Orange County Public Schools

The following section provides the disciplinary offenses and potential consequences for Secondary/Postsecondary students for behavior that occurs on OCPS property; on OCPS transportation; during school-sponsored activities, including, but not limited to distance learning, field trips, athletic functions, and similar activities; and if appropriate, any other area as permitted by Florida Statutes and/or State Board of Education Rules. Student disciplinary offenses and the responses to them are divided into four levels. Each level represents progressively more serious offenses and responses to them become progressively more severe. Some offenses require consultation with law enforcement if the offense is deemed to be a violation of state or federal laws.

OCPS promotes a safe and supportive learning environment in schools, to protect students and staff from conduct that poses a serious threat to school safety. School based administrators shall provide consistent school-based discipline, where appropriate, and authorized by policy and this Code. In addition, pursuant to Section 1006.09, Florida Statutes, a good faith effort shall be made by the principal or designee to employ parental assistance or other alternative measures prior to suspension, except in the case of emergency or disruptive conditions which require immediate suspension or in the case of a serious breach of conduct as defined by the Board and this Code.

OCPS is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and seeks support from the community and parents/guardians in achieving this goal. To that end, Section 1003.04, Florida Statutes, provides that the parent/guardian of each public K-12 student must cooperate with the authority of the Board, OCPS, the Superintendent, the Principal, teachers, and school bus drivers, to remove the student from the classroom and the school bus and, when appropriate and available, to place the student in an alternative educational setting, if the student is disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive.

OCPS stands in loco parentis (Latin for “in place of the parent”) while a student is in the physical custody of the school and is responsible for investigating all allegations of student misconduct within its jurisdiction using the preponderance of the evidence legal standard. Therefore, OCPS employees are authorized to interview students and obtain witness statements from students involved in offenses of the Code, however, any student may refuse to participate in an investigation. It is important to note that if the behavior is believed to be criminal and a violation of Florida Statutes, the school resource officer, or law enforcement officer, if the school resource officer is not available, may participate in the investigation.

Parents/guardians may request their student not participate in student discipline investigations without authorization from the parent/guardian by submitting the request, in writing, to the school administration. Refusal to participate in the investigation does not prohibit OCPS from continuing with the investigation and administering an appropriate disciplinary consequence. In addition, refusal does not prohibit the school resource officer, or law enforcement officer, from continuing the criminal investigation and imposing criminal penalties if warranted.

After the discipline investigation is complete, the parent/guardian may request a copy of all documentary evidence upon which the proposed disciplinary consequence is based; however, if available and used as evidence for disciplinary purposes, video evidence may only be reviewed, a copy will not be provided. Additional information pertaining to discipline offenses and procedures can be found within this section of the Code and Section VI.

If the discipline investigation is conducted due to allegations of a threat or threatening behavior, the investigation will be submitted to the School Threat Assessment Team for review. The School Threat Assessment Team is established by Board Policy JICK, titled, “Threats,” and Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes.

Level I offenses are minor acts of misconduct that interfere with the orderly operation of the classroom, a school function, extracurricular/co-curricular program or approved transportation.

The OCPS employee involved should intervene in the misconduct. If further action is necessary, the employee should refer the student to the school administrator for disciplinary action. After hearing the student’s explanation, consulting with staff members and other students, and doing any other investigation necessary, the administrator will decide on disciplinary action. Suspension is not an available disciplinary response for Level I violations.


LEVEL I: OFFENSES

A. Cheating  Willful or deliberate unauthorized use of the work of another person for academic purposes, or unauthorized use of notes or other material in the completion of an academic assignment or test. In addition to disciplinary responses, the student may receive no credit for the assignment, test, or exam at the discretion of the teacher.

C. Disorderly Conduct  Conduct or behavior that interferes with or disrupts the orderly process of the teaching/learning process, school environment, a school function, or extracurricular/co-curricular activity.

D. Disrespect Conduct or behavior that lacks regard, civility, politeness, and/or courteous consideration
towards a student, OCPS employee, volunteer, or contracted personnel. This offense may include, but is not limited to, speech or behavior that is insulting or rude.

E. Dress Code  Non-conformity to established dress code.

F. Failure to Report for Detention   Failure to report for assigned discipline.


G. False and/or Misleading Information  Intentionally providing false or misleading information to, or withholding valid  from an OCPS employee, contracted personnel, or volunteer, which does not cause a disruption to the school environment.

