades and attendance in theclassroom with the privilege of driving. The No Pass/No Drive law states that a student will be denied his or herdriver’s learning permit/license or have his or her license revoked for 1) academic deficiency, 2) dropping out ofschool as a result of unexcused absences or 3) traditional drop out. A student shall be considered academicallydeficient when he or she has not received passing grades in at least four courses, or the equivalent of four courses(66%). If a sixteen or seventeen year-old student (with a driver's permit or license) accumulates nine or moreunexcused absences, does not meet the academic requirements, or if they drop out of school, attendancerequirements, the school will report the student as noncompliant. Any absences due to suspension shall bedeemed as unexcused absences. At minimum, the student needs to be in compliance for an entiresemester/trimester prior to reinstatement.6

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TEACHER LEVEL DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCESJust like all classroom learning, the purpose behind general guidelines for discipline consequences is to teach and instructdiscipline. When used correctly discipline should be administered in a positive and proactive way in order to improve thelearning environment for all students.General Guidelines for Discipline Consequences: When imposing discipline, district personnel shall adhere to the followinggeneral guidelines:1. Discipline shall be administered when necessary to protect students, school employees or property, and to maintainessential order in the learning environment.2. Students shall be treated fairly and equitably. Consequences will be administered after a careful assessment of thecircumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include:• Threat to the safety of all• Seriousness of the offense• Student’s age• Frequency of misconduct• Student’s attitude• Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment.3. All types of disciplinary infractions may not be included within this document. For these teacher-level items and forany items not included, the principal may use his/her own discretion on the consequences.Teacher level incidents:• Tardiness to class• Failure to bring appropriate materials to theclassroom• Refusal to participate in classroom activities• Talking in class• Sleeping in class• Cheating/dishonesty• Eating, drinking or chewing gum in the classroomPossible teacher level consequences:• Student conference• Student-teacher contract• Special assignment or duties• Parent contact• A grade of zero for cheating• Rewards or demerit system for behavior• Verbal correction• Cooling-off or time-out• Special seating assignment in classroom• Reteaching Expected Behavior• Teacher level probationary agreement• Teacher assigned detention• Radios, CD players, cameras, games in class or atfunctions, MP3 players or similar devices.• Inappropriate cafeteria conduct• Inappropriate hall conduct• Poor sportsmanship in classroom activities• Throwing objects (spitballs, paper, airplanes, etc.)• Public display of affection• Parent-teacher conferences• Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt theeducational process• Withdrawal of classroom privileges• Conferencing with teachers, special services, oradministrative personnel• Referral to School Guidance Counselors• Sending the student to the office or other assignedareas• Providing outside agency information for parentpersonal useREPETITION AND SEVERITY IN THIS CATEGORY MAY RESULT IN MORE SERIOUS DISCIPLINE INCLUDINGSUSPENSION THROUGH THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE.7

The Kenton County School District Violations & ProceduresDisciplinary Actions are utilized by The Kenton County School District to maintain the educational environment and protect each student's right to afree and appropriate education. This code of conduct covers all of The Kenton County School District events including those on school grounds, buses, andactivities sponsored by the school. Definitions of the violations and procedures are contained in the pages following this chart.Elementary and middle school principals have the discretion to administer consequences at a lower step in consultation with the Kenton County SchoolSuperintendent or designee. Where there are two sets of procedures, the first set refers to elementary/middle; the second set is for high school.Offenses requiring Administrative Action and/or MAY require Suspension and/or Expulsion depending on situation.Violations Procedure Board CodeAttendance Late Arrivals to School A-C, 1003Attendance Tardies to Class A-C, 1006Attendance Skipping School/Leaving School Grounds A-C, 1003, 1004Attendance Truancy A-C, 1007Bullying A-D, D-G+* 8001Bus Disturbance A-F 2002Cheating/Plagiarism/Dishonesty A-C 1001Communication Device/Cell Phone A-D 1010, 8005Defiance of Authority A-D 1010Destructive Disorderly Conduct A-F 2001, 2002Disruptive Disorderly Conduct A-D 2001, 2002Dress Code A-C 1002Failure to Complete Assignments A-C 1010Failure to Comply with Disciplinary Actions A-D 1010Falsifying Notes/Forgery/ Counterfeiting A-D 1008Harassment A-D, D-G+* 8002Inappropriate Materials A-C 