Student Code of Conduct

General Information

AISD strives to provide a safe, positive, and educationally-oriented environment in each of its schools, and all students are expected to behave in a manner that supports this goal. Behaviors that disrupt the school and/or educational environment, violate the law, and/or present other health or safety risks will not be tolerated. The Student Code of Conduct is AISD’s notification of behaviors that are not tolerated. Possible corrective actions for each level of misbehavior are provided below, but each campus’s principal may consider other corrective actions as appropriate for each situation.

AISD strives to ensure that all of its students are free from bullying, cyberbullying and harassment, including violence in students’ relationships. All charges of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and dating violence are to be taken very seriously by our students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents. We will make every effort to handle and respond to each and every charge and complaint filed by our students and employees in a fair, thorough, and just manner. Every effort will be made to protect the due process rights of all victims and all alleged offenders.

Some offenses are serious enough to warrant an automatic assignment to a disciplinary alternative educational placement campus (a Turning Point campus) or expulsion from AISD. Refer to the sections on Misconduct That Requires DAEP Placement and Misconduct That Requires Expulsion for further information.

Disciplinary Alternative Educational Placements (Turning Point placements) may be for 15 school days, 30 school days, 45 school days or 60 school days in most cases, and shall be determined based upon the factors listed in this code of conduct, AISD’s progressive discipline plan and the specific circumstances of each case.

For specific information regarding: (1) Personal Communication devices and other devices (cell phones, etc.); (2) use of technology and the Internet both on and off campus, and; (3) specific requirements regarding student dress code and uniforms, please review the Technology Regulations and Dress Code pages in this Code.

Transportation Procedures

Riding a school bus is a privilege and should be treated as such. Parents and students are responsible to arrive at the bus stop at least ten minutes before the route time to ensure student pick up. The bus driver will not wait for students to arrive at the stop, and will not stop if students are not present upon arrival. Students may be expected to wear or present their Student ID upon boarding the bus. Seat belts must be worn when available, and all food and class materials (class projects, musical instruments, etc.) must be stowed on the student’s lap or underneath the student’s seat. Students may only board or exit the bus at their assigned stop. Any changes in the daily routine of riding a bus must be requested through the campus administration and communicated in writing to the Transportation Department. Prior to a student riding a bus other than their own, the AISD Transportation Department must have a letter from the parent signed by the principal. Requests are considered based on eligibility and case by case basis. A student who is not eligible to ride a bus in AISD cannot ride under any circumstances. If a student misses the morning bus, they should return home immediately. If a student misses the afternoon bus, they should contact school personnel immediately. Parents are responsible for providing transportation if their child misses the bus.

Students must obey the bus driver’s instructions, which may include but are not limited to: (1) boarding and exiting procedures; (2) remaining seated at all times and facing forwards except for boarding and exiting the bus; (3) assigned seating; (4) minimizing noise and distractions, which includes loud conversations, throwing objects in or out of the bus, and keeping all body parts and materials inside the bus at all times; (5) maintaining clear aisle ways; (6) proper stowing of all food, approved beverage containers, and class materials or projects, and; (7) refraining from bringing prohibited items such as live animals, insects, combustibles, skateboards, or footballs/ basketballs/ tennis balls/ etc. on the bus. Behavior guidelines provided in the Code of Conduct remain in effect throughout the time students are in bus zones or riding the bus.

For students with disabilities, if transportation is a related service approved by the ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal) committee, the principal may schedule an ARD committee meeting to discuss the infraction as related to transportation services.

Students with 504 Plans

The discipline of students who have active 504 Plans will include the consideration of the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) when applicable.

