Academere Student Code of Conduct

 

I. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Academere firmly believes that learning can best take place in an orderly environment and that students can best learn individual and collective responsibility and gain maturity if they are provided opportunities in which to exercise responsibility within the school setting. This School Discipline Policy is intended to communicate expectations regarding acceptable conduct in school in order to provide a positive learning environment for all students.

The School desires to meet the educational needs of students who do not respond well to normal school programs. Such efforts may include utilizing special services personnel and outside referral agencies and/or adjusting normal school procedures. If a student does not respond to these efforts and consistently exerts a disruptive influence on the educational environment of the school, the needs of the other students and staff must become a major factor in prioritizing the risks considered. As a private institution, we reserve the right to remove and/or dismiss a student from the Academy if reasonable methods and efforts do not result in a safe learning environment for all students.

It is the responsibility of the School administrators to make reasonable rules and regulations for the governing of student behavior and conduct. The Principal and appropriate staff will annually review this policy to assess its effectiveness. All rules and regulations regarding student behavior will be approved annually by the Board of Directors.

II. SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct is in effect from the time a student arrives until they are released to their parent and/or guardian. This policy also applies during school-sponsored activities, including transportation via school bus.

  1. Parental/guardian involvement and cooperation is vital in the discipline process.

  2. Discipline procedures will be consistently enforced but may be supplemented by classroom-specific rules.

  3. Staff and parents/guardians will collaborate to address misbehavior and maintain documentation.

  4. Corrective measures will depend on behavior nature, frequency, and student response. They aim to promote personal responsibility.

B. Behavior Expectations

  1. General Rules for All Settings (On and Off Campus):

    • Show respect and courtesy to others.

    • Respect property inside and outside school.

    • Act in ways that do not endanger oneself or others.

  2. Teachers will inform parents/guardians when classroom discipline proves ineffective.

  3. Students may be referred to the Dean or Director of Resources if necessary.

  4. Unresolved issues may lead to dismissal from the Academy.

C. Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable conduct that disrupts or violates others’ rights will result in disciplinary action. These actions may range from student conferences to expulsion, depending on severity. Categories include:

1. Violations Against Persons

  • Fighting

  • Harassment (verbal, physical, sexual, racial, or religious)

  • Bullying (including cyberbullying)

  • Abusive Language

  • Obstruction of Authority

  • Possession of Weapons or Weapon Facsimiles

  • Assault or Aggravated Assault

  • Hazing

2. Violations Against Property

  • Unauthorized Use or Damage of School Property

  • Theft or Robbery/Extortion

  • Tampering with Food or Beverages

3. Violations Against Administrative Procedures

  • Insubordination and Disruption

  • Forgery or Falsification

  • Unauthorized Literature Distribution

  • Leaving Campus Without Permission

  • Attendance Issues: Absenteeism, Truancy, Tardiness

  • Uniform Noncompliance

  • Trespassing

  • Improper Use of Cell Phones or Cameras

D. Conduct on School Buses

Bus behavior expectations align with school policies. Misconduct may result in loss of transportation privileges or additional consequences.

E. Removal of Student from Class

Students may be removed from class due to:

  • Disruption of educational rights of others.

  • Danger to persons or property.

  • Violation of school conduct rules.

Removal Process Includes:

  1. Notification and explanation to student.

  2. Reporting to Principal/Dean.

  3. Completion of missed assignments.

  4. Parent/guardian notification.

F. Other Violations

  • Gambling

  • Disorderly Conduct

  • Use or Possession of Tobacco

  • Drugs/Alcohol (Use, Possession, or Distribution)

  • False Fire Alarms/911 Calls

  • Terroristic Threats

  • Inappropriate Technology Use

  • Academic Dishonesty (Cheating, Plagiarism)

G. Corrective Measures

Corrective measures aim to foster self-discipline and responsibility. They include:

  1. Student Conference

  2. Parent/Guardian Contact

  3. Parent/Guardian Conference

  4. Referral to Community Agencies

  5. Suspension (up to 10 days; extendable in extreme cases)

  6. Expulsion or Exclusion

  7. Referral to Police or Juvenile Authorities

  8. In-School Suspension

  9. Special Considerations for Students with Disabilities

H. Notification of Violations

Parents/guardians will be informed of Code violations and associated disciplinary actions through appropriate communication channels.

I. Student Searches

1. Locker Searches

Lockers remain school property and may be searched without notice or consent.

2. Search of Personal Possessions

May occur with reasonable suspicion of a rule or law violation.

Nondiscrimination Policy
Academere complies with Federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance status, age, or disability.

Adopted by the Board of Directors and Administration
Effective Date: July 13, 2017
Last Reviewed: 06/13/2025

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