J. Profane, Obscene, or Abusive Language/Materials   The use of either oral or written language, or gestures, which are disrespectful or socially unacceptable and are not directed at another person. This section does not include threatening or intimidating language.

KK. Electronic Device Violation   The misuse of electronic devices, which are not educational in nature, and may include, but is not limited to, cellphones, smartphones, smart watches, MP3 players, iPods, e-readers, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.

L. Tardiness  Repeated late arrival to class, not to school.

M. Unauthorized Absence from School or Class   A student arrives at school and then leaves campus, has temporary unauthorized absences from classes, or fails to attend specific classes.

N. Other Misconduct  Any other act of misconduct which may interfere with the orderly operation of the classroom, the school program, a school activity, an extracurricular/co-curricular program, or approved transportation and cannot be coded as another Level I offense.

O. Unsubstantiated Bullying   After a complete investigation and follow up of a reported bullying incident, the investigator determines that there is not enough evidence to substantiate that the incident meets the criteria of a prohibited act under the definition of bullying as listed in the Jeffery Johnston Stand Up for ALL Students Act (Section 1006.147, Florida Statutes). This offense is for documentation purposes only as required by the Florida Department of Education, discipline consequences are not given.
 
P. Unsubstantiated Harassment   After a complete investigation and follow up of a reported harassment incident, the investigator determines that there is not enough evidence to substantiate that the incident meets criteria of a prohibited act under the definition of harassment as listed in the Jeffery Johnston Stand Up for ALL Students Act (Section 1006.147, Florida Statutes). This offense is for documentation purposes only as required by the Florida Department of Education, discipline consequences are not given. 

Q. Harassment   Any threatening, insulting, dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct that places an OCPS student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, and/or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school including any course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose. This offense may include, but is not limited to, teasing, name calling, gossiping, spreading or starting rumors, and/or purposefully embarrassing or humiliating another person.

R. Horseplay   Any rough uncontrolled play or prank that involves two or more students.

LEVEL I: CONSEQUENCES

1. Parent/guardian contact mandatory*
2. Counseling and direction*
3. Verbal reprimand
4. Restorative Practice
5. Special work assignment
6. Withdrawal of privileges
7. Return of property
8. Detention
9. Referral to intervention program
10. Confiscation of unauthorized materials, objects, or contraband
11. Assigned seat
12. Supervision plan
13. SAFE/Guidance referral
14. Schedule change
15. No contact contract
16. Referral to mental health services
17. Warning of referral to Level II

*Mandatory Consequences 

Level II: Discipline Response Code

Level II offenses are more serious acts of misconduct than Level I offenses. Level II includes repeated acts of misconduct from Level I and acts directed against people or property that do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others.

The misconduct must be reported to the appropriate school administrator for further investigation. After hearing the student’s explanation, consulting with staff members and other students, and doing any other investigation necessary, the administrator will follow the procedure designated for Level II violations in investigating the matter and deciding on the progressive disciplinary action. Out of school suspension is not an available disciplinary response for Level II violations.

LEVEL II: OFFENSES

A. Destruction of Property/ Vandalism (under $100)   The willful or malicious destruction of school property or the property of others.

B. Disrespect   Repeated conduct or behavior that lacks regard, civility, politeness, and/or courteous
consideration towards a student, OCPS employee, volunteer, or contracted personnel.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, inappropriate language directed towards another that is not profane.

C. Fighting   Minor physical contact between two or more students such as pushing, shoving, or altercation
that stops upon verbal command.

D. Forgery (Non-criminal)   To create or reproduce the signature or document of another for fraudulent purposes.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, signing a document with your parent’s signature without permission.

E. Gambling   Any unlawful participation in games (or activities) of chance for money and/or other things of value.

F. Insubordination/Open Defiance   Verbal or non-verbal refusal to comply with school rules or directions from an OCPS employee, contracted personnel, or volunteer without causing a disruption or committing any further acts.

G. Intimidation/ Threats   Any direct or indirect threat to do harm to the property of another student, OCPS employee, contracted vendor, or OCPS volunteer. Or any direct or indirect harm to hit, fight, or beat up another student or a threat to another student’s life if the threat to life is vague, said out of anger or frustration, an expression of humor or rhetoric and can be easily resolved. The content of the threat suggests the person is unlikely to carry it out. This section does not include threats made to OCPS employees, contracted vendors, or OCPS volunteers; these threats are a Level III or IV.

