MS Code of Conduct

MIDDLE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT 

Introduction

Parents and students are required to carefully review the following Code of Conduct, so that there is no confusion regarding the Middle School’s behavioral guidelines and expectations, as well as implications for students who disrespect school policies.

The Code of Conduct is in effect within the campus, on all school related student transportation (i.e. school busses, home or airplanes for an athletic competition), and on every ACS Athens official activity off campus.  

At the beginning of the school year, ALL Middle School Students and their Parents will be required to review and complete all online forms prior to receiving a class schedule.  This electronic signature indicates that they have read and discussed the Code of Conduct and that they understand the policies established in this Code and the Acceptable Use Policy for computers. Students and their parents accept the consequences for any misconduct.

Likewise, students are expected to honor ALL Middle School regulations, including those established for the bus, the classroom, the cafeteria, the learning commons, and all school computer facilities. 

Principles behind the Code of Conduct

As members of the ACS Athens community, we honor our differences, while recognizing our responsibilities. These responsibilities – to ourselves, to each other and to the school are developed by students, faculty, counselors, and administrators and are periodically revised to reflect the vision and the mission of the school. The Code of Conduct is based on upholding and enforcing fundamental principles of respect. The Code should be a tool that will help all members of the Middle School community actively contribute to creating a school-wide culture of respect. The Middle School follows the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports tenets of “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Ready’ and we teach students what each tenet ‘looks like’ in different situations.

In a school community defined by a culture of respect:

• We shall be curious about and understand   peoples’ cultural differences, gender differences, age differences, learning differences, as well as their unique abilities and talents.

• We shall respect learning and the learning process.

• We shall practice good manners.

• We shall treat each other politely.

• We shall cultivate and exhibit self-discipline and self-respect.

• We shall respect personal and school property.

• We shall build relationships based upon open communication and mutual respect.

• We shall work to overcome stereotypical thinking, biases and prejudices and actively promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding.

• We shall ensure that everyone feels physically and emotionally safe.

• We shall respect, follow, and enforce the rules of the community.

• We shall respect each person’s uniqueness and individuality.

• We shall practice good citizenship in and out of the classroom.

• We shall promote the values of good sportsmanship.

• We shall commit ourselves to teaching the principles of respectful behavior and good citizenship in a focused and on-going manner.

Student Conduct

Standards are crucial in providing a respectful, orderly, safe, and sustainable environment for the serious pursuit of academic excellence. Likewise, all the members of a community benefit when the expectations and the corrective measures are clear to all constituencies.

The following guidelines are intended to achieve a balance between choice, respect to the environment and individuals as well as measures of repairing the inflicted damage in relationships. Students are expected to show responsibility, leadership, service and to lead by example. In particular, the older students are expected to serve as role models and mentors to younger students.

Listed in this section are potential disruptions to the respectful, safe, and orderly school life as well as the educational process.  Administrative discretion will be applied for any other acts of inappropriate behavior not included.  Acts of misconduct have been grouped according to their severity, along with the natural and logical consequences. The pedagogical measures that will be applied in each case shall always be consistent with the corrective options provided in this handbook as well as alternative options offered by administrators.

ACS Athens Student Profile

All ACS Athens graduates are expected to meet the student profile stated in the beginning of this handbook.  The rules and consequences pertaining to inside and outside classroom conduct aim to guide, assist, and support all our students, to be the ACS Athens graduates we anticipate them to be.   

 ACS Athens students should aspire to be caring individuals and servant leaders by...

• … becoming active citizens of the ACS Athens Community by taking full advantage of the diversity of curricular and co-curricular opportunities offered by the school.

• … offering service freely to the school and the wider community as one of the duties of good citizenship.

Student conduct will be taught, guided, observed, and monitored within the ACS Athens Conscious Citizenship model, which combines academic, social, and personal growth.  Specifically, it aims to align conscious citizenship with the UN sustainable development goals, social interest perspective, and personal citizenship development through a reflective reparations model.  

The ACS Athens Conscious Citizenship Model

Our citizenship model aims to further develop through reflection and service many attributes of our ACS Learner profile. We expect our students to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open - minded, caring individuals, risk- takers, balanced, reflective and decision makers.  To achieve this goal, positive discipline, reparations, and service projects will be applied aiming to align student learning and social behavior with the needs of the society and more so with the UN sustainable goals. 

