Student Code of Conduct

2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct

The Walton County Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, orderly and productive learning environment for all students. Student behavior is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will contribute to the school district’s belief that schools must be places where students feel safe, supported, valued and respected. Students are expected to:

Participate fully in the learning process – students should report to school and class on time, attend all regularly scheduled classes, remain in class until excused or dismissed, pay attention to instruction, complete assignments to the best of their ability, and ask for help when needed.
Avoid behavior that impairs their own or other student’s educational achievement – students should know and avoid the behaviors prohibited by the student code of conduct, take care of their books and other instructional materials and cooperate with others.
Show respect for the knowledge and authority of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel – students must obey directions, use acceptable and courteous language, avoid being rude or disrespectful and follow school rules and procedures.
Recognize and respect the rights of others – all students should show concern for and encouragement of the educational achievements and efforts of others.

Levels of Violations

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are grouped into three levels (Level I, Level II, and Level III). Before determining the level of a violation, the principal or assigned administrator will review the facts and consult with individuals necessary to make this determination. Once the level of the violation has been determined, appropriate disciplinary procedures will be implemented.

For minor classroom disruptions, the teacher will take appropriate in-class disciplinary action and, where appropriate, will contact the student’s parent(s) or guardians(s). If the student’s behavior does not improve, or the disruption is severe, or when local Board of Education policy or state or federal law has been violated, a referral will be made to the principal or assigned administrator. Misbehavior on the bus may be treated in the same manner as misbehavior in the classroom or on school property. Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right.

Progressive Discipline Process

Administrators will follow a progressive discipline process whenever discipline is to be imposed including bus misbehavior. The degree of the discipline to be imposed for any violation, including the first time a student had committed a disciplinary infraction, will be in proportion to the severity of the violation. When considering the discipline to be imposed, administrators will take into account any and all relevant factors to assure that the appropriate degree of discipline is imposed. These factors include: the seriousness of offense, the student’s prior disciplinary history as part of the permanent record, evidence of pre-meditation, evidence of self-defense, the student’s age, and/or disability, and the student’s attitude and willingness to cooperate, and other mitigating or aggravating circumstances. The principal or designee has the authority to place a student on Administrative Probation during a parent/guardian conference as a response to progressive discipline prior to taking the student to a disciplinary hearing. School administrators have discretion as to if and when a student is placed on Administrative Probation and what the terms will be. Parents of Pre-K students are reminded that their children can be disciplined under the Code of Conduct. Students who exhibit a pattern of violations of the Code of Conduct not resulting in a disciplinary hearing may be placed on Administrative Probation by a school level administrator as a means of correcting the student’s behavior. In a conference with the student and parent or guardian, the principal or principal’s designee will review the purpose of, and will establish the length and terms of the Administrative Probation, which shall be included in a document that is provided to the student and to the parent or guardian. If the student and parent or guardian refuse to attend the conference, or acknowledge receipt of the document, the principal or principal's designee shall be authorized to place the student on Administrative Probation. Violation of any of the terms of the Administrative Probation may result in a disciplinary action, including referral of the student to a disciplinary hearing under code of conduct rule 3.23.

Extension of the WCSD Student Code of Conduct

Walton County School District's Student Code of Conduct extends to violations of the Student Code of Conduct which occur (1) on school property; (2) on a school bus or other transportation provided by the School District; (3) at the school bus stop and/or between the school bus stop and home; (4) off school property at a school-related activity or event; (5) while traveling under the supervision of school officials to or from a school-related activity or event; (6) off school property when the student leaves school (or other location where the student is under the supervision of school officials) and commits an act which violates the Student Code of Conduct; and (7) off campus at any time while the student is under the supervision of school officials. Students who engage in off-campus behavior unrelated to a school activity or event may still be subject to disciplinary action if: (1) the student’s off-campus conduct could result in the student being charged with an offense which would be a felony if committed by an adult and the off-campus conduct either makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger, or would disrupt the school environment; or (2) the student’s off-campus expressive behavior (including, but not limited to, written communication; email; internet posting; social media; texting and/or other forms of communication) which consists of bullying, cyber bullying, threats or harassment) could reasonably be expected (a) to come to the attention of school officials and (b) to create a substantial risk to the safety of students, staff or others or create a substantial risk of disruption to the school, any program, or the school environment.

