SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR
The James Madison High School Community believes that socially responsible behavior (SRB) is crucial to improving and maintaining a climate of respect.  The Madison High School experience will enhance educational opportunities, prepare students for the workplace and the university and allow all individuals to feel comfortable and secure.  Staff, parents and students have developed guidelines for socially responsible behavior during the school day and at all school-sponsored events.  Socially responsible behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

Dress:  School clothing should be neat, clean and appropriate for school activities and follow the standards of common decency.  Clothing that violates this standard includes:

1. Clothing that reveals or doesn’t properly cover undergarments (bra straps, mesh, see-through), sleeveless, strapless, one strap, halter or tank-type undershirts.
2. Clothing that does not cover the midriff, shoulders, back area or skirts/shorts/slacks/jeans that expose the buttocks.
3. Clothing and accessories (including backpacks, binders/folders, photos, etc.) that intend to promote or portray:Drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco, Sex, or Gangs (numbered hats, shirts, etc.)
4. Head covers that are not uniforms approved by the school, (e.g., ROTC OR official Madison hats - bill forward or Madison beanies).
5. Bandanas (carried or worn ) “Do” wrap/rag, or sweatshirt hoods
6. Wallet chains (of any length),  belts, wrist bands, or clothing that has pointed metal spikes

Language:  Appropriate language enhances mutual respect and raises the level of comfort necessary for students and staff to perform at their best.  The following misuse of written, spoken or gestured communication in any language is unacceptable:

1. Obscene or profane
2. Derogatory or intended to be racial, ethnic, religious, gender or sexual
3. Hurtful or harassing in nature

Destruction of School Property:  A clean, healthy, and attractive campus is a shared responsibility.  In order to provide a safe and attractive environment, the following are unacceptable:  

1. Litter – careless or intentional (e.g., paper, cans, gum, etc.)
2. Vandalism – defacing of or damage to school or private property, including: Tagging, Graffiti, Tree, shrub, or property damage
3. Spitting

Restitution to the school/district will be required.  These actions may result in suspension/ expulsion and/ or denial of attendance at school activities/ ceremonies (e.g., dances, games, senior activities, commencement, etc.).

TRASH IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM ON CAMPUS.  YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO KEEP OUR CAMPUS CLEAN.


Off Limits Area:  During school, students have access to almost any area on campus.  The yellow line marks areas considered “off limits.”  The areas considered “off limits” include:

1. Parking lots
2. Athletic fields (lunch and breaks)
3. Tennis and racquetball courts (lunch and breaks)
4. Bungalow area (lunch and breaks)
5. Public phones are off limits during class time, even with a pass from the teacher.  In case of emergency, check with your teacher or the attendance office.
6. Soft drink machines are not to be used during passing time or during class.  They may be used before and after school and during breaks and lunch only.
7. Students may not climb fences at any time.

Period Truancy:  Any student who is absent from a scheduled class without a valid excuse or absent for more than any 30 minute period during the school day without a valid excuse is considered truant.


Truant:  Any student who is absent from school without a valid excuse.  California Education Code obligates parents or guardians to compel the attendance of pupils at school.  Parents or guardians who fail to meet this obligation may be subject to legal action pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter II of Part 27 of the Education Code.  The law applies to all students until they attain the age of 18.  At that time the student becomes a guest at school and may be dismissed for poor attendance and/or inappropriate behavior.  
Other examples of truancy may include but are not limited to: oversleeping, inability to find parking place, leaving campus without a pass, missing class.  San Diego Unified School District does NOT endorse any “Senior Ditch Day.”


Defiance of Authority:  All school staff members are in a position of authority on campus and at any school related activity.  Direct challenges or verbal abuse toward a staff member will result in disciplinary action.  If the challenge or verbal abuse is considered a threat to a staff member, disciplinary action could result in arrest and possible expulsion from the San Diego Unified School District.

NOTE:  By law, students are required to do what is reasonably asked of them as long as the request does not cause physical or mental danger to them.  If a student feels he/she is not being treated fairly, the student should refrain from arguing with the adult and take the appeal to the counselor and/or vice principal.


Public Display of Affection:  Physical intimacy is to be valued, but should be shared discreetly and not showcased. Acceptable behavior includes that which establishes a friendly atmosphere without causing others to feel embarrassment or discomfort.  Behavior that violates this standard:

1. Prolonged or heavy kissing
2. Fondling/inappropriate sexual contact
3. Excessive body contact

Disorderly Conduct/Disturbing the Peace:  Inciting or instigating a fight or any other disturbance on campus will result in disciplinary action, and one may also be arrested for a violation of penal code section 415.

Inappropriate Student Publications: Students of the public schools shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press including specific bulletin boards, distribution of printed materials or petitions, wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia and the right of expression in official publications, except that expression which is obscene, libelous, or slanderous.  Also prohibited shall be material which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations.

Bus Conduct:  The bus driver is in charge at all times.  Follow the bus driver’s instructions.  Failure to follow instructions will result in disciplinary action.


Forgery:  Falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document.


Gambling:  Playing a game for property, wager or money or to stake something on contingency.  Use of cards or dice at school is prohibited.


