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Code of Conduct

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

The Emanuel County Board of Education has adopted a policy which requires all schools to adopt Codes of Conduct that requires students to conduct themselves in a manner that facilitates a learning environment for themselves and other students at all times.  These standards for behavior require students to respect each other and school district employees, to obey student behavior policies adopted by the Board, and to obey student behavior rules established at each school within the district. 

This school’s primary goal is to educate, not to punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole.  Accordingly, students will be governed by policies, regulations, and rules set forth in the handbook.  

The Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the following places:

  • At school or on school property at any time;
  • Off school grounds at any school-related activity, function or event and while traveling to and from such events;
  • On vehicles provided for student transportation by the school system.

 The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in conjunction with the staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. In cases of disruptive, disorderly, or dangerous conduct not covered in this Code, the principal may undertake corrective measures which he/she believes to be in the best interest of the student and the school, provided any such action does not violate school board policy or procedures.

The Superintendent fully supports the authority of principals and teachers in the school system to remove a student from the classroom pursuant to provisions of state law.

Each teacher shall comply with the provisions of O.C.G.A. 20-2-737 which requires the filing of a report by a teacher who has knowledge that a student has exhibited behavior that repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the student in his or her class or with the ability of such student’s classmates to learn, where such behavior is in violation of the student code of conduct. Such a report shall be filed with the principal or designee on the school day of the most recent occurrence of such behavior, shall not exceed one page, and shall describe the behavior. The principal or designee shall, within one school day after receiving such a report from a teacher, send to the student’s parents or guardian a copy of the report and information regarding how the student’s parents or guardians may contact the principal or designee. 

The principal or designee shall notify in writing the teacher and the student’s parents or guardian of the discipline or student support services which have occurred as a result of the teacher’s report within one school day from the imposition of discipline or the utilization of the support services. The principal or designee shall make a reasonable attempt to confirm that the student’s parents or guardian has received the written notification, including information as to how the parents or guardian may contact the principal or designee.

Also, students may be disciplined for conduct off campus that is felonious or which may pose a threat to the school’s learning environment or the safety of students and employees.  Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the Code of Conduct, to be supportive of it in their daily communications with their children and others in the community, to participate in school activities such as Boosters and to be actively involved in the behavior support process designed to promote positive choices and behavior.

 

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS

All schools in the Emanuel County School System will model and implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Students who exhibit positive behaviors of being responsible, being respectful, and being safe will be rewarded periodically for their successes. This includes pep rallies, assemblies, programs, parties and other recognitions.

 One of the most important lessons that a proper education should yield is discipline. At Swainsboro High School, we believe that it is the shared responsibility of the home and the school to accomplish this goal. It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. Discipline is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people. Good discipline is maintained by recognizing and praising good behavior and taking corrective action when necessary.

Swainsboro High School students are expected to put forth their best effort and to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote a safe, orderly learning environment at all times. Any behavior that causes the learning atmosphere to be disrupted or that infringes upon the rights of others in the school will not be tolerated and may subject the student to corrective measures. ALL actions requiring administrative disposition will be dealt with on an individual basis. Dispositions may be increased or decreased depending upon administrative discretion. Law Enforcement or other agencies may be called in at the discretion of the administration.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

(see ECS 2025-2026 Student Handbook)

Behavior Referrals

During the school day, the principal or designee will call the parent/student to discuss the purpose(s) and consequence(s) for the behavior referral.  Because all conferences with teachers and administrators are scheduled conferences, all parents are strongly encouraged to schedule a conference when the principal or designee calls.  Conferences can be scheduled in the morning from 7:30 a.m. until 7:50 a.m., or in the afternoon from 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. with an administrator or teacher. Conferences may also be scheduled during the teacher’s plan time. That information may be obtained from the front office.  The student will receive a copy of all behavior referrals and it is his/her responsibility to notify the parent if the administrator cannot reach the parent. Major infractions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and may forego the teacher behavior referral process. Students with discipline referrals may be kept from attending certain school-sponsored events such as pep rallies, assemblies, recognitions, etc. 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Students have a process by which they may disagree with a teacher without creating a more difficult situation.  The following steps must be used to seek a proper solution:

