Student Conduct

School Culture

Our behavior system is intended to create a safe learning environment where students grow towards independence and where individual differences are valued and respected.

All schools in the Corvallis School District promote a climate of civility and inclusiveness and an environment free of discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. Sexual orientation means an individual’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or gender identity, regardless of whether the individual’s gender identity, appearance, expression or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the individual’s sex at birth. The district urges students who believe they are victims of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation to report the incident to a teacher, counselor or administrator as soon as possible. All reports will be investigated and treated as serious misconduct.

School-wide Recognition for Citizenship (PAWS)

Positive Acts We See (PAWS) is a school-wide behavior recognition system where students receive a PAWS card to celebrate positive student behavior. PAWS cards may be redeemed in the school store or used for a variety of activities throughout the school year. Examples of behaviors that may be acknowledged by staff with a PAWS card include:

• generally being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible
• acts of kindness
• grade improvement
• good decision-making (seat choice, inclusive socializing)
• self-direction (reading directions and getting started on work)
• patience/positive attitude
• cleaning up, picking up litter, helping without being asked
• individual student progress on academic, social or emotional goal.

PAWS may be redeemed for various prizes and rewards throughout the school year.

Positive Student Reference
A new recognition program has been added that gives teachers an opportunity to present a certificate and prize to students during lunch  throughout the year.

Middle School Personal Electronic Device Guidelines

Unless authorized in advance by the building principal or designee, Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) are not permitted to be visible and must be silenced during the school day, by middle school students (Policy JFCEB-AR). A PED is a device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing, and/or displaying information and data (Policy JFCEB). (Examples: cell phone, smartwatch, airpods)

If PEDs are visible or in use during the school day:

• First occurrence: Staff member collects the device and turns it in to the Dean. Students can pick up the personal electronic device at the end of the day. Dean sends a written notification to families. 
• Second occurrence: Staff member collects the device and turns it in to the Dean. Parents are called by the behavior support team to inform them. Parents can pick up the device at the end of the day or at their convenience.
• Third occurrence: Staff member collects the device and turns it in to the Dean. The student is placed on a device plan, where it is turned into the Dean’s office at the start of the day and picked up by the student at the end of the day.

Refusal to turn in a personal electronic device to a teacher upon request will result in the student being sent to the Dean. 

Consequences for refusal to give up the personal electronic device while working with the Dean will be issued in accordance with the Middle School Behavior Matrix. 

Parents who have an urgent need to contact students during the school day should call the school office at 541-757-5961.

Behavior Consequences

• The school urges students who believe they are victims of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation to report the incident to a teacher, counselor or administrator as soon as possible. All reports will be investigated and treated as serious misconduct.
• Students having disagreements that they believe may lead to physical confrontations should leave the area and immediately report the situation to the Dean of Students, a counselor, or an administrator who will work with the involved students to resolve the situation peacefully. Students involved in fighting are subject to suspension from school.

Intimidation or Harassment

Harassment and intimidation can be verbal, physical, or may involve a person’s property. Both are serious misbehaviors. Harassment is when a person disturbs someone persistently or torments him or her. Intimidation is when a person tries to make another person afraid that something is going to happen to them.

• verbal: abusive statements, statements of a sexual or obscene nature, put-downs, or threats
• physical: inflicting physical discomfort, injury, or unwanted touching, pushing, tripping
• property: taking, hiding, damaging, disturbing other people’s belongings

Verbal or physical harassment of a student based upon personal characteristics, race, ethnic origin, gender, or religion interferes with the victim’s ability to benefit from the educational program. Such harassment will not be tolerated. All incidents should be reported directly to the support room or school office. The principal or Dean of Students will investigate and assign consequences. Parents of all involved students will be notified, and if appropriate, a report will be filed with the district Equal Educational Opportunity officer.

Detentions

Detentions are assigned by administration or behavior staff for behaviors that disrupt the learning environment, or for common area infractions.  Students are to report directly to the Student Support Room (SSR) at the assigned time. Students are to bring work to occupy their time.  All students are expected to work quietly for the entire detention period.