Theft:  Taking or being in possession of property that does not belong to you.
Possession of Lighter/Matches:  Being in possession of any lighter, matches or flammables.


Smoking/Possession of Tobacco Products:  To provide a tobacco-free environment for both employees and students, there shall be no smoking or tobacco product use allowed in District buildings, grounds or vehicles.

1. State law 58.04 SDMC prohibits the smoking, possession or use of tobacco, or any product containing tobacco, by students while on campus or while attending school-sponsored activities.
2. NO SMOKING includes before and after school and is prohibited in the parking lot, in or out of cars, outside school entrances, and areas adjacent to and around school property.  
3. Chewing tobacco is not permitted on campus.
4. Tobacco use cannot take place within 1,000 feet of school, or to and from school or at any school activity.

Skateboards:  Skateboards are not to be ridden on campus.  (84.12 (e) S.D.M.C.)  They must be carried and stored at the west end of the 100 building.


Destruction of Property/Vandalism:  Theft and property destruction may result in police action and possible prosecution.  Restitution may be required and disciplinary action will be taken.  The parent or guardian is legally responsible to pay for any losses due to proven loss or damage to public property caused by the student.


Hazing:  Hazing in any form, including initiation which is degrading, is strictly forbidden by California State Law.  No student shall conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or other person.  Persons violating this policy shall be subject to District discipline, misdemeanor penalties and forfeiture of entitlements.


Fighting and Mutual Combat:  Actual or attempted injury to another person that occurs during a hostile encounter. Disturbing the Peace--School Grounds: fight or challenges to fight in a public place; Noise: maliciously and willfully disturbing another person by loud or unreasonable noise; Offensive Words: use words likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction in a public place. (415.5 P.C.)  Mutual combat: is when parties are willing participants verbally or physically.  For school purposes, “self-defense” is not “fighting back.” Self-defense: is the prevention of harm by blocking, holding or at best, the moving away from a fighter.  An “eye-for-an-eye” is considered fighting, not self-defense.


Harassment:  Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior from other students or staff members that interferes with another individual’s life.  When it is sexual in nature, it is “sexual harassment.”  When it is racial in nature, it is a “hate-motivated behavior” or may be a “hate crime.”


Computer Hacking/Viruses/Inappropriate Use:    Students must comply with “Internet Usage Policy” distributed and signed each year by students and parents.  Computers may not be used until policy is signed.
Hate Behavior:  Negative behaviors that target members of a particular gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or the mentally or physically challenged will not be tolerated.  Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

1. Name calling, racial slurs or bigoted epithets.
2. The presence of symbols or words considered offensive to persons of a specific gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or the mentally or physically challenged, such as graffiti, slurs or swastikas.
3. Activities historically associated with threats to persons of a specific gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or the mentally or physically challenged (e.g., burning crosses, wearing swastikas or white sheets, flying confederate flags, hanging effigies, defacing pink triangles, etc.).
4. The posting or circulation of demeaning jokes or caricatures based on negative stereotypes of a specific gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or mental or physical challenges.
5. The defacing, removal, or destruction of posted materials, meeting places, memorials, etc., associated with specific gender, race, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation or mental or physical challenges.
6. Victim belief that the incident was motivated by bias against him/her as a member of a specific gender, racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation or mentally or physically challenged group.  
7. Perpetrator explanation/defense of incident involving exalting own gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, mental or physical status and/or includes statements demeaning victim group.
8. The presence of literature and/or posters or references to an organized hate group.

Drugs/Alcohol/Steroids:   Possessing, using, having consumed or being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, dangerous drugs, steroids or other controlled substances or intoxicants of any kind.


Electronic Paging Devices/Cellular Telephones:  State Assembly Bill 2800 prohibits the possession and/or use of electronic paging devices or cellular phones by students on school grounds, at all school activities and at school-sponsored functions.  In addition, Walkmans, other personal music devices and video cameras are not allowed on campus.


Injurious Objects/Explosives:

1. Any student proven to be in possession of firecrackers or any other explosive device will be subject to suspension with consideration of expulsion.
2. Any student found guilty of setting off an explosive device will result in being suspended pending recommendation of expulsion.
3. Any weapon or simulated weapon brought on campus will be confiscated.  The result could be possible arrest, prosecution and expulsion.  Some examples are paint guns, pellet guns, B-B guns, nunchakus, etc.

A weapon, dangerous instrument, or replica weapon is any object, which a reasonable person could perceive to be a weapon.  Examples include, but are not limited to:  gun, rifle, pistol, revolver, “zip gun,” “stun gun,” taser, dirk, dagger, ice pick, knife, razor, pipe bomb, time bomb, cap gun, containers of flammable fluids, B-B gun, pellet gun, spot marker gun, billy club, blackjack, slingshot, nanchakus, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, or any metal plate with radiating points with one or more sharp edges, model gun, model rifle, model pistol, model semi-automatic weapon, toy gun, toy rifle, toy semi-automatic weapon and squirt gun.

A student discovering inadvertent possession of a dangerous object should immediately self-report such possession to a staff member in order for optional consequences to be considered.

Files:

Student Management Plan- Quick Reference Guide