Code of Conduct

In-School Suspension (ISS)

In-school suspension is a program primarily used in Middle, Junior High, and High school, to which a student is assigned (per matrix or administrator discretion) for misbehavior for a specified amount of time. The PCSD recognizes the need for an in-school suspension program designed to:

  1. isolate a student from the regularly assigned classrooms and activities of the school;

  2. continue progress relative to classroom assignments; and

  3. provide individual, differentiated instruction in essential skills and knowledge areas for which low achievement levels may be contributing to a student’s adjustment problems.

Disruptive Behavior Defined

The Student Code of Conduct defines disruptive behavior as:

  1. behavior that interferes with the students’ learning or the educational process of others and requires attention and assistance beyond which the traditional program can provide or results in frequent conflicts of a disruptive nature while the student is under the jurisdiction of the school, either in or out of the classroom; or

  2. behavior that severely threatens the general welfare of students or others with whom the student makes contact.

If an assignment to the in-school suspension program becomes necessary for a student, the following procedures are administered:

  1. at the time of the assignment, the referring principal/designee discusses with the student the behavior expectations and notifies the parents;

  2. a copy of the referral and assignment to in-school suspension is sent home to be returned with the student’s and parent’s signature.

 Expected Behavior in ISS

  • Students must bring all books, papers, and pencils needed to complete assignments.

  • Students will be assigned and expected to remain in individual cubicles or desks.

  • A student will not leave the assigned work area without permission from the in-school suspension instructor.

  • Students will not talk during in-school suspension unless directed to do so by the instructor.

  • Students will be allowed to bring lunch from home or may purchase a tray from the lunchroom. Students must adhere to set lunch times.

  • Students will have two (2) breaks a day or as necessary as approved by the instructor.

  • Student behavior is expected to be satisfactory and is documented daily on a checklist.

  • Students assigned to the ISS program cannot participate in any school activities until the entirety of ISS is served. An assignment to the ISS program terminates on the last day of said assignment at the end of the last academic class.

  • ISS may include 30 minutes per day of school improvement chores, including trash pick-up, cleaning hallways, cleaning bleachers in the gym, or other acceptable chores. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during ISS.

Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior in ISS

  1. The student’s principal will be contacted by the in-school suspension instructor, and the principal will contact the parents to explain the problems as reported by the in-school instructor.

  2. The principal will suspend the uncooperative student from school to out-of-school suspension for the remainder of the days previously assigned to in-school suspension. The out-of-school suspension will not be excused absences.

  3. Upon returning to school following the out-of-school suspension, the student may return to in- school suspension to complete the original period of time assigned at the discretion of the administration.

  4. If a student is disruptive and/or uncooperative for the second time upon returning to in-school suspension, the student may be suspended from school until a conference is held involving the parents, student, and principal. A tribunal referral for further action may be required.

[STATE REF.: Georgia Board of Education Policy JDD (Rule 160-4-8-.03) State Standards B 1(1a.8); I 10(1g); J 4.1; J 4.2 LEGAL REF.: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-155(b); 20-2-751 et seq.; 20- 2-1160(a); Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565, 42 L.Ed.2d 725 (1975)]