Inside:
Tips for
Study Skills
Success!
Sylvan Hills MS
Carver Cluster
Benjamin E. Mays HS
Mays Cluster
David T. Howard MS
Midtown Cluster
KIPP Woodson Park
Douglass Cluster
Bolton Academy
North Atlanta Cluster
Maynard H. Jackson HS
Jackson Cluster
Tuskegee Airmen Global
Academy
Washington Cluster
Continental Colony ES
Therrell Cluster
Emma Hutchinson ES
South Atlanta Cluster
2023/2024
A guide of policies, laws and regulations that explains the rights
and responsibilities for students.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
+ PLANNER
www.atlantapublicschools.us
N
W E
S
0 1 2 3 4 Miles
2023-2024
APS Cluster
Model & Map of
Schools
School Map Legend
Elementary
Middle
High
Charter
Partner
Non-traditional
Elementary School Zone
Signature Programs Legend
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Jackson, Mays, North Atlanta,
Therrell
STEM
Douglass, South Atlanta,
Washington, B.E.S.T.,
Coretta Scott King YWLA
College & Career
Prep
Carver, Midtown
1
Dear Students and Families of Atlanta Public Schools,
We are heading into the 2023-2024 school year with continued excitement, commitment,
and hope! Atlanta Public Schools (APS) continues to be a progress-focused district where
students love to learn, educators inspire, families engage, and the community trusts the
system.
Evidence of our efforts to reimagine high-quality, future-forward learning at APS is showing
in our student growth, our academic gains, our expended community and corporate
partnerships across Atlanta and the nation, and so much more.
We are proud that our mission is focused on equity and treating everyone in our community
justly and fairly. Equity stands at the core of the district’s 2020-2025 strategic plan and
guides all of our work as a school system.
Future-forward, evidence based educational practices and an equity lens are guiding the
way, and we know it will continue to take each of us — students, parents and guardians,
educators, support staff, administrators, and community stakeholders — to do all we can to
ensure the success of every student.
I believe strongly in the inner strength, power, and talent of our scholars. Our students
are resilient and inspiring. Together we will maximize our students’ talents and provide
opportunities so they may pursue whatever paths they choose.
Scholars, we are committed to your success, and you are the reason this work is so
important. We — that is, every APS employee, and I — are committed to providing you with
equitable opportunities to be the best you can be.
APS families, you play a critical role in supporting our efforts, and your engagement matters
to the district and to your child. As support, we have provided you with this 2023-2024
APS Student Handbook to serve as your comprehensive guide to student and parental
rights, responsibilities, and expectations for the upcoming school year. Be sure to read this
document carefully and sign the electronic acknowledgement located in the Innite Campus
Portal within ve days to acknowledge receipt of this handbook. Please
inform your school if a paper copy is needed.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership. Welcome back and have a great school year!
Yours in Service,
Dr. Lisa N. Herring,
Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools
A message from our
Superintendent
2
Dear Families & Friends,
We are excited to provide this resource to you as we embark on a new academic year.
The APS Team that compiled this year’s student handbook has included a wealth of information and
resources which we hope will assist you and support your active engagement and partnership. The
Student Code of Conduct has been updated to provide greater clarity and guidance for school leaders,
students, and stakeholders.
I want to acknowledge our 2022-2023 Discipline Committee for shaping our new Code of
Conduct.
Principals:
Donald Rucker, KIPP Vision
Dominique Merriweather, Sutton Middle School
Patricia Ford, South Atlanta High School
Zawadaszki Robinson, Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy
Assistant Principals:
Angel Hendricks, Centennial Academy
Ian Nugent, Atlanta Classical Academy
Melissa Davis, Midtown High School
Ramon Rivers, Mays High School
Sean Finnery, Wesley International Academy
Tenechia Owens, David T. Howard Middle School
School Leaders:
Andrea Stewart, Therrell High School
Christina Miller, Harper-Archer Elementary School
Dionne Foy, Washington High School
Doris Elliott, Jackson High School
Shaleece Long, Hutchinson Elementary School
Central Ofce Leaders:
Alpachino Hogue, Executive Director of Strategy & Engagement
Deidre Smith, Organizational Ombuds
Jennifer Owens, Data Strategist
Jennifer Williams, Coordinator of Comprehensive Student Support
Monica Warrior, Student Information Analyst
Ronald Applin, Chief of APS Police – non voting
Simonia Nzemeke, Ofce of Transportation Business Analyst
Ofce of Student Discipline - Non Voting Members:
Betty Fowler, Administrative Assistant – non voting
Camalyn Turner, Executive Director of Student Supports and Initiatives - non voting
Renee Seabrook, Behavior Coordinator – non voting
Tara Shelton, School Climate Coordinator – non voting
Tia D. Martin, School Climate Coordinator – non voting
Sincerely,
Camalyn S. Turner, Esq.
Executive Director of Student Supports and Initiatives
Atlanta Public Schools
A message from our
Executive Director of Student Supports and Initiatives
3
Student Handbook
APS Board of Education Website
www.atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard
The APS Online Board Policy Manual can be accessed via
www.atlantapublicschools.us/domain/27
4
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is committed to supporting parents and families of all language
backgrounds. Translation and interpretation services are provided at no cost to parents/guardians.
If you require assistance with this document in a language other than English, please contact
404-802-7580 or email [email protected].
Amharic: “ይህንን ሰነድ ለመረዳት ከእንግሊዘኛ ሌላ ቋንቋ ካስፈለጎት በስልክ ቁጥር 404-802-7580 ወይም በኢሜል
[email protected] ሊጠይቁ ይችላሉ።”
Arabic: هذا المستند بلغة غير الإنجليزية ، فيرجى الاتصال 404-802-7580 أو إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى
Bangla: আপনার যদি ইংররদি ছাড়া অনয ক ান ভাষায় এই ডকুরেরের দিষরয় সহায়তার প্ররয়ািন হয়,
কযাগারযাগ রুন।
Chinese: “如果您需要以英语之外的语言的对此文档的帮助，请致电404-802-7580，或电邮给
French: « Si vous avez besoin d’aide pour ce document dans une langue différente de l’anglais,
veuillez appeler le 404-802-7580 ou envoyer un courriel à APStranslations@atlantapublic-
schools.us . »
Hindi: अगर आपको आवश्यकता चाहिये कक यि दस्तावेज अंग्रेजी के अलावा अन्य भाषा में िो तो संपकक करें इस नबर पर
Japanese: 404-802-7580
Kirundi: “Niba ukeneye ubufasha kuri iyi nyandiko mu rundi rurimi atari Icongereza, hamagara
404- 802-7580 canke urungike ubutumwa kuri [email protected].”
Korean: " , : 404-802-7580 :
Portuguese: "Se você precisar de assistência com este documento em um idioma diferente do
Inglês, por favor, entre em contato com 404-802-7580 ou por e-mail APStranslations@atlantapub-
licschools.us."
Russian: «Если Вам требуется помощь с этим документом на языке отличном от
английского, пожалуйста, свяжитесь по телефону 404-802-7580 или по адресу электронной
почты [email protected].»
Spanish: “Si necesita ayuda con este documento en un idioma que no sea inglés, por favor llame
al 404- 802-7580 o envié un correo electrónico a [email protected].
Urdu: "اگر آپ کو اس دستاویز کے سلسلے میں انگلش کے عالوہ کسی اور زبان میں مدد درکار ہے، تو
براہ مہربانی 404-802-7580 پر رابطہ کریں یا [email protected] پر ای
Vietnamese: “Nếu quý vị cần được hỗ trợ tài liệu này bằng một ngôn ngữ khác tiếng Anh, xin vui
lòng liên lạc chúng tôi qua số điện thoại 404-802-7580 hoặc email APStranslations@atlantapublic-
schools.us.”
Wolof: ‘’So soxlaa ndimbal ci kayit wii ci beneen kàllaama budul angale, nu ngi lay n᷉aan nga
jokkoo ak 404-802-7580 wala bataaxalu internet bii : [email protected]
Translation and interpretation
5
FERPA Notice ................................................................. 8
PPRA .............................................................................. 8
Parents’Right to Know .................................................... 8
APS Nondiscrimination ................................................... 8
Title IX & Equal Education Opportunities ....................... 8
Transgender Students .................................................... 8
Numbers You Need to Know ..................................... 8 - 9
APS Frequently Called Phone Numbers ...................... 12
School Calendar 2023-2024 ................................... 13 -14
Attendance Information
Compulsory Attendance Law ........................................ 15
Absences and Excuses ................................................ 15
Tardies .......................................................................... 16
Early Check-Outs ......................................................... 16
Participation in Extracurricular Activities ....................... 16
Making Up Missed Assignments or Tests ..................... 16
Suspension and Testing ............................................... 16
Truancy ......................................................................... 16
Enrollment, Registration and Transfers
Verication of Residency .............................................. 17
Change of Address ....................................................... 17
School Choice/General Admin Transfers...................... 17
Custody ........................................................................ 17
Grade Placement.......................................................... 17
Withdrawal from School................................................ 17
No Shows/Withdrawal without Parent/Guardian........... 17
General Information
Compliance with GHSA Athletics .................................. 18
Gender Equity in Sports ............................................... 18
Student Accident Insurance .......................................... 18
Field Trips ..................................................................... 18
Clubs, Orgs, Extracurricular Activities .......................... 18
Cancellation of School .................................................. 18
Emergency Procedures ................................................ 18
Child Abuse .................................................................. 18
Driver’s License/Certicate of Attendance .................... 18
Driving and Parking on School Campus ....................... 18
GA Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors ........................ 18
Human Trafcking......................................................... 19
Lockers ......................................................................... 19
Lunch with Students ..................................................... 19
Illness ........................................................................... 19
Immunization Requirements .................................. 19 - 20
Parent-Teacher Conferences........................................ 20
Requesting Classroom Assignments ............................ 20
Use of District Technology ............................................ 20
Textbooks and Instructional Materials .......................... 20
Visitors/Unauthorized Persons ..................................... 20
Requirements for Graduation ................................ 20 - 21
Accelerated Career Diplomas....................................... 21
Graduation Ceremony .................................................. 21
Valedictorian/Salutatorian ............................................. 21
Parent and Student Resources
Campus Portal for Parents ........................................... 21
Family Engagement...................................................... 21
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) ................................ 21
School Governance (GO) Team ............................ 21 - 22
Homeless Children and Youth ...................................... 22
Home Schooling Attendance Reporting........................ 22
Hospital Homebound .................................................... 22
My Backpack ................................................................ 22
Health and Safety
Safety and Security ...................................................... 22
School Counselors ....................................................... 22
School Health Services ................................................ 22
Medicine ....................................................................... 23
School Social Workers ................................................. 23
Mental Health Support .................................................. 23
School Nutrition Information ......................................... 23
Child Find ..................................................................... 23
Section 504 Rights and Safeguards ............................. 23
Seclusion or Restraint of Students ............................... 24
Student Bullying Incident Reporting ............................. 24
Organizational Ombuds ................................................ 24
Table of Contents
6
Student Code of Conduct
Expectations and Responsibilities ................................ 25
Glossary of Terms ......................................................... 26
Scope
Location of Violations ................................................... 27
Investigation of Misconduct .......................................... 27
Searches ...................................................................... 27
Progressive Discipline .................................................. 28
Discipline Hearings ....................................................... 28
Student Discipline Hearings ......................................... 28
Student Offenses .......................................................... 29
Personal Communication/Electronic Devices ............... 29
Chronic Disciplinary-Problem Students ................. 29 - 30
Disciplined Students from the Classroom..................... 30
Teacher Reporting ........................................................ 30
Removing Disruptive Students from the Classroom ..... 30
Teacher Removal of Disruptive Student ....................... 30
Reporting to Law Enforcement ..................................... 30
Discipline of Students in Pre-K Through Third Grade .. 30
Board Policy JGBB: Restorative Practices ................... 31
School Bus Conduct ..................................................... 31
Progressive Discipline Interventions (Elementary) ....... 32
Progressive Discipline Plan (Elementary) .................... 33
Progressive Discipline Interventions (Secondary) ........ 53
Progressive Discipline Plan (Secondary) ..................... 54
Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement ............. 74
7
Academic Dishonesty ..................................................... 1
Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/Inhalants: Under Inuence ............ 2
Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/Inhalants: Possession/Use ........ 2.b
Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/Inhalants: Selling/Buying ........... 2.c
Alcohol/Drug Paraphernalia/Counterfeit Drugs ........... 2.d
Arson .............................................................................. 3
Assault ............................................................................ 4
Assault of School Employee ........................................ 4.b
Audio or Video Recording ............................................... 5
Battery ............................................................................ 6
Battery of School Employees ...................................... 6.b
Bomb Threats ................................................................. 7
Bullets/BB’s/Paintball Pellets .......................................... 8
Bullying ........................................................................... 9
Cyberullying ................................................................. 9.b
Burglary ........................................................................ 10
Bus Emergency Exits ....................................................11
Bus Unauthorized Area or Exit ...................................11.b
Bus Safety Hazard......................................................11.c
Bus Electronic Distractions/Cell Phone Use ...............11.d
Category I Weapons ..................................................... 12
Category II Weapons ................................................. 12.b
Category III Weapons ................................................ 12.c
Class Disruptions/Horseplay ........................................ 13
Consensual Bodily Harm .............................................. 14
False Call to Emergency Services................................ 15
False Report .............................................................. 15.b
Fighting ......................................................................... 16
Fighting, Group .......................................................... 16.b
Gambling ...................................................................... 17
Gang, Displaying Gang Afliation ................................. 18
Gang, Engaging in Gang Activity ............................... 18.b
Gang, Recruiting/Soliciting ........................................ 18.c
Incendiary Devices (Possession) ................................. 19
Incendiary Devices (Discharging) .............................. 19.b
Indecent Exposure of Self or Others ............................ 20
Insubordination ............................................................. 21
Leaving School Grounds .............................................. 22
Medication OTC (Over the Counter/Possession) ......... 23
Medication OTC (Over the Counter/Selling/Dist.)...... 23.b
Medication (Prescription/Possession) ....................... 23.c
Medication (Prescription/Selling/Distribution) ............ 23.d
Off Campus Offense ..................................................... 24
Offensive Language ..................................................... 25
Offensive Material ...................................................... 25.b
Parties to the Offense ................................................... 26
Physical Harm to Employee ......................................... 27
Piracy............................................................................ 28
Public Displays of Affection .......................................... 29
Robbery ........................................................................ 30
School Dress Code....................................................... 31
School-Wide Disruption ................................................ 32
Sexual Activity .............................................................. 33
Sexual Battery ........................................................... 33.b
Sexual Harassment ................................................... 33.c
Sexual Misconduct .................................................... 33.d
Sexual Molestation .................................................... 33.e
Skipping ........................................................................ 34
Selling/Distributing Unauthorized Item ......................... 35
Stalking ......................................................................... 36
Stimulants (Possession/Use)........................................ 37
Stimulants (Selling/Distribution)................................. 37.b
Tardy ............................................................................. 38
Teasing/Taunting........................................................... 39
Theft ............................................................................. 40
Threats/Damage Property ............................................ 41
Terroristic Threats ...................................................... 41.b
Tobacco ........................................................................ 42
Trespassing .................................................................. 43
Unauthorized Area ........................................................ 44
Unauthorized Entry .................................................... 44.b
Unauthorized Item ..................................................... 44.c
Unauthorized School Walkout ................................... 44.d
Unreasonable & Repeated Verbal/Physical Contact .... 45
Vandalism ..................................................................... 46
Technology/Computer Misuse ...................................... 47
Repeated Offenses ....................................................... 48
Student Code of Conduct
Student Offences Table of Contents (in alphabetical order)
8
APS Nondiscrimination
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) requires compliance with all discrimination
laws, including but not limited to: Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Equal Pay Act
of 1963, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Age Discrimination Act of 1975
(Age Act), Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA), Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2001, and the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education believes that all
students are entitled to equal educational opportunities regardless of
their race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age,
disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information,
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act Notice
(FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law
that affords parents/guardians the right to have access to their child’s
education records, the right to seek to have the records amended,
and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally
identiable information from the education records. When a student
turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the
rights under FERPA transfer from the parents/guardians to the student
(“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g
and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99. Please visit
this website for more information: FERPA.
FERPA https://studentprivacy.ed.gov
Each school is to keep any opt out provided in the student’s permanent
record folder and a copy should be forwarded by school mail to the
Accountability Department, Attn: Director of Research and Evaluation,
Atlanta Public Schools, Center for Learning and Leadership, 130 Trinity
Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
PPRA affords parents/guardians of elementary and secondary students
certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of
information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. Please
visit this website for more information.
PPRA https://studentprivacy.ed.gov
Parent’s Right to Know
In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act
statute, APS informs parents/guardians that you may request information
about the professional qualications of your student’s teacher(s). The
following information may be requested:
• whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards
Commission requirements for certication for the grade level and
subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
• whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other
provisional status through which Georgia qualications or
certication criteria have been waived;
• the college major and any graduate certication or degree held by
the teacher;
• whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if
so, their qualications.
If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s
qualications, please contact the principal.
Numbers You Need to Know
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOL SAFETY
HOTLINE – 877-SAY-STOP (1-877-729-7867)
Anonymous/Condential report of drugs, weapons, bullying, threats, or
other safety issues. Available 24/7.
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE – 888-373-7888 – OR
TEXT “BEFREE” (233733)
Toll free/condential. Assistance, safety planning, emotional support, and
connections to local resources for victims in crisis. Available 24/7.
GEORGIA HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE – 866-363-4842
Trained law enforcement agents, advocates, and rst responders are
available to provide support. Available 24/7.
GEORGIA CRISIS AND ACCESS HOTLINE – 800-715-4225
Toll free/Condential. Access to mental health and mobile crisis services
in Georgia. Available 24/7.
DIVISION OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES – 855-GACHILD
(1-855-422-4453)
Call DFCS Child Protective Services to report child abuse and/or neglect.
PARTNERSHIP AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – 404-873-1766
PADV offers a 24-hour crisis line that provides safety planning,
information and support to callers in immediate danger, and referrals to
community resources throughout the state of Georgia.
STATE OF GEORGIA COVID-19 HOTLINE – 844-442-2681
ancestry, or any legally protected status. No student shall be subjected
to discrimination or harassment. Atlanta Public Schools has established
both informal and formal procedures for resolving any complaints of
discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Allegations of discrimination
should be reported immediately to an administrator or counselor at the
school, center, or any school event. See Policy JAA.
Title IX & Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
In accordance with the provisions of Title IX of the Educational
Amendments of 1972, the Board of Education does not discriminate
against students on the basis of gender in the educational programs
and activities that it operates. No student shall, on the basis of gender,
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benets of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, or
other educational program or activity operated by this District. Board
policy prohibits acts of sexual harassment that may not rise to the level
of a violation of federal law.
For detailed information regarding Title IX reporting (including reports of
sexual harassment), formal complaint procedures, grievance process/
procedures, supportive measures, investigation, available relief, appeal
rights, or for any other information regarding Title IX, please visit
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix, or contact the Title IX
Coordinator, at 404-802-2203.
Transgender Students
The district values the uniqueness of every student; therefore, whenever
a student identies themselves as being transgender, if the family
desires to do so, the school will collaborate with the student and family to
develop a plan for the student.
Atlanta Public Schools
Phone Numbers and Addresses
Area Code 404 (unless noted)
Elementary
Schools
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Barack and Michelle Obama Academy 970 Martin St., SE 30315 802-4200
Beecher Hills 2257 Bollingbrook Dr., SW 30311 802-8300
Benteen 200 Cassanova St., SE 30315 802-7300
Bolton Academy 2268 Adams Dr., NW 30318 802-8350
Boyd 1891 Johnson Rd. NW 30318 802-8150
Brandon 2741 Howell Mill Rd., NW 30327 802-7250
Brandon Primary 2845 Margaret Mitchell Dr. 802-7280
Burgess-Peterson 480 Clifton St., SE 30316 802-3400
Cascade 2326 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 802-8100
Cleveland Avenue 2672 Old Hapeville Rd. 30315 802-8400
Continental Colony 3181 Hogan Rd., SW 30331 802-8000
Deerwood 3070 Fairburn Rd., 30331 802-3300
Dobbs 2025 Jonesboro Rd., SE 30315 802-8050
Dunbar 500 Whitehall Terr., SW 30312 802-7950
Fickett 3935 Rux Rd., SW 30331 802-7850
Finch 1114 Avon Ave., SW 30310 802-4000
Garden Hills 285 Sheridan Dr., NW 30305 802-7800
Harper Archer 3399 Collier Dr. NW 30331 802-8500
Heritage Academy 3500 Villa Cir., SE 30354 802-8650
Hollis Innovation Academy (K-8) 225 James P. Brawley Dr., NW 30314 802-8200
Hope Hill 112 Boulevard, NE 30312 802-7450
Humphries 3029 Humphries Dr., SE 30354 802-8750
Hutchinson 650 Cleveland Ave., SW 30315 802-7650
Jackson 1325 Mt. Paran Rd., NW 30327 802-8800
Jackson Primary 4191 Northside Dr., NW 30342 802-8810
Jones, M.A. 1040 Fair St., NW 30314 802-3900
Kimberly 3090 McMurray Dr., SW 30310 802-7600
Lin 586 Candler Park Dr., NE 30307 802-8850
Miles 4215 Bakers Ferry Rd., SW 30331 802-8900
Morningside (temporary location) 774 Virginia Ave., NE 30306 802-8950
9
Elementary
Schools
(cont.)
