Student Conduct Code

Durango School District 9-R recognizes that positive student behavior is a major factor in creating a safe and productive learning environment for all students. The Student Code of Conduct is designed to promote a safe and orderly educational setting through high standards of behavior that is conducive to academic achievement. The Code of Conduct is aligned with Section J of our District Policies. The entire Students-Section J District Policies can be located within the District Policy Manual located on BoardDocs.com.

It is the district’s intention that students develop individual knowledge, skills, and competence. It is equally important that those students learn how to be responsible and contributing members of society. Effective student discipline is a prerequisite for sound educational practice and productive learning. The objectives of disciplining any student also includes helping the student to develop a positive attitude toward self-discipline and behavior. The Colorado State Legislature general assembly further finds that school districts should use multi-tiered discipline approaches and work with students, families, and community agencies to develop alternatives that support student success. (C.R.S. 22-33-201)

Durango School District Student Conduct Code (PDF)

Student Conduct Code

Durango School District Student Conduct Code (Accessible text version)

The Durango School District 9‑R recognizes that positive student behavior is a major factor in creating a safe and productive learning environment for all students. The Student Code of Conduct promotes orderly behavior conducive to academic achievement and is aligned with Section J of the District Policy Manual, available on the district website.

Objectives of the Student Code of Conduct:

Develop knowledge, skills, and competencies.
Encourage responsible and productive behavior.
Maintain a safe, orderly environment for learning.

Student conduct

1. General Rules

All students must:
- Follow accepted rules of conduct.
- Obey and respect authorities.
The Student Conduct Code applies:
- To every student, every year.
All employees:
- Supervise behavior and enforce rules.
Principals:
- May develop remedial discipline plans.
Final Authority:
- The Superintendent, subject to the Board of Education, has final authority.

2. Use of Physical Intervention and Restraint

District staff may:

Use physical intervention to:
- Quell disturbances.
- Disarm weapons.
- Defend themselves.
- Protect students from injury.
Use restraint:
- Only if defined by state law.
- Only administered by trained staff.
Prohibited:
- Mechanical or chemical restraint.

3. Suspension and Expulsion

Suspensions:
- Up to 5 school days for certain offenses.
- Up to 10 school days for other offenses.
Expulsion:
- Final decision rests with the Superintendent and Board.
Due Process:
- No expulsion or suspension occurs without due process.

4. Code of Conduct (Examples of Prohibited Behavior)

Students may be suspended or expelled for:

Damaging or stealing property.
Robbery, assault, extortion, or blackmail.
Verbal abuse, slurs, threats.
Hazing.
Bullying or discrimination.
Violation of policies related to weapons, alcohol, drugs, sexual harassment, and dress code.
Making false statements.
Scholastic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism).
Disruption of the educational environment.
Willful disobedience.

5. Suspension and Expulsion Procedures

5.1 Suspension for 10 Days or Fewer

Notice of charges.
Opportunity to respond.
Informal hearings.
Parental notification.
Readmission meetings.
Make‑up work will be allowed.

5.2 Expulsion or Denial of Admission

Requires a formal notice and hearing.
Student may be represented by an attorney.
Final decision rests with the Superintendent and Board.
Parental responsibility applies.
Readmission meetings required.

6. Expulsion for Sexual Offenses or Crimes of Violence

Student information shared with authorities.
Expulsion or suspension may occur based on court proceedings.
District provides an alternative educational program.

7. Education for Expelled Students

Expelled students must be offered:
- Alternative programs.
- Services upon request.

8. Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities:
- Receive disciplinary measures aligned with their IEP.
- Will be granted hearings and meetings before expulsion.
- Will continue receiving educational services.
Specific conditions apply for serious offenses:
- Weapons, drugs, serious bodily injury.
Manifestation hearings:
- Will determine if behavior was related to disability.
Alternative settings:
- Will be offered if necessary.

9. Expulsion Prevention

Early identification of at‑risk students.
Parental involvement.
Services and supports offered.

10. Detention and Removal from Class

Regulations:
- Must consider parent/student needs.
Informal vs. Formal Removal:
- Formal removals must be documented.
Alternative settings available for students with disabilities.

11. Violent and Aggressive Behavior

Will result in suspension or expulsion.
Will be reported to authorities when required.
Includes:
- Possession of weapons.
- Physical assault.
- Verbal abuse and threats.
- Bullying, intimidation, extortion.
- Gang activity.
- Discriminatory slurs.

12. Habitual Disruption

Students causing disruption three times within a school year:
- Will be designated as “Habitually Disruptive” and may be suspended or expelled.

13. Secret Societies and Gangs

Strictly prohibited:
- Gang symbols, attire, and behavior.

14. Weapons Policy

Strict prohibition:
- Possession or use of weapons.
- Expulsion required for violations related to firearms.
Exceptions:
- Certain authorized activities.
Weapons defined:
- Firearms, knives longer than three inches, and other objects intended for harm.

15. Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Policy

Strictly prohibited.
Educational interventions available.
Disciplinary measures:
- Suspension, expulsion, or referral to drug counseling.
Possession:
- Will be met with immediate discipline and parental notification.

16. Dress Code

Objective:
- Maintain focus, reduce discipline problems.
Unacceptable Items:
- Short or revealing clothing.
- Profane or offensive messages.
Exceptions:
- School‑approved attire.

17. Student Conduct on School Vehicles

Behavior must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.
Misconduct may result in:
- Suspension of bus privileges.
- Disciplinary action.

18. Admission and Denial of Admission

Grounds for expulsion or denial:

Inability to benefit from program due to disability.
Expulsion within the past 12 months.
Failing to comply with immunization or other legal requirements.

19. Student Interrogation, Searches, and Arrest

School Property:
- Subject to inspection at any time.
Student and Personal Searches:
- Must be conducted respectfully and privately.
Parental Notification:
- Will occur when searches are conducted.
Refusal to allow searches:
- Will result in loss of privileges.

20. Disciplinary Information

Must be communicated to teachers and counselors.
Challenged by students and parent/guardians.
Will be kept in the student’s record.

21. Activity and Interscholastic Participation

Participation is a privilege, NOT a right.
All students must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and the Athletic/Activities Code.
Final decisions rest with the school and its staff.

22. Student Withdrawal from School

The Board encourages students to complete their high school education.
Principals and staff:
- Will work with students and families to prevent dropouts.
District:
- Will notify parents when a student has withdrawn from school.