The Muscogee County School District's Handbook and Code of Conduct is written to provide information to create a safe and secure learning environment. To identify standards of conduct for students from the time the student leaves home to go to school until she/ he returns home and any time a student is on school grounds. These rules also apply off school grounds while en route to or from any school activity, function or event. Anytime a student is on a school bus or any other transportation furnished by the school district. The School District also addresses certain off campus misconduct including electronic messages whether or not they originated on school grounds or on school property.
The Code of Conduct provides for the development of age appropriate standards for behavior, a student support process, a progressive discipline process, and a parental involvement process. We encourage all parents to read the handbook thoroughly with your child to help them understand the expectations that students will behave themselves, that they will respect each other and employees, obey student behavior policies adopted by the Board of Education and obey student behavior rules established by individual schools. These expectations once carried out will facilitate learning for all student in a safe and nurturing environment.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based set of practices to manage behavior that is positive, proactive, and preventative. Muscogee County School District (MCSD) is dedicated to implementing PBIS in every school, but is at the beginning stages of this implementation. Please note that the code of conduct applies to every student enrolled in MCSD, regardless of the school's PBIS status.
Should I receive a written notice on any disciplinary infraction committed by my child?
Yes, by the end of the next business day.
Can a police officer talk to my child if I am not present?
Can a principal expel my child.
No. Principals can suspend for ten days only. Days greater than ten days must go through the Tribunal process to afford due process.
What is the difference between a Tribunal Hearing and a Waiver for a student who violates the code of conduct?
Tribunal Hearing allows for the student's evidence to be seen and heard by a hearing officer and a panel of administrators. You will be judged strictly on the evidence, and previous incidences may be discussed. You have the right to question you accuser, to be represented by legal council, and to appeal the tribunal's decision if you do not agree.
Signing a waiver is an admission of guilt and the accused accepts the consequences without an appeal. The parent no longer has a right to a Tribunal Hearing and the child is assigned to the alternative school, for a pre-determined time set by the principal.
Can a student be disciplined for acts committed off-campus, during holidays or summer.
Yes. Muscogee County school District (MCSD) has the authority to take disciplinary action regarding any off campus actions taken by a student, where those actions could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony and where those actions either make the students continued presence on campus a potential danger or disrupts the educational process.