Students with Disabilities

The discipline of students who have disabilities will include the consideration of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The discipline of students with disabilities is subject to applicable state and federal law in addition to the Student Code of Conduct. To the extent any conflict exists, state and/or federal law will prevail. In accordance with the Texas Education Code, a student who is enrolled in a special education program may not be disciplined in a manner that results in a change to the student’s educational placement for conduct meeting the definition of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or making hit lists (see Definitions) until a Manifestation Determination Review has been held to review the conduct. In deciding whether to order suspension, DAEP placement or expulsion, the district will take into consideration a disability that substantially impairs the student’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student’s conduct. A behavior improvement or intervention plan that is included in a student's IEP must be reviewed at least once per year and at times more frequently to address changes in the child's circumstances or the safety of the student or others. More information regarding students with disabilities can be found with the Arlington ISD Special Education Department

Corrective actions for disciplinary infractions may vary due to a number of factors. Individual campuses strive for consistency and may apply specific corrective actions for various identified behaviors. Campus site-based decision making committees annually review school-specific discipline procedures and corrective actions, and may develop a range of corrective strategies to employ prior to a corrective action. However, when deciding whether to order suspension, removal to a disciplinary alternative education program, or expulsion, all campuses shall take into consideration:

seriousness of the offense;
student’s age;
student’s grade level;
ability and functioning level;
frequency and level of prior misbehaviors/disciplinary history;
student’s attitude, including but not limited to student’s level of truthfulness during initial investigation under the specific circumstances in each case;
effect of the misconduct on the school environment;
legal/statutory requirements;
self-defense (see Definitions), and;
intent or lack of intent at time student engaged in the misconduct.

District Behavior Supports (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)

In an effort to fully implement School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, along with maximizing students’ engagement and instructional time, each school in the Arlington Independent School District will utilize corrective strategies in Misbehavior Groups One and Two prior to referring a student to campus administration for an office discipline referral. These corrective strategies include but are not limited to:

Remove distractions;
Proximity control;
Proactively prompt desired behavior;
Increase opportunities for active participation;
Increase use of specific praise statements;
Increase wait time for response;
Restorative language;
Redirect student;
Review/Re-Teach expectations, and;
Provide opportunities for student to practice expected behaviors and provide descriptive feedback.

Restorative practices: A relational approach to building school climate and addressing student behavior that fosters belonging over exclusion, social engagement over control, and meaningful accountability over punishment.

Group I Misbehaviors & Corrective Actions

Corrective actions may be provided by a Teacher or a Campus Administrator as indicated in the last column.

GROUP I MISBEHAVIORS

Group I misbehaviors are low-intensity behaviors that affect the orderly operation of the classroom, school functions, and extracurricular/co-curricular programs or approved transportation. Corrective actions for this class of behaviors include but are not limited to one or more of the following in accordance with the school’s progressive discipline plan.

Behaviors	Range of Group I Corrective Actions
Disrespect Disruption Dress code violation Misconduct Non-Compliance Personal transportation on campus Tardiness Technology violation (1^st Offense)	Misbehavior warning (verbal or written) Parent/Teacher/SEL Support Staff conference Corrective teaching interaction Apology Denial of classroom privileges Parent contact, by written message or by phone Reflective assignment In-Class discipline Teacher assigned detention Detention hall Extended school detention Lower citizenship grade Suspension of access to district electronic communication systems (including internet) Confiscation of inappropriate item	Administrator OR Teacher
	Restorative practices Removal from bus (by Administrator or Transportation personnel) Confiscation of telecommunication device Any other corrective action deemed appropriate by campus administration	Administrator

*See Technology Regulations for additional information related to personal communication devices.

GROUP I MISBEHAVIOR DEFINITIONS

Group I misbehaviors are low-intensity behaviors that affect the orderly operation of the classroom, school functions, and extracurricular/co-curricular programs or approved transportation.

