Section 3 - Discipline

Expected Behavior

Students are expected to act with respect and responsibility, appropriate to their age and maturity. A safe, supportive school climate is key to student success.

Behavior expectations are developed with input from students, families, staff, and the community. Everyone in the school environment, including staff, volunteers, and visitors are expected to model respectful behavior and reject bullying or harassment. The district uses a uniform Disciplinary Response Code for all PreK–12 students. Minor misconduct is addressed with classroom strategies; serious or repeated issues are referred to administrators. Discipline decisions consider age, prior behavior, and individual circumstances.

The district uses a Progressive Discipline model and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) with three levels of intervention, from schoolwide support to intensive help. Infractions are categorized into four levels, with increasing severity. Level 1 includes minor misconduct; Level 4 includes the most serious offenses, which may result in suspension or expulsion. School administrators are responsible for determining the level of the offense and the appropriate response, using discretion and the guidance provided by the Code of Student Conduct.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Marion County Public Schools have zero tolerance for serious threats or acts of violence that put students and staff in danger. This policy is in place to protect the safety of everyone on campus and applies equally to all students. It is not used for minor or everyday misbehavior. District Policy 5500

The following serious offenses will result in immediate action:

• Possessing a firearm at school (including school events or on the school bus) as defined in and Fla. Stat.§790.115. and Fla. Stat.§790.001
• Making a false report or threat as defined in Fla. Stat.§790.162 and Fla. Stat.§790.163

Students who commit these violations will be expelled for a minimum of one calendar year and referred to mental health services and law enforcement. Before the expiration of the expulsion period, the district Superintendent shall determine, based upon the determination of the threat management team, whether the expulsion period should be extended and, if the expulsion period is extended, what educational services will be provided. A recommendation to extend the expulsion period must be provided to the student and his or her parents in accordance with Fla. Stat.§1006.08.

The Superintendent may recommend an alternative placement, subject to School Board approval. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with applicable laws. The district collaborates with law enforcement to report acts that threaten school safety.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are disciplined in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2005), including considerations for behavioral assessments, manifestation determinations, and behavior intervention plans. These procedures apply to any significant change in placement, including expulsion. Parents are advised of their due process rights and procedural safeguards.

1. Expulsion proceedings for students with disabilities must follow Special Programs and Procedures for Exceptional Students.
2. If a student with a disability is referred for expulsion, the Superintendent or designee will convene an IEP team to review the student’s IEP and determine whether the behavior was a manifestation of the disability.
3. If the behavior is a manifestation, the student cannot be expelled. A placement change may occur if compliant with federal/state regulations and the student continues to progress toward IEP goals.
4. If the behavior is not a manifestation, the student may be expelled under the Code of Student Conduct. Educational services must continue in alignment with the IEP.

504 – Students with Disabling Conditions

Discipline for students with disabilities includes consideration of behavioral assessments, manifestation determinations, and intervention plans.

1. If a student with a disability is referred for expulsion, a Section 504 team, comprised of individuals familiar with the student and their disability, must determine whether the misconduct is directly related to the disability.
2. If the behavior is not related, the student may be disciplined like a non-disabled peer, following the Code of Student Conduct.
3.  If the behavior is a manifestation of the disability, the student may not be suspended or expelled without services. The 504 team must document necessary accommodations or recommendations to address behavior and ensure continued service delivery.

English Language Learners

English language learners (ELLs) are not to be subjected to disciplinary action exclusively because of their use of a language other than English. However, all Marion County Public School students, regardless of their ability to speak English, are governed by the Code of Student Conduct.

Levels of Misconduct

There are four (4) levels of misconduct as determined by the Marion County School Board. Each level is determined by the seriousness of the action of the student.

• Level 1 – A level one infraction is the least serious incident addressed by school/district officials. There are several interventions or corrective actions that are listed below in definition as well as an incident/action chart. As District employees, we acknowledge that these infractions need to be addressed swiftly with appropriate interventions to help prevent more serious future infractions. Level one offenses are considered minor offenses.