J. Stealing (under $375)   Taking the property of another without permission of the person.

K. Unauthorized Assembly Publications, etc.,   Demonstrations and/or petitions by students, or possession and/or distribution of unauthorized publications, including misuse of electronic messages or computers which interfere with the orderly process of the school environment, a school function, or extracurricular/co-curricular activity.

L. Bullying   A bullying offense includes repeatedly being cruel to other students, OCPS employees,
volunteers, or contracted personnel, on or off OCPS property if it adversely impacts the educational environment at school for students or staff.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, repeated teasing, name calling, and/or minor physical contact.

M. Other Serious Misconduct   Any other act of misconduct that is more serious, harmful, or is a more disruptive example of any of the offenses described in Level I, which may interfere with the orderly operation of the school, school transportation, or school activity and cannot be coded as another Level II offense.

N. Gang Related   The possession, use, or displaying of items associated with gang activity that include, but is not limited to, clothing and accessories, gang related insignias, writings, signs, or symbols that promote gang affiliation and/or involvement.

O. Harassment   Any threatening, insulting, dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct that places an OCPS student or school employee in reasonable fear or harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, and has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school including any course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, name calling with profanity, and/or minor physical contact.

Q. Electronic Device Violation   The repeated misuse of electronic devices, which are not educational in nature; unauthorized access to programs or files not expected or intended for student use on an electronic device or OCPS network (i.e. gaming); sharing another person’s username and password; or intentionally providing access to another person to use the student’s device while the student is logged in.

R. Sexual Harassment   Any minor slur, innuendo, gesture, or other written or verbal conduct reflecting on an individual’s gender which has the purpose of creating an offensive educational environment.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, unpleasant distasteful comments, jokes, or gestures that are sexual in nature; however, this does not include acts involving physical contact.

S. Horseplay   Any rough uncontrolled play or prank that involves two or more students and there is risk of
injury as a result of the horseplay.

T. Dress Code   Non-conformity to the dress code (second and subsequent offenses).

LEVEL II: CONSEQUENCES

1. Parent/guardian contact mandatory*
2. Counseling and direction*
3. Behavior plan/contract
4. Restorative Practice
5. P.A.S.S. (1-10 days)
6. Special work assignment
7. Detention
8. SAFE/Guidance referral
9. Confiscation of unauthorized materials
10. Return of property
11. Suspension from bus (1-10 days)
12. Referral to intervention program
13. Alternative Classroom
14. Supervision plan
15. Schedule change
16. No contact contract
17. Temporary removal or participation in extracurricular/co-curricular programs or activities
18. Referral to mental health services
19. Warning of referral to Level III

*Mandatory Consequences

Level III: Discipline Response Code

Level III offenses are major acts of misconduct that disrupt the orderly operation of the school, school activity, or school transportation that threatens the health, safety, and property of others. Level III offenses may include repeated acts of misconduct from Level II.

The misconduct must be reported right away to the school administrator for further investigation. After hearing the student’s explanation, consulting with staff members and other students, and doing any other investigation necessary, the administrator will follow the procedure designated for Level III violations in investigating the matter and deciding on the progressive disciplinary action, which may result in the removal of the student from the school or activity immediately.

LEVEL III: OFFENSES

A. Physical Attack   An actual and intentional striking of another student against his/her will, without injury. This section does not include injury that is a result of fighting if students are mutual combatants.

C. Destruction of Property/ Vandalism ($100 to $999)   The willful or malicious destruction of OCPS property or the property of others.

D. Disrespect   Conduct or behavior that lacks regard, civility, politeness, and/or courteous consideration
towards a student, OCPS employee, volunteer, or contracted personnel.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, language and/or gestures that are abusive and/or profane directed towards another person.

E. Extortion/Blackmail   The willful or malicious threat of harm, injury, or violence to the person, property, or reputation of another with the intent to obtain money, information, services, or items of material worth.
This offense may include, but is not limited to, threatening to accuse another of a minor offense or crime in order to obtain lunch money.

