Student & Family Handbook — D9

Student Code of Conduct

Standards for student behavior that promote a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment. Discipline at The Meliora School is progressive, age-appropriate, and paired with restorative practices, with due process protected at every step.

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Our approach to discipline

Discipline is progressive, age-appropriate, and aligned with our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Preventive strategies and restorative practices are used before exclusionary discipline whenever appropriate.

1

Prevention first

MTSS and PBIS supports are in place before behavior escalates to a disciplinary response.

2

Progressive consequences

Responses scale with severity, age, intent, and history, never jumping straight to the harshest option.

3

Restorative practices

Reflective conferencing, restorative circles, and family engagement repair harm alongside any consequence.

4

Equity and oversight

The Governing Board reviews discipline data and disproportionality annually to keep enforcement fair.

Due process and student rights

Every student is entitled to fair treatment before significant disciplinary action is taken.

Notice and a chance to respond

Students receive notice of charges and an opportunity to respond before disciplinary action is imposed.

Tribunal hearings

Suspensions of more than 10 days and all expulsions follow tribunal procedures required by O.C.G.A. § 20-2-752 et seq.

Protections for students with disabilities

Disciplinary actions comply with IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA, including a manifestation determination review (MDR) before any change of placement.

Unsafe School Choice Option

Students who are victims of a violent criminal offense at school, or who attend a school designated persistently dangerous, may transfer to another public school under federal law.

Where this Code applies

The Code of Conduct applies to students:

  • ✓On school grounds during, immediately before, and after school hours
  • ✓At any school-sponsored event or activity, including field trips, athletics, and extracurriculars
  • ✓On school-provided transportation and at bus stops
  • ✓Off campus, when behavior disrupts school operations, threatens safety, involves weapons, drugs, violence, or bullying, or when otherwise required by law

The Code is distributed to every student and family annually, published on this website, and posted in each classroom. Families and students acknowledge receipt in writing each year.

Mandatory reporting

Staff must report certain acts immediately to the Head of School, law enforcement, and the district attorney as required, under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1184. Reportable acts include aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, sexual offenses, weapons violations, and controlled substance offenses.

Offense directory

Every offense in the adopted Code of Conduct, with its definition, the three progressive levels, minimum and maximum consequences, and the restorative practices used alongside discipline. Search by name or filter by category, then click an offense to expand it.

Conduct & Technology

Academic Dishonesty

Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance on classroom projects, assignments, or exams.
Level 1

Unauthorized assistance, including failure to cite sources

Min: Parent contact, redo with penalty, integrity lesson
Max: Zero with redo opportunity; detention or 1 day ISS
Level 2

Plagiarism or cheating on a minor assignment or project

Min: Zero with supervised redo; parent conference
Max: 1–3 days ISS, academic probation
Level 3

Cheating on a major exam or statewide assessment, or falsifying records

Min: Zero without redo; 1–3 days OSS; tribunal if assessment integrity compromised
Max: 5–10 days OSS; loss of course credit; tribunal referral

Restorative practices

Academic integrity seminar, reflective essay on ethics, tutoring or skill-building, re-entry academic contract.

Substances

Alcohol

Manufacture, sale, purchase, transport, possession, or consumption of alcohol or substances represented as alcohol.
Level 1

Unintentional possession

Min: Parent contact, confiscation, warning or counseling
Max: 1 day ISS
Level 2

Under the influence without possession

Min: Parent contact, mandatory counseling referral, up to 3 days ISS
Max: OSS up to 5 days
Level 3

Violation of law regarding manufacture, sale, purchase, transport, possession, or consumption

Min: 3–5 days OSS, substance abuse referral, parent conference
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion; tribunal if warranted

Restorative practices

Reflective conferencing, restorative circle, educational modules, community service or mentorship, counseling referral, family workshops.

Property

Arson

Unlawful and intentional damage or attempted damage to property by fire or incendiary devices.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Attempt, or use of matches/lighters/incendiary devices including fireworks

Min: Parent contact, confiscation, counseling referral, up to 3 days ISS
Max: Up to 5 days OSS plus behavior contract
Level 3

Intentional damage from arson-related activity or an incendiary device

Min: Immediate removal, 5–10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, restitution, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Reflective dialogue, restorative conference, safety education, restitution or community service, behavior intervention plan, family engagement.