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Morningside K-Center 999 Briarcliff Rd., NE 30307 802-8700
Parkside 685 Mercer St., SE 30312 802-4100
Perkerson 2040 Brewer Blvd., SW 30315 802-3950
Peyton Forest 301 Peyton Rd., SW 30311 802-7100
Rivers 8 Peachtree Battle Ave., NW 30305 802-7050
Scott 1752 Hollywood Rd., NW 30318 802-7000
Smith Intermediate 4141 Wieuca Rd., NE 30342 802-3880
Smith Primary 370 Old Ivy Rd., NE 30342 802-3850
Springdale Park 1246 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE 30306 802-6050
Stanton, F.L. 1625 M. L. King, Jr. Dr., SW 30314 802-7500
Toomer 65 Rogers St., NE 30317 802-3450
Tuskegee Airmen Academy 1626 Westhaven Dr., SW 30311 802-8450
Usher 631 Harwell Rd., NW 30318 802-5700
West Manor 570 Lyndhurst Dr., SW 30311 802-3350
Whiteford Early Learning Academy 35 Whitefoord Ave., SE 30317 802-6900
Middle
Schools
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Russell (formerly Brown) 765 Peeples St., SW 30310 802-6800
Bunche 1925 Niskey Lake Rd., SW 30331 802-6700
Hollis Innovation Academy (6-8) 225 James P. Brawley Dr., NW 30314 802-8200
Howard (formerly Inman) 551 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., NE 30312 802-3200
John Lewis Invictus Academy 1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW 30318 802-6100
King 545 Hill St., SE 30312 802-5400
Long 3200 Latona Dr. SW 30315 802-4800
Sutton 2875 Northside Dr., NW 30305 802-5600
Sutton 6th Academy 4360 Powers Ferry Rd., NW 30327 802-5600
Sylvan Hills 1461 Sylvan Rd., SW 30310 802-6200
Young 3116 Benjamin E. Mays Dr. 30311 802-5900
High Schools
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Carver Early College 55 McDonough Blvd. 30315 802-4405
Douglass 225 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr., NW 30318 802-3100
Midtown (formerly Grady) 929 Charles Allen Dr., NE 30309 802-3001
Jackson 801 Glenwood Ave., SE 30316 802-5200
Mays 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Dr., SW 30331 802-5100
North Atlanta 4111 Northside Pkwy., NW 30327 802-4700
South Atlanta 800 Hutchins Rd., SE 30315 802-5025
Therrell 3099 Panther Trl., SW 30311 802-5300
Washington 45 Whitehouse Dr., NW 30314 802-4600
10
Charter
Schools
Non-Traditional
Programs
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Adult Education Center 1757 Mary Dell Dr., SE, 30316 802-3560
Atlanta College & Career Academy 1090 Windsor St., SW 30310 225-4079
Hank Aaron Academy (formerly Forrest Hill) 2930 Forrest Hill Dr., SW 30315 802-6950
Hillside Conant 690 Courtenay Dr., NE 30306 875-4551
North Metro 601 Beckwith St., SW 30314 802-6070
Phoenix Academy 256 Clifton St., SE 30317 802-2900
Single Gender
Schools
(6-12)
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Coretta Scott King Young (6-12) Women’s Leadership
Academy
1190 Northwest Dr., NW 30318
(Front Campus)
802-4900
B.E.S.T Academy (6-12) 1190 Northwest Dr., NW 30318
(Back Campus)
802-4950
SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Atlanta Classical Academy (K-12) 3260 Northside Dr. 30305 369-3500
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter Primary (K-5) 688 Grant St., SE 30315 624-6226
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter Middle (6-8) 820 Essie Ave., SE 30316 678-904-0051
Centennial Academy (K-8) 531 Luckie St., NW 30313 802-8550
Charles R. Drew Charter Elementary Academy (K-5) 301 Eva Davis Way, SE 30317 687-0001
Charles R. Drew Charter Jr./Sr. Academy (6-12) 300 Eva Davis Way, SE 30317 470-355-1200
The Kindezi School Westlake (K-8) 286 Wilson Mill Rd., SW 30331 802-8260
The Kindezi School Old Fourth Ward (OFW) (K-8) 386 Pine St., NE 30308 719-4005
KIPP Atlanta Collegiate (9-12) 98 Anderson Ave., NW 30314 574-5126
KIPP SOUL Primary (K-1) 1445 Maynard Rd., NW 30331
(3400 Maynard Ct., NE 30331)
924-6310
KIPP SOUL Academy (5-6) 1445 Maynard Rd., NW 30331 921-3914
KIPP STRIVE Academy (5-8) 1444 Lucille Ave., 30310 753-1530
KIPP STRIVE Primary (K-4) 1448 Lucille Ave., 30310 585-4192
KIPP Vision Academy (5-8) 660 McWilliams Rd., SE 30315 537-5252
KIPP Vision Primary (K-4) 660 McWilliams Rd., SE 30315 537-5252
KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars (Ways) Academy
(5-8)
350 Temple St., NW 30314 475-1941
KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars Primary (K-4) 350 Temple St., NW 30314 475-1941
Wesley International Academy (K-8) 211 Memorial Dr. 30312 678-904-9137
Westside Atlanta Charter (K-8) (temporary location) 2250 Perry Blvd., 30318 802-1350
11
Partner Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Kindezi Gideons (K-5) 897 Welch St., SW 30310 802-7700
Slater (K-5) 1320 Pryor Rd., SW 30315 802-4050
KIPP Woodson Park Academy (K-5) 20 Evelyn Way, NW 30318 802-7750
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Price (6-8) 1670 B.W. Bickers Dr., SE 30315 802-6300
HIGH SCHOOL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Carver STEAM (9-12) 55 McDonough Blvd. 30315 802-4400
APS Frequently Called Numbers
DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE
APS Operator 404-802-3500
APS Nutrition Department 404-802-2540
Adult Education (GED) 404-802-3560
Administrative Services 404-802-2768
Athletics Department 404-802-5575
Atlanta Virtual Academy 404-802-7400
Behavior & Psychological Services 404-802-1695
Board of Education 404-802-2255
Counseling (K-12) 404-802-2632
Curriculum & Instruction 404-802-2698
Department of Innovation (Charter &
Partner Schools)
404-802-2815
Diploma Recovery 404-802-2150
Family Engagement (Title I Schools) 404-802-2802
Federal Programs 404-802-2756
Gifted & Talented Program 404-802-7585
Health Services 404-802-2674
Homebound Services 404-802-2683
Homeless Education Services 404-802-2245
Homework Hotline 404-802-2345
Innite Campus Support 404-802-1000
Learning Disabilities & Special Education 404-802-1699
Multilingual Programs & Services 404-802-7580
Parents as Partners Academic Center 404-802-3673
DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE
Pre-Kindergarten Program 404-802-3640
Pre-Kindergarte (Special Education) 404-802-1690
Residency Fraud Hotline 404-802-3540
Response to Intervention/SST/504 404-802-2665
Security 404-802-2522
School Choice 404-802-2233
School Police 404-802-2000
Social Work Services 404-802-2247
Special Needs Transportation 404-802-5500
Speech Testing (K-12) 404-802-2609
Student Assignment 404-802-2233
Student Discipline 404-802-2239 or 2261
Student Records 404-802-2150
Student Services 404-802-1699
Student Transfers 404-802-2233
Superintendent’s Ofce 404-802-2820
Teaching & Learning 404-802-2698
Technology Support 404-802-1000
Title IX Coordinator 404-802-2211
Transportation 404-802-5500
Truancy Prevention & Intervention Services 404-802-3648
Zoning 404-802-2233
12
13
FIRST / LAST DAY
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY (STUDENTS DO NOT REPORT)
HOLIDAY
APS SCHOOL CALENDAR 2023 - 2024
TEACHER PREPLANNING DAYS 25-31 NEW YEAR’S DAY 1
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY 2
BEGIN SEMESTER 3
M.L. KING, JR. BIRTHDAY 15
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 20
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 1
BEGIN SEMESTER 1
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 23
PRESIDENTS’ DAY 19
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY 19
STUDENTS & TEACHERS WINTER BREAK 20-23
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 16
LABOR DAY 4
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 20
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY 18
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 21
METRO AREA SPRINT BREAK 1-5
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 17
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
END SEMESTER
MEMORIAL DAY
TEACHER POSTPLANNING DAY
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS
SEMESTER 2
SCHOOL YEAR
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY 9
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY 9-10
FALL BREAK STUDENTS & TEACHERS 11-13
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 17
THANKSGIVNG BREAK 20-24
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 17
24
24
27
28-29
20
92
180 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS
END SEMESTER 15
INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS 11
SEMESTER 1 88
CHRISTMAS 18-29
JULY 2023
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
15 17 18 19 20 21 22
23
30
24
31
25 26 27 28 29
AUGUST 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
SEPTEMBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
OCTOBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
DECEMBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24
25 26 27 28 29 30
NOVEMBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
JANUARY 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
FEBRUARY 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29
MARCH 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24
25 26 27 28 29 30
APRIL 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
MAY 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
JUNE 2024
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23
24 25 26 27 28 29
31
31
30
*Note: Depending on the number of
instructional days lost to inclement
weather, instructional time may be made
up by any combination of make-up days,
virtual leaning days, or extension of the
school day.
14
APS CHARTER & PARTNER STUDENT CALENDAR 2023 - 2024
TEACHER PRE-PLANNING DAYS
APS 25-31
ACA 31
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
DREW 24
KINDEZI 31
NEW YEAR’S DAY 1
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY 2
M.L. KING, JR. BIRTHDAY 15
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 1
ACA
ANCS
CENTINNIAL
PBSA
KIPP
WESLEY
WESTSIDE
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY
DREW, PBSA, WESLEY, WESTSIDE 19
KIPP 22-23
WINTER BREAK
APS, ANCS, WESLEY, WESTSIDE 20-33
ACA 19
CENTENNIAL, KINDEZI 19-23
KIPP 20-21
LABOR DAY 4
ACA
ANCS
CENTINNIAL
DREW
PBSA
KINDEZI
KIPP 1-4
WESLEY
WESTSIDE
SCHOOL CLOSED 18
ACA
KINDEZI
WESTSIDE
METRO AREA SPRINT BREAK 1-5
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
ACA, ANCS, CENTENNIAL, KIPP, PBSA
WESLEY, WESTSIDE
DREW
KINDEZI
MEMORIAL DAY
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY
APS, DREW, PBSA, WESLEY, WESTSIDE 9-10
ACA 6-9
KIPP 12-13
FALL BREAK
APS DREW, PBSA, WESLEY, WESTSIDE 11-13
ACA 6-9
ANCS, CENTENNIAL, KINDEZI 9-13
KIPP 9-11
THANKSGIVNG BREAK 20-24
24
24
23
22
27
END OF SEMESTER 15
APS
CHRISTMAS 18-29
JULY 2023
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
15 17 18 19 20 21 22
23
30
24
31
25 26 27 28 29
AUGUST 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
SEPTEMBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
OCTOBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
DECEMBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24
25 26 27 28 29 30
NOVEMBER 2023
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
JANUARY 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
FEBRUARY 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29
MARCH 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24
25 26 27 28 29 30
APRIL 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
MAY 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
JUNE 2024
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23
24 25 26 27 28 29
FIRST / LAST DAY
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY (STUDENTS DO NOT REPORT)
HOLIDAY
31
31
30
*Note: Depending on the number of
instructional days lost to inclement
weather, instructional time may be made
up by any combination of make-up days,
virtual leaning days, or extension of the
school day.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §20-02-0690.1, parents/guardians or other
persons having control or charge of students are liable for the students’
attendance in school. In view of the negative effects of excessive
tardiness and absenteeism on student performance, the Board expects
local schools to initiate programs to assist students in improving their
attendance and punctuality. A doctor’s note will also be accepted.
See Policy JB.
Compulsory Attendance Law
In accordance with the Ofcial Code of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1,
mandatory attendance in a public school, private school, or home
school program shall be required for children between their 6th and 16th
birthdays. Any parent/guardian or other person residing in this state who
has control or charge of a child or children and who violates this Code
section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof,
shall be subject to:
• Fine: not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00
• Imprisonment: not to exceed 30 days
• Community service
• Or any combination of such penalties at the discretion of the court
having jurisdiction
Absences and Excuses
In accordance with the provisions of state board rule 160-5-1-.10,
Student Attendance, the Atlanta Board of Education denes acceptable
excuses for being absent from school as:
• Personal illness of the student and/or a situation in which attendance
in school would endanger the health of the student or the health of
others.
• Serious illness or death in the immediate family of the student that
would reasonably necessitate absence from school.
• Special and recognized religious holidays observed by the faith of
the student that necessitate absence from school. Mandates by
the school or other governmental agencies, such as pre-induction
physical examination for service in the armed forces, a court order or
out-of-school suspension.
• Conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous to
student health or safety.
• Voter registration or voting in a public election, not to exceed one (1)
day per school year.
• Five (5) days or fewer per school year for a child of a military or
National Guard parent who is called to duty in a combat zone or
combat-supporting post or for a student whose parent is on leave
from such an assignment.
• Students participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H
must be counted present at school and cannot be counted absent,
either excused or unexcused, for time missed from school while
participating.
Upon return to school from an absence, the student shall bring to the
school a note, signed and dated by the parent/legal guardian, stating the
reason for the absence(s) and the dates of the absence(s). A doctor’s
note will also be accepted.
The notication must be received by designated school personnel within
three school days of the student’s return.
Attendance
Information
By September 1 of
each school year
Parent/guardian signs an
Acknowledgement Signature Page
indicating receipt of notication
of penalties/consequences for
failing to comply with compulsory
attendance law.
Three Unexcused
Absences
A letter is mailed to parent(s)/
guardian(s) notifying them that
their child has at least three
unexcused absences and explains
attendance expectations.
Five Unexcused
Absences
A letter is mailed to parent(s)/
guardian(s) notifying them
that their child has at least ve
unexcused absences, reminding
them of possible penalties/
consequences of misdemeanor
violation, and requesting parent/
guardian participation in a Student
Attendance Committee (SAC)
meeting.
Eight Unexcused
Absences
The student may be referred to
the school social worker. Once
referred, the intensity of strategies
and interventions is increased;
including a referral to community
agencies, home visit, and parent/
guardian workshops/training.
Ten Unexcused
Absences
(Truancy)
The social worker may refer
the student to Juvenile Court
if parent(s)/guardian(s) are
noncompliant with attendance
interventions or attendance does
not improve after the student
has accumulated ten unexcused
absences.
All children enrolled in public school for 20 school days or more
are subject to compulsory school attendance, even if they are
under six years of age (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-150). Please see the
chart below for a quick view of APS attendance protocol:
15
16
Tardies
Administrative Regulation JBC-R(2) states in part: A school may request
a parent/guardian provide proof of residency if a student’s attendance
record indicates a pattern of tardies that place the school on notice that
the address of record is invalid/inaccurate.
Early Check-Outs
Whenever a student is checked out prior to the end of the regular
school day, the student should bring a written note from their parent/
legal guardian stating the reason. The student will only be released to
their parent/legal guardian or to a person designated by the parent/legal
guardian, as documented by school records, and upon presentation of
proper identication. Students may also be released to child welfare
authorities as allowed by law.
Participation in Extracurricular Activities
If a student is marked with an unexcused absence for the school day,
the student will not be allowed to participate or attend extracurricular
activities scheduled for the same day that the student is absent.
Making Up Missed Assignments or Tests
It is the student’s and parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to make
arrangements for makeup work. Students should ask their teacher for
any missed assignments on the rst day they return to school. Failing
to comply with this procedure will result in a grade of zero being given
for graded assignments missed during an excused absence. Local
boards of education are not required to provide makeup work for
unexcused absences. Students who are suspended shall receive 2
days for each day of suspension to makeup missed assignments.
Suspension and Testing
At the discretion of the school principal, any student who receives
an out-of-school suspension (OSS) that interferes with their ability to
participate in standardized testing, may be granted an opportunity to
participate in partial suspension and attend school during the testing
time only. Any student who receives OSS, but presents as a safety
concern to the school community may be denied an opportunity to return
to their zone school and participate in standardized testing during the
suspension period.
Truancy
When a child is absent, parents/guardians or other persons who have
control of a child enrolled in APS should report reasons for absences
in compliance with Policy and Regulation JB. Georgia law requires that
after any student accrues ve days of unexcused absences in a given
school year, the parent/guardian or other person who has control or
charge of that child shall be in violation of O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1(b).
Any child that is subject to compulsory attendance who, during the
school calendar year, has more than ve days of unexcused absences is
considered truant. The law states the following:
"Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has
control or charge of a child or children and who violates this Code
section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof,
shall be subject to a ne of not less than $25.00 and not greater than
$100.00, or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, community service,
or any combination of such penalties, at the discretion of the court
Students will be counted present in the following circumstances:
• A student who serves as a Page of the Georgia General Assembly.
• A student who attends court proceedings related to their foster care.
• A student who successfully participates in the Student Teen Election
Participant (STEP) program.
• A student who participates in an activity or program sponsored by
4-H shall be credited as present by the school in which enrolled in
the same manner as an educational eld trip, and such participation
in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H shall not be counted as
an absence.
Students in all grade levels who are new to Atlanta Public Schools
should enroll as soon as possible. Students enrolling for pre-
kindergarten must be four years old on or before September 1. Except
as allowed by law and APS Regulation JBC-(R)(1), kindergarten
students must be ve years old on or before September 1 and rst-grade
students must be six on or before September 1.
APS requires registration when a student is new to the district,
transitions from 5th to 6th grade, transitions from 8th to 9th grade, or
whenever a change of residence occurs.
Eligible unemancipated minor students shall be enrolled in school by
their parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Persons in control or charge of students
who do not have legal guardianship may conditionally enroll students.
Adult students and emancipated minors may enroll themselves.
Emancipated minors must present a certied copy of the legal
documents granting emancipation. See Policy JBC.
APS shall serve all eligible K-12 students residing with their parent(s)/
court-approved legal guardian(s) in the city of Atlanta. In all cases where
the question of interpretation of the law relative to residence is involved,
the nal decision shall rest with the Superintendent. Students must meet
enrollment and age requirements as dened in state law. See Policy
JBC. The Atlanta Public School System has established attendance
zones for schools. Students must attend the school in their assigned
attendance zone where their custodial parents/legal guardians reside
unless they request and receive a transfer to enroll elsewhere. Rising
5th, 8th, 11th and 12th grade students who are affected by school
rezoning decisions will be given the option of remaining at their present
school through the last grade that school offers, where space is available
and their parents agree to be responsible for student transportation.
This option is also available to students attending K-8 schools. Except
as provided by law or relevant authority, a student’s option to remain at
their present school after a rezoning may be revoked by the department
managing student assignment, in consultation with the appropriate
school personnel, if the student does not maintain system-established
attendance, behavior and academic standards.
A person who owns property in the city of Atlanta, but does not reside
in the city of Atlanta, is not considered a resident. For more information
about enrollment or if you are contemplating moving or a transfer, please
call Student Assignment at 404-802-2233, visit your school, or visit the
APS website at www.atlantapublicschools.us.
Enrollment,
Registration and
Transfers
having jurisdiction. Each day’s absence from school in violation
of this part after the child’s school system noties the parent,
guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child
of ve unexcused days of absences for a child shall constitute a
separate offense.”
• Schools will notify parents/guardians when a student has
accumulated ve unexcused absences.
• Possible consequences may also include disposition for
unruly children in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-11-67.
17
Verication of Residency
A school system employee or designee may visit the address given by
any parent/guardian to verify residency. The property address given
must be the actual location where the student and parent/guardian
live full time. Schools may request a parent/guardian provide proof of
residency if: (1) mail is returned from the student’s address of record;
(2) a student’s attendance record indicates a pattern of absences, or
tardies; or (3) other circumstances occur that place the school on notice
that the address of record is invalid/inaccurate for the student.
Change of Address
Parents/guardians shall inform the school and provide updated residency
information including a change of address form and general afdavit of
residency accompanied by new proof of residency documentation within
10 business days of a move that occurs during the school year. These
documents should be returned to the main ofce or registrar’s ofce of
the student’s school. If it is discovered that a student and their family
failed to inform the school that they have moved out of the school zone,
the student may be withdrawn immediately and placed in the school to
which the current residence is zoned. See Regulation JBC-R(3).
School Choice/General Administrative Transfers
The APS offers school choice options for students who request to attend
a school other than their neighborhood/zoned school. Parents/guardians
must request a transfer to attend an out-of-zone school during the
annual application period. Transfer applications for the upcoming school
year will be accepted each spring semester. Students with transfers are
expected to have regular and punctual attendance and to abide by all
disciplinary rules at the transfer school where they attend. A transfer may
be revoked if any of the following occur:
• The student has accumulated any combination of 10 or more
unexcused absences from school or class, tardies to school or class,
early dismissals from school or class, or late pickups from school;
• The student has a combined total of four in-school suspensions,
suspensions of one to three days, or disciplinary referrals to the
ofce; and/or
• Two or more suspensions of three days or more for any reason, or
expulsion.
The General Administrative Transfer Application Window for the 2022-
2023 school year will be posted on the APS website.
Employee Worksite Transfer
Students of full-time employees may apply for their student to attend
school at their worksite.
Students of Employee Cluster Transfer
Students of full-time APS or Partner schools (including bus drivers,
monitors, and operators) may attend a school in the vertical feeder
pattern at which their parent/guardian is employed
For more information regarding transfers to attend an out-of-zone
school, please contact Student Assignment at 404-802-2233 or
[email protected] or reference
Regulation JBCCA-R(2).
Custody
Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide the school with a copy
of all court order(s) regarding the custody of the child. APS personnel
may request proof of legal custody in situations involving multiple adults
claiming control of the same student or should a question arise. See
Regulation JBC-R(2). Student enrollment forms, as well as other ofcial
documents of the school, should be signed by the with whom the child
resides. The school will give to non-custodial parents, upon request, all
information required under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act and the laws of Georgia, unless there is a valid court order directing
the school not to divulge such information. If such an order exists, a copy
must be presented to the principal.
.
Withdrawal from School
At the time of withdrawal, students must return all textbooks, library
books, and other school-owned items. Any such items not returned, and
any other school-related expenses for which the student is responsible
(such as lunch charges), must be paid for at the time of withdrawal.
The school may withhold grade reports, diplomas, and/or certicates of
progress until restitution is made for lost or damaged textbooks and/or
media materials.
Students who are under disciplinary investigation or who are in the
process of being disciplined or referred to a disciplinary hearing
may not be withdrawn.
No Shows and Withdrawal without Parent/Guardian
Permission:
Pursuant to Administrative Regulation JBCD-R(1): The District may
withdraw a student without parental permission. In all scenarios,
the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall use due
diligence to notify the parent/guardian or other person if the Local
Education Agency (LEA) plans to withdraw such a student. The
Superintendent or designee shall document a minimum of three
attempts to contact the parent/guardian, grandparent, or other person.
Such notication shall be by certied mail, return receipt requested.
The school may still pursue the interventions as outlined in the APS
attendance policy and regulations.
The District can withdraw a student without parental permission when:
• The student is older than 16 and has accumulated 10 consecutive
unexcused absences.
• The student is 6-16 and has accumulated 10 consecutive unexcused
absences.
• The student is enrolled in another school or home schooled.
• The student no longer resides in the school attendance zone. See
JBC-R(3) School Admissions — Students who Move During the
School Year.
• Student is not in attendance on the rst day of school but was
expected based on prior year enrollment.
Grade Placement
Parents/guardians shall present an ofcial transcript of work or credit
at the time of enrollment. If a transcript is not presented, the student
shall be accepted provisionally in the grade to which they indicate
membership. If upon receipt of an ofcial transcript, it is found that the
student has been enrolled in the wrong subject or grade, the student
shall be withdrawn immediately and re-enrolled in the appropriate grade
or subjects. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) shall be informed in writing
of the change.
Records of each student’s previous work should be required before nal
placement is determined. A reasonable effort should be made to obtain
such records. If the records are not forthcoming within 30 calendar days,
an academic assessment shall be made by the school to determine nal
placement. See Regulation JBC-R(2).
18
General
Information
Compliance With Georgia High School Association
(GHSA) Rules In Athletics
APS complies with the rules of the GHSA regarding eligibility and other
athletic issues. Please visit www.ghsa.net for more information.
Gender Equity In Sports
Grievances may be brought only by the affected student or by the
affected student’s parent/guardian and shall proceed as discussed at
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix and in Policy IDF, Interscholastic
Athletic Activities.
Student Accident Insurance
Limited Student Accident Insurance Plans are available through the
Benets and Risk Management Department. This limited plan may help
pay for medical bills associated with an accident on an “excess” basis
and may only pay for medical services that are not paid for by your
current insurance according to the schedule of benets. Please respond
within 30 days of the start of school. Parents/guardians interested in
enrolling must note the following:
• Obtain the Student Accident Insurance Coverage Enrollment Form
from the building principal.
• Complete the 2022-2023 online application. The online option
permits payment by credit/debit card.
For additional information about Student Accident Insurance, please
contact Charlie Eisenbies Assistant Vice President, Gallagher Special
Risk Direct 617-769-6458 Mobile 781-264-2687 Fax 617-769-6417
[email protected] www.gallagherstudent.com
www.ajg.com
Field Trips
No student shall be barred because of lack of funds from participating
in trips planned as part of the general instructional program that occur
during the school day. All requests for nancial participation in such
eld trips shall be optional and shall in no way affect a student’s ability
to participate. This policy applies to all school-sanctioned eld trips,
regardless of the mode of transportation, including those sponsored
by schools, by parent groups or by community partners. Fees may be
required for participation in excursions planned as enrichment activities
outside of the regular school day, however, reasonable efforts shall be
made to raise funds to assist students who are not able to pay the fees
due to nancial hardship. See Policy IFCB.
