Code of Conduct Matrix (Grades 7-12)

Academic Cheating or Plagiarism
DEFINITION: Any deliberate act of deception or misrepresentation in academic work, assessments, or assignments, intended to gain an unfair advantage or misrepresent original authorship. This includes the unauthorized use of another person’s ideas, words, work, or intellectual property and the use of prohibited aids or collaboration during assessments or assignments.

Consequences for Level One Misconduct may include the following:

• Verbal warning
• Restorative conference
• Involvement with the school counselor
• Behavioral contract
• Loss of privileges
• Loss of computer usage in class where infraction occurred
• Teacher detention
• Telephone call to parent/guardian
• Student Assistance Program (SAP) Referral

Cell Phone Use
DEFINITION: The use, display, or activation of a cell phone or personal electronic device during instructional time or in restricted areas, without permission, in a manner that disrupts the educational environment, compromises safety or security, or violates school policies regarding privacy, academic integrity, or respectful conduct.

Cutting Class
DEFINITION: A student is considered to be cutting class when they intentionally fail to report to an assigned class, study hall, lunch period, intervention period, or scheduled instructional activity without prior approval from a school staff, and without a legitimate excuse as defined by district attendance policy.

Dishonesty or Lying
DEFINITION: Any act in which a student knowingly provides false information, misrepresents facts, or withholds truth in order to deceive staff, avoid responsibility, gain unfair advantage, or interfere with school operations. Dishonesty may occur verbally, in writing, digitally, or through nonverbal acts.

Disrespectful Speech or Actions
DEFINITION: Verbal, written, nonverbal, or physical behavior directed at any school staff member, peer, or visitor that demonstrates rudeness, defiance, mockery, or intentional disregard for authority or community norms. This includes words, tone, gestures, body language, or actions that are disruptive, dismissive, insubordinate, or insulting, even if not threatening or profane.

Failure to Cooperate with a Substitute Teacher
DEFINITION: Any behavior that demonstrates intentional noncompliance, defiance, or disruption when under the supervision of a substitute teacher. This includes refusing to follow directions, disregarding classroom expectations, challenging authority, or engaging in behaviors that undermine the substitute’s ability to manage the classroom or maintain a safe and orderly environment.

Failure to Follow Established Procedure for the Schoolwide Expectations
DEFINITION: A student’s intentional or repeated failure to comply with clearly communicated school-wide behavioral, safety, or procedural expectations. This includes disregarding rules and routines designed to ensure safety, order, and respect.

Late to Class
DEFINITION: A student is considered late to class (or “tardy”) when they arrive in the classroom after the bell or scheduled start time without a valid pass or excused reason, as defined by district policy. This applies to all academic classes, homeroom, study halls, lunch periods, and school-assigned locations (e.g., intervention, counseling sessions).

Leaving Class or Assigned Area without Permission
DEFINITION: When a student intentionally leaves their assigned classroom, instructional setting, or supervised area without the knowledge or permission of the supervising staff member. This includes walking out of class during instruction, exiting the building, or being found in areas of the school without proper authorization or pass.

Minor Peer Conflict
DEFINITION: A non-threatening disagreement, misunderstanding, or interpersonal issue between students that may cause tension or mild disruption but does not involve physical aggression, harassment, bullying, or ongoing intimidation.

Profanity
DEFINITION: The use of vulgar, obscene, or offensive language, gestures, or symbols by a student in verbal, written, digital, or nonverbal form, regardless of intent. This includes profanity used casually, directed at others, or expressed publicly in a way that disrupts the educational environment or violates community standards of respect and civility.

Refusing Reasonable Staff Requests
DEFINITION: When a student intentionally fails or refuses to comply with a reasonable and lawful directive from any school staff member, particularly when the request is made to ensure safety, order, or the learning environment. This behavior demonstrates defiance of authority and undermines the functioning of the school.

Throwing Food or Other Objects
DEFINITION: Engaging in the intentional act of throwing food, supplies, or any object in a school setting such as the cafeteria, classroom, hallway, or bus, that has the potential to cause disruption, damage, injury, or safety concerns. The behavior may be playful or aggressive, but it violates expectations for safety, order, and respectful conduct.

Dress Code
DEFINITION: Students are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate, respectful, and not disruptive to the educational environment. Clothing, accessories, or grooming must not present a safety hazard, interfere with learning, or promote inappropriate or illegal conduct. The school reserves the right to regulate student appearance when it affects health, safety, discipline, or the educational process.

Repeated Level One Misconduct
DEFINITION: A pattern of ongoing minor infractions that continue despite redirection, classroom interventions, and warnings from staff. While individual behaviors may not be severe, the frequency, persistence, or refusal to respond to correction results in disruption to the learning environment and demonstrates defiance of school expectations.