1010Marketing/Buying and/or Selling Items A-C 1010Profanity/Vulgarity A-C 70Public Display of Affection (PDA) A-C 60Repeated Violations B-G 1010Smoking/Chewing/Smoking Paraphernalia/Tobacco B-D* 9001, 9002, 9003Verbal Abuse C-E 8004Willful Misconduct (Fighting) B-F 5001-5003Offenses MAY require Suspension and/or ExpulsionVIOLATION2 nd OffenseProcedure Middle/High Board Code State CodeAggressive to School Employee A-F, D-G+* G+* 8003, 8004 240, 340, 341All Other Offenses A-G+* A-G+*Arson ** G+* G+* N/A 90Assault – (Degree 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd ,4 th ) ** D-G+* E-G+* N/A 301, 302, 303, 304Beyond Control of School H H 2001, 2002 240Burglary/Larceny/Theft/Robbery/Stolen Property ** B-D, C-F* C-G+* 1009 50, 60, 130Disorderly Conduct ** A-D C-F+* N/A 240Drug/Alcohol Distribution/Possession F-G+*(M) F-G+*(M) N/A 1801 - 1892Fraud ** A-C A-C N/A 110Gangs, Gang Related/Gang Like Activity A-D, E-G+* D-G+* 2001 260, 240, 308, 309Libel/Slander Toward Any Employee ** A-F, D-G+* G+* N/A 240Menacing/Improper Driving ** E-G+* G+* N/A 305Sexual Misconduct ** G+* G+* 60 20, 160, 172, 174Terroristic Threatening ** D-G+* E-G+* 8001, 8002, 8003 310, 320, 330Under the Influence F-G+*(M) F-G+*(M) N/A 1801 - 1892Vandalism (Criminal Mischief) B-F B-G+* N/A 140Violating Security Procedures C-F C-F 2001 310, 320, 330Violation of AUP/Inappropriate Computer Use C-F C-F 2001 310, 320, 330Weapon (Firearm Only) ** F-G* G* N/A 151 - 153Weapon Other/Dangerous Instrument C-G* G* 110 154School personnel will follow appropriate due process procedures unless immediate suspension is essential for safety reasons or to avoid disruption of the educational environment.**To level of law violation.STEPS TO DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES1. Confer/Investigate with parties concerned as soon as possible, 2) Assign consequence defined by the Code of Acceptable Behaviors and Discipline, 3) Notify legal guardian byphone, letter, or message as soon as possible.PROCEDURESA - Warning/Probation/Contract/Student ConferenceB - Alternative Assignment/Detention/Zero for cheatingC - Friday/Saturday School/Suspend bus 1-5 days.D - ICE+/Suspend-school 1-5 days/Suspend-Bus 6-10 days.E - ICE+/Suspend-school 6-10 Days/Suspend-Bus Minimum 10 days up torecommendation for the rest of the school year.F - Out of School SUS 1-10 Days pending Dist. Admin. Hearing.G - Recommendation for Expulsion.H - Court Appearance for status offense.+ = Isolated Curriculum Environment,(M) = 8 week Counseling Program (no extracurricular activities during that time), Drug Screening(at parents/ legal guardian’s cost), Behavior Contract, and School Level or District AdministrativeHearing.* = Notify proper law enforcement officials as necessary (KRS 158). All felonies must be reported toprincipal following school board procedures and reported to the Central Office Designee and properlaw enforcement.8

PROCEDURE DEFINITIONSSTUDENT CONFERENCEWARNING/PROBATION/CONTRACTDETENTIONALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENTFRIDAY/SATURDAY SCHOOLISOLATED CURRICULUMENVIRONMENT (ICE)BUS SUSPENSIONSUSPENSIONDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVEHEARINGEXPULSIONREPORT TO AUTHORITIESConference (informal or formal) held between the student and a member of theschool administrative team.A contract between the student, parents, and the school to reinforce good behavior.Detaining a student after school, before school, or during the student's free time (e.g.lunch) with advance notice to the parent and/or student as appropriate.Short term placement in separate supervised and structured school program thatallows students to complete assignments, take tests, and be counted as present inschool. This placement may impact a student's participation grades in a course orcourses. During AA, students will be socially isolated from the regular environment.Extended length detention after school on Friday or on a Saturday (may be used as analternative to suspension at the principal's discretion).Students are removed from their regular classes to an isolated environment. Studentswill be in a restricted classroom with very restricted guidelines. Students will not beable to socialize with the student body and will eat lunch in a restricted classroom.Restroom breaks will be limited and closely supervised. Students in ICE will beallowed and expected to complete school work to be included as part of final grade.Not permitting a student to ride the school bus to or from school for full or partial day(s) following appropriate due process procedures. While suspended, it will be thelegal parent/guardians responsibility to transport their child to/from school.Transportation is a privilege, not a right.Not permitting a student to attend school for full or partial day(s) followingappropriate due process procedures. While suspended, students do not receive creditfor daily assignments, but are allowed to make up major tests, quizzes and projects.While suspended, students are not permitted to attend school-sponsored events.For any extremely serious offense that may warrant more than a 10 day suspension, aDistrict Administrative Hearing will be held. Outcomes of this hearing could