Orange County Public Schools

A student may approach a school official or contracted personnel and turn in an object which is not allowed by the Code. Unless an investigation by school officials regarding the possession of an object that is not allowed by the Code has already started, a student who approaches a school official and turns in the object, may not receive discipline. An investigation starts when a school official or contracted personnel becomes aware of the object that is not allowed by the Code. The school will make arrangements with the student’s parent/guardian to pick up the object from the school, if applicable.

If a student discovers illegal objects such as drugs, weapons, or other contraband on school property, including on a school bus, the student may approach a school official or contracted personnel and report the discovery. A student may not be in violation of the Code by making such a report. School officials shall adhere to policies and procedures concerning further investigation of the report.

Law enforcement may be contacted for specific offenses, which may include, but are not limited to, firearms, drugs, and explosive devices. Objects not allowed by the Code that are discovered during a random search are not protected by the Safe Harbor provisions.

In order to participate in extracurricular/co-curricular activities or athletic programs, students must adhere to Board policies, school-based criteria, and applicable law. A student may not be eligible to participate in extracurricular/co-curricular activities for certain disciplinary offenses. It is important for students to understand that the behavioral expectations placed upon students by the school can extend beyond the classroom and school campus (i.e. social media), therefore, off-campus behavior may impact a student’s participation in extracurricular/co-curricular activities to the extent such conduct causes a substantial disruption to the operation of the school and/or activity. Pursuant to Section 1006.15, Florida Statutes, the Board has the authority to withhold participation privileges from students. In addition, schools reserve the right to remove any student for any offense of the Code, which substantially disrupts the school or community.

A student may not participate in any extracurricular/co-curricular activity if the student participated in that same sport at another school during the same school year unless the student has been relocated due to foster care placement, experienced death of a parent/guardian, or been impacted by military orders or court-ordered changes in custody. A student’s eligibility to participate in extracurricular/co-curricular activities may not be affected by recruiting allegations until a final determination has been reached.

The Juvenile Justice System has committed to working in conjunction with school officials toward maintaining standards of behavior for all students including those who participate in extracurricular/co-curricular activities. With this in mind, any student who has been formally charged with a felony or similar offense by a prosecuting attorney shall be excluded from participation in extracurricular/co-curricular activities for a minimum of one calendar year. If the student is not found guilty or if the charges are dismissed, the student may return upon presenting documentation of the court’s decision. Additionally, a student is ineligible to participate in extracurricular/co-curricular activities if a court order prohibits the student’s enrollment in a traditional school setting.  Final determination of eligibility rests with the district administrator responsible for the supervision of athletics. 

Any student who has committed a Level III hazing offense shall be excluded from participation in extracurricular/co-curricular activities for a minimum of one calendar year. Any student who has committed a Level IV hazing offense shall be excluded from participation in extracurricular/co-curricular activities for the remainder of their enrollment at OCPS.

Nothing in this section of the Code shall preclude the exercising of any existing authority of the Superintendent/designee or the Juvenile Justice System.

Additional information pertaining to extracurricular/co-curricular activities can be found in Board Policy JJ, Extracurricular Activities.

The dress and grooming of OCPS students shall contribute to the health and safety of the individual, promote a positive educational environment, and not disrupt the educational activities and processes of the school. These standards of dress and grooming apply to all students in the public schools of Orange County, unless a specific exemption is granted by the principal. Any request for an exemption shall be made to the principal.

1. Clothes shall be worn as they are designed. For example, suspenders should be over the shoulders, pants secured at the waist, belts buckled, no underwear as outerwear, no underwear exposed.

2. Clothing must cover the body from one armpit across to the other armpit and down to approximately mid-thigh (see image to the right). Tops must have straps. Undergarments must not be viewable. Rips, holes, or tears in clothing must be below mid-thigh.

3. Shoes shall be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment. The following shoes are not acceptable for any OCPS student: cleated shoes or shoes with wheels.

4. Headgear shall not be worn on campus during the school day, unless the headgear is approved by the principal.

5. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear, and must be approved by the principal before being worn during the school day.

