Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Student Code of Conduct? Why do we have this discipline system?

The Student Code of Conduct is designed as a guide to promote an orderly, positive, safe and well-managed environment so that every student may receive a quality education. It is the primary job of the school district to teach students in an atmosphere that is free from disruptions or inappropriate behavior. In this atmosphere, the best learning will take place.

The Student Code of Conduct provides a uniform set of behavioral expectations and corrective actions for all students in all grades of the school district. Texas law requires that every school district in Texas develop a system of uniform behavioral expectations and corrective actions. The law also requires that every student and parent receive a copy of the Student Code of Conduct.

Are there different levels of misbehavior and corrective actions?

Yes. While it is desirable that students work toward the goal of appropriate behavior in the school setting, there are different levels of inappropriate behavior or misbehavior. Corrective actions are based on the nature and seriousness of the behavior.

Accordingly, the Student Code of Conduct is divided into four levels of misbehavior with four corresponding levels of corrective actions.

If a student breaks a Group I behavior expectation, the corrective action will come from Group I corrective actions. Groups II, III and IV misbehaviors are progressively more serious, and may therefore require more serious corrective actions. Each group has corrective actions or consequences associated with their specific level of misbehavior. The most serious misbehaviors will result in removal to an alternative education program or expulsion.

Group I misbehaviors are the minor misbehaviors, with appropriate Group I corrective actions.

Group II misbehaviors are more serious or persistent than Group I misbehaviors, which therefore require a corrective action from the Group II corrective actions.

Group III misbehaviors are serious or persistent misbehaviors representing disruptions to the learning environment that may also present a danger to individuals’ health or safety, and/or cause damage to property. Group 3 misbehaviors significantly interrupt the orderly operation of classrooms, school functions, extracurricular/co-curricular programs, or approved transportation. These more serious misbehaviors will receive Group III corrective actions.

Group IV misbehaviors constitute serious or persistent misbehaviors or illegal acts. Group IV corrective actions are serious and are appropriately tailored to the act of misbehavior. Removal to an alternate education program will occur when a student acts in a manner that meets the criteria of Group IV noted in the Student Code of Conduct.

Expulsion is the most serious corrective action for acts that require such measures.

The Student Code of Conduct utilizes a philosophy known as “progressive discipline.”

What is “progressive discipline?”

Progressive discipline describes the process of applying increasingly intensive corrective actions in proportion to the seriousness of the misbehavior. Simply explained: “The consequence fits the misbehavior.”

Progressive discipline also takes into consideration that a student may repeatedly misbehave from a lower level and may not respond positively to the corrective action for that lower level. For example, if a student repeatedly performs a Group II misbehavior and repeatedly receives a Group II corrective action but does not change their behavior, the repetitive Group II offense may automatically “progress” to become a Group III offense, requiring a more intensive corrective action.

A student who repeatedly does not respond to the appropriate corrective action for a misbehavior “progresses” to the next level of discipline.

Why can two students receive different corrective actions for the same act of misbehavior?

It is correct that in a system of progressive discipline, two students who have committed the same infraction may receive different corrective actions. The reason for this is that while one student may have a previous history of misbehavior, the other student may have no previous record of misbehavior.

Under the progressive discipline plan, repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct at a lower level (Group I, for example) may automatically progress to a corrective action from a higher level (Group II, for example).

Every student’s behavior record and behavior progress are unique and individual. Therefore, two students who may have committed the same offense together may receive a very different corrective action. See also, page 30 concerning the list of factors that administrators shall consider when deciding whether to suspend a student, remove a student to a disciplinary alternative education program, or expel a student.

Who has the authority to decide which corrective action is given to the student after an act of misbehavior?

The classroom teacher and school officials have the legal authority and responsibility to assign an appropriate corrective action for a student’s misbehavior. School officials may confer with a parent before assigning a corrective action, depending upon the severity of the behavior and possible corrective actions.