Consequences for Level Two Misconduct may include the following:

• Involvement with school counselor/social worker at administrative discretion
• Conference with administrator
• Restorative conference
• Loss of student activities/privileges
• Administrative lunch detention
• Administrative after school detention
• Parent/guardian contact
• In-school suspension
• Student Assistance Progral (SAP) Referral
• Threat assessment
• Any appropriate disciplinary/restorative action from Level One

Major Disruptive Behavior
DEFINITION: Any student behavior that significantly interferes with instruction, the operation of the school, or the safety of others, and cannot be effectively managed by classroom-level interventions. These actions are intentional or intense enough to require immediate administrative involvement and may involve verbal, physical, or technological disruption.

Instigation/Promotion of Inappropriate Behavior
DEFINITION: The act of encouraging, provoking, pressuring, or facilitating another student’s misconduct, whether through words, actions, or digital communication. This includes inciting peers to break rules, join in disruptive conduct, or escalate conflict. Instigation may occur in person or online and contributes to the breakdown of school order and safety.

Obscene Gestures or Actions
DEFINITION: Any student behavior, verbal, physical, written, or digital, that includes lewd, vulgar, or sexually explicit gestures or actions intended to offend, shock, or provoke others. This includes actions that violate norms of decency and may disrupt the school environment, demean others, or create an unsafe or uncomfortable atmosphere for students or staff.

Late to School
DEFINITION: A student is considered late to school when they arrive after the official start time without a valid excuse recognized by the school’s attendance policy. Unexcused lateness may result in disciplinary action and can contribute to truancy concerns if it becomes habitual.

Theft (under $50 value)
DEFINITION:  The unlawful taking or possession of property belonging to another person, the school, or a staff member without permission, where the item(s) taken have a total value of less than $50. This includes theft of money, personal belongings, school materials, or items from lockers, classrooms, or common areas, etc.

Leaving School or Assigned Area without Permission
DEFINITION: When a student exits the school building, campus, or any assigned instructional/supervised area without the knowledge and approval of school staff. This includes unauthorized departure during the school day, failure to sign out when required, or being in off-limits areas without supervision or purpose.

Physical Confrontation/Altercation Between Students
DEFINITION: A non-mutual or mutual physical encounter between students that involves pushing, shoving, grabbing, or other physical contact intended to provoke, intimidate, or harm, but which does not escalate to a sustained fight.

Forgery or Alteration of Grades, Excuse Notes, or School Documents
DEFINITION: The act of falsifying, altering, or forging written or electronic documents with the intent to deceive or mislead school staff, gain unauthorized access or credit, or avoid disciplinary or attendance consequences. This includes the unauthorized creation, modification, or submission of official school records, including grade reports, attendance notes, disciplinary documents, and digital records..

Misuse of Technology
DEFINITION: Any inappropriate, unauthorized, or non-educational use of school-owned or personal technology that violates district policies, disrupts instruction, compromises digital safety, or disrespects others.

Other Offenses Fitting the Definition of Level Two Misconduct as Determined by the Administration
DEFINITION: Behaviors not explicitly listed in the Code of Conduct that the administration determines to be moderately serious in nature, disruptive to the educational environment, or violative of student conduct expectations, but do not rise to the level of endangering others or constituting criminal acts.

Repeated Level Two Misconduct
DEFINITION: The ongoing or repeated engagement in behaviors classified as Level Two misconduct, despite prior interventions, consequences, and redirection. These repeated violations indicate a pattern of defiance, disregard for school rules, or refusal to modify behavior and may disrupt the educational environment or pose a safety concern.

Consequences for Level Three Misconduct may include the following:

• Temporary removal from class
• Class schedule change
• Administrative loss of computer usage
• Administrative after-school detention
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• Safety plan
• Citation
• Restitution
• Student Assistance Program (SAP) Referral
• Threat assessment
• Any appropriate disciplinary/restorative action from Level Two

Harassment/Sexual Harassment
DEFINITION: Unwelcome conduct that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and is intended to or has the effect of demeaning, intimidating, threatening, or creating a hostile educational environment for another student or staff member. Harassment may be verbal, physical, written, or electronic, and may be based on personal characteristics (e.g., race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation), or be general in nature.

Fighting/Group fighting
DEFINITION: Mutual physical aggression between two or more students involving hitting, punching, kicking, or any other form of violent contact with the intent to harm or intimidate. Group fighting refers to the same behavior involving three or more students, often prearranged or incited, and may create a significant disruption to school safety or operations.

