Code of Conduct 

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:
 

1. Promote a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

2. Promote responsible behavior and citizenship among all members of the school community.
3. Promote and uphold academic integrity by ensuring that students understand and adhere to ethical standards in their scholarly pursuits.
4. Promote responsible and respectful use of digital resources and technology.

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II. DEFINITIONS

Within the context of this policy, the following definitions apply:
 

1. Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, copying, curating information from digital sources and not respecting copyright and intellectual property rights, forging the signature of teacher and/or parent/legal guardian, plagiarizing, altering records, or assisting another in such actions.
2. Academic Integrity: The commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage in an academic community.
3. Integrity: Being honest and truthful in one’s actions, decisions, and conduct.

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III. POLICY STATEMENT/PROCEDURES

A. Code of Conduct: Respect and Responsibility and Integrity

The Board of Education commits to the following principles in fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and integrity for all members of the Washington County Public Schools (“WCPS”) community:
 

1. Respect for others: The Board of Education will value and celebrate each member of its school community. Teachers and staff will model respectful and supportive relationships while students engage in responsible and respective behavior.
2. Safe Learning Environment: Every student has the right to learn in an environment free from threats, intimidation, and harm. The Board of Education will take measures to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all students and staff.
3. Positive Behavior and Citizenship: The Board of Education will promote responsible behavior, ethical decision-making, and good citizenship among students. Teachers and staff will model these behaviors and provide guidance to students.
4. Education and Awareness: The Board of Education will provide education and awareness programs to foster respect, empathy, integrity, and understanding among students and staff. This will include promoting inclusion, anti-bullying initiatives, and supporting the well-being of students.
5. Conflict Resolution: The Board of Education will provide conflict resolution and mediation mechanisms to address issues among members of the school community. Restorative practices may be implemented to repair harm and rebuild relationships.
6. Reporting and Response: Established WCPS procedures will be followed for reporting incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, academic dishonesty, and/or other violations of this policy. All allegations will be taken seriously, investigated, and verified incidents will be subject to disciplinary action.

B. Code of Conduct: Academic Responsibility

The Board of Education commits to the following principles in promoting academic integrity and digital responsibility:
 

1. Obligation to Act with Integrity: It is expected that students will act with integrity in scholarship and academic work. Expression of original, well-formulated ideas is a fundamental skill for academic and career success.
2. Academic Honesty: Students are expected to complete their academic assignments and assessments honestly and independently, citing sources and ideas that are not their own.
3. Education and Awareness: WCPS will provide education and awareness programs to teach students about academic integrity and digital responsibility. These programs will emphasize the importance of original thought and ethical digital behavior.
4. Responsible Digital Citizenship: Students are expected to maintain a healthy balance between virtual and physical activities while using technology in a responsible, ethical, and respectful manner. This includes evaluating the validity of digital media and curating information from digital sources while respecting copyright and intellectual property rights. Students create safe online spaces as thoughtful, empathetic citizens. (ISTE, 2023)
5. Reporting and Response: Established WCPS procedures will be followed for reporting incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, academic dishonesty, and/or other violations of this policy. All allegations will be taken seriously, investigated, and verified incidents will be subject to disciplinary action.

C. The Superintendent is authorized to promulgate an administrative regulation to implement this policy.