Student Rights and Responsibilities HandbooK

SECTION 7: PGCPS Behavioral Expectations

PGCPS is committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment conducive to rigorous instruction. Students must maintain appropriate behaviors at all times whether face-to-face or in an approved online instruction. Setting clear behavior expectations for students is essential for creating a positive and effective learning environment. Outlined below are the key behavior expectations.

Alcohol, Drugs, Controlled Substances and Other Substances

Unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of any Alcohol, Marijuana, Prescription Drugs, Controlled Dangerous Substances, Imitation Controlled Substances, Synthetic Intoxicants, CBD products intended for consumption and ingestion, Inhalants, other Intoxicants including THC and/or K2, on school property, including Board of Education owned vehicles or while in attendance at any Board of Education sponsored and supervised activity, are prohibited under this Code.

Students who possess, use or distribute substances represented as or intended to be used as alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance will be treated by the rules and regulations of these procedures as if they were possessing, using or distributing alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance even though the substance itself may ultimately be determined not to be alcohol or a con-trolled dangerous substance.

Students who have been trained in the administration of Narcan are permitted to carry Narcan (naloxone) on school premises without fear of disciplinary repercussions. In conjunction with Board Policy 0112, this policy is enacted to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, recognizing the importance of timely intervention in cases of opioid overdose. Students who choose to carry Narcan must do so responsibly and in accordance with school guidelines to ensure it is accessible in emergency situations.

Possession implies that a student has any of the above substances on their person or with their personal property or has under their control by placement of and knowledge of the whereabouts of the substance on Board of Education property or other prop-erty on which they are present, by virtue of being within the jurisdiction of school authorities.

Use implies that a student is reasonably known to have ingested any of the above substances (e.g., drinking alcohol, smoking, marijuana, taking a pill, etc.) or is reasonably found to be under the influence of a substance while under the jurisdiction of school authorities.

Distribution implies the transfer of any of the above substances to any other person, with or without the exchange of money or other valuables.

Student Possessor with Intent to Distribute – A student found in possession of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances or other substances listed under the heading Alcohol, Drugs, Controlled Substances and other Substances with the intent to distribute shall be in violation of a Student Code of Conduct, Level 5 infraction. The intent to distribute may be inferred by the totality of the facts and circumstances of the matter, including, but not limited to, the weight of the substance, the amount of the substance, the packaging, the presence of a scale, cash or paraphernalia, the student’s statement and other witness statements. “Possession” means actual possession, constructive possession or joint possession as defined by Maryland law.

Alcohol, Controlled Dangerous Substances, Drug Paraphernalia and/or Other Substances

Offense

Disciplinary Response

First Offense

Any student that is found to have committed a first offense for use or possession of alcohol, controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia and/or other substance will immediately receive a Notification of Suspension (short-term suspension).

In addition, the student must attend mandatory counseling sessions through the Alternative to Drugs and Alcohol Program (ADAP). The principal designee will provide the student’s parent/guardian with a list of community agencies that can provide the two counseling sessions. The school must call in the violation to the Office of Student Engagement and School Support.

Second Offense

If a student commits a second offense under this section, the principal designee will provide the student’s parent/guardian with a list of community agencies that can provide four mandatory counseling sessions.

The school must call in the violation to the Office of Student Engagement and School Support. The student must provide to their school and the Office of Student Engagement and School Support documentation stating the counseling appointment dates from the approved agency.

Third Offense

If a student commits a third offense under this section, it will result in a referral for more intense counseling services.

All students suspended/expelled for alcohol/controlled dangerous substance offenses are to be requested to reveal their source of the alcohol /controlled dangerous substance to the principal.

Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation

What to Do If You Are Bullied, Harassed or Intimidated

• Report the behavior to any adult.

• Tell the bully to stop. Be firm and clear.

• For student-to-student incidents, complete and submit the online Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation (BHI) form via the Bullying Reporting App at stopbullying.pgcps.org.

