Students in Bloomington Public Schools have a record of good behavior. The conduct listed below is a deterrent to good behavior and is considered to be gross misconduct or disobedience and may subject the student to discipline.  This list is not exhaustive, and other types of gross misconduct or disobedience not listed also may subject the student to discipline.

1. Insubordination to school personnel, including failure to follow directions or to have student ID card or passes on their person.

2. Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, drugs (including "look‑a‑like" drugs and over the counter drugs), narcotics, or any controlled substance without a valid prescription, or any drug paraphernalia.  Drug paraphernalia means all equipment, products, and materials of any kind that are peculiar to, marketed for use in packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, or otherwise introducing into the human body, any controlled substance other than as prescribed by a physician.  Cigarette paper, bongs, and pipes are among the items considered to be drug paraphernalia.

3. Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or any controlled substance without a valid prescription.

4. Violation of the District and/or school's non-tobacco policy.  This policy prohibits the possession of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, "dip", chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and any other tobacco products.  Matches and cigarette lighters are also prohibited.

5. Intimidation of or any attempt to intimidate or bully school personnel or other students.

6. Fighting with, or any assault on, school personnel or other students.

7. Intentional damage to, destruction of, or any attempt to damage or destroy school property or property of school personnel or other students.

8. Verbal abuse of school personnel or other students or use of profane words or gestures.

9. Endangering the physical or psychological well‑being of school personnel or other students by conduct or actions, including:

   1. Improper release of a school fire alarm or tampering with fire extinguishers

   2. Setting off, or attempting or threatening to set off, explosive devices on school property

   3. Starting, or attempting to start, a fire on school property

   4. Possession, use, or display of a dangerous weapon or any facsimile

   5. Reckless driving on school grounds

   6. Improper pushing of emergency and/or non-emergency intercom buttons

   7. To threaten, harass or intimidate through computer, phone or electronic devices including, but not limited to, email, voice mail, text messages, “MySpace” and other personal or social web sites.  Such conduct is prohibited regardless of location or time it occurs

10. Repeated incidents of misbehavior including repeated refusal to comply with school rules.

11. Repeated unexcused tardiness or absenteeism during any part of the school day.

12. Falsifying or tampering with school records.

13. Participation in gang related activities.  This includes wearing any gang related clothing, jewelry, or any other item that is worn in a manner that is so closely associated with gang membership as to present a possible danger to the student. This also includes writing/drawings on clothing, backpacks, or school materials.

14. Membership in, or solicitation on behalf of, any "secret society" as defined in 105 ILCS 5/31.1.  Wearing of insignia or clothing indicating membership in secret societies shall be considered prima facie evidence of membership.

15. Disruptive behavior to such an extent that the student fails to make reasonable progress toward the next grade level or graduation, or that the student interferes with the right of other students to receive an education.

16. Theft or attempted theft of school property or the property of others.

17. Sexual harassment of another student or a staff member

18. Inappropriate use of cell phones or other messaging or recording devices on school property, including any illegal eavesdropping or recording of pictures or sound.

19. Writing or publishing for distribution and/or distributing at school written material that

    1. Is obscene or libelous, invades the privacy of others, will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, or advocates conduct otherwise inconsistent with shared values of a civilized social order

    2. Is religious material that other students could reasonably believe is school-sponsored or endorsed

20. Harassment of school district employees on or off campus when such harassment is related to school matters or incidents.

21. Inappropriate displays of affection.

22. Unauthorized use of computer hardware, software, internet access, or any other violation of the District Acceptable Use Policy 6.235.  This includes any use of school district computers not specifically sanctioned by the school personnel.

23. Trespassing by being on school property between the hours of 5:00 pm and 6:00am unless under the direct supervision of a staff member is a violation of school rules.

24. Inciting others to misconduct.

High school students are accountable for the consequences of their actions.  Sometimes students will offer the explanation that they didn't intend to commit a serious action.  Students are advised that they should never "jokingly" threaten another student or an adult, nor should students engage in "play fighting".  Such actions can lead to serious situations for which the student will be held responsible.    For purposes of these rules, possession includes having the material on one's person, in clothing, in book bags, in one's car, or in lockers, regardless of who actually owns the material.   Some infractions also violate federal, state, or local laws.  Police reports are always made in cases involving weapons, assaults, drugs, or alcohol.   Reports are also made in other cases.  When student behavior violates both a law and a school rule, students can be punished both ways.

Certain infractions are considered so serious that a recommendation for expulsion will be made when the school's investigation determines that a student was involved.  Current state law allows school boards to expel students from school for a period that can range from a few days to two years.  Such infractions include:

1. Sale, use, being under the influence, or possession of drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia as defined above.

2. Possession of any type of firearm.

3. Use of any other type of weapon, even if simply displayed as a threat.

4. Assault on a staff member.

5. Physical threat to the person or property of a staff member.

6. Disruptive behavior resulting in multiple suspensions.

7. Use or possession of any pellet, BB, toy, or   look-alike gun in a manner that is likely to be construed as being an actual firearm.

This list is not exhaustive.  A single serious event of disruption or repeated acts of insubordination or disruption may also result in a recommendation for expulsion.

Because of the serious consequences stated above, students should never pick up or carry items they find, hold items for a friend, or consume food or beverages from a friend unless they are absolutely sure they know what the item is.