Appendix A: Student Code of Conduct
In addition to the commitments set forth in Section 1 regarding community expectations, the following general student conduct rules relate to customary or regular occurrences (such as possession and appropriate use of cell phones) within the school setting or school-related activities.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Cell phones and other similar personal electronic devices are permitted on school district property in accordance with the following rules.
- If a student uses technology in manner which is disruptive to the educational environment, the school reserves the right to temporarily suspend or completely revoke the privilege of technology use for that student, including personal electronic devices and school computers.
- The use of blue-tooth speakers is prohibited; on district busses and on campus unless given explicit permission from a teacher or staff member.
- Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not to be used in the classroom and/or disrupt instruction or the learning of others.
- Students may not use a personal cell phone or camera to record video or take pictures of others in school, on school grounds or on the school bus unless given explicit permission from a teacher or staff member.
- Unless prior notice and approval is given by the school’s administration, students are not permitted to use cell phones or any personal electronic device during their lunch period.
- Parents and guardians are asked to please refrain from texting or calling your child’s cell phone during the school day. Students are not permitted to text or use their cell phones during the school day and receiving a call or text from a family member puts your child in a difficult position. Phones are available in the office for students to use if they need to call home. Parents and guardians are welcome to call the office at any time if they need to get a message to their child. Our office staff will facilitate this communication.
- The school will not be responsible if these devices are lost, damaged, stolen, or misplaced.
Eating and/or Drinking
Students should not be eating or drinking in classrooms, hallways, or general areas unless given specific permission by a teacher or other staff member. If drinks are allowed, only water should be permitted.
Walking Safely Around School
Students are expected to walk in the halls and outside walkways during school. Students should not be running in the halls or walkways to get to class or lunch.
Student Sales/Invitations
Students will not be permitted to sell anything in school including cookies and other baked goods, candy, gum, etc., that is not approved by the Administration. Students are not permitted to print and/or distribute personal party invitations in school.
Dress Code and Appearance
We believe all students have the right to an equitable education and should be able to dress, and style their hair, for school in a manner that expresses their individuality without fear of unnecessary discipline or body shaming. Enforcement of this universal dress code shall not create disparities, reinforce stereotypes or increase marginalization of any group, nor will it be more strictly enforced against students because of racial identity, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, cultural identity, religious identity, household income or body type/size.
We recognize that each student's mode of dress and appearance is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. We will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their dress and/or appearance, except that we are responsible for ensuring that a student’s personal appearance does not interfere with the health or safety of any student. Students and staff are responsible for managing their own personal distractions and reactions. The following general standards will be in effect at all LMSD schools:
- Mandatory and Allowable Dress:
- Students must wear a top, bottom and footwear while on school premises
- Some courses may require adjustments to attire and hairstyle to ensure safety during academic activities (i.e. science labs, physical education, electives, etc.)
- Some courses (physical education, science lab, electives, etc.) and school-sponsored extracurricular activities may require specific attire (safety gear, athletic attire, uniforms, hair tied back, etc.)
- Non-Allowable Dress:
- Items that expose private parts of the body (genitalia, nipples or buttocks)
- Items with sexually suggestive language or messages
- Items that promote illegal or violent conduct, including but not limited to, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons and/or gang affiliation
- Items that depict hate speech, intimidation or intolerance toward protected groups
- Items that are profane or legally libelous
- Items that make the students face unidentifiable; please note, however, protective masks, clothing/headgear worn for religious and medical purposes are excepted
Our dress code is intended to be gender-neutral. We do not enforce specific attire based on gender. Students have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity within the constraints of the dress codes adopted by the school.
Exceptions to the dress code may be made by the Superintendent or designee for medical or religious reasons when required by law.
School Bus Expectations and Guidelines
Bus riding is a privilege, not a right. Cooperation with the bus driver and fellow students will result in a safe journey for all passengers. Failure to comply with rules may result in losing the privilege of riding school buses. The following guidelines will apply for students who utilize School District transportation services:
Before Boarding:
- Arrive on time to the designated bus stop.
- Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.
- Exercise caution when approaching the bus.
- Board the bus promptly and in an orderly manner.
On The Bus:
- Keep hands and feet inside the bus and out of the aisle at all times.
- Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
- Do not shout or talk in an excessively loud manner.
- Treat bus equipment with respect - never tamper with the bus or equipment.
- Do not leave books, lunches, or other articles on the bus.
- Do not throw anything out of the bus windows.
- Do not throw anything inside of the bus.
- Do not engage in horseplay, fighting, or any other behavior that may distract the driver.
- Be courteous to fellow students and the bus driver.
- Do not put anything in the aisle at any time.
- Seats are for students, not equipment.
- No eating or drinking.
- Students may not film or photograph any other passengers on the bus.
- Music may be played using headphones only. Speakers are not permitted.
When a student is reported to the Administration for misconduct on the bus, appropriate action will be taken. This action may include notification to parents/guardians, assignment of detention, and/or any other consequence as determined by the Building Administrator. If the first offense is sufficiently serious, the privilege of bus transportation may be withdrawn for a specified period of time. Repeated violations of the rules for bus safety may also result in the suspension of bus transportation.