Clubs, Organizations & Extracurricular Activities
Students attending regularly scheduled club meetings must follow the
rules established by their school. Clubs will meet on a scheduled basis
so as not to conict with academic instruction. Sponsors or coaches
may establish standards of behavior—including consequences for
misbehavior—that are stricter than those for students in general. If a
violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specied
by the Student Code of Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition to
any consequences specied by the organization’s standards of behavior.
The school system may charge fees for extracurricular activities. Such
charges shall not be made a condition or participation or credit in an
instructional program. Fees for extracurricular activities that may be
charged to students include, but are not limited to, the following:
Gate admissions, Student publications, Graduation fees if participation
is not required, Activity fees and Parking For more comprehensive
guidelines, please ref.er to Policy JHC and Regulation JHC-R(1).
Cancellation of School
In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, ofcial information
about school closings will be broadcast on Atlanta area radio and
television stations. Parents/guardians should be aware that severe
weather or other emergencies could cause school to be canceled
during the school day and should plan accordingly. APS works closely
with local television and radio media outlets to inform the public when
school closings occur. The following media outlets will provide up-to-date
information to the public in the event of a school closing or if the student
day must be shortened due to emergency conditions: WSB radio and
local television WSB (ABC), WGCL (CBS), WAGA (FOX), and WXIA
(NBC) are the ofcial stations for APS announcements of school closure.
Emergency Procedures:
Evacuations, Shelter-In-Place & Other Protective Actions
All APS facilities have an emergency operations plan. The specics of
each plan differ for each location. Students, teachers, and other district
employees will participate in training and drills of emergency procedures.
When emergency announcements are made or the re alarm is
sounded, students and visitors must follow the direction of teachers or
other campus staff in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
Child Abuse
Any student (or parent/guardian, or friend of a student) who has been
the victim of an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a teacher,
administrator, or other school system employee is urged to make an oral
report of the act to any teacher, counselor, or administrator at their school.
Please refer to Policy JCAC for comprehensive guidelines.
Georgia law requires that school employees and volunteers immediately
(or within 24 hours) report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
Once a report has been made, ofcial representatives of Division of Family
and Children Services (DFCS) have the right to come to the school to
interview the child without parent/guardian notice or permission. APS
personnel are not permitted to discuss or share information about child
abuse reports with parents/guardians. To report suspected child abuse, you
may contact your school social worker, school administrator, school staff
member, or APS Social Work Services at 404-802-2247. You may also
contact DFCS Child Protective Center at 855-GACHILD (855-422-4453)
where reports are taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Driver’s License/Certicate Of Attendance
The Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act requires that students
must satisfy school attendance requirements in order to receive and
maintain a Georgia driver’s permit or license. There is a $5.00 fee for
all Certicates of Enrollment. Students should submit their request for
a Certicate of Enrollment at least two weeks prior to the date needed.
For additional information, contact the school ofce. During the summer
months, Certicates of Enrollment are issued by the Department of
Student Relations, 130 Trinity Avenue, Second Floor, Atlanta, Georgia
30303; 404-802-2233.
Driving And Parking on School Campus
Parking on school grounds is not a right, it is a privilege, which can be
revoked. Students who drive to school must follow all safety rules and
procedures established by the principal, including obtaining a parking
permit if required. Violation of the rules, regulations, and policies
of the Board of Education and/or the school concerning driving or
parking a vehicle on school campus can result in suspension or
expulsion from school, revocation of parking privileges, and/or having
the vehicle towed away at the driver’s expense. While a student’s
vehicle is on school property, the principal and their designee have the
right to search the vehicle without obtaining permission of the student.
If you disagree with the school’s ability to search your vehicle, do not
park on school property.
Georgia Sexting Laws For Teens And Minors
In Georgia, teens and minors accused of sexting images of or to another
minor can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the
circumstances involved. In accordance with O.C.G.A 16-12-100, a felony
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Human Trafcking
Georgia Law O.C.G.A 16-5-46 prohibits trafcking of persons for labor or
sexual servitude. Sexual servitude means, in part, “any sexually explicit
conduct as dened in Code Section 16-12-100 for which anything of
value is directly or indirectly given, promised to, or received by any
person, which conduct is induced or obtained by coercion or deception
or which conduct is induced or obtained from a person under the age of
18 years. Any person who commits the offense of trafcking a person for
labor or sexual servitude against a person who is under the age of 18
shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished
by imprisonment for 10-20 years.
The Atlanta Public School District is taking a strong stance against
human trafcking by educating our students, teachers, administrators,
support staff, and other employees about the dangers and signs of child
exploitation, as well as human trafcking. Professional development
offerings are provided online to all staff, and students are also provided
with opportunities to learn about human trafcking through our Social
Emotional Learning curriculum. Additionally, in accordance with O.C.G.A
16-5-47 Georgia State Bill 104, all buildings in the district have adult-
appropriate awareness/reporting posters in the adult restrooms, as well
as age-appropriate signage in all schools.
Discuss internet safety with your child. Please encourage your child to
do the following:
• Allow you as a friend with them on all social media accounts for
safety
• Accept friend requests only from people they have met in person
• Inform parent/guardian if any adult request to be their friend on
social media
• Speak with you if any sexual images or other inappropriate links/
messages are received
• Alert parents/guardians if anyone suggests they send inappropriate
photos or if someone offers a job or travel opportunity
Learn additional internet safety tips here: www.internetsafety101.org
and warning signs of human trafcking here:
www.gacares.org/warning-signs.html
Lockers
Lockers are property of the school and may be opened by a school
ofcial without the permission of the individual student. Students to
whom lockers are assigned can be suspended or expelled if the locker
contains weapons, drugs, or other unauthorized materials.
Lunch With Students
Parents/guardians are welcome to eat lunch with their children at school;
however, a school may limit or cancel lunches if a parent’s/guardian’s
presence or behavior intentionally or unintentionally causes a disruption
or safety concern. All visitors must sign in at the school ofce and obtain
a visitor’s badge that must be worn at all times while in the building or
while on the school grounds. Food can not be delivered to students
during the school day by any food establishment, inclusive of but not
limited to UberEat, DoorDash or GrubHub, without prior approval by the
principal.
Illness
If a student becomes too ill to remain in class, the student may contact
their parents/guardians to make arrangements to be checked out of
school. The principal should be notied in writing if a student has a
chronic illness or disability that could require special or emergency
treatment. Students should not return to school until fever-, vomiting-,
and/or diarrhea-free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
COVID-like symptoms: students who arrive at school with COVID-like
symptoms (i.e., new onset of cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat,
fever, runny nose, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea) will be transported to the CARE room for parent/
guardian to be notied and check their student out of school. Parents/
guardians should make arrangements to check the student out within
one hour of being notied by school.
Parents/guardians are required to monitor their student’s health. If a
student is ill with COVID-like symptoms from a COVID-19 test, the
student is required to stay home and contact their school administrator
and school nurse for additional guidance. Parents/guardians are highly
encouraged to complete the student self-reporting form located on our
district website to self-report positive COVID-19 cases.
Immunization Requirements
Certicates of Immunization are required by Georgia Law 20-2-771. All
kindergarten, 6th and 7th grade students, all students new to Georgia,
and students coming from any private school must have the Georgia
Certicate of Immunization Form 3231 signed by a licensed healthcare
provider or the county health department. For students entering from
out-of-state schools, please contact your local Health Department or a
Georgia licensed physician to have immunizations transferred to Form
3231. You will need to have your immunization record from your state in
order to transfer immunizations to Form 3231. All requirements apply to
students transferring from out-of-state schools to Georgia schools.
*New entrants include anyone that is entering Georgia schools for
the rst time or is returning to a Georgia school after being gone for
more than 12 months or one school year. To be enrolled in APS, ALL
certicates of immunization must be marked, “Complete for Attendance,”
or have a future expiration date. Expired certicates will not be accepted
for enrollment.
Kindergarten (Requirements For K-6)
Four + DTaP (Number of doses depends upon age given)
Four + IPV (Number of doses depends upon age given)
Three Hepatitis B
Two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, and
one dose of Rubella vaccine or Two doses of the combined MMR [Or
documented history of disease or serology]
Two Hepatitis A [Hepatitis A (Required if born on or after 01/01/2006]
Two doses of Varicella vaccine [Or documented history of disease or
serology]
conviction carries a sentence between ve and 20 years imprisonment
and a ne of up to $100,000. The offense is considered a “sexual
offense,” which requires a mandatory minimum sentence that cannot
be suspended. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor conviction is
12 months in jail, a ne of $1,000, or both.
Felony Offenses
An adult (older than 18) who commits a crime of computer or
electronic child pornography faces felony penalties. Teenagers ages
18 and younger can also be charged with a felony if the conduct
involved does not fall within the misdemeanor offense.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Georgia law allows a reduced misdemeanor penalty for certain acts of
teen sexting. Misdemeanor penalties apply only if:
• The child depicted in the image is 14 or 15
• The depicted child consented to its creation, and
• The defendant did not distribute the image to another
Felony Offenses
An adult (older than 18) who commits a crime of computer or
electronic child pornography faces felony penalties. Teenagers ages
18 and younger can also be charged with a felony if the conduct
involved does not fall within the misdemeanor offense.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Georgia law allows a reduced misdemeanor penalty for certain acts of
teen sexting. Misdemeanor penalties apply only if:
• The child depicted in the image is 14 or 15
• The depicted child consented to its creation, and
• The defendant did not distribute the image to another
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Rising 7th Grade Immunization Requirements
All new entrants to grades 8-12 who are entering into a Georgia school for
the rst time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school
for more than 12 months (one school year) will be required to have:
1 dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine (and)
1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Please Note: These changes only affect rising 7th graders, and students
who are considered “new entrants” for grades 8-12.
New 11th Grade Immunization Requirements
Georgia’s immunization requirements for students entering or transferring
into the 11th grade have been revised to align with the current
recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American
Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Effective July 1, 2021, all students who are new entrants or transfers
into a Georgia school in the 11th grade, will require proof of a booster
dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, unless their rst dose
was received on or after their 16th birthday.
Additional Requirements
• Certicates must be signed by a physician licensed in GA or a public
health ofcial. A stamp of a physician’s signature is permissible when
cosigned by an ofce staff member.
• Certicates must have a printed, typed, or stamped name and
address of the physician, health department, or Georgia Registry of
Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS) ofcial issuing the
certicate.
• Certicates must have a complete date of issue with the month, day,
and year.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school to arrange a
parent-teacher conference when they would like more information about
their child’s performance at school. Teachers are not available for parent-
teacher conferences during instructional time. Parents/guardians who
request a classroom observation or a teacher conference shall provide
at least 24 hours advance notice. Parents/guardians are encouraged to
utilize the scheduled teacher conference day to address student issues.
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple
Birth Siblings
If your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.)
assigned to the same grade and campus, you may request that they be
placed either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. Your
written request must be submitted no later than the 14th day after the
enrollment of your children.
Use of District Technology
The Atlanta Board of Education recognizes that electronic media,
including the internet and email, enhance the quality and delivery of
instruction in our schools by providing access to unique resources and
opportunities for collaborative work. Any electronic activity conducted
by employees, students, or other persons via the APS network or using
APS computer resources, hardware, or software is subject to inspection
and monitoring. There should not be any expectation of privacy. Use of
electronic systems shall be in support of and consistent with the vision,
mission, and goals established by the Atlanta Board of Education and
for the purpose of instructional and administrative support. The use of
electronic technology is a privilege that may be revoked at any time. For
more information, visit www.atlantapublicschools.us and review the
Student Code of Conduct, Regulation JCDA-(R)(1), as well as Board
Policy IFBG, Internet Acceptable Use.
Textbooks and Instructional Materials
APS provides the most appropriate instructional resources available
and uses a rigorous selection process to ensure our textbooks and
educational materials meet our goals. Please refer to Policy IFAA
for more information. Instructional resources may include textbooks,
software, online materials and programs, workbooks, and specialized
formats, e.g., Braille, audio, digital, large print, or other versions. All
instructional resources are aligned with the Common Core Georgia
Performance Standards and other standards for our course offerings.
The number of materials available is based on the instructional
requirements for the course. In some cases, students are assigned
textbooks to take home; in other cases, the materials are available only
during classroom time. In all cases, students should receive all materials
needed to successfully complete the homework assigned by the teacher
Students may be required to supply paper, pencils, crayons and pens,
but specic types or brands of materials are not required.
Special clothing the school system requires for a state-funded course
shall not be specic as to color or brand. This does not apply to school
uniforms.
The school system shall provide all special safety equipment or
protective clothing for any course.
Students may be charged for replacement/repair costs due to loss or
abuse of school system property including, but not limited to textbooks,
library books, media materials, musical instruments, technology, or
athletic equipment.
Parental and student contracts for the use and return of devices (must
be issued and signed before device is issued)
Replacement fee payment required after loss of second device Students
are responsible for the reasonable care and return of district issued
devices and accessories; returned devices should be in good, working
order.order.
Visitors/Unauthorized Persons on School Grounds
To ensure the safety of students, the condentiality of personal
information, and the integrity of the learning environment, the board
limits visitors to:
• The parent/guardian of a current student;
• Other family members of a current student at the request of the
parent/guardian;
• Individuals with ofcial business approved in advance by the school
principal, including, but not limited to, community volunteers, student
mentors, board members, and guest speakers; and
• Outside service providers who currently provide private educational
or therapy services to a student at the request of the parent/guardian.
All visitors must sign in at the school ofce and obtain a visitor’s badge
that must be worn at all times while in the building or while on the
school grounds. In accordance with policy GAMA Safe and Drug-Free
Workplace, visitors shall not possess weapons on APS property, in a
school or other APS facility, or at any school or district-sponsored activity
in accordance with O.C.G.A. §16-11-127.1, any other applicable laws
and administrative regulations issued by the Superintendent. **The
presence of unauthorized visitors on school grounds or in facilities may
constitute trespassing and may subject violators to criminal prosecution
under the laws of the State of Georgia.
Requirements for Graduation
In support of student success, the Atlanta Board of Education shall offer
programs of study that permit students to earn unit credit in grades nine
through 12 leading to graduation with a diploma that prepares students
for postsecondary education and careers. The Atlanta Board of Education
believes coursework beyond that required by the State of Georgia fully
prepares students for college and career. The superintendent is authorized
to issue administrative regulations to implement this policy. For additional
information regarding this policy please see Board Policy IHF.
Students may satisfy graduation requirements by taking equivalent AP/IB/
Dual Enrollment courses. Core courses and PE electives are listed by the
Georgia Department of Education here: State-Funded List of K-8 Subjects
and 9-12 Courses.
21
Parent and Student
Resources
Campus Portal for Parents
Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12 have access to class
schedules, attendance records and grades through Campus Portal
for Parents (CPP) which is an easy-to-use, secure communications
tool. Additionally, CPP enables parents/guardians to verify household
information, including their email address, home address and telephone
numbers. Contact your child’s school to get your CPP activation key or
visit www.atlantapublicschools.us for more information.
Family Engagement
Pursuant to Policy LEBA, The Atlanta Board of Education believes that
attentive, engaged, and empowered families are a key to the success of
our students and our system. In order to achieve our mission, Atlanta
Public Schools must foster an authentic and transparent environment
in which parents and other caregivers have the opportunity to be active
participants in the life of our schools, and family engagement should be
an integral part of the work of every district staff member.
To achieve this goal, the Superintendent shall recruit, engage, develop,
and retain employees who believe that all families want what is best
for students and are responsive to their needs. It is the responsibility of
Atlanta Public Schools to:
• Cultivate a safe and caring environment that welcomes the diversity
of all families;
• Demonstrate an attitude of inclusiveness and equity through regular,
two-way communication with families that is respectful, accessible,
and culturally relevant;
• Support and collaborate with families in understanding the strengths
and needs of students while fostering their lifelong relationship with
learning; and,
• Empower families and all stakeholders as partners by valuing their
voices in decision-making about students and schools.
For more information on the Ofce of Family Engagement, contact
Director of Family Engagement, Keasha Copeland, at
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Most schools have a parent-teacher organization — either a PTA
(which is part of the National Parent Teacher Association) or a PTO
(which is an independent parent-teacher organization). Through
initiatives and activities sponsored by these groups, parents/guardians
work with faculty to enhance the school environment and improve
student achievement. At most schools, elections are held in the
spring, membership drives begin at the start of the new school year,
and activities are scheduled throughout the year. Contact your child’s
school for information on who to contact about elections, membership,
meetings, dues, and upcoming activities.
School Governance (GO) Teams
GO Teams work with school leadership and the community to help
determine the long-term direction of the school, design innovative
https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/
Curriculum-and-Instruction/Documents/State-Funded-List-of-
Subjects-and-Courses-Supported-by-SBOE-Rule-160-4-2-20.pdf
Accelerated Career Diplomas
The Accelerated Career Diploma offers qualied students an alternate
path to high school graduation. Participating students choose to
simultaneously earn a high school diploma and a college Associate
Degree, or a Technical Diploma, or two (2) Technical Certicates of
Credit in a specic career pathway in a program or course approved by
the SBOE. The list of Accelerated Career Pathways can be found here:
https://www.tcsg.edu/completion2career/
To participate in any graduation exercises or ceremonies, APS seniors
must meet all of the requirements specied in policy IHF and in
administrative regulations issued by the
Superintendent for an APS high school diploma or a special education
diploma. Students with disabilities whose Individualized Education
Programs (IEPs) indicate that they are unable to meet these
requirements
shall be allowed to participate in graduation exercises and ceremonies.
Students must satisfy the requirements established for their graduating
class, which is determined by the date of enrollment in the 9th grade.
For additional information, please contact your school counselor.
Information also may be obtained by visiting
www.atlantapublicschools.us
Graduation Ceremony
Student participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege and not a
right. Therefore, the principal may prohibit a student’s participation if the
student is found to have violated any provision of the Code of Conduct.
Participation in the graduation ceremony is voluntary; therefore, a
graduation fee or senior dues may be charged to cover associated
costs. However, students will be given written notication of this fee and
description of costs at the beginning of the school year in which they are
to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian
Each traditional high school, including individual small schools
comprising educational complexes, will designate a valedictorian and
salutatorian for each graduating class.
Valedictorian: The student who has earned the highest class rank
in the graduating class and who has met the eligibility requirements
specied below.
Salutatorian: The student who has earned the second-highest
class rank in the graduating class and who has met the eligibility
requirements specied below.
Eligibility
• The eligible student will have been enrolled in the school from which
they will graduate by the end of the rst semester of their junior year.
• The eligible student will have transferred ve or fewer units from a
school or program that is not accredited in accordance with state
board rule 160-5-1-.15 Acceptance of Transfer Credit and/or Grades
and IHA-R(1) Grading Systems – Grading Expectations.
• The eligible student will have a weighted numeric grade-point
average of 90 or above.
• Students selected as valedictorians and salutatorians must complete
all requirements for graduation by the end of the second semester
of their senior year. Students who have been selected but fail to
complete all requirements for graduation by the end of the second
semester for any reason shall become ineligible, and the next eligible
candidate will be selected as the valedictorian or salutatorian.
Selection
• Class rankings to determine the valedictorian and salutatorian will be
generated based on grades earned by the end of the rst semester of
the senior year.
• Class ranking is established based on the weighted numeric grade-point
average calculated in accordance with policy IHC, Class Rankings.
• The ofcial class ranking list will be the student information system-
generated ranking of the weighted numeric grade-point averages of all
eligible students in the graduating class.
• Co-valedictorians and co-salutatorians will be identied if there is an
exact grade-point average tie for either the highest or second-highest
class rank. See Administrative Regulation IHC-R(1).
22
Safety and Security
The Ofce of Safety and Security works in collaboration with staff,
parents/guardians, communities, and community partners to ensure
that safety and security measures meet the unique needs of the
Atlanta Public Schools’ learning environment. The Ofce of Safety and
Security includes a police department managed by a chief of police,
an emergency management unit led by an emergency management
coordinator, and a security operations department managed by a
security operations director. The police department is composed of
school resource ofcers (SRO) who philosophically align with the
district’s social-emotional learning approach, and the national TRIAD
model in which law enforcement ofcers are viewed as an extension of
school support. The SROs are assigned to middle and high schools to
support students, staff, and parents/guardians. For additional information
contact the Ofce of Safety and Security, 130 Trinity Avenue Police
Precinct, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Phone 404-802-2000.
School Counselors
The school counselor provides a safe, nurturing environment to foster a
trusting relationship with students. Parental/guardians permission is not
required for students to see the counselor or to participate in classroom
instructional activities. In this condential relationship, students can
explore their feelings and experiences in hopes of nding a meaningful,
positive solution to their personal issues. In many cases, the school
counselor works on problem solving, decision-making, and goal setting
with the student.
In addition to the above tasks, middle and high school counselors
also help with student advisement and planning for career pathways.
Parents/guardians, students, teachers, or any staff member can initiate a
referral to meet with the school counselor. School counselors do not take
the place of private therapists and cannot provide long-term therapy for
students. For additional information, contact your school counselor or the
Coordinator of School Counseling, Maria Grovner, 130 Trinity Avenue
SW, 6th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Phone 404-802-2642.
School Health Services
The Health Services Department provides coordinated district health
initiatives and school-based nursing services to ensure delivery of
quality, individualized support for students. Services provided by
school nurses require a referral and parental/guardian consent for
individualized screenings (e.g. vision, hearing, dental). Referrals of
individuals with health problems or suspected health problems are
accepted from parents/guardians, school personnel, students, and
health care providers in the community and may be submitted to the
school-based health services professional or central health ofce
personnel. For additional information, contact Comprehensive Health
Services Director, Dr. Valencia Hildreth, 130 Trinity Avenue SW, 6th
Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Phone 404-802-2674, Fax 404-802-1608
Visit the Health Services website at
https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/page/193
Health & Safety
solutions to increase student achievement, and serve as school
ambassadors to the local community. GO Teams operate under the
control and management of the Atlanta Board of Education and will
follow Board policies and procedures unless a waiver is granted. GO
Teams include nine to 11 voting members and the school principal. Each
team consists of three elected parents/guardians, three elected non-
supervisory instructional staff, two appointed community members, one
appointed swing seat, and two appointed students (high schools only).
For more information about GO Teams, please visit
apsstrongschools.com
Homeless Children and Youth
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act ensures educational rights
for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The primary goal is
educational stability. The Act denes homeless students as those who:
• Lack a xed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
• Share the housing of other persons (doubled-up) due to the
loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; live in
motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack
of alternative adequate accommodations; live in emergency or
transitional shelters;
• Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private
place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping
accommodation for human beings;
• Live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard
housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings;
• Are migratory and live in the conditions set forth in items 2, 3, and 4
above.
Homeless students have certain educational rights and can: enroll
without delay in school (zoned or school of origin) without proof of
residency or permanent address, immunization, school records, or
other documents or while documentation is being obtained; choose
between the local school where they are living or the school last
attended before becoming homeless, when requested by the parent/
guardian and determined by the district to be feasible and in the
student’s best interest; attend school and participate in school
programs with children who are not homeless; and receive all the
school services available to other students including transportation
services, special educational services where applicable, and other
supportive services (food, housing, clothing, ect.).
To be considered eligible, to enroll, and for more information regarding
homeless education services, contact the school social worker or the
Homeless Liaison, Sana Ali at [email protected] or
404-802-2245. For additional guidance, please refer to Policy JBC(1)
and Administrative Regulation JBC(1)-R(1).