Safety & Violence

Assault / Battery

Intentional touching or striking of another person to cause bodily harm.
Level 1

Physical attack intended to cause harm resulting in no injury

Min: Parent contact, counseling referral, written reflection, up to 3 days ISS
Max: 5 days ISS or short-term OSS
Level 2

Physical attack resulting in mild or moderate injury

Min: 3–5 days OSS, parent conference, behavior contract
Max: 10 days OSS, possible tribunal referral
Level 3

Physical attack resulting in severe injury, or any attack on school personnel; or a third offense in one year

Min: Immediate removal, 10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, mandatory law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Restorative conference or circle, mediation where safe, reflective assignments, SEL interventions, re-entry meeting.

Property

Breaking and Entering / Burglary

Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry into a school building or vehicle.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry, with or without intent to steal

Min: 5–10 days OSS, restitution, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Reflective meeting, restitution or community service, restorative conference, counseling or mentorship.

Conduct & Technology

Bullying, Including Cyberbullying

Written, verbal, physical, or electronic behavior, occurring on school property or at school functions, severe or persistent enough to substantially interfere with a student's education or safety.
Level 1

First offense under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4

Min: Parent contact, warning, counseling referral, written reflection
Max: 1–3 days ISS and a safety plan
Level 2

Second incident

Min: 1–3 days OSS, parent conference, behavior contract, increased supervision
Max: 5–10 days OSS; placement adjustments if needed
Level 3

Repeated acts meeting the statutory definition of bullying

Min: Assignment to alternative school setting upon a third finding in the same school year
Max: Expulsion; law enforcement referral when warranted

Restorative practices

Restorative conference only when safe and requested by the harmed student, empathy and digital citizenship modules, ongoing counseling, bystander empowerment lessons.

Conduct & Technology

Computer / Internet Trespass or Misuse

Using a school computer for anything other than instructional purposes, or unauthorized use intended to damage a computer, network, or data.
Level 1

Unauthorized use for non-instructional purposes

Min: Warning, parent contact, loss of computer privileges up to 3 days
Max: 1–3 days ISS
Level 2

Includes viewing inappropriate material or violating computer use policy

Min: Parent conference, loss of access, 1–3 days ISS
Max: Up to 5 days OSS
Level 3

Intent to delete, damage, or alter data, or unauthorized disclosure of access credentials; includes hacking or altering records

Min: 5–10 days OSS, restitution, loss of access privileges
Max: Tribunal referral, long-term suspension or expulsion, possible law enforcement

Restorative practices

Digital citizenship lessons, reflective project on responsible tech use, restorative circle with affected staff, monitored re-entry plan.

Conduct & Technology

Disorderly Conduct

Any act that substantially disrupts a school function or the learning environment, or threatens health, safety, or welfare, including on school buses.
Level 1

Moderate disturbance, no safety threat

Min: Warning, counseling, parent contact
Max: 1–3 days ISS
Level 2

Severe disturbance, may be a repeat action

Min: 1–3 days OSS
Max: 5 days OSS, parent conference, behavior contract
Level 3

Severe disturbance posing a safety threat, or a third offense in one year

Min: 5–10 days OSS
Max: Tribunal referral, long-term suspension

Restorative practices

Restorative circle, conflict resolution training, community service, family engagement session for repeat incidents.

Substances

Drugs, Except Alcohol and Tobacco

Unlawful use, manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of a controlled substance or paraphernalia, or unreported medication.
Level 1

Unintentional possession of prescribed or over-the-counter medication

Min: Warning, parent notification, confiscation
Max: 1 day ISS
Level 2

Medication not brought to the office upon arrival

Min: 1–3 days ISS
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 3

Unlawful use, manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of a controlled substance

Min: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral, mandatory counseling referral
Max: Expulsion, law enforcement referral, restitution if required

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, a manifestation determination review (MDR) applies to any change of placement; an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) of up to 45 school days may apply when a weapon, drugs, or serious injury is involved, regardless of manifestation.

Restorative practices

Substance abuse education, reflective assignment, counseling or mentoring, restorative family conference, re-entry plan with supports.

Substances

Electronic Smoking Device

Any device used to deliver nicotine or another substance by simulating smoking, including vape pens and e-cigarettes.
Level 1

Unintentional possession

Min: Warning, parent contact, confiscation
Max: 1 day ISS
Level 2

Use or knowing possession

Min: 1–3 days ISS, cessation education referral
Max: 3–5 days OSS
Level 3

Distribution or sale, or a third offense in one year

Min: 5–10 days OSS, tribunal referral for distribution
Max: Long-term suspension

Restorative practices

Cessation program participation, reflective assignment on health and legal risks, family partnership for monitoring.