• Level 2 – Level two infractions are more serious infractions that interrupt the learning environment, the safe operation of the school, and the safety of our stakeholders. Interventions or corrective actions that are listed below in definition as well as an incident/action chart. Level two offenses are considered a more serious minor offense.

• Level 3 – Level three infractions are serious infractions. Level three infractions will require a thorough investigation that must occur in a timely manner. Interventions may or may not be appropriate, depending on the infraction and circumstances of the event, and level three incidents generally carry a minimum of a suspension to a maximum of an alternative placement. Law Enforcement or DCF involvement may be required based upon the infraction. Interventions or corrective actions are listed below in definition as well as an incident/action chart. Level three offenses are considered the first level of the major offense codes.

• Level 4 – Level four infractions are the most serious infractions. Level four infractions will require a thorough investigation that must occur in a timely manner. Interventions may or may not be appropriate, depending on the infraction and circumstances of the event, and level four incidents generally carry a minimum of an alternative placement to a maximum of an expulsion. Law Enforcement or DCF involvement may be required based upon the infraction. Interventions or corrective actions that are listed below in definition as well as an incident/action chart. Level four offenses are considered the second level of the major offense codes.

Elementary Quick Discipline Reference Guide

The Student Code of Conduct specifically identifies prohibited student conduct and lists the range of corrective actions which may be imposed for each infraction. When assigning corrective actions for misconduct, the principal or designee shall consider factors such as the nature of the misconduct, the student’s past disciplinary record, and the severity of the problem as it pertains to the specific situation.

Infractions are rated from *, for the least severe School Environmental Safety Incident Report (SESIR) infractions, to ****, for the most severe, per the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).

Alcohol 3A/4A* – Possession, sale, purchase, or use of alcoholic beverages. See Substance Abuse Consequences Chart Page 36

Arson 2JJ/3Z/ 4QQ **** The intentional act of setting fire to school property, personal property, or transportation.

Level 2- Involves minimal or no damage and no injury, such as igniting a small object and quickly extinguishing it.

Level 3- Poses a safety risk or results in property damage or injury.

Level 4- Causes significant damage, endanger others, or require emergency response, such as fires affecting buildings.

Battery 3AA/4V *** - The intentional striking of another person against their will. *see Physical attack if no injury

Level 3- Involves causing bodily injury such as bruising, swelling, abrasions, pain, or minor cuts typically requiring only basic first aid. This includes chocking or strangulation, regardless of whether visible injury is present, due to the inherent risk of serious harm.

Level 4- Occurs when the attacker intentionally or knowingly causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement; uses a deadly weapon; or commits the act against a person they knew or should have known was pregnant.

Bullying 2B/3T * – Systematically and/or chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or staff that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; includes instances of cyberbullying.

Burglary 4C*** – The unlawful entry into or remaining in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime therein.

Cheating or Plagiarism 2D – Willful or deliberate unauthorized use of the work of another person for academic purposes and/or inappropriate use of notes/material in the completion of an academic assignment or test and/or inappropriately providing information.

Computer Fraud – Unauthorized Access 3C – accessing or breaking into documents that are unauthorized. Storing unapproved or inappropriate content on a district computer or storage system.

Contraband 2V/3D – Possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of materials or items that are forbidden on school property.

Level 2- Includes, but is not limited to, items such as e-cigarettes, food or drinks, matches, toys, animals, lighter, stink bombs, dice or cards.

Level 3- Includes more serious or potentially dangerous contraband such as drug paraphernalia, imitation alcohol, imitation or synthetic drugs (e.g., K-2, bath salts), bullets, stolen property, or any item listed under Category B contraband on page 48, provided the item is not used in a threatening or aggressive manner. These items may be confiscated and will not be returned.

Cyber Attack 4D** – Intentional Introduction of malicious programs or tools into any component of the network or computing environment.

