Board Policy

BP 5131

Students

Conduct

The Board of Education believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions. On school grounds and at school activities, students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the school program.

Behavior is considered appropriate when students are diligent in study, neat and clean, careful with school property, and courteous and respectful towards their teachers, other staff, other students and volunteers.

(cf. 1240 - Volunteer Assistance)

(cf. 5131.1 - Bus Conduct)

(cf. 5137 - Positive School Climate)

(cf. 6154 - Homework/Makeup Work)

Prohibited student conduct includes but is not limited to:

1. Behavior that endangers other students and/or staff

(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)

(cf. 5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)

(cf. 5136 - Gangs)

(cf. 5142 - Safety)

2. Behavior that disrupts the orderly classroom or school environment

(cf. 5131.4 - Campus Disturbances)

3. Harassment of other students or staff

(cf. 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment)

(cf. 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment)

(cf. 5145.9 - Hate-Motivated Behavior)

4. Damage to or theft of property belonging to the district, staff or other students

(cf. 5131.5 - Vandalism, Theft and Graffiti)

5. Possession, use or sale of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

(cf. 5131.6 - Alcohol and Other Drugs)

(cf. 5131.61 - Drug Testing)

(cf. 5131.62 - Tobacco)

6. Except with prior consent for health reasons, possession or use of electronic signaling devices (Education Code 48901.5)

Electronic signaling devices may include, but not be limited to, pagers, beepers and cellular/digital telephones

7. Possession or use of laser pointers, unless used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose, including employment (Penal Code 417.27)

Prior to bringing a laser pointer on school premises, students shall first obtain permission from the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall determine whether the requested use of the laser pointer is for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose.

8. Profane, vulgar or abusive language

(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression: Publications Code)

9. Plagiarism or dishonesty in school work or on tests

(cf. 5131.9 - Academic Honesty)

(cf. 6162.6 - Use of Copyrighted Materials)

(cf. 6163.4 - Student Use of Technology)

10. Inappropriate dress

(cf. 5132 - Dress and Grooming)

11. Tardiness and unexcused absence from school

(cf. 5113 - Absences and Excuses)

(cf. 5113.1 - Truancy)

12. Failure to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules

(cf. 5112.5 - Open/Closed Campus)

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each school site develops standards of conduct and discipline consistent with district rules and regulations. Students shall receive regular instruction regarding district and school rules and regulations related to conduct. Students who violate these rules and regulations may be subject to discipline including but not limited to suspension, expulsion or transfer to alternative programs.

(cf. 5020 - Parent Rights and Responsibilities)

(cf. 5144 - Discipline)

(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)

(cf. 5144.2 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (Students with Disabilities))

(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)

(cf. 6020 - Parent Involvement)

(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)

(cf. 6182 - Opportunity School/Class/Program)

(cf. 6184 - Continuation Education)

(cf. 6185 - Community Day School)

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

35181 Board of Education policy on responsibilities of students

35291-35291.5 Rules

44807 Duty concerning conduct of students

48900-48925 Suspension or expulsion

48908 Duties of pupils

48980-48981 Notification of parent or guardian

CIVIL CODE

1714.1 Liability of parents and guardians for willful misconduct of minor

PENAL CODE

417.25-417.27 Laser scope

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5

300-307 Duties of pupils

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42

2000h-2000h-6 Title IX, 1972 Education Act Amendments

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: March 8, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California