Safety & Violence

Fighting

Mutual participation in a physical confrontation with intent to harm, with no single main offender.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Confrontation resulting in mild or moderate injury

Min: 3–5 days OSS, parent conference
Max: 10 days OSS, behavior contract
Level 3

Confrontation resulting in mild or moderate injury (escalated)

Min: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, law enforcement referral if serious

Restorative practices

Mediation where safe, restorative circle, reflective assignment, anger management or SEL counseling, re-entry meeting.

Conduct & Technology

Gambling

Engaging in a game or contest dependent on chance where a participant may win or lose something of value.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Engaging in a game of chance for value

Min: Warning, parent contact, confiscation
Max: 1–3 days ISS
Level 3

Repeated engagement

Min: 1–3 days OSS, parent conference
Max: 5–10 days OSS, behavior contract

Restorative practices

Educational module on gambling risks, reflective essay, restorative circle, family engagement.

Safety & Violence

Gang-Related Activity

Group activity involving common signs, symbols, or attire connected to criminal gang activity under O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Wearing or possessing gang-related apparel or symbols, or communicating gang affiliation

Min: Confiscation, parent conference, 1–3 days ISS
Max: 3–5 days OSS, behavior contract
Level 3

Soliciting membership, defacing property with gang symbols, or threatening on behalf of a gang

Min: 5–10 days OSS, tribunal referral, law enforcement if criminal activity
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion

Restorative practices

Counseling and mentoring, connection to pro-social groups, community service, family support linkage.

Safety & Violence

Homicide

The killing of one human being by another.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Any act resulting in homicide

Min: Immediate removal, mandatory tribunal hearing
Max: Recommendation for expulsion, mandatory law enforcement report

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, disciplinary actions constituting a change of placement follow IDEA and Section 504, including a manifestation determination review (MDR).

Restorative practices

Not applicable given the severity of this offense.

Safety & Violence

Kidnapping

The unlawful and forceful abduction, transportation, or detention of a person against their will.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Unlawful abduction, transportation, or detention

Min: Immediate removal, mandatory tribunal hearing
Max: Recommendation for expulsion, mandatory law enforcement report

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, disciplinary actions constituting a change of placement follow IDEA and Section 504, including a manifestation determination review (MDR).

Restorative practices

Not applicable given the severity of this offense.

Property

Larceny / Theft

The unlawful taking of property belonging to another without threat, violence, or bodily harm.
Level 1

Value between $25 and $100

Min: Parent contact, restitution, warning or 1 day ISS
Max: 3 days ISS
Level 2

Value between $100 and $250

Min: 1–3 days OSS, restitution, parent conference
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 3

Value exceeding $250, or a third offense in one year

Min: 5–10 days OSS, restitution, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Restitution agreements, community service, reflective assignment on honesty and impact, restorative conference with the harmed party.

Property

Motor Vehicle Theft

Theft or attempted theft of any motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, ATVs, and golf carts.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle

Min: Immediate removal, mandatory tribunal hearing
Max: Recommendation for expulsion or long-term suspension, restitution, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Restitution or community service, safety and legal consequences education, reflective project, family re-entry meeting.

Safety & Violence

Other Firearms

Firearms other than handguns, rifles, or shotguns, and destructive devices, as defined under 18 U.S.C. § 921.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Intentional or unintentional possession or use

Min: Immediate removal, parent contact, mandatory law enforcement notification, tribunal referral
Max: Mandatory expulsion not less than one calendar year, case-by-case modification reported to GaDOE

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies; an IAES of up to 45 school days may apply regardless of manifestation.

Restorative practices

Safety and legal education, counseling, family re-entry or safety planning if applicable.

Conduct & Technology

Other Incident for State-Reported Discipline

Any other incident resulting in detention, suspension, expulsion, bus suspension, alternative placement, or court referral under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-738.
Level 1

Single incident

Min: Warning, parent contact, corrective assignment, detention or up to 1 day ISS
Max: 3 days ISS
Level 2

A pattern of violating local policies not otherwise listed

Min: 1–3 days OSS, parent conference, behavior contract
Max: 5–10 days OSS; bus suspension if applicable; possible alternative placement
Level 3

Not applicable for this offense.

