Code of Conduct | Procedures

Students Detention, Search, Seizure

Students may be temporarily detained and questioned about possible violations of school rules. The Principal or designee may search student lockers, vehicles, or other storage areas upon reasonable suspicion that a prohibited or illegally possessed substance or object is contained within the area. [F.S. 1006.09(9)] In addition, metal detectors and trained dogs may be used to screen for prohibited weapons and substances. The Principal or designee may confiscate and search personal wireless communication devices (WCDs) or school-issued devices if there is reasonable suspicion that a student has used the WCD or school-issued device to violate school policy.

Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are offered to enhance a student’s overall educational experience. These activities are supplemental to the school curriculum and are privileges, not rights.

Students who fail to comply with school rules and policies may lose the opportunities to participate in extracurriculars, including but not limited:

Sporting events
Field trips
Performances
Prom
Assemblies
Other

Students are expected to always behave appropriately while participating in or attending these activities. All school rules and regulations are in effect during extracurricular activities, whether held on or away from campus.

To participate in extracurricular activities, students must maintain satisfactory conduct and attendance as determined by the administration. The Principal/designee may revoke participation in or spectator attendance for one (1) specific extracurricular activity, or for all extracurricular activities for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which the offense took place.

If a student is convicted of, or is found to have committed, a felony or a delinquent act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, the student shall not be eligible to participate in or attend interscholastic extracurricular activities for a period of one (1) year from the time of such conviction or finding.

If students fail to pay charges assessed for replacement of lost or damaged materials or equipment loaned to them, then they may be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities.

Extracurricular Participation

P.K. Yonge’s goal is to provide an educational experience that prepares all students for college and career. Participation in extracurricular activities enriches our students’ experiences, and we encourage them to take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to them through athletics, performing arts, clubs, and teams. Academics come first, and students must meet basic standards of attendance, grades, and school-appropriate behavior in order to be allowed to participate in the many “extras” available to them.

Attendance – Students who are habitually absent, for excused and/or unexcused reasons, may not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. When a student reaches ten (10) unexcused absences within one (1) semester, they are provided with an Attendance Notice. When they accrue fifteen (15) or more unexcused absences, they are eligible for dismissal from P. K. Yonge. Excessive excused and/or unexcused absences and tardies are considered when determining eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities. Students must maintain 80% or better attendance throughout the semester to participate.
Grades – Students must maintain a grade of Approaching/C or better in all of their classes. Leniency may be exercised for students who are taking advantage of faculty resources, help sessions, tutoring, academic study hall, etc.
Behavior – Students must not have excessive disciplinary issues; more than five (5) behavior points in a school year may prevent them from participation in extracurriculars.

Teachers, coaches, club sponsors, and administrators will be monitoring to make sure that all students who participate in extracurricular activities are prioritizing their coursework. Students who are not meeting expectations may not be able to participate in extracurricular activities. Some activities that take place beyond the school day are tied to specific classes and/or coursework. Eligibility to participate in these events will be at the teacher’s discretion in collaboration with administration. The final decision about whether or not a student may participate will be left to the discretion of the P.K. Yonge Administration.

Removal of Student from Class

Students may be removed from class for chronic misconduct which interferes with the teacher’s ability to effectively communicate with the class or interferes with the ability of classmates to learn.

Standards for Use of Reasonable Force

Corporal punishment is prohibited by P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. Administrators, teachers, and support staff may use and apply reasonable force for self-protection or for the protection of other students if a student is physically disruptive.

In-School Suspension/Detention

In-school suspension will only be offered at the discretion of the Principal or designee for offenses found in Section 2: Rules and Notices. Students may be detained after school is dismissed. If a student is detained after the close of the regular school day, a parent/guardian will be contacted and informed that the student will be detained. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be detained on another day. The parent/guardian is responsible for transportation following the detention.