includeany/all disciplinary action outlined in the “Code of Acceptable Behavior andDiscipline and/or agreed upon by school and student/guardian.Removal of student's right to attend school for a period of time over 10 days not toexceed one calendar year. Following guidelines of the code of conduct, the principalmay recommend expulsion in writing to the superintendent. The Board of Educationhas the authority to expel a student. Also, see school reassignment below.Any Kenton County employee who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that aschool student has been the victim of a violation of any felony offense as specified inKRS Chapter 508 (assault, wanton endangerment, stalking, menacing, terroristicthreatening) committed by another student while on school premises, on schoolsponsored transportation, or at a school sponsored event must immediately make areport to the principal of the school the student attends. The principal will contact thestudent’s legal parent/guardian and make a report to the local school board and locallaw enforcement agency. A report may coincide with any of the steps above.ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE INFORMATION AND DEFINITIONSSCHOOL REASSIGNMENTDIVERSION TO EXPULSIONPROGRAMThe superintendent or his/her designee has the right to reassign a student to adifferent placement within his/her school or to another school within the districtfollowing a recommendation for expulsion from the school. This placement may befor up to one calendar year.A program operated by the school as an alternative to school expulsion.9

VIOLATIONS/DEFINITIONSAGGRESSIVE MISBEHAVIOR TOWARDSCHOOL EMPLOYEESVerbal abuse, threats, physical contact, or threat of physical contact by student(s) towardschool employee(s). Student conduct toward staff may be grounds for legal charges for Abuseof Teacher and/or other statutes.*Example(s): Profanity towards staff member hitting, kicking, or shoving a staff member.ALL OTHER OFFENSESAnything not specifically detailed but constituting cause for discipline measures includingsuspension or expulsion. This may include, but is not limited to blackmail and extortion;criminal anarchism; criminal syndicalism; and kidnapping.ARSON (or attempted arson)Starting a fire within the school, on buses, or on the school grounds, for any purpose that(To Level of Law Violation)results in destruction or disruption.ASSAULT (To Level of Law Violation) Intentionally causing harm to other(s). According to Kentucky Revised Statues 508.010,508.020, 508.030, and 508.040, assault is classified in four different ways: Assault in the firstdegree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree. The level of the assault will dependupon the nature of the injury sustained and if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument wasused. It should be noted that these are not legal definitions. Due to the ramifications ofcoding errors for assault offenses, please consult Student Support Services who will worklocal law enforcement or the school board attorney regarding how to code assaultincidents.ATTENDANCE/LATE ARRIVALS TOSCHOOLATTENDANCE TARDIES TO CLASSATTENDANCE SKIPPINGSCHOOL/LEAVING SCHOOL/GROUNDSATTENDANCE TRUANCYBEYOND CONTROLBULLYING/HAZINGBURGLARY/LARCENY/THEFT/ROBBERY/STOLENPROPERTY(To Level of Law Violation)BUS DISTURBANCE (Includes behavior onbus or conduct at bus stop)*Example(s): Fighting or attacking another person with a weapon to cause serious physicalharm that could cause serious physical injury or risk of death. Fighting or attacking anotherperson with or without a weapon to cause physical injury.A student who does not arrive to school on time.A student who does not get to class before the tardy bell rings.Skipping school, class, or leaving school or school grounds without permission.Any child who has been absent from school without a valid excuse for (3) or more days, ortardy on (3) or more days is a truant regardless of the number of minutes tardy. Any child whohas (6) or more unexcused attendance events is a Habitual Truant. Habitual Truancy is a statusoffense and may result in a mandatory court appearance by the student and parent.Demonstrating chronic non-compliant behavior (nine or more documented discipline referralsin a school year, three or more separate incidents of out of school suspension in a school yearor one single issue that is of a very serious nature). These actions may result in a mandatorycourt appearance by the student and parent.When someone and/or a group uses POWER or INTIMIDATION to hurt or scareanother person. Including but not limited to means of intentional written, electronic,verbal or physical act or actions against another person(s). Any act which endangers themental or physical health or safety of a person, embarrasses, frightens, or degrades a person orwhich destroys or removes public/private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into,or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership, in a group, organization/team.The expressed or implied consent of the alleged person against whom the actions have beentaken will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not neutralacts; they are violations of this