The Tallassee City Board of Education believes that instruction should occur in an environment that is conducive to learning, and that effective instruction requires orderly disciplinary standards, rules, and procedures. The intent of furnishing this handbook is to foster a safe, friendly and business‑like atmosphere in which students and school personnel work cooperatively. The policy of the Tallassee City Board of Education is to require the administrators, faculty members, students, and parents and guardians to adhere to and to comply with this Board of Education‑approved Code of Student Conduct. Violations of the Code of Student Conduct which break criminal laws will initiate the appropriate disciplinary action for the offense according to the Code of Student Conduct and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials.

As students progress in the public schools, it is reasonable to assume that an increase in age and maturity will result in the Students' assumption of greater responsibility for their actions. Although it is true that differences in age and maturity require different types of disciplinary action, the expectation of positive student behavior will apply to all students in grades kindergarten through twelve. These differences will be recognized in taking disciplinary action to maintain an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

There is no greater resource for good student behavior than the students themselves. Students are encouraged to be involved in school‑related activities. Participation in extracurricular activities may require higher standards of conduct. All students are expected to show respect, follow rules, and demonstrate good citizenship.

EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Tallassee City Board of Education that no student will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or disability.

JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tallassee City School students are subject to the rules and regulations of the Tallassee Board of Education during the school day, while in attendance at school‑related activities, and while being transported to and from school or school‑related activities in school vehicles. In addition, students may be disciplined in those instances where conduct at other times and places is deemed to have a direct and immediate impact or effect on the health, safety, discipline, or general welfare of the school community.

PARENT & STUDENT RESPONSBILITIES

Under Alabama law, local school systems are required to inform parents and guardians of their education‑related responsibilities. Parents and guardians are responsible for the child's attendance and conduct in school. Under Alabama law, parents or guardians who fail to compel their child to regularly attend school or fail to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil in accordance with the written policy on school behavior adopted by the Board of Education shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $100 and may be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than 90 days. (Code of Alabama, §16‑28‑12)