6. See-through, revealing, or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of this dress code.

7. Gang paraphernalia, garments and/or jewelry, tattoos, or other insignias, which display or suggest sexual, vulgar, drug, alcohol, or tobacco-related wording/graphics or may tend to provoke violence or disruption in school, shall not be worn.

8. Clothing must not state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected class.

9. Clothing and accessories that endanger students or staff shall not be worn.  This includes clothing that obscures the visual identification of a person (unless approved by the principal).  The use of a medical mask worn for its intended purpose is permitted.

10. Individual schools may implement school uniforms with community input and approval of the principal’s supervisor.

11. Individual schools are expected to use the state and district dress and grooming guidelines as minimum standards; any adjustments may be made upon approval of the principal’s supervisor. The principal at each school reserves the right to determine what appropriate dress is for the school as detailed in these minimum standards.

Any student who violates this dress policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Sections IV and V of the Code, Section 1006.07(2)(d), Florida Statutes, and below:
1. For a first offense, a student shall be given a verbal warning and the school principal shall call the student’s parent/guardian.
2. For the second offense, a student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period of time not to exceed 5 days and the school principal shall meet with the student’s parent/guardian.
3. For a third or subsequent offense, a student shall receive an in-school suspension pursuant to Section 1003.01(5), Florida Statutes, for a period not to exceed 3 days, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed 30 days, and the school principal shall call the student’s parent/guardian and send the parent/guardian a written letter regarding the dress code violation.

Because of OCPS’s continuing efforts to provide safe transportation for all students, whether for a field trip, athletic function, similar activity, or to and from home, students are expected to abide by the following standards of school bus behavior, in addition to the Code:

1. Obey the bus driver at all times.
2. Stand off the roadway while waiting for the bus.
3. Be at the bus stop five minutes prior to a scheduled stop time.
4. Cross the roadway several steps in front of the bus.
5. Ride only on the assigned bus.
6. Board and depart at the assigned bus stop.
7. Must scan their RFID Student ID or Bus Pass to enter or exit the bus, upon issuance of RFID Student ID or Bus Pass.
8. Act appropriately while waiting for the bus.
9. Give your proper name when requested by the bus operator or monitor.
10. Remain seated at all times when the bus is moving and properly wear a seat belt, as applicable.
11. Remain silent when the dome lights are on.
12. Remain silent at railroad crossings.
13. Refrain from littering on the bus.
14. Refrain from bringing reptiles, bugs, animals, or marine life (dead or alive) on the bus unrelated to school activities.
15. Refrain from displaying signs from the bus.
16. Refrain from using profane language or gestures.
17. Refrain from acts of vandalism.
18. Refrain from throwing any objects from the windows of the bus.
19. Refrain from any conduct or behavior that interferes with the orderly, safe, and expeditious transportation of yourself or other bus riders.
20. Students are permitted to use their electronic device while on OCPS/OCPS-sponsored transportation so long as the student utilizes earbuds, headphones, etc. and has at least one ear free to hear directions.
21. Skateboards are not permitted on the school bus.

Recording devices have been installed on buses. Students may be filmed at any time during their ride. The recordings may be utilized to determine violations of the Code. Violations of the aforementioned standards, or any other section of the Code may be the basis for suspension or expulsion from the bus/school.

According to state law and Board Policy JICH, Drug and Alcohol Use by Students, the unlawful use, possession, or sale of controlled substances, as defined in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, and/or alcohol by any student while the student is upon school property or in attendance at a school function is grounds for disciplinary action by the school (such as suspension and/or expulsion) and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed.

Possession of a firearm, weapon, and/or destructive device (“weapons”) as defined in Chapter 790, Florida Statutes, by any student while the student is on Board property, school transportation, and/or at a school activity, is grounds for disciplinary action and may also result in criminal prosecution. This includes, but is not limited to, possessing or carrying a weapon on his/her person, in a vehicle, container or other conveyance.

Any student who is determined to have brought or possessed a weapon on Board property, on school transportation, and/or to a school activity, will be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student’s regular school for a period of not less than one (1) full year and referred to mental health services identified by OCPS pursuant to Section 1012.584(4), Florida Statutes, and also referred to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system. Additional information regarding this section can be found in Board Policy JICI, Firearms, Weapons, and Destructive Devices.