Out-of-School Suspension

The Principal or administrative designee has the right to suspend a student from school for a serious act of misconduct. The procedure below shall be followed for suspension from school:

Notice Prior to Suspension. The student will receive oral and written notice of the charges, and an explanation of the evidence against them. In a conference, the student will have an opportunity to respond to the charges and to explain their behavior.
Suspension. If the Principal/designee determines that there are sufficient grounds for suspension, then the student will be informed that they are being suspended from school and for what length of time. The student will normally be suspended effective at the end of the school day.
Parent Contact. The Principal/designee will make a good faith effort to immediately contact a parent/guardian by telephone and will also send a written notice to the parent/guardian. The notice will state the length of the suspension and the reasons for it.
Homework. If suspended, the student will be released to their parent/guardian. The student or the parent/guardian may obtain assignments from the student’s teachers. Students will receive credit for the assignments completed and turned in upon their return to school.
Appeal. A student or parent/guardian may appeal a suspension decision through the Student Grievance procedure. See Section 5: Grievance Procedures for Students and Parents
Temporary Suspension. In an emergency, the Principal may temporarily suspend a student prior to a conference when the safety or health of students, staff or other persons in the school may be threatened by the student’s continued presence. When temporary suspension is necessary, the Principal/designee will inform the parent/guardian by the most rapid means. As soon as feasible under the circumstances, the Principal will hold a conference with the student and parent/guardian. Following the conference, the Principal may formally suspend the student; however, in no case shall the Principal’s temporary and formal suspensions exceed ten (10) days for the same offense.

For students with disabilities, the Principal will follow the discipline procedures for students with disabilities: Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03312 Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities – https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=6A-6.03312&Section=0.

If a student is suspended from school, the student may not be on any school property during the suspension, except with the Principal’s permission.

Dismissal | Discipline-Related

A student who has committed a most serious breach of conduct or who has a documented history of repeated disciplinary incidents may be considered for dismissal from P.K. Yonge.

Administrative Actions Include:

Notice. A parent/guardian will receive notice of the charges and an explanation of the evidence in writing. In a conference, the student will have an opportunity to respond to the charges and to explain the behavior. The student may give the Principal the names of witnesses to the incident, so that they may be questioned.
Suspension/Recommendation. The parent/guardian/student will be informed that the student is being suspended from school for ten (10) days and that a recommendation for dismissal from P.K. Yonge is being forwarded to the Director.
Extension of Suspension. When action on a recommendation for dismissal is pending, the Principal may extend the suspension beyond ten (10) school days. The parent/guardian will be informed in writing of any extension.
Conference Opportunity. Upon request, the parent/guardian will be given an opportunity to attend a conference with the Principal to discuss the reasons for suspension and/or the recommendation for dismissal. This opportunity will be provided within 48 hours of the request (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays).
Investigation. The Director may investigate the incident. Alternatives to dismissal shall be considered.
Notice of Charges/Request for Hearing. If sufficient basis for dismissal is found, regardless of whether a student has withdrawn from school, a notice of charges will be sent to the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian may, within ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the notice, request a hearing on the charges before the Director. Failure to submit a timely request for a hearing or failure to appear at a hearing after receipt of the notice of the date of the hearing shall be deemed a waiver of any hearing on the matter.
Director’s Action. The Director will enter a Final Order on the dismissal recommendation and the student and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the Director’s action.

Dismissal | Attendance-Related

Student attendance is critical to P.K. Yonge’s educational research mission. As a special school district, P.K. Yonge does not provide transportation to and from the school. Families and students assume responsibility for daily transportation to and from school and are responsible for the timeliness of a student’s arrival for the start of the school day, pick up at the end of the school day, and daily attendance. If a student is unable to maintain a timely arrival and daily attendance as outlined in the Attendance Policy, the student may be dismissed from the school and/or may not qualify for annual reenrollment.

Policies: Attendance

https://pkyonge.ufl.edu/policies/

Administrative Actions Include:

School Meeting. Administration will meet with the student’s instructors to fully understand how attendance has impacted the academic progress of the student.
Notice. A parent/guardian will receive notice of the dismissal and an explanation of the evidence in writing.
Conference Opportunity. Upon request, the parent will be given an opportunity to attend a conference with the Principal to discuss the reasons for the recommendation for dismissal. This opportunity will be provided within 48 hours of the request (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays).
Investigation. The Principal will make a determination about the student’s situation and may investigate. Alternatives to dismissal may be considered.
Request for Hearing. If a sufficient basis for dismissal is found, notice of the Principal’s determination will be sent to the parent. The parent may, within ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the notice, request a hearing on the decision before the Director. Failure to submit a timely request for a hearing or failure to appear at a hearing after receipt of the notice of the date of the hearing shall be deemed a waiver of any hearing on the matter.
Director’s Action. The Director will enter a Final Order on the dismissal recommendation, and the student and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the Director’s action.

