Student Discipline Code

Philosophy of the Student Discipline
Baltimore City Public School System is committed to providing safe and orderly classrooms and schools for all students. When classrooms are orderly, teachers are able to teach and students are able to learn. Education provides a means of human development and a means for remediation and adjustment. Therefore, BCPS believes that children should not be suspended or expelled from school for inappropriate behavior but should be placed in alternative learning programs. The Baltimore City Public Schools is working to implement this philosophy.

However, until alternative learning programs are available at all schools, school staff will adhere to current policies that require that students be expelled or suspended for certain offenses. Every effort will be made to place students who are expelled in existing alternative programs.

Expectations

Students are expected to behave appropriately at all times. School staff members will not tolerate violence and chronically disruptive behavior. School police will be called in all cases of violence and charges will be placed against the offenders whenever possible.

Use of the Code

This discipline code was designed by a committee of parents, teachers, students and administrators. It was developed so that firm, fair consistent and equitable discipline can be the norm in each school. A hierarchy of possible consequences is listed for each violation of the code. Teachers will handle minor infractions as part of their normal classroom management procedures. However, for any violation of the discipline code, administrators will apply one or more of consequences.

Please be sure to read all of the discipline code information when it is sent to you by Baltimore City Public Schools.