Student Code of Conduct

Student safety and appropriate student behavior continue to be a priority for the Littleton Public Schools (LPS). One important part of our responsibility is to be sure that students and parents understand what the rules are and what can happen if the rules are not followed. The Student Code of Conduct handbook, which you are now holding, is one of the most effective tools there is to keep students safe and to maintain a productive learning environment in our schools. We believe that it is important for students to learn and demonstrate appropriate behavior, not only for their own well being, but also for the important contribution that they can make to a positive and caring school environment.

Each year we revise the Student Code of Conduct as necessary and distribute it to every Littleton Public School (LPS) student. We do this not only to comply with state law, but so that students and parents will know what the rules are, what happens if the rules are broken, and what rights students and parents have.

We urge your attention to the various policies referring to use of technology and assure you that, while we have a high priority for supporting student use of technology and acquisition of “21st century skills”, we also expect, and will enforce, ethical use of technology tools (JICDA, JICEA, JICED, JICF, JS, JRA/JRC “Acceptable Use Agreement”). There are provisions in the policy for Student Interrogations and Searches (JIH) that allow for the search of any object in a student’s possession, under certain conditions. This includes personal computers, cell phones, personal digital devices (PDA) and cameras, among other things. Please take the time to review this section as well.

While we urge you to be familiar with each of the policies, we want to also direct your attention to the policy regarding drug and alcohol use by students (JICH). This policy highlights the definition of “possession” which can include not only “actual possession,” but also associating with a person while they are using or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol. The policy also has information regarding when and where it is applied and continues with significant penalties. I encourage you to review this important policy with your student as appropriate, and commit to working with the District and others in the community to assure that drug and alcohol use or possession by our students will not be tolerated.

Parents have requested that we call your attention to federal legal requirements regarding release of student information to military recruiters, which applies to juniors and seniors. You have the option to “opt out” of this provision if you put your request in writing. Details are specified in the section on student records and release of information (JRA/JRC). Please also become familiar with the provisions for accessing student records electronically. We are pleased that we can offer parents the opportunity to access their student’s records in a timely fashion and need you to understand the commitments required to maintain security in the system. This information is also in the student records section (JRA/JRC).

A “Quick Reference” on page two summarizes important points of the Code of Conduct. Please also note that individual schools may have additional guidelines for student behavior in that particular school environment. Building principals will distribute this information at the beginning of the school year. Please also be familiar with the student dress code as it is rigorously enforced in our schools. Please note also that the compulsory age for school attendance is now from ages six to seventeen.

It has been our experience that most students who know the rules willingly comply. Therefore, we strongly suggest parents take a moment with their child to review the attached information. We continue to appreciate your efforts to work as partners with us to be sure that our schools are safe and caring learning environments and that our students conduct themselves responsibly.

Sincerely,

Scott D. Murphy
Superintendent