rule. Students being bullied or who know of someone beingbullied must report this to a school official.A person is guilty of burglary when, with the intent to commit a crime, he knowingly enters orremains unlawfully in a building. A building, in addition to its ordinary meaning, means anystructure, school, school grounds, bus, or other vehicle where any person lives or where peopleassemble for purposes of business, government, education, religion, entertainment or publictransportation. Thus, breaking into a bus and stealing something from the bus would becounted as burglary. The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody,or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force and/or putting the victim in fear.The intentional taking of the property of another in additional to buying, receiving, possessingof stolen property.Conduct on the bus which makes for an unsafe condition for students, driver and othermotorists or others.CHEATING/PLAGIARISM/DISHONESTYDoing something unfair or dishonest in order to gain something for oneself or another.Stealing the work of another in order to use it as one's own work. Intentionallymisrepresenting the truth.*Example(s): Turning in another student’s paper as your own, paying someone to do yourschoolwork for you, giving your work to others to use or copy, looking at another student’swork in class, and then copying similar items.*Examples may include but are not limited to the list included.10

COMMUNICATION DEVICES/CELLPHONESPersonal Telecommunications Device means a device that emits an audible signal, vibrates,displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor,including, but not limited to, a paging device and a cellular telephone. Students and staff have aright to an expectation of privacy while on school grounds. Due to this, unauthorized taping,duplication, picture taking, audio, video, or other means or methods are strictly prohibited.By choosing to allow your student to bring any type of COMMUNICATION DEVICES/CELLPHONES to school, parents/legal guardians agree and support the following:• Schools may require students to register cell phones and numbers in order to carrythem on campus.• The restrictions below shall not be interpreted to prohibit material protected underthe state or federal constitutions where such material does not otherwise materially orsubstantially disrupt the education process or intrude upon the rights of others.• When students violate prohibitions of this policy, they shall be subject to disciplinaryaction, including losing the privilege of bringing the device onto school property andbeing reported to their parent/guardian. A violation also may result in a report beingmade to law enforcement.• The contents of cell phones can be searched by school administration. In addition, anadministrator may confiscate the device, which shall only be returned to the student’sparent/guardian. CONFISCATION MAY INCLUDE THE CELL PHONE ANDSIM CARD.• KRS 158.165 (The school district accepts no responsibility for use, breakage, theft orloss of these personal items). Also refer to the AUP (Acceptable Use Policy)VIOLATIONS. Consequences may include removing computer privileges as well asadditional consequences A-F of The Kenton County School District Violations andProcedures.• Devices shall not be used in a manner that disrupts the educational process, includingbut not limited to:‣ Poses a threat to academic integrity, such as cheating‣ Violates confidentiality or privacy rights of another individual‣ Is profane, indecent, or obscene‣ Constitutes or promotes sending, sharing or possessing sexually explicitmessages photographs, or images using any electronic device.The use of cell phones and other electronic media usage may be directed by teachers throughclassroom assignments. Schools may require phones to be turned off as appropriate.Additional policies on phone or other electronic media use may be added or enhanced by theSchool SBDM. At no time, should a phone or other electronic media device interruptclassroom instruction. Students with phones that ring or vibrate interrupting instruction mayface consequences for this disruptive conduct.DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITYDESTRUCTIVE DISORDERLYCONDUCTDISORDERLY CONDUCT(To Level of Law Violation)*Example(s): Students taking pictures of other students on their phones, modifying it andsending it to others. Students taking pictures/texting about other students and spreading rumorsabout the student in the messages. Students taking pictures of themselves or others, sending itaround, for personal gain.Refusal to comply with reasonable request of school personnel.*Example(s): Anything that could be rational and law abiding students are asked to do andthey refuse.Dangerous or destructive conduct while also being disorderly at school or on buses including,but not limited to, throwing harmful objects, scuffling or lack of control of voice, language orlimbs. This type of conduct does create a danger to self or others.*Example(s): Anything dangerous to self and/or others, whether it causes damage or not.Committing a breach of the peace. In Kentucky, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct whenin a public place and with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or creatinga risk thereof. It should be noted that these are not legal definitions. Due to theramifications of coding errors for disorderly conduct, please consult Student SupportServices who will work local law enforcement or the school board attorney regarding howto code disorderly conduct incidents.*Example(s): Making unreasonable noise such as yelling out in class, hallways, cafeteria etc.Refusing to obey a staff member during an emergency situation such as a fire or fire drill etc.Fighting and refusing to stop. Dramatic behavior that serves no legitimate purpose.*Examples may include but are not limited to the list included.11

