< Back to Elementary Code of Conduct

Instruction should occur in an environment that is conducive to learning. Good order and discipline are essential to effective instruction and to the ability of students and school personnel to work cooperatively toward mutually recognized and accepted goals. The rules outlined in the Code are designed to ensure that this primary reason for the existence of school is achieved. Any behavior that prevents learning from taking place is unacceptable and will result in the appropriate consequence.

Duval County Public Schools is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful school environment that reflects the highest standards of our community and society. All persons, students, teachers, administrators, parents, and others on our campuses are expected to conduct themselves in a considerate and respectful manner and support a safe and respectful school environment conducive to learning and constructive, civil dialogue. Teachers, administrators, and staff must operate in a safe and secure environment and receive the respect their positions demand if they are to effectively perform their duties. Offensive language, threats, assault or any other disrespectful or intimidating conduct directed toward a teacher or other school district employee will not be tolerated. Any such conduct by any student will result in immediate removal of the student from the subject classroom or school environment and requires parental engagement and school discipline. All reports of bullying and harassment, including those that are unsubstantiated must be reported to the state. Substantiated cases should follow the guidelines outlined in this document and unsubstantiated cases should be reported using the SEISR codes UBL for unsubstantiated bullying and UHR for unsubstantiated harassment. In addition, all instances of physical restraint must be reported utilizing the code NVI.

Per state requirements outlined in 1006.07 – 1006.148 F.S. and to assist students, parents, guardians, administrators, and school personnel in maintaining such an effective learning environment, the Code of Student Conduct will:

❖ Identify classifications of infractions and describe procedures for disciplinary actions
❖ Identify formal disciplinary actions and interventions designed to improve student behavior
❖ Standardize procedures for administering formal disciplinary actions and interventions
❖ Describe roles of the home, student, school and school personnel
❖ Describe rights and responsibilities of all students and parents/guardians
❖ Outline general code of appearance
❖ Describe rights of disabled students relating to discipline
❖ Inform parents/guardians and students of the district’s Internet Safety and Acceptance Use Agreement

It is the responsibility of both student and parent/guardian to know the rules of the Code of Student Conduct and to support the fair and impartial administering of the rules. With age and maturity, students will be expected to assume greater responsibility for their actions. Students are responsible for accepting the consequences for actions that may violate the Code of Student Conduct.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that their child behaves appropriately and demonstrates respect for all school staff, especially teachers, at all times. Repeated acts of disrespect and willful defiance will result in suspension from the regular learning environment. In turn, the district will do its part to assist students with learning from their mistakes in order to maintain a healthy culture and climate conducive to achieving positive learning outcomes.

It is the responsibility of school personnel to be aware of the specifics of the Code of Student Conduct and to apply them appropriately. It is the responsibility of the school to convey information regarding individual school policies and procedures to students and parents/guardians via a school planner or through other appropriate means.

The School Board and personnel appointed at the district level are responsible for ensuring that the Code of Student Conduct and the consequences for the identified infractions are legal and fair. The Board is also responsible for conveying to the community and parents/guardians that once these conditions are met, the actions taken by the local school will be supported for the good of the school system and the community as a whole.

As in all learning environments, respect for the process is essential to its success. As such, students are expected to behave in a manner that does not disrupt their own learning or that of their classmates. District leadership takes this responsibility very seriously, and through partnership with parents/guardians will ensure that student misbehavior is developed and managed appropriately. The progressive discipline structure of this Code of Conduct allows for opportunities to intervene with students who struggle with maintaining desirable behaviors early in the process and hold students accountable for their actions should the behavior become chronic and/or more aggressive.