*Misbehavior*	*Definition*
Disrespect	To act in an insulting way toward another person, not showing respect, acting rude, impolite, and offensive
Disruption	Actions or misbehaviors interrupting the educational environment (i.e., Horseplay – see Definitions). This includes behaviors taking place while at school, at school-sponsored events, or on the bus.
Dress code violation	Failure to abide by district or campus dress code. Corrective actions from Group II may be applied as appropriate for repeated/excessive violations.
Misconduct	Misconduct, which includes but is not limited to chewing gum, eating candy or food, not being on task, bothering other students, inappropriate or loud talking, cutting in line, throwing paper wads, note writing, sleeping, selling items for personal profit, and minor defacing of school property. This includes misbehavior on the bus, such as defacing bus property, throwing items in or out of the bus, blocking bus aisle ways, or hanging body parts or materials outside of the bus; it also includes throwing objects in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, restrooms or campus.
Non-Compliance	Failure to abide by published district, campus or classroom expectations and procedures. This includes failure to abide by bus expectations such as remaining in seat, stowing food/drink, bringing prohibited items on bus.
Personal transportation in buildings	Riding in-line skates, skateboards, hover boards, roller skates, non-medical scooters, skate-shoes, etc. on campus
Antisemitism	Engage in any behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct and is motivated by antisemitism.
Tardiness	Arriving to school or class after the designated start time.
Technology Violation (1^st Offense)	First violation of Administrative Regulations for Personal Communication Devices and Other Devices. The specific corrective actions identified in the Technology Regulations have been included in the range of corrective actions for Group I misbehaviors.

Group II Misbehaviors & Corrective Actions

Corrective actions may be provided by a Teacher or a Campus Administrator as indicated in the last column.

GROUP II MISBEHAVIORS

Group II misbehaviors represent a more significant, excessive, or repeated interference with the orderly operation of the classroom, school functions, and extracurricular/co-curricular programs or approved transportation. Corrective actions for this class of behaviors include but are not limited to one or more of the following in accordance with the school’s progressive discipline plan.

Behaviors	Range of Group II Corrective Actions
Excessive, persistent Group I misbehaviors Academic Dishonesty Contraband (incl. energy drinks) Deceit Disobedience Inappropriate materials Loitering OTC possession Leaving class/ campus PDA Physical branding Physical aggression Teasing/Taunting Technology violation (2nd and 3rd Offenses) Trespassing Truancy/ Skipping	Parent/Teacher/SEL Support Staff conference Behavior contract Restitution A zero may be given for academic dishonesty, including unauthorized use of artificial intelligence, on class assignments	Administrator OR Teacher
	Restorative practices Denial of privilege by administrator Time in office Class re-assignment; see Definitions section for additional information Removal from extra-curricular activity/activities Bus suspension 2 days In-school suspension (ISS) for technology violations Loss of privilege to have any personal communication device on campus In-school suspension Any other corrective action deemed appropriate by campus administration	Administrator

*See Technology Regulations for additional information related to personal communication devices.

GROUP II MISBEHAVIOR DEFINITIONS

*Misbehavior*	*Definition*
Academic Dishonesty	Engaging alone or collaborating with others to take part in dishonest or deceitful activities, including but not limited to artificial intelligence; see Definitions section for additional information
Contraband (including energy drinks)	Possession or consumption of Energy Drinks in the school building during the school day [Note: This does not include Sports Drinks (see Definitions)]; OR Possession of lasers, radios, matches, lighters or items considered as distracters to the classroom environment; see Definitions section for additional information
Deceit	Participating in dishonest, deceitful activities
Disobedience	Refusing to follow directions and instructions given by school personnel
Inappropriate materials	The creation, campus possession, distribution or posting of magazines, books, electronic data or printed material not appropriate for school; OR Drawings depicting tobacco, drugs, alcohol, gangs, guns, weapons or violent activity on self, notebook or other student materials
Loitering	Loitering, or trespassing on residential property on the way to and/or from school
OTC possession	Improper possession of over-the-counter drugs, supplements or medications
Leaving class/ campus	Leaving class/campus without school permission which includes before school and during school hours; see Definitions section for additional information
PDA	Public display of affection; see Definitions section for additional information
Physical branding	Visible tattoos or brandings depicting tobacco, drugs, alcohol, gang identifiers, guns, weapons or violent activity on self.
Physical aggression	Exhibiting unacceptable physical contact not resulting in injury (i.e., pushing)
Teasing/Taunting	Insulting, irritating, mocking or provoking others with persistent petty distraction
Technology violation (2^nd and 3^rd Offenses)	Second and third violations of Administrative Regulations for Personal Communication Devices and Other Devices
Trespassing	Unauthorized access of the campus and/or school, or prohibited areas of the campus and/or school; excludes “Criminal Trespass.” See the Definitions section for additional information.
Truancy/ Skipping	Violation of the Attendance Policy – unexcused absences and tardies

