Student Conduct Violations
The conduct described violates Highline Public Schools’ expectation of student behavior while at school, on a school bus, on a field trip, or at any school-related activity. Students may be disciplined for engaging in this conduct, up to and including suspension and expulsion.Students may also be disciplined, including suspension or expulsion, for engaging in prohibited conduct online, while using social media, or while away from school if the conduct disrupts the learning atmosphere, educational programs, or school activities, or infringes on the rights of others.
- Academic Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
- Alcohol & Drugs
- Arson/Reckless Burning
- Assault/Threat of
- Cyberbullying
- Defacing or Destroying Property
- Discrimination Harassment
- Disruptive Behavior
Academic Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
Using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author, artist, or creator, without authorization, and representing that author's work as one's own, by not crediting the original author; copying another student’s assignments or tests; lying about your own academic work to a teacher, administrator, or other school official.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
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Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
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Expulsion |
Alcohol & Drugs
Use or Possession – Students may not be under the influence of or possess drugs, alcohol, other illegal substances, or paraphernalia on school property, on school transportation, or on school trips. Students may be required to have a drug/alcohol assessment and follow treatment recommendations.
Sale or Distribution – Sale and/or distribution or possession with intent to sell/distribute illegal chemical substances, including alcoholic beverages, drug paraphernalia, medications/stimulants/depressants, or mood-altering compounds. Students may be required to have a drug/alcohol assessment and follow treatment recommendations.
"Other drugs” includes e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and all other items generally considered to be drugs, either legal or illegal, unless the student has an approved medications at school form on file.
Students are not permitted to use or possess electronic cigarettes or personal vaporizers on school property, on school transportation, or on school trips.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion |
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | |||
In-School Suspension | |||
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X | X |
Arson/Reckless Burning
Intentionally or recklessly setting fire to a building or property.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X | X |
Assault/Threat of
The use of excessive physical force or threatening the use of physical force against a specific person or group of people, including use of a weapon or other instrument for the purpose of inflicting injury.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X |
Cyberbullying
Any action taken in violation of the district’s Acceptable Use Policy or any other district policy prohibiting harassing, intimidating, or bullying behaviors, including, but not limited to:
- Using technology such as computers, cellular phones, handheld devices, smartphones, etc. owned by the district or used on the district’s grounds, or at a district-sponsored event to harass, bully, or intimidate any student, staff member, or district volunteer.
- Communicating downloaded vulgar or obscene materials to others.
- Using artificial intelligence tools to create, alter, or manipulate images or text.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion |
Defacing or Destroying Property
Intentional damage to school district property or to property of others, including, but not limited to, school district employees, visitors, or students. Deliberate abuse and/or misuse of school equipment, supplies, or facilities, including failure to follow safety rules established for laboratory instructional areas.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Discrimination Harassment
Harassment may be discrimination when it is:
- Based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal;
- Sufficiently serious to create a hostile environment; and
- Encouraged, tolerated, ignored, or not adequately addressed by school employees.
Harassing conduct may include verbal acts and name-calling, graphic and written statements, including those created, altered, or manipulated by artificial intelligence tools, or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful or humiliating. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
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Expulsion |
Disruptive Behavior
Conduct, including online behavior or conduct involving artificial intelligence tools, that materially and substantially interferes with the educational process. Based on the standard set in Tinker v. Des Moines, a “material and substantial disruption” of the school day is more than a minor disruption and must have an impact on more than just the student involved. If an Administrator believes that a material and substantial disruption may occur because of an incident that belief must be based on past experience, not simply a worry that a disruption may occur.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
- Explosives
- Extortion/Blackmail
- False Alarm
- Falsification/Forgery of Documents
- Fighting
- Gang-Related Behavior
- Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying
- Inappropriate Contact
- Inappropriate Language
- Inciting Aggression
- Interference with Authority
- Lewd Behavior
- Misuse of Technology
Explosives
Possession or use of explosive substances that could cause injury or damage are prohibited on school property unless written authorization from the district is received in advance and the explosive is part of an instructional lesson.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X | X |
Extortion/Blackmail
The wrongful taking of a person’s money or property with his/her consent but by the use of threat or violence.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X | X |
False Alarm
Setting off an alarm with a reckless or willful disregard to the fact that the alarm is not necessary.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
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Expulsion |
Falsification/Forgery of Documents
The forging of parental or guardian signatures on any letter to the school or on any school document. (When informed by the home, the school will accept the signature of an 18-year-old student to certify his own document.)
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
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Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Fighting
Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to another person.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion |
Gang-Related Behavior
It is the policy of Highline Public Schools that students who participate in gang-related behavior or activities will be subject to intervention and may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behavior, or manner of grooming displayed, reflected, or participated in by students shall not:
- Lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior, apparel, activities, acts, or other attributes are gang related and would disrupt or interfere with the school environment or activity and/or educational objectives;
- Present a physical safety hazard to self, students, and/or employees;
- Create an atmosphere in which a student, staff member, or other person’s well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture, or threat of violence; or
- Imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, tattoos, drawing, painting design/ emblem upon any school or personal property or one’s person.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X | X |
Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying
Highline Public Schools is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons, free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or bullying. “Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image - including those that are electronically transmitted and including those created, altered or manipulated by artificial intelligence tools - verbal, or physical act, including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act: Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational or working environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Harassment refers to any malicious act, which causes harm to any student’s physical or psychological well-being.
Intimidation refers to implied or overt threats of physical violence or psychological harm towards a student.
