FILE:  JCDA

Cf:  JCD, JCDAB, JCDAC

Cf:  JD, JDD, JDE

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The LaSalle Parish School Board realizes, as a public agency, the school shares the responsibility with parents to educate, guide, and when necessary, discipline children.  Fair and impartial discipline will help promote a proper climate for learning, and it will also help students develop the self-discipline that is required for learning.

The ultimate responsibility for student conduct rests with the student and his parent.  It is also the daily responsibility of school personnel to see that no single person interferes with the total learning environment of other students.  As prescribed by law, every teacher is authorized to hold every student accountable for his/her behavior in school or on the playground of the school or on any street, road, or school bus going to or returning from school, and during intermissions or recesses.  It is the final responsibility of the principal/designee to maintain discipline at each school or any school function or school-sponsored activities.  Referrals to the Courts, Families in Need of Services (F.I.N.S.), etc. may be made when a student’s behavior warrants such and in accordance with applicable law, regulations, and School Board policies.

MINOR OFFENSES

When a student commits a minor offense, the teacher should discipline the student according to the school’s master discipline plan.  It is also recommended that the teacher communicate by phone, email, or by sending home a note, the parents and inform them of the problems before referring the student to the principal.  In addition, the teacher may administer interventions and consequences in accordance with the school’s discipline plan.

For minor offenses, the principal or his/her designee may, as deemed appropriate, use from a variety of disciplinary and intervention measures established by the school, including, but not limited to, counseling with the student, referral to the school counselor or other appropriate counselor, or other consequences within the school’s discipline plan.

For habitual minor offenses, the principal or his/her designee shall contact the parent/guardian regarding behavioral concerns.

The teacher shall refer students to the principal when necessary, using the School Behavior Report Form established by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Students shall respond to personnel using respectful terms ("Yes, Ma'am, Yes, Sir.")  Violations shall be considered a minor offense and receive consequences according to the school’s discipline plan.  (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:416.2)

MAJOR OFFENSES

The Student Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following offenses and dispositions.  A student found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct shall be disciplined according to the disposition set forth for that offense or as deemed appropriate by the principal or the principal’s designee.

Prior to any suspension, assignment to alternative placement, or expulsion, the school principal or the principal’s designee shall advise the student in question of the particular misconduct of which he or she is accused as well as the basis for such accusation, and the student shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his or her version of the facts to the school principal or his or her designee; however, a student whose presence in or about a school poses a continued danger to any person or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process shall be immediately removed from the school premises without the benefit of the procedure described above; however, the necessary procedure shall follow as soon as is practicable.

Notice in writing, either by electronic communication or by certified letter, using the School Behavior Report Form for Suspensions and Expulsions of the suspension, assignment to alternative placement, or recommendation for expulsion shall be given to the parent or parents of the student.  (Bulletin 741, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators)

GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 5

Elementary school principals, grades Pre-K though 5 may use, at their discretion, any of the approaches or consequences under the Student Code of Conduct they deem appropriate.  However, serious offenses such as the following should be dealt with consistent with the school’s discipline plan and may result in suspension or expulsion.  (Refer to LPSB Threat Assessment and Response Procedure where applicable):

1. Possession or use of weapons.

2. Act of assault and battery upon faculty, school personnel, school official, or other student.

3. Possession or use of illegal drug and/or alcohol or drug paraphernalia.

4. Threatening school personnel/teacher, faculty, school official, or other student.

5. Extreme Disrespect for authority

6. Extreme Disobedience

7. Cursing faculty or school personnel

8. Vandalism

9. Extortion

10. Inciting a riot

11. Theft

12. Sexual acts

13. Violations that endanger health and safety of others.

14. Threats of violence

15. Threats of terrorism

GRADES 6 THROUGH 12

Offense and Administrative Action

(*** All administrative action/offenses are cumulative and progressive)

1. Willful Disobedience

2. Treats an Authority with Disrespect

3. Makes an Unfounded Charge against Authority

4. Uses Profane and/or Obscene Language

5. Is Guilty of Immoral or Vicious Practices

6. Conduct or Habits Injurious to Others

7. Uses/Possesses/Distributes Controlled Dangerous Substances

8. Uses/Possesses Tobacco, Lighter, and/or Vaporizer/Electronic Cigarette
   
   (Note:  In all cases, counsel with student and refer as needed for intervention/prevention)

