Code of Conduct and School Rules
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The following standards of behavior are expected from John Muir Elementary School students:
I. General School Rules
1. Prompt arrival to class is required.
2. Students should not be in the halls during class time unless given an official pass by school personnel.
3. Food and beverages are to be kept in the cafeteria or designated area. No glass containers, sunflower seeds or gum.
4. Everyone has a responsibility to maintain a clean and orderly campus.
5. Students are not allowed in the city park or field area behind the school unless supervised by school personnel.
6. Matches, cigarette lighters, firecrackers or stink bombs are not allowed on campus.
7. Skateboards and roller blades are not permitted.
8. Bicycles are discouraged, but if brought to school, students are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet at all times. The bicycle must be locked to the bicycle rack.
9. Pogs, sports or trading cards and toys should not be brought to school.
10. Electronic toys, of any kind, are not permitted at school.
11. Wooden and aluminum baseball bats and baseballs are not permitted at school.
12. Radios, cassette players, walkmans, pagers or cellular telephones should not be brought to school.
II. Behavior
1. Loitering in front of the school or in the parking lot is not permitted.
2. Defiance of the authority of school personnel, whether by behavior, verbal abuse or gestures, is strictly prohibited.
3. Spitting, use of profanity, abusive language and racially derogatory remarks towards students, school personnel or other persons shall not be tolerated.
4. Gang activity of any kind is not permitted.
5. Students should respect the property of others.
6. Fighting and rough housing are not allowed.
7. Weapons of any kind, including toy weapons, are not allowed.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION PLAN
The development of our students into responsible, well-behaved citizens is one of the primary goals of John Muir Elementary School. We believe that discipline is an integral part of the learning process. Character traits we work on are integrity, patience, tolerance, compassion, pride in work, self-discipline, responsibility, respect for others, respect for the environment, appreciation of traditions and diversity.
Students can form excellent citizenship habits by accepting responsibility for their behavior. Behavior expectations will be clearly communicated to students and parents. When students do decide to make inappropriate choices, the consequences will be firm, fair and consistent.
1. All teachers have classroom rules, consequences, and the Student Code of Conduct policy posted in the classroom.
2. A discussion is held regarding the rules at the beginning of the year. Discussions are also held for all new students entering the school.
3. Teachers will send the classroom rules home at the beginning of the year. Parents are encouraged to discuss the rules with the teacher or principal, if there are any questions.
WEAPONS ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
It is the policy of the Board of Education that any school-related possession, use, sale, furnishing, or receiving of any weapon-- including but not limited to a firearm, knife, explosive or other injurious object not necessary for the academic purposes of the student and capable of inflicting substantial bodily injury shall not be tolerated. It is the policy of the Board of Education that law enforcement shall be notified regarding student violations of this policy. In addition, students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district.
DRUG, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO EDUCATION POLICY
The Martinez Unified School District recognizes the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs may adversely affect a student’s ability to achieve academic success, is physically and emotionally harmful and has serious social and legal consequences.A Zero Tolerance Policy for drugs and alcohol is in effect. The District policy requires schools to provide prevention instructions, intervention services, recovering student support and enforcement/discipline procedures for K-12 students. Enforcement / discipline procedures specify the consequences for violations relating to the pretense, possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Consequences include parent and law enforcement contact, suspension and restriction from extracurricular school activities. Violations of this policy may result in expulsion.
TOBACCO FREE SCHOOLS
The Governing Board recognizes that the use of tobacco products presents a hazard to the user and that smoking, in particular, also represents a health hazard to non-smokers. The use and sale of tobacco products is prohibited anywhere, anytime on district property, in district vehicles, at school sponsored activities or while under the supervision of school district employees.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Martinez Unified School District shall ensure that all individuals will enjoy a work and academic environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to acts of physical, verbal, visual, or psychological harassment which are pervasive and create an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning atmosphere. Additionally, sexual harassment refers to any form of personal conduct toward an individual or group that is unwelcome and that interferes with work performance or academic effectiveness. Allegations of sexual harassment shall be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the district’s sexual harassment administrative regulations. Rules and procedures for reporting charges of sexual harassment and pursuing available remedies may be obtained from the principal of each school site or the District Title IX Officer. Any student or employee who has a sexual harassment complaint needs to report the complaint to a teacher, staff member or administrator, who shall report the complaint to the principal. Those filing a formal, written complaint are to complete the Sexual Harassment Complaint form (Form No. 42). Forms may be obtained from the principal’s office or the school district office at 921 Susana Street.