A student may not receive disciplinary action for simulating a firearm or weapon while playing, or for wearing clothing or accessories that depict a firearm or weapon, or expressing an opinion regarding Second Amendment Rights, unless the simulation causes a substantial disruption to learning, causes bodily harm, or places another person in fear of harm as outlined below. Simulating a firearm or weapon while playing includes, but is not limited to:

• Brandishing a partially consumed pastry or other food item to simulate a firearm or weapon.
• Possessing a toy firearm or weapon that is two (2) inches or less in overall length.
• Possessing a toy firearm or weapon made of plastic snap-together building blocks.
• Using a finger or hand to simulate a firearm or weapon.
• Vocalizing an imaginary firearm or weapon.
• Drawing a picture, or possessing an image, of a firearm or weapon.
• Using a pencil, pen, or other writing or drawing utensil to simulate a firearm or weapon.

However, a student may receive disciplinary action if simulating a firearm or weapon while playing, if the playing substantially disrupts student learning, causes bodily harm to another person, or places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm. The severity of consequences imposed upon a student, including referral to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system, must be proportionate to the severity of the offense and consistent with Board policies for similar offenses. If a student is disciplined for such conduct, the school principal or designee must call the student’s parent/guardian. Disciplinary action resulting from a student’s clothing or accessories that depict firearms or weapons shall be determined pursuant to the OCPS Dress Code, unless the wearing of the clothing or accessories causes a substantial disruption to student learning, in which case the infraction may be addressed in a manner that is consistent with Board policies for similar offenses. This paragraph does not prohibit schools from adopting a school uniform policy.

Any aggression or physical violence against an employee is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Violence against any OCPS employee, contracted personnel, or volunteer, by a student is grounds for in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or any other disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties.

In addition, any student found to have committed any offense in Section 784.081, Florida Statutes, shall be expelled or placed in an alternative school setting or other program, as appropriate. The offenses listed within Section 784.081, Florida Statutes, include, assault or aggravated assault, or a battery or aggravated battery, upon any school district employee when the person committing the offense knows or has reason to know the identity or position or employment of the victim. Upon being charged with the offense, the student shall be removed from the classroom immediately and placed in an alternative school setting pending disposition.

Any student who makes a threat or false report as defined by Sections 790.162, 790.163, and 836.10, Florida Statutes, involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity will be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, for a period of not less than one (1) full school year and referred to law enforcement, regardless of intent. Threats may include, but are not limited to: bomb threats; threats to use firearms in a violent manner; threats to kill or do bodily injury; and/or threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.

The Disciplinary Response Code for Secondary and Elementary provides additional definitions for threats. Threats can be direct or indirect, verbal or nonverbal. A direct threat may include a specific act or a specific victim. A direct threat is delivered in a straightforward and clear manner, such as making a threat verbally or in writing directly to the victim. Indirect threats may be unclear or hidden. Indirect threats may not state a specific victim or there is no intent that the threat be heard or seen by the victim, such as writing a threat that is not shown to the victim.

In addition, if a student makes a statement or posts statements on social media alluding to the student bringing a firearm or other weapon on Board property, on school transportation, or to a school-sponsored event, even if the student does not actually bring the firearm or weapon, the student will be presumed to cause a disruptive environment which will lead to disciplinary action and possible criminal penalties. This section includes students who post similar statements as a self-defense tactic.

In accordance with Section 1006.13, Florida Statutes, the intent of OCPS is to promote a safe and supportive learning environment in schools, to protect students and staff from conduct that poses a threat to school safety.  The Zero Tolerance Policy is not intended to be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct. The Zero Tolerance Policy must apply equally to all students regardless of their economic status, race, or disability. Zero Tolerance policies must require students found to have committed one of the following offenses to be expelled, with or without continuing education services, from the student’s regular school for a period of not less than 1 full year, and to be referred to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system: a) bringing a firearm or weapon, as defined in Chapter 790, Florida Statutes, to school, to any school function, or onto any school -sponsored transportation or possessing a firearm at school, b) making a threat or false report, as defined by Sections 790.162, 790.163, Florida Statutes, involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity.  Refer to Board Policy JIC, Code of Student Conduct, for further information.