Disrespect for Others 1D/2E – Conduct or behavior which demeans, degrades, antagonizes, humiliates or embarrasses a person or group of persons.

Disruptive Conduct 1E/2F/3E/4N– Behavior that interferes with the orderly operation of the school, ranging in severity.

Level 1- Involves minor, isolated behaviors that momentarily interrupt learning or activities and are easily redirected (mild disruption).

Level 2- Incudes repeated or escalating behaviors that disrupt the learning environment despite prior interventions, often affecting multiple people or settings. (ongoing disruption)

Level 3- Involves severe actions that cause significant disorder, pose safety concerns, or disrupt operations across school property, events, or transportation and may require immediate disciplinary response (provoking group disruption).

Level 4- Involves serious campus disruptions that create widespread disorder, threaten the safety of the school community, or significant interfere with school operations at any location where school authority applies (large scale riots)

Dress Code Violation 1F/2NN – Failure to dress in accordance with the dress code per Fla. Stat.§1011.78. See page 36

Drugs; OTC / Prescription / Illegal 3F/4EE ** - Possession and/or use of OTC / Prescription / Illegal drugs (other than headache medication). See Substance Abuse Consequences Chart Page 36

Drugs: Sale 4E*** – Drug possession with the intent to sell or distribute to others. See Substance Abuse Consequences Chart

Electronic or Telecommunication Device Misuse 1R/2C/3PP/4MM –

Level 1- The use of a device/s during school instructional hours without administrative or teacher/paraprofessional approval. This includes, but is not limited to, wireless telecommunication devices such as cellular phones, earbuds, or smartwatches.

Level 2- Repeated use of a device during school, instructional hours without administrative or teacher/paraprofessional approval. This includes, but not limited to, wireless telecommunication device-cellular phones, earbuds, smartwatches.

Level 3- Involves escalation to a significant safety and privacy concern. This includes the unauthorized recording, photographing, or distribution of audio, video, or images that may be used to degrade, threaten, intimidate, or dehumanize others, or that take place in locations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms).

Level 4- Any unauthorized audio, video, or photograph(s) showing a person’s unclothed private parts that can be used to degrade, threaten, or dehumanize. This includes unauthorized use in a location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Elopement 2DD/3HH – Refers to the act of exiting class or an assigned area without permission, including but not limited to the cafeteria, PE/Specials, lines, or buses.
Level 2- Includes a first-time exit with minimal disruption or a brief absence, as well as repeated elopement when a student consistently leaves class or assigned areas without permission, indicating a pattern of noncompliance.
Level 3- Involves leaving school grounds without authorization, posing significant safety concerns and requiring more serious interventions.

Extortion (3SS) – The willful or malicious threat of harm, injury, or violence to a person, property or reputation of another with the intent to obtain money, information, services, or items of material worth.

False Fire Alarm 3Y** - The willful and/or malicious activation of a fire alarm system or expelling of a fire extinguisher or the willful and/or malicious reporting of a false fire.

Failure to Comply with Bus Rules 1Q/2BB –

Level 1- Refers to minor or first-time violations, such as failing to remain seated, not listening to the bus driver, or engaging in light horseplay or brief, non-aggressive contact with others.

Level 2- Includes repeated or more extreme behaviors, such as hitting, pushing, prolonged horseplay, or persistent disrespect toward the bus driver, creating safety concerns or significant disruptions.

Failure to Comply with School Rules 1G/2H – act of disregarding school expectations, such as not following directions, being out of area, inappropriate physical contact, or showing disrespect toward staff.

False or Misleading Information 2Z – Providing false, misleading, or invalid statements, making false accusations, and/or withholding valid information.

False Information MCPS Staff / Volunteer 3BB/4F - Making false or misleading statements about a Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) employee that could damage the employee’s professional or personal reputation.

Level 3- Involves false claims that are harmful but do not result in a formal district or state-level investigation.

Level 4- Involves false or misleading information that leads to or involves a formal district or state-level investigation and may impact the employee’s employment or licensure.