One of our roles as educators is to ensure that students and parents are all aware of what constitutes misconduct at ACS Athens as well as of all natural and logical consequences that apply in cases of misconduct. (*Natural consequences are inevitable results of a student’s own actions, for example if you are not dressed properly in the winter you catch a cold). 

“Logical consequences do not naturally occur because of behavior but are intentionally planned by teachers and administrators. Logical consequences are like what would happen to an adult in a similar situation, therefore teaching students skills that they will need to be successful later in life. Logical consequences need to be related, respectful, and reasonable” (Nelson, 1985).

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights

All students in the Middle School have the right to the following:

• An environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning.

• Be treated with courtesy and respect by all members of the community.

• An environment that provides opportunities for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development.

• An environment that provides a diversity of curricular and co-curricular opportunities.

• The protection of due process.

• Express opinions and make their own decisions.

Student Responsibilities

All students in the Middle School have a responsibility to do the following:

• Contribute to creating an environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning.

• Treat all members of the ACS Athens Community with courtesy and respect.

• Care for the physical environment of the ACS Athens campus.

• Understand that choices and actions have consequences and accept responsibility for their own actions. 

Student Expectations/Behavior 

Character, citizenship, and integrity are an integral part of school life. Students are expected to be responsible citizens who exhibit these qualities and respect the rules that govern our community. When students fail to follow the rules, they are held accountable for their actions.

Students who disregard school rules will accept the natural or logical consequences expected in response to their misconduct. Depending on the severity of their misconduct, students, with the guidance of the Assistant Principal (abbreviated below as A.P), will develop a personal action plan to repair the damage inflicted either on themselves, others or the environment. The action plan will include the logical consequences presented in detail below which are based on the frequency and severity of the misbehavior.

Throughout the academic year the A. P will guide, and monitor the implementation of student action plans as well as hold reflective student meetings to evaluate the learning outcomes. Action plans will address all logical consequences of the misconduct, as per handbook, and will agree on the respective reparations. The objective is that these reparations are aligned with the act of misconduct and will allow students to grow personally and socially.

Each student’s behavior record will be monitored by the Assistant Principal . If necessary, a meeting may be called by the A.P to discuss behavior with the student, parent, and any other persons deemed necessary, in an effort to improve the student’s behavior.

List of Acts of Misconduct categorized by level of severity

Below is a list of acts that most frequently disrupt the respectful, safe, and orderly school life as well as the educational process.   Administrative discretion will be applied for any other acts of inappropriate behavior not included in the list below. IMPORTANT NOTE:  Any BUS REFERRAL is handled according to the levels below.

Level 1 

• Inappropriate physical displays of affection on campus 

• Unruly behavior in the halls, cafeteria, learning commons, etc., (i.e. ball bouncing, screaming, and running in the hallway and cafeteria)

• Food/drinks in the Library and/or the Learning Commons and not respecting the privacy of Library facilities

• Damage to textbooks

• Inappropriate behavior as determined by generally accepted norms.

Level 2 

• Littering

• Class disruption

• Vulgar/inappropriate language, gestures, or behavior that is offensive to others 

• Being in an area that is not directly related to student learning without permission (i.e. being in the Elementary school playground without permission from an adult)

• Being in an unauthorized area after school without adult supervision

• Leaving class without permission/cutting class/unexcused absences

• Being late to class between classes and/or after lunch without permission

• Refusal to follow the directions of any staff member

• Lying to faculty/staff

• Non-compliance with the Dress Code

• Rude behavior towards other students

• Possession of incendiary devices (lighters, matches, etc.)

• Repeated inappropriate behavior as determined by generally accepted norms

Level 3

• Invasion of privacy (including but not limited to accessing a staff member or other student’s electronic device/s, academic locker, and/or an improper restroom)

• Leaving campus without permission

• Chronic tardies (see Attendance Procedures)

• Graffiti

• Disrespectful behavior or language to school personnel

• Knowingly being present when other students consume alcohol or use other illegal substances

• Ordering or receiving food or drink from outside delivery services

• Mingling with non-Middle School students during passing times and / or lunch  or loitering in the Academy or Elementary facilities. 

