JIC - Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Policy Statement
The Acton School Committee is committed to maintaining a supportive and orderly school environment in which students may receive and staff may deliver a quality education without disruption or interference and in which students may develop as ethical, responsible and involved citizens.
The School Committee believes that each member of the Acton School community should take responsibility for his/her own behavior. To that end, the School Committee recognizes the need to model and teach ethical and responsible behavior, to define unacceptable student conduct and its consequences, and ensure that discipline is administered appropriately.
In the past, the Acton School community has established some core values. These include being responsible, respectful, honest, generous, caring and fair. Based on these values and those established by the School Committee, we adopt this Code of Conduct (“Code”).
School Community Core Values
With rights come responsibilities. Members of the Acton School community are expected to demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior consistent with its core values. Such conduct is fundamental to a supportive, safe, and orderly school environment and a civil society.
The Acton School Committee has established the following core values:
RESPONSIBILITY
“We have to accept the consequences of every deed, word, and thought.” --Elisabeth Kubler Ross
A Responsible Person . . . An Irresponsible Person . . .
• Does what he/she commits to • Makes excuses for broken promises
• Keeps agreements • Doesn’t live up to an agreement
• Admits mistakes and makes amends • Doesn’t do assignments
• Follows rules • Is late
• Does his/her best • Leaves messes in shared spaces
• Is dependable • Is inconsistent
• Is willing to do his/her part or share • Is lazy
• Cleans up after him/herself • Wastes materials
• Speaks up when he/she sees an injustice or • Breaks tools and toys
dangerous situation • Blames others for poor outcomes
• Is prepared for work, school, etc.
• Works before playing
• Uses materials wisely
• Doesn’t litter
• Conserves resources
• Contributes to group work
RESPECT
“Respect is valuing ourselves and others.” --The Virtues Project
A Respectful Person . . . A Disrespectful Person . . .
• Honors the rights of others to have their own opinions • Disagrees with others offensively
• Takes care of his/her body • Abuses his/her own body
• Takes care of the earth • Abuses and/or pollutes the earth
• Shows polite regard for authority, position, or age • Is rude and/or uses profanity
• Is tolerant • Makes fun of others
• Shows sportsmanship • Ignores group rules
• Recognizes diversity • Interrupts and talks back
• Understands others • Vandalizes and/or steals
• Is law abiding • Intimidates, harasses, bullies
• Respects the space and privacy of others • Disagrees with others offensively
• Waits his/her turn • Intrudes in the space of others
• Is courteous
• Shows appreciation for self and others
• Treats others the way he/she would like to be treated
COURAGE
“Look fear in the face and it will cease to trouble you.” --Sri Yukteswar
A Courageous Person . . . Someone Without Courage . . .
• Tries again, doesn’t give up, perseveres • Gives up or takes the easy way out
• Admits when he/she has made a mistake • Remains silent when he/she should speak
• Stands up for what is right • Runs away from problems or fears
• Stands up for his/her beliefs • Gives up or takes the easy way out
• Takes risks and tries news things • Doesn’t try new things
• Resists peer pressure ● Follows the crowd
• Takes responsibility for his/her actions
• Does the right thing even when it’s not popular
• Develops a set of convictions
• Faces fears and problems
• Refuses to spread rumors or gossip
HONESTY
“Every man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that
he does not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well” --Ralph Waldo Emerson
An Honest Person . . . A Dishonest Person . . .
• Is Fair • Cheats
• Tells the truth • Lies
• Does not steal from others • Steals
• Obeys the rules • Breaks rules/laws
• Acts properly even when no one is looking • Denies involvement
• Admits mistakes • Blames others for mistakes
• Does own work on assignments and tests • Copies work of others
• Pays others back after borrowing something • Goes back on his/her word
• Turns in lost items • Keeps things that belong to others
• Admits feelings and beliefs • Keeps secrets that may endanger others
COMPASSION
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” --Mother Teresa
A Compassionate Person . . . Someone Without Compassion . . .
• Is caring of others • Is indifferent
• Helps others • Turns his/her back on someone else
• Is empathetic • Is unaware of another’s feelings
• Thinks only of self
• Is a good friend on the playground • Does things to get him/herself ahead
• Is kind and careful with others’ feelings ● Ignores an uncomfortable situation
• Recognizes vulnerability and reaches out • Acts out of guilt or necessity
others and self
• Puts needs of others before his/her own
• Respects and understands the limitation of
others and self
SYSTEM-WIDE CODE OF CONDUCT
Article 1 - Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior
The Code of Conduct is intended to support and encourage students to meet the following Acton community standards for ethical and responsible behavior:
• Community-minded when committed to a mutually supportive climate that ensures the safety and well-being of each individual.
• Compassionate and Caring when recognizing and responding to the needs of others.
• Courageous when standing for beliefs in the face of challenge, defending moral and ethical decisions and accepting the results of one’s actions.
• Honest and Fair with self and others in words, deeds and actions.
• Respectful of people, property and environment.
• Responsible by honoring commitment and being accountable for their words, deeds and actions and generously
contributing to the sustainment of a positive and healthy climate within the school.
Article 2 - Code of Conduct
All students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and all related School Committee policies and school rules. The Code applies to students:
• on school property,
• while in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, and
• at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school.
Article 3 - General Behavior Expectations and Discipline Policies
The following expectations for student behavior are fundamental to a safe, orderly and respectful environment in our schools. Each student will:
1. Be courteous to fellow students, staff and visitors.
2. Respect the rights and privileges of other students and school staff.
3. Obey all School Committee policies and school rules governing student conduct.
4. Follow directions from school staff.
5. Cooperate with staff in maintaining school safety, order and discipline.
6. Attend school regularly.
7. Meet school standards for grooming and dress.
8. Respect the property of others, including school property and facilities.
9. Refrain from cheating or plagiarizing the work of others.
10. Refrain from vulgarity, profanity, obscenity, lewdness, and indecency.
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences depend upon the seriousness of the violation and the student's prior disciplinary record. Consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses. Behavior that also violates the law may be referred to law enforcement authorities.