Home Schooling Attendance Reporting
Parents/guardians wishing to establish or continue utilizing the home
school program must complete and submit a declaration of intent form
to the Georgia Department of Education. It is the responsibility of the
parent/guardian to obtain and le a new declaration of intent each year.
To submit an online declaration of intent form or for more information
regarding home school programs, contact the GaDOE at 404-463-7891 or
visit http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/
Pages/Home-Schools.aspx
Hospital Homebound
Hospital Homebound (HHB) instruction is designed to provide continuity
of educational services between the classroom and home or health care
facility for students enrolled in Atlanta Public Schools whose medical
needs, either physical and/or psychiatric, do not allow school attendance
for a limited period of time. HHB instruction may be used to supplement
the classroom program for students with health impairments whose
conditions may interfere with regular school attendance (e.g., pregnancy,
students receiving dialysis or radiation/chemotherapy; or students with
other serious health conditions). Students must be enrolled in an APS
institution in order to receive HHB instruction. For additional information,
contact the counselor at the local school for forms and information.
My Backpack
MyBackPack is the APS Student Portal. The Department of Instructional
Technology is excited to offer a unique 21st century learning space for
every enrolled student.. MyBackPack is accessible from any device and
provides students with access to digital learning tools, e-books, secure
email, cloud storage, and the complete Microsoft Ofce Suite.
Parents and students can access MyBackPack at
https://mybackpack.apsk12.org. Students should enter their APS
student computer login. For questions or concerns please email:
23
Medicine
Atlanta Public Schools is committed to the health and safety of its
students. Medication and/or medical procedures required by students
should be administered by a parent/legal guardian at home. Under
exceptional circumstances, prescribed medication and/or medical,
health-related procedures may be administered by the school
principal, their designee, the school nurse, or self-administered
by the student per written physician’s orders and written parent/
guardian authorization. The parent/guardian must complete and
sign the Administration of Medication/Medical Procedure form to
acknowledge that the school assumes no responsibility for medications
or procedures that are self-administered. Medication classied as
controlled must be administered at home and is excluded from the self-
administered medication process. Medications that are classied as
controlled may only be administered at school with a current physician
order indicating medical need and must be administered at school by a
school nurse or approved designee.
School nurses or other employees may administer auto-injectable
epinephrine to students upon the occurrence of an actual or perceived
anaphylactic adverse (allergic) reaction by the student, whether or not
such student has a prescription for epinephrine. School nurses or other
employees may administer levalbuterol sulfate to students upon the
occurrence of an actual or perceived respiratory distress, whether or
not such student has a prescription for levalbuterol sulfate. Naloxone
may be administered as an emergency intervention for a suspected
opioid overdose. Any school employee who in good faith administers
or chooses not to administer these medications to a student in such
circumstances shall be immune from civil liability, pursuant to Georgia
statute. See Policy JGCD.
School Social Workers
School social workers serve as the link between the home, school, and
the community. They work to ensure that students remain in school and
graduate, reach their fullest academic potential, and grow socially and
emotionally. As part of the educational team, social workers support
students’ thriving in schools by removing barriers that interfere with
their academic performance. They are professionally trained to provide
services to students who face serious challenges to school success;
including, but not limited to, mental health and behavior difculties, school
adjustment issues, poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, bullying,
divorce of parents/guardians, and loss of a loved one. School social
workers are available to provide support when needed. For additional
information, contact your school social worker or Social Work Services,
130 Trinity Avenue SW, 6th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Phone: 404-802-2247 Fax: 404-802-1205.
Mental Health Support
Atlanta Public Schools prioritizes care of the Whole Child as a means
to ensure that the comprehensive needs of students are identied and
supported. As part of the Whole Child initiative, schools will implement a
universal social, emotional, behavior screener twice per school year (Fall
and Spring administration) to determine strengths and areas of growth
relative to social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. The screener is
a starting point for next steps in determining the best course of action
to support students identied as being at-risk for developing a variety of
behavior and emotional disorders that can lead to adjustment problems.
For more information about APS and the implementation of universal
social, emotional, behavior screeners please visit
https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/67035
Students who have been identied to be in need of mental health
support may receive services from one of the many community mental
health wraparound providers that partner with each school. For more
information on the mental health service providers who are currently
in partnership with APS, please visit https://www.atlantapublicschools.
us/Page/45966. If you are interested in your child receiving mental
health support at school for the school mental health wraparound
provider, please contact your school social worker or Social Work
Services, 130 Trinity Ave, SW, 6th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Phone:404-802-2247 Fax: 404-802-1205.
School Nutrition Information
The primary goal of the Nutrition Department is to provide all students
with healthy school meals that meet their daily nutritional needs and
support optimal academic performance at school for student success. For
more information visit http://www.atlantapublicschoolsnutrition.us.
Child Find
The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate children
and youth, birth to age 21, who are suspected of, or have a disability or
developmental delay, in order to provide free and appropriate Special
Education services. Child Find at APS offers comprehensive special
education services to eligible students ages three through 21. Parents/
guardians of students, who suspect their child may have a disability,
should contact the teacher, principal, or the RTI Point of Contact. All
referrals are considered condential, and services are provided at no
cost. The parent/legal guardian retains the right to refuse services and
is provided other procedural safeguards under federal and state law.
Public school services include screening in areas of suspected
disabilities, such as vision, hearing, autism, motor skills, speech,
language, and general development. Evaluations in the schools are
provided for several areas of suspected disabilities, including learning
disabilities, speech and language development, orthopedic impairments,
vision or hearing problems, intellectual disabilities, emotional behavior
disorders, autism spectrum disorders, health impairments, traumatic
brain injuries, and signicant developmental delay. For more information
concerning eligibility criteria and referral procedures, contact the
Department of Special Education at 404-802-1602 or visit the District’s
website at www.atlantapublicschools.us
Section 504 Rights and Procedural Safeguards
Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to
as “Section 504,” is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United
States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination
and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and
benets equal to those provided to non-disabled students.
Any student or parent or guardian (“grievant”) may request an impartial
hearing due to the Atlanta Public Schools’ actions or inactions regarding
a child’s identication, evaluation, or educational placement under
Section 504. Requests for an impartial hearing must be in writing to the
APS Section 504 Coordinator; however, a grievant’s failure to request
a hearing in writing does not alleviate APS’ obligation to provide an
impartial hearing if the grievant orally requests an impartial hearing
through the Section 504 Coordinator. The APS Section 504 Coordinator
will assist the grievant in completing the written Request for Hearing.
Hearing Request (must include the following):
• The name of the student.
• The address of the residence of the student.
• The name of the school the student is attending.
• The decision that is the subject of the hearing.
• The requested reasons for review.
• The proposed remedy sought by the grievant.
• The name and contact information of the grievant.
For more information regarding Section 504 use this link Section 504
Ed.Gov or if you have questions or need additional assistance, please
contact the Atlanta Public School District’s Section 504 Coordinator:
Emmaundia Ford, Director of Special Education
Atlanta Public Schools | Ofce of Student Services | CLL Building
Ph: 404-802-1681 Fax: 404-802-1602,
Email: [email protected]
24
Seclusion or Restraint of Students
In support of student success and wellbeing, APS is dedicated to
providing students with effective and safe learning environments.
Pursuant to state board rule, APS expressly prohibits the use of the
following by any of its employees:
• Seclusion;
• Prone restraint;
• Mechanical restraint;
• Chemical restraint; and
• Physical restraint, except in those situations in which the student is
an immediate danger to themselves or others and the student is not
responsive to less intensive behavioral interventions including verbal
directives or other de-escalation techniques.
Physical restraint is expressly prohibited in Atlanta Public Schools:
• As a form of discipline or punishment,
• When the student cannot be safely restrained, and/or
• When the use of the intervention would be contraindicated due to the
student’s psychiatric, medical, or physical conditions as described in
the student’s educational records.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to interfere with an APS
employee’s authority to:
• Implement time-out or any other classroom management technique
or approach, including a student’s removal from the classroom;
• Take appropriate action to diffuse a student ght or altercation;
• Use their discretion to take necessary actions to protect students or
others from imminent harm or bodily injury.
Nothing in this policy should be construed to impose ministerial duties
on individual employees when acting to protect students or others from
imminent harm or bodily injury.
Nothing in this policy should be construed to interfere with the duties of
law enforcement or emergency medical personnel. Parents/guardians
shall be notied when students are removed from the school setting by
emergency medical or law enforcement personnel. See Policy JGF(2).
For more information, visit www.atlantapublicschools.us and review
the Seclusion or Restraint of Students Board Policy JGF(2). For more
information please contact Ms. Anne Dirden, Assistant Director of
Special Education, at [email protected] or 404-802-2611.
Student Bullying Incident Reporting
In an effort to minimize bullying in the school environment, which
includes on school property, at a school-sponsored event, on a school
bus, or on an electronic device accessed on school property or at a
school event, the APS Ofce of Student Discipline has created a process
whereby a student, parent/guardian, staff member, or bystander may
report instances of bullying for further review and investigation.
The bullying incident can be reported electronically by visiting the Ofce
of Student Discipline’s website: www.atlantapublicschools.us/discipline,
or a paper copy can be downloaded from the website. If you would like to
be provided a paper copy, please contact the Ofce of Student Discipline
404-802-2239.
All bullying reports are condentially maintained in accordance with the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Organizational Ombuds
The Ofce of the Organizational Ombuds is committed to supporting
student success by serving as a neutral, condential, and informal
resource for district and community stakeholders. The Organizational
Ombuds team works to create inclusive and just conditions for all
students through:
• Informal resolution of stakeholder concerns;
• Policy Analysis;
• Resource referrals and collaboration; and
• Resource referrals and collaboration; and
To contact the Organizational Ombuds Ofce or to learn
more about resources visit: http://tinyAPS.com/?Ombuds
25
Administrative Regulation
Descriptor code: JCDA-R(1)
Atlanta Public Schools has constructed school discipline policies that are aimed at creating a positive environment that supports the social and
emotional development of students, and teaches non-violence and respect for all members of the school community. Our approach to discipline
reects our desire to understand and address the causes of behavior, resolve conicts, repair harm done, restore relationships, and successfully
reintegrate students into the school community. The incorporation of expectations and responsibilities in our discipline framework creates
transparency for stakeholders to embrace the expectations and responsibilities that are unique to them.
Students May Expect:
• To receive a free high-quality public education
• To be safe at school
• To be treated courteously and respectfully
• To bring complaints or concerns to the school principal or staff for
resolution
• To tell their side of the story before receiving a consequence
• To be told the reason(s) for any disciplinary action verbally and in
writing
• To be given information about appealing disciplinary actions
• To express opinions, support causes, and discuss issues
Student Responsibilities:
• To read and become familiar with this Code of Conduct
• To attend school daily, prepare for class, and complete class and
homework assignments to the best of their ability
• To know and follow school rules and instructions given by the
school principal, teachers, and other staff
• To tell school staff about any dangerous behavior or bullying
that occurs at school, on the way to and from school, or in the
community
• To treat everyone in the school community with respect
• To respect school property, community property, and the property
of others
Parents/Guardians May Expect:
• To be actively involved in their child’s education
• To be treated respectfully by all APS employees and staff
• To access information about APS (Board) policies and procedures
• To be notied promptly if their child is disciplined for inappropriate or
disruptive behavior and informed of the consequences assigned
• To appeal disciplinary actions taken by the student disciplinary
hearing ofcer
• To receive information about their child’s academic and behavioral
progress
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:
• To read and become familiar with this Code of Conduct
• To make sure their child attends school regularly, on time, and to notify
the school before the school day begins if their child is absent
• To give the school accurate and current contact information and inform/
update that contact information when and if it changes
• To tell school ofcials about any concerns or complaints respectfully
and in a timely manner
• To work with the school principal, teachers, and other staff to address
any academic or behavioral concerns regarding their child
• To talk with their child about the behavior expected in school
• To support their child’s learning and school activities at home
• To be respectful and courteous to all APS employees and staff
• To respect other students’ privacy rights
Expectations and Responsibilities
Atlanta Public Schools
Student Code of Conduct 2022-2023
26
Appeal
A request for the Superintendent and the Atlanta Board of Education to
review a hearing ofcer’s disciplinary determination. The hearing ofcer’s
decision may be appealed by submitting a written letter to the attention
of the Superintendent, at 130 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303,
within 20 days from the date the decision is made.
Behavioral Correction Plan
A set of behavioral intervention strategies for students identied as
chronic-disciplinary-problem students.
Behavior Intervention Plan
A set of strategies to support special education students with
inappropriate classroom behaviors.
Bus Suspension
The student is suspended from riding the bus. During this time the parent/
guardian is responsible for providing transportation to and from school.
Detention
A teacher-managed disciplinary response where the student is
required to attend a session before school, after school, or during an
extracurricular activity.
Districtwide Probation Contract
A contract assigned to a student who has violated the district Code of
Conduct repeatedly, or referred for and/or appeared before a Student
Disciplinary Hearing, or has been allowed to return to the home school
during a trial period in which student must conduct themself in a way that
meets the school disciplinary code. Districtwide Probation can only be
assigned by the District Discipline Coordinator.
Felony Drug Charge
It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or
possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance or marijuana, in,
on, or within 1,000 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any
public or private elementary school, middle school, or secondary school
or school board used for elementary, middle or secondary education.
Hearing Ofcer
A system administrator with no prior knowledge of the event who
conducts the proceedings for disciplinary hearings and makes the
determination of rule violation and appropriate consequences.
In School Suspension (ISS)
A disciplinary measure that permits the student to attend school, but
prohibits them from attending their regular classes. Students assigned
to ISS are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities on the
date of their ISS assignment.
Out of School Suspension (OSS)
A disciplinary measure that prohibits the student from attending
school. Students assigned to OSS are not permitted to participate in
extracurricular activities on the date of their OSS assignment.
Long-Term Suspension
The removal of a student from school for more than 10 days because
the student violated the Code of Conduct.
Manifestation Determination
A review of a special education/504 student’s program and disability to
determine if misconduct is caused by, or has a direct and substantial
relationship to, the disability, or whether the conduct was the direct result
of the school’s failure to implement the IEP.
Permanent Expulsion
A student is removed from all APS property, activities, and events
for an indenite period of time. School work may not be made up or
credit earned.
Restorative Practices
The process by which an individual acknowledges wrongdoing and takes
steps to repair harm and is welcomed back into the school community.
Social-Emotional Learning
The process of increasing awareness in dealing with oneself, others,
and relationships in an effective way.
Stay-Away Agreement
A standard agreement entered into between students to set parameters
for restricted interactions for a set period of time. Violation of a stay-away
agreement will result in expedited disciplinary action which may include
suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Short-Term Suspension
The involuntary removal of a student from class attendance or school
attendance for 10 days or less. Suspended students shall make up
those assignments that the teachers determine will have an impact
on the student’s nal grade. Students are responsible for making
arrangements and completing makeup work within the timeline
specied by their school.
Waiver
A document acknowledging that the parent/guardian has agreed
to forgo the disciplinary hearing process and accept the school’s
recommendations for a disciplinary response for the student’s
misbehavior.
Glossary of Terms
27
Investigation of Misconduct:
When a Student Code of Conduct violation is reported or suspected,
the principal or designee will determine whether the charge or
complaint has a basis in fact and whether an investigation is
warranted and, if so, will instruct appropriate personnel to conduct an
investigation. The investigation may include, but is not limited to, an
interview with the accused student(s), interviews with victim(s) and
identied witnesses, if any, and interviews with others who might have
relevant information. Written statements should be requested from all
individuals who are interviewed. Video surveillance, if available and
relevant, should be reviewed and secured. School police and other
support staff may be utilized for their expertise as determined by the
circumstances of the matter. If the local school administration is uncertain
as to the interpretation of the Code of Conduct, they are to contact the
Ofce of Student Discipline.
At an appropriate time during or after the investigation, the parent/
guardian will be notied. However, if the incident involves an injury or
similar situation, appropriate medical attention should be provided, and
the parent/guardian should be notied immediately. The principal or
their designee should also immediately inform parents/guardians when
students are removed from the school setting by emergency medical or
law enforcement personnel.
The determination of whether or not a student has violated the Student
Code of Conduct will be made based solely on a preponderance of the
evidence. In other words, it is more likely to be true than not true, based
on the evidence, that the student did violate the rule. Once it has been
determined that a rule(s) was violated, the administrator will follow the
progressive discipline process. Repeated level 2 disciplinary violations
and Level 3 violations may result in a student being referred to a
disciplinary hearing where the student may face discipline consequences
up to and including long-term suspension or expulsion.
Searches: In accordance with APS administrative regulation
JCDAF-R(1), school ofcials may search a student if there is reasonable
suspicion the student is in possession of an item that is illegal or against
school rules. Student vehicles brought onto any APS campus, student
book bags, school lockers, desks, technology devices, cell phones,
purses, bags and other school property are subject to inspection and
search by school authorities at any time without further notice to students
or parents/guardians. Students are required to cooperate if asked to
open book bags, lockers, or any vehicle brought on campus. A student’s
refusal to cooperate with a search could result in a decision by the
school administrator to involve the school resource ofcer or local law
enforcement. Students who disrupt or refuse to cooperate with general
or reasonable suspicion searches may be referred for disciplinary action.
Students who refuse to cooperate with searches of technology devices
and/or cell phones may face consequences including, but not limited to,
conscation of the device or phone and loss of privilege of carrying any
personal technology devices or cell phones on campus for a period of
one calendar year. Alternative schools may use specialized searching
procedures and criteria as allowed by law and as designated by the
alternative school.
If a search yields illegal or unauthorized materials, such materials
should be turned over in person to an APS Police Department school
resource ofcer.
APS assumes no liability for the theft, loss, or damage of mobile
telephones, PEDs, unauthorized materials/objects/contraband
possessed by students on school property or held by school ofcials
The student Code of Conduct shall be distributed electronically or, for
students/parents/guardians that request or require it, a hard copy will be
provided to each student each school year and/or upon enrollment of
each new student.
The parents/guardians shall acknowledge receipt of the Code of
Conduct using the electronic acknowledgement form in the Innite
Campus parent portal. A parent/guardian who does not acknowledge
receipt of the Student Code of Conduct shall not be released of any
responsibility with respect to the information contained within the
Code and failure to acknowledge receipt does not prevent a student
from being charged with a rule violation and receiving discipline
consequences. The Student Code of Conduct shall be available in the
school ofce.
Students who commit an infraction will receive a disciplinary
response. Disciplinary action and the length of the assignment will be
progressive and will draw on the professional judgment of teachers and
administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques,
including positive behavior interventions and restorative practices.
If a student/parent/guardian is uncertain as to the interpretation of the
student Code of Conduct they should contact The Ofce of Student
Discipline at 404-802-7473.
Disciplinary action will be related, but not limited, to the seriousness
of the offense, the student’s age and grade level, the frequency of
misbehavior, the student’s attitude, whether the student was acting in
self-defense, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment,
intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct,
and requirements of law. As such, disciplinary responses may differ on a
case by case basis.
Any and all violations of the Code of Conduct will be part of a student’s
disciplinary record and may be used in a student disciplinary hearing
pursuant to APS’s progressive discipline process.
The Student Behavior Code provides examples of offenses that may
occur and is not intended to include all offenses for which disciplinary
action may be taken as it is not possible to identify every behavior which
might result in disciplinary consequences.
Scope
Location of Violations:
Except as otherwise provided herein, the following code provisions apply
to offenses that students commit while on school property or while using
school technology resources at any time.
School property includes, but is not limited to:
• The land and improvements which constitute the school
• Any other property or building, including school bus stops, any
school function, event, or activity
• Any bus or other vehicle used in connection with school functions
and activities, including but not limited to, buses leased by APS and
privately owned vehicles used for transportation to and from school
activities
• Personal belongings, automobiles, or other vehicles located on
school property
• Off-campus locations if the behavior meets the denition of an off-
campus behavior violation or directly affects the safety and welfare
of the school community or the orderly mission and function of the
school
• En route to the student’s home from school (Prior to imposing
discipline regarding incidents occurring en route from school, school
administration should consult with the Ofce of Student Discipline)
• School computers/devices issued to the student, computers/devices
owned by APS, school technology resources wherever located
including, but not limited to, all distance learning platforms, websites,
and programs.
• Technology resources/devices, wherever located if communications
meet the denition of cyber-bullying pursuant to this Code of
Conduct
28
Level 2 Discipline is used for MINOR acts of misconduct. These include
acts directed against people or property that do not seriously endanger
the health or safety of others and serious disruptions of school order.
Unique, serious, or multiple offenses may result in the offense being
considered a Level 3 offense.
Level 1 offenses are generally MINOR OFFENSES and may represent
a failure to demonstrate universally dened expectations or social skills.
Following appropriate teacher intervention, students may be referred to
an administrator.
Level 3 Discipline offenses are SERIOUS acts of misconduct that
place students or staff at risk of emotional or physical harm which may
include threats to the health, safety, and/or property of others, and other
acts of serious and repeated misconduct. Consequences may include
out-of-school suspension and a disciplinary hearing referral or Title IX
Grievance Process (as applicable) with a recommendation for further
actions such as long-term suspension, expulsion, and/or assignment
to an alternative education program. Behaviors that implicate Title IX
regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in
www. atlantapublicschools.us/titleix.
LEVEL 1
DISCIPLINE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
School-based interventions/support and the following:
Elementary One day detention Three days detention
Middle/High
Up to three days
detention
Up to three days of
In-School Suspension
LEVEL 2
DISCIPLINE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
School-based interventions/support and the following:
Elementary
Up to ve days of
In-School Suspension
Up to three days
of Out-of-School
Suspension
Middle/High
Four or ve days of
In-School Suspension
Up to three days
of Out-of-School
Suspension
LEVEL 3
DISCIPLINE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
School-based interventions/support and the following:
Elementary
Four days of Out-of-School
Suspension.
Ten days of Out-of-School
Suspension and referral to
a student discipline hearing
where the student may face
long-term suspension or
expulsion.
Middle/High
Four days of Out-of-School
Suspension.
Ten days of Out-of-School
Suspension and referral to
a student discipline hearing
where the student may face
long-term suspension or
expulsion.
Discipline Hearings:
Any student who is suspended 10 days pending a student disciplinary
hearing will be provided with classwork and assignments that they
can complete and return for a grade. The time period for completion of
assignments should be coordinated with the teacher.
Student Discipline Hearings:
Informal Review: Where a disciplinary hearing is required by law or
when a Principal recommends a long-term out of school suspension/
expulsion (more than 10 school days of out of school suspension) and
a disciplinary hearing is scheduled, a parent conference will be offered
within three (3) school days of the rst day of suspension. Legal counsel
for student and/or parent is not allowed. The principal/designee should
be prepared to offer and discuss the investigation completed by the
school, the discipline procedures afforded and any witness/student
statements; as well as the current status of the student’s conduct and
academic status.
Composition: Disciplinary hearings will be heard by a disciplinary
hearing ofcer, panel, or a tribunal of school ofcials.
Timing and Continuances: The hearing should be held within ten (10)
school days after the rst day of suspension unless Student Discipline
and the parent/guardian mutually agree to an extension.
Written Notice of Hearing: When a disciplinary hearing is required,
Student Discipline shall provide written notice of the relevant procedures
to the student’s parent/guardian/student age 18 or older.
Delivery of Notication: The notice of hearing shall be delivered to the
student and his/her parent/guardian either in person or by mail to the last
known address of the parent or guardian.