• Continuous inappropriate behavior as determined by generally accepted norms

• Non-compliance of the Academic Integrity Policy (Dependent on the degree and magnitude of malpractice)

• The use of a chatbot or any other AI tool to create and /or complete an assignment or assessment without your own authentic contributions and / or citing its use

• Violating curfew on fieldtrips, separating from the group, or not abiding by the field trip coordinator's expectations

 Level 4 

• Making a deliberate, malicious and false accusation against another person

• Use of incendiary devices (lighters, matches, etc.)

• Continuous leaving class without permission/cutting class/unexcused absences

• Pretending to be another student

• Involved in a physical altercation

• Forged note

• Inappropriate conduct/contact with others (including but not limited to play fighting, water fights, touching, etc.)

• Gambling or extortion

• Smoking, use or possession of smoking paraphernalia, vaping devices, electronic cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping juices.

• Two or more more people occupying the same bathroom stall

• Unauthorized non-educational use of the Internet facilities, such as:

• Downloading or displaying inappropriate materials

• Social media abuse

• Downloading software without permission

• Attempt to install unauthorized software without consulting with the IT office

• Unauthorized use of copyrighted material

• Publication/retrieval of personal web pages on school equipment

• Bringing guests or visitors on campus without permission

• Non-compliance of the Academic Integrity Policy (Dependent on the degree and magnitude of malpractice)

• Repeated or extensive use of a chatbot or any other AI tool to create and /or complete an assignment or assessment without your own authentic contributions and / or citing its use.

 Level 5*- Most serious misconduct with potential legal consequences 

• Vandalism/intentionally causing damage to school and/or personal property

• Bullying

• Causing physical harm to another student

• Racist, homophobic, sexist or discriminatory comments or behavior 

• Physically aggressive behavior

• Starting a fire/arson

• Improper and/or intentional activation of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and/or fire hoses

• Use or possession of any object with intent to do harm (including an object  to simulate intention to harm)

• Distribution of smoking paraphernalia, vaping devices, electronic cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping juices

• Being in the presence of others using illegal substances or consuming alcohol during school-related activities on or off campus

• Stealing/theft

• Climbing over exterior fences or gates of the campus

• Inappropriate uses of electronic devices: Harassment, threats, intimidation, unauthorized use of social media, electronic forgery, cyber-bullying/cyber-threats, videotaping in or out of the classroom, invasion of personal rights, cheating on tests/exams, or other forms of illegal behavior during the instructional and non- instructional day. 

  • Some cases may involve possible notification of police and recommendation for expulsion

  • In the case of vandalism, an itemized bill of repairs will be given to parents for required restitution

• Videotaping, recording, taking photos, and/or posting on social media (without the consent of both parties) within the ACS Athens Campus, except for approved projects, is not only inappropriate but ILLEGAL.

• Non-compliance of the Academic Integrity Policy (Dependent on the degree and magnitude of malpractice)

• During all field trips:  non-compliance with chaperone instructions including but not limited to curfew violations, separating from the group, or damaging hotel property.

Level 6* – Possible Removal from School, Depending On the Circumstances

• Harassment: verbal, sexual, emotional or based on gender, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation

• Engagement in illegal activity on or off campus

• Possession or use of alcohol

• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, drugs or paraphernalia, including but not limited to intoxicants and behavior-altering drugs

• Hacking of the ACS Athens Network Information System or security

• Possession, concealment or use of weapons or any device used as a weapon

• Any action that may endanger students’ safety / lives

  • The school reserves the right to initiate the expulsion procedure for students who have committed an act of misconduct that is not listed as a level 6 misconduct

Procedures of addressing, monitoring and correcting behavior misconduct 

The steps below describe the process of handling any behavior misconduct:

• Teachers, staff, and/or administrators will complete a behavioral referral form through Skyward and send it to the A.P

• The A.P will meet with the student to discuss and record the details of the incident and have them fill out an “Account of Events” form

• The A.P will continue discussing with other students who  might have been involved or affected by the misconduct.

• The A.P will call the parents to inform them about the outcome of the meetings with the student regarding the incident.

• After the incident is fully documented and student ownership is assumed, the A.P together with the student will work on developing an action plan for correcting the damage as well as apply the logical consequences as stated below. Counselors and the Principal will be called in the meetings as necessary.

• Action plans will be shared with the adults who have been affected by the student's misconduct. This will allow the student to not only correct but also develop a stronger and more meaningful relationship with the adult.