9. Uses/Possesses/Distributes Alcoholic Beverages

(Each Occurrence)

10. Disturbs the School or School Bus/Habitually Violates School or Bus Rules

11. Cuts, Defaces, Injures School Property or School Bus/Vandalism

12. Writes or Draws Obscene/Profane Language/Pictures

13. Possessions/Use of Weapon(s) Prohibited Under Federal Law

14. Possession/Use of *Dangerous Weapon(s) or an Object as a Weapon

15. Throws Missiles Liable to Injure Others

16. Instigates or Participates in Fights
    
    Refer to Law Enforcement and/or Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance if deemed necessary

17. Violates Traffic, Safety Regulations, and/or Parking Regulations

18. Leaves School, School Bus, or Classroom Without Permission

19. Unexcused Absences and/or Tardiness (includes check-outs)

20. Is Guilty of Stealing

21. 
    
22. *Commits any Other Serious Offense

22. Dress Code Violation (grades K-12)

23. Assault and/or Battery on School Personnel or Another Student

24. Threatening Students/Faculty/School Personnel
    
    All threats or threatening remarks will be taken seriously and shall be dealt with according to LaSalle Parish School Board policies and procedures, the school discipline plan, and State law.

25. Sexual Harassment
    
    Sexual harassment will be taken seriously and shall be dealt with according to School Board policy JAAA, Title IX Sexual Harassment, or JCED, Sexually Related Student Misconduct, or any policy addressing sexually inappropriate conduct by or against students or employees.

Referral to law enforcement, report to Child Protective Services, and/or a referral to the Crisis Management Team should be made as deemed appropriate and/or necessary.

26. Bullying, Cyberbullying, Intimidation, Harassment (other than “Sexual”), and Hazing
    
    All forms of harassment shall be taken seriously and shall be dealt with according to School Board policy JCDAF, Bullying and Hazing.  The reporting of incidents of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall be made on the Bullying Report form, which shall include an affirmation of truth.  Any bullying, hazing, or similar behavior report submitted, regardless of recipient, shall use this form, but additional information may be provided.

27. Cheating

28. Riots

29. Skipping School (Never came on school grounds during normal school hours)

30. Unauthorized Possession of Cell Phones and/or Electronic Devices -- Grades K-8
    
    (Examples include smart watches, iPads, cameras, radios, iPods, gaming devices not being used as instructional aids under supervision and with knowledge of the teacher, bus driver, and/or principal).
    
    NOTE: LaSalle Parish Schools are NEITHER responsible nor liable if confiscated phones or electronic items are lost, damaged, or stolen resulting from the student’s violation of this policy.
    
    In all cases, confiscate item and notify parents to pick up item at school

31. Unauthorized Use of Cell Phones and/or Electronic Devices – Grades 9-12
    
    NOTE:  LaSalle Parish Schools are neither responsible nor liable if confiscated phones or electronic devices are lost, damaged, or stolen as a result of the student’s violation of this policy.  “Use” is defined as the cell phone or device being in the “on” position or mode.
    
    NOTE: Driving Privileges relate to ALL LaSalle Parish School Events.

32. Technology/Internet Misuse (Grades 9-12 refer to the Bring Your Own Technology – BYOT section of policy JCDAE, Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Telecommunication Devices)

33. Medication Policy Violation (Prescription and/or Over-the-Counter)

34. Distribution of Over-the-Counter Medication/Supplements

35. Failure to Attend Any Form of Detention (Saturday, EMD, Lunch, etc.)

36. Loitering and/or Sitting in Parked Cars

37. Indecent Behavior

38. Public Display of Affection

39. Intimacy Between Students

40. Possession of Pornographic Material/Inappropriate Literature

41. Possession/Use of Fireworks

42. Fire-Alarm Violation
    
    Intentional/unauthorized activation of fire alarm

43. Gangs
    
    Promoting gang membership and/or activities

44. Gambling

45. Extortion

46. Incomplete, End-of-Year Infractions and/or Suspensions that occur prior to school holidays

47. Withdrawal from School Prior to Graduation (Ages 14-18), Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion, and/or Cases of Habitual Unexcused Absences or Tardiness

NOTES

• Offenses listed are not inclusive of offenses that occur in a school and/or school bus setting.  When an offense occurs that is not listed herein, disposition will be determined as per applicable LaSalle Parish School Board policies and/or state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations.
  