Felony Charge 4H - Fla. Stat.§1006.09 permits alternative placement or expulsion proceedings against any enrolled student who a court has determined did commit a felony or with a delinquent act, which would be a felony if committed by an adult, for an incident, which occurred on property other than public school property. The superintendent’s designee will determine if the student will be recommended for expulsion or receive alternative placement in lieu of expulsion.

Felony Transfer 3CC - Fla. Stat.§1006.09 Permits suspension proceedings against any enrolled student who is formally charged with a felony or with a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, by a proper prosecuting attorney, for an incident that allegedly occurred off public school property. If it is demonstrated in an administrative hearing—after proper notice to the student’s parents by the school principal—that the incident has an adverse impact on the educational program, discipline, or welfare of the school, the student may face disciplinary action. This conduct is classified as a Level 3 offense due to its serious implications for school safety and climate.

Fighting is strictly prohibited. Students engaging in fighting may receive varying levels of consequences related to the same incident depending on the unique facts and other mitigating factors.

Students are discouraged from intervening in any altercation; however, if a student chooses to intervene during an altercation between two, or more individuals, the intervening student must only use actions that are nonviolent. Punching, kicking, headbutting, throwing another student, or other acts likely to cause injury are strictly prohibited regardless of who initiated the fight.

Self Defense - A student who is physically attacked may act in self-defense without consequence if the student is unable to leave the area of a pending attack. Self-defense is an action taken that is necessary to protect oneself. Self-defense may include asking an adult for help, restraining or blocking the attacker, shielding oneself or others from being hit, or pushing or striking to get away from the attacker. A student must practice the duty to retreat from a situation to promote de-escalation and avoid conflict when possible. A student should only use the amount of force necessary to stop a violent act against themselves and leave the situation as soon as it is safe to do so.

Fighting 2I** – A physical altercation between two students where both actively contribute to the conflict with intentional aggression. This involves direct, harmful contact, but is contained to just two students. It is more serious than horseplay but not as severe as a larger-scale or prolonged altercation.

Fighting 3H ** – A physical altercation involving more than two students, or one that takes an unreasonable amount of time to deescalate. This level typically requires significant intervention to stop the conflict and may disrupt the environment but does not necessarily cause serious injury. If a student enters a 1-on-1 fight already in progress, the student(s) that enter the 1 on 1 altercation may be eligible for alternative placement or expulsion due to their involvement in escalating the conflict. The infraction must embody 1 or more of these characteristics:

• An injury that requires immediate first aid or subsequent medical attention
• The Individual in question has more culpability in the origin of or violence of the fight
• Student Continues attempting to fight after being physically separated or restrained by staff
• A significant disruption of the school or bus

Fighting 4I** – A severe physical altercation involving three or more students, that takes an unreasonable amount of time to deescalate, causes major disruption on campus, and/or results in injury. This level of conflict has a significant impact on the school community and demands immediate, extensive intervention. The infraction can be characterized by one or more of the following indicators:

• More Serious physical contact in which a student brandishes a weapon, designed, or improvised, to assail a student or group of students. An improvised weapon is defined as any item that can cause or is likely to cause an injury.
• A fight where two or more students fight two or more students.
• A student has surrendered, and the other combatant continues to use violent force against the student who surrendered.
• Where a student requires serious medical attention. Serious medical attention includes but is not limited to broken bones, concussion, admission to a hospital based on a medical doctor’s assessment, internal bleeding, or other similar injuries.

Force / Violence – School Employee / Volunteer 3W/4J**** – This includes the intentional use of force or violence against any Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) employee.

Level 3 - Involves intentional physical contact without resulting in serious injury.
Level 4 - Involves intentional force or violence that causes serious bodily harm to the employee. The student’s grade level and intent will be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate level.