Group III Misbehaviors & Corrective Actions

Corrective actions may be provided by a Campus Administrator as indicated in the last column.

GROUP III MISBEHAVIORS

Group III misbehaviors are serious 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 III misbehaviors significantly interrupt the orderly operation of classrooms, school functions, extracurricular/co-curricular programs, or approved transportation. Corrective actions for this class of behaviors include but are not limited to one or more of the following in accordance with the school’s progressive discipline plan.

Behaviors	Range of Group III Corrective Actions
Excessive, persistent Group II misbehaviors Abusive language Boxing Conspiracy Defiance Fighting Gambling DiscriminationHarassment Hazing Igniting Illegal software Inappropriate Touching OTC Use/ Distribution Posturing Potential weapon Propaganda Sexual harassment Tampering Technology violation (4th Offense) Theft < $50 Threatening Tobacco	Parent/Administrator/SELSupport Staff conference Peer mediation Loss of privilege to have any personal communication device on campus Assignment to CHOICES Suspension Emergency removal from school Out of school suspension Referral to law enforcement agencies Restorative practices Any other corrective action deemed appropriate by campus administration and approved by Student Services	Administrator

*See Technology Regulations for additional information related to personal communication devices.

GROUP III MISBEHAVIOR DEFINITIONS

*Misbehavior*	*Definition*
Abusive language	Profane language and/or derogatory statements; see Definitions section for additional information
Boxing	Slap boxing/Sparring; see Definitions section for additional information
Conspiracy	Planning a fight or assault while on campus that occurs off-campus; see the Definitions section for more information
Defiance	Defiance of authority of all school personnel, serious acts of disobedience or disorderly conduct, or refusal to be screened during a random metal detector search; see the Definitions section for more information
Fighting	Mutual combat between students that results in physical contact and/or bodily injury; see Definitions section for additional information
Gambling	An agreement between two or more persons that a sum of money or other valuable thing may be won or lost; see Definitions section for additional information
Discrimination	Statements or acts demeaning to a person’s race, gender, gender identity, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity
Harassment	Repeated threats to cause harm or bodily injury to another student, engaging in intimidating conduct; see Definitions section for additional information
Hazing	An act against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of being initiated into or affiliating with an organization; see Definitions section for additional information
Igniting	Unauthorized use of fire, flame, or combustibles
Illegal software	Installing unauthorized software on district computer equipment
Inappropriate Touching	Any intentional physical contact that could be deemed sexual in nature
OTC Use/ Distribution	Intentional misuse/abuse or distribution of over-the-counter drugs, supplements or medication
Posturing	Obscene, offensive, and/or threatening gestures or actions
Potential weapon	Possession of any object, which could be used for the purpose of a weapon or improvised weapon; see Definitions section for additional information
Propaganda	Using the electronic communication network for commercial or political purposes
Sexual harassment	Repeated sexual harassment that may or may not include physical contact; see Definitions section for additional information
Tampering	Tampering with computer hardware or software, leading to the disrupting of the learning environment
Technology violation (4^th Offense)	Fourth violation of Administrative Regulations for Personal Communication Devices and Other Devices
Theft < $50	Theft of up to $50; see Definitions section for additional information
Threat(s) to students	An expression of intention of warning that one will inflict harm, evil, injury or damage
Tobacco	Possessing, smoking or using tobacco products

Group IV Misbehaviors & Corrective Actions

Corrective actions may be provided by a Campus Administrator as indicated in the last column.