  1. The students will not challenge the authority or judgment of the teacher during the class period nor in the company of other students.
  2. The student will quietly accept the accusation, grade, assignment, or subject of disagreement.
  3. After class, the student may request an appointment with the teacher to discuss the matter.  The request may be made before or after school.
  4. During the appointed meeting, the opinion of the student may be described in a calm manner.  The student will listen carefully to the opinion of the teacher concerning the circumstance.  If after this meeting, the student is still in disagreement, he/she is encouraged to explain the conflict to a parent/guardian.  If the parent/guardian feels that the conflict is not resolved, an appointment should be arranged with the teacher.  If the conflict remains unsolved, a conference with the administration should be scheduled.

 

AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION (ASD)

ASD may be assigned by a teacher  as outlined in the code of conduct matrix.  ASD will be held Monday – Thursday in the assigning teacher’s classroom from 3:10 – 4:10. Failure to report to ASD will result in one day ISS.

NON-TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM - (see ECS 2025-2026 Student Handbook)

CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES - (see ECS 2025-2026 Student Handbook)

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, all Emanuel County students in grades K–12 will follow a new electronic device procedure requiring personal electronic devices to be off and stored throughout the school day (bell-to-bell). The new procedure prohibits the use of cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, and other personal electronic devices during the school day. Students may still use their devices on the bus before and after school, but all devices must be turned off and put away immediately upon arriving on campus. This decision reflects Emanuel County’s commitment to creating focused, connected, and emotionally healthy school environments. The district is implementing the change ahead of House Bill 340, a Georgia law that will mandate similar restrictions for grades K–8 starting in 2026. Families can still contact their child during the school day by calling the school’s front office. Our staff is always available to relay important or time-sensitive messages.

Cell phones & all other electronic devices should be turned off upon school arrival and students should store devices in their book bag upon arriving at school. Devices must be turned off at all times while in the school building.

   ** If a phone is seen during the school day, the school employee will invoke the Electronic Device Usage Policy.

1st Offense: The device will be confiscated and turned into the front office for the remainder of the school day.  Parents or guardians must pick up the phone from the front office.

2nd Offense:  The device will be confiscated and turned into the front office for the remainder of the school day.  Parents or guardians must pick up the phone from the front office.  1 day of ISS will be issued.

3rd Offense:  The device will be confiscated and turned into the front office for the remainder of the school day.  Parents or guardians must pick up the phone from the front office.  ISS as determined by administration.

Next Steps: The student will be placed on a behavior contract and will not be allowed to bring their device to school for the remainder of the school year (If during the last 9 week period - the consequence will be carried over to the following school year).

Internet Connection

Students must have an acceptable use policy signed and on file at SHS.  Students may connect to the internet using their internet provider.  

Articles of Value

Large sums of money or articles of great value should not be brought to school.  This is for the protection of the owners.  The school cannot be responsible for money or valuable items that are brought to school.  If a student has to bring club money or fund-raising to school, the student is to turn it in to the sponsor as soon as he/she arrives at school.  Students are reminded that it is not a good practice to keep valuables or money in lockers.

Theft

Theft is a crime of opportunity!  Students are directed not to leave their Smartphone or any other electronic device unattended.  Putting one of these items on a table, in a class, etc. and walking away invites theft.  Taking one of these items to the gym and placing it on the bleachers, in a book bag or in an unsecured locker invites theft.  SHS administrators receive reports daily of thefts due to the owner of these items leaving them unattended.  DO NOT LEAVE THESE ITEMS UNATTENDED! SHS staff routinely warns students they must keep an eye on their electronic devices. It takes less than a minute for a theft to occur.

SPECIAL DISCIPLINE CONDITIONS

Any student who accumulates more than ten (10) absences per semester, who is failing all classes, and who has to be disciplined for uncooperative or disruptive behavior after losing credit will be subject to withdrawal from school for the remainder of the term if said student is sixteen (16) years of age or older.