Gang Related Activity 3B/4T** – Any behavior, symbol, gesture, attire, or communication—verbal, written, or physical—that demonstrates or implies affiliation with a group seeking to assert dominance, intimidate others, or establish territory in a way that creates an unsafe, disruptive, or threatening environment within the school. This includes recruiting students, displaying group loyalty through confrontational behavior, or using gang-associated signs, language, or clothing that contributes to tension, fear, or conflict among students or staff.

Harassment 2Y/3V* – persistent threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed toward another person that substantially disrupts the school environment or a student’s ability to learn.

Level 2 - Occurs when the behavior is a first-time act and not directed at a previous target.
Level 3 - Involves repeated harassment directed at different individuals across separate incidents, demonstrating a pattern of harmful conduct. When the behavior is repeated and directed at the same individual, creating a hostile environment or power imbalance, it should be classified and addressed as bullying rather than harassment.

Hazing 4U ** Any action or situation for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any school-sanctioned organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student at a school.

Inappropriate Gestures, Language or Materials 1I/2N -
Level 1 - Using inappropriate language or making rude gestures in an inappropriate setting.
Level 2 - Includes the use of vulgar, profane or discriminatory language, including slurs or epithets directed at others based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, or the use of gestures, objects, or pictures that may disrupt the school environment, a school function, or extracurricular activities. This includes sexual, vulgar, or lewd gestures, motions, or remarks, whether spoken, written, or shared online. The context, intent, and impact of the language will be considered when determining the offense level.

Inciting Violence (2LL/3TT/4K) –

Level 2 - The willful act of instigating, provoking or encouraging a disruption.

Level 3 - Involves repeated instigating or a single incident of inciting, leading others in a way that significantly disrupts the educational process or escalates tension among students, potentially contributing to a fight, but without serious injury or property damage.

Level 4 - More serious and includes the willful act of inciting, leading or participating in a disruption or disturbance which interferes with the educational process, or which can result in damage or destruction to public or private property or cause personal injury to participants and others (riot).

Indecent Exposure 2GG – Inappropriate exposure that is not of a sexual nature

Inhalant / Inhaling / Huffing 3U/4RR ** - Refers to the act of inhaling, ingesting, or possessing with the intent to inhale or ingest any compound, liquid, or chemical substance that can lead to impairment. See Substance Abuse Consequences Chart 36

Level 3 - Includes the misuse of such substances, being under the influence, or the purchase or attempted purchase of these substances.
Level 4 - Involves providing, selling, or the intent to sell or distribute such substances.

Insubordination 1J/2K/3J – Student’s refusal or failure to comply with a direction or order from a school employee.

Level 1 - Involves a single instance of noncompliance or defiance that does not disrupt the learning environment.

Level 2 - Includes repeated or escalating acts of defiance after redirection, or refusal to follow instructions that begin to interfere with classroom operations or school procedures.

Level 3 - (Gross Insubordination) Characterized by willful and defiant refusal to comply with authority, including open resistance or contempt toward multiple direct orders in a manner that compromises the safety or order of the school environment.

Intimidation 3DD** – To force or deter with threats or violence, to instill fear in someone, to make someone afraid, usually to persuade someone to do something that they would not usually do.

Medication (Over the Counter) 1K/2G – Possession of over the counter, nonprescription drugs. Excluding Headache Medication.

Other Behavior Inappropriate for School Setting, School Activity, or Bus (1B/2U) – Inappropriate non- physical interactions that impact the school environment.

Other Serious Misconduct 3K/4L** -

Level 3 - Conduct which is not listed as a specific offense, but results in injury, damage to property, or serious harm other than of a physical nature to one or more individuals, typically resulting in a misdemeanor charge.

Level 4 - Involves similar conduct but would result in a felony charge.

Physical Attack w/o Injury 2CC/ – One-sided, physical aggression towards another person causing NO Injury. If injury occurred, refer to Battery offense code on page 8

Physical Behavior Inappropriate for School Setting, School Activity 1A/2A – Includes non-aggressive physical actions that disrupt safety or learning, such as posturing to fight, kicking, poking, pushing, or tripping.