Fighting is prohibited on all Board property, school transportation, and/or at school activities. Fighting is defined by the Florida Department of Education as two or more people mutually participating in the use of force or physical violence that requires either physical intervention or results in injury requiring first aid or medical attention. If the fight causes a major disruption on campus, it may be a Level IV offense.
If a student is unable to leave the area of a pending attack, a student may use self-defense. Self-defense is an action taken that is necessary to protect oneself or others from serious bodily harm. Self-defense may include asking an adult for help, restraining or blocking the attacker, shielding oneself or others from being hit, or pushing to get away from the attacker. However, retaliating by striking or hitting (i.e. punching, slapping, kicking) a person back, or choosing not to leave after you are able to get away, may be considered as fighting. Pursuant to Section 1006.13, Florida Statutes “in a disciplinary action, there is a rebuttable presumption that the actions of a student who intervened, using only the amount of force necessary, to stop a violent act against a student, staff, or volunteer were necessary to restore or maintain the safety of others.”

Pursuant to Section 553.865(9)(a), Florida Statutes, each educational institution shall, within its code of student conduct, establish disciplinary procedures for any student who willfully enters, for a purpose other than those listed below: a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex on the premises of the educational institution and refuses to depart when asked to do so by any instructional personnel as described in s. 1012.01(2), 212 administrative personnel as described in s. 1012.01(3), or a 213 safe-school officer as described in s. 1006.12(1)-(4).
For purposes of this section, pursuant to Section 553.865(6), Florida Statutes “a person may only enter a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex under the following circumstances:

(a) To accompany a person of the opposite sex for the purpose of assisting or chaperoning a child under the age of 12, an elderly person as defined in s. 825.101, or a person with a disability as defined in s. 760.22 or a developmental disability as defined in s. 393.063;
(b) For law enforcement or governmental regulatory purposes;
(c) For the purpose of rendering emergency medical assistance or to intervene in any other emergency situation where the health or safety of another person is at risk;
(d) For custodial, maintenance, or inspection purposes, provided that the restroom or changing facility is not in use; or
(e) If the appropriate designated restroom or changing facility is out of order or under repair and the restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex contains no person of the opposite sex.”

The following definitions apply pursuant to Section 553.865(3), Florida Statutes:

• "Changing facility" means a room in which two or more persons may be in a state of undress in the presence of others, including, but not limited to, a dressing room, fitting room, locker room, changing room, or shower room."
• “"Educational institution" means a K-12 educational institution or facility or a postsecondary educational institution or facility.”
• “"Female" means a person belonging, at birth, to the biological sex which has the specific reproductive role of producing eggs.”
• “"Male" means a person belonging, at birth, to the biological sex which has the specific reproductive role of producing sperm.”
• “"Restroom" means a room that includes one or more water closets. This term does not include a unisex restroom.”
• “"Sex" means the classification of a person as either female or male based on the organization of the body of such person for a specific reproductive role, as indicated by the person's sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth.”
• “"Unisex changing facility" means a room intended for a single occupant or a family in which one or more persons may be in a state of undress, including, but not limited to, a dressing room, fitting room, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling walls and accessed by a full door with a secure lock that prevents another individual from entering while the changing facility is in use.”
• “"Unisex restroom" means a room that includes one or more water closets and that is intended for a single occupant or a family, is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling walls, and is accessed by a full door with a secure lock that prevents another individual from entering while the room is in use.”
• “"Water closet" means a toilet or urinal.”

Violations of the policy will result in disciplinary action pursuant to the Code.

Pursuant to Board Policy JB, Equal Educational Opportunity, all students attending school in OCPS “shall be treated according to a unitary code which applies equally regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, language spoken, homelessness, or any other reason prohibited by law.” The use of hate speech will not be tolerated, and violations will be subject to this Code.