• For any incident, the A.P will email parents or guardians regarding the logical consequences and the agreed action plan.

• The A.P will record all steps above on Skyward under the Discipline tab

• Upon completion of the reparations students will meet with the  A.P to complete a reflection form in order to evaluate the learning outcomes from the reparations. This reflection will remain in the student file.

Logical Consequences 

Possible Logical Consequences, according to the gravity of misbehavior, may include but are not limited to the following or any combination of the following:

• Notification of parent / guardian

• Written Report on File

• Loss of snack time, recess and/or lunch break 

• Cell phone confiscation

• Loss of delivered food / drink

• Loss of assessment credit

• Loss of field trip privilege  

• After school time

• Assisting the Maintenance Department

• Assisting the Learning Commons Staff

• Assisting in the Elementary School 

• Withdrawal of privileges

• Restitution of property or damages 

• In-School Reflection

• Out-of-School Reflection

• Transfer

• Immediate removal from class and/or school

• Social Probation

• Behavior Contract

• Meeting/conference with parent/guardian

Students who repeatedly misbehave will receive logical consequences as below: 

Logical Consequences for any combination of Levels 1, 2, and / or 3 misconduct.

• The first time a student is involved in any misconduct of Level 1, they will meet in a discussion session with the  A.P in order to address the causes of misbehavior and agree upon reparations to repair the relationships with those involved. 

• The second time a student is involved in any misconduct of Level 1, or the first time a student is involved in any misconduct of Levels 2 and/or 3, they will receive logical consequences, meet with the A.P in order to address the causes of misbehavior, and follow through with reparations to repair the relationships with those involved. 

• If a student is involved in any misconduct of Level 1, 2, and/or 3 more than 3 times the logical consequences will be ONE full day under the supervision of the A.Pat school in order to reflect, discuss with their counselor and/or the school’s psychologists a deeper action plan of correcting behaviors. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will be applied based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

• If the student continues misbehaving at a Level 1, 2, and/or 3  the logical consequences will include the input of the parents. A meeting will be called with the parents or guardians in order to design a more extensive action plan that will be connected with the parents. Additionally, the student will devote ONE day under the supervision of the A.P at school in order to reflect, and possibly design with the counselor and/or the school’s psychologists a deeper action plan of correcting behaviors. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will be applied based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

• If the student continues to misbehave despite all steps taken above, the logical consequences and the action plan will be extended, and the student will remain for ONE day at home in order to reflect on and discuss his behavior with his parents and/or designated adults. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will apply based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

Logical Consequences for Level 4 misconduct

• The first time a student is involved in a Level 4 misconduct they will receive logical consequences, meet with the A.P in order to address the causes of misbehavior, and follow through with reparations to repair the relationships with those involved. 

• The second time the student is involved in a Level 4 misconduct, the logical consequences will be ONE full day under the supervision of the A.P. at school in order to reflect, discuss with their counselor and/or the school’s psychologists a deeper action plan of correcting behaviors, and follow through with reparations to repair the relationships with those involved. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will apply based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

• The third time the student is involved in a Level 4 misconduct the logical consequences will include the input of the parents. A meeting will be called with the parents or guardians in order to collaboratively design a more inclusive action plan that includes parental support and monitoring.  The logical consequences will be up to TWO out-of-school reflection days and a subsequent meeting with the A.P and Principal to review behavior and reflections. 

• If a student continues to misbehave, the Citizenship Committee consisting of administrators, counselors and/or teachers will review and discuss the student’s academic and social progress in order to assess whether the school culture is the "best-fit" for the students. Recommendations will be made regarding the student’s status at ACS Athens. These recommendations will be shared with the parents in order to decide what is best for the student. During this process the student will stay at home until the issues are resolved.

Logical Consequences for Level(s) 5 and/or 6 misconduct

• The first time a student is involved in a Level 5 or 6 misconduct irrespective of the existence of Level 1, 2, 3, and/or 4 misconduct, the logical consequences will be decided by a committee that will include the A.P., the Principal, the Counselor, a teacher who knows the student and a club adviser or coach who works with the student. The process of assigning the logical consequences will start right after ownership of the misconduct is established at which time the student will be asked to remain at home for at least TWO days until a decision has been reached. The parents will be notified immediately and depending on the severity of the misconduct, safety concerns about the student and the school community, any legal issues that may arise because of the misconduct, the consequences in addition to a detailed action plan, reparations, and possibly psychological consultations, may warrant a change in the school environment and the student will be asked to withdraw from the school. Participation in athletic teams will be reviewed with the assistance of the team’s coach.