Also, students with school parking permits are reminded that they can have their parking privileges revoked as a consequence of misbehavior. Certain offenses will be referred to the school district’s Disciplinary Hearing Officer to determine whether the student should be expelled, suspended, or given the option to attend the alternative program. The violations for which referral to the school district’s Disciplinary Hearing Officer will be made include offenses listed in Level II which are serious in nature (i.e., offenses resulting in a disciplinary recommendation for long-term suspension, expulsion, or given the option to attend the alternative program) and offenses listed in Level III. Parents will be given the option to waive their right to a student disciplinary hearing and accept the school’s recommendation for disciplinary action. Information will be shared in the school level administrative discipline conference concerning the waiver procedure.

Student Restrictions During Disciplinary Action

Students are reminded that misbehavior at school can negatively affect academic performance. Students are also reminded of restrictions during disciplinary action. Students shall not be allowed to participate in nor attend any school sponsored activities including, but not limited to, school dances, athletics, and marching band and are restricted from attending any school events where Walton County students are guests during the period of time that they are being disciplined through an assignment for out-of-school suspension, alternative program or expulsion. Further, the student may not enter any Walton County School District building or onto property owned and/or operated by the Walton County School District. Additionally, students assigned to ISS - awaiting a disciplinary hearing may not attend programs, events, activities or games. Failure to comply with this restriction will result in the student being arrested for trespassing and could result in expulsion from Walton County School District. Also, returning RYDC students may be placed in the alternative program up to 20 days as a transitional strategy. A placement committee will convene for students coming from a residency assignment to review Walton County School District placement options.

Mandated Reporting of Disciplinary Offenses

As required by law, teachers and administrators will report to the principal or to his or her designee those students who have committed aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, sexual offenses, possession of a deadly weapon and commission of drug offenses. Such students will be reported to the superintendent, local police authority and the District Attorney as required by O.C. G.A. § 20-2-1184. (NOTE: Students in grades K-5 are subject to the Student Code of Conduct, and may be referred to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer where appropriate).

Discipline records are a part of a student’s confidential educational records and are protected by FERPA guideline.

In This Section

Resources

Code of Conduct (PDF)

Levels of Misconduct

An act of misconduct at Level 1 generally requires staff intervention but does not seriously endanger the health or safety of others. For a first time Level 1 offense, disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to the following: loss of privileges, parent/teacher conferences, assignment of a school service or project related to the misbehavior, a behavior contract, detention, in-school suspension (ISS) short-term out-of-school suspension (OSS, less than 10 days), administrative probation contract or other reasonable disciplinary action at the discretion of the principal or his or her designee. For Level 1 bus misbehavior, the school bus driver may reassign the student’s seat, notify the parent/guardian, or refer the matter to a school administrator. Dispositions listed are minimum.

Level I Misconduct

1.01 Bus Misbehavior (GA .06)

A student shall not disregard the directions of school bus drivers or school bus aides, or otherwise fail to comply with the Student Code of conduct while on the bus. In addition to the other rules in this Student Code of Conduct, students will (a) load and unload the school bus in a safe and orderly manner; (b) be at the bus stop on time; (c) go directly to an available or assigned seat upon entering the school bus; (d) refrain from bringing oversized or potentially dangerous objects onto the school bus; (e) keep the school bus aisle free of all objects; (f) refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum; (g) keep seating area clean and in good, safe condition; and (h) refrain from distracting the driver.

1.02 Disregarding Instructions of a School Official (GA .33)

A student shall not disregard the instructions of school personnel. Examples of noncompliant conduct include continued refusal to complete assignments, violating classroom rules and decorum and failing to follow instructions and guidelines during extracurricular activities and field trips.

1.03 Disrupting the School Environment (GA .33)

A student shall not engage in any conduct which is reasonably likely to distract students from learning or disrupts the orderly educational process in the classroom or any other instructional setting.

1.04 Excessive Tardiness* (GA .30)

A student shall not report late to school or class without a valid excuse from his/her parent/guardian. Excessive tardies may subject a student to discipline under this rule.

1.05 Failure to Serve a Teacher Assigned Detention (GA .30)

A student shall not fail to serve teacher assigned detention.

1.06 Gambling

A student shall not participate in any form of gambling or be in possession of any gambling device or item which can be used to promote or facilitate gambling; provided, however, nothing in this section shall prohibit a student from participating in school-sponsored raffles. Students who participate in gambling activities involving amounts of $100.00 or more may be charged with violating Rule 2.30.

1.07 Inappropriate Public Display of Affection (GA .16)

A student shall not engage in an inappropriate public display of affection.

1.08 Use of Profanity or Obscene Language (GA .33)

A student shall not use profanity or obscene language, even if the profanity or obscene language is not directed toward another or intended to be heard by another. A student who directs profanity or obscene language or gestures toward another person shall be charged with rule 2.04.

1.09 Littering

A student shall not throw, leave or dispose of litter or waste except in a designated trash can or recycling container.