DISRUPTIVE DISORDERLY CONDUCTDRESSDRUGS/ALCOHOL (Prescription/ DietarySupplements/Herbals, Others, Anyalcohol/alcoholic items)(To Level of Law Violation)FAILURE TO COMPLETEASSIGNMENTSFALSIFYING/FORGERY/COUNTERFEITINGFRAUD(To Level of Law Violation)GANGS, GANG-RELATED AND GANG-LIKE ACTIVITIESHARASSMENT(To Level of Law Violation)INAPPROPRIATE COMPUTERUSE/VIOLATION OF AUPINAPPROPRIATE MATERIALSLIBEL/SLANDER TOWARD ANYEMPLOYEE(To Level of Law Violation)MARKETING OR BUYING AND/ORSELLING OF ITEMSMENACING/IMPROPER DRIVING(To Level of Law Violation)Disrupting the orderly educational environment at school or on buses including, but not limitedto, throwing objects, horseplay, public display of affection, any unauthorized editing or use ofmedia and/or audio that disrupts the educational environment/atmosphere is prohibited. Thisincludes posting video and/or audio to internet that is disruptive to the learning environment.*Example(s): Screaming out in class, common student spaces (hallways, bathrooms,commons, lunchroom, gym), causing a scene with dramatic behaviors or noise. Touching,hugging, kissing, texting, sending photos with questionable items in them, slapping each otheras play, pulling desks out from under students and inappropriate comments are all examples.DRESS-Work-place environments have expectations for dress. School SBDM Councils mayenhance expectations for student dress. The dress code ensures appropriate clothing that is notoffensive, provocative or disruptive and that reinforces safe behaviors and a safe and orderlylearning environment. For safety reasons shoes must be worn at all times. We stronglyencourage that shoes be secure through fit or strapping.Use, Possession or Under the Influence; Sale, Transfer or Distribution of a drug, look-alikedrug, prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, or drug paraphernalia including(pipes, roach clips, hemostats, rolling papers, etc.) Drugs are defined as prescription (must betaken in accordance with school policy requiring a written pre-approved medical formcompleted by a physician) or any substance that has a harmful or unnatural effect on the personusing them. This includes possession, use or under the influence on school property or at aschool sponsored function. Possession includes items found on school property or at a schoolsponsored function. (To include, but not limited to locker assigned to student, vehicles drivenby the students, any other place deposited by student including purse, backpack, garbagecontainer, etc.)Includes failure to complete assignments and or bring materials for class. It is expected that,prior to any referral of this nature, the teacher must provide documentation of parent contactand teacher interventions.Occurs when a person, with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, falsely makes,completes or alters a written instrument (e.g., checks, transcripts, official identification,currency).*Example(s): Forged notes of any kind including absent notes, forged signature on permissionslips or items being returned to school for any reason, false notes from doctors or others.A deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain. 2. A piece oftrickery; a trick.The presence of, or student involvement in, gangs, gang-related, or gang-like activities onschool property or at school-related events. Gang related items include but are not limited tothe display of gang symbols, drawings, paraphernalia or apparel (bandanas, hats/caps, or anyitem that may interfere with the process of maintaining a safe school environment)Operates with intent to intimidate, harass, annoy, or alarm another person.*Example(s): Making prank phone calls, text messaging, verbal abuse, spreading rumors,writing notes etc. to hurt, intimidate, humiliate or embarrass another person or people.Modifying the network or computer hardware and/or software to accomplish a goal outside ofthe district’s original intent. Students have a right to an expectation of privacy while on schoolgrounds. Due to this, unauthorized taping, duplication, audio, video, or other means ormethods are strictly prohibited.Possession, handling, transmitting, or using inappropriate materials including, but not limitedto, those that degrade, attack or endorse an ethnic background, religion and race, health, safety,sexually explicit, pornographic, and libelous items.Any statement or portrayal (written/verbal/posted, etc.) on the Internet or any othercommunication that falsely disparages anyone’s professional competence and/orreputation. NOTE: In addition to school level consequences, our employee(s) and/or theDistrict have the right to file criminal charges and/or civil litigation.Marketing, buying and/or selling of items not previously approved by the building principal.Intentionally placing self or other person(s) in harm’s way or endangering the safety, healthand/or welfare of self or others on school property or at school sponsored events, including butnot limited to recklessly operating a motor vehicle.PROFANITY/VULGARITYPUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA)*Examples may include but are not limited to the list included.