P1464 Student Behavior - Regulations

All students are held responsible for their personal actions. The right to attend a Wichita Public School carries with it the obligation to maintain acceptable behavior. Rules and regulations apply to all students attending school functions held on school grounds, in school buildings, school vehicles, or at a school-sponsored activity or event, or at other facilities and while utilizing school property. Violations of the rules and regulations may be subject to disciplinary action and reported to local law enforcement, if appropriate. 

Administrative Implemental Procedures

1. Behaviors other than those described in this policy may constitute unlawful or prohibited acts. The common standard against which behavior is measured is that which is conducive to learning and a contributor to the general purpose and welfare of the school. 
2. Bullying by a student toward another student, a staff member or another person is prohibited. 
3. As used in AIP 2, the following terms are defined as follows: 
   1. “Bullying” means: 
      1. any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat by any student towards a student, staff member, or other person that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that such gesture, act, or threat creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of: 
         1. harming a student, staff member, or other person, whether physically or mentally; 
         2. damaging a student, staff member, or other person’s property; 
         3. placing a student, staff member, or other person in reasonable fear of harm to the student, staff member, or other person; or 
         4. placing a student, staff member, or other person in reasonable fear of damage to the student, staff member, or other person’s property; 
      2. Cyberbullying; or 
      3. any other form of intimidation or harassment prohibited by the board of education of the school district in policies concerning bullying adopted pursuant to this section or subsection (e) of K.S.A 72-8205, and amendments thereto. 
   2. “Cyberbullying” means bullying by use of any electronic communication device through means including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, online games, and websites, 
   3. “Parent” includes a guardian, custodian, or other person with authority to act on behalf of the child, 
   4. “School District” or “district” means any unified school district organized and operating under the laws of this state; 
   5. “School vehicle” means any school bus, school van, other school vehicle, and private vehicle used to transport students or staff members to and from school or any school sponsored activity or event; 
   6. “Staff member” means any person employed by the school district. 
   7. “Other person” means a person who is not a student or staff member who is present on school property, in a school vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event. 
4. Fighting, including engaging in verbal or physical violence or aggression, is prohibited. 
5. Possession and/or use of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia and look-alike products such as electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes/Vape Pens) are not permitted in school buildings or on school campuses. The prohibition against smoking and the use of tobacco should be supported by programs emphasizing the hazards of smoking and tobacco use. 
6. Any show of disrespect by word or action toward any staff member is prohibited. 
7. Profanity and vulgarity are prohibited. 
8. Defiance that may threaten the general discipline of the school or classroom is prohibited. 
9. Loitering in school buildings or upon school grounds is prohibited. 
10. The use of explosive devices, starting fires, causing a false fire alarm, or causing a false bomb threat is considered conduct which substantially disrupts the operation of school and is prohibited. 
11. Plagiarism, cheating, and lying are prohibited. 
12. Dress code may include, but is not limited to, a standard uniform, restrictions relating to jewelry, and restrictions on colorful hair and extreme hairstyles. Reasonable criteria for determining appropriate appearance are based on health, safety, and public decency considerations. The relationship of dress and appearance to the safety of the individual student varies depending upon the nature of the activity or class. Any wearing apparel which, in the opinion of the principal or designee, is associated with gangs and/or drugs and/or becomes disruptive to the educational process may be banned. 
13. It shall be the responsibility of the student and the lawful custodian(s) to make financial restitution for damages resulting from stealing, or malicious or willful destruction or loss of school property by that student as a result of irresponsible behavior. 
14. Personal Electronic Devices. 
    1. Student use of Personal Electronic Devices during the school day is regulated as set forth below: 
       1. Elementary Schools: While in the school building, students are required to power off and store Personal Electronic Devices in their backpacks or other classroom storage areas. Items intended to look like or simulate such devices are also prohibited during the school day. 
       2. Middle Schools: While in the school building, students may not use Personal Electronic Devices unless permission is granted by an administrator. At all other times, these devices must be silenced and stored away. 
       3. High Schools: While in the school building, students may use Personal Electronic Devices before and after school, during passing periods, and at lunch. At all other times, these devices may not be used unless permission is granted by an administrator. 
       4. Students also will comply with BOE Policy 1230 – Acceptable Device and Communication Use by Staff, Students, and the District. 
       5. Personal Electronic Devices include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, including smart phones; tablets; student-owned computers; accessories such as headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other AV or technology equipment; and other personal communication devices that have the potential to be disruptive to the educational process. 
       6. The school day is the time between the beginning time and ending time set for the building the student attends and extends to school-related activities. 
          1. Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their cellular telephones and other Personal Electronic Devices. The Wichita Board of Education shall not assume responsibility or liability for the theft, loss, or damage to a cellular phone or other Personal Electronic Device, nor does it assume responsibility for the unauthorized use of any device. 
       7. Students using personal electronic devices to record and/or distribute disruptive, violent, or inappropriate behavior is prohibited. 
15. Students may not hold membership or participate in an unauthorized organization on school property or at school sponsored activities. 
16. Student walkouts, boycotts, and any other unauthorized holidays will not be permitted or recognized. Once a student arrives at school, it is the student’s responsibility to remain so long as the student has classes scheduled or is required to do so. 

Administrative Responsibility: Elementary and Secondary Education Offices

Latest Revision Date: August 2023 

Previous Revision Date: September 2020 P1464 

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