Group Hearing: When students are charged with violating the same
rule(s) and have acted in concert, and the facts are similar for all
students, a group hearing may be conducted for them if the Director of
Student Discipline believes that no student will have his/her interests
substantially prejudiced by a group hearing. Any student who objects to
participation in a group hearing should notify Student Discipline in writing
no less than 48 hours before the hearing.
Record of Proceedings: A verbatim record of the hearing shall be made
and shall be available to all parties upon request.
Hearing Attendees: Student disciplinary hearings are condential and
are not open to the public.
Burden of Proof: The burden of proof is a preponderance of the
evidence (more likely than not) and shall be on the school.
Legal Representation/Involvement of an Attorney at the Disciplinary
Hearing: The student/parent/guardian must notify Student Discipline not
less than 48 hours prior to the hearing if the student may be represented
by an attorney. Failure to give such notice can result in the hearing being
continued.
Procedural Objections: Objection to the sufciency of the notice and/or
other procedural objections shall be waived unless written notice thereof
during the conscation period. APS assumes no liability for the
theft, loss or damage of items possessed by students on school
property or held by school ofcials during the conscation period.
APS employees will not be responsible for searching for lost or
stolen student property.
Progressive Discipline:
The school discipline process should include appropriate
consideration of support processes to help students resolve
issues that may be contributing to violations to the Student Code
of Conduct. These resources may include, but are not limited to,
Student Support Team, positive behavioral supports, restorative
practices, counseling with school counselor, school social worker
intervention, behavior, attendance and academic contracts and
plans, peer mediation, and prevention programs.
The offenses have been organized into three levels of prohibited
behaviors: Level 1 discipline (minor) offenses, Level 2 discipline
(moderate) offenses, and Level 3 discipline (serious) offenses.
Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be
managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix.
29
is led with Student Discipline no less than 24 hours prior to the time the
hearing is scheduled to begin. The hearing may be postponed until such
defects have been removed or remedied.
Decisions: The hearing ofcer, panel or tribunal, after conducting the
hearing and receiving all evidence, shall render a decision based solely
on the evidence received at the hearing and shall determine what, if any,
disciplinary action shall be taken. Such action may include, but is not
limited to, assignment to alternative school, short-term suspension, long-
term suspension, expulsion or permanent expulsion.
Sanctions: The hearing ofcer, panel or tribunal may consider the
student’s entire student record to include the academic, disciplinary and
attendance to determine the appropriate punishment or sanction to be
imposed.
Appeals: Any party may appeal the hearing decision to the Board
by ling a written notice of appeal addressed to the attention of the
Superintendent within twenty (20) calendar days of the date of decision.
Appeals by the administration must be approved by the Superintendent.
If granted, the Board will discuss the appeal in Executive Session. The
Board’s review will be based solely on the record. The Board shall not
hear any oral arguments as part of any appeal nor shall it consider any
evidence that was not presented at the disciplinary hearing. The Board
may take any action it deems appropriate and has the power to afrm,
reverse, or modify in any respect the decision reached.
Any party may appeal the Board’s decision to the State Board of
Education pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1160 (b) through (f) and
regulations of the Georgia Board of Education governing such appeals.
If an appeal to the State Board is requested, a written transcript of the
disciplinary hearing will be prepared and submitted to the State Board.
The decision of the Board will not be suspended during the State Board
appeal period.
Student Offenses:
A student shall not violate any of the following rules of APS. The
disciplinary levels below correspond to the progressive discipline
levels detailed above. However, in serious offenses, principals or
designees working in conjunction with the Ofce of Student Discipline
or an Associate Superintendent may use a higher level of progressive
discipline. The Student Code of Conduct provides examples of offenses
that may occur, but it is not intended to include all offenses for which
disciplinary action may be taken, as it is not possible to identify every
behavior which might result in disciplinary consequences.
Personal Communication/Electronic Devices:
All students may possess mobile telephones and other personal
electronic devices (PEDs) with the expressed, written consent of
their parents/guardians. The parent/legal guardian must complete the
Parental Consent & Acknowledgement Form For a Mobile Telephone/
Personal Electronic Device each school year and deliver it to the school
principal or designee before the student is allowed to possess a device
on school property.
Unless otherwise directed by school administration or school staff, the
use of cellular telephones or other PEDs is forbidden for all students
at all times during the instructional day. The instructional day includes,
but is not limited to, lunch periods, class changes, study halls, and any
other structured or unstructured instructional activity that occurs during
the normal school day. Devices must be out of sight and turned off. This
prohibition includes all emergency situations unless the student is directed
to use a cellular telephone or PED by a school administrator or school
staff or unless an extreme threat to the health or safety of a student arises
and no school administrator or school staff member is present.
All staff members have the right to conscate mobile phones and PEDs
when used in violation of policy JCDAF and its implementing regulation.
If a student refuses to relinquish a phone or other device to a school staff
member, the staff member may refer the student with the device to the
principal or designee. Atlanta Public Schools assumes no liability for the
theft, loss, or damage of mobile telephones and other PEDs possessed
by students on school property or held by school ofcials during the
conscation period. APS employees will not be responsible for searching
for lost or stolen mobile phones or other PEDs.
Students shall not use, display, or turn on cellular phones, or PEDs
during instructional time, class change time, or breakfast/lunch.
The principal shall determine specic times on campus if and when
electronic devices may be used for instructional purposes.
Additionally, if a student uses a mobile phone or other PED in the
commission of any violation of the Rules contained herein, the
device may be conscated, and the student may lose the privilege of
possessing a mobile phone or PED on school property for one calendar
year. Written notice will be mailed to the parent/guardian, and the
telephone or device will be returned only to the parent/legal guardian
who must schedule a conference at the school to retrieve it.
Disciplinary actions for students whose parents/legal guardians have
completed the Parental Consent & Acknowledgement Form are as
follows:
• First violation: Verbal warning.
• Second violation: The device will be conscated and the telephone
or device will be returned only to the parent/legal guardian who must
schedule a conference at the school to retrieve the item.
• Third violation: The device will be conscated and will result in the
student’s loss of the privilege of possessing a mobile telephone or
PED on school property for one semester. Written notice will be
mailed to the parent/guardian, and the telephone or device will be
returned only to the parent/legal guardian who must schedule a
conference at the school to retrieve the item.
• Fourth (or more) violation: The phone will be conscated, and the
student will lose the privilege of possessing a cellular telephone or
PED on school property for one calendar year. Written notice will
be mailed to the parent/guardian, and the telephone or device will
be returned only to the parent/legal guardian who must schedule a
conference at the school to retrieve the item.
Disciplinary actions for students whose parents/legal guardians have
not completed the Parental Consent & Acknowledgement Form are
as follows:
• First violation: The device will be conscated, and the telephone or
device will be returned only to the parent/legal guardian who must
schedule a conference at the school to retrieve the item. The parent/
legal guardian will be given the opportunity to complete the Parental
Consent & Acknowledgment Form at the rst conference. Should
a parent/guardian choose not to complete the Parental Consent &
Acknowledgement Form, further disciplinary actions against the
student may be warranted for subsequent violations.
• Second violation: The phone or device will be conscated and
will result in the student’s loss of privilege of possessing a mobile
telephone or PED on school property for one semester. Written
notice will be mailed to the parent/guardian, and the cellular
telephone or PED will be returned only to the parent/legal guardian
who must schedule a conference at the school to retrieve the item.
• Third violation: The phone will be conscated, and the student will
lose the privilege of possessing a cellular telephone or PED on
school property for one calendar year. Written notice will be mailed
to the parent/guardian, and the telephone or device will be returned
only to the parent/legal guardian who must schedule a conference at
the school to retrieve the item.
Chronic-Disciplinary-Problem Students:
A “chronic-disciplinary-problem student” is dened by law as a student
who exhibits a pattern of behavioral characteristics which interfere with
the learning process of students around them and which are likely to
recur. Any time a teacher or principal identies a student as a chronic-
disciplinary-problem student, the principal shall inform the parent/
guardian of the student’s disciplinary problem. Notication should be by
either rst-class or certied mail (with return receipt requested) and a
telephone call.
The principal should invite the parents/guardians to observe their child in
a classroom situation. Also, the principal and at least one parent/guardian
will meet to develop a disciplinary and behavioral correction plan.
Before such a student returns to school after suspension or expulsion,
30
the principal/designee of that school and at least one parent/guardian
will meet to develop a disciplinary and behavioral correction plan. At the
discretion of the principal, a teacher, counselor, or other person may
attend the conference.
The principal will note the conference in the student’s permanent le.
Failure of the parent/guardian to attend shall not preclude the student
from being readmitted to the school.
The school system may, by petition to the juvenile court, proceed
against a parent/guardian of a chronic-disciplinary-problem student if
school system personnel believe the parent/guardian has willfully and
unreasonably failed to attend a conference requested by a principal.
Disciplined Students on Campus:
Students who are suspended or expelled are not allowed on school
grounds to participate in regular school activities, extracurricular activities,
athletic participation, and other school events. Students assigned to
alternative school may not return to their home school or any other APS
school to participate in school events without permission of the principal.
Failure to adhere to this rule can result in the student receiving additional
disciplinary charges and/or an increased disciplinary response.
Teacher Reporting
Teachers are required to le a report within one school day, with the
principal or principal’s designee if they have a student that has exhibited
behavior that repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability
to communicate effectively with the students in their class or with the ability
of such student’s classmates to learn, where such behavior is in violation of
the Student Code of Conduct. The principal or the principal’s designee will,
within one school day after receiving such a report, send to the student’s
parents/guardians a copy of the report and information regarding how the
student’s parents/guardians may contact the principal or the principal’s
designee. For additional information visithttps://codes.ndlaw.com/ga/
title-20-education/ga-code-sect-20-2-738.html
Removing Disruptive Students from the Classroom
The Superintendent and principals shall, and do, fully support the
authority of every teacher in their school(s) to remove a disruptive
student from their class pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-738. The principal
or the principal’s designee will respond when a student is referred by a
teacher by employing appropriate discipline management techniques
that are consistent with District policy, procedure and guidelines.
Teacher Removal of Disruptive Student:
When a student is removed from the regular classroom, a conference
will be scheduled within three school days between the student’s parent/
guardian, the teacher, and the student. During the conference the
administrator will explain the grounds for the student’s removal from class
and give the student the opportunity to explain their behavior. After the
conference, the principal will notify the student and parents/guardians of
the consequences of the Student Code of Conduct violation.
For a student with disabilities, including those with IEPs or 504 plans, the
removal from class must be consistent with state and federal laws and
regulations regarding students with disabilities. School staff should refer
to additional processes maintained by the Ofce of Student Discipline for
more information regarding implementation of the Removal Process.
NOTE: For the purpose of this policy, the term “repeatedly or
substantially” shall be dened as a minimum of three incidents.
Reporting to Law Enforcement:
In addition to discipline of students by APS, student conduct may be
reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities, including pursuant
to O.C.G.A. 20-2-1184. Some Student Code of Conduct violations
may also result in criminal charges. School disciplinary action will
be independent of any criminal or juvenile court decisions. When it
comes to the attention of APS that an offense has occurred which may
constitute criminal behavior, the ofcials and employees of Atlanta Public
Schools will cooperate with the police and other investigative agencies
in providing and sharing information about the student to the degree that
the ofcial or the employee deems necessary and/or is governed by law.
As required by the Georgia Legislature, APS encourages parents/
guardians to inform their children of the consequences, including
potential criminal penalties, of underage sexual conduct and crimes for
which a minor can be tried as an adult.
Discipline of Students In Pre-K Through Third Grade:
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 20-2- 742: Students in Pre-K through 3rd
grade will not be expelled or suspended from school for more than
ve consecutive or cumulative days during a school year without
rst receiving a multi-tiered system of supports, such as response to
intervention. ‘Multi-tiered system of supports’ or ‘MTSS’ also may include
a systemic, continuous-improvement framework in which data based
problem-solving and decision making is practiced across all levels of
the educational system for supporting students at multiple levels of
intervention.
If such a student is receiving or has received a multi-tiered system of
supports, the school has met these requirements. This requirement does
not apply if:
• the student possessed a weapon/dangerous instrument (including
Rule 5.25) or illegal drugs (including Rule 5.2); and/or
• the student’s behavior endangers the physical safety of other
students or school personnel
In addition, if a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
or a Section 504 plan, prior to assigning the student out-of-school
suspension for more than ve consecutive or cumulative days during a
school year, the school or program shall also convene an IEP or Section
504 meeting to review appropriate supports being provided as part of the
IEP or Section 504 plan.
Student Hearing Procedure:
APS supports effective student discipline procedures to support
student success and safety in the classroom and the school. For more
information pertaining to student hearing procedures see Policy JCEB
Student Hearing Procedure and Administrative Regulation JCEB-R(1)
31
1. The DRIVER is in FULL charge of the bus and its passengers
and has authority to enforce all the rules. Respect the authority
of the driver by obeying promptly and courteously AND following
instructions the rst time that they are given.
2. BE ON TIME AT THE BUS STOP. The BUS WILL NOT WAIT for
those who are tardy. DO NOT run after the bus if you are late.
Drivers have been instructed NOT TO STOP for anyone running
after a bus.
3. Wait for the bus to come to a COMPLETE halt before trying to
board or depart. If you must CROSS THE ROAD, wait for the
DRIVER TO SIGNAL you across with their hand when they have
determined all trafc has stopped. ALWAYS cross at least ten (10)
feet in front of the bus, whether boarding or departing.
4. Promptly board the bus in an orderly manner. After boarding the
bus, sit down and remain seated until the bus reaches your stop.
IF THE DRIVER ASSIGNS SEATS, students will sit in the seats
assigned to them.
5. NO ghting, pushing, tripping, kicking, etc.
6. Students are not allowed to use tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or to light
matches or lighters on the bus.
7. Students should respect the property and privacy of others while at
the bus stop and on the bus.
8. NO loud or boisterous speech, swearing, or shouting in the bus or
out the windows. Rude and abusive language will not be tolerated.
9. DO NOT sit with more than the proper number in one seat.
10. DO NOT extend any part of your body out the bus windows.
11. DO NOT throw anything in or out of the bus window.
12. DO NOT eat or drink on the bus.
13. DO NOT bring sharp objects, alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco,
rearms, knives, explosive devices, recrackers, or other
dangerous materials aboard the bus. Such ITEMS WILL BE
CONFISCATED and appropriate discipline will follow.
14. TREAT THE BUS WITH RESPECT. ANY DAMAGES TO THE BUS
WILL BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENT OR THEIR PARENTS/
GUARDIANS.
15. Keep the aisle clear. Store personal items on your lap or under the
seat.
16. Keep the bus clean. A waste container is provided at the front of the
bus. Use this container when boarding or departing the bus only.
17. USE HANDRAILS when boarding or departing the bus.
18. Students should board and exit the bus at their assigned stop.
Avoid crowding or pushing while boarding or exiting the bus.
19. DO NOT board or exit the bus from the rear emergency door,
unless instructed to do so by the driver.
20. In the morning, students will be discharged ONLY at their regularly
designated school stop. NO student will be allowed to get off at
ANY OTHER PLACE.
21. Students transported to an athletic, academic, or co-curricular
activity will return to the point of departure on the bus.
22. Never do anything that could distract the driver or other students.
23. Students should not play and chase other students or hang onto
school buses.
24. Students should remain cautious at all times when traveling on
or standing near school buses to avoid the possibility of being
dragged under the wheels of the bus and seriously injured.
Students should never crawl or reach under the wheels of the bus.
25. Enter or exit the bus stop area only when it is safe, cross roads at
intersections or crosswalks only when it is safe, and look both ways
while crossing. Always assume that cars will not stop for you.
The safety and welfare of student riders depends on proper behavior and observance of the following rules and regulations. Students who violate the
Student rules will be reported to the school principal or designee and their privilege of transportation may be denied. These rules apply to STUDENT
ACTIVITY TRIPS as well as regular bus routes to and from school. Students are permitted to ride their assigned school bus only.
School Bus Conduct
CREATE SAFE, SUPPORTIVE & EQUIATABLE LEARNING ENVIRONTMENTS
BY USING TENETS OF SEL, PBIS & RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
1
Be Clear with Expectation
• co-create norms/essential agreements
• create a positive behavior matrix
• teach and model effective procedures & routines
2
Build Internal Social & Emotional Capacity
• teach explicit SEL skill building lessons
• model and integrate SEL skills and competencies
3
Honor Students' Identity Through Representation in the Physical Space
& Instructional Resources
4
Adopt a Restorative Mindset
• build healthy relationships with students
• use effective statements to praise & reinforce positive behavior
5
Build a Culture of Trust & Communication
• use impromtu conversations, proactive circles and problem-solving
circles
• listen to understand
Student Hearing Procedure.
Board Policy JGBB: Restorative Practices
The Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education recognizes restorative
practices as a shift from punitive and punishment-oriented student
consequences to those that provide opportunities for all people
affected by a student’s action to engage in dialogue and measures
seeking to restore the classroom, school community, and interpersonal
relationships. By implementing restorative practices, schools work to
ensure that students are not suspended for subjective offenses and
can spend more time in their classrooms, thereby leading to increased
student achievement and graduation rates. Restorative practices provide
proactive systems, emphasize reintegration, and promote positive
classroom environments.
This Board recognizes that in K-12 public education, there is a
correlation between higher suspension/expulsion rates and lower
prociency and graduation rates. The Board also acknowledges that
student discipline practices are often disproportionately imposed upon
certain student subgroups. Implementation of restorative practices
should (1) work to reduce the inuence of implicit and explicit biases in
decisions around student suspensions and expulsions and (2) ensure
that students do not face harsh disciplinary consequences for minor,
often subjectively dened, offenses.
32
Progressive Discipline Interventions (Elementary)
Tier 1 Discipline (Minor)
Classroom Intervention/Response
Every intervention and response should be documented in a school-level/PBIS tracking system, and
students should journal their response or understanding of the process and the intervention.
Administrative Intervention/Response
Every administrative action taken should
be documented in a school-level/PBIS
tracking system.
1. Nonverbal cues for redirection
2. Verbal warning
3. Give student a break
4. Revisit, clarify, and reinforce expectations/
agreements
5. Give clear and concise directions
6. Provide explicit instructions
7. Modify expectation if accommodation is
needed
8. Use positive reinforcement for expected
behavior
9. Meditation and journal reection (written or
recorded)
10. Partner with a student for accountability
support
11. Partner with another teacher for short-term
reection
12. Student meditation period with a follow-up
impromptu restorative conversation
13. Student choice of pre-selected
consequences
14. Problem solving process using affective
language
15. Problem solving circle
16. Restorative conversation
17. Teacher/student conference
18. Teacher/student/parent conference
19. Teacher/student/counselor conference
1. Partner student with another staff
member for short term reection
Teacher/student/administrator
conference
2. Documentation of written warning
3. Student video or paper of steps to
self-correct behavior and needed
supports
4. Quiet reection period with
administrator, followed by affective
dialogue and notice of correction
Tier 2 Discipline (Intermediate-Moderate)
Teacher Intervention/Response
Every intervention and response should be
documented in a school-level/PBIS tracking system,
and students should journal their response or
understanding of the process and the intervention.
Administrative Intervention/Response
Every administrative action taken should be documented in a school-level/PBIS tracking
system.
1. Affective language
2. Review expectations
3. Conscate item of disturbance for a limited
amount of time and allow student to journal
reection on expectations and why item was
conscated using affective language
4. Write or record an apology to everyone
impacted by actions
5. Written reection
6. Change seating with review of expectations
and partner with a buddy for accountability and
support
7. Visit to cool down zone/safe space/peace
center for a designated period
8. Conict resolution with affective questions
9. Mediation (student-student)
10. Referral to counselor
11. Referral to social worker
12. Referral to administrator
1. Temporary removal from class and
facilitate an impromptu restorative
conversation
2. Adult mentor (10-30 days check-in
and support)
3. Adult pairing check-in/check-out (10
days)
4. Allow the student to take
accountability for actions and decide
how to make amends using a
graphic representation
5. Lunch detention
6. Lunch duty
7. Behavioral contract
8. Removal of school privilege with
ability to reinstate after agreed upon
amends
9. Reection “Think Sheet” with
restorative questions
10. Change classrooms with review of
expectations and partner with new
classroom buddy for accountability
and support
11. Assignment of school duty (student
choice)
12. Assignment of school duty
(administrator choice)
13. Written correction with consequences
detailed for recurrence
14. Mediation (teacher-student)
15. Restorative conference
16. Restorative problem solving
17. Silent lunch
Tier 3 Discipline (Serious)
Teacher Intervention/Response
Every intervention and response should be
documented in a school-level/PBIS tracking system,
and students should journal their response or
understanding of the process and the intervention.
Administrative Intervention/Response
Every administrative action taken should be documented in a school-level/PBIS
tracking system.
1. Restorative conference
2. Reection paper/video
3. Administrative referral
4. Therapy referral
5. Counseling referral
6. Restorative circle
7. Restorative conference
8. Formal restorative conference
9. Removal of privileges for a period,
until restoration or repair/restitution is
achieved
10. Detention with reection (paper or
video)
33
Progressive Discipline
Plan (Elementary)
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E1 Academic
Dishonesty
Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance (to include plagiarizing, copying, use of
articial intelligence, or fabricating data) on classroom projects, assignments, exams, or state
or national examinations.
E1.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E1.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E1.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E2 Alcohol/Illegal
Drugs/Inhalants:
Under the Inuence
No student shall be under any degree of inuence of alcoholic beverages (including related
products such as “near” beer, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic wine coolers), inhalants,
and/or illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana,
marijuana oils, synthetic Cannabinoids, THC (including, but not limited to hemp-derived
THC products) or any substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act or any
substance believed by the student to be alcohol or an illegal drug.
Inhalants include vapes,
e-cigs, e-liquids, etc.
E2.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E2.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E2.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E2.b Alcohol/Illegal
Drugs/Inhalants:
Possession/Use
No student shall possess, consume, transmit, or store alcoholic beverages (including related
products such as “near” beer, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic wine coolers), inhalants,
and/or illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana,
marijuana oils, synthetic Cannabinoids, THC (including, but not limited to hemp-derived
THC products) or any substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act or any
substance believed by the student to be alcohol or an illegal drug. Legal intoxication is not
required for violation of this Code.
Inhalants include vapes,
e-cigs, e-liquids, etc.
E2.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E2.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E2.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
34
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E2.c Alcohol/Illegal
Drugs/Inhalants:
Selling/Buying
No student shall buy, receive, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to distribute
or attempt to buy, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to distribute alcoholic
beverages, illegal drugs, inhalants, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or
marijuana, marijuana oil, THC (including, but not limited to hemp-derived THC products) or any
other substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, or any substance falsely
identied as such, or the student purports to be an alcoholic beverage or illegal drug, narcotics,
hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or marijuana, or any other substance listed under
the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Inhalants include vapes,
e-cigs, e-liquids, etc.
E2.c.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E2.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E2.d Alcohol
Paraphernalia/
Counterfeit Drugs,
Drug Paraphernalia
No student shall possess, transmit, or store any drug-related paraphernalia or counterfeit
drugs, or alcohol paraphernalia (including scales, empty bottles, asks, shot glasses, etc.).
If student does not
possess actual alcohol,
illegal drugs, or inhalants
but is in possession of
associated items
E2.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E2.d.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E3.d.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E3 Arson No student shall intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property by
re or incendiary device.
E3.2
4 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 days OSS
E3.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E4 Assault Attempting to cause physical injury, threaten bodily harm, or commit an act which places a
person in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving physical injury, but no contact is
made.