See policies: JG - Student Discipline
JGD - Suspension of Students
JGE - Expulsion of Students
Article 4 – Expectations
The following is a summary of the school unit's expectations for student behavior. In many cases, the School Committee has adopted policies that address these expectations in greater detail. Students, parents and others should refer to the policies and student handbooks for more information about the expectations and consequences. In case of an inconsistency between the Code of Conduct, School Committee policies and/or school handbooks, School Committee policies will prevail.
A. Violence and Threats
Students shall not engage in violent or threatening behavior. Prohibited behavior includes fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property, or threats, intimidation, or harassment. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
See policies: JICI – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
EBCC- Bomb Threats
B. Weapons
Students shall not possess or use weapons of any kind (examples include but are not limited to firearms, explosives and knives). Students also shall not use any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person (examples
include but are not limited to bats, lighters, tools and toy weapons). Firearms violations will result in expulsion in accordance with state and federal statutes; other weapons violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
See policy: JICI – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
C. Hazing
Hazing is prohibited. Maine law defines injurious hazing as "any action or situation, including harassing behavior that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in a public school." No student shall plan, encourage, or engage in such activities in connection with any school program or activity, including extracurricular, co-curricular and athletic activities. Students who engage in hazing activities are subject to suspension, expulsion and/or other appropriate disciplinary measures.
See policy: JICFA - Hazing
D. Discrimination and Harassment/Sexual Harassment
Students should not discriminate against other students on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability. Nor should students harass one another on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, ancestry, or national origin or disability. Sexual harassment is also prohibited. Harassment is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
See Policies: AC- Non Discrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
ACAA- Harassment
E. Drug and Alcohol Use
Students shall not distribute, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, drug, or look-alike substance as described in School Committee policy. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from school.
See policy: JFCI – Student Substance Abuse
F. Tobacco Use
Students shall not smoke, use, possess, sell, or distribute any tobacco products. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school.
See policy: ADC-2 - Tobacco Use and Possession
G. Conduct on School Buses
Students must comply with all School Committee policies and school rules while on school buses. Students who violate these policies and rules on a school bus may have their riding privileges suspended or revoked, and may also be subject to additional disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, depending upon the particular violation.
See policy: JFCC-R - Student Conduct on School Buses
H. Computer / Internet Use
Students may use school computers, networks and Internet services only for educational purposes. Students shall comply with all policies and rules governing acceptable use. Unacceptable use may result in suspension or cancellation of computer privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
See policy: IJNDB - Student Computer and Internet Use
I. Co-Curricular Code of Conduct
Students must follow all School Committee policies and school rules while participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. In addition, a separate policy has been developed governing students participating in these activities. Students who violate the policy may be subject to suspension or removal from the team/activity as well as additional disciplinary action under applicable School Committee policies and/or school rules.
See policy: Student Participation in Sports and Co-Curricular Activities
Article 5 - Removal of Disruptive/Violent/Threatening Students
1. Students who are disruptive, violent or are threatening death or bodily harm to others will be removed from classrooms, school buses, or other school property when necessary to maintain order and safety. The staff member who orders the student removed should arrange to have the student escorted to the office or other designated location.
2. If a student does not comply with a staff member's order to leave, the staff member will contact an administrator, or, if not available, another suitable person, who shall respond promptly.
3. Staff members should not use force or restraint, except only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm. Staff members are not required to take action that puts them at risk of serious injury.
4. The responding administrator will take appropriate action. If the student fails to obey verbal directions, force or restraint may be used only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm or to quell a disturbance. Whenever practicable, law enforcement should be called to restrain or physically remove the non-compliant student. The administrator may invoke the school unit's crisis response plan if appropriate
See: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 4009 - Protection from Liability
See: Crisis Response Plan
Article 6 - Special Services
1. Referral
The school unit has adopted policies and procedures for determining when a student shall be referred for
special services.
See policies: IHBAA - Referral/Pre-Referral Policy
IHBAC- Child Find Policy
2. Review of Individual Educational Plan
The school shall schedule a PET meeting to review the IEP of a student who has been removed from class
when:
a) school officials and/or the parent believes the student may present a substantial likelihood of injury
to himself/herself or others;
b) the class removals are sufficient to constitute a change in the student's special education program; or
c) school officials and/or the parent believes that the student's behavior may warrant a change in
educational programming.
.
See policy: JKAA-R- Suspension/Expulsion of Special Education Students
3. Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint
The school unit also has established a policy on the use of time out rooms and therapeutic restraints as
required by Maine statute.
See policy: JKAA - Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint
Article 7 - Referrals to Law Enforcement Authorities
The Superintendent/Principal and administrators have the authority to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when there is a substantial threat to the safety of the schools, students or staff. The Superintendent/Principal/administration may also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state or federal statute. All serious offenses, as determined by the Superintendent/Principal, must be reported to law enforcement authorities.
See policy: Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities
Article 8 - Dissemination of System-Wide Student Code of Conduct
The System-Wide Student Code of Conduct shall be distributed to staff, students and parents through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent/Principal and building administrators.
Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 254 (11); 1001 (15)
C Cross Reference: Taking Responsibility: Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior in Maine Schools and
Communities (Report of The Commission for Ethical and Responsible Behavior,
February 2001)
Adopted: February 14, 2012
Revised: January 13, 2022