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STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
1.24.0







STUDENT
CONDUCT CODE

Disciplinary Rules


PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 12












STOCKTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
701 N. Madison Street
Stockton, CA 95202




1.24.1


STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 12



Adopted by the Board of Education
June 26, 1979

First Revision Adopted by the
Board of Education
August 14, 1984

Second Revision Adopted by the
Board of Education
July 18, 1989

Third Revision Adopted by the
Board of Education
August 9, 1994
Additional Printings 1995 - 2007






Stockton Unified School District
Board of Education




Sarah Bowden


Beverly Fitch McCarthy



Daniel Castillo


Sal Ramirez



Edward R. Garcia


William Ross
Anthony R. Silva







Jack McLaughlin, Superintendent




1.24.2
Table of Contents













Page

Philosophy
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
i

Statement To Principals
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. ii


I.
Student Rights
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1


II.
Student Responsibilities
.
.
.
.
.
.
4


III.
Conduct Code Violations


and Consequences
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6


IV.
Procedures for Dealing with Violations


and Right of Appeal .
.
.
.
.
.
. 25


V.
Citizenship
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 27



VI.
Education Code Sections


Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion
.
.
.
. 29


1.24.3
Philosophy


Every school district has a responsibility to provide the learners a safe, orderly environment in
which optimum learning can take place. In doing so, the rights of all individuals must be
considered, but no group or individuals may be favored over another. It is the intent of the
Stockton Unified School District Board to establish fair, reasonable and consistent rules for
student behavior on all campuses.

This handbook was developed through the cooperative involvement of parents, staff, and
students to provide guidelines for acceptable behavior and desirable expectations from every
individual attending our schools.

It is also a commitment to not let disruptive and negative actions deprive any students from
receiving the best possible educational experience. We believe that students who obey rules,
respect others, and take responsibility for learning contribute to the positive climate necessary
for each person to experience success each day.

Parents and students need to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of this booklet to
insure that everyone will be aware of the consequences of conduct code violations. Students
charged with infractions will be given due process and treated in a respectful manner, but
appropriate consequences can be anticipated.



























i
1.24.4
Statement To Principals


Students in Stockton Unified School District, like members of any community, have both rights
and responsibilities. It is the obligation of the school district to protect those rights and insist
upon those responsibilities.

The purpose of this conduct code is to insure that all students understand their rights and
responsibilities, the consequences of violations of school rules, and the procedures for dealing
with violations. This code serves to provide each school the framework for student discipline
procedures and rules.

The written school site rules and procedures on school discipline will be provided to continuing
pupils at the beginning of each school year, to transfer pupils at the time of their enrollment in
the school, and to their parents or guardians. Violation of a class or school rule not specifically
mentioned in the Student Conduct Code shall make the student liable for consequences stated in
Offense 21 (see page 11) of the Student Conduct Code.

Some consequences listed in the Student Conduct Code may be too severe for younger
elementary pupils. It is not the intent of the Student Conduct Code to define in detail every
possible situation which may occur and list consequences. Administrative judgment must be
exercised.



























ii
1.24.5
I. STUDENT RIGHTS


1.
Equal Educational Opportunity

The schools must provide all students a chance to get an education. Students have free
admission to the schools and the right to attend school until the age of 18 or graduation
from high school.

No student can be prevented from participating in any program because of his or her race,
national origin, ethnic origin, religion, color, sex, mental or physical handicap.

Students have the right to equal educational opportunity without interference from other
students and people who do not belong on the campus.

2.
Exercise Free Expression

No form of expression shall interfere with the right of others to express themselves or
with the conduct of school and classroom activities.
Freedom of Speech: Students are entitled to express verbally their personal opinions in
language that is not offensive.
Students are entitled to use specified bulletin boards for the posting of notices concerning
school activities.
Students writing for school newspapers have the right to exercise freedom of speech,
except expression that is obscene, libelous or slanderous. Also prohibited is expression
that so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of unlawful acts on school
grounds or disruption of school operations.

Other Forms of Expression: Students are entitled to express themselves by displaying or
wearing symbols of ethnic, cultural, political, or other values, except for gang-related
items.

3.
Freedom From Sexual Harassment

Students are entitled to attend school without receiving unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Students also have the right to learn in an educational environment free of sexual
harassment.







4.
Freedom Of Assembly

Students are entitled to hold meetings at a time and in a place and manner, which does
not disrupt or disturb the educational process.





1.24.6
5.
Due Process

Students facing major disciplinary action are entitled to fair procedures to determine if
they are at fault. Students are entitled to appeal decisions resulting in major disciplinary
action such as suspension, expulsion, or transfer to another school.

The procedures and method of appeal are explained in Section IV, pages 25-27.

6.
Uniform Complaint Procedures


Stockton Unified School District shall have the primary responsibility to insure
compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and shall investigate
all written complaints alleging: a) failure to comply with the state or federal law in adult
basic education, consolidated categorical aid programs, migrant education, career
technical education, child care and development programs, and special education
programs (contact the Deputy Superintendent, Educational Services, at 933-7035); b)
failure to comply with child nutrition programs (contact the Executive Director, Support
Services, at 933-7140); or c) unlawful discrimination (contact Compliance Services at
933-7100). {Unlawful discrimination complaints must be initiated no later than six
months from the date when the alleged discrimination occurred or when the complainant
first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination}. The address is 701
N. Madison Street, Stockton, CA, 95202. The complaint review will be concluded
within 60 calendar days from date of receipt of the complaint unless the complainant
agrees in writing to extend the timeline. (The complainant may also use civil law
remedies to resolve a complaint. Refer to the legal aid services listing in the yellow
pages of the telephone directory.) Please see Section 20 on Special Education and
Services for complaints alleging failure to comply with Special Education state or federal
law. Complainants have the right to appeal the districts final response to the California
Department of Education. This must be done within 15 days of receiving this final
response. The specific reason(s) for appealing the districts decision must be stated and a
copy of the original complaint and the districts decision must be included. (Board
Policy 1312.3)

7.
Reasonable Searches

A principal or