The staff of the school and the principal will utilize the guidelines set forth in the Student Code of Conduct to promote an orderly, safe, positive, and educational atmosphere for all students.

What are the responsibilities of the students, the parents, and the school staff?

Students, parents, and the staff of your school all have the responsibility to work together in cooperation to promote appropriate student behavior.

The school staff has an obligation to all students to provide a safe, positive, educationally-oriented atmosphere where every student can learn, unhindered by the inappropriate behavior of others. Moreover, the school staff has the responsibility to treat all students fairly and to select appropriate corrective actions for each individual student when a misbehavior occurs.

What discipline was given to another student? Why may I not know?

Often parents become frustrated because they want to know what corrective action was given to a student other than their own child. The law prohibits school authorities from revealing student discipline information to anyone other than the minor student’s parent or legal guardian.

While it may be frustrating that a school official cannot offer specifics on how another student was disciplined, parents can be assured that the other student’s parents will be informed of the misbehavior, and that an appropriate action will be taken.

The confidentiality provisions of the law are in place to protect the rights of every child as an individual.

Explain the confidentiality of students’ discipline records.

Student records are governed by a federal statute, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment) and a state statute, the Texas Public Information Act. FERPA and the Texas Public Information Act limit access to a student’s records by anyone other than the student and/or parents. However, the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Texas Education Agency are granted an exception to review student records while conducting investigations of the school district. Student records can also be released without parental consent if subpoenaed or in a health or safety emergency, or to other governmental officials authorized by FERPA.

How do I appeal a decision by the campus that I do not agree with?

Students and parents have a right to disagree with a decision made by the school. It should be the goal of the student, the parent, and the school staff to resolve the issue at the campus level. If the disagreement is with a teacher, it is advisable to discuss the disagreement with the teacher first. If there is no resolution, the next step is to discuss the matter with a campus administrator.

Complaints may be resolved informally. However, the district does have a formal student complaint procedure. This procedure is explained in the Student Code of Conduct section pertaining to student rights and responsibilities.

What are my child’s rights in the discipline process?

A student and parent may disagree with decisions involving discipline. There are specific appeal procedures listed for assignment to a DAEP (Turning Point) and expulsions in the Student Code of Conduct. There are no formal appeal processes for other corrective actions such as detention, in-school suspension, up to three-day suspension, or up to a 10-day assignment to the CHOICES program. School administrators have a duty to maintain a proper educational environment and are authorized to make determinations regarding corrective actions for discipline infractions. Disagreements should be brought informally to the school principal.

Is a student entitled to legal or adult representation at any time other than during an expulsion hearing?

Yes, the student complaint process [Board Policy FNG (Local)] http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1098?filter=FNG allows representation at Level One, Level Two and Level Three conferences. The AISD attorney may also be present when a student has representation.

Is there a separate set of expectations for students who ride the school bus?

The behavioral expectations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct apply to the entire time a student is in a bus zone or riding a bus. Because the school bus is a unique setting where misbehavior can have a serious impact on the safety of the driver and other students, additional expectations regarding transportation procedures are identified in the Student Responsibilities pg. 9 and Transportation Procedures pg. 28. Additional instructions may be identified by the bus drivers as needed to ensure the safety of all students and the driver.

Does AISD have a dress code for students?

Yes, AISD has a student dress code, which was developed by a committee of students, parents, teachers, and administrators representing all school ages and grade levels. The dress code committee meets periodically to review the appropriateness of the dress code as community standards and fashions change. The dress code is designed to assist students and parents in planning wardrobes, and the ultimate goal is to support the Student Code of Conduct in creating an orderly and safe environment for learning. The dress code is included in this Student Code of Conduct starting on page 57.

What is the AISD attendance policy? How are absences excused?

Regular and punctual patterns of student attendance are essential for a student to receive the maximum benefit from their education. Regular student attendance is a component in the overall behavior program and supports the Student Code of Conduct. The attendance policy is included in this Student Code of Conduct. Please refer to pages 88-92.