• The second time a student is involved in a Level 5 or 6 misconduct the student will remain at home for at least TWO days, to decide whether the student may continue.

Expected outcomes of Reflection-Time under the supervision of the A.P

Students who repeatedly misbehave may spend time under the supervision of the A.P as part of the logical consequences. This time is designed so that the students have additional time to reflect and create with the guidance of the A.P. an action plan to repair the damage inflicted either on themselves or others or the natural environment. During that time the students will also have the opportunity to meet with school’s professionals (counselors, school psychologists) who can further assist the student to address the causes of the misbehavior.  A reflection letter and a suggested action plan will be submitted to the A.P by the end of the school day. If time permits, the student may also work on studying and/or completing course assignments.  During that day the student will not participate in club or athletics events. 

• Students will not attend regular scheduled classes

• Students must work at all times on their reflection letter, action plan, and homework 

• Students will have breaks for lunch or snacks but at different times than their peers.   

• Students must submit all their work to the A.P. by the end of the school day.

Suggested Outcomes for Reflection- Time-out of School 

Students involved in Levels 5 and/or 6 misconducts will spend time at home as part of the logical consequences. This time can be utilized for reflection and discussion with their parents/ guardians about the misconduct, for a deeper and honest understanding of their share of responsibility and the potential positive response. Also, they will have the time to create an action plan to repair the damage inflicted with the input and advice of their parents / guardians, which should be submitted to the A.P upon their return to school. In addition, the student must submit a reflection form before he returns to school.  

Reparation Guidelines

While our Code of Conduct is non-negotiable, we believe that students who have committed infractions in school will have opportunities, following the consequences of their actions, to give back to the community. Our philosophy considers code of conduct violations as taking something away from self, others, and/or the environment. Therefore, repairing the damage done to self, others and/or the environment gives students the opportunity to understand how to build healthy relationships in each of the three areas.

Following consultation with the school counselor, opportunities for reparations will be provided but students will also have the option to make their own reparation proposals.

 Examples may include:

• The repair of damaged property and participation in school community service (summertime included). 

• Referral to peer group mediation 

• Working with a faculty member on a specific project to be completed/ assign a certain number of hours to be completed assisting the faculty member.

• Community Service done off-campus grounds as agreed upon with the parent.

• Student's successful participation in the reparation programs becomes a part of their official citizenship record, and will be taken into account when making decisions regarding social behavior. 

Social Probation 

The school endorses the concept that positive behaviors should always be the expectation for ACS Athens students and in all places. However, students who repeatedly violate the provisions of the Middle School Code of Conduct or who are charged with serious infractions of school rules are placed on Social Probation for a minimum of one semester. In addition to those actions described in the Code of Conduct which result in immediate placement on Social Probation, the assignment of more than one supervision day for consequences in the course of a school year also results in the student being placed on probationary status. These sanctions apply during the school day, during extra-curricular activities and student trips, and at all school-sponsored events during which the staff is directly responsible for the supervision of students. 

The consequences of being placed on Social Probation are as follows: 

1. Revocation of all privileges for the duration of the probationary period.

2. Revocation of the right to hold elective office in student government for  the remainder of the school year.

3. Revocation of the right to participate in all extra-curricular activities for the duration of the probationary period. 

Students placed on Social Probation are referred to the Child Study Team.  Building on their advice and recommendations, the Administration draws up a behavior contract stipulating behavioral goals and provision of in-school and out-of-school counseling, psychological and special services - which is signed by the student and their parents. The consequences of violating the terms of this contract may include an extension of probationary status or a request to the President that the student be withdrawn from school. At the end of each school year, the Administration reviews the status of all students who have been on Social Probation during the year.

Based on a review of each student’s social progress, the Administration may take one of the following actions: 

1. Rescission of the student’s probationary status, allowing the student to re-enroll in ACS Athens for the following school year with restoration of eligibility and privileges. 

2. Extension of probationary status for the first semester of the following school year, subject to the conditions of a new behavior contract. 

3. Recommendation to the President that the student is not allowed to re-enroll at ACS Athens at the beginning of the next school year. 