Level 1 covers first-time incidents

Level 2 involves repeated or escalating behavior.

Prior Alternative Placement 3LL – Alternative Placement was approved by prior school district. MCPS will honor Alternative Placements processed by another Florida school District.

Prior Expulsion 4LL – Students found to have been expelled from another district or private school where a Level 3 or 4 Infraction had been committed will remain expelled through the duration of the original expulsion as defined in Fla Stat.§ 1003.01.

Robbery 3G*** – The taking or attempted taking of anything of value that is owned by another person or organization, under the confrontational circumstances or force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Sexual Harassment 3M ** – Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written, or physical contact of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation, or unreasonably interfere with the individuals school performance or participation. Sexual Harassment may include the following: verbal harassment or abuse, pressure for sexual activity, repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications, unwelcome or inappropriate touching, suggestive or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implies or explicit threats.

Sexual Battery 4O**** – Any sexual act directed against a person, either forcibly or against the person’s will, or not forcibly when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to their youth or because of temporary or permanent incapacity.

Sexually Explicit Material 3RR/4OO** –
Level 3 - Creating, sharing, or distributing adult or sexually explicit materials—including but not limited to AI-generated visuals, videos, photographs, drawings, screenshots, or written materials, when the content is general in nature and does not involve identifiable individuals within the school.
Level 4 - When the materials involve a student or staff member, the offense becomes more serious due to the personal harm, exploitation, or significant disruption to the educational environment.

Sexual Offense (Lewd Behavior/Indecent Exposure) 3N/4P **
Level 3 - Exposing or exhibiting one’s private areas in public in a vulgar or indecent manner; intentionally touching clothed private areas of another or oneself in a lewd or lascivious manner.
Level 4 - When the behavior escalates to intentional lewd or lascivious touching of the private areas of another person or oneself, or involves mutual sexual contact or activity, it is classified as a more serious offense due to the heightened impact on safety, privacy, and the school environment.

Theft 2P/3O/4W –

Level 2 - The unauthorized taking of another person's property without consent. This includes property valued under $750.

Level 3 - Involving property valued between $750 and $999

Level 4 - Involving property valued $1000 or more

Threat 2X/3EE/4X ** – The use of verbal or non-verbal communication to express intent to harm, hit, fight, or otherwise cause injury to an individual or their family member. This includes threats made in person, electronically, or through other means.

Level 2 - Orally or by written, electronic, or printed communication expressing one’s intention to hit, fight, or beat up an individual or a member of the individual’s family.

Level 3 - Orally or by written, electronic, or printed communication expressing one’s intention of hurting or punishing or otherwise harming an individual or a member of the individual’s family such that a reasonable person would be fearful and having the ability to carry out the threat. Typically resulting in a medium to high-risk threat assessment outcome.

Level 4 - Orally or by written, electronic, or printed communication expressing intention of harming an individual or a member of the individual’s family such that puts someone in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury. A reasonable person should believe that the offender has the ability to carry out the threat and the offender has developed a plan to do so. Typically resulting in a high-risk threat assessment outcome.

Threat of Mass Harm/Bomb Threat/Explosion 4B** – Any communication which has the effect of threatening to do malicious, destructive or bodily harm at a school, a school function or extra-curricular/co-curricular activity, including but not limited to threats of mass shooting or bomb threats. This does not include single, transient, statements made in anger or duress. (i.e., “I hate this school; I want to kill everybody.”)

Trespassing 3P** – Entering upon or remaining on any property, a structure or conveyance without being authorized, licensed or invited to do so and being warned by the owner or owner’s agent or by notice pursuant to, or in the case of entry upon or remaining on school grounds or buildings, not having legitimate business on the campus or authorization, license or invitation to be there or being under suspension, alternative placement or expulsion. Fla. Stat.§810.09

Tobacco Possession or Use (2Q) * – The possession, use or distribution, or sale of tobacco or nicotine products on school grounds, at school sponsored events, or on school transportation by any person under the age of 21. Refer to School Board Policy 7434.