Theft (over $50 value)
DEFINITION: The unlawful taking, possession, or attempted possession of property belonging to another individual, the school, or a staff member, without consent, where the value of the stolen item(s) exceeds $50. This includes theft of personal belongings, money, school equipment, or digital property, regardless of intent to return.

Threat to Others
DEFINITION: A threat to others is any verbal, written, physical, or digital expression of intent to harm another person, whether made seriously or as a joke, that causes fear, disrupts the school environment, or raises concerns for the safety or well-being of students, staff, or others. Threats may be direct or indirect, and include statements or gestures implying violence, retaliation, or intimidation.

Violence, Force, Coercion, or Intimidation
DEFINITION: Any act or attempted act that involves the use of physical power, threats, manipulation, or fear to control, dominate, or harm another individual or to interfere with school operations. This includes physical aggression, threats of harm, or pressure to engage in unwanted acts, regardless of whether physical contact occurs.

Smoking or Possession of Tobacco or Tobacco-related Products/Paraphernalia
DEFINITION: The use, possession, distribution, or sale of tobacco or tobacco-related products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems such as vapes, e-cigarettes, or any related paraphernalia, by students on school grounds, during school-sponsored events, or while under the jurisdiction of the school. This includes all forms of smoking, vaping, and possession, whether the product contains nicotine or not.

Transmitting or Receiving Offensive, Obscene, or Pornographic Materials
DEFINITION: The act of sending, sharing, accessing, possessing, or receiving any material in digital, printed, or written form, that is lewd, sexually explicit, graphically violent, or otherwise offensive in nature, while under school jurisdiction. This includes use of school or personal devices to access or distribute pornographic content, inappropriate memes or images, or sexually suggestive communications, whether intentionally or through negligent behavior.

Destruction of Property (over $150 value)
DEFINITION: The intentional or reckless damage, defacement, or destruction of school property, the personal property of others, or public property while under school jurisdiction, where the estimated repair or replacement cost exceeds $150. This includes both physical and digital property, and may result in serious disciplinary action and legal consequences.

Using, Providing, Selling, or Possessing Over-the Counter Medications
PLEASE NOTE: All medications must be dispensed by the school nurse

DEFINITION: The unauthorized possession, use, distribution, or sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medications including but not limited to pain relievers, cold medicine, allergy tablets, energy pills, or supplements, on school property, at school-sponsored events, or while under school authority. Regardless of intent, all medication must be stored and administered through the school nurse, in accordance with district policy and Pennsylvania school health regulations.

Bullying/Cyberbullying
DEFINITION: Bullying is defined as any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act, or a series of acts, directed at another student that is severe, persistent, or repeated and that:

1. Substantially interferes with a student’s education,
2. Creates a threatening or hostile school environment, or
3. Disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Cyberbullying includes these same actions when carried out using digital technology such as text messages, social media, email, or any online platform. Bullying may occur on school property, on school vehicles, at bus stops, during school-sponsored activities, or off school grounds if it causes a significant disruption to the school environment.

Other Offenses Fitting the Definition of Level Three Misconduct as Determined by the Administration
DEFINITION: Behaviors not specifically listed in this Code of Conduct that are deemed by school administration to meet the criteria for Level Three Misconduct based on their seriousness, frequency, or impact on the school environment. These behaviors may be disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe, but fall short of Level Four violations involving weapons, drugs, or extreme threats.

Repeated Level Three Misconduct
DEFINITION: Engaging in the same or similar Level Three behaviors multiple times, even after disciplinary actions, interventions, or behavior contracts have been implemented. This pattern demonstrates a refusal or inability to change unsafe, disruptive, or defiant behavior, and significantly affects the learning environment or school safety.

Consequences for Level Four Misconduct may include the following:

• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• Expulsion
• Alternative school placement
• Police involvement
• Safety plan
• Restitution
• Student Assistance Plan (SAP) referral
• Threat assessment
• Other board action which results in appropriate placement
• Any appropriate disciplinary/restorative action from Level Three

Unauthorized Entry into School Property
DEFINITION: Entering, remaining in, or attempting to access any school building, classroom, office, storage area, or other restricted space without proper permission, supervision, or legal right to do so. Unauthorized entry may occur during or outside school hours and includes entering through unauthorized doors, windows, or secured areas.

Sale/Possession/Use of a Controlled Substance
DEFINITION: Possessing, using, being under the influence of, selling, or distributing a controlled substance (illegal drug) or related paraphernalia during the school day, school property, school bus/transportation, bus stop, or at school-sponsored events.

Extortion
DEFINITION: Extortion is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain money, property, services, or favors from another person through threats, intimidation, coercion, or misuse of authority or power. This includes threatening harm, damage to property, or public embarrassment unless specific demands are met.