• For incidents involving a staff member, contact the Office of Equity Assurance per Administrative Procedure 4170.

Students may seek guidance, support and/or advocacy in addressing matters related to bullying, harassment or intimidation.

Who Reports Allegations of Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation?

Anyone can report allegations of bullying, harassment and intimidation. Students, parents, teachers, school administration, other staff, school volunteers or the community-at-large must report these behaviors.

How Do I Report Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation?

All reports are to be submitted digitally via the Online Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Reporting App. Reports must be promptly and appropriately investigated by school administrators/designee, consistent with due process rights, using the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Incident School Investigation form within two (2) school days after receipt of a report.

Submission of a report may be made via a web link by entering stopbullying.pgcps.org into any internet browser, or visit the Apple App Store or Android Google Play Store using the search terms “PGCPS iStopbullying” to download to your mobile device.

What Happens After the Report Is Submitted?

Once the report is submitted to the school, the administration or the administrative designee will promptly and appropriately conduct an investigation. Findings of the investigation will be documented on the Bullying, Harassments or Intimidation Incident School Investigation form within five (5) school days. The school will notify parents of the targeted student and the alleged offender student of the outcome of the investigation once the investigation has been completed. The notification must respect the confidentiality of the targeted student and the alleged offender student; therefore, specific information related to disciplinary consequences will not be provided (See Administrative Procedure 5143 - Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation). If bullying, harassment or intimidation is substantiated, disciplinary consequences will be given to the offender student; and the school team is to develop a plan of support for both the targeted student and the offender student.

Disrespect and Disruption

Before a discipline consequence is assigned to a student for an act of disrespect or disruption, administrators must confer with the student or school counselor to assess whether the student has experienced a recent traumatic or distressing event (family displacement, sudden death, etc. that either may have contributed to the student’s behavior or contributed to the perception that the student is being disrespectful. If it is determined that there is an intervening cause of the behavior or perceived behavior, administrators must ensure the student receives the necessary counseling support.

Incident

Disciplinary Options

First Incident of Disrespect or Disruption

A student may:

1. Participate in restorative conversation

2. Participate in social emotional learning (SEL) course with documented completion;

3. Receive an in-school suspension

Second Incident of Disrespect or Disruption

A student may:

1. Attend two evening counseling center sessions with parents; and

2. Participate in restorative conversation

3. Receive short term suspension.

Note: Students should be referred to the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team. Consider conducting a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for repeaters and create a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

Third Incident of Disrespect or Disruption

A student may:

1. Loss of extracurricular activities, sports, etc. that require adult sponsorship; and

2. Receive a long term out of school suspension; or

3. Consideration of administrative transfer to non-traditional programs.

Note: Student’s previous referral to the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team should be revisited. (Is the Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) still in progress or completed? Is the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) being followed or effective?)

Examples of Egregious Acts of Disrespect

Verbal Abuse

Includes but is not limited to a student repeatedly uses of offensive (e.g., sexually inappropriate, racially discriminatory, etc.) language and derogatory remarks toward a teacher or adult in the building and/or during a lesson; derogatory remarks about a person’s race, gender, or appearance; speaking loudly, aggressively, and/or challenging the authority of the staff member, especially in a way meant to undermine their position and/or invade staff’s personal space.

Public Humiliation

Includes but is not limited to such statements/behaviors as mocking or imitating a teacher’s accent, attacking their teaching methods in class; spreading false rumors; sharing private information; or placing staff pictures on social media with comments.

Insubordination/Blatant Defiance

Behavior or statements to refuse multiple direction/redirection from staff, including but not limited to refusals to turn over contraband, lower hoods, remove hats, etc. or refusing to enter class or walking out of class.

Schoolwide Disrespect/Disruption

During assemblies, school events, or any school setting outside the classroom, engaging in inappropriate behavior or statements, including but not limited to heckling, shouting, inappropriate gestures, starting/or inciting fights.

