Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is looking for suggestions from the public on how it should update its Student Code of Conduct.
The Student Code of Conduct — an 83-page document for this past year — governs everything from attendance and student rights to the expulsion of students.
“We value and actively seek input from our students, staff and families,” said Michael Diggins, executive director of student services for ACPS. “Alexandria City School Board policies as well as the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) also regulate changes to the Code of Conduct.”
Diggins said public input will be considered, along with changes made from the School Board and the VDOE, when ACPS drafts the new 2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct.
The revisioning of the Student Code of Conduct comes at a time when some voices are calling for greater liberties and opportunities to be granted to students. Earlier this year, students organized a large-scale walk-out protest against ACPS administration curtailing opportunities for students to do extracurricular activities or studies at lunch.
At the same time, the schools struggle with high levels of absenteeism and violence from “crews” of students.
The feedback form asks the public about the strengths and weaknesses of the current Student Code of Conduct as well as other comments or suggestions for ACPS.
