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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
August 2023
Dear Parents and Students,
Each year, the school district provides you with access to copies of the Student Code of Conduct, which governs the behavior expectations for students attending Lee County Schools. This letter is to notify you of specific behaviors that have been identified as among the most common and problematic behaviors in our schools, which will be a priority for schools to address this year. This document does not replace the Code of Conduct, but summarizes these rules so all our students and families can understand these specific prohibited behaviors. If you have questions, please contact your school principal.
Prohibited Behavior: Assault I Fighting/ Physical Aggression / Threats
Code of Conduct Reference: Rule 3, Rule 8, and Rule 13
Summary of Expectations: Fighting and physical aggression of any kind are serious offenses and are strictly prohibited. Self-defense is only an excuse when it is used solely to free yourself from the situation and find a staff member. Threatening language of any kind is also prohibited, even when intended as a joke.
Possible Consequences: Out-of-school suspension for up to 10 days. Reassignment to the alternative school, long-term suspension, or expulsion may be considered for repeat offenses or particularly serious cases. Threats of mass violence (bomb threats and shooting threats) will be reported to law enforcement and may result in long-term suspension or expulsion.
Prohibited Behavior: Harassment and Bullying
Code of Conduct Reference: Rule 8 and Rule 15
Summary of Expectations: Harassment (including sexual harassment) and bullying are prohibited. Students must not engage in unwanted conduct toward another student that offends, humiliates, discriminates, or demeans others.
Possible Consequences: Out-of-school suspension for up to 1O days. Reassignment to the alternative school, long-term suspension, or expulsion may be considered for repeat offenses or particularly serious cases.
Prohibited Behavior: Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Possession and Use
Code of Conduct Reference: Rule 1 7 and Rule 19
Summary of Expectations: Lee County Schools is a drug-free learning environment. Students may not possess, use, sell, or distribute alcohol, drugs, or tobacco at school, and may not come to school under the influence. All forms of marijuana-derived products (including THC vapes and edibles) and other hemp-derived products (including delta-9 and CBD) are prohibited. Counterfeit (fake) drugs will be treated the same as actual drugs. The rule against tobacco includes smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vape devices.
Possible Consequences: Tobacco-related offenses will involve increasing suspensions based on 1st offense, 2nd offense, etc. Drug- and alcohol-related offenses may result in out-of-school suspension for up to 10 days, and reassignment to the alternative school, long-term suspension, or expulsion may be considered. For first-time drug and alcohol offenses that only involve possession or use, students may be enrolled in a counseling program instead of being suspended.
Prohibited Behavior: Tardies and Cutting Class/School
Code of Conduct Reference: Rule 22
Summary of Expectations: Students must be present and on-time for the school day and for all classes. Students must remain on campus throughout the school day unless given permission to leave.
Possible Consequences: Tardies and skipping classes repeatedly may result in in-school discipline and out-of-school suspension for up to two days. Unexcused absences may result in lower grades and/or a truancy referral if not addressed when brought to the parent/guardian's attention.
We appreciate your careful attention to these priority conduct areas so that the entire Lee County Schools community can experience the safest, most effective year of learning possible. Please review the full Code of Conduct for additional details, and direct questions to your school administrators.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Dossenbach
Interim Superintendent
