5601 - STUDENT CONDUCT

Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that they respect and consider the rights of others. Students of the District must conform with school regulations and accept directions from authorized school personnel. The Board has "zero tolerance" of violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior by its students.

"Zero tolerance" means that Southern Local Schools will strictly enforce all school rules and will deal swiftly with behavioral disruptions. Appropriate discipline may include but is not limited to immediate removal, suspension, or expulsion.

A student who fails to comply with established school rules or with any reasonable request made by school personnel on school property and/or at school-related events is subject to approved student discipline regulations. The Superintendent/designee develops regulations which establish strategies ranging from prevention to intervention to address student misbehavior.

Students and parents annually receive, at the beginning of the school year or upon entering during the year, written information on the rules and regulations to which they are subject while in school or participating in any school-related activity or event and misconduct by a student, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a District official or employee or the property of an official or employee. The information includes the types of conduct which are subject to suspension or expulsion from school or other forms of disciplinary action. The Board directs the administration to make all students aware of the student code of conduct and the fact that any violations of the student code of conduct are punishable.

If a student violates this policy or the code of conduct, school personnel, students or parents should report the student to the appropriate principal. The administration cooperates in any prosecution pursuant to the criminal laws of the State of Ohio and local ordinances.

A student who commits an act that inflicts serious physical harm to persons or property if it was committed at school, on other school property, or at a school activity, event or program, may be expelled for up to one (1) year.

The Student Code of Conduct is made available to students and parents and is posted in a central location with each building.