GROUP IV MISBEHAVIORS

Group IV misbehaviors are the most serious misbehaviors representing disruptions to the learning environment that may also present a danger to individuals’ lives, and/or serious property damage. Group IV misbehaviors create serious disturbances in the orderly operation of classrooms, school functions, extracurricular/co-curricular programs, or approved transportation, and may result in police involvement. Corrective actions for this class of behaviors include but are not limited to one or more of the following in accordance with the school’s progressive discipline plan. Group IV misbehaviors and potential corrective actions continue on the next page.

Behaviors	Range of Group IV Corrective Actions
Excessive, persistent Group III misbehaviors Aerosols Alcohol Arson Assault BB/Stun Gun Blocking Bullying Cyber bullying Dating violence Doxing Drugs E-Cigarettes Encouraging a student to die by suicide Encroachment Explosives Extortion Fire equipment Gang activity Gang ID Graffiti Group disobedience Hazing (criminal offense) Hit list Illegal Drugs Inciting Others Indecent Assault Indecent exposure Instigate Knife Look alike weapon Paraphernalia Pepper spray Pornography Prohibited weapon Propped doors Sexual coercion Sexual conduct Sexual harassment (contact) Short barrel firearm Software piracy Solicitation Stalking Stink bomb Technology vandalism Technology violation (5th Offense) Terroristic threat Theft > $50 Threats to staff Threatening to use firearm Unauthorized entry Vandalism Weapon	Parent/ Administrator/Teacher/SEL Support Staff/ Student conference Campus reassignment; see Definitions section for additional information Assignment to CHOICES Disciplinary alternative education school/Turning Point school Expulsion Restorative practices Any other corrective action deemed appropriate by campus administration and approved by Student Services	Administrator

*See Technology Regulations for additional information related to personal communication devices.

