School-based Rules

The Boston Public Schools Code of Conduct, referred to as "The Code," includes Section 4, which emphasizes Alternative Student Interventions. This section permits each school to establish its own set of rules for non-suspendable offenses, known as “School-Based Rules.” These rules are uniform across the school community and may not supersede or conflict with The Code.

School-based rules are developed by a committee composed of administrators, teachers, and parents at each school, with middle and high school students also participating in the process. These rules are reviewed annually each spring by the School Site Council. To ensure accessibility, school-based rules shall be posted in every classroom and distributed to students and families at the beginning of each school year.

Schools are encouraged to cultivate a consistent and safe learning environment that promotes positive behavior, and provides clear guidelines to help students understand their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions. Whenever possible, schools should avoid exclusionary practices, instead focusing on preventative discipline strategies that strengthen students' sense of belonging and engagement. Violations of school-based rules can result in non-suspendable consequences, such as the loss of privileges, signing a behavior contract or attending detention after school. This may not include loss of recess.

While school-based rules are uniform across each school they can be different in each school. For example, in one school, students may be required to place their cell phones in a Yondr pouch, while in another school, students might be allowed to keep their cell phones. Please reach out to your child’s school leader with any questions.