Pontiac School District is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for every student, every day.

The Student Code of Conduct outlines key rights for all students, including:

• A safe and orderly learning environment

• Access to a high-quality education with the support needed to succeed

• Respectful treatment from staff and peers

• The opportunity to be heard and participate in decisions that affect their education

Understanding Due Process

Students have the right to be treated fairly when discipline is being considered.

Before consequences are assigned, students have the right to:

• Understand what they are being accused of

• Hear the information or evidence being considered

• Share their side of the situation

How Decisions Are Made

When addressing student behavior, the district focuses on fairness, consistency, and keeping students engaged in learning whenever possible.

School staff may consider factors such as:

• The student’s age and grade level

• The severity or repetition of the behavior

• The circumstances surrounding the situation

• The impact on other students and the school community

• Whether supports or interventions have already been used

Working Together

We encourage students and families to review the full Code of Conduct and talk about expectations, rights, and responsibilities. Working together helps us maintain a positive learning environment for all.

Every student has the right to consistent instructional time and the responsibility to attend school every day, on time. Regular attendance helps students stay on track and supports a strong learning environment for everyone.

Students are expected to:

• Arrive at school and each class on time
• Be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings
• Avoid repeated tardiness that disrupts learning
• Follow school procedures for reporting and excusing absences

To protect instructional time for all students, schools may adjust classroom entry for students with frequent tardies.

Before discipline is assigned, Pontiac School District focuses on supporting students and addressing behavior in ways that keep them engaged in learning.

The Student Code of Conduct includes a range of strategies based on the situation and individual student needs.

Support may include:

• School-based interventions to address behavior and identify root causes
• Problem-solving steps that look at what is happening and why
• Behavior support plans with clear goals and strategies
• Corrective actions designed to guide behavior and prevent repeat concerns

When responding to behavior, school staff consider factors such as the student’s age, the situation, and the impact on the school community.

Whenever possible, the goal is to address behavior, repair harm, and keep students connected to learning.

All students are expected to follow the District’s dress code to help maintain a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment.

The Code of Conduct requires that students:

• Wear clothing that is appropriate for school and does not disrupt learning
• Dress in a way that is safe and does not create health or safety concerns
• Avoid clothing that is offensive, promotes illegal activity, or is inappropriate for a school setting
• Wear appropriate footwear at all times

Additional expectations include:

• Head coverings are not permitted inside school buildings, except for religious reasons
• Coats, jackets, and backpacks must be stored during the school day

Students who do not meet dress code expectations may be asked to change, and repeated violations may result in further action.

Yes. Students are expected to complete missed assignments and should work with their school to stay on track.

The Code applies:

• At school and on school property
• On school buses and at bus stops
• At school-sponsored events
• In situations off campus that impact the school environment

Follow your school’s process for reporting absences. Contact the school office and provide documentation if required.

Repeated tardiness may result in school-based consequences. Schools may also adjust how and when students enter class to minimize disruption to learning.

Not always. Schools are expected to use support and intervention strategies first, when appropriate, to help students improve behavior.

Staff consider several factors, including:

• The student’s age
• The situation and severity of the behavior
• Whether the behavior has happened before
• The impact on others

Families have the right to appeal certain disciplinary decisions. Contact your school for information on the process.

Personal devices must be turned off and out of sight during the school day unless permitted by staff.