1.10 Minor Parking Violation

A student shall not violate any published rules or regulations related to driving on campus.

1.11 Minor School Disturbance (GA .33)

A student shall not engage in any conduct which is reasonably likely to distract other students or interfere with learning for a short duration. A student who engages in conduct which disrupts the education process for any significant duration may be charged with a violation of Rule 2.28. A student who creates a material or substantial disruption may be charged with rule 3.11.

1.12 Dress Code Violation (GA .31)

Students are expected to follow school and agenda specific descriptions for dress code. A student shall not violate the published dress code of his or her school.

1.13 Sleeping in Class

A student shall not sleep in class or engage in any other off-task behaviors.

1.14 Subsequent Level I Offense (GA .33)

A student who commits a second violation of a Level 1 offense within the same school year may be subject to Level II and/or Level III disciplinary action.

Level II Misconduct

Level II misconduct may result in an immediate disciplinary action by a school -level administrator up to and including short-term (10 days or less) out-of-school suspension pending a hearing before the Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer. In addition to the above, school administrators may also impose such lesser disciplinary measures as appropriate. Examples of such measures may include, but are not limited to: an Administrative Probation, revocation of parking privileges, school bus suspension, and assignment to ISS. Following a student disciplinary hearing, a student found to have committed an act of Level II misconduct may be subject to long-term suspension, expulsion, or given the option to attend the alternative program. A subsequent Level II offense may be considered to be an aggravating factor by the Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer when determining the appropriate level of discipline to impose. Dispositions are minimum.

2.01 Bus Misbehavior (GA .06)

A student shall not disregard the directions of school bus drivers and school bus aides or otherwise fail to comply with the Student Code of Conduct while on the bus. In addition, students will (a) not use loud voices, profanity, or obscene gestures; (b) remain properly seated until they are instructed to unload the school bus; (c) not push and shove other students or engage in horseplay while waiting to load the school bus, while loading or unloading the school bus, or while on the school bus; (d) not extend head, arms, hands, or other objects out of the bus windows; (e) not throw objects from the school bus or while inside the school bus; (f) not use any electronic devices which might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus, including cell phones, pagers, and CD or MP3 players or similar devices; (g) not intentionally ignore or refuse to comply with the safety-related directive of a school bus driver or other school district employee; (h) not use mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective device in any manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

2.02 Bullying (GA .29)

A student shall not bully another student. Bullying is defined as (1) any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by a present ability to do so; (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(s) which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass or intimidate, that: (a) causes another person substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm; (b) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; (c) is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or (d) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Upon a finding by the Disciplinary Hearing Officer that a student in grades six through 12 has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, such student shall be given the option to attend the alternative program in lieu of expulsion. (4) Retaliation by a student against another who made a bullying report is strictly prohibited. The retaliating student will be subject to a disciplinary hearing with possible law enforcement charges filed. Some examples of bullying are listed, but are not limited to the following, direct bullying (e.g., hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, taunting, hazing, making degrading racial or sexual comments, using threatening speech or threatening behavior or obscene gestures) and indirect bullying (e.g., getting another person to assault a student, spreading rumors, deliberate exclusion from a group or activity and cyber bullying).

2.03 Cheating (GA .32)

A student shall not engage in any act of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes (1) cheating; intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise (e.g., copying another student’s work); (2) fabrication; intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise; (3) facilitation of academic dishonesty; intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty; or (4) plagiarism: intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.

2.04 Directing Obscene, Offensive or Profane Language (GA .33)

A student shall not direct any vulgar, profane, indecent or obscene language or gestures at any person.

2.05 Disrespectful Behavior/Disregard for Directions or Commands (GA .33)

(a) A student will not disregard the directions or commands of teachers, administrators, other faculty or staff, or other school officials. Disregard for directions or commands includes without limitation failure to follow school rules and/or Board policy.

(b) A student will not engage in disrespectful behavior, including without limitation rude behavior; profanity; ethnic, racial, religious, or sexual slurs, or derogatory statements; name calling; indecent, lewd, or vulgar language or conduct; defamatory statements; and/or taunting.

2.06 Electronic/Communication Device (GA .34)

Use during school hours of a beeper, pager, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), any visual and/or audio recording device or other electronic equipment is prohibited except where the student receives prior permission from the principal or principal’s designee for use of the item. Phones and other electronic devices must remain off during instructional classes. Failure to silence an electronic device shall be a violation of this rule. Schools are not responsible for loss, theft or replacement of items. Electronic devices used without permission may be confiscated by the administration. Possession and transmission of pornographic materials via electronic devices can result in violations of other provisions of the Student Code of Conduct (e.g., rules 2.16 and 2.17) and may result in a recommendation of suspension, option to attend the alternative program, or expulsion.