In-School Suspension

In-school suspension is a consequence resulting from more serious or repeated disruptive behavior.  A student who is in-school suspended is placed for a period of time in the SSR or another suitable place in the school.  Schoolwork for the student is sent to that room to be completed by the student.  The student eats lunch in the SSR and is not allowed into the hall areas without being accompanied by an adult.

Out-of-School Suspension

Out-of-school suspension is a serious consequence.  A student who has broken a rule in a major way or has broken rules so often that it is entirely outside the realm of what can continue at school may be suspended.

Expulsion

Expulsion is used in only the most serious of circumstances. When a student is expelled, he or she may not be on any district school grounds at any time for the rest of the expulsion. Students who are suspended or expelled may make up school-work.

Additional information about Student Code of Conduct can be found in the district’s Student Parent Handbook.

Dress Code and Grooming

The Corvallis School District recognizes the right to free expression and the value of diversity, including the diversity in dress and general appearance. Students are free to express their gender identities and pride in their queer, racial, ethnic, or cultural identities
through dress and grooming. Students also have the right to a nondisruptive, safe, and healthy educational environment at school. All students are to be treated equally with regard to dress and grooming regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression,
sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, body type/size, disability, and religion.

Students must wear clothing at school including a shirt, a bottom (pants/shorts/skirt/dress or the equivalent), and shoes. Clothing must cover body parts generally considered private with fabric that is not see-through. Clothes that are considered permissible for one gender, are permissible for students of all gender identities.

• Clothing may not depict, advertise, or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other controlled substances.
• Clothing may not depict weapons.
• Clothing may not depict pornography, obscenity, nudity, or sexual acts.
• Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religious affiliation, or any other protected groups. Students who represent the school in a voluntary activity may be required to meet additional dress and grooming standards and may be denied the opportunity to participate if those standards are not met.

Board Policy JFCA

Chromebook Expectations

We are excited to introduce a new set of expectations that encourage students to take an active role in caring for their school-issued Chromebooks. This initiative aims to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among students by promoting proper handling, regular maintenance, and respectful usage of these devices. By ensuring that Chromebooks are kept clean, charged, and used for educational purposes, students contribute to a positive learning environment that benefits everyone. This policy not only extends the lifespan of the devices but also teaches valuable lessons about digital etiquette and personal accountability, preparing our students for success both in and beyond the classroom. 

Any type of damage to the power cord or device, requires that it be taken to the SPOC for repair.  Intentional misuse of a device will be referred to the Behavior Support Team.

1. Screen:
   1. Protect the screen by opening/closing the lid gently. Do not pick up the Chromebook by the open screen.
   2. Avoid placing weight or pressure on the lid.
2. Hinges:
   1. Stress on the hinges of the Chromebook creates another potential for Chromebook damage.
   2. Open/close the Chromebook gently, grasp the center of the lid and not the corner.
3. Cord:
   1. The connector on the power cord can be subject to damage if the cord is pulled or the device is moved while being plugged in.
   2. Avoid stretching the cord across an area where it can be snagged or tripped over.
   3. Move the Chromebook close to the power source and always disconnect the power cord before moving the Chromebook.
   4. Cords that show fraying or breakage should not be used on your device – Return to SPOC.
4. Cleaning the Chromebook screen:
   1. Clean with a lightly moistened (water ONLY or a spray purchased explicitly for computer screens) soft cloth.
   2. NO Windex, Lysol, or products containing alcohol, ammonia, or other strong solvents.
   3. Do NOT use paper towels or Kleenex to wipe the screen.
   4. Microfiber cloths work the best.
5. Proper handling:
   1. Carry the Chromebook with both hands.
   2. Close lid while carrying
   3. Ensure there are no school supplies (pens, pencils, etc.) when shutting the lid.
   4. A student Chromebook should be securely placed on a desk or table when using it during class—not put on your lap.
6. Safely store the Chromebook:
   1. Keep your password secure (student ID)
   2. Do NOT leave your Chromebook unattended on or off school grounds
   3. Keep your Chromebook in a secure space when not in use.
   4. Never leave your Chromebook lying on the floor, seat, bed, or other space where it will likely get stepped on or sat on. This is a common way to break your screen.
   5. Keep food and drink away from your Chromebook.
   6. Do NOT let your Chromebook get wet, and keep it out of extreme weather conditions (cold and heat). DO NOT leave in a vehicle.