How long are discipline records kept by the school?

Discipline records are kept until the end of the current school year. However, records relating to removal to a DAEP, suspension, or expulsion are retained for five years but remain confidential under the law

What is criminal trespass?

To promote the safety and security of students and staff, all visitors must check in at the office of all campuses. Texas Penal Code §30.05 provides that a person commits criminal trespass if he/she enters or remains on property or in a building of another without effective consent and he/she had notice that entry was forbidden or received notice to depart but failed to do so. For the purpose of this statute, “enter” means the intrusion of the entire body and “notice” means: (1) oral or written communication by the owner or someone with apparent authority to act for the owner, (2) fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude intruders or to contain livestock (3) signs posted to be reasonably likely to come to the attention of the intruders indicating that entry is forbidden. Visitors posing a substantial risk of harm to any person or behaving in a manner that is disruptive or inappropriate for a school setting may be ejected or refused entry from district property.

What is required to receive a VOE (TEA) driver’s license form?

School enrollment and attendance are required as conditions of licensing a student to operate a motor vehicle. This requirement applies to persons under 18 years of age unless a high school diploma or its equivalent has been obtained. (TEC 25.092, absences, states that a student must be in attendance 90 percent of the days the class is offered.)  For students in grades 9-12, absences may be aggregated on the basis of a semester. Please allow the school 24 hours to complete the form for the student.

What should a student do if they believe they are being bullied (including cyber bullying), sexually harassed, or is a victim of dating violence?

The student should immediately notify appropriate school personnel, which would include a classroom teacher, a counselor or an administrator of any such behaviors, in accordance with district policy FFH (Local). There is also an option to report bullying anonymously by calling Campus Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at 817-469-8477 or on-line at www.469tips.com. See Board Policies FFH and FFI which can be found online at www.aisd.net.

What are Penal Code Title 5 felony offenses?

Penal Code Title 5 felony offenses include criminal homicide, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, false imprisonment, indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, or injury to a child.

What does possession mean?

Possession means to:

• have contraband on one’s person, in one’s vehicle, in the
• vehicle driven by a student to/on campus, or in one’s personal effects, such as a coat, purse, book bag;
• touch or handle contraband;
• have contraband under one’s control;
• have contraband in one’s locker; or
• be in a vehicle either as a driver or passenger with the knowledge that contraband is contained within the vehicle.

How does the district define use?

Use occurs when a student voluntarily introduces or attempts to introduce a prohibited substance into one’s body by any means. Use can be verified if the introduction of the substance is observed or it is detectable by physical appearance, actions, breath, or speech [Board Policy FNCF] https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1098?filename=FNCF(LEGAL).pdf.

What are the interview procedures when a violation of the Student Code of Conduct is suspected?

In disciplinary situations, in addition to school discipline, there may be additional action taken by an applicable law enforcement agency. School and law enforcement procedures are separate and distinct.

School Procedures

School administrators are obligated to maintain discipline in the schools. Administrators have the right and responsibility to interview and question students without notifying parents and without one or both parents present. This would include students who are accused of conduct violations and students who witness conduct violations. This allows administrators to investigate violations of the Student Code of Conduct fully and completely. The administration may contact the parent after a student has been interviewed. Information obtained through this interview will be shared to applicable law enforcement agencies if a violation of the law is believed to have occurred.

When the student is believed to have violated a provision of the Student Code of Conduct that may require an assignment to DAEP, expulsion, or referral to any law enforcement agency, the administrator will make all reasonable attempts to contact the parent/guardian. Lesser violations may involve no parental contact during the investigation or administration of corrective actions. Such determination is within the discretion of the administrator.

Child Protective Services and Law Enforcement

Child Abuse Investigation

When a representative of the Department of Family and Protective Services or another lawful authority desires to question or interview a student at school as part of a child abuse investigation, the principal shall cooperate fully with the official’s requests regarding the conditions of the interview or questioning.