Impact to the Testing Environment

Failure to adhere to assessment protocols which impacts the testing environment of others.

Disrupting Schoolwide Safety Protocols

Failure to follow directives and evacuation procedures during significant safety drills (fire, evacuation, earthquake, lockdown, etc.)

Egregious and repeated acts of disrespect or disruption would be escalated to the next level of disciplinary consequences.

Dress Code

Students attending PGCPS should dress appropriately and in a way that is consistent with learning being a priority. Students are expected to adhere to policies governing attire, except for attire required by a religious organization. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in a discipline violation.

Clear Backpacks

Clear backpacks are required for 9th through 12th graders and students in the Non-Traditional Programs (North, South and Middle). Students may carry a small, non-clear pouch in their backpack to hold personal items, such as cellphones, money and hygiene products. At present, clear backpacks are optional for students in grades 6-8.

Head Dress

Head dress may be worn indoors for religious or health reasons only.

Shoes

Shoes must be worn.

Shirts & Blouses

Shirts and blouses should be continuous from neckline to waist. The mid-section should never be visible. Tank tops and muscle shirts are not allowed. Clothing with vulgar language, obscene pictures, weapons, drugs/alcohol, drug paraphernalia, or tobacco products are not allowed. Identifiable gang/crew clothing or paraphernalia are not allowed. Sheer clothing is not allowed.

Skirts, Dresses & Shorts

Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be no higher than the student’s fingertips when the student’s arms are hanging straight down at the student’s side.

Pants

Pants should be secured at the waist. Pants should not be worn below the waist exposing undergarments. Tights, stretch pants, leggings and spandex body suits must be worn with clothing long enough to cover the buttocks.

Gangs, Gang Activity and Similar Destructive or Illegal Behavior

Gangs, gang activity and similar destructive or illegal behaviors are prohibited under the Code of Student Conduct, in accordance with The Safe Schools Act of 2010. A student may not threaten an individual, or a friend or family member of an individual, with use of physical force or violence to coerce, induce or solicit the individual to participate in or prevent the individual from leaving a criminal gang; a) in a school vehicle, or b) in or within 1000 feet of real property owned or leased by the Board of Education.

A student criminally charged with participating in a criminal street gang may automatically be remanded to an alternative education program by the court. When said behavior might substantially disrupt the educational environment, the school will provide the family with a list of community resources and proceed with a school transfer. Behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

• Gang recruitment

• Gang initiation (hazing)

• Group fighting

• Bullying

• Bias harassment

• Defacing school property with gang graffiti

• Throwing gang signs

• Threatening to retaliate against a student or staff for reporting said behavior

Reportable Offenses (formerly Community Offenses)

Notice of a reportable offense, as defined in COMAR 13A.08.01.17, cannot be the only basis for the suspension, reassignment, or expulsion of a student from school. School administrators, with parent/guardian input, will determine whether a student’s presence in the home school creates a safety and/or security risk and develop the appropriate educational program. Appropriate educational programming and related services will be provided to an identified student with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and corresponding state law.

Search of Students

All student searches must be in compliance with Board Policy 2804, Search and Seizure (4/25/24). Such searches shall be conducted only by authorized persons with due recognition and deference for the human dignity of those being searched. An authorized searcher may make a reasonable search of a student on school property or during a school-sponsored activity if the authorized searcher has a reasonable basis, at the inception of the search, to believe that the student is in current possession of an item or items, the possession of which is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, any Board policy, PGCPS administrative procedure, or law, or a criminal offense under the laws of Maryland. Any search of a student must be made in the presence of a third party who must be a PGCPS employee.

Social Media

PGCPS ordinarily does not govern the personal use of technology outside of school. However, in instances where the use of social media has a direct effect on the order of the school, including but not limited to, creating an actual, potential or perceived threat to students, staff or administration within the school environment and/or interfering with the educational process and/or the safety of the school environment – including but not limited to, the school campus, PGCPS vehicles and school activities – the school reserves the right to apply disciplinary action in accordance with this Handbook.