  

• Offenses 1 through 21 are “reasons for suspension and expulsion” designated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) for disciplinary reporting purposes. Infractions listed past number 21 are reported to the LDE as “Any Other Serious Offense”.  All suspensions and expulsions are reported to the LDE.
  
  

• Discipline offenses/infractions shall be reviewed by school personnel and, if deemed necessary, a referral regarding the student shall be made to an agency of appropriate jurisdiction and/or the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
  
  

• Dangerous Weapon (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:2.A.3):  A dangerous weapon means any gas, liquid, or other substance or instrumentality which in the manner used is likely to produce death or great bodily harm.  By way of illustration, but not limited to, a dangerous weapon includes mace, pepper spray, stun guns, tazers, switchblades, or spring knives, any other knife, brass knuckles or blackjacks.*
  
  

• "Firearm" means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle that is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.
  
  

• "Out-of-school suspension" means the removal of a student from all classes of instruction on public school grounds and all other school-sponsored activities.
  
  

• The principal or his/her designee administers the form of detention and/or suspensions used in each disposition set forth at their discretion.  Forms of detention may include the following:  Saturday, Early Morning, After School, In-School, Lunch, etc.  Forms of suspension may include Alternative School referral, In-School Suspension and/or Out-of-School Suspension.
  
  

• Any student may be expelled upon recommendation by the principal, as specified within the school’s master plan for discipline.
  
  

• Before an initial referral for a student's expulsion, a principal is required to administer interventions in accordance with the minor tiers in the code of conduct, except in instances where the expulsion referral is the result of accumulated minor infractions in accordance with the code of conduct, or the underlying incident threatens the safety and health of students or staff.
  
  

• Expulsions shall be reserved for the major tier of behavioral infractions involving weapons or drugs, or when the safety of students and staff has been put in jeopardy.  
  
  

• Students will be referred to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance after the 3rd suspension within the same school session or as deemed necessary by the principal or his/her designee.  Serious offenses that warrant an immediate recommendation for expulsion will be referred to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
  
  

• Corporal punishment may be used in accordance with School Board policy JDA, Corporal Punishment.
  
  

• The LaSalle Parish School Board operates under approved guidelines and procedures relative to the use of seclusion and restraint by its employees (ref. LPSB website)

SCWA stands for Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance

SAPT stands for Substance Abuse Prevention Team

Duration of Suspension:  Refer to policy JDD, Suspension

For Offenses that Allow Counseling as a Disposition:

A counseling session could be a conference between the student, the principal/designee, and/or parent, or legal guardian, or it could be a referral to the school counselor, social worker, licensed mental health professional, or other appropriate counselor deemed necessary to aide in alleviating student disciplinary problems.

Crisis Management Team (CMT) Members May Include the Following:

Superintendent, School Social Worker, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Families in Need of Services Officer, School Principal or Designee, and/or Juvenile Officer (if deemed necessary)

Substance Abuse Prevention Team Members May Include the Following:

Social Worker, Counselor, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, School Principal or Designee, and/or others as deemed necessary.

School Building Transportation Committee Members May Include the Following:

Transportation Supervisor, School Principal or Designee, Bus Operator, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, and/or others as deemed necessary.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:233, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.13, 32:431.1

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 383 F.2d 988

Griffin v. Tatum, 425 F.2d 201 (1970)

Dunn v. Tyler Independent School District, 460 F.2d 137 (1972)

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education,

Board minutes, 9-18-06, 10-6-08, 7-13-09, 5-2-11, 3-10-14, 12-9-14, 4-11-16, 5-1-17, 6-26-18, 1-11-21, 8-2-21, 4-4-22

LaSalle Parish School Board