Restorative practices

Restorative conference focused on repair, skill-building modules, aligned community service, re-entry plan with checkpoints.

Conduct & Technology

Other Non-Disciplinary Incident (Physical Restraint)

Used exclusively to report the use of physical restraint. No student consequence is tied to this code.
Level 1

Physical restraint reporting only

Min: Documentation, parent notification, and debrief per policy
Max: No student consequence
Level 2

Physical restraint reporting only

Min: Documentation, parent notification, and debrief per policy
Max: No student consequence
Level 3

Physical restraint reporting only

Min: Documentation, parent notification, and debrief per policy
Max: No student consequence

Restorative practices

Post-incident debrief with the student, staff debrief on triggers and supports, update to BIP, 504, or IEP as needed, family communication.

Conduct & Technology

Possession of Unapproved Items

Use or possession of an unauthorized item disruptive to the school environment.
Level 1

Possession of items like toys, mobile devices, gum, or pepper spray

Min: Confiscation, return to parent, warning
Max: Detention or up to 1 day ISS
Level 2

Use of an unauthorized item, or pepper spray use without injury

Min: Confiscation, parent conference, 1 day ISS
Max: 1–3 days OSS, or bus suspension if applicable
Level 3

Possession of matches, fireworks, or dangerous items, or pepper spray use with injury

Min: 3–5 days OSS, restitution if damage
Max: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral, law enforcement if warranted

Restorative practices

Safety education, reflective assignment, restorative conference if others were affected, re-entry plan.

Conduct & Technology

Repeated Offenses

A collection of offenses not individually state-reportable that together lead to a state-reportable disciplinary action.
Level 1

Collection of minor incidents

Min: Parent meeting, behavior contract, detention or ISS
Max: Up to 3 days ISS
Level 2

Collection of moderate incidents

Min: 1–3 days OSS, targeted intervention plan
Max: 5–10 days OSS; alternative placement considered
Level 3

Collection of severe incidents

Min: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion

Restorative practices

Tiered intervention plan with progress monitoring, restorative conference, mentorship, family partnership with regular check-ins.

Safety & Violence

Robbery

Taking or attempting to take property through force, threat of force, or violence.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Robbery without a weapon

Min: 5–10 days OSS, restitution, parent conference
Max: Tribunal referral, long-term suspension
Level 3

Robbery with a weapon

Min: Immediate removal, mandatory tribunal hearing
Max: Recommendation for expulsion or long-term suspension, mandatory law enforcement report

Restorative practices

Restorative conference with the harmed party when safe, anger or conflict-management counseling, reflective assignments on non-violent resolution.

Safety & Violence

Serious Bodily Injury

Bodily injury involving substantial risk of death, protracted disfigurement, or protracted loss of a bodily function.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Infliction of serious bodily harm as defined

Min: Tribunal referral, recommendation for expulsion or long-term suspension
Max: Immediate law enforcement report; DFCS report if the victim is a minor

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies; an IAES of up to 45 school days may apply regardless of manifestation.

Restorative practices

Trauma-informed counseling referral, re-entry safety and support plan, reflective work on accountability.

Safety & Violence

Sex Offenses

Unlawful sexual behavior or contact without force, or possession of sexually explicit images, which may be consensual.
Level 1

Inappropriate sexually based physical contact not covered under Levels 2 or 3

Min: Parent contact, 1–3 days ISS
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 2

Sexting, lewd behavior, or possession of pornographic materials

Min: 3–5 days OSS, counseling referral
Max: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Level 3

Sexual activity on school grounds, including penetration, indecent exposure, or related conduct

Min: Immediate removal, tribunal hearing
Max: Expulsion, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Sexual health and consent education, counseling or therapy referral, reflective assignments on responsibility and respect, re-entry safety planning.

Safety & Violence

Sexual Battery

Sexual penetration or touching against a person's will or without capacity to consent.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Sexual penetration or touching without consent

Min: Immediate removal, mandatory tribunal hearing
Max: Recommendation for expulsion or long-term suspension; mandatory child abuse and law enforcement reporting

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies to any resulting change of placement.

Restorative practices

Support-focused only, not mediation with the victim: counseling or therapy referral, consent and boundaries education, intensively monitored re-entry plan if applicable.