Unauthorized Use of Internet (3Q) – Intentional and unauthorized access or use of the internet on any school-issued or on-campus computer in violation of School Board policy or technology use guidelines. This includes attempts to bypass security protocols, access prohibited content, or engage in activities that compromise network integrity, student safety, or district operations.

Unauthorized Use of Name/ID (2S) – Using the name, identifying number or symbol or signature of another person for any purpose without that person’s authorization or permission with the intention of deceiving a School Board employee or under circumstances which could be reasonably calculated to deceive the employee.

Unsubstantiated Bullying 1M* – After a complete investigation of a reported incident, the investigator determines that there is not enough evidence to substantiate that the incident meets the criteria of a prohibited act.

Unsubstantiated Harassment 1N* – After a complete investigation of a reported incident, the investigator determines that there is not enough evidence to substantiate that the incident meets the criteria of a prohibited act.

Vandalism / Destruction of Property (2EE/3OO/4S **** – The intentional destruction or defacement of school or personal property.
Level 2 - Involve damage with repair or replacement costs under $300.
Level 3 - When the damage costs to repair or replace the property is between $300 and $999.
Level 4 - The destruction of school or personal property and the causing of disruption of normal school activities, usual cost to repair $1000 or greater.

Violation of Attendance Procedures 1L/2T – Tardiness, truancy, failure to check in when tardy, failure to check out when leaving.

Violation of District Behavior Contract (3GG) – Failure to comply with a behavior contract put into place as a consequence of prior offense.

Violation of Safety Procedures (2FF/3QQ/4NN) – Includes conduct that interferes with the effective implementation of school-wide safety or security protocols.

Level 2 - Involves disruptive or insubordinate behavior, such as talking, failing to follow directions, or slightly delaying the procedure, which does not significantly impact the overall safety response but shows noncompliance.

Level 3 - Consists of serious disruption or defiance, such as refusing to follow instructions, deliberately obstructing the procedure, or attempting to leave designated areas, which delays the response and undermines the procedure’s effectiveness.

Level 4 - Includes excessive disruption or repeated violations, such as refusing to evacuate during an actual emergency, tampering with alarms, inciting others to disregard safety protocols, or causing widespread panic, which poses a significant safety risk to the school community.

Weapons (3S/4R) *** – Possession of a firearm or any instrument or object as defined by Fla. Stat.§790.001 or district code of conduct that can inflict serious harm on another person or that can place a person in reasonable fear of serious harm.
Level 3 - The possession of a weapon or any instrument or object that can cause serious harm to another person or that can reasonably place a person in fear of serious harm.
Level 4 - Repeated possession and/or use of an object, instrument, or firearm. See Category A listed on Page 48.

Level I Behaviors

Level II Behaviors

Level III Behaviors

Level IV Behaviors

Offenses and Disciplinary Action

Suspension – Students are eligible to be suspended once they receive a Level two infraction. A suspension is an action that removes a student from class(es) for a defined amount of time. This is not to exceed ten (10) school days in a row. The length of suspension will be determined by the school principal or the principal’s designee.

• In-School Suspension (ISS) - is a disciplinary action where a student is removed from their regular classes for up to 10 school days but remains on school grounds in a designated area. The student is still required to complete their schoolwork and follow school rules while under supervision.
• Out-of-School Suspension - the temporary removal of a student from all classes of instruction on public school grounds and all other school-sponsored activities, except as authorized by the principal/designee, for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. While students are suspended out of school they may not enter or remain on any public-school property during the school day or at such time and places including, but not necessarily limited to, school-sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions, and other activities where school personnel have jurisdiction over students. Violations may result in a Level 3 Offense-Trespassing outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and/or a trespassing charge from local law enforcement.
• Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS) - a program that allows students to serve their suspension for up to 10 school days at a designated PASS location instead of staying home. Parents must provide transportation to and from the assigned school, unless the student’s base school principal/designee grants permission for the student to ride the bus to and from the student’s base school while assigned to PASS at that base school. While students are suspended out of school they may not enter or remain on any public-school property during the school day or at such time and places including, but not necessarily limited to, school-sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions, and other activities where school personnel have jurisdiction over students. Violations may result in a Level 3 Offense-Trespassing outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and/or a trespassing charge from local law enforcement.