E4.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E4.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E4.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E4.b Assault of School
Employee
Intentional attempted physical attack against an employee with the intent to cause bodily harm
resulting in severe injuries, or any act which places another in reasonable apprehension of
immediately receiving a violent injury.
Mandatory Discipline
Hearing unless the
hearing is waived by the
victim/employee and the
victim/employee signs
the waiver form.
E4.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E4.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
35
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E5 Audio or Video
Recording
Students shall not use audio or visual recording devices without the permission of a school
administrator. This includes but is not limited to, using recording devices to video, photograph,
or record misbehaviors or to violate the privacy of others. Any violation will result in the device
being conscated and will also result in the student’s loss of the privilege of possessing a
mobile telephone or PED on school property for one calendar year. The device will only be
released to the parent or guardian, who must come to the school in person for retrieval.
In addition to any
discipline assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in loss of privilege
for student to possess
a personal electronic
device (PED) on campus
for up to one calendar
year.
E5.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E5.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E5.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E6 Battery Intentional touching or striking of another person to insult, provoke, or cause bodily harm. If
the Battery results in physical injury to the victim, the student may face increased discipline
consequences
E6.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E6.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E6.b Battery of School
Employees
Intentionally make physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with a school employee,
unless such physical contact was in self-defense as provided by O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21.
MANDATORY DISCIPLINE HEARING.
Battery of School
Employee requires a
mandatory discipline
hearing unless such
hearing is waived by
the victim Employee.
E6.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E7 Bomb Threats Bomb threat is dened as transmitting in any manner a false alarm to the effect that a bomb or
other explosive of any nature is concealed on school property creating a potentially dangerous
situation. A bomb threat can be communicated via conduct that occurs on or off school
property, including but not limited to transmission via email, text, and social media.
E7.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E7.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E8 Bullets/BB’s/
Paintball Pellets
Students may not possess ammunition, BB’s, paint pellets, or CO2 cartridges. These items are
disruptive to the function of the school and may pose a safety risk.
E8.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E8.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E8.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E9 Bullying A willful attempt or threat to inict injury on another person when accompanied by
1. an apparent present ability to do so, or;
2. intentionally exhibiting a display of force such as would give the victim reason to
fear or expect immediate bodily harm, or;
3. any intentional written, verbal or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive
as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate that:
- Causes substantial physical harm or bodily harm capable of being perceived by a person
other than the victim; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the victim student’s education;
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening
educational environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Within 1 School Year:
First Offense:
Discipline Levels 1 - 3
Second Offense:
Discipline Levels 2 - 3
Third Offense:
Discipline Level 3
Mandatory Hearing
Referral.
E9.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E9.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
one to three Days
OSS
E9.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
36
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E9.b Cyberbullying Electronic communication made on or off school property, through school or personal device
that:
1. is directed specically at students or school personnel, AND
2. is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specied
or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, AND
3. creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students’ or school personnel’s person or
property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
Within 1 School Year:
First Offense:
Discipline Levels 1 - 3
Second Offense:
Discipline Levels 2 - 3
Third Offense:
Discipline Level 3
Mandatory Hearing
Referral. In addition to
any discipline assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in loss of privilege
for student to possess a
personal electronic device
(PED) on campus for up
to one calendar year.
E9.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E9.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E9.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E10 Burglary Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry into a school building or vehicle (with or without intent to
commit theft or a felony).
E10.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E10.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E11 Bus Emergency
Exits
Emergency doors and windows are to be used only at the direction of the driver. Students are
not permitted to open, attempt to open, or tamper with Emergency Exits.
In addition to any
discipline assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in a bus behavior
contract or a period of
suspension from bus
riding.
E11.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E11.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E11.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E11.b Bus Unauthorized
Entry or Exit
Students may not ride a bus or disembark a bus at a bus stop other than that assigned for their
residence.
In addition to any
discipline assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in a bus behavior
contract or a period of
suspension from bus
riding.
E11.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E11.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E11.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E11.c Bus Safety Hazard Students must keep all body parts inside the bus at all times. Students are not permitted to
throw or project any item within or out of the bus. If the student projects an item that makes
contact with another person, property, or vehicle, the student will face increased discipline
consequences.
In addition to any
discipline assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in a bus behavior
contract or a period of
suspension from bus
riding.
E11.c.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E11.c.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E11.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
37
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E11.d Bus Electronic
Distractions/Cell
Phone Use
Students shall not record video or audio during school transportation, or use any electronic
device that is distracting to the bus operator or may interfere with the bus communication
equipment. No electronic devices may be operated without the use of headphones or ear buds.
“Electronic device” includes but is not limited to: cell phones; tablets; iPads; iPods; or any other
electronic device.
In addition to any
discipline assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in a bus behavior
contract or a period of
suspension from bus
riding. Violation of this
rule make further result
in loss of privilege for
student to possess a
personal electronic
device on school
property for up to one
calendar year
E11.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E11.d.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E12 Category I
Weapons
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to
use; sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a FIREARM, either concealed or open to view, on
school property. A FIREARM is a (LOADED or UNLOADED) handgun, rie, shotgun, or other
weapon which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or
electrical charge.
Mandatory Report to
Law Enforcement and
Mandatory Report to
the Ofce of Student
Discipline. Students
found in possession of
Loaded Category
I Weapons will be
permanently expelled
from Atlanta Public
Schools. Students found
in possession of an
unloaded Category 1
Weapon will be expelled
for a period no less than
one calendar year.
E12.b Category II
Weapons
Intent plays a role in
this situation.
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to
use; sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a HAZARDOUS OBJECT, either concealed or
open to view, on school property. A HAZARDOUS OBJECT is a pellet gun, paint pellet gun,
or BB gun, antique rearm, pepper spray, non lethal air gun, stun gun, taser, or any similar
weapon that does not meet the denition of a Category I weapon; any Bowie, Dirk, machete,
switchblade knife, ballistics knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches; any
razor blade (e.g., straight, regular, retractable, etc.); box cutter; any bludgeon (e.g. billy club,
PR-24, nightstick, spring stick, blackjack, club); any rearm mufer or rearm silencer; “look-
alike” bomb; any “martial arts” device or ailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts
connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely (e.g., nunchakus, nunchuck,
nun chahka, shuriken, or ghting chain, etc.); any disc of whatever conguration with at least
two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled (e.g., Chinese star,
oriental dart, throwing star, etc.); miscellaneous devices such as swords, sword/knife canes, ice
picks, chains, bow and arrows, knuckles made of metal, thermoplastic, wood or other similar
material, objects placed on ngers, in hands, or on sts or knuckles to provide a “loaded st,”
etc., or any tool or instrument which the school administration could reasonably conclude as
being used as a weapon or intended by the student to be used as a weapon.
Mandatory Report to
law enforcement and
mandatory Report
to Ofce of Student
Discipline. Intent should
be considered when
determining the level of
discipline.
E12.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E12.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E12.3
Handgun
(Unloaded)
E12.3.b
Handgun
(Loaded)
E12.3.2
Rie/Shotgun
(Unloaded)
E 12.3.2.b
Rie/Shotgun
(Loaded)
10 Days OSS
with mandatory
referral to a student
discipline hearing
with mandatory
recommendation
of expulsion for
not less than one
calendar year.
Loaded weapons
will result in
permanent
expulsion.
38
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E12.c Category III
Weapon
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to
use; sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a KNIFE or INSTRUMENT having a blade of less
than two inches, any “look- alike” rearm, toy guns, or plastic disposable razor or slingshot.
Factors to be considered in determining the disciplinary response will include, but not be limited
to: age, maturity level of student, willfulness and intent, and the weapon involved.
Mandatory Report to law
enforcement. Elevated
discipline based upon
student intent.
E12.c.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E12.c.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days
OSS
E12.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E13 Class Disruptions/
Horseplay
Any act that substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, substantially
disrupts the orderly learning environment, or poses a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare
of students, staff or others. (Includes disruptive behaviors on school buses).
E13.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E13.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E14 Consensual Bodily
Harm
Consensual participation in any activity that could cause or results in harm to the body, or
bodily alterations. Examples of consensual bodily harm include, but are not limited to, tattooing,
branding, piercing, initiations, and participation in challenges that may include the ingestion of
chemicals, foreign substances, or objects that may cause harm. Depending on age of student,
level of severity or repetition, the administrator may utilize interventions, supports, and Level
3-4 disciplinary responses for this offense. Non-consensual bodily harm will be treated and
disciplined as a battery.
E14.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E14.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR1 to 3 Days OSS
E14.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E15 False Call to
Emergency
Services or Cause a
False Fire Alarm
No student shall knowingly make or cause a false call to emergency services or a false re
alarm. Emergency services include, but are not limited to, Fire & Rescue, 911, Police.
E15.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E15.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E15.b False Report No student shall knowingly and willfully make false reports, falsify records, forge signatures,
falsify statements whether orally or in writing; or falsely accuse other students or APS
employees of wrong actions or inappropriate conduct.
E15.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E15.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E16 Fighting Mutual participation in a ght involving physical violence where there is no one main offender
and intent to harm. Physical contact which causes harm may result in a Level 3 disciplinary
response being imposed. Harm may include, but is not limited to, signicant injuries such as
swelling, bleeding, concussions, broken bones, sprains, or where medical attention was sought
for a signicant injury.
Physical contact which
causes signicant injury
will result in a Level 3
disciplinary response
being imposed.
E16.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E16.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E16.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E16.b Fighting, Group Three or more individuals mutually participating in a physical altercation with intent to harm.
Harm may include, but is not limited to, signicant injuries such as swelling, bleeding,
concussions, broken bones, sprains, or where medical attention was sought for a signicant
injury.
Physical contact which
causes signicant injury
will result in a Level 3
disciplinary response
being imposed.
E16.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E16.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E16.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
39
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E17 Gambling No student shall gamble or solicit others to gamble or participate in any type of gambling
activity as dened by state law or that involves the wagering or betting of services, money, or
other items. Gambling includes, but is not limited to, betting on any game or event, shooting
dice, matching, card games, or any other games for money and/or things of value.
E17.
1 to 3 Days Detention
E17.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E18 Gang, Displaying
Gang Afliation
Engaging in acts that reect afliation in a gang which engage in illegal activity. A “gang” is dened
as any group of three
or more people with
a common name or
common identifying
signs, symbols,
tattoos, grafti, attire,
or other distinguishing
characteristics.
E18.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E18.2
1 to 5 ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E18.b Gang, Engaging in
Gang Activity
No student shall engage in any activity while participating in a gang which interferes with the
orderly conduct of school activities, with discipline in the schools, or with the rights of other
students or faculty members.
A “gang” is dened
as any group of three
or more people with
a common name or
common identifying
signs, symbols,
tattoos, grafti, attire,
or other distinguishing
characteristics.
E18.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E18.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E18.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E18.c Gang, Recruiting/
Soliciting
No student shall recruit or solicit membership in any gang or gang-related organization. A “gang” is dened
as any group of three
or more people with
a common name or
common identifying
signs, symbols,
tattoos, grafti, attire,
or other distinguishing
characteristics.
E18.c.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E18.c.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E18.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E19 Incendiary Devices
(Possession)
No student shall possess smoke bombs, stink bombs, reworks, cigarette lighters, matches, or
similar devices.
E19.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E19.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E19.b Incendiary Devices
(Discharging)
No student shall light and/or discharge smoke bombs, stink bombs, reworks, cigarette lighters,
matches, or similar devices.
E19.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E19.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
40
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E20 Indecent Exposure
(Self /Others)
No student shall expose their intimate body parts in public or expose the undergarments/
intimate body parts of others. Intimate body parts include the primary genital area, anus,
groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female. Behaviors
that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in www.
atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Level 3 Discipline must
be applied for Exposure
of Others. Mandatory
Hearing Referral.
E20.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E20.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E20.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E21 Insubordination Insubordination or disrespect to staff members or other students; includes but is not limited to:
refusal to follow school staff member instructions, use of vulgar or inappropriate language, and
misrepresentation of the truth.
Discipline Level 2
appropriate for two or
more infractions of this
code within a two-week
period (consecutively).
E21.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E22 Leaving School
Grounds
Students shall not leave school grounds during the course of the regularly scheduled school
day without the permission of a parent/guardian and the principal or designee.
Skipping (E 34) should
be used if student did
not attend class but
remained in the building.
See Repeated Offenses
(E 48) if student commits
multiple offenses.
E22.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E22.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E23 Medication
OTC (Over
the Counter/
Possession)
A student is prohibited from possessing any over-the-counter medication on school property,
including, but not limited to supplements, CBD oils/ingestibles, synthetics, and/or nicotine
replacement products, that is not in compliance with Policy JGCD.
E23.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 days ISS
E23.2
1 to 5 days ISS OR
1 to 3 days OSS
E23.b Medication
OTC (Over the
Counter/Selling or
Distribution)
A student is prohibited from buying, receiving, selling, distributing, or possessing with intent
to distribute any over-the-counter medication on school property, including, but not limited to
supplements, CBD oils/ingestibles, synthetics, and/or nicotine replacement products, that is
not in compliance with Policy JGCD. There is no requirement that there be an exchange of
money, goods, and/or services to nd a violation of this rule.
E23.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E23.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E23.c Medication
(Prescription/
Possession)
A student is prohibited from possessing any prescription medication on school property that is
not in compliance with Policy JGCD.
E23.c.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E23.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
41
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E23.d Medication
(Prescription /
Selling or
Distribution)
A student is prohibited from buying, receiving, selling, distributing, or possessing with intent to
distribute any prescription medication on school property that is not in compliance with Policy
JGCD. There is no requirement that there be an exchange of money, goods, and/or services to
nd a violation of this rule.
E23.d.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E24 Off Campus
Offense
Any off-campus conduct which could result in the student being criminally charged with
a FELONY (if committed by an adult), or felonious conduct for which a student has been
arrested, criminally charged/indicted, adjudicated to have committed, or convicted; AND
conduct which makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons
or property at the school or which disrupts the educational process. Contact the Discipline
Ofce, Safety and Security and the Associate Superintendent.
Contact the
Discipline Ofce,
Safety and Security
and the Associate
Superintendent.
Students may only be
withdrawn after receiving
approval from the
Coordinator of Student
Discipline.
E24.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E25 Offensive Language No student shall use any type of profane, vulgar, obscene or ethnically and culturally offensive
language (written or oral) and actions. Level 2-3 disciplinary responses should only be
considered if the infraction could result in a safety concern due to some form of potential
retaliation.
E25.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E25.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E25.b Offensive Material No student shall possess, share, or distribute profane, vulgar, pornographic, obscene,
threatening or ethnically offensive materials in any format. This includes materials that
advocate illegal or dangerous acts, and causes disruption to the Atlanta Public Schools,
contains knowingly false or defamatory information, or is otherwise harmful to minors as
dened by the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations
(as implemented) will be managed as discussed in
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Materials deemed to be in violation of the Children’s Internet Protection Act must be reported
to school police.
E25.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E25.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E25.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E26 Parties to the
Offense
No student shall urge, encourage, counsel, further, promote, assist, cause, advise, procure, or
abet any other student(s) to violate any section or paragraph of this Code of Conduct.
E26.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E26.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E26.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
4242
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E27 Battery of an
Employee Causing
Physical Harm.
Students shall not intentionally make physical contact which causes physical harm to a school
employee unless such physical contact or physical harm were in self-defense as provided by
O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21. Physical harm may include, but is not limited to, signicant injuries such
as swelling, bleeding, concussions, broken bones, sprains, etc. or where medical attention
was sought for a signicant injury. Where physical harm is not present, students may be
charged and disciplined in accordance with Code 6.b Battery to a School Board Employee.
MANDATORY DISCIPLINE REFERRAL.
A mandatory discipline
hearing is required
for this offense
with a mandatory
recommendation for
permanent expulsion.
For students in grades
6-8, the Hearing Ofcer
may elect to allow the
student to return to
their home school upon
meeting enrollment
requirements for high
school, but this is not
required.
E28 Piracy Students will not copy computer programs, software or other technology provided by APS for
personal use. Downloading unauthorized les is strictly prohibited.
E28.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E28.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E28.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E29 Public Displays of
Affection
No student shall be engaged in amorous kissing, touching, other inappropriate displays of
affection.
E29.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E30 Robbery No student shall take or attempt to take the property of another by use of force, offensive
weapon, or any device having the appearance of a weapon. Use of force may result in
additional charges of Battery or Assault. If the student uses, attempts to use, or posses a
weapon/look-alike weapon or dangerous instrument in the commission of a Robbery, increased
discipline consequences may apply.
E30.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
Without the use of
weapon
E30.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
With the use of
weapon.
E31 School Dress Code All school dress codes must be in compliance with Policy JCDB. Unless a school uniform
has been designated or otherwise specied, a student is expected to adhere to the following
minimum school dress code requirements:
1. Clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry must not cause a disruption or constitute a health or safety
hazard.
2. Clothing, must be of appropriate length and t. Extremely tight clothing, sagging shorts or
trousers,
or baggy, oversized clothing is not permitted.
3. Clothing and/or jewelry must not contain words or symbols that are gang-related, offensive,
insulting, embarrassing, sexually suggestive, obscene, or promote illegal behavior.
4. Clothing and/or jewelry must not contain any advertisement or display of words or symbols
associated with alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco.
5. Caps, hats, head wraps, bandanas, hoods, or other head coverings must not be worn in the
school
building during the school day unless there is a special activity where they are deemed
appropriate
by the school principal.
6. Appropriate shoes, those that t and allow for safe movement throughout the school, must
be worn
at all times at school and school sponsored activities.
7. In accordance with the recommendations of public health ofcials, the wearing of personal
protective equipment (i.e., face coverings, masks, etc.) by students may be required as part
of the
student dress code
E31.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E27.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
4343
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E32 School-Wide
Disruption
No student shall, in any manner, by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat,
intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption
of any lawful mission, process or function of the school, or engage in any such conduct for
the purpose of causing the disruption or obstruction of any such lawful mission, process or
function.
E32.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR 1
to 3 Days OSS
E32.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E33 Sexual Activity No student shall consent to and participate in any form of sexual activity with another student.
Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
E33.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR 1
to 3 Days OSS
E33.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
4444
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E33.b Sexual Battery Oral, anal, or vaginal penetration against the person’s will or where the victim did not or is
incapable of giving consent; touching of private body parts of another person either through
human contact or using an object forcibly or against the person’s will or where the victim
did not or is incapable of giving consent. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as
implemented) will be managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the
Discipline Ofce,
Safety and Security
and the Associate
Superintendent. Level
3 Discipline and
Hearing Referral must
be sought for more
than two offenses
involving inappropriate
touching within one
school year. Level 3
Discipline and Hearing
Referral mandatory
at the rst offense
involving penetration
and in some additional
circumstances.
E33.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E33.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
45
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E33.c Sexual
Harrassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, lewd gestures or verbal conduct, or communications of a sexual
nature; requests for sexual favors; gender-based harrassment that creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive educational or work environment. Behaviors that implicate Title IX
regulations (as implimented) will be managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.us/
titleix
Contact the
Discipline Ofce,
Safety and Security
and the Associate
Superintendent. Level 3
Discipline and Hearing
Referral must be sought
for multiple offenses
within one semester.
Level 3 Discipline
may be applicable
at the srt offense in
some circumstances.
Examples of Sexual
Harassment may include,
but are not limited to,
the following: Verbal
harassment or abuse;
Pressure for sexual
activity; Unwelcome or
inappropriate sexually-
motivated or intentional
touching of intimate
body parts; Offensive
or unwelcome sexual
advances or propositions;
Graphic or degrading
verbal comments about
an individual or their
physical attributes;
Conditioning the provision
of an aid, benet, or
service on
participation in
unwelcome sexual
conduct. Display of
sexually suggestive
objects, pictures, cards,
or letters; Lewd or
suggestive comments
or gestures; Off-color
language or jokes
of a sexual nature;
Demanding sexual
favors accompanied
by implied or overt
threats concernign an
individual’s employment
or educational status;
Demanding sexual favors
accompanied by implied
or overt promises of
preferential treatment
with regard to an
individual’s employment
or student’s educational
status; Sexual violence, a
physical act of aggression
that includes a sexual act
or purpose.
E33.c.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
one to ve Days
OSS
E33.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E33.d Sexual Misconduct No student shall commit any act of verbal, written, gesture-oriented, physical sexual
misconduct, or invasion of privacy. Invasion of privacy may include, but not limited to the
following: Intentionally entering an occupied restroom stall, peeking into a stall or urinal,
peeking into showers or changing area, or any other behavior which attempts to invade
the privacy of others, whether for sexual gratication or as a joke/prank. Behaviors that
implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in www.
atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the
Discipline Ofce,
Safety and Security
and the Associate
Superintendent. Level 3
Discipline and Hearing
Referral must be sought
for multiple offenses
within one semester.
Level 3 Discipline may
be applicable at the
rst offense in some
circumstances.
E33.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E33.d.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
one to three Days
OSS
E33.d.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
46
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E33.e Sexual Molestation Sexual molestation is dened as a student doing any immoral or indecent act to or in the
presence of another person, without that person’s consent, with the intent to arouse or satisfy
the sexual desires of either the student or the other person. This includes a student forcing
another person to make physical contact with the student’s intimate body parts, as dened in
this Section. No student shall commit any act of sexual molestation or the attempts thereof on
school property, school buses, or at school-sponsored events. Behaviors that implicate Title IX
regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.
us/titleix
Contact the
Discipline Ofce,
Safety and Security
and the Associate
Superintendent. Hearing
Referral is Not Mandatory
but may be applicable in
some circumstances.
E33.e.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E34 Skipping No student, without a valid excuse, shall miss a class or activity for which he/she is enrolled. E34.1
1 to 3 Days
Detention
E35 Selling/Distributing
Unauthorized Item
No student shall buy, receive, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute any item that
does, or has the potential to, disrupt the classroom environment or orderly operation of the
school. Unauthorized items may include, but are not limited to, phone cases in the likeness
of a weapon, unauthorized drones, or items that do not meet the denition of 5.25.2. Once
detected, an unauthorized item will be conscated and returned only to the parent/guardian.
APS assumes no liability for any lost or damaged unauthorized item. There is no requirement
that there be an exchange of money, goods, or services to nd a violation of this rule.
E35.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR 1
to 3 Days OSS
E35.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E36 Stalking Following, contacting, or placing another person under surveillance without consent for the
purpose of harassing and intimidating, which includes behavior that would cause a reasonable
person to: (a) fear for their safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional
distress. Behaviors that implicate Title IX, as implemented, may be addressed through the
District’s Title IX Grievance Policy found at: www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the District’s
Title IX Coordinator.
Behaviors that implicate
Title IX (as implemented)
will be handled pursuant
to the District’s Title IX
grievance policy.
E36.1
1 to 3 Days
Detention
E36.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
one to three Days
OSS
E36.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E37 Stimulants/
Possession or Use
A student shall not consume nor possess diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulant on school
property.
NOTE: If the stimulant is
a controlled substance
under the Georgia
Controlled Substances
Act, the student shall be
found to have violated
the Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/
Inhalants Rule (2.b)
and shall be disciplined
according to that Section.
E37.1
1 to 3 Days
Detention
E37.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
one to three Days
OSS
E37.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
47
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E37.b Stimulants/Selling
or Distribution
No student shall buy, receive, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute diet pills,
caffeine pills, or other stimulant on school property. There is no requirement that there be an
exchange of money, goods, and/or services to nd a violation of this rule.
NOTE: If the stimulant is
a controlled substance
under the Georgia
Controlled Substances
Act, the student shall be
found to have violated
the Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/
Inhalants Rule (2.b)
and shall be disciplined
according to that Section.