F. Fighting   When two or more persons mutually participate in the use of force or physical violence that requires: (1) physical intervention; or (2) results in injury requiring first aid or medical attention.
Note: If a student is unable to leave the area of a pending attack, a student may use self-defense. Self-defense is an action taken that is necessary to protect oneself or others from serious bodily harm. Self-defense may include asking an adult for help, restraining or blocking the attacker, shielding oneself or others from being hit, or pushing to get away from the attacker. However, retaliating by striking or hitting (i.e. punching, slapping, kicking) a person back, or choosing not to leave after you are able to get away, may be considered as fighting.


G. Firecrackers/ Fireworks   Unauthorized possession, sale, or storage of unlit fireworks or firecrackers on OCPS property, at a school function, or extracurricular/co-curricular activity.

H. Gross Insubordination/Open Defiance   Willful refusal to submit to or comply with authority; exhibiting contempt or open resistance to a  direct order; challenging the authority of an OCPS employee, contracted personnel, or volunteer in the presence of others which causes a disruption.

I. Illegal Organizations   Establishing or participating in a secret society on OCPS property, at a school function, or at an extracurricular activity.

J. Possession of Contraband Material   Possession, use, and/or distribution of materials or items, other than weapons or firearms, which  are forbidden. The parent/guardian will make arrangements to pick up the object from the school, if applicable. At no time shall OCPS be responsible for theft, loss or damage to contraband items brought onto its property.

L. Smoking/Vaping and Other Use of Tobacco/Nicotine Products   The possession or use of tobacco/vaping nicotine products, or items represented to be of said   nature. This offense may include, but is not limited to, electronic cigarettes, CBD oil, Juuls, pods,  vapors and hookah pens that do not contain THC or any other illegal controlled substance.

M. Stealing ($375 to $749)   The taking of the property of another without the permission of the person.

N. Trespassing   To enter or remain on school grounds/campus, school transportation, or at a school-sponsored event/off campus, without authorization or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry.

O. Violation of Curfew   Breaking of curfew regulations during an extracurricular/co-curricular activity.

P. Bullying   The offense must include repeatedly inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or
more OCPS students, employees, volunteers, or contracted personnel that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation, on or off OCPS property if it adversely impacts the educational environment at school for students or staff.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, repeated name calling with threat, physical contact with minor injury, distribution or sharing of written texts/pictures/video to multiple recipients.

Q. Other Serious Misconduct Any other act of misconduct that is more serious, harmful, or is a more disruptive example of any of the offenses described in Level II, which may interfere with the orderly operation of the school, school transportation, or school activity and cannot be coded as another Level III offense.
This offense may include, but is not limited to, sexting that is not intended to extend beyond the sender/receiver; body piercing; providing false/misleading information to staff members which causes a disruption to the school, language intended or reasonably calculated to insult and/or incite another person; or the activation of a fire alarm that was not the result of a willful or malicious act.

RR. Physical Aggression on an Employee or Contracted Personnel   The willful use of force upon an employee or contracted personnel that does not result in bodily injury.

S. Sexual Harassment   Any slur, innuendo, gestures, or other written, verbal or physical contact reflecting on an individual’s gender which has the purpose of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.  These acts are sexual in nature and may include, but are not limited to, mooning, sharing/sending/showing images or video that have no bodily exposure but are taken in a private area, and/or minor physical contact that is sexual in nature.

T. Intimidation/ Threats to a Person   Repeated Level II threats or any direct or indirect threat to another student’s life if the threat has some details and information obtained suggests that some thought was given to how the threat will be carried out, but there is no clear indication that the student has taken preparatory steps. This section also includes threats of harm or violence towards an OCPS employee, contracted vendor or OCPS volunteer without any further acts of aggression or where there is no intent to carry out the threat.

U. Gang Related   Conduct or behavior that tends to promote gang activity, provoke violence, or seriously disrupt the orderly operation of the school program, any school activity or transportation services, including but not limited to the possession, use or displaying of gang paraphernalia, jewelry, tattoos, clothing, or other insignias and writings that promote gang affiliation/involvement/the use of gang related signs or symbols or any other gang associated behavior.

V. Harassment Any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or
written, verbal, or physical conduct that places an OCPS student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits and has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school including any course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, name calling with threat, physical contact with minor injury, distribution or sharing of written texts/pictures/video to multiple recipients.