Students who have been dismissed from P.K. Yonge may not be on any school property except with administrative permission.

False Accusations

It is a most serious breach of conduct to intentionally make false accusations that jeopardize the professional reputation, employment, or professional certification of a teacher or other member of the school staff. [F.S. 1006.09] Levels of violations are outlined in the following pages of the Code of Student Conduct.

Hazing

The school prohibits hazing activities at any time on school property or at school-sponsored events. Even if a student is only a bystander, the student may be deemed to be a participant if they stay present during a hazing incident. Student bystanders are expected to leave the area immediately and are encouraged to report the incident. [F.S. 1006.135]

Threats or False Reports

The school prohibits the threat of violence against individuals or groups, either directly or indirectly, which places them in reasonable fear of physical harm with or without the use of a weapon.

Bomb/Destructive Devices: If a student is found to have made a threat or false report of a bomb or destructive device as defined by F.S. 790.162 and F.S.790.163 involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity, the student will be dismissed from the regular school for not less than one year and referred for criminal prosecution. [F.S. 1006.07]
Other Threats of Violence (Assault): Students are prohibited from making other threats of violence against individuals or groups, either directly or indirectly. If a student is found to have made a threat of violence, they may be disciplined up to and including suspension, recommendation to enroll in their home-zoned school, dismissal, arrest, and prosecution. [F.S. 836.10]

If a student has received a threat or has knowledge of a threat, the student is encouraged to report it immediately to a teacher, school administrator, or other member of school staff.

Threats of violence (oral, written, electronic, or symbolic) will be reported to law enforcement and investigated by school officials.

Dress Code

The way students dress can have a positive impact on students and the school. If students respect themselves and others and dress appropriately for school, they will help to make the school a safe and orderly place to learn. The following dress code policy should be enforced consistently by all members of the P.K. Yonge Community.

While on the P.K. Yonge campus, all students should wear clothing that allows them to perform school tasks and activities in such a way that all private parts are and remain covered; these include chests, buttocks, and genital areas. For certain classes, teachers may impose more specific requirements for safety reasons (e.g., sneakers in PE, closed-toe shoes in science lab classes, etc.). When students are representing P.K. Yonge beyond the campus, coaches, club sponsors, or supervising teachers may exercise reasonable discretion in determining attire fitting for the setting (e.g., conferences, field trips, presentations, sporting events, etc.). Swimwear is only permitted for specified events (e.g., senior water day, water park field trips, etc.)

Clothing that represents hate speech is disruptive to the learning environment and will not be tolerated. Hate speech is defined as words and/or symbols that negatively target any individual or group based on attributes such as race, religion, or national origin. Additionally, clothing that promotes alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, gang affiliation, or violence, or that mocks a tragic event is also disruptive to the learning environment and will not be tolerated. Administration will remain in communication with law enforcement partners to continually revisit guidelines related to trends in gang-related attire.

Any faculty or staff member has the right and responsibility to enforce the dress code. If a student’s attire does not meet dress code requirements, the student will be spoken to privately. The student will be given the opportunity to adjust clothing so that they follow the dress code. Students who continually choose not to comply with the dress code may be disciplined according to the progressive discipline model, including, but not limited to, parent/guardian contact, in-school detention, or out-of-school suspension.

Respect for Property

Students are expected to treat all areas of the school with respect. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaning up after themselves in cafeteria areas, maintaining cleanliness in restrooms, picking up litter, and writing/drawing only on approved surfaces. Students who knowingly litter, leave their breakfast or lunch trash behind, or vandalize walls, plumbing, and/or furniture will be subject to progressive disciplinary actions and will be required to pay for any damages.

Elevator Use

Elevators are designated for use by students with a pass from the School Nurse only. Students who use the elevators without permission are subject to an automatic discipline referral.