Questioning of Students

After completing the school procedures and in the event that a conduct violation may also constitute a criminal law violation, the administrator will contact the law enforcement officer, school resource officer, the officer assigned to the campus, or call 9-1-1. Once the law enforcement officer has cause to believe that a criminal offense has been committed, the officer will take charge of any interview or investigation. The administrator may share with the law enforcement officer what information has been acquired in the school investigation. When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities desire to question or interview a student at school for any purpose other than a child abuse investigation, the following guidelines shall apply:§

The principal shall verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and request an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.

The principal ordinarily shall make reasonable efforts to notify the student’s parents or other person having lawful control of the student. If the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to the notification, parents shall not be notified.

The principal or a designee ordinarily shall be present during the questioning or interview. If the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to a third party’s presence, the interview shall be conducted without that person’s presence.

Students taken into custody

Before a student at school is arrested or taken into custody by a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal shall verify the official’s identity. To the best of their ability, the principal shall verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student [see  Board Policy GRA] http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1098?filter=GRA and then shall deliver over the student. The principal shall immediately notify the Superintendent and ordinarily shall notify the parents or other person having lawful control of the student. If the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents at that time, the principal shall not notify the parents.

What is AISD’s policy for student ID?

Students must follow campus guidelines for student ID found on page 59.

What are the regulations regarding campus parking and traffic?

Parking on campus is a privilege, not a right, and violators may have the privilege suspended. Student drivers and their passengers shall be cautious and observe all traffic regulations. The speed limit on school parking lots is 10 MPH. Student drivers or passengers who are found to be in any way endangering the safety of themselves or others will be subject to corrective action, which may include loss of the privilege of having a vehicle on campus. The following expectations are common to parking on any school parking lot:

• All cars parked in the lot are required to have a current parking permit
• All traffic speed limits shall be observed.
• All traffic arrows shall be observed.
• Students are not to park in reserved, handicapped or visitor parking spaces.
• No tobacco or vaping products are allowed
• No alcohol or controlled substances are allowed
• No loitering
• No weapons

Due to construction, there may be more specific expectations which apply to each campus. This information can be found in the student rules distributed at each campus.

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires certain needs of students with disabilities to be met.

What is an “impairment” as used under the Section 504 definition?

An impairment as used in Section 504 may include any disability, long term illness, or disorder that “substantially” reduces or lessens a student’s ability to access learning in the educational setting because of a learning, behavior, or health-related condition. It should be emphasized that a physical or mental impairment does not constitute a disability for purposes of Section 504 unless its severity is such that it results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities.

How does one qualify for Section 504 services?

One must have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Please refer to page 97 for more information.

What is AISD’s search process?

The district has the right and the authority to search desks, lockers, book bags, vehicles in the parking lot and other items for reasons of health and safety. Persons and property may be searched based upon reasonable suspicion.

What is AISD’s process for canine searches?

The district has the authority to use sniff dogs to search lockers and other parts of the building and campus property, and the areas around vehicles parked on school property. Persons may be searched based upon reasonable suspicion. [See Board Policy FNF(Local)] http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1098?filter=FNF.

What is AISD’s policy on laser pointers?

Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property, while using district transportation, or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property. Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Why is my child receiving a ticket or being punished for a fight?

Self-defense is defined as use of force against another to the degree a person reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect  himself or herself.  The privilege of self-defense is limited. A claim of self-defense in the use of physical force will not exempt a student from discipline when:

• The student provokes, invites, or encourages the use of physical force by another person.
• The student has an opportunity to avoid physical force or to inform a school official of the threatened use of force.
• The student uses physical force after the other party abandons or attempts to abandon a fight or confrontation.

When there is a report of a fight on campus between two or more students, the school administration conducts an investigation. If the investigation reveals that the students in question have engaged in mutual combat or have intentionally or knowingly fought with another in a public place, the school administrator dealing with the offense will issue a corrective action based on the investigation and other factors such as the students’ disciplinary histories. The school administrator will also notify law enforcement. Law enforcement may also investigate the matter and issue citations or take other action that law enforcement deems necessary.