W. Hazing   Any action or situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student at a
school with any of grades 6 through 12 for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any school-sanctioned organization.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, false imprisonment not resulting in medical attention, verbal or physical behavior resulting in minor injury, or any other act that creates a substantial risk of physical injury.

Y. Electronic Device Violation   The continual misuse of electronic devices, which are not educational in nature; the unauthorized modification of software/hardware configuration on an electronic device (i.e. factory reset of district device); unauthorized access to programs and/or files not expected or intended for student use on an electronic device or OCPS network.
This section does not include images, videos, messages, etc. that can be classified as another offense (i.e. threats, images/videos containing nudity).

Z. District Technology Violation   Removed

AA. Horseplay   Any rough uncontrolled play or prank that involves two or more students and there is injury as a result of the horseplay. Any horseplay that results in serious injury where medical attention is needed may result in a Level IV offense.

LEVEL III: CONSEQUENCES

1. Parent/guardian contact mandatory*
2. Counseling and direction*
3. Behavior plan/contract
4. Restorative Practice
5. Return of property
6. P.A.S.S. (1-10 days)
7. Suspension from bus (1-10 days)
8. Suspension from school (1-10 days)
9. Detention
10. Temporary or permanent removal from participation in extracurricular/co-curricular programs or activities
11. Alternative Class
12. Referral to intervention program
13. Confiscation of unauthorized materials, objects, or contraband
14. Schedule change
15. Supervision plan
16. No contact contract
17. SAFE/Guidance referral
18. Referral to mental health services
19. Warning of referral to Level IV

*Mandatory Consequences

Level IV: Discipline Response Code

Level IV offenses are the most serious acts of misconduct and are grounds for expulsion. Level IV offenses may include repeated acts of misconduct from Level III. Any Level IV act shall result in a 10-day suspension with a potential recommendation for expulsion.

Major acts of misconduct must be reported right away to the school administrator for further investigation. After hearing the student’s explanation, consulting with staff members and other students, and doing any other investigation necessary, the administrator will follow the procedure designated for Level IV violations in investigating the matter and refer the Level IV to District personnel for further review.

Students who commit a Level IV offense may be referred to local authorities for further investigation.

LEVEL IV: OFFENSES

A. Alcohol   The possession, use, distribution, transmission, sale, purchase, solicitation, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Distribution or transmission of alcohol is defined as delivery of alcohol to another person without the intent of communal or collective consumption. Use means the person is caught in the act of using, admits to use or is discovered to have used in the course of an investigation.

B. Arson   The willful and/or malicious burning of or attempt to burn OCPS property, contents in or on the
property, or personal property of others.

C. Intimidation/ Threats to a Person   Repeated Level III threats. Or any direct or indirect threat to hit, fight or beat up an OCPS employee, contracted vendor, or OCPS volunteer with an aggressive act to carry out the threat. Or any direct or indirect threat, which threatens the life of another student, OCPS employee, contracted vendor, or OCPS volunteer, and the threat to life appears to pose an imminent or a serious danger to the safety of others. The threat is specific, detailed and plausible. Information obtained suggests steps may have been taken to carry out the threat, and/or there is a strong concern about the student’s potential to act.
This offense includes, but is not limited to, threats made verbally or nonverbally by act, through social media, or by text, or threats/threatening behavior with a weapon (4H) or other dangerous object (4K), or the attempted use of a weapon (4H) or other dangerous object (4K) without injury.

D. Battery   An actual or intentional touching or striking of a student, OCPS employee, contracted personnel, or volunteer against his/her will, causing more serious injury, such as: great bodily harm; permanent disfigurement; permanent disability; use of a deadly weapon; or where the attacker knew or should have known the victim was pregnant. The harm must be documented through medical evaluation. The attack must be serious enough to warrant reporting to law enforcement.
This section includes the use of a weapon (4H) or other dangerous object (4K) that results in more serious injury, however, this section does not include injury that is a result of fighting if the students are mutual combatants.


E. Threats to the School   Any direct or indirect threat that may harm the school or may disrupt the function of the school campus or school sponsored activity including, but not limited to, threats made verbally or nonverbally by act, through social media, or by text. All threats are taken seriously, regardless of intent.
Threats to the school may include, but are not limited to, bomb threats, threats to use firearms in a violent manner, and/or threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. Threats to the school are deemed zero tolerance by Sections 1006.07 and 1006.13, Florida Statutes.