Additional Policies

As part of the University of Florida, P.K. Yonge complies with applicable University of Florida policies and guidance. All applicable University of Florida policies and guidance, and P.K. Yonge specific policies not included in this Code of Student Conduct, will be communicated in writing to the P.K. Yonge community.

Chromebooks / Wireless Communication Devices (WCDs) / Technology Use

P.K. Yonge provides devices for instructional use. Students from 6th-12th grades are issued Chromebooks and are expected to have their school-issued Chromebook fully charged and at school every day. It is also expected that students take Chromebooks home each evening.

Before a student is issued a Chromebook, parents/students must review the policies and acknowledge the Chromebook Policy Agreement, the Internet Applications Consent, and the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement. Copies are in the Appendices of the Code of Student Conduct and on the P.K. Yonge website: https://pkyonge.ufl.edu

Students are responsible for keeping Chromebooks clean, free of stickers and drawings, and in good working condition. Damage to Chromebooks, power adapters/AC cables, cases, or other instructional technology tools will result in the student being charged a fee for repairs or paying for a replacement should the cost of repair exceed the cost of replacement. Details may be found in the Chromebook. Damage, loss, or malfunction must be reported to the IT Team immediately.

Chromebooks are returned at the end of each school year or upon termination of enrollment at P.K. Yonge. If an item is not returned and the fine/replacement fee is not paid, a theft report will be filed with the University of Florida Police Department, and the student may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Parents may review Learning in a Digital World: Digital Citizenship and Parent Guide for information about digital citizenship and cyber-safety, and for suggestions regarding the management of student use of the Internet.

Policies: Chromebook, Acceptable Use of Technology, Code of Student Conduct: https://pkyonge.ufl.edu/policies/

Personal Wireless Communication Devices (WCDs) / Student Cell Phone Policy

Pursuant to the Technology in K-12 Public Schools law HB 1105, which took effect on July 1, 2025, Section 1006.07(2)(f), Florida Statutes, students in grades K-8 may not use a wireless communication device at anytime during the designated school day and students in grades 9-12 may not use a wireless communications device (WCD) during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time.” The Code of Student Conduct requires that all wireless communications device(s)* for all grade levels be silenced and put away (in a backpack or purse) during class time.*Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds.

Policy: Acceptable Use of Technology

https://pkyonge.ufl.edu/policies/

Students in grades 9-12 may use WCDs before the first school bell, between classes, after the final dismissal bell, on school buses, at school-sponsored activities, at extended day and other after-school activities, and at other times provided that the student’s use does not interfere with activities in which students should be engaged in and follows the directives of the school staff, faculty, or administration. Drivers of school vehicles may suspend the use of WCDs on school vehicles if their use becomes disruptive or distracting.

Students who violate these rules will be subject to disciplinary action and/or confiscation of their personal WCD by school staff, faculty, or administration. Students may also lose the privilege to bring personal WCDs to school for a designated length of time. The Principal or designee may search a student’s WCD if they reasonably suspect that the WCD has been used to violate school policy.

Notice that use of a wireless communications device includes the possibility of the imposition of disciplinary action by the school or criminal penalties if the device is used in a criminal act.

Students may also possess other electronic devices which have been approved by the administration. Students are responsible for the care and security of school-issued Chromebooks, personal WCDs, and other electronic devices. Students should record their device’s serial number, and the use of tracking software is recommended. P.K. Yonge is not responsible for the loss of, damage to, or theft of personal WCDs.

Services

Access to the school network is available but not guaranteed in all classrooms. All communications made through the school’s network are subject to filtering and monitoring.

When connected to off-campus networks, school-issued Chromebooks are still subject to the school’s network filtering and monitoring.

Monitoring and response to prohibited uses of technology (outlined above) will only occur during school hours (7:30am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday, not including holidays or school breaks).

P.K. Yonge is not responsible for providing troubleshooting or technical support for personal WCDs.