E37.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E37.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E37.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E38 Tardy No student, without a valid excuse, shall be tardy for a class in which they are enrolled. E38.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E39 Teasing/Taunting Engaging or encouraging teasing and/or taunting of another student, employee, volunteer, or
visitor to provoke or make fun of someone, whether in a playful, insulting, or contemptuous
manner.
E39.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E39.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E40 Theft No student shall intentionally steal property belonging to another person or entity. E40.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E40.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E40.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E41 Threats//Damage
to Property
No student shall threaten, either verbally, in writing, electronically, or by physical presence,
expressed or implied, or conspire to cause bodily injury to any student, APS employee, or
non-APS employee. Attempt to threaten to, or damage, destroy, vandalize, or steal property or
school property while using technology resources on or off school grounds (The local school
police ofcer must be notied of such incidents.)
Level 3 Discipline and
placement up to one year
in an alternative setting
may be appropriate were
severe injury is caused.
E41.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E41.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E41.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
4848
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E41.b Terroristic Threat No student shall threaten to commit any crime of violence, to release any hazardous
substance, or to burn or damage property with the purpose of terrorizing another or of causing
the evacuation of a building, or otherwise causing serious disruption or in reckless disregard of
the risk of causing such disruption.
Terroristic threats
have implications that
drastically disrupt the
learning environment
and have the potential to
cause harm on a grand
scale involving numerous
victims. Level 3
Discipline and placement
up to one year in an
alternative setting may be
appropriate were severe
injury is caused.
E41.b.2
1 to 3 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E41.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E42 Tobacco Possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school grounds, at school-
sponsored events, and on transportation to and from school.
E42.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E44.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E42.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E43 Trespassing Entering or remaining on a public school campus or school board facility without authorization
or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry.
E43.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E43.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
4949
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E44 Unauthorized Area Students may not be present in an unauthorized area of school property which may include
school roofs and custodial areas.
E44.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E44.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E44.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E44.b Unauthorized Entry No student may allow unauthorized person(s) into a school building or school-sponsored event
without authorization. Students who knowingly allow a person in a building with the intent to
cause harm or disruption will face increased discipline.
Level 3 Discipline is
appropriate where
student knowingly allows
entry with the intent to
cause harm or disruption.
E44.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E44.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E44.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E44.c Unauthorized Item Students may not bring to school or be in possession of any item that does, or has the potential
to, disrupt the classroom environment or orderly operation of the school. Unauthorized items
may include, but are not limited to, phone cases in the likeness of a weapon, unauthorized
drones, etc.
This code does not apply
to items described in
codes 12, 12.,b and 12.c.
E44.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E44.d Unauthorized
School Walkout
Prior to the organization of or participation in any “walk out”, protest, or other similar group
leaving of school grounds, classes, or school activities during the regularly scheduled school
day, students must provide advanced notication (at least 3 school days) to the building
and/or District administration so that the District can put appropriate measures in place
to ensure safety of participants. Students must contact the building principal or Associate
Superintendent’s ofce to schedule a protest, walk out or similar. School ofcials have the
authority to provide time, place, and manner of protest. Students who do not comply will
receive Level 2 consequence. This applies to both Elementary and Secondary.
Students who violate code 43.d shall be disciplined no harsher than codes that resemble
similar violations, such as 22 Leaving School Grounds, 34 Skipping Class, etc., depending on
the individual context.
E44.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E44.d.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
50
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E45 Unreasonable &
Repeated Verbal/
Physical Contact
No student shall engage in harassment, intimidation, or abuse of or toward any other
student(s), APS employees or other adults for any reason.
Harassment consisting
of an intentional,
substantial, and
unreasonable verbal,
physical or written
contact that is initiated,
maintained, or repeated.
This prohibition includes
but is not limited to,
harassment, intimidation
or abuse of students or
others based on actual
or perceived race,
creed, color, national
origin, religion, sex,
age, disability, sexual
orientation, gender,
gender identity or a
physical characteristic.
E45.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E45.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E45.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
E46 Vandalism The willful and/or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property
without consent.
E46.1.
1 to 3 Days Detention
E46.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E46.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
51
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E47 Technology/
Computer Misuse
Students shall not purposely look for security problems (using tools including, but not limited
to network sniffers, proxies, scripts, password guesser/detection) to attempt to disrupt
school technology resources, engage in any activity that monopolizes or compromises
school technology resources or gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to the District’s
computer data, network, or systems for any purpose including phishing, hacking, and/or
spamming activities. Using unauthorized web browsers (not installed on the device by APS).
Using a Virtual Private Network. Behaviors that violate this rule include, but are not limited to:
tampering with or damaging the District system; sharing, modifying, or altering District log-in
information; accessing, copying, or modifying another user’s les without authorization.
***Multiple and/or prior infractions could lead to increased consequences
***Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be handled
pursuant to the District’s Title IX policy.
Harassment consisting
of an intentional,
substantial, and
unreasonable verbal,
physical or written
contact that is initiated,
maintained, or repeated.
This prohibition includes
but is not limited to,
harassment, intimidation
or abuse of students or
others based on actual
or perceived race,
creed, color, national
origin, religion, sex,
age, disability, sexual
orientation, gender,
gender identity or a
physical characteristic.
E47.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E47.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E47.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
51
52
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
E48 Repeated Offenses Repeated discipline offenses disrupt the learning environment. Students shall not exhibit
behavior resulting in assignment of disciplinary interventions on a recurrent basis. The
underlying rule violations leading to a violation of this rule must have resulted in discipline
interventions. Offenses resulting in assignment of detention, suspension, or expulsion from
school are not eligible for consideration as a repeat offense. The repeated rule violations do
not need to be the same or similar in nature.
Progressive Discipline Guidance:
3-6 Level 1 Offenses in one semester = Level 1
7 Level 1 Offenses in one Semester = Level 2 Offense
5 Level 2 Offenses in one Semester = Level 3
Harassment consisting
of an intentional,
substantial, and
unreasonable verbal,
physical or written
contact that is initiated,
maintained, or repeated.
This prohibition includes
but is not limited to,
harassment, intimidation
or abuse of students or
others based on actual
or perceived race,
creed, color, national
origin, religion, sex,
age, disability, sexual
orientation, gender,
gender identity or a
physical characteristic.
E48.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
E48.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
E48.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
52
53
Progressive Discipline Interventions (Secondary)
Tier 1 Discipline (Minor)
Classroom Intervention/Response
Every intervention and response should be documented in a school-level/PBIS tracking system, and
students should journal their response or understanding of the process and the intervention.
Administrative Intervention/Response
Every administrative action taken
should be documented in a school-
level/PBIS tracking system.
1. Nonverbal cues for redirection
2. Verbal warning
3. Give student a break
4. Revisit, clarify, and reinforce expectations/
agreements
5. Give clear and concise directions
6. Provide explicit instructions
7. Modify expectation if accommodation is needed
8. Use positive reinforcement for expected behavior
9. Meditation and journal reection (written or
recorded)
10. Partner with a student for accountability support
11. Partner with another teacher for short-
term reection
12. Student meditation period with a follow-
up impromptu restorative conversation
13. Student choice of pre-selected
consequences
14. Problem solving process using affective
language
15. Problem solving circle
16. Restorative conversation
17. Teacher/student conference
18. Teacher/student/parent conference
19. Teacher/student/counselor conference
1. Partner student with another staff
member for short term reection
Teacher/student/administrator
conference
2. Documentation of written warning
3. Student video or paper of steps to
self-correct behavior and needed
supports
4. Quiet reection period with
administrator, followed by
affective dialogue and notice of
correction
Tier 2 Discipline (Intermediate-Moderate)
Teacher Intervention/Response
Every intervention and response should be documented in a
school-level/PBIS tracking system, and students should journal their
response or understanding of the process and the intervention.
Administrative Intervention/Response
Every administrative action taken should be documented in a school-level/
PBIS tracking system.
1. Affective language
2. Review expectations
3. Conscate item of
disturbance for a limited
amount of time and
allow student to journal
reection on expectations
and why item was
conscated using
affective language
4. Write or record an
apology to everyone
impacted by actions
5. Written reection
6. Change seating with
review of expectations
and partner with a buddy
for accountability and
support
7. Visit to cool down zone/
safe space/peace center
for a designated period
8. Conict resolution with
affective questions
9. Mediation (student-
student)
10. Referral to counselor
11. Referral to social worker
12. Referral to administrator
1. Temporary removal from class
and facilitate an impromptu
restorative conversation
2. Adult mentor (10-30 days
check-in and support)
3. Adult pairing check-in/check-
out (10 days)
4. Allow the student to take
accountability for actions
and decide how to make
amends using a graphic
representation
5. Lunch detention
6. Lunch duty
7. Behavioral contract
8. Removal of school privilege
with ability to reinstate after
agreed upon amends
9. Reection “Think Sheet” with
restorative questions
10. Change classrooms with
review of expectations and
partner with new classroom
buddy for accountability and
support
11. Assignment of school duty
(student choice)
12. Assignment of school duty
(administrator choice)
13. Written correction with
consequences detailed for
recurrence
14. Mediation (teacher-student)
15. Restorative conference
16. Restorative problem solving
17. Silent lunch
Tier 3 Discipline (Serious)
Classroom Intervention/Response
Every intervention and response should be documented in a school-
level/PBIS tracking system, and students should journal their response
or understanding of the process and the intervention.
Administrative Intervention/Response
Every administrative action taken should be documented in a school-
level/PBIS tracking system.
1. Restorative conference
2. Referral to administrator
1. Therapy referral
2. Restorative circle
3. Restorative conference
4. Formal restorative
conference
5. Removal of privileges for a
period, until restoration or
repair/restitution is achieved
6. Removal from clubs and
organizations for a period,
until restoration or repair/
restitution is achieved
7. Threat assessment
5454
Progressive Discipline
Plan (Secondary)
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S1 Academic
Dishonesty
Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance (to include plagiarizing, copying, use of articial
intelligence, or fabricating data) on classroom projects, assignments, exams, or state or national
examinations.
S1.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S1.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S1.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S2 Alcohol/Illegal
Drugs/ Inhalants:
Under the
Inuence
No student shall be under any degree of inuence of alcoholic beverages (including related
products such as “near” beer, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic wine coolers), inhalants,
and/or illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, marijuana
oils, synthetic Cannabinoids, THC (including, but not limited to hemp-derived THC products) or
any substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act or any substance believed
by the student to be alcohol or an illegal drug.
Inhalants include vapes,
e-cigs, e-liquids, etc.
S2.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S2.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S2.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S2.b Alcohol/Illegal
Drugs/Inhalants:
Possession/Use
No student shall possess, consume, transmit, or store alcoholic beverages (including related
products such as “near” beer, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic wine coolers), inhalants,
and/or illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, marijuana
oils, synthetic Cannabinoids, THC (including, but not limited to hemp-derived THC products) or
any substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act or any substance believed
by the student to be alcohol or an illegal drug. Legal intoxication is not required for violation of
this Code.
Inhalants include vapes,
e-cigs, e-liquids, etc.
S2.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S2.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
55
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S2.c Alcohol/Illegal
Drugs/Inhalants:
Selling/Buying
No student shall buy, receive, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to distribute
or attempt to buy, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to distribute alcoholic
beverages, illegal drugs, inhalants, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or
marijuana, marijuana oil, THC (including, but not limited to hemp-derived THC products) or any
other substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, or any substance falsely
identied as such, or the student purports to be an alcoholic beverage or illegal drug, narcotics,
hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or marijuana, or any other substance listed under the
Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Inhalants include vapes,
e-cigs, e-liquids, etc.
S2.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S2.d Alcohol
Paraphernalia/
Counterfeit Drugs,
Drug
Paraphernalia
No student shall possess, transmit, or store any drug-related paraphernalia or counterfeit drugs,
or alcohol paraphernalia (including scales, empty bottles, asks, shot glasses, etc.).
If student does not
possess actual alcohol,
illegal drugs, or inhalants
but is in possession of
associated items.
S2.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S2.d.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S2.d.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S3 Arson No student shall intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property by re
or incendiary device.
S3.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 days OSS
S3.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S4 Assault Attempting to cause physical injury, threaten bodily harm, or commit an act which places a person
in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving physical injury, but no contact is made.
S4.2
4 to 5 days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S4.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S4.b Assault of School
Employee
Intentional attempted physical attack against an employee with the intent to cause bodily harm
resulting in severe injuries, or any act which places another in reasonable apprehension of
immediately receiving a violent injury.
Mandatory Discipline
Hearing unless the
hearing is waived by the
victim/employee and the
victim/employee signs the
waiver form.
S4.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
Mandatory Discipline
hearing unless
waived by Employee
victim.
S4.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
56
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S5 Audio or Video
Recording
Students shall not use audio or visual recording devices without the permission of a school
administrator. This includes but is not limited to, using recording devices to video, photograph,
or record misbehaviors or to violate the privacy of others. Any violation will result in the device
being conscated and will also result in the student’s loss of the privilege of possessing a mobile
telephone or PED on school property for one calendar year. The device will only be released to
the parent or guardian, who must come to the school in person for retrieval.
Behaviors that implicate
Title IX (as implemented)
will be handled pursuant
to the District’s Title IX
Grievance policy.
S5.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S5.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S5.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S6 Battery Intentional touching or striking of another person to insult, provoke, or cause bodily harm. The key difference
between battery and
ghting is that ghting
involves mutual
participation.
S6.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S6.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S6.b Battery of School
Employees
Intentionally make physical contact of an insulting ,provoking, or harmful nature with a school
employee, unless such physical contact was in self-defense as provided by O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21.
Mandatory Discipline
Hearing.
S6.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S7 Bomb Threats Bomb threat is dened as transmitting in any manner a false alarm to the effect that a bomb or
other explosive of any nature is concealed on school property creating a potentially dangerous
situation. A bomb threat can be communicated via conduct that occurs on or off school property,
including but not limited to transmission via email, text, and social media.
S7.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S8 Bullets/BB’s/
Paintball Pellets
Students may not possess ammunition, BB’s, paint pellets, or CO2 cartridges. These items are
disruptive to the function of the school and may pose a safety risk.
S8.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S8.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S8.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
57
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S9 Bullying A willful attempt or threat to inict injury on another person when accompanied by
1. an apparent present ability to do so, or;
2. intentionally exhibiting a display of force such as would give the victim reason to
fear or expect immediate bodily harm, or;
3. any intentional written, verbal or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as
being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate that:
- Causes substantial physical harm or bodily harm capable of being perceived by a person
other than the victim; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the victim student’s education;
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening
educational environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Within 1 School Year:
First Offense:
Discipline Levels 1 - 3
Second Offense:
Discipline Levels 2 - 3
Third Offense:
Discipline Level 3
Mandatory Hearing
Referral.
S9.1
1 to 3 days
Detention or
to 3 days ISS
S9.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S9.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S9.b Cyberbullying Electronic communication made on or off school property, through school or personal device that:
1. is directed specically at students or school personnel, AND
2. is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specied
or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, AND
3. creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students’ or school personnel’s person or
property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
Within 1 School Year:
First Offense:
Discipline Levels 1 - 3
Second Offense:
Discipline Levels 2 - 3
Third Offense:
Discipline Level 3
Mandatory Hearing
Referral.
In addition to discipline
consequences assigned,
violation of this rule may
result in student’s loss of
privilege to possess a cell
phone or other PED on
school property for up to
one calendar year
S9.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
or 1 to 3 Days ISS
S9.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S9.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S10 Burglary Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry into a school building or vehicle (with or without intent to
commit theft or a felony).
S10.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S10.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
58
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S11 Bus
Emergency Exits
Emergency doors and windows are to be used only at the direction of the driver. Students are not
permitted to open, attempt to open, or tamper with Emergency Exits.
S11.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S11.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S11.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S11.b Bus
Unauthorized
Entry or Exit
Students may not ride a bus or disembark a bus at a bus stop other than that assigned for their
residence.
S11.c.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S11.c.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S11.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S11.c Bus Safety Hazard Students must keep all body parts inside the bus at all times. S11.e.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S11.e.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S11.e.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S11.d Bus
Electronic
Distractions/Cell
Phone Use
Students shall not record video or audio during school transportation, or use any electronic device
that is distracting to the bus operator or may interfere with the bus communication equipment.
No electronic devices may be operated without the use of headphones or ear buds. “Electronic
device” includes but is not limited to: cell phones; tablets; iPads; iPods; or any other electronic
device.
S11.f.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 days ISS
S11.f.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
59
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S12 Category I
Weapons
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to use;
sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a FIREARM, either concealed or open to view, on school
property. A FIREARM is a (LOADED or UNLOADED) handgun, rie, shotgun, or other weapon
which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or electrical
charge.
Mandatory Report to
Law Enforcement and
Mandatory Report to
the Ofce of Student
Discipline. Students found
in possession of Loaded
Category I Weapons
will be permanently
expelled from Atlanta
Public Schools. Students
found in possession of
an unloaded Category 1
Weapon will be expelled
for a period no less than
one calendar year.
S12.b Category II
Weapon
Intent plays a role
in this situation.
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to use;
sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a HAZARDOUS OBJECT, either concealed or open to
view, on school property. A HAZARDOUS OBJECT is a pellet gun, paint pellet gun, or BB gun,
antique rearm, pepper spray, non lethal air gun, stun gun, taser, or any similar weapon that
does not meet the denition of a Category I weapon; any Bowie, Dirk, machete, switchblade
knife, ballistics knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches; any razor blade (e.g.,
straight, regular, retractable, etc.); box cutter; any bludgeon (e.g. billy club, PR-24, nightstick,
spring stick, blackjack, club); any rearm mufer or rearm silencer; “look-alike” bomb; any
“martial arts” device or ailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such
a manner as to allow them to swing freely (e.g., nunchakus, nunchuck, nun chahka, shuriken, or
ghting chain, etc.); any disc of whatever conguration with at least two points or pointed blades
which is designed to be thrown or propelled (e.g., Chinese star, oriental dart, throwing star, etc.);
miscellaneous devices such as swords, sword/ knife canes, ice picks, chains, bow and arrows,
knuckles made of metal, thermoplastic, wood or other similar material, objects placed on ngers,
in hands, or on sts or knuckles to provide a “loaded st,” etc., or any tool or instrument which the
school administration could reasonably conclude as being used as a weapon or intended by the
student to be used as a weapon.
Mandatory Report to
law enforcement and
mandatory Report
to Ofce of Student
Discipline. Intent should
be considered when
determining the level of
discipline.
S12.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S12.c Category III
Weapon
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to use;
sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a KNIFE or INSTRUMENT having a blade of less than two
inches, any “look- alike” rearm, toy guns, or plastic disposable razor or slingshot. Factors to
be considered in determining the disciplinary response will include, but not be limited to: age,
maturity level o student, willfulness and intent, and the weapon involved.
Mandatory Report to
law enforcement and
mandatory Report
to Ofce of Student
Discipline. Intent should
be considered when
determining the level of
discipline.
S12.c.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S12.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S13 Class
Disruptions/
Horseplay
Any act that substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, substantially disrupts
the orderly learning environment, or poses a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of
students, staff or others. (Includes disruptive behaviors on school buses).
S13.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S13.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S13.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S12.3
Handgun
(Unloaded)
S12.3.b
Handgun
(Loaded)
S12.3.2
Rie/Shotgun
(Unloaded)
S12.3.2.b
Rie/Shotgun
(Loaded)
10 Days OSS
with mandatory
referral to a student
discipline hearing
with mandatory
recommendation
of expulsion for
not less than one
calendar year.
Loaded weapons
will result in
permanent
expulsion.
60
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S14 Consensual Bodily
Harm
Consensual participation in any activity that could cause or results in harm to the body, or
bodily alterations. Examples of consensual bodily harm include, but are not limited to, tattooing,
branding, piercing, initiations, and participation in challenges that may include the ingestion of
chemicals, foreign substances, or objects that may cause harm. Depending on age of student,
level of severity or repetition, the administrator may utilize interventions, supports, and Level 3
disciplinary responses for this offense. Non-consensual bodily harm will be treated and disciplined
as a battery.
S14.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S14.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S14.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S15 False Call to
Emergency
Services or Cause
a False Fire Alarm
No student shall knowingly make or cause a false call to emergency services or a false re alarm.
Emergency services include, but are not limited to, Fire & Rescue, 911, Police.
S15.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S15.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S15.b False Report No student shall knowingly and willfully make false reports, falsify records, forge signatures, falsify
statements whether orally or in writing; or falsely accuse other students or APS employees of
wrong actions or inappropriate conduct.
S15.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S15.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S15.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S16 Fighting Mutual participation in a ght involving physical violence where there is no one main offender and
intent to harm. Physical contact which causes harm may result in a Level 3 disciplinary response
being imposed. Harm may include, but is not limited to, signicant injuries such as swelling,
bleeding, concussions, broken bones, sprains, or where medical attention was sought for a
signicant injury.
Physical contact which
causes signicant injury
will result in a Level 3
disciplinary response
being imposed.
S16.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S16.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S16.b Fighting, Group Three or more individuals mutually participating in a physical altercation with intent to harm. Harm
may include, but is not limited to, signicant injuries such as swelling, bleeding, concussions,
broken bones, sprains, or where medical attention was sought for a signicant injury.
Physical contact which
causes signicant injury
will result in a Level 3
disciplinary response
being imposed
S16.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S16.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
61
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S17 Gambling No student shall gamble or solicit others to gamble or participate in any type of gambling activity
as dened by state law or that involves the wagering or betting of services, money, or other items.
Gambling includes, but is not limited to, betting on any game or event, shooting dice, matching,
card games, or any other games for money and/or things of value.
S17.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S17.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S17.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S18 Gang,
Displaying Gang
Afliation
Engaging in acts that reect afliation in a gang which engage in illegal activity. A “gang” is dened as any
group of three or more
people with a common
name or common
identifying signs, symbols,
tattoos, grafti, attire,
or other distinguishing
characteristics.
S18.2
4 to 5 ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S18.b Gang,
Engaging in
Gang Activity
No student shall engage in any activity while participating in a gang which interferes with the
orderly conduct of school activities, with discipline in the schools, or with the rights of other
students or facultymembers.
A “gang” is dened as any
group of three or more
people with a common
name or common
identifying signs, symbols,
tattoos, grafti, attire,
or other distinguishing
characteristics.
S18.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S18.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S18.c Gang,
Recruiting/
Soliciting
No student shall recruit or solicit membership in any gang or gang-related organization. A “gang” is dened as any
group of three or more
people with a common
name or common
identifying signs, symbols,
tattoos, grafti, attire,
or other distinguishing
characteristics.
S18.c.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S18.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and
possible referral
to a student disciplinary
hearing where
the student may
face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S19 Incendiary
Devices
(Possession)
No student shall possess smoke bombs, stink bombs, reworks, cigarette lighters, matches, or
similar devices.
S19.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S19.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
62
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S19.b Incendiary Devices
(Discharging)
No student shall light and/or discharge smoke bombs, stink bombs, reworks, cigarette lighters,
matches, or similar devices.
S19.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S19.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S20 Indecent
Exposure
(Self/Others)
No student shall expose their intimate body parts in public or expose the undergarments/intimate
body parts of others. Intimate body parts include the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner
thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female. Behaviors that implicate Title
IX regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Level 3 Discipline must
be applied for Exposure
of Others, Mandatory
Hearing Referral.
S20.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S20.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S21 Insubordination Insubordination or disrespect to staff members or other students; includes but is not limited to:
refusal to follow school staff member instructions, use of vulgar or inappropriate language, and
misrepresentation of the truth.