2.07 Fighting and/or Simple Battery (GA .03, .08)

No student shall intentionally make physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person, or intentionally cause physical harm to another. A student may be charged with violating this rule even if the victim does not suffer any visible bodily harm. Examples of prohibited conduct include pushing, shoving, wrestling or hitting between students; or participating in an altercation.

2.08 Fire Alarm (GA .06)

See rule 3.03.

2.09 Fleeing a School District Employee/Interference with School Operations (GA .33)

A student shall not prevent, interfere with, resist or intimidate school personnel in the performance of their duties or attempt to do so. A student shall not prevent or attempt to prevent another student from participating in educational activities, disciplinary hearings or administrative investigations. Prohibited conduct under this rule includes, but is not limited to, fleeing or running from school personnel, refusing to cooperate with a search to recover dangerous or contraband items and threatening to retaliate against a student or other person who cooperates or provides testimony related to an investigation or disciplinary hearing.

2.10 Gang Activity (GA .35)

A student shall not engage in conduct that is reasonably viewed as promoting or advertising participation in a street gang, as defined by O.C.G. A. § 16-16-3. A student who causes property damage as a result of any act of gang-related painting, marking, or writing on or tagging of school property may also be charged with a violation of rule 2.13 (Destruction of Property) or rule 3.15 (Damage to Property).

2.11 Inappropriate Use of Technology (GA .05)

A student shall not use technology resources to:

Send, display, access, publish or download material or content that is obscene, offensive, vulgar, and/or pornographic by electronic means;
Engage in any violation of the school district policies or the Student Code of Conduct, including bullying, cyber bullying, harassment or threats of violence;
Use obscene, profane, discriminatory, threatening or inflammatory language;
Damage computers, computer systems, software/programs or computer networks (this includes changing workstation and printer configuration). (GA .05)
Engage in “hacking” or any other attempt to compromise the security or configuration of any computer system, including the use of proxy servers or other filter avoidance measures;
Violate copyright laws or engage in any illegal activity;
Use or access another users’ computer ID, file folders, work or password;
Participate in or use electronic mail, instant messaging, chat rooms or other forms of direct electronic communication unless expressly authorized by and under the direct supervision of school personnel;
Publish, display or share material that is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption to the school environment;
Use a non-teacher approved site on the internet.

2.12 Intentionally Providing False Information (GA .33)

A student shall not: (a) provide a false name when requested to identify himself or herself; (b) falsify school records; (c) make false statements or provide other false information to school personnel; (d) engage in any act of deception or falsification; or (e) forge another person’s signature or present a document with a forged signature. A student who knowingly and intentionally falsifies, misrepresents, omits or erroneously reports information regarding an instance of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator or other school employee toward a student may be charged with violating rule 3.25 .

2.13 Destruction of Property ($500 or less) (GA .20)

A student shall not intentionally damage or deface the property of another, including school district property, without the consent of the owner. If the value of the property is more than $500.00, the student will be charged with a violation of Rule 3.12

2.14 Possession of Contraband (GA .34)

A student shall not possess any item expressly prohibited in the classroom or at school level by teachers, administrators or other school personnel. In addition to any contraband identified at the school level, all students shall be prohibited from possessing laser light pointers.

2.15 Possession of Obscene and/or Offensive Materials or Use of Obscene and/or Offensive Manifestations (GA .06)

A student shall not possess, display, publish or share any obscene, lewd, vulgar or pornographic material. A student shall not direct obscene, vulgar or profane forms of expression (verbal, written or gesture) toward another person.

2.16 Possession of Stolen Property (GA .34)

A student shall not possess property which the student knows or reasonably should know to be stolen.

2.17 Sexual Harassment (GA .15)

A student shall not engage in any act of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature and/or conduct that is directed at another person based on sex. Sexual harassment which involves threats of violence or any other criminal act will result in the student being charged with an appropriate Level III violation. Pending a student disciplinary hearing, the accused student may be subject to certain restrictions, including but not limited to OSS, ISS, reassignment to a different school, class reassignment, and/or bus reassignment in order to eliminate or minimize contact with the victim.

2.18 Possession and/or use of Tobacco (GA .18, .42)

A student shall not possess or distribute any type of cigarette, tobacco, tobacco product, tobacco related object or look-alike objects which appear to be cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco related objects. Tobacco related objects include any object or device which may be used to consume tobacco, including smoking paraphernalia, wrapping or rolling papers, matches, and lighters.