Does AISD have an additional security layer of protection for the elementary campuses?

Yes, the Security and Plant Services Departments have determined that a camera/buzzer system could provide an additional layer of protection for the elementary campuses.

What is a camera/buzzer system?

A camera/buzzer system will be installed at the main exterior entrance of each elementary, on a door already wired with an electronic card reader for the keyless entry system.

Will exterior doors at the elementary campuses be locked during the school day?

Yes, all exterior doors will be locked during the school day, and visitors will press a buzzer to request entry into the building.

What does the camera do, and once the visitors are in the building, where do they go?

A camera will project an image of the visitor to a monitor in the office, where staff will control the door. Once inside the building, visitors will be directed to check in at the office and undergo a visitor background check through the V-Soft visitor management system.

What is the RAPTOR system?

RAPTOR is a visitor registration system that enhances school safety by checking visitors against a sex offender database. This system alerts campus administrators if a registered sex offender is identified. It also prints visitor badges with the visitor’s photograph. The V-Soft program will track visitors and volunteer hours.

How does it work?

Driver license and/or government issued ID information is captured and compared to national databases of registered sex offenders. If an RSO (registered sex offender) is identified, campus administrators and law enforcement personnel can take appropriate steps to keep the campus safe.

Why is Arlington ISD using this system?

The safety of our students is our highest priority. RAPTOR will provide a system to track visitors and volunteers while helping to identify people who may present a danger to students and staff members. The RAPTOR system quickly prints a visitor badge that includes a photograph, name of the visitor, time and date of issuance, and the visitor’s destination.

What other information is the school taking from driver’s licenses?

RAPTOR only captures the visitor’s name, date of birth, and photograph. The information is compared with information in a national database of registered sex offenders. No other personal information is collected or utilized. RAPTOR does not share any visitor information with other companies or vendors.

Does the school have the right to require visitors to produce identification before entering the campus?

Yes. The school has the right to know who is on the campus, why they are there, and confirm that an individual has the authority to have access to a student. The school can only do this by requesting identification.

What if the person refuses to show identification?

The campus administrator will be contacted immediately. The administrator will address the individual and explain the process. Based on the situation and information given, the administrator can make a determination to allow entry or refuse access to the facility and/or a student. If access is granted by the administrator, the parent or guardian will be escorted by an administrator or designee while they are on campus.

What do I do if I do not have a driver’s license or Government issued identification?

You will need to provide your name and date of birth. It will be manually entered into the RAPTOR system.

Does the RAPTOR system have the ability to program other alerts?

Yes. These alerts must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent of Administration.

Does AISD have a resource information page for parents?

Yes. Please use the following link for a variety of information for parents.

https://www.aisd.net/family-support/

If my child is enrolled in a grade level below three, can he/she be placed in out-of-school suspension?

A student who is enrolled in a grade level below grade three may not be placed in out-of-school suspension unless while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off of school property, the student engages in:

• conduct that contains the elements of an offense related to weapons under Section 46.02 or 46.05, Penal Code; 
• conduct that contains the elements of a violent offense under Section 22.01, 22.011, 22.02, or 22.021, Penal Code; or
• selling, giving, or delivering to another person or possessing, using, or being under the influence of any amount of:
  • marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, or by 21 U.S.C. Section 801 et seq.;
  • a dangerous drug, as defined by Chapter 483, Health and Safety Code; or
  • an alcoholic beverage, as defined by Section 04, Alcoholic Beverage Code.

What is a threat assessment?

The state of TX mandates that threat assessments must be conducted when students display “harmful, threatening, or violent behavior” which includes threats of self-harm, bullying, cyberbullying, fighting, the use or possession of a weapon, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, or assault, by a student. Please refer to page 93 for more information. [TEC 37.115(a)(1)]