Bullying refers to unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by a student or group of students toward another student and that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Inappropriate Contact
Students playing or roughhousing and accidentally touching, pushing, shoving, or kicking another student in a non-sexual manner.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Inappropriate Language
Using profane, foul, violent, or hateful language.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Inciting Aggression
Causing others to fight or behave aggressively; “egging on” students who are fighting or acting aggressively. Includes failure to disperse from a fight or failing to report a fight.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Interference with Authority
Interfering with school personnel by force or violence, or threat of force or violence. Physically preventing a school authority from completing their responsibilities.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Lewd Behavior
Indecent liberties or obscene acts or expressions of or involving sexual activities. This may also include the possession or display of sexual or obscene images or texts while on school grounds, including images or texts created, altered, or manipulated by artificial intelligence tools.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Misuse of Technology
Internet access abuse, unauthorized use, sharing passwords. Tampering with electronic hardware, data files, or software or unauthorized access to, or use of, such technology.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
- Negligent/Reckless Driving
- Obscene or Disruptive Material
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Refusal to Cooperate
- Sexual Harassment
- Theft
- Threat to a School (including bomb threats)
- Tobacco Products
- Toy Guns and Toy Weapons
- Truancy
- Unauthorized Gatherings
- Unsafe Activity
- Weapons
Negligent/Reckless Driving
Driving in an unsafe manner on or adjacent to school grounds.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Obscene or Disruptive Material
Publishing or distributing on school grounds libelous, profane, obscene, or disruptive materials, including materials created, altered, or manipulated by artificial intelligence tools. Intentionally accessing and/or downloading vulgar or obscene materials.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Possession of Stolen Property
Knowingly possessing the property of another without permission.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Refusal to Cooperate
Refusal to comply with basic instructions of school district personnel. To be used when a student has refused instructions multiple times or is exhibiting repeated/continued behavior.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is not casual conversations or compliments of a socially accepted nature. It refers to behavior that is unwelcome, offensive, interfering with effectiveness, or creating uneasiness in the educational and work environment. For the purpose of this definition, sexual harassment may include conduct or communication that involves students to adult, student to student, male to female, female to male, male to male, and female to female. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome and/or inappropriate sexual advances; and/or requests for sexual favors; and/or sexually motivated physical contact; and/or verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can occur through the use of images or texts created, altered, or manipulated by artificial intelligence tools.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Theft
Taking the property of another without permission.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Threat to a School (including bomb threats)
To be used when a student makes a school-wide threat, rather than threatening a specific person or group of people.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Tobacco Products
A student shall not carry or smoke any kind of pipe, cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, vaporizer, or any other smoking equipment or material, nor shall students be in possession of or use, chew or snuff tobacco products at school or school-sponsored events/activities, or while a passenger in district vehicles, or on school property.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | |||
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Toy Guns and Toy Weapons
Possessing a toy gun or other toy weapon not appearing to be a real gun or weapon; or appearing to be a real gun or weapon, but not used or displayed with malice.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Truancy
Failure to attend school, without an excused absence, for at least seven days in one month or 10 in a year. Students may be referred to Juvenile Court for truancy issues.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | |||
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Unauthorized Gatherings
The assembly or meeting of students on or adjacent to school property without permission of school authorities.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
|||
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Unsafe Activity
Activities that are likely to cause harm to self or others.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | X | X | X |
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
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Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
|||
Expulsion |
Weapons
The Board of Directors of Highline Public Schools No. 401 declares its intent not to tolerate possession of dangerous weapons by students on school district property or at school district-sponsored events. Student possession of a dangerous weapon on school district property or at school district-sponsored events creates a danger to students and staff and is disruptive to the operation of schools. It is not a violation of the behavior code if the student’s sole purpose of bringing or possessing the weapon or firearm at school is to report the item to a school authority.
- Any elementary or secondary school student who is determined to have carried a firearm onto, or to have possessed a firearm on, public elementary or secondary school premises, public school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public schools, shall be expelled from school for not less than one year The superintendent of the school district may modify the expulsion of a student on a case-by-case basis. (RCW 28A.600.420) A firearm, or gun, is defined as a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.
- Students who possess a dangerous weapon or who carry, exhibit, display, or draw any dangerous weapon, look-alike weapon, any toy that looks like a weapon, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm in a manner, which, under the circumstances, manifests an intent to intimidate another or warrants alarm for the safety of others shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion.
- Possession includes, but is not limited to, having dangerous weapons on school district property or at a school district-sponsored event located:
- In a space assigned to a student such as a locker or desk; or
- On the student’s person or property (on the student’s body, in his/her clothing, backpack, or automobile); or
- Under the student’s control or accessible or available, such as hidden by the student.
- A dangerous weapon includes, but is not limited to:
- A firearm; or
- A slung shot, sand club, dirk, chains, or metal knuckles; or
- Any knife or cutting or stabbing instrument that is carried, exhibited, displayed, or drawn in a manner and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or warrants alarm for the safety of other persons; or
- Any device commonly known as “nu-chu-ka sticks” consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic, or similar substance connected with wire, rope, or other means; or
- Any device, commonly known as “throwing stars,” which are multi-pointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact; or
- Explosives of any type; or
- Anything used as a weapon. Possessing and using with malice (in a threatening manner) objects that appear to be capable of causing bodily harm such that a person believes his or her safety is in danger, including toys that appear to be weapons regardless of size.
Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom Response | |||
School Response | X | X | X |
In-School Suspension | X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Short-term Suspension |
X | X | X |
Out-of-School Suspension Long-term Suspension |
X | X | |
Expulsion | X | X | X |
In This Section
Official Notices
Find Information On:
- Attendance Policy
- Photo Release
- Protecting your student's information
- Special Education