A student may possess a cell phone on Board property, on school transportation and at school activities, provided that during school hours, the cell phone is silenced and concealed. Pursuant to Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes, “a student may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time.” For purposes of this section, the designated area will be in the student’s backpack or purse, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. Violations of the cell phone policy will be handled in accordance with the Code and may result in confiscation of said device. If the cell phone is used in a criminal act (such as sexting as outlined in Florida Statutes and the Code), the cell phone will be provided to law enforcement and the student may face criminal penalties.

The use of wireless communication devices is always prohibited during the school day (from the first morning bell to dismissal) unless expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds. Students may not receive discipline if they use their cellphone and/or ancillary device(s) to monitor a health condition that is documented through medical records provided to the school including, but not limited to, an IEP, a Section 504 Plan or a Health Plan.

At no time shall OCPS be responsible for theft, loss or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto its property.

These standards apply to all students in the public schools of Orange County.

Sexting
In accordance with Board Policy JIC, Code of Student Conduct, and Section 847.0141, Florida Statutes, sexting is defined as using any computer or electronic device to send, forward, display, retain, store or post sexually explicit, lewd, indecent or pornographic photographs, images or messages. Sexting will not be tolerated. Participation in sexting:

• During school hours or school activities on or off campus;
• While on Board property; or
• Beyond the hours of school operation if the behavior adversely affects the personal safety or well-being of school-related individuals, the governance, climate or efficient operation of the school; or the education process or experience;

shall be just cause for disciplinary action pursuant to this Code.

All OCPS parking areas and lockers are the property of the school district. School authorities have the right to inspect any student vehicle and/or lockers in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students and school employees. This includes the use of K-9 detection dogs. Each student who uses Board property to park a vehicle or uses a school locker must sign an OCPS Student Parking and/or Student Locker Application and Consent to Search and Waiver of Liability form acknowledging and agreeing to the conditions as a prerequisite to, and in consideration for, the issuance of a student parking decal and/or a student locker. Individual student parked vehicles and/or locker searches will be conducted if school personnel have reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law or of the Code. A student is responsible for all objects found in the car the student drove on campus and/or found in the student’s locker. Routine locker clean-ups are not considered searches.

Any individual on Board property, on school transportation, and/or at a school activity, is subject to search. To this end, OCPS recognizes the need to respect the rights of individuals while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of all students and school employees. OCPS has developed operational guidelines for random electronic scanning utilizing metal detectors and “hands-on” physical searches in schools as a means of helping to create and to maintain a safe educational environment in Orange County. Secondary schools may have their classrooms randomly selected to be searched, which may include a search of the student’s person and/or belongings.

As it relates to student discipline investigations, school personnel are authorized to search a student and their property if reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law or Code exists.

In accordance with Section 1006.135, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code R. 6A-1.0017 and Board Policy JIC, Code of Student Conduct, OCPS is committed to protecting its students from any hazing activities at any time in school facilities, on school property, and off school property if the misconduct is connected to participation or membership of a club or organization of a school. Hazing will not be tolerated. Participation in hazing activities shall be just cause for disciplinary action. Any person who has knowledge or engages in hazing is strongly encouraged to report it directly to the principal or designee. The reporting of any act of hazing may be made anonymously.

Hazing is defined in Florida Administrative Code R. 6A-1.0017 as any action or situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student at a school with any of grades 6-12 for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any school-sanctioned organization.  “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring, coercing or forcing a student to participate in illegal or dangerous behavior, or any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, or exposure to the elements. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.

Dating violence is defined as violence committed by a person who has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. Dating violence and/or abuse by any student is prohibited on school property, during any school related or school-sponsored program or activity, and on school-sponsored transportation, and will be subject to disciplinary action and may result in criminal penalties.

Anyone who suspects dating violence and/or abuse is occurring is strongly encouraged to report the dating violence and/or abuse to the school administration for further investigation. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous. Any allegations of dating violence will be investigated in accordance with Board Policy JB, Equal Educational Opportunities.

Any form of trafficking, either human trafficking or drug trafficking, is prohibited on all OCPS property, at school-sponsored activities, and on school transportation. Anyone who is a victim of trafficking or anyone who suspects trafficking is strongly encouraged to report the allegations to school administration for further investigation. School administration should consult with the school resource officer, or law enforcement officer if the school resource officer is unavailable, before beginning an investigation. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous.

