WCPS Student Handbook 2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 | 3 I. Letter from Superintendent of Schools.............................................................5 II. Four Vision Points ..............................................................................................6 III. Philosophy ...........................................................................................................7 IV. Wicomico County Public Schools......................................................................7 V. Conduct, Discipline, and Interventions.............................................................8 1. Code of Conduct.............................................................................................9 A. Importance of Good Behavior............................................................9 B. Addressing Unacceptable Behavior ...................................................9 C. Responses and Interventions ..............................................................10 D. Levels of Responses and Interventions for Violations of the Code of Conduct ..............................................................................................13 E. Consequences for Violations of Code of Conduct .............................17 F. Discipline for Activities Not Occurring on School Premises.............24 G. Parental Right to Appeal Discipline Decisions ..................................24 H. Disciplinary Appeals Process .............................................................24 I. Submission of Complaints or Concerns .............................................24 J. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ......................24 2. Additional Conduct, Discipline, and Intervention Policies & Procedures .....26 A. Acceptable Use of Technology Policy & Procedure ..........................26 B. Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Policy & Procedure ...............26 C. Conduct-Based Alternative Education Policy & Procedure...............26 D. Dangerous Weapons/Instruments in the Schools Policy....................26 E. Gangs, Gang Activity and Similar Destructive or Illegal Group Behavior Policy and Procedure..........................................................26 F. Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy .......................................26 G. Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Procedure ............................... 26 H. Student Alcohol/Controlled Dangerous Substance Policy .................27 I. Student Dress Code Policy & Procedure............................................27 J. Student Expulsion and Suspension Policy & Procedure ....................27 K. Tobacco-Free Schools Policy.............................................................27 3. Additional Conduct, Discipline, and Intervention Practices ..........................28 A. Detention ............................................................................................28 B. Gun-Free School Act (GFSA) ............................................................28 C. School Resource Officers...................................................................28 D. Searches..............................................................................................29 4. Student Rights and Responsibilities ...............................................................30 A. Students ..............................................................................................30 B. Parents/Guardians...............................................................................30 C. Teachers .............................................................................................31 D. Principals ............................................................................................31 E. Superintendent of Schools ..................................................................31 5. Additional Rights and Responsibilities Policies & Procedures ......................32 A. Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy...........................32 B. Section 504/Title II Grievance Procedure ..........................................32 C. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press in School-Sponsored Student Media/Publications Policy & Procedure................................32 D. Religious Observance Policy & Procedure ........................................32