*Example(s): Threatening to beat another student up, threatening to harm another person outof anger without following through with the threat, speeding or unsafe wreckless driving inschool parking lot, acting as if you are going to run over another person.Spoken or written words that are recognized as swear or curse words. Some words whileprofane or vulgar may be deemed for grounds of other classification according to the code ofconduct. The Principal makes the final decision to what constitutes word(s) as profanity/vulgaror other violation.Inappropriate embracing, touching, kissing and/or activities that others see or witness toinclude viewing through security cameras.12

REPEATED VIOLATIONSSEXUAL MISCONDUCT(To Level of Law Violation)SMOKING/CHEWING/SMOKINGPARAPHERNALIA/TOBACCO OTHERSTOLEN PROPERTY (RECEIVING)TERRORISTIC THREATENING – BOMBTHREAT (To Level of Law Violation)UNDER THE INFLUENCE(To Level of Law Violation)VANDALISM (Criminal Mischief) (ToLevel of Law Violation)VERBAL ABUSEVIOLATING SECURITYDemonstrating a documented pattern of inappropriate behavior for which the availableprocedures are not sufficient or a minimum of three (3) referrals in one school year for thesame violation.Subjecting another person(s) to sexual contact by forcible compulsion; or Participant(s)subjecting another person to sexual contact who is incapable of consent because he/she: isphysically helpless; less than sixteen (16) years old; or is mentally incapacitated includingwilling participant(s). This includes any type of Sexual Activity, Misconduct or Exposure atschool, on the school bus or at any school sponsored event for any age student including(sexting) the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos, videos, audio or visual fileselectronically, primarily between cell phones or other electronic media.Use, possession, sale or transfer of tobacco products or possession of smoking paraphernalia(lighters, matches, tobacco packs, etc.) Violation of this section (KRS 438.311) may also resultin a fine and/or community service work assigned by the court.Include buying, receiving, possessing of stolen property.He/she threatens to commit any crime likely to result in death or serious physical injury toanother person or likely to result in substantial property damage to another person; orintentionally makes false statements for the purpose of causing evacuation of a building, placeof assembly, or facility of public transportation.*Example(s): Pulling fire alarms, threatening to kill another person. Calling school to say thereis a bomb in the building.Includes all offenses of intoxication with the exception of driving under the influence. InKentucky, this offense equates to alcohol intoxication and/or public intoxication, which occurswhen a person appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol, a controlledsubstance, or other intoxicating substance.The intentional destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any public or privateproperty without consent of the owner or person having custody or control (i.e., by cutting,tearing, breaking, marking, painting, drawing, or covering with filth). Loss of $500.00 or morerequires a police report.To insult by means of words.Compromising district and/or school security procedures or putting others at risk. Making athreat or falsely alerting that a bomb has been placed or is about to explode.WEAPON (FIREARM ONLY)(To Level of Law Violation)WEAPON OTHER/DANGEROUSINSTRUMENTWILLFUL MISCONDUCT (Fighting)*Examples may include but are not limited to the list included.*Example(s): Trespassing, failure to follow lock down, opening of exterior doors other thansingle monitored entrance, tampering of security cameras, telephone and/or fire alarm system,remaining on school grounds after posted hours without prior permission from school officials,use of fireworks, noxious substances, and intentionally reporting false tips to administrators,teachers, other sources, etc.Use, Possession, Sale, Transfer or Distribution - A firearm is any weapon that will expel aprojectile by the action of an explosive. This offense encompasses manufacture, sale, orpossession of firearms on school property or at a school function. (KRS 527.070).Use, Possession, Sale, Transfer or Distribution - of any object determined by the principal to bedangerous and capable of being readily used by one person to inflict severe bodily injury uponanother person; examples include but not are limited to air guns, knives, artificial knuckles,club, baton, nunchaku karate sticks. (KRS 527.070)Willingly engaging in physical contact for the purpose of inflicting harm on the other person.Any provocation (verbal/physical) may be considered a mitigation of the charge. A studentwho finds himself/herself the victim of an attack should make every effort to get out of thesituation including blocking, running, and calling for help13