Discipline Level 2
appropriate for two or
more infractions of this
code within a two-week
period (consecutively).
S21.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S21.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S22 Leaving School
Grounds
Students shall not leave school grounds during the course of the regularly scheduled school day
without the permission of a parent/guardian and the principal or designee.
Skipping (S 34) should
be used if student did not
attend class but remained
in the building. See
Repeated Offenses (S 48)
if student commits multiple
offenses.
S22.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S22.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S22.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S23 Medication OTC
(Over the Counter/
Possession)
A student is prohibited from possessing any over-the-counter medication on school property,
including, but not limited to supplements, CBD oils/ingestibles, synthetics, and/or nicotine
replacement products, that is not in compliance with Policy JGCD.
S23.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S23.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
63
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S23.b Medication OTC
(Over the Counter/
Selling or
Distribution)
A student is prohibited from buying, receiving, selling, distributing, or possessing with intent
to distribute any over-the-counter medication on school property, including, but not limited to
supplements, CBD oils/ingestibles, synthetics, and/or nicotine replacement products, that is not
in compliance with Policy JGCD. There is no requirement that there be an exchange of money,
goods, and/or services to nd a violation of this rule.
S23.b.1
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S23.b.2
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S23.c Medication
(Prescription/
Possession)
A student is prohibited from possessing any prescription medication on school property that is not
in compliance with Policy JGCD.
SS23.c.1
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S23.b.2
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S23.d Medication
(Prescription/
Selling or
Distribution)
A student is prohibited from buying, receiving, selling, distributing, or possessing with intent to
distribute any prescription medication on school property that is not in compliance with Policy
JGCD. There is no requirement that there be an exchange of money, goods, and/or services to nd
a violation of this rule.
S23.d.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S24 Off Campus
Offense
Any off-campus conduct which could result in the student being criminally charged with a FELONY
(if committed by an adult), or felonious conduct for which a student has been arrested, criminally
charged/indicted, adjudicated to have committed, or convicted; AND conduct which makes the
student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or
which disrupts the educational process. Contact the Discipline Ofce, Safety and Security and the
Associate Superintendent.
Contact the Discipline
Ofce, Safety and
Security and the Associate
Superintendent.
Students may only be
withdrawn after receiving
approval from the
Coordinator of Student
Discipline.
S24.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S25 Offensive
Language
No student shall use any type of profane, vulgar, obscene or ethnically and culturally offensive
language (written or oral) and actions.
S25.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S25.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S25.3
64
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S25.b Offensive Material No student shall possess, share, or distribute profane, vulgar, pornographic, obscene, threatening
or ethnically offensive materials in any format. This includes materials that advocate illegal or
dangerous acts, and causes disruption to the Atlanta Public Schools, contains knowingly false or
defamatory information, or is otherwise harmful to minors as dened by the Children’s Internet
Protection Act. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be managed as
discussed in
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Materials deemed to
be in violation of the
Children’s Internet
Protection Act must be
reported to school police.
S25.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S25.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S25.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S26 Parties to the
Offense
No student shall urge, encourage, counsel, further, promote, assist, cause, advise, procure, or abet
any other student(s) to violate any section or paragraph of this Code of Conduct.
S26.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S26.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S26.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S27 Battery of an
Employee Causing
Physical Harm
Students shall not intentionally make physical contact which causes physical harm to a school
employee unless such physical contact or physical harm were in self_x0002_defense as provided
by O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21. Physical harm may include, but is not limited to, signicant injuries such
as swelling, bleeding, concussions, broken bones, sprains, etc. or where medical attention was
sought for a signicant injury. Where physical harm is not present, students may be charged and
disciplined in accordance with Code 6.b Battery to a School Board Employee. MANDATORY
DISCIPLINE REFERRAL.
A mandatory discipline
hearing is required for this
offensewith a mandatory
recommendation for
permanent expulsion. For
students in grades 6-8,
the Hearing Ofcer may
elect to allow the student
to return to their home
school upon meeting
enrollment requirements
for high school, but this is
not required.
S27.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S28 Piracy Students will not copy computer programs, software or other technology provided by APS for
personal use. Downloading unauthorized les is strictly prohibited.
S28.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S28.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S28.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S29 Public Displays of
Affection
No student shall be engaged in amorous kissing, touching, other inappropriate displays of affection. S29.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
\
S
65
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S30 Robbery No student shall take or attempt to take the property of another by use of force, offensive weapon,
or any device having the appearance of a weapon. Use of force may result in additional charges
of Battery or Assault. If the student uses, attempts to use, or posses a weapon/look-alike weapon
or dangerous instrument in the commission of a Robbery, increased discipline consequences may
apply.
S30
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
Without the use of
weapon.
S30.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
With the use of
weapon.
S31 School Dress
Code
All school dress codes must be in compliance with Policy JCDB. Unless a school uniform has
been designated or otherwise specied, a student is expected to adhere to the following minimum
school dress code requirements:
1. Clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry must not cause a disruption or constitute a health or safety
hazard.
2. Clothing, must be of appropriate length and t. Extremely tight clothing, sagging shorts or
trousers, or baggy, oversized clothing is not permitted.
3. Clothing and/or jewelry must not contain words or symbols that are gang-related, offensive,
insulting, embarrassing, sexually suggestive, obscene, or promote illegal behavior.
4. Clothing and/or jewelry must not contain any advertisement or display of words or symbols
associated with alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco.
5. Caps, hats, head wraps, bandanas, hoods, or other head coverings must not be worn in the
school building during the school day unless there is a special activity where they are deemed
appropriate by the school principal.
6. Appropriate shoes, those that t and allow for safe movement throughout the school, must be
worn at all times at school and school sponsored activities.
7. In accordance with the recommendations of public health ofcials, the wearing of personal
protective equipment (i.e., face coverings, masks, etc.) by students may be required as part of
the student dress code.
S31.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S32 School-Wide
Disruption
No student shall, in any manner, by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation,
fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful
mission, process or function of the school, or engage in any such conduct for the purpose of
causing the disruption or obstruction of any such lawful mission, process or function.
S32.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S32.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S33 Sexual Activity No student shall consent to and participate in any form of sexual activity with another student.
Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be managed as discussed in
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
S33.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S33.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
66
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S33.b Sexual Battery Oral, anal, or vaginal penetration against the person’s will or where the victim did not or is
incapable of giving consent; touching of private body parts of another person either through
human contact or using an object forcibly or against the person’s will or where the victim did not or
is incapable of giving consent. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will
be managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the Discipline
Ofce, Safety and
Security and the Associate
Superintendent. Level 3
Discipline and Hearing
Referral must be sought
for more than one offense
within one semester.
Level 3 Discipline may
be applicable at the
rst offense in some
circumstances Examples
of Sexual Harassment
may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Verbal harassment
or abuse; Subtle
pressure for sexual
activity; Unwelcome or
inappropriate sexually-
motivated or intentional
touching of intimate
body parts; Offensive or
unwelcome sexual
advances or propositions;
Graphic or degrading
verbal comments about an
individual or their physical
attributes; Conditioning
the provision of an aid,
benet, or service on
participation in unwelcome
sexual conduct. Display
of sexually suggestive
objects, pictures, cards, or
letters; Lewd or suggestive
comments or gestures;
Off-color language or
jokes of a sexual nature;
Demanding sexual
favors accompanied
by implied or overt
threats concernign an
individual’s employment
or educational status;
Demanding sexual favors
accompanied by implied
or overt promises of
preferential treatment with
regard to an individual’s
employment or student’s
educational status; Sexual
violence, a physical act of
aggression that includes a
sexual act or purpose.
S33.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
67
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S33.c Sexual
Harrassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, lewd gestures or verbal conduct, or communication of a sexual
nature; requests for sexual favors; gender-based harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile,
or offensive educational or work environment. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as
implmented) will be managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the Discipline
Ofce, Safety and
Security and the Associate
Superintendent. Level 3
Discipline and Hearing
Referral must be sought
for multiple offenses
within one semester.
Level 3 Discipline may
be applicable at the
srt offense in some
circumstances. Examples
of Sexual Harassment
may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Verbal harassment or
abuse; Pressure for sexual
activity; Unwelcome or
inappropriate sexually-
motivated or intentional
touching of intimate
body parts; Offensive
or unwelcome sexual
advances or propositions;
Graphic or degrading
verbal comments about an
individual or their physical
attributes; Conditioning
the provision of an aid,
benet, or service on
participation in unwelcome
sexual conduct. Display
of sexually suggestive
objects, pictures, cards, or
letters; Lewd or suggestive
comments or gestures;
Off-color language or
jokes of a sexual nature;
Demanding sexual
favors accompanied
by implied or overt
threats concernign an
individual’s employment
or educational status;
Demanding sexual favors
accompanied by implied
or overt promises of
preferential treatment with
regard to an individual’s
employment or student’s
educational status; Sexual
violence, a physical act of
aggression that includes a
sexual act or purpose.
S33.c.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S33.c.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
68
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S33.d Sexual
Misconduct
No student shall commit any act of verbal, written, gesture-oriented, physical sexual misconduct,
or invasion of privacy. Invasion of privacy may include, but not limited to the following: Intentionally
entering an occupied restroom stall, peeking into a stall or urinal, peeking into showers or
changing area, or any other behavior which attempts to invade the privacy of others, whether
for sexual gratication or as a joke/prank. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as
implemented) will be managed as discussed in www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the
Discipline Ofce,
Safety and Security
and the Associate
Superintendent.
Level 3 Discipline
and Hearing
Referral must be
sought for multiple
offenses within
one semester.
Level 3 Discipline
may be applicable
at the rst
offense in some
circumstances.
S33.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S33.d.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S33.e Sexual
Molestation
Sexual molestation is dened as a student doing any immoral or indecent act to or in the
presence of another person, without that person’s consent, with the intent to arouse or satisfy the
sexual desires of either the student or the other person. This includes a student forcing another
person to make physical contact with the student’s intimate body parts, as dened in this Section.
No student shall commit any act of sexual molestation or the attempts thereof on school property,
school buses, or at school-sponsored events. Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as
implemented) will be managed as discussed in
www.atlantapublicschools.us/titleix
Contact the Discipline
Ofce, Safety and
Security and the Associate
Superintendent. Hearing
Referral is Not Mandatory
but may be applicable in
some circumstances.
S33.e.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S34 Skipping No student, without a valid excuse, shall miss a class or activity for which he/she is enrolled. S34.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S35 Selling/
Distributing
Unauthorized Item
No student shall buy, receive, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute any item that
does, or has the potential to, disrupt the classroom environment or orderly operation of the
school. Unauthorized items may include, but are not limited to, phone cases in the likeness of a
weapon, unauthorized drones, or items that do not meet the denition of 5.25.2. Once detected,
an unauthorized item will be conscated and returned only to the parent/guardian. APS assumes
no liability for any lost or damaged unauthorized item. There is no requirement that there be an
exchange of money, goods, or services to nd a violation of this rule.
S35.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S36 Stalking Following, contacting, or placing another person under surveillance without consent for the
purpose of harassing and intimidating, which includes behavior that would cause a reasonable
person to: (a) fear for their safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional
distress.
Contact the District’s Title
IX Coordinator. Behaviors
that implicate Title IX
(as implemented) will be
handled pursuant to the
District’s Title IX grievance
policy
S36.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S36.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S36.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
69
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S37 Stimulants/
Possession or
Use
A student shall not consume nor possess diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulant on school
property.
NOTE: If the stimulant is
a controlled substance
under the Georgia
Controlled Substances
Act, the student shall be
found to have violated
the Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/
Inhalants Rule (2.b)
and shall be disciplined
according to that Section.
S37.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S37.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S37.b Stimulants/
Selling or
Distribution
No student shall buy, receive, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute diet pills, caffeine
pills, or other stimulant on school property. There is no requirement that there be an exchange of
money, goods, and/or services to nd a violation of this rule.
NOTE: If the stimulant is
a controlled substance
under the Georgia
Controlled Substances
Act, the student shall be
found to have violated
the Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/
Inhalants Rule (2.b)
and shall be disciplined
according to that Section.
S37.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
37.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S38 Tardy No student, without a valid excuse, shall be tardy for a class in which they are enrolled. S38.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S38.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S39 Teasing/
Taunting
Engaging or encouraging teasing and/or taunting of another student, employee, volunteer, or
visitor to provoke or make fun of someone, whether in a playful, insulting, or contemptuous
manner.
S39.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S39.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S40 Theft No student shall intentionally steal property belonging to another person or entity. S40.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S40.2
4 to 5 days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S40.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
70
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S41 Threats//Damage
to Property
No student shall threaten, either verbally, in writing, electronically, or by physical presence,
expressed or implied, or conspire to cause bodily injury to any student, APS employee, or non-
APS employee. Attempt to threaten to, or damage, destroy, vandalize, or steal property or school
property while using technology resources on or off school grounds.
S41.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S41.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S41.b Terroristic Threat No student shall threaten to commit any crime of violence, to release any hazardous substance,
or to burn or damage property with the purpose of terrorizing another or of causing the evacuation
of a building, or otherwise causing serious disruption or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing
such disruption.
Terroristic threats have
implications that drastically
disrupt the learning
environment and have the
potential to cause harm
on a grand scale involving
numerous victims. Level 3
Discipline and placement
up to one year in an
alternative setting may be
appropriate where severe
injury is caused.
S41.b.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S41.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S42 Tobacco Possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school grounds, at school-sponsored
events, and on transportation to and from school.
This code does not apply
to items described in
codes 12, 12.,b and 12.c.
S42.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S42.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S42.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S43 Trespassing Entering or remaining on a public school campus or school board facility without authorization or
invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry.
S44.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S43.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S44 Unauthorized Area Students may not be present in an unauthorized area of school property which may include
school roofs and custodial areas.
S44.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S44.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S44.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
6
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S44.b Unauthorized
Entry
No student may allow unauthorized person(s) into a school building or school-sponsored event
without authorization. Students who knowingly allow a person in a building with the intent to cause
harm or disruption will face increased discipline..
Level 3 Discipline is
appropriate where student
knowingly allows entry
with the intent to cause
harm or disruption.
S44.b.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S44.b.2
1 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S44.b.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S44.c Unauthorized Item Students may not bring to school or be in possession of any item that does, or has the potential
to, disrupt the classroom environment or orderly operation of the school. Unauthorized items may
include, but are not limited to, phone cases in the likeness of a weapon, unauthorized drones, etc.
This code does not apply
to items described in
codes 12, 12.,b and 12.c.
S44.c.
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S44.c.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 days OSS
S44.d Unauthorized
School Walkout
Prior to the organization of or participation in any “walk out”, protest, or other similar group
leaving of school grounds, classes, or school activities during the regularly scheduled school
day, students must provide advanced notication (at least 3 school days) to the building and/
or District administration so that the District can put appropriate measures in place to ensure
safety of participants. Students must contact the building principal or Associate Superintendent’s
ofce to schedule a protest, walk out or similar. Students who do not comply will receive Level 2
consequence. This applies to both Elementary and Secondary.
S44.d.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S44.d.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S45 Unreasonable &
Repeated Verbal/
Physical Contact
No student shall engage in harassment, intimidation, or abuse of or toward any other student(s),
APS employees or other adults for any reason.
Harassment consisting of
an intentional, substantial,
and unreasonable
verbal, physical or written
contact that is initiated,
maintained, or repeated.
This prohibition includes
but is not limited to,
harassment, intimidation
or abuse of students or
others based on actual
or perceived race,
creed, color, national
origin, religion, sex,
age, disability, sexual
orientation, gender,
gender identity or a
physical characteristic.
S45.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S45.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S45.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
S46 Vandalism The willful and/or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property
without consent.
S46.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
OR 1 to 3 Days ISS
S46.2
4 to 5 Days ISS
OR 1 to 3 Days OSS
S46.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
71
72
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S47 Technology/
Computer Misuse
Students shall not purposely look for security problems (using tools including, but not limited
to network sniffers, proxies, scripts, password guesser/detection) to attempt to disrupt
school technology resources, engage in any activity that monopolizes or compromises
school technology resources or gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to the District’s
computer data, network, or systems for any purpose including phishing, hacking, and/or
spamming activities. Using unauthorized web browsers (not installed on the device by APS).
Using a Virtual Private Network. Behaviors that violate this rule include, but are not limited to:
tampering with or damaging the District system; sharing, modifying, or altering District log-in
information; accessing, copying, or modifying another user’s les without authorization.
***Multiple and/or prior infractions could lead to increased consequences
***Behaviors that implicate Title IX regulations (as implemented) will be handled
pursuant to the District’s Title IX policy.
S47.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S47.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
S47.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
72
73
CODE TITLE
DEFINITION
APPLICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
EXAMPLES
S48 Repeated Offenses Repeated discipline offenses disrupt the learning environment. Students shall not exhibit
behavior resulting in assignment of disciplinary interventions on a recurrent basis. The
underlying rule violations leading to a violation of this rule must have resulted in discipline
interventions. Offenses resulting in assignment of detention, suspension, or expulsion from
school are not eligible for consideration as a repeat offense. The repeated rule violations do
not need to be the same or similar in nature.
Progressive Discipline Guidance:
3-6 Level 1 Offenses in one semester = Level 1
7 Level 1 Offenses in one Semester = Level 2 Offense
5 Level 2 Offenses in one Semester = Level 3
S48.1
1 to 3 Days Detention
S48.2
1 to 5 Days ISS OR
1 to 3 Days OSS
S48.3
4 to 10 Days
OSS and possible
referral to a student
disciplinary hearing
where the student
may face long-term
suspension or
expulsion.
73
74
• Handbook Acknowledgement
• Publicity Release
• School Club and Organizations
• Cell Phone / Personal Electronic Device
PARENT/GUARDIAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORMS
Parents/Guardians and Students, the following Parent
Acknowledgement and Student Forms must be signed
within ve days of receipt of the Student Handbook.
Electronic Acknowledgement Forms are available in the Innite Campus
Parent and Student Portal. For assistance in accessing the electronic form to
electronically sign your name, please contact a building administrator.
Atlanta Board of
Education
404-802-2200
Our Superintendent
Dr. Lisa N. Herring
130 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Email:
Twitter:
@DrLisaHerring
Blog:
www.talkupaps.com
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 5
DISTRICT 2
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 6
The Atlanta Board of Education establishes and approves the policies that
govern the Atlanta Public School system. The Board comprises six district
representatives and three at-large representatives, all of whom are elected
to four-year terms. The day-to-day administration of the school district is
the responsibility of the Superintendent, who is appointed by the Board.
Board meetings are typically held the first Monday of each month, and are
broadcast in real time via Facebook at www.facebook.com/apsboard.
Eshé P. Collins, Chair |
District 6
Katie Howard |
District 1
Michelle D. Olympiadis |
District 3
Jennifer McDonald |
District 4
Erika Mitchell |
District 5
Tamara Jones |
At-Large Seat 7
Cynthia Briscoe Brown |
At-Large Seat 8
Jessica Johnson |
At-Large Seat 9
Dr. Lisa N. Herring
Aretta L. Baldon, Vice Chair |
District 2
Elementary Schools: Barack & Michelle Obama Academy, Benteen,
Dobbs, Hope-Hill, Mary Lin, Parkside, Slater, Virginia-Highland
Middle Schools: King, Price
High Schools: Carver STEAM, Carver Early College, Midtown,
M.H. Jackson
Charter Schools: Atlanta Neighborhood Charter Elementary and
Middle Schools (K-8), KIPP Vision Primary (K-4), KIPP Vision
Academy (5-8), The Kindezi School – Old Fourth Ward (K-8),
Wesley International Academy (K-8)
Elementary Schools: Burgess-Peterson Academy, Morningside,
Springdale Park, Toomer
Middle School: David T. Howard
High Schools: Adult Education, Atlanta Virtual Academy, Midtown,
Phoenix Academy
Charter School: Drew Charter (K-12)
Residential Flexible Learning Program: Hillside Conant (Grades 2-12)
Elementary Schools: Beecher Hills, Bolton Academy, Boyd, Harper-Archer,
Miles Intermediate, Peyton Forest, Scott, Tuskegee Airmen Global
Academy, Usher-Collier, West Manor, KIPP Woodson Park Academy
Middle Schools: John Lewis Invictus Academy, Young
High School: Mays
Single-Gender Schools: B.E.S.T. Academy (6-12), Coretta Scott King
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (6-12)
Charter Schools: Kindezi West, KIPP SOUL Primary (K-3), KIPP SOUL
Academy (5-7), Westside Atlanta Charter
Elementary Schools: Dunbar, Finch, Hollis Innovation Academy (K-8),
M. Agnes Jones, F.L. Stanton
Middle Schools: Brown, H.J. Russell West End Academy
High Schools: Douglass, North Metro GNETS, Washington
Charter Schools: Centennial Academy (K-8), KIPP Strive Primary
(K-4), KIPP Strive Academy (K-8), KIPP WAYS Primary (K-4),
KIPP WAYS Academy (K-8), KIPP Atlanta Collegiate (9-12)
Elementary Schools: Brandon, Garden Hills, Jackson, E. Rivers, Smith
Middle Schools: Sutton
High School: North Atlanta
Charter School: Atlanta Classical Academy
Elementary Schools: Cascade, Cleveland Avenue, Continental
Colony, Deerwood Academy, Fickett, Heritage Academy,
Humphries, Hutchinson, Kimberly, Kindezi at Gideons, Perkerson
Middle Schools: Bunche, Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy,
Long, Sylvan Hills
High Schools: Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy,
South Atlanta, Therrell
Atlanta Public Schools welcomes everyone. The Atlanta Public Schools does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or
national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status,
marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic
information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment
practices, educational programs, services or activities.
For more information regarding Atlanta Public Schools:
• Visit www.atlantapublicschools.us, wabe.org and pba.org/education/aps
• Listen to WABE 90.1 FM
• Watch APSTV online with Vimeo and YouTube
• Follow @apsupdate on Instagram and Twitter
• Follow Atlanta Public Schools on Facebook
• Read and subscribe to atlsuper.com and TalkUpAPS.com
• Download the APS App from your device’s app store
• The 2023-2024 Student Handbook + Planner is also available in Spanish. Assistance
in other languages is available upon request.
• Join APS; see careers page at www.apsrecruits.us
130 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-802-3500
www.atlantapublicschools.us
Through a caring culture of equity,
trust, and collaboration, every
student will graduate ready for
college, career, and life.
Student Calendar
Students at all APS neighborhood
schools follow the school calendar
below.
August 1, 2023
Day One / First Day of School
September 4, 2023
Labor Day Holiday
October 9, 2023
Indigenous Peoples’ Day /
Teacher Professional Learning Day
October 10, 2023
Teacher Professional Learning Day
October 11-13, 2023
Fall Break
November 20-24, 2023
Thanksgiving Break
December 18-29, 2023
Semester Break
January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day Holiday
January 2, 2024
Teacher Professional Learning Day
January 3, 2024
Semester 2 Begins / Classes Resume
January 15, 2024
M.L. King, Jr. Birthday
February 19, 2024
Presidents’ Day / Teacher Professional
Learning Day*
February 20-23, 2024
Winter Break
April 1-5, 2024
Spring Break
May 24, 2024
Last Day of School
* Note: Depending on the number
of instructional days lost to inclement
weather, instructional time may be
made up by any combination of
makeup days, virtual learning days
or extension of the school day. Visit
www.atlantapublicschools.us
for the latest weather-related news.
(05-23-890)
Martin Luther King MS
Jackson Cluster
Sarah Smith ES
North Atlanta Cluster