Extortion may occur in person, through writing, or electronically and is a serious violation that can result in criminal charges.

Gang Affiliation
DEFINITION: Gang affiliation includes participation in or promotion of a group, organization, or association, whether formal or informal, that engages in or advocates disruptive, illegal, threatening, or violent behavior. This includes displaying gang symbols, recruiting others, using hand signs, wearing specific colors or clothing to intimidate, or engaging in conduct associated with gang activity while on school property or at school-related events.

Threat Toward the Student Body or School
DEFINITION: A verbal, written, physical, or electronic expression or action that directly or indirectly communicates an intent to harm, intimidate, or endanger the student body as a whole or a significant portion of it. This includes threats of violence, mass harm, school shootings, bombings, or any act that causes widespread fear, disruption of the educational environment, or prompts emergency safety procedures.

Conspiracy Involving Dangerous Weapons
DEFINITION: An agreement between two or more individuals to plan, assist, or participate in the use, possession, distribution, or concealment of a dangerous weapon on school grounds, during school activities, or under school jurisdiction. A conspiracy does not require that the weapon be present or used, only that there is intent and planning toward a weapons-related offense.

Assault
DEFINITION: Assault is any intentional or reckless act, verbal, physical, or gestured, that causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause bodily injury, fear of harm, or actual physical harm to another student, staff member, or any individual on school property or during school-sponsored activities.

Institutional Vandalism
DEFINITION: Any intentional act by a student that damages, defaces, destroys, or alters school property, property on school grounds, or property belonging to staff, or the school community. It also includes possession of items with the intent to commit vandalism

Reporting False Emergencies
DEFINITION: The act of intentionally reporting or triggering a false emergency, such as a fire, bomb threat, active shooter situation, or other urgent danger, when no actual threat or emergency exists. This includes falsely activating fire alarms, making prank 911 calls, or spreading false emergency messages through verbal, written, or electronic means.

Disruptions Resulting in Endangerment
DEFINITION: Any behavior that significantly disrupts the school environment and results in, or has the potential to result in, harm or danger to the physical or emotional safety of students, staff, or others. This includes intentional or reckless acts that interfere with normal school operations and create an unsafe condition, even if no injury actually occurs.

These actions may stem from horseplay, pranks, disobedience, or aggressive behavior but are distinguished by the real or potential risk they pose to people or property.

Illegal Distribution, Reproduction, or Use of a Copyrighted Software
DEFINITION: Any student action involving unauthorized copying, sharing (including peer-to-peer), installing, or using software in violation of copyright law or licensing terms.

Using the Data Networks for Illegal Activity, Commercial, or Profit-making Purposes
DEFINITION: The use of school data networks, internet access, computers, or personal devices connected to school systems to engage in activities that are unlawful, profit-driven, or violate the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This includes but is not limited to selling items or services, conducting business, promoting outside commercial interests, downloading pirated software, or engaging in online fraud, hacking, or identity theft while using school digital infrastructure.

Such conduct poses a risk to network security, student safety, and district liability, and is treated as a serious violation of technology use policies.

Possession of a Weapon 
DEFINITION: Possession or use of any weapon, such as a firearm, knife, or any object capable of causing serious harm, on school property, during school events, on school transportation. This includes the inside of a student vehicle on school property.

Inappropriate Touch or Exposure
DEFINITION: Any intentional act by a student involving unwanted, unsolicited, or sexually suggestive physical contact, or the deliberate exposure of private body parts, in a way that violates another person's personal boundaries, sense of safety, or community standards of decency. This behavior is considered serious misconduct, regardless of intent or familiarity between parties.

Possession or Use of Firecrackers, Smoke Bombs, or Stink Bombs
DEFINITION: Possession, ignition, use, or distribution of devices such as firecrackers, smoke bombs, stink bombs, or similar pyrotechnic or chemical-effect items on school grounds, during school activities, or within school transportation, regardless of intent or age

Other Offenses Violating the PA Crimes Code
DEFINITION: Any student behavior that constitutes a violation of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, even if not specifically named elsewhere in the Code of Conduct. These acts may include, but are not limited to, behaviors that result in harm to persons or property, cause significant disruption, or reflect criminal intent or recklessness while on school property, during school-sponsored events, or while under school jurisdiction.

Other Offenses not Listed but Fitting the Definition of Level Four Misconduct as Determined by the Administration
DEFINITION: Any student behavior that is not specifically named in this Code of Conduct but is determined by school administration to be consistent with the severity, danger, intent, or impact of Level Four Misconduct. These behaviors involve serious threats to the safety, welfare, or orderly operation of the school community and may require immediate administrative intervention, removal from school, and/or involvement of law enforcement.