When using any technology at school, students WILL:

Behave in a manner governed by the same rules of courtesy, conduct, and ethics as employed in the face-to-face environment.
Comply with school policies and guidelines pertaining to the use of technology.
Access the internet only through P.K. Yonge’s approved network while on the school campus.
Use only the username and password assigned to them.
Be responsible for all activity that takes place on their school-issued devices.
Bring their fully charged school-assigned device to school each day.
Fully charge personal WCDs off campus and only operate them on battery power while on campus.
Install and maintain up-to-date virus protection on personal WCDs if using them on campus.
Be polite and use appropriate language for the educational environment and activity in which they are currently involved .
Report any known violations of this policy or questionable incidents including inappropriate messages and possible security problems to a teacher, staff member, or administrator.
Exercise caution in all online activities.
Comply with policies and guidelines put in place for the use of technology and equipment.

Policies: Acceptable Use of Technology, Chromebooks, Code of Student Conduct https://pkyonge.ufl.edu/policies/

Prohibited Uses of Technology at School

Students may NOT:

Use personal WCDs in classrooms or designated instructional environments.
Use Bluetooth/wireless headphones in classrooms or designated instructional environments or use personal data plans while on the school campus.
Share their usernames and passwords with anyone.
Share personal information or physical location with unknown entities in the online environment.
Use WCDs (personal or school-issued) at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists (e.g., locker rooms, shower facilities, restrooms).
Use WCDs (personal or school-issued), including accessing or using social media or other apps, to capture/record/store/send/or transmit the spoken word or visual image (e.g., audio, video, text, or photographs) of any person, including other students or staff members, without express prior notice and explicit written consent.
Access email, data, accounts, or devices belonging to school employees or other students.
Send or attempt to send messages using a false identity or use the accounts of others to send messages.
Use school technology or personal WCDs at school to make unauthorized purchases of products or services.
Use school technology resources for illegal purposes or any other activity prohibited by school policy.
Use school technology for personal financial gain, product advertisement, commercial activities, political campaigning, or solicitation.
Capture, transmit, or receive test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty.
Access the control panel on a school device or attempt to modify settings in any way without the permission of a teacher, staff member, or administrator.
Change, delete, or modify any records maintained by P.K. Yonge, including browser history and use logs.
Steal or destroy the school’s technology (e.g., Chromebooks, computers, projectors, etc.).
Violate or attempt to violate the security of the computer network.
Take actions (whether successful or not) to bypass the school’s filter or to deny access, disrupt, or destroy the service of the computer network.
Attach or install personal computer software or any WCD to the school’s computers or network. This does not include data storage devices (i.e., flash drives).
Attempt to transmit or install damaging agents (e.g., computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms) or otherwise willfully damage or disrupt any computer facility, software, or data.
Reveal personal information about oneself or others (e.g., photos, addresses, e-mail addresses, or telephone numbers) without the approval of a teacher or parent/guardian.
Access social media, except for educational use in accordance with your teacher’s plan
Use technology in any way to threaten, humiliate, harass, embarrass or intimidate another person. Policy: Bullying and Harassment: http://pkyonge.ufl.edu
Attempt to access, transmit, or publish material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that harasses or disparages others based upon their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs; or sending, sharing, viewing or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature (e.g., “sexting”) in electronic or any other form.
Use WCDS (personal or school-issued) while operating a motor vehicle owned or leased by the school on or off school property, or personal motor vehicle on school property, while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a personal communication device or while sending or reading messages on such a device, for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, and posting.
Knowingly distribute any material that is obscene or harmful to others, as defined in F.S. 012, in any format through e-mail sent, or caused to be sent, to or through the school network.
University of Florida prohibits the use of TikTok on UF property, including the P.K. Yonge campus.

Driving / Parking on Campus

Parking on school property is a privilege and may be granted or revoked by the administration. Failure to abide by any school-established parking regulations, including the purchase of a parking permit and payment of any parking fines, may result in the suspension or revocation of parking privileges, disciplinary action, or exclusion from participation in extracurricular activities and other school events (e.g., interscholastic athletics, prom, commencement exercises, etc.).

Students are responsible for the care of their vehicles. Students must observe all safety rules and remain courteous and considerate of others. The school is not responsible for motor vehicles which are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Students are not allowed to be in parking lots during the school day without permission from an administrator. Teachers cannot write passes for students to access the parking lot during the regular school day. Students in the parking lot without consent are in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and will be subject to disciplinary action. Weapons, drugs and other controlled substances are prohibited in vehicles parked at school, and at all school events, at all times.