Code of Conduct | Rules and Policies

Zero Tolerance of School-Related Crimes

P.K. Yonge has zero tolerance for violence, weapons, drugs, and other criminal activities. This includes the obligation to report facts that pose a threat to school safety whenever and wherever students are under the authority of the school. Such acts include, but are not limited to: [F.S.  1006.13]

• Homicide
• Sexual Battery
• Armed Robbery
• Aggravated Assault or Battery
• Battery on School Personnel
• Kidnapping or Abduction
• Arson
• Possession, Use, Distribution/Transmittal, or Sale of Illegal Drugs
• Possession of a Firearm
• Possession, Use, or Sale of Any Explosive Device
• Placing, Discharging, or Throwing an Explosive Item or Noxious Substance, or Making Threats to Do So

If a student is a victim of a crime, they have the right to press charges against the offender.

Violence Against P.K. Yonge Personnel

Battery or assault against any school employee by a student is a SEVERE violation of this Code. If a student deliberately and knowingly uses force or violence against school personnel, they will be suspended from school and the Principal will recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge.

Subject to federal and state law, if a student is formally charged with a violation of F.S.784.081, assault, aggravated assault, battery or aggravated battery upon a school employee, the student will be removed from the classroom immediately and an alternative course placement will be considered pending the disposition of the case. If a student is found by the court to have committed a violation of F.S. 784.081, the student will be dismissed from P.K. Yonge [F.S. 1006.13(5)].

Weapons

Weapons, and the use of weapons, are prohibited on school property, including school vehicles, school-sponsored activities, and in any vehicle brought onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity. Violation of this prohibition is a severe breach of conduct. (See full definition for the term Weapons in the Glossary.)

1. Firearms/Explosives
   Students may not have in their possession, sell, distribute, display, transfer or use any firearm or explosive, whether operable or inoperable. If a student brings or is in possession of a firearm at school, the student may be dismissed from P.K. Yonge and referred for criminal prosecution. [F.S. 1006.07(2)(l)]
2. Other Weapons
   1. If a student possesses, sells, distributes, displays or transfers a weapon of any type, other than a firearm or explosive, the student will be suspended from school for five (5) to ten (10) days and the Principal may recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge. Fireworks of any type are included in this category.
   2. If a student brings a weapon, as defined in Chapter 790, F.S. to school, the student may be dismissed and referred for criminal prosecution. [F.S. 1006.07(2)(l)]
   3. If a student uses a weapon of any type, including pointed or sharp instruments such as ice picks, penknives, or razor blades, the student will be suspended from school for ten (10) days and the Principal may recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge.

3. Pocketknives and Blunt-Bladed Table Knives
   If a student possesses, sells, distributes, displays, or transfers a pocketknife or blunt-bladed table knife, the student will be disciplined in accordance with Section 3: Discipline for Misconduct.
4. Non-Weapons Used as Weapons
   If a student uses as a weapon any article or substance not normally considered a weapon (e.g., rocks, pens, pencils, plastic knives), the student will be suspended for ten (10) days, and the Principal may recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge.

Alcohol and Drugs

The use of illegal drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol are wrong and harmful and are violations of the P.K. Yonge Code of Student Conduct.

Students may not possess, sell, transfer, distribute, or use any alcoholic beverage, any controlled drugs, hallucinogens, or similar substances on school property, including school vehicles, and at school-sponsored activities.

1. Violation of this prohibition is a serious breach of conduct. The school will notify law enforcement officials and the student’s parents/guardian.
2. If a student possesses, uses, or is under the influence of any item listed above, except under the direction of a licensed physician, the student will be suspended from school for a period of five (5) to ten (10) days for the first offense and the Principal may recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge. For a second offense, the student will be suspended for ten (10) days and the Principal will consider reassignment to the student’s home-zoned school or dismissal from P.K. Yonge. The Principal may consider the student’s record in other schools and school districts.
3. If a student sells any item listed above (or any item that the student represents as a prohibited item listed above), the student will be suspended from school for ten (10) days for the first offense and the Principal will recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge.
4. If the student solicits a sale or transfer or distributes, other than selling, any item listed above (or that they represent to be any item listed above), the student will be suspended from school for five (5) to ten (10) days and the Principal may recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge. For a second transfer or distribution offense, the student will be suspended for ten (10) days, and the Principal will recommend that the student be dismissed from P.K. Yonge.
5. Students may not use any legal substance to attain a mood-altering effect and may not possess any equipment or device for preparing or taking drugs.
6. If a student is found to be guilty of a felony under Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, the student may be recommended for dismissal from P.K. Yonge.
7. Students may be entitled to a waiver of discipline or dismissal if they divulge information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who supplied such controlled substance to them or if they voluntarily disclose their unlawful possession of such controlled substance prior to their arrest. A waiver also may be granted if a student successfully completes a state licensed drug abuse treatment program. [F.S. 1006.09]
8. If a student is charged with any drug or alcohol offense, the student will be referred to an approved counseling program and may be granted a reduction in their consequence if they satisfactorily participate in and complete such program (i.e., family counseling, substance abuse awareness, etc.). Failure to complete such a program will result in the reinstatement of the original consequence.