Board Policy ADC, titled, Tobacco Free Schools and Facilities, prohibits the use of all tobacco products, tobacco-related products, and electronic smoking devices on Board Property at all times. Students are prohibited from possessing, using, consuming, displaying, promoting, or selling/buying any tobacco product, tobacco-related product, electronic smoking device, or any item represented as such, at any time while on Board property or attending a school-sponsored event. This prohibition includes wearing clothing or using other items to advertise or promote tobacco products or electronic smoking devices.

(Section 1003.01, Florida Statutes) defines “expulsion” as the removal of the right and obligation of a student to attend a public school under conditions set by OCPS, and for a period of time not to exceed the remainder of the term or school year and one (1) additional year of attendance. Expulsions may be imposed with or without continuing educational services and shall be reported accordingly.

All Level IV Offenses may result in an expulsion pursuant to Section 1003.01 Florida Statutes, which may be up to “a period of time not to exceed the remainder of the term or school year and 1 additional year of attendance.” Some level IV offenses require a mandatory expulsion as outlined in Florida Statutes and this Code. These offenses include firearms/weapons possession/use and or threats or false reports.

Please note, the term “expulsion” is interchangeable with “full exclusion” and “expelled.”
 

(Section 1003.01, Florida Statutes) defines “suspension” as the temporary removal of a student from all classes of instruction on public school grounds and all other school-sponsored activities, except as authorized by the principal or the principal’s designee, for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days and remanding of the student to the custody of the student’s parent/guardian with specific homework assignments for the student to complete.

The Code has certain offenses that could result in out-of-school suspension. If a student receives out-of-school suspension they are prohibited from attending school, any school-sponsored activity, or athletic program/event.

Students may qualify for an Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension (A2S) Program based on their disciplinary offense. A2S provides students with a safe, structured, alternative to complete assignments from teachers, while providing character education for life and social skills training. To qualify for A2S, the student’s school administration coordinates with the parent/guardian and student to discuss the A2S process.

(Section 1003.01, Florida Statutes) defines “in-school suspension” as the temporary removal of a student from the student’s regular school program and placement in an alternative program under the supervision of OCPS personnel, for a period not to exceed ten (10) days.

The Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS) program is a short-term, on-site intervention classroom initiative designed to address the unique needs of students who have committed a school level behavioral offense. The classroom components help students develop more effective coping skills, character development principles, pro-social behaviors, while remaining on track with academics in the classroom. Restorative Practices are included in the PASS program and used in congruence with the classroom components. PASS is designed as an enhancement to the Code. Only administrators with official referral documentation may place a student in PASS. These placements are on a period by period basis or for a number of days not to exceed ten (10) days for any single placement. The goal of this program is to allow schools and administrators to effectively deal with Code violations that do not require a student be removed from the school setting.

Restorative Practices is a research-based approach to address school culture and climate. Restorative Practices is a preventative approach aimed at promoting inclusiveness, relationship building, and problem solving. Restorative Practices involves a continuum of interventions and strategies that are both proactive and responsive. OCPS has implemented Restorative Practices to address the unique needs of students who have committed disciplinary offenses in violation of the Code. A trained school staff member (administrator, teacher, or counselor) facilitates Restorative Practices conflict resolution circles with the person harmed and the person causing harm. Some restorative methods include using affective statements, restorative questions, community building circles, and conflict resolution circles.
Restorative Practices also aim to build a school culture that focuses on developing and maintaining relationships among educators and students. Through Restorative Practice, all voices are heard as problems are addressed and solved. Restorative Practices teach the skills necessary to manage and reduce conflict.

Successful completion of Restorative Practices may serve as an acceptable consequence in lieu of a suspension or other appropriate disciplinary response.

If a student is formally charged by a prosecuting attorney for a felony offense, or a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, for an incident which allegedly occurred on property other than Board property, a felony suspension proceeding may be initiated against the student as permitted by Section 1006.09, Florida Statutes. Additional information can be found in Section VI of the Code. If a court determines that the student did commit a felony or delinquency act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, OCPS may expel the student, provided that expulsion does not affect the delivery of educational services to the student in any residential, nonresidential, alternative, daytime, or evening program outside of the regular school setting as permitted by Section 1006.09, Florida Statutes. Additional information can be found in Section VI of the Code.