Social media misuse includes internet/computer and the misuse of other electronic devices that may have the impact of substantially disrupting the educational environment. Social media is inclusive of, but not limited to, web-based and mobile technologies, social networking sites, blogs, instant messaging, X (formerly Twitter), social blogs and video-based sites such as YouTube. The most common misuse of social media is cyberbullying. When cyberbullying takes the form of harassment of a protected characteristic, it may be prosecuted as a violation of a person’s civil rights. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their child’s use of social media outside of school, which may impact their child’s or other student’s educational opportunities.

Violations of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, Board Policies, or Administrative Procedures pertaining to social media may result in a disciplinary response. Complete guidelines for the acceptable use of technology are contained in Administrative Procedure 5180 - Student Use of Social Media in Schools.

Technology

The increasing availability of technology creates both opportunities and risks for students. Since the potential for harm from the misuse of technology is significant, PGCPS has established guidelines by which students can use technology in a legal, safe, productive, and ethical manner.

Google Apps for Education is a free service to PGCPS students that includes the use of email, calendars, documents and sites through the convenience of a web browser. Students can communicate with teachers and peers, use easy to manage to-do-lists, access a calendar to keep dates organized, participate in online discussion boards and access online spreadsheets, documents and presentations. For safety and security reasons, students’ communication is limited to other PGCPS students and staff only.

All use of technology under these guidelines is to be for legitimate educational purposes under the guidance or direction of school system staff. The following conduct is prohibited while using the PGCPS network:

• Utilize the PGCPS computer network for any illegal activity, including, but not limited to, gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources, files or devices on the network;

• Access “chat lines” or enter “chat rooms” that are not part of a class activity under the direct supervision of a teacher;

• Access or link to websites that contain material deemed vulgar, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate, including, but not limited to, websites promoting hatred, racial/religious/sexual discrimination, use of illegal drugs/alcohol/tobacco, gaming or gambling, criminal activities or computer/network hacking;

• Use or display copyrighted or otherwise licensed or contractual material without specific written permission or authorization from the appropriate party;

• Utilize the network for commercial purposes or display any logo of any commercial entity not directly related to PGCPS;

• Post, use or download any files which cause congestion or impede network operations;

• Utilize technology, including AI, to misrepresent themselves or someone else, including the creation of deepfakes and/or any video, audio or digitally altered images of face, body, or voice to misrepresent or falsely share information;

• Trespass in or vandalize another’s files, folders, data or work;

• Post anonymous messages or in any way misrepresent one’s own identity;

• Use an account password of another user;

• Use abusive, harassing or otherwise objectionable language in any message;

• Use e-mail or any portion of the PGCPS Wide Area Network (WAN) to promote the annoyance, harassment, bullying, or attacking of students or staff members;

• Take or facilitate the theft or damage of data, equipment or intellectual property, including degrading or disrupting equipment of system performance; or

• Copy licensed software, download or copy files without permission;

• Capture images of other students or staff from another device;

• Use inappropriate screensavers and inappropriate background settings;

• Intentionally damage technology;

• Unauthorized use of AI systems, including any use not explicitly directed by staff; or

• Provide personally identifiable information (PI) to unauthorized or unapproved recipients.

Consequences for misuse may include, but are not limited to, suspension of equipment access, confiscation of the technological device, disciplinary action commensurate with the level of misconduct and/or legal action as appropriate. Complete guidance for the acceptable use of technology is contained in Administrative Procedure 0700.