GROUP IV MISBEHAVIOR DEFINITIONS

*Misbehavior*	*Definition*
Aerosols	Using aerosols improperly
Alcohol	Possessing, using, selling or being under the influence of alcohol at any school-related or school-sponsored activity on or off school property; see Definitions section for additional information
Arson	A crime that involves starting a fire or causing an explosion with intent to destroy or damage; see Definitions section for additional information
Artificial Intelligence	Utilizing artificial intelligence in a way that would constitute academic dishonesty or as a means of engaging in any other prohibited conduct.
Assault	Engaging in an assault; see Definitions section for additional information
BB/Stun Gun	Possessing or using weapons including but not limited to stun guns, BB guns, or bullets/ammunition (The possession of a starter pistol is an expellable offense.)
Blocking	Blocking any building entrance, exit or passageway
Bullying	Bullying others; see Definitions section for additional information
Cyber bullying	Possessing, using, or distributing electronic or published material which threatens others or incites others to violence, including possessing, using or distributing such material on any electronic device; see Definitions section for more information
Dating violence	Engaging in conduct that constitutes dating violence, including the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate or control another person with whom the student has or has had a dating relationship; see Definitions section for more information
Drugs	Possessing, using, selling or being under the influence (see Definitions) of a controlled substance or look-alike controlled substance on or off school property; see Definitions section for additional information
Doxing	The action or process of searching for and publishing private or identifying information about a particular individual on the internet, typically with malicious intent.
E-Cigarettes	A consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other similar device
Encouraging a student to die by suicide	Engages in bullying that encourages a student to commit or attempt to commit suicide
Encroachment	Unauthorized access of areas of the campus, including areas which are prohibited by gender
Explosives	Possessing or using fireworks or other explosive devices (The possession of some explosive devices are expellable offenses.)
Extortion	Engaging in extortion or blackmail
Fire equipment	Tampering or setting off a fire alarm and/or fire extinguisher
Gang activity	Activities relating to unapproved organizations (gangs, fraternities, sororities or secret societies); see Definitions section for additional information
Gang ID	Engaging in or identifying with gangs and gang activity (see additional information under Gangs, Secret Societies, Sororities or Fraternities); see Definitions section for additional information
Graffiti	Defacing property with graffiti; see Definitions section for additional information
Group disobedience	Rioting, group disobedience or disturbance
Hazing (criminal offense	Engages, solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing, recklessly permits hazing to occur, having firsthand knowledge or details of hazing: see Definitions section for additional information
Hit list	Hit lists targeting school personnel and/or students; see Definitions section for additional information
Illegal drugs	Unlawful possession, use, distribution or intentional misuse of a dangerous drug; see Definitions section for additional information
Inciting Others	Acts that cause a significant disruption or cause others to disrupt
Indecent Assault	Actions taken without the consent of the other person which are to gratify the sexual desire of any person; see Definitions section for additional information
Indecent exposure	Intentional exposure of private body parts (mooning, flashing, etc.)
Instigate	Instigating others; see Definitions section for additional information
Knife	Possessing knives not meeting the Penal Code definition of “location restricted knife” (Penal Code §46.01); see Definitions section for additional information
Look-Alike Weapon	Possessing or using a duplicate weapon as an authentic weapon
Paraphernalia	Possessing or using drug paraphernalia; see Definitions section for additional information
Pepper spray	Possessing or using pepper spray, mace
Pornography	Possessing, using or distributing electronic or published material that is pornographic or obscene (for example, Sexting - see Definitions), including possessing, using or distributing such material on any personal communication device; see Definitions section for additional information
Prohibited Weapon	As defined by the Texas Penal Code §46.05 and also means any object that is used or intended to be used as a weapon to inflict pain or injury upon another.
Propped Doors	Intentionally using an object or device like a wedge, doorstop, or even furniture so they don’t close automatically; see Definitions section for additional information
Sexual coercion	Threatening to commit certain offenses unless the victim agrees to give actor intimate visual material, perform a sexual act, or give the actor money.
Sexual conduct	Engaging in sexual conduct; see Definitions section for additional information
Sexual harassment (contact	Repeated sexual harassment that includes physical contact; see Definitions section for additional information
Software piracy	Violating copyright laws regarding computer software
Solicitation	Solicitation of immoral or illegal acts
Stalking	To engage in the unwelcomed pursuit of someone; see Definitions section for additional information
Stink bomb	Possessing or using stink bombs
Technology vandalism	Violation of the AISD Technology Policy; See Technology Regulations for additional information related to personal communication devices.
Technology violation (5^th Offense)	Fifth violation of Administrative Regulations for Personal Communication Devices and Other Devices; See SCoC Technology Regulations for additional information related to personal communication devices.
Terroristic threat	A threat of violence to any person or property with the intent to cause a reaction by an official or volunteer to deal with emergencies, prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building, place others in fear of serious bodily injury, or impair or influence activities of the government or school district; see Definitions section for additional information.
Theft > $50	Theft over $50, robbery or burglary; see Definitions section for additional information.
Threats to staff	Threats or assaultive behavior toward school personnel; see Definitions section for additional information.
Threatening to use a firearm	If in a manner intended to cause alarm or personal injury to another person or to damage school property, the person intentionally, threatens to exhibit or use a firearm in or on property, including a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area, that is owned by a private or public school or on a bus and was in possession of or has immediate access to the firearm or threatens to exhibit or use a firearm in or on property, including a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area, that is owned by a private or public school or on a bus.
Unauthorized Entry	Knowingly or intentionally enters into a district facility without going through an officially-designated entry point; see Definitions section for additional information.
Vandalism	Vandalism (criminal mischief as defined by Penal Code §28.03) Students may be subject to criminal penalties. If damage exceeds $1,500, it is an expellable offense; see Definitions section for additional information.
Weapon	An object, instrument, substance, or device used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage.

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