Safety & Violence

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, lewd conduct, or gender-based harassment creating a hostile educational environment.
Level 1

Insensitive or suggestive comments or jokes not directed at an individual

Min: Warning, parent contact
Max: 1–3 days ISS
Level 2

Comments, jokes, or gestures directed at a specific person or group

Min: 1–3 days OSS, counseling referral
Max: 5 days OSS, behavior contract
Level 3

Physical or non-physical sexual advances or requests for favors, or a third offense in one year

Min: 5–10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion

Restorative practices

Gender-respect education, reflective assignment on impact, restorative circle with peers (not the harmed party), ongoing counseling check-ins.

Safety & Violence

Threat / Intimidation

Written or verbal language or acts that create fear of harm or convey serious intent to harm, without a weapon or physical attack.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Physical, verbal, or electronic threat creating fear of harm

Min: 3–5 days OSS, parent conference
Max: 10 days OSS
Level 3

School-wide threat, including bomb threats or false fire alarms

Min: Immediate removal, tribunal hearing, law enforcement referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion

Restorative practices

Reflective assignment on harm caused, restorative conference when safe, conflict resolution or anger management, re-entry plan with family engagement.

Substances

Tobacco

Possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school grounds or at school events.
Level 1

Unintentional possession

Min: Warning, parent contact
Max: 1 day ISS
Level 2

Intentional use or possession

Min: 1–3 days ISS
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 3

Distribution or sale, or a third offense in one year

Min: 5–10 days OSS
Max: Tribunal referral

Restorative practices

Tobacco awareness program, reflective assignment on health impacts, counseling referral for repeat use.

Property

Trespassing

Entering or remaining on school property without authorization and with no lawful purpose.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Entering or remaining without authorization

Min: Warning, parent contact
Max: 3 days OSS
Level 3

Refusing to leave after a request, or a third offense in one year

Min: 3–5 days OSS
Max: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral

Restorative practices

Restorative circle with staff, reflective assignment on respecting boundaries, re-entry plan with clear expectations.

Conduct & Technology

Unauthorized Possession or Misuse of a Personal Electronic Device

Possession or use of a personal device in violation of school rules or the Distraction-Free Schools Act (HB 340).
Level 1

Possession or display without evidence of misuse, such as forgetting to store a device

Min: Warning, device stored, parent notice
Max: Confiscation until end of day; repeated offenses require parent pickup
Level 2

Disruptive use, including texting, gaming, or unauthorized internet access

Min: Confiscation to office, parent pickup, detention or 1 day ISS
Max: 1–3 days ISS or OSS, temporary loss of device privileges
Level 3

Repeated violation, or use that threatens safety or rights, including unauthorized recording or AI misuse

Min: 3–5 days OSS, loss of device privileges, tech access restrictions
Max: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral for egregious violations

Restorative practices

Digital citizenship and privacy education, reflective assignment on consent and ethics, family-co-signed re-entry tech plan.

Property

Vandalism

Willful or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Minor destruction or defacement of property

Min: Parent contact, restitution, 1–3 days ISS
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 3

Willful or malicious destruction, or a third offense in one year

Min: 5–10 days OSS, restitution, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Restitution, community service, restorative circle, reflective assignment on community respect.

Safety & Violence

Violence Against a Teacher or Staff Member

Intentional physical attack against a teacher causing severe injury, or any physical attack against a teacher.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Intentional physical attack against a teacher

Min: Immediate removal, 10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, law enforcement referral

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies; an IAES of up to 45 school days may apply where applicable.

Restorative practices

Safety planning with strict re-entry conditions, counseling and aggression-replacement training; no victim-offender mediation unless requested and cleared.

Safety & Violence

Weapons — Handgun

Possession of a firearm with a short stock designed to be held and fired with one hand.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Intentional or unintentional possession or use

Min: Immediate parent contact, mandatory law enforcement report
Max: Mandatory expulsion not less than one calendar year; case-by-case modification reported to GaDOE

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies; an IAES of up to 45 school days may apply regardless of manifestation.

Restorative practices

Safety and legal consequences education, counseling or mental health referral, family engagement and re-entry planning.