If a student has a doctor’s orders to take prescription medicine at school, it is important to first notify the school nurse so that the student and family know the proper procedures to follow. Medications specifically prescribed by a licensed medical professional may only be taken by and in the possession of the person for whom they were prescribed. Families must complete and submit medication forms located on the Clinic page.

Tobacco Products

It is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to knowingly possess any tobacco product. [F.S. 386.212; 569.11] Students may not use, possess, distribute, or sell tobacco products (including papers used to roll cigarettes, cartridges or pods for e-cigarettes) on school property, at school- sponsored events, or in school vehicles. Students also may not use electronic, “vapor,” or other substitute forms of cigarettes, clove cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other smoking devices.

Bullying, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment

P.K. Yonge will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any type, including sexual harassment:

• During any school education program or activity.
• During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or in a school vehicle.
• Using computers, cell phones, or any other electronic means (cyberbullying).

Reports of bullying or harassment that occur outside the regular school day will be investigated and may result in discipline if the bullying substantially interferes with or limits the victim’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of the school.

If a student or parent/guardian believes the student has been the victim of bullying or harassment, they should immediately report the situation to a teacher, school counselor, Principal/designee, or other school staff.

Filing a complaint or otherwise reporting harassment will not affect a student’s status, participation in extracurricular activities, future grades, or work assignments.

If a student is found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment, including sexual harassment, or is found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment, the student may receive behavioral interventions or be disciplined up to and including suspension or dismissal from P.K. Yonge.

See Glossary for definitions of bullying and harassment.

Policies and Publications

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

Title IX – Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. P.K. Yonge is required to respond to all reports of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating or Domestic Violence, and Stalking involving students, employees, or other individuals participating in a school-related program or activity.

All P.K. Yonge employees are mandatory reporters. This means that any teacher, counselor, administrator, or other school staff member who receives information about a possible incident of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating or Domestic Violence, or Stalking is required to report that information to the UF Title IX Coordinator. Parents and guardians should be aware that if a student discloses information about such an incident to any school employee, P.K. Yonge will notify the student’s parent or guardian directly and will also submit a report to the UF Title IX Compliance Office.

How to Make a Report

Students who have experienced Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating or Domestic Violence, or Stalking are encouraged to report the incident promptly to a teacher, school counselor, or school administrator. Reports may also be made directly to the UF Title IX Compliance Office by:

• Submitting the online report form at https://titleix.ufl.edu/report/https://titleix.ufl.edu/report/
• Emailing titleix@ufl.edu
• Calling (352) 273-1400

What Happens After a Report

When a report is made to school staff, P.K. Yonge will contact the student’s parent or guardian to discuss the report and next steps. P.K. Yonge is responsible for implementing Supportive Measures to protect the student’s safety and continued access to their education regardless of whether a Formal Complaint is filed by the student or their parent or guardian. Where Title IX jurisdiction applies, the UF Title IX Compliance Office will oversee the formal grievance process. Reports against students that do not meet the jurisdiction of the UF Title IX Compliance Office will be addressed in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.

Supportive Measures

Supportive Measures are individualized, non-disciplinary steps intended to restore or preserve access to the school’s educational program. Examples include no-contact orders, schedule adjustments, changes in class or transportation assignment, increased supervision, and other reasonable accommodations. Students or their parents and guardians who have filed a report directly with the UF Title IX Compliance Office may also request Supportive Measures through the UF Title IX Compliance Office.

Formal Complaint

A Formal Complaint regarding Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating or Domestic Violence or Stalking as defined by the UF Title IX Policy, should be filed with the UF Title IX Compliance Office using the contact information above.

Dating Violence and Abuse

The school prohibits any act of dating violence or abuse by one student against another student on school property, during a school-sponsored activity, or during school-sponsored transportation. [F.S. 1006.148]

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.

1. 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]
2. 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.

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.

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.

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.