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ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINE ASSIGNMENTS

Freshmen: Mr. Williams
Sophomores: Ms. Spalla
Juniors: Mr. Haines
Seniors: Mr. Haines

 

Fulton County School System Discipline Model

When appropriate, disciplinary violations will be handled immediately by teachers utilizing consequences such as conferences, phone calls to parents, private or public detention assignments, counselor referrals, school social worker referrals, behavior contracts, etc. Other violations will be referred to an administrator. Violations of a chronic nature, or a violation of state law, may be referred to a disciplinary tribunal.

Examples of MINOR disciplinary violations include the following:

• displays of affection (such as kissing)
• unexcused tardies to school
• tardies to class
• minor disruptions (such as yelling, running, etc)
• dress code violations
• possession of a pager or cellular phone

Examples of MAJOR disciplinary violations include the following:

• display of disrespect to any staff member or visitor
• giving a false name, false information, failure to identify yourself, or lying
• disruptive behavior such as wrestling, scuffling, horseplay, class disruption, etc.
• acts of hazing, bullying, harassment, or intimidation
• forgery or alteration of school forms
• leaving school grounds prior to dismissal without properly checking out
• fighting
• provoking a fight
• reckless vehicle use
• unauthorized presence in an off-limits area
• failure to follow directions or school rules
• obscene or inappropriate language, gestures, and/or acts
• smoking or possession of tobacco products •theft, attempted theft, or possession of stolen property valued less than $50.00
• truancy, class cuts, or excessive tardiness

Violation of federal, state, and/or local laws and/or Fulton County Board of Education Policy on school property or during a school-sponsored activity can result in a lengthy suspension, the filing of criminal charges, and/or immediate referral to a disciplinary tribunal. Examples include the following:

• disruption of the school program
• possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances, counterfeit drugs, or paraphernalia
• vandalism/destruction of school or private property
• trespassing
• extortion and/or intimidation
• gambling
• technology tampering
• false fire alarm or false 911 calls
• bigotry or sexual harassment

The most serious disciplinary violations may result in a more severe suspension from school and/or a mandatory referral to a disciplinary tribunal.

Examples of critical violations include the following:

• possession of a deadly weapon
• use of any weapon, mace, or pepper gas
• verbal or physical assault of a staff member
• student assault on another student or visitor
• continuous disregard of school or school system rules
• dangerous or willful acts that violate safety rules and/or endangers students or staff
• bomb threat
• arson, setting a fire
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• sale, attempted sale, or distribution of alcohol, controlled substances,
  counterfeit drugs, or paraphernalia

Off-Limits Areas

The stadium, athletic fields, parking lots, canopy areas, auditorium, and gyms are off limits to students during school hours unless under the supervision of a teacher. While students are on lunch break, all academic halls and the bus canopy are off-limits. Students are welcome to meet in the commons areas and courtyard before school, between classes, and during lunch. The media center, counseling office, food court, and main office are also easily accessible to students throughout the day.

School Safety Zone

A School Safety Zone is defined by the School Safety and Juvenile Reform Act of 1994 as in, or within 1,000 feet of any property owned or leased by a school board. Criminal activity in a School Safety Zone results in enhanced penalties for violators.

Criminal Activity

The Fulton County School System takes seriously its responsibility to educate students in safe schools where they are free from fear of harm or intimidation. Weapons, drugs, and gang activity will not be tolerated in Fulton County Schools. Students who violate state laws and/or board of education rules related to these offenses will be suspended or expelled from school. Violators will also be reported to the police and may be charged with a felony and arrested. These rules apply to all students:

• at school or school-sponsored activities including field trips and/or any site used for a school-sponsored activity
• on buses, athletic fields, stadiums, parking lots, official school bus stops.

Students in possession of a deadly weapon (knives, pistols, pellet guns, martial arts weapons, razors, etc.) on their body, book bag, purse, locker, or automobile face possible expulsion from school and will be reported to police. Knives with 3”or longer blade require a mandatory tribunal hearing. Criminal charges may be filed.

Students found in possession of, using, selling or distributing illegal drugs face possible expulsion from school and will be reported to police. Violators may be charged with a felony.

Any student who engages in an activity that threatens, intimidates, or physically harms another student, staff member, or guest faces possible expulsion and the filing of criminal charges. Activity that is gang related will result in the filing of criminal charges under the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

Loitering at/or Disrupting Schools
Georgia Code Section 20-12-1180 addresses loitering and disrupting schools. Under this law, it is illegal to remain on a campus or within a School Safety Zone when there is no legitimate need or cause to remain. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. “Hanging out”with friends and other related activities are not considered legitimate needs under this law; therefore, students must leave campus upon dismissal unless there is a legitimate reason to remain.

Possession of a Weapon at School or School Functions
It is a felony to be in possession of a weapon on school property or within a School Safety Zone. It is a designated felony for a juvenile (under 17 years of age) found guilty under this statute.

Fighting
There is no circumstance in which resorting to physical altercation or any form of violence is acceptable on school property, at a school function, or within a School Safety Zone. Fighting will result in mandatory suspension. Mediation is available for the purpose of resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner. Students are expected to remove themselves from situations that could lead to a physical altercation. Students should seek the assistance of a staff member or peer mediator before a situation escalates to the point of disruption or altercation.