Middle School Code of Character
2026-2027
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While we strive to ensure the accuracy and quality of our content, there may be occasional errors or inaccuracies. If you come across any mistakes or issues, please contact us to let us know: Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, abeauford@upperdarbysd.org. We appreciate your feedback and will do our best to address any concerns promptly. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in improving our work.
Philosophy
The Upper Darby School District Middle Schools’ Code of Character embodies the basic principles of responsibility, respect, and safe student behavior. We provide a restorative approach to students’ concerning behaviors, and the importance of stakeholder relationships is integral to this approach. Building on our commitment to equity and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Upper Darby School District continues to work to embed restorative practices and trauma-informed care as part of our school’s culture and climate across all settings.
Upper Darby School District believes that behaviors develop over time and that school responses to behaviors of concern should be developmentally appropriate, considering each child’s needs. A continuum of instructional strategies and suggested behavioral responses support teaching and learning, foster positive behaviors, and reflect a restorative philosophy. A restorative approach to discipline affords opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, correct wrongdoings that result from their behavior, and restore relationships that are disrupted by their actions.
We believe relationships are essential to student academic success and social, emotional, and behavioral development. In all practices, our responses to student behaviors will support the ongoing development of the child, the school community, and the relationship between both.
Responsibilities of Students
Upper Darby School District STUDENTS have the responsibility to:
Contribute to maintaining a safe, supportive and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect and dignity to other persons and to property
Practice respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors
Arrive on time, prepared to actively participate in their learning
Work to their potential both inside and outside of the classroom
Respect school property and ensure that safe conditions continue in our school.
Know the rules and expectations for their behavior
Ask questions when they do not understand
Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline
Work to develop strategies to control anger/frustration
Maintain behavior that is free from all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination
Empower students to utilize elements of restorative justice to resolve conflict
Responsibilities of Staff
Upper Darby School District EDUCATORS have the responsibility to:
Establish and maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students
Establish an environment that is culturally sensitive
Model and teach positive expected behaviors across all areas and disciplines
Know school expectations, policies, and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner
Effectively communicate with students, families, administration about academic and behavioral concerns
Be aware and informed of your own professional responsibilities
Responsibilities of Families
Upper Darby School District FAMILIES have the suggested responsibility to:
Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of families and the school community
Build positive relationships with school staff and communicate with teachers
Support your student(s) timeliness and attendance
Support student's adherence to all safety precautions, rules, and policies
Share concerns as needed
Read building level and school district communications
Participate! Attend school informational meetings, join our Home and School Association, attend family conferences, and events
Know school rules and help their children understand them
Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure
Rights of Students and Families
The Upper Darby School District has the shared belief that families and students are an integral part of the disciplinary process. All conduct matters are in compliance with local, state and federal laws. The Upper Darby School District wants all stakeholders to be aware that they have the right to appeal any disciplinary action which can be initiated through contacting school and district-level administrators.
Resident students have the right to a free, appropriate public education until age 21 or graduation from Upper Darby School District, whichever occurs first.
In cases where discipline is being considered, each student will have a fair chance to have their side of a controversy considered.
The Upper Darby School District does not discriminate against any student on the basis of race, creed, handicap, nationality, or sex. If there are any concerns regarding such matters, they should be referred to the student’s teacher or guidance counselor. If the concern cannot be resolved at this level, the building administration can be asked to participate in resolving the problem. In line with school district organization, the Director of Secondary Education can be involved in any matter not resolved at the building level.
This Code of Character has been prepared in accordance with local, state and federal laws, which define student rights and specify the need for a comprehensive discipline policy. Special Education students are subject to all parts of the Code of Character. The District complies with all aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Pennsylvania Department of Education Special Education Regulations.
Responsibilities of the Student (Board Policy 235):
Attendant upon the rights established for each student are certain responsibilities, which include regular attendance; conscientious effort in classroom work and homework; conformance to Board policies and school rules and regulations; respect for the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process; and expression of ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.[4][7][8][9][10][11]
It shall be the responsibility of the student to:[7]:
Be aware of all policies, rules and regulations and Code of Student Conduct for student behavior and conduct him/herself accordingly. Each student shall assume that, until a rule is waived, altered or repealed in writing, it is in effect.[10]
Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.
Dress and groom to meet standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.[12]
Assist the school staff in operating a safe school.
Comply with federal, state and local laws.
Exercise proper care when using district facilities, school supplies and equipment.[13]
Attend school daily and be on time to all classes and other school functions.[9]
Make up work when absent from school.
Pursue and attempt to satisfactorily complete the courses of study prescribed by local school authorities.
Report accurately in student media.[11]
Not use obscene language in student media or on school property.[11]
Behavior(s) of concern of this policy may result in disciplinary action, consistent with the Code of Student Character and Board policy.[10][14]
3-TIERED SYSTEM OF BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Positive Classroom Management Strategies
Behaviors of concern will occur in the classroom. All teachers are encouraged to employ positive classroom management strategies within the classroom, in addition to making notes of student behavior.
Seat Change
Proximity