In addition, if a student has a no-contact order with other children or students, the student may be removed from their current school of enrollment and placed in another OCPS school or program. Additional information regarding no-contact orders and felony offenses can be found in Section 1006.13, Florida Statutes, and Board Policy JIC, Code of Student Conduct.

Section 1006.13, Florida Statutes, and Board Policy JIC, Code of Student Conduct requires OCPS employees to consult with the school resource officer (SRO), or law enforcement officer if the SRO is not available, for any act that poses a threat to school safety that occurs whenever or wherever students are in the jurisdiction of the district school board. OCPS employees are not required to consult with law enforcement when a student commits a petty act of misconduct that is not a threat to school safety. A threat management team may use alternatives to expulsion or referral to law enforcement agencies to address disruptive behavior through restitution, civil citation, teen court, neighborhood restorative justice, or similar programs. The final determination of whether the SRO or law enforcement officer will issue a civil citation or pre-arrest diversion program rests solely with the SRO or law enforcement officer and does not exempt the student from receiving other forms of discipline interventions from the school. This recommendation cannot be made for certain offenses, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: felonies; threats to the school; and possession/use of a firearm or weapon.

Board Policy JIC, Code of Student Conduct, defines petty acts of misconduct as acts that do not pose a threat to school safety and do not require consultation with law enforcement. The principal or designee may assign a student who commits a single petty act of misconduct to a school-based intervention program as permitted in this Code.

Students who participate in a dual-enrollment program are subject to both this Code and the participating postsecondary institution’s Code of Student Conduct. Any disciplinary offenses that occur on OCPS campus will be reported to the participating postsecondary school where the student is dually enrolled and may result in the student being excused from the program. In addition, any disciplinary offenses that occur on the postsecondary institution’s campus will be reported to OCPS for further investigation. Students who commit a verified Level IV offense pursuant to this Code may be unable to complete their dual enrollment program.

If a student arrives at school and then leaves campus, has temporary absences from classes, or fails to attend specific classes, the school can take disciplinary action for skipping.

If a student is required by law to attend school, the school will not suspend the student for unexcused absences or truancy pursuant to Board Policy JE, Student Attendance. Section 954.151, Florida Statutes, requires the Superintendent to report to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles the name, date of birth, sex, and social security number of all students (14-17 years of age) who accumulate fifteen (15) unexcused absences in any ninety (90) calendar day period. These students could lose driver’s licenses or the privilege to obtain a driver’s license if deemed truant by the school and Florida Statutes. In addition, parents/guardians of habitually truant students are subject to actions taken through the judicial system.

The Board prohibits the administration of corporal punishment in the school district.

Fighting is prohibited on all Board property, school transportation, and/or at school activities. Fighting is defined by the Florida Department of Education as two or more people mutually participating in the use of force or physical violence that requires either physical intervention or results in injury requiring first aid or medical attention. If the fight causes a major disruption on campus, it may be a Level IV offense.

If a student is unable to leave the area of a pending attack, a student may use self-defense. Self-defense is an action taken that is necessary to protect oneself or others from serious bodily harm. Self-defense may include asking an adult for help, restraining or blocking the attacker, shielding oneself or others from being hit, or pushing to get away from the attacker. However, retaliating by striking or hitting (i.e. punching, slapping, kicking) a person back, or choosing not to leave after you are able to get away, may be considered as fighting. Pursuant to Section 1006.13, Florida Statutes “in a disciplinary action, there is a rebuttable presumption that the actions of a student who intervened, using only the amount of force necessary, to stop a violent act against a student, staff, or volunteer were necessary to restore or maintain the safety of others.”

Detention is permitted during school hours or outside of normal school hours if the principal or designee believes the detention is in the best educational interest of the student. Written notice shall be provided to the parent/legal guardian twenty-four (24) hours before the start of the detention.

If a student is assigned to detention before or after school, during the school week, then the detention shall be for no longer than one (1) hour and shall not exceed five (5) school days in a row, unless the principal or designee and parent/guardian agree otherwise. If the student rides the school bus, prior arrangements shall be made by the principal/designee to ensure the student has transportation.