2.19 Simple Assault (GA .17)

No student shall (1) attempt to inflict a violent injury upon another person; or (2) commit any act which places another in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury.

2.20 Theft ($1500 or less) (GA .11)

A student shall not take, be in possession of or dispose of the property of another, including school district property, without the consent of the owner. If the value of the property is more than $1,500.00, the student will be charged with a violation of Rule 3.20.

2.21 Threats and/or Extortion (GA .17)

A student shall not threaten, either verbally, electronically or in writing, to cause injury to the person or property of another person, either directly to the intended victim or to another person (see 2.02 Bullying). Additionally, a student shall not attempt to obtain anything of value from another by threatening to (a) inflict bodily injury; (b) commit a criminal offense; (c) accuse another of committing a criminal offense; (d) disseminate any information tending to harm the reputation of another. Completion of the threat constitutes a LEVEL III offense.

2.22 Trespassing (GA .19)

A student shall not enter any school district property without permission when neither school nor a school related activity is in session; remain on school district property when directed to leave by a school or law enforcement official; or enter upon school district property or attend a school sponsored function (whether or not on school property) while under expulsion, OSS, ISS, or assignment to the Alternative Educational Program.

2.23 Truancy and/or Unauthorized Leaving Class/Campus (GA .30)

A student shall not be absent from or late to school, class, or any required assembly without proper authorization or excuse. A student shall not arrive late or leave early without following sign in or sign out procedures through the attendance office.

2.24 Unauthorized and/or Inappropriate Use of School or Personal Property (GA .33)

A student shall not access or use school property or the property of another person in a way that constitutes mis-use or is not authorized.

2.25 Encouraging or Assisting Another to Engage in a Level II Violation (GA .33)

A student shall not encourage or assist another student to engage in any Level II prohibited conduct.

2.26 Unauthorized Entry / Access or Out of Area (GA .33)

A student shall not leave his or her assigned area without permission, access restricted areas of the school without permission, or enter school buses when a driver is not present.

2.27 Reckless Conduct/Reckless Endangerment of Other Students (GA .33)

Reckless conduct or reckless endangerment occurs:

(1) When a student accidentally or unintentionally causes harm to another person, to the property of another person, or to school district property;

(2) When a student possesses any potentially dangerous item, including without limitation, those described in 3.08, 3.09, 3.15, 3.16, 3.17, or 3.26. The principal or principal’s designee, in his or her discretion, may charge a student with a violation of 2.27, instead of Level III offense, where there is evidence that the student did not intend to bring such item to school, on to school district property, or to a school sponsored event. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, the student’s self-reporting to school officials that he or she accidentally brought such item to school; or

(3) When a student commits an act which reasonably could have caused harm to another person, damage to the property of another person or to school district property or otherwise endangers the safety of the person or property of another person.

(4) The Principal must report the possession of a weapon in accordance with O.C.G.A. 20-2-1184(b) even though the student is punished under this section.

2.28 Inciting or Participation in a Minor Student Disruption (GA .33)

A student shall not engage in or initiate conduct which is reasonably likely to disrupt or interfere with the educational process. A minor disruption is one that does not result in a material or substantial disruption to the educational process but only minimally interferes with the operations of the schools. Such a disruption is one which does not last for a sustained period of time while a teacher is delivering instruction, does not result in personal injury or property damage, does not require any kind of “lock down” or evacuation of students, or does not require the involvement of law enforcement. A student who causes material or substantial disruption will be charged with violating rule 3.11.

2.29 Subsequent Level II Offense (GA .33)

A student who commits a second violation of a Level II offense within the same school year may be subject to Level III disciplinary action.

2.30 Gambling

A student shall not participate in any form of gambling or betting or possess a gambling device; provided, however, nothing in this section shall prohibit a student from participating in school-sponsored raffles. Students who participate in gambling activities involving amounts of less than $100.00 may be charged with violating rule 1.06.

Level III Misconduct

Misconduct at Level III may result in immediate disciplinary action by a school-level administrator up to and including short-term out-of-school suspension (10 days or less) pending a hearing before the Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer. In addition, school administrators may revoke a student’s parking privileges, impose a school bus suspension and assign the student to in-school suspension.

If a student is found to have committed a Level III offense by a Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer, the student may be given additional days of in-school or out-of-school suspension, expelled for a designated period of time expelled on a permanent basis and given the option to attend the alternative education program. The Hearing Officer is also authorized to impose additional sanctions, including revocation of bus privileges, restrictions on participation in extracurricular activities and imposition of re-enrollment conditions for students involved in drug or alcohol offenses, and/or assign administrative probation. Dispositions are minimum.