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND GUARDIANSRights and Responsibilities • Students have many rights, which include access to a system of public education thatmeets the needs of the individual student in an educational environment that is safe andstable.• Student responsibilities include being accountable for their own conduct and forconsideration for the rights and property of others. Parent’s rights include sending theirchild to a school with a safe, stable environment where learning is valued. Parents have anumber of responsibilities that include instilling in their children the value of aneducation, a sense of responsibility and respect.• Teachers have the right to a stable, safe work environment where they can teach skills andconcepts while caring for the overall developmental needs of the whole child. Teacher'sresponsibilities include presenting subject matter and experiences to students and toinform parents and students of positive academic achievements as well as problematicperformance or behaviors.• Administrators and other staff are critical parts of the school community. Rights andresponsibilities for Principals and bus drivers have also been developed.• The previous passage is an abridged overview of the full series of "Rights andResponsibilities." The full version can be found in the Kenton County Board ofEducation "Policies and Procedures" Manual.Due ProcessIn all discipline cases, school personnel will follow appropriate due process procedures.Ordinarily, a student shall not be suspended before being given oral or written notice ofcharges constituting suspension, an explanation of the evidence, and an opportunity to presenttheir version of the facts. Whenever a suspension is being given as a consequence, the schoolwill make every effort to contact parents and to share the specifics related to the case.Immediate suspension will only be used if it is essential for safety reasons or to avoiddisruption of the educational environment. In these cases, due process guidelines should occurFamily Education Rights andPrivacy Act (School Records)Grievance ProceduresLaw Violationsby phone or by written statement within three school days following the suspension.• In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, parents may review alleducation records relating to their child. This right is extended to students at age eighteen.Students have a right to an expectation of privacy while on school grounds. Due to this,unauthorized taping, duplication, audio, video, or other means or methods are strictlyprohibited. Parents also have the right to file complaints if the district does not complywith this act. Parents of graduated students enrolled in a program for exceptionalchildren, or of students who have otherwise left school, may request the destruction of anypersonally identifiable information, which was used for the identification, evaluation, orplacement of the exceptional child. Such requests must be in writing to the SpecialEducation Director.• In accordance with federal regulations concerning the transfer of educational records, thisdistrict will forward records on request to a school in which students seek to enroll. Uponwritten request, parents can obtain copies of these records and discuss these records ifnecessary.• Parents may request information from the school regarding the professional qualificationsof their child’s classroom teacher.Note: All student records are confidential and can only be released through properauthorization.Parents questioning actions taken by the school may do the following:F. In classroom matters, contact the teacher to discuss the problem.G. If the teacher meeting does not resolve the problem, the teacher and parents can arrange ameeting with the principal.H. If the problem is not classroom related, the parents may contact the principal.I. If none of the above procedures are satisfactory, parents may appeal the school decisionand request a conference with the superintendent or designee after discussion withprincipal.J. During this conference either party may have present individuals relative to factorsinvolved. The other party will be notified in advance if such persons are present.K. The Superintendent or designee will advise parents in writing of the decision regardingthe grievance within fourteen days after the conference of the appeal conference.In areas where students violate state or federal laws, charges and consequences in addition tothose of the school code may follow through the court system (e.g. theft, vandalism, weapons,tobacco violations, etc.).14