F. Drugs/Possession/Use   The possession, solicitation, use or being under the influence of any drugs, narcotics, controlled substances, or any other substance when used for chemical intoxication, or the possession or use of any substance represented to be of said nature. Use means the person is caught in the act of using, admits to use or is discovered to have used in the course of an investigation. The possession, solicitation, use, or being under the influence of over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in excess of the manufacturer’s prescribed limits are included in this section. Also included in this section is any amount of THC oil.

H. Firearms/ Weapons   The possession or control of any firearm, weapon, and/or destructive device (“weapons”) (operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded) as defined in Chapter 790, Florida Statutes. Weapons are deemed zero tolerance by Sections 1006.07 and 1006.13, Florida Statutes. Threatening or attempting to use a weapon is a Level IV C or IV E offense. Using a weapon and causing injury is a Level IV D or IV Y offense.
A firearm means any weapon, which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device; or any machine gun. A weapon means any dirk, knife (blade length is 2.5 inches or more), metallic knuckles, slungshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon. A destructive device means any bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, pipe bomb, or similar, or any combination of parts to make a destructive device, which is designed or constructed to explode. More information can be found in Chapter 790, Florida Statutes.

I. Major Disruption on Campus  Major disruption of all or a significant portion of campus activities, school-sponsored events, and/or school bus transportation. Disruptive behavior that poses a serious threat to the learning environment, or the health, safety, or welfare of others.
This offense may include, but is not limited to, inciting a riot, initiating a false fire alarm, incidents that result in closing the cafeteria, fights involving multiple participants that disrupt the campus, and/or incidents that prevent students from proceeding to the next class.

J. Larceny/Theft ($750 or over)   The act, participating in the act, or attempted act of taking, carrying, riding away with, or concealing of property from the possession or constructive possession of another person, including motor vehicle, without threat of violence or bodily harm.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, pocket picking, theft from a building, theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a vending machine, theft of a golf cart, motor vehicle, or anything that is self-propelled or motorized.

K. Other Dangerous Objects The possession, sale, or control of any instrument or object, other than a firearm or weapon as defined under a Level IV H offense, which could be used to inflict harm on another person or to intimidate any person. Threatening or attempting to use a dangerous object is a Level IV C or IV E offense. Using a dangerous object and causing injury is a Level IV D or IV Y offense.
This offense includes, but is not limited to, BB guns or pellet guns, air soft guns, paintball guns and replicas of any gun or weapon, water/gel bead gun, common pocket knives (blade length is less than 2.5 inches), chains, pipes, common household tools, razor blades, box cutter/utility knife, ice picks, other pointed instruments, nun chucks, Chinese stars, pepper spray, Taser, items used for self-defense (i.e. Kubaton), ammunition, firearm clips, firearm cartridges. This offense also includes igniting fireworks/firecrackers.

L. Repeated Misconduct of a More Serious Nature   Repeated misconduct which tends to substantially disrupt the orderly conduct of a school, school function, or extracurricular/co-curricular program or activity. Recommendations for expulsion relative to repeated misconduct must be based on documented referrals and a variety of intervention strategies.

M. Robbery/Extortion The taking, participation in taking, or attempting to take anything of value that is owned by another person or organization, under the confrontational circumstances of force, or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
This offense may include the taking of objects such as purses, phones, clothing etc.

N. Sexual Battery   Any sexual act or attempt directed against another person, forcibly, and/or against the person’s will. The category includes rape, indecent liberties, child molestation, and sodomy.

O. Sexual Harassment   Unwanted verbal or physical behavior with sexual connotations that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation. Any sexual harassment of an OCPS employee, contracted vendor, or volunteer that is physical is included in this offense.
These acts are sexual in nature and may include, but are not limited to, sharing/sending/showing/taking images or video of other students or OCPS employees, contracted vendors, or volunteers that have bodily exposure; fondling or groping of another against their will.

P. Sexual Offenses   Any willful and/or deliberate act, behavior, or conduct intended to result in sexual gratification or furthering acts lewd or lascivious in nature.  This offense includes, but is not limited to, consensual sexual acts, and/or exposure of nude body parts in the presence of others or by sending through electronic means.

Q. Violation of Early Re-entry Plan   Any act or series of acts which violates or has the practical effect of violating an early re-entry plan from full exclusion/expulsion.

