Image, Shutterstock; logo courtesy of JMCSS; designed by TTR
Jackson-Madison County School System leaders have made final reviews and approval of a new Code of Conduct for students and schools. Superintendent Dr. Marlon King reviewed the new conduct guidance with principals to complete a development process that began in November 2020. After undergoing a number of revisions over the past eleven months, implementation of the new Code of Conduct began this week.
“Back in December and following our group discussions with Dr. King during our weekly principal’s meeting, school principals agreed on using a uniform process for discipline across the district and divided by grade bands,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Vivian Williams.
Board policy assigns the Superintendent with the responsibility of developing specific codes of conduct for each level of school. The new Elementary (K-5) and Secondary (6-12) Code of Conduct forms include a list of common disciplinary infractions as well as rare offenses deemed severe. Restorative practices and counseling services are offered as behavior supports throughout the updated procedures.
“In order to be true to our belief in providing nurturing school environments and promoting healthy student choices, it was necessary to update the district’s Code of Conduct. These updates will encourage students to respect themselves and the rights of others,” Dr. Williams said.
The treatment of other people, developing and maintaining positive relationships, and respect of property, are among the foundational ideas used to craft the new Code of Conduct. District and school leaders have spent the last several months revising the suspension, disciplinary, and support sections of the new strategies.
“I am encouraged by the collaborative process our principals and academic leaders undertook to develop the five levels that make up our new Code of Conduct. Ultimately our goal is to modify negative behaviors and teach our students new strategies that will lead to better choices. The impact will be reflected in attendance, discipline, and academics,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said.