Students shall:

• Know their login information

• Report virtually to their scheduled class on time

• Be respectful to adults and peers

• Follow PGCPS technology equipment user agreement

• Follow Use of Technology guidelines (provided in this Handbook)

Tobacco, Nicotine Products & Vaping

It is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct for students to use or possess any tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to, vaping products on school property. Vaping and use of vaping paraphernalia shall be presumed to be used to ingest tobacco, tobacco products unless there is a preponderance of evidence that another substance was ingested or intended to be ingested in the school using vape paraphernalia.

Offense

Disciplinary Response

First Offense

• Parental notification by referring administrator;

• Administrative referral to Office of Student Engagement and School Support; and

• Completion of an appropriate tobacco education program provided by the Office of Student Engagement and School Support no later than four weeks from the date of the code violation.

Second Offense

• Parental notification by referring administrator;

• Administrative referral to Office of Student Engagement and School Support;

• Parent/guardian conference; and

• Student and parent/guardian will complete the Anti-Tobacco Use Program (ATUP) no later than four weeks from the date of the code violation.

Third Offense

• Parental notification by referring administrator;

• Administrative referral to Office of Student Engagement and School Support;

• Parent/guardian conference; and

• Student and the parent/guardian will complete the Anti-Tobacco Use Program (ATUP) no later than four weeks from the date of the code violation.

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses

Thereafter, for offenses beyond the third infraction of this section, it will result in a referral for more intense counseling.

Transportation and Bus Behavior

Riding the school bus is an integral part of the school day for many students, and directives in this Code apply fully to students when they ride the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege. This privilege may be temporarily denied or permanently revoked if misconduct jeopardizes the safe operation of the school bus or the safety of students and/or staff riding the bus. Students on school buses will be subject to audiovisual camera surveillance with posted notification. Audiovisual recordings may be used as part of an investigation in a student discipline matter on the bus. School suspension is a possible option. Students are expected to observe the following rules for safety and courtesy on the bus.

At the Bus Stop

• Use your assigned bus stop.

• Wait in a quiet and orderly manner.

• Be aware, cautious and respectful of traffic.

• Respect private property.

• Avoid pushing.

Boarding the Bus

• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop.

• Make sure the bus warning lights are activated before boarding.

• When crossing the street, wait for the school bus driver to signal to proceed. Look left, right, left while crossing to enter or depart the bus.

• Board the bus when it is safe to do so.

• Avoid pushing and crowding.

• Upon entering the bus, go directly to an available or assigned seat and remain seated until the bus arrives at the school or your stop.

• Do not use Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) while boarding the bus.

Riding the Bus

• Follow the instructions or directives of the bus driver and/or aide (if applicable).

• Do not eat or drink on the bus.

• Stay in your seat; keep aisles and exits clear.

• Keep your hands, arms, legs, head and other objects inside of the bus window.

• Avoid the use of foul language or profanity.

• Be respectful of the rights and safety of others.

• PEDs may be used on the bus if it does not impact the safe operation of the bus. Avoid taking pictures, videos, passing PEDs around, or using PEDs while it is dark outside if the PED light causes distraction to the bus driver.

Exiting the Bus

• Remain in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop.

• Do not use PEDs while exiting the bus.

• Exit the bus in an orderly and prompt manner.

• Exit at your assigned bus stop.

• When crossing the street look left, right, left while crossing to depart the bus.

• Use care when crossing a street controlled by bus warning lights.

Trespassing

Trespassing for the purposes of this Handbook includes the following:

• Any student, who while serving a suspension, has an unauthorized presence on any PGCPS property, after being warned not to come onto school property;

• Any student who enters a school building or school campus and knows or should have known that they are not permitted to enter the school building or school campus has committed a trespass; or unauthorized presence on school property after being warned to leave;

• Any student who facilitates the unauthorized entry of another into a school building at a point of entry other than the school’s designated point of entry, which includes propping doors open;

• Any student who commits a Code of Conduct violation while trespassing; or

• Facilitating unauthorized entry of another resulting in fighting, weapons possession, firearm possession, theft, threats, drugs/tobacco/alcohol and/or a material disruption to the school (Level 5).