If a student is assigned detention on a non-school day, then the detention shall be for no longer than four (4) hours, unless the principal or designee and parent/guardian agree otherwise. Prior arrangements shall be made by the principal/designee to ensure the student has transportation before detention can be assigned on a non-school day.

Florida Administrative Code Rule 6A-1.0017 requires school districts to correctly code data used to report incidents that are against the law or represent serious breaches of the Code of Student Conduct. This includes those incidents considered severe enough to require the involvement of a School Resource Officer “SRO” or incidents to be “Reported to Law Enforcement.”

Those incidents that are required to be reported to SESIR and/or Law Enforcement are identified in the Code of Student Conduct with the three-letter code identifying SESIR incidents. When multiple incidents occur at the same time and place, the incident that caused the most injury or the highest loss of property or monetary cost should be the one reported. Any related elements to the SESIR incident must be reported. A related element includes those specified in Florida Administrative Code Rule 6A-1.0017(8): alcohol, bullying, drug, gang, hate crime, hazing, injury, vaping, and weapons.

“Reported to Law Enforcement,” means that an official action was taken by a School Resource Officer (SRO) or a local law enforcement officer such as: a case number was assigned, a report was filed, an affidavit was filed, a civil citation was issued, an investigation was conducted and found to be an incident reportable to SESIR, or an arrest was made.

OCPS is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment. OCPS believes that all students should have access to technology (e.g. software, Internet, and network access) when they act in a responsible, efficient, courteous, and legal manner. This document contains the Student Technology Acceptable and Responsible Use Agreement for student use of the internet.

Educational Purpose

Technology access has been established for educational purposes and will be consistent with the district’s curriculum and the Florida Standards. The term “educational purpose” includes age-appropriate academic activities that directly improve upon 21st century skills such as creativity, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration.

Students are expected to follow the rules set forth in the Code and the law in the use of the Internet and network resources.

Students may not use the Internet for commercial purposes. This means they may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the Internet at any school using district resources.

Student Internet Access

All students will have district-supervised access to the Internet through the classroom, media center, or computer lab. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), all OCPS web access is filtered. However, this does not preclude the possibility that inappropriate sites are not blocked.

Students will use OCPS Internet access for educational purposes only and will not access profane or obscene material, advocate illegal acts, or advocate violence or discrimination towards other people.  OCPS-issued student accounts are subject to OCPS monitoring.

Responsible Uses

In order to ensure a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all, students are expected to demonstrate responsible technology uses. Students will keep information, such as his/her password, address, phone number, birthday, and other identifiable information private. Sharing personally identifiable information that might compromise a student's OCPS-issued account, even your own, is strictly prohibited.  Students are strongly encouraged to report anyone who tries to use technology to hurt or harass other students or staff or anyone who makes him/her feel uncomfortable.

Students will not login to any account other than their own or use OCPS technology to engage in any illegal acts, such as drug sales, purchasing alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of another person, cyber-stalking, or cyberbullying.  Any attempts to circumvent OCPS ITS security and network protocols and systems is prohibited.  This includes the use of unauthorized executable files.  Violations will be subject to the OCPS Code of Student Conduct.

Inappropriate Language

Students will treat others with respect by using appropriate language and offer constructive criticism if appropriate. Students will not use inappropriate language, harass others, knowingly or recklessly communicate false or defamatory information about a person or organization, share privately sent messages without permission of the person who sent it, share private information about another person, or participate in sexting.

System Security

All students will allow any teacher, administrator, or OCPS ITS staff to review their work and activities created on a school device or OCPS network at any time. Students are required to ask for permission before connecting their personal device to the OCPS network and will make sure any devices used on the OCPS network are approved by the district.  OCPS ITS and school personnel do not require student permission to access district owned accounts or devices.

Students will not use technology to gain access to student grades or private student records, download unauthorized software, apps, extensions, or plug-ins on a school device, intentionally spread computer viruses, or bypass, destruct, disrupt, modify, or abuse OCPS network access. Violations of the policy will result in disciplinary action pursuant to this Code.