If a student is convicted of a crime, regardless of where it took place, the Administration recommends to the President that the student be withdrawn from school.

Infraction Details 

Parents and students may contact the Assistant Principal at any time to check for updated citizenship records.

Cafeteria Expectations

• Students are to proceed in a single file through the serving line.

• Finish eating and drinking before leaving the cafeteria.

• Students are expected to clean after themselves.

• All bags and backpacks belong in the lockers during the break.

• Recycling is important! Toss items in the proper bins.

• Use appropriate voice inside the dining hall.

Picnic Areas

• Students are allowed to eat outside at the picnic tables.

• Clean up and recycling is expected.

Student Dress Code

One of our important goals as educators is to prepare students for professional and social life outside of school. Learning to dress appropriately in a variety of contexts is an important life skill. It is a mark of maturity, sophistication, self-respect and respect for others which is especially important in a multi-cultural environment such as ACS. Parents and students should consider student attire carefully each morning before students leave for school. 

The ACS Athens dress code creates a standard of dignity and signifies that this is a serious learning environment in which proper behaviors are required. All students are expected to dress appropriately. In doing so, students demonstrate that they have respect for themselves, others, the community and the school.

Exceptions are made during evenings, weekends and specific school dress days.
Special circumstances or exceptions for religious or medical reasons will be addressed on an individual basis by the Administration.

Specifically, the ACS dress code outlines the following expectations and seeks to enforce them equally:

• Clothing, tattoos, and accessories must not include words or images that are obscene, offensive, depictive of drugs/alcohol/gangs, or discriminatory towards cultures or individuals.

• Clothing must cover the chest and meet the top of bottoms. If not, shirts must be layered so that this length is met.

• Clothing must completely cover underwear when sitting, standing, or bending.

• Clothing items must be non-transparent.

• Spaghetti straps are not allowed.

• Pants must be free of tears above the mid-thigh.

• Biker Shorts: An acceptable length for biker shorts is above the knee 

• Shorts must be worn mid-thigh and free of tears.

• While in class, hoods, caps, and sunglasses must be removed.

• Piercings or jewelry deemed to be a potential health risk or capable of inflicting serious bodily injury, to the student or others, are not allowed.

PE Uniforms

In an effort to ensure that students in physical education classes are appropriately attired, the following administrative policy has been adopted. During the first week of school, all students must purchase a standard ACS Athens uniform consisting of:

• Sweatsuit (sweatshirt/sweatpants), t-shirt, shorts.

The uniforms may be purchased in a choice of two colors (navy/gold or gray/navy) and will be available during the first week of school when students are issued locks. 

Displays of Affection

As a matter of self-respect and respect for members of the ACS Athens Community who represent a wide variety of cultural mores, physical displays of affection are not acceptable on campus.

No Smoking Policy

ACS Athens is a non-smoking campus. Smoking, as well as vaping, is prohibited in all areas of the campus at all times. Students reported for smoking or vaping will receive logical consequences as described in Level 4 misconduct. Athletes on Varsity and JV teams who violate the no-smoking policy will be removed from the team.

Theft and Vandalism

All students have the right to a safe and secure school environment. All students are expected to be honorable and to demonstrate respect for others'  property and for the school’s facilities and property. Any form of theft or vandalism is unacceptable. Depending on the circumstances, the  consequences are outlined in the respective school’s Code of Conduct. Any theft or vandalism incident must be immediately reported to the respective faculty, counselor, or administrator.

Students are reminded that they are responsible for any valuable or personal property that they bring to school. It is required that all personal belongings be locked up in the student’s locker to prevent loss or theft. Keeping valuable or personal property in a backpack or bag left unattended should be avoided

Student Searches

ACS Athens prioritizes the need to provide all students with a safe atmosphere and an optimal learning environment. Therefore, if there is reasonable suspicion, students may be searched by school Administrators. Student searches are only to occur if there are credible indications that a student has engaged in prohibited conduct. Searches are to be as minimally invasive as possible. If there is reasonable suspicion, a member of the faculty or staff may escort the student with the backpack, purse or other article to the appropriate administrative office. It is the responsibility of the school’s Administrators to conduct the search. 

Cell phones & Personal Electronics

Students who bring personal electronic items such as cell phones are expected to keep them in their lockers and turned off until the end of the school day. Smart watches may only be used if disconnected from their cell phones and appropriate for school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices. 