Maintaining a Safe and DrugFree School SettingStudent SearchesNotification of Police andRemoving Students inaccordance with KRS 158.150 &158.154Medical Exams/ DentalScreening/Exams KentuckyKenton County School DistrictCode of Expected Behavior andConductThe Kenton County Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and drug free schoolenvironment. To maintain this positive learning climate, security cameras, drug dogs, safetysweeps, and other security measures may be used. To meet this goal, the administration mayconduct random or systematic administrative searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and otherfacilities, which are the exclusive property of the Kenton County Board of Education. This alsoextends to school sponsored events. In addition and under the requirement of the FourthAmendment, when there is reasonable suspicion pointing to a specific student that a school ruleor criminal statute has been broken, that student and his property may be searched by schoolofficials following reasonable suspicion, but need not be supported by search warrant orprobable cause. If you feel your child has a problem with illegal substances or alcohol, weencourage you to contact your child's school for resources including individual counseling,group counseling, and contacts for professional help.Although students have the right to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, schoolofficials have the right, under the law, to search students or their property whenever there is areasonable suspicion that they have something that violates school rules or endangers others.Students may be searched to maintain the ongoing educational process, maintain order, and/orprotect people and property. Searches may include the student and his or her locker, desk,automobile, or personal belongings. The Police Detection Canine Team may conduct randomand unannounced searches of general school areas, including school lockers and parking lots. Ahand-held metal detector may be used by a school official who has reasonable suspicion that thestudent is in possession of a weapon.The Kenton County School District has adopted policies mandating that when the principal hasa reasonable belief that an act has occurred on school property or at a school-sponsored functioninvolving assault resulting in serious physical injury, a sexual offense, kidnapping, assaultinvolving use of a weapon, possession of a firearm in violation of the law, possession of acontrolled substance in violation of the law, or damage to property, the principal shallimmediately report the act to appropriate local law enforcement. Also, school administrators,teachers, or other school personnel may immediately remove or cause to be removedthreatening or violent students from a school building setting or from a district transportationsystem pending any further disciplinary action that may occur.School Law KRS 156.160(i) requires the following information from students: a currentKentucky Immunization Certificate, a medical examination within twelve months prior to initialschool admission, a second medical examination when students enter sixth grade, an eye examfor first time enrollees and a certified birth certificate for first time enrollees. Parents areresponsible for providing and updating these records prior to the start of school. Students willbe excluded from school if they do not have the proper health records. If you have anyquestions, contact your child's school.• Starting with the 2010/2011 school year a dental screening or examination by a dentist,dental hygienist, physician, registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, orphysician assistant is required. This evidence shall be presented to the school no later thanJanuary 1 of the first year that a five (5) or six (6) year old is enrolled in public school.• Each student is given a copy of the Kenton County School District Code of ExpectedBehavior and Conduct. Our District Enrollment form which is completed by a legalparent/guardian states “If you did not receive the Kenton County School District Code ofExpected Behavior and Conduct which includes Regulations for Riding School Buses,please contact the school for a copy or request a copy in another language”.Abuse of Teacher • Malicious conduct toward a staff member may be subject to legal charges for Abuse ofTeacher and/or other statutes. (State Law - 161.190 Abuse of teacher prohibited.) -Whenever a teacher or school administrator is functioning in his capacity as an employeeof a board of education of a public school system, it shall be unlawful for any person todirect speech or conduct toward the teacher or school administrator when such personknows or should know that the speech or conduct will disrupt or interfere with normalschool activities or will nullify or undermine the good order and discipline of the school.PossessionSBDM PoliciesThe word possession includes items found in locker assigned to student, vehicles, and any otherplace where items have been deposited by student (Purse, backpack, garbage container, etc., butare not limited to).This Code of Acceptable Behavior is seen as a minimum requirement for students of TheKenton County School District. School Based Decision-Making (SBDM) councils maystrengthen individual rules of this code of conduct with review and/or approval of the KentonCounty Board of Education. Schools will publish all areas where school policy is stronger thanthe Code of Conduct (e.g. school-based dress code).15