Safety & Violence

Weapons — Knife

Possession, use, or intent to use any type of knife.
Level 1

Unintentional possession without intent to harm

Min: Parent contact, confiscation
Max: 3 days OSS
Level 2

Intentional possession without intent to harm

Min: 3–5 days OSS
Max: 10 days OSS, tribunal referral
Level 3

Possession, use, or intent to use with intent to harm or intimidate

Min: Immediate removal, tribunal referral, IAES for students with disabilities
Max: Expulsion, law enforcement referral

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies to any resulting change of placement.

Restorative practices

Reflective assignment on weapon risks, counseling referral, family-engaged re-entry plan.

Safety & Violence

Weapons — Other

Possession, use, or intent to use an object capable of inflicting bodily harm, not including knives or firearms.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Unintentional possession of an item like brass knuckles, a bat, or a stun gun

Min: Parent contact, confiscation, 1–3 days OSS
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 3

Intentional possession or use capable of producing harm

Min: 5–10 days OSS, tribunal referral, IAES if applicable
Max: Long-term suspension or expulsion, law enforcement referral

Restorative practices

Restorative conference on harm and safety, counseling, reflective project on safe alternatives, family re-entry planning.

Safety & Violence

Weapons — Rifle / Shotgun

A weapon designed to be fired from the shoulder using an explosive charge through a rifled or smooth bore.
Level 1

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Intentional or unintentional possession or use

Min: Immediate parent contact, mandatory law enforcement report
Max: Mandatory expulsion not less than one calendar year; case-by-case modification reported to GaDOE

IDEA / Section 504: For students with disabilities, an MDR applies; an IAES of up to 45 school days may apply regardless of manifestation.

Restorative practices

Safety and legal consequences education, counseling or mental health referral, family engagement and re-entry planning.

Conduct & Technology

Other — Attendance Related

Repeated or excessive unexcused absences or tardiness, skipping class, or failing to comply with sanctions.
Level 1

Repeated or excessive unexcused absences or tardiness

Min: Parent contact, attendance plan, make-up time
Max: Detention or up to 1 day ISS for noncompliance
Level 2

Not applicable for this offense.

Level 3

Not applicable for this offense.

Restorative practices

Problem-solving conference on barriers, tiered attendance supports, mentor check-ins, family resource referrals.

Conduct & Technology

Other — Dress Code Violation

Violation of school dress code standards for appropriate attire.
Level 1

Minor issues such as untucked shirts, missing belt, or headwear indoors

Min: Warning, parent contact, change of attire
Max: Detention or up to 1 day ISS for repeated same-day noncompliance
Level 2

Clothing depicting profanity or promoting substances, or clothing that is revealing

Min: Change of attire, parent conference
Max: 1–3 days ISS for repeat or defiance
Level 3

Repeated violations, three or more times in a school year

Min: 1–3 days ISS, behavior contract
Max: Up to 3 days OSS for persistent defiance

Restorative practices

Brief lesson on learning-ready attire with student input, family collaboration to prevent recurrence.

Conduct & Technology

Other — Student Incivility

Insubordination or disrespect toward staff or students, including refusal to follow instructions or vulgar language.
Level 1

Failure to comply with instructions, or inadvertent inappropriate language

Min: Warning, restorative conversation, parent contact
Max: Detention or up to 1 day ISS
Level 2

Blatant insubordination, inappropriate language directed at others, or misrepresenting the truth

Min: 1–3 days ISS or OSS, parent conference, behavior contract
Max: 5 days OSS
Level 3

Repeated or blatant insubordination, or a pattern of misrepresentation

Min: 3–5 days OSS, tribunal referral if persistent
Max: Long-term suspension for chronic, willful defiance

Restorative practices

Restorative circle or mediation, SEL skill sessions, family partnership plan.

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Questions about a specific situation?

This directory summarizes the adopted regulation. For a specific incident, an accommodation, or a question about due process, contact the school office directly.

School Office

info@melioraschool.org 470-275-1150

Legal and regulatory references

  • O.C.G.A. §§ 20-2-740 through 20-2-759, student discipline and tribunal procedures
  • O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4, bullying definition and mandatory consequences
  • O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.5, Student Code of Conduct requirement
  • O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.6, expulsion for battery against school personnel
  • O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1184, mandatory reporting of certain offenses
  • O.C.G.A. § 20-2-324.3, Distraction-Free Schools Act (HB 340, 2024)
  • State Board Rule 160-4-8-.15, student discipline
  • State Board Rule 160-4-8-.16, Unsafe School Choice Option
  • Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7961
  • IDEA, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. § 794
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.