S. Vandalism ($1000 or over)   The willful or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property including the act of defacing with graffiti, keying, or scratching a car or trashing a room resulting in damages.

T. Other   Any other intentional or wanton act which is clearly beyond the bounds of acceptable and tolerable student conduct in the community, which cannot be coded in another Level IV offense.
This offense may include, but is not limited to: possession of images or videos that contain nudity and are not of another student, OCPS employee, contracted vendor, or volunteer; video voyeurism; extortion; hate crimes; any false accusation made by a student that jeopardizes the professional reputation, employment, or professional certification of any OCPS employee; any speech on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, or disability that does or would be likely to cause a substantial disruption to the educational environment; dating violence; human trafficking; possession/sale of drug paraphernalia; or felony forgery.

U. Drugs/Transmission/ Distribution/ Selling/Buying  The manufacture, cultivation, transmission, distribution, buying, selling or intending to sell any   drug, narcotic, controlled substance or any substance represented to be a drug, narcotic, or  controlled substance. This includes any form of payment for any drug or contraband substance.

V. Bullying   Repeatedly inflicting physical hurt, or psychological distress on one or more students, OCPS
employees, volunteers, or contracted personnel, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation on or off OCPS property if it adversely impacts the educational environment at school for students or staff.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, repeated name calling with threats, stalking/cyber stalking, distribution or sharing of written texts, picture/video to multiple recipients, posting picture or video to social media for public view, and/or physical contact with serious bodily injury.

W. Harassment   Any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or
written, verbal, or physical conduct that places an OCPS student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits and has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school including any course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, stalking/cyber stalking, placing another in reasonable fear of death or serious injury.

X. Hazing   Any action or situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student at a
school with any of grades 6 through 12 for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any school-sanctioned organization.  This offense may include, but is not limited to, false imprisonment resulting in medical attention, verbal or physical behavior resulting in injury that requires medical attention, forcing indecent exposure of another, or any other act that creates a substantial risk of death or serious injury.

Y. Physical Attack   An actual and intentional striking of a student, OCPS employee, volunteer, or contracted personnel against his/her will, resulting in less serious bodily harm. Less serious bodily harm does not include a substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability. The injury must be documented.
This offense includes the use of a weapon (4H) or dangerous object (4K) that results in less serious bodily harm, however, this section does not include injury that is a result of fighting if the students are mutual combatants.

Z. Sexual Assault   An incident that includes a threat of rape, fondling, indecent liberties, or child molestation. Both male and female students can be victims of sexual assault.

AA. District Technology Violation   Use of unauthorized access to programs and/or files not expected or intended for student use on an electronic device or OCPS network; or any use that violates Board policies, local, state, and/or federal laws and regulations.
This offense may include, but is not limited to, gaining access to the OCPS network with intent to do harm or alter records, or having images, videos, messages, etc., on a district issued device that are not shared with others (i.e. images/videos containing nudity).

CC. Burglary   Unlawful entry into or remaining in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to
commit a crime therein or cause damage. This offense is more severe than trespassing.

DD. Homicide   The unjustified killing of one human being by another.

EE. Kidnapping   Forcibly, or by threat, confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against his/her will and without lawful authority.

FF. Tobacco/Vaping/Nicotine Selling/Distribution    The distribution or sale, intention of selling, or buying of tobacco/vaping nicotine products, or items represented to be of said nature.
This offense may include, but is not limited to, electronic cigarettes, CBD oil, Juuls, pods, vapors and hookah pens that do not contain THC or any other illegal controlled substance.

LEVEL IV: CONSEQUENCES
School Consequences

1. Parent/guardian contact mandatory*
2. Counseling and direction*
3. Up to a 10 day suspension with a recommendation for expulsion (mandatory)*
4. Refer to the District for a Discipline Team Meeting*
5. Temporary or permanent removal from participation in extracurricular/co-curricular programs or activities, e.g., to include, but not limited to, senior graduation
6. Restorative Practice
7. Schedule change
8. Supervision plan
9. No contact contract
10. SAFE/Guidance referral

District Consequences
1. Expulsion from the school district
2. Assignment to an alternative school
3. Referral to an intervention program
4. Bus expulsion
5. Referral to mental health services

*Mandatory Consequences