1. Suspension from Bus - a student loses the privilege to ride the school bus for up to 10 school days due to misconduct. Parents must provide transportation to and from school during this time to avoid an unexcused absence. If a student receives three (3) bus suspensions in one school year or engages in severe misconduct, the principal may request a longer suspension through the Superintendent and School Board.

• For a student with an IEP or 504 Plan, a bus suspension is equivalent to an out-of-school suspension.

Bullying and Harassment

The Marion County School District is committed to providing all students and staff—including volunteers—with a safe, secure, and respectful educational environment, free from bullying and harassment of any kind.

Bullying (including cyberbullying) is defined as repeated, unwanted verbal, physical, or written behavior—such as teasing, threats, humiliation, physical harm, or social exclusion—that causes harm or interferes with school performance or participation. Cyberbullying involves using technology (e.g., email, social media, texts) to harass or impersonate someone in a way that causes harm or distress.

Harassment includes any conduct—verbal, written, or physical—that threatens, insults, or demeans a student or employee and substantially disrupts the school environment. Retaliation against anyone who reports or alleges such behavior. Sexual cyber-harassment, which is the online sharing of sexually explicit images with identifying information without consent.

This policy applies to behavior occurring on or off campus, when it affects the school community. Violations will be addressed according to district procedures. Fla. Stat.§1006.147

Drugs/Alcohol & Supportive Enforcement

The student shall not knowingly possess, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, any other controlled or counterfeit substance defined in § 893.03, Fla. Stat., or substitute for such, alcoholic beverage, inhalant or intoxicant, or over the counter drugs (excluding headache medication) of any kind, on the school grounds either before, during or after school hours or off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event. Also, a student shall not possess, have under his/her control, sell or deliver any device, or contrivance, instrument or paraphernalia containing the substance or substances described in this paragraph or any residue of such substance or devices intended for use or used in injecting, inhaling/inhalant/huffing, smoking, administering, or using any of the foregoing prescribed drugs, narcotics or stimulants. Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician for a specific student shall not be considered a violation of this rule.

On a student’s first violation, or when determined to be under the influence of an illegal substance, the student will be offered the opportunity to participate in an online substance abuse supportive enforcement education program in addition to suspension for ten (10) days or will receive an alternative placement. Offenses eligible for supportive enforcement include alcohol, illegal drugs, and Schedule I-V controlled substances, including THC oil, THC byproducts, Delta 8, and any other variants of THC Synthetic or Natural. The Coordinator of Student Discipline, or his/her designee, must confirm that the student to the parent and school designee the successfully completion of the program within the allocated period of time. Schools will remind students on a regular basis that providing alcohol or drugs to another student on campus or at any school sponsored activity will result in a recommendation for expulsion from school. Subsequent violations could result in an expulsion.

Refer to Drug/Alcohol Consequences chart on page 35

THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION AND USE OF ALCOHOL IS WRONG AND HARMFUL. INFORMATION ABOUT DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS THROUGH THE SCHOOL COUNSELORS AT EACH SCHOOL. STUDENTS SUSPECTED OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS MAY BE TESTED. A TEST REFUSAL, OR FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE TEST, WITHIN 24 HOURS, IS CONSIDERED A POSITIVE TEST RESULT AND WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES FOR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. ALTERING THE TEST SAMPLE IN ANY WAY COULD RESULT IN FORGOING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SUPPORTIVE ENFORCEMENT AND WILL RESULT IN AN ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT OR EXPULSION.

Substance Abuse Screenings are completed at:

MCPS District Office
1614 E Fort King Street
Ocala, FL 34471