Students are expected to come to the Office of the Assistant Principal if they wish to contact their parents during the school day. Parents are expected to contact the Assistant Principal if they need to contact their child.

Use of Cell Phones on Campus

Cell phones usage on campus in regards to compliance with Greek Law:

Students are not allowed to have their cellphones on campus. Electronic devices for teaching

purposes can be used in the classroom with teacher supervision.

Students are not allowed to have their cell phones on campus. Electronic devices, other than mobile phones, may be used in the classroom with teacher approval and supervision for instructional purposes.

Level 5: Cell phone use and cell phone accessories are prohibited. Cell phones must be off and stored in the student's backpack or locker.

Level 6: While on the ACS Athens campus, students may not record video and/or sound, take photos, and/or post to the Internet (i.e. social media, blogs, podcasts, videocasts, and other channels) since it is unlawful to do so.

The consequences below represent a guideline. The school administration has the right to apply logical consequences at its discretion.

• 1st Infraction–Loss of mobile phone for the day. The student may pick up their phone at the end of the school day.

• 2nd Infraction–Loss of mobile phone for the day. The phone will be returned to the student’s parent/guardian.

• 3rd Infraction–Loss of mobile phone for the day. The phone will be returned to the student’s parent guardian. The student will lose privileges, such as a field trip, and will also reflect at home.

• 4th Infraction–Loss of mobile phone for the day. The phone will be returned to the student’s parent guardian. A meeting will be scheduled with the family to discuss possible change in the school environment.

If a student uses any electronic device to capture video and/or sound, take photos, and/or post to the Internet,  the following consequences will apply:

• 1st Infraction– A meeting will be scheduled with the family to discuss possible changes in the school environment.

Textbooks & Transportation

Textbooks

Textbooks are provided to all students through the bookstore. All books and materials loaned to students must be returned to the bookstore at the conclusion of each course. Students who withdraw from school must return all textbooks before they can clear their records. If a student does not return school materials or if damage beyond normal wear occurs, the student will be charged for the cost of the text.

Transportation: Bus Service

Each day, buses contracted by ACS transport our students throughout the greater Athens area. Bus monitors are present on each bus with the responsibility of ensuring safety and order. There are no monitors on late buses, and therefore by Greek law, 6th graders are not allowed to ride late buses or any buses scheduled without a bus monitor. All Middle School students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on the school bus as the school bus is considered an extension of the school. Students are expected to act as positive role models for the younger children on the bus. Questions about transportation services should be directed to the Transportation Office (639-3200, Ext. 239).

Bus Procedures

1. Students must be at the assigned stop at the scheduled boarding time. (Be Ready)

2. Students must disembark only at the scheduled stop.

3. If a student wishes to take a bus other than the one normally assigned, or get off at a stop other than the one normally assigned, a parent request must be submitted to the transportation office for approval 48 hours in advance and presented to the monitor before boarding. Permission to ride on a different bus will be granted only if space is available. (Be Responsible)

4. Change of address resulting in a change of route or bus stop should be presented to the transportation office in writing two days prior to the change. (Be Responsible)

5. The failure or the considerable delay of the bus in arriving at the scheduled pick-up point entitles students to secure alternate transportation to the school. The Transportation Officer will make reimbursement of any costs incurred.

6. Concerns regarding the bus monitor or driver must be registered with the Transportation Office and the Main Office.

7. Bus monitors reserve the right to assign students to a specific seat. All passengers must comply with these directions. (Be Respectful)

Bus Code of Conduct

1. Students must follow the directions of the bus monitors, adults, and drivers at all times.

2. No eating, drinking or smoking (e-cigarette or vaping) is allowed.

3. Students must be seated in their assigned seats and quiet at all times.

4. Respectful language must be used at all times.

5. Students must keep hands, head, arms inside the bus at all times.

6. No weapons/toy weapons or incendiary devices are allowed at any time.

7. The Code of Conduct policies and recommended actions also apply to the school bus.

Students who do not meet these expectations will be referred to the Transportation Officer and appropriate Administrator. Misconduct may result in the loss of bus service for a number of days. Serious or repeated violations of bus rules may result in permanent removal from the bus.

Student's successful participation in the reparation programs becomes a part of their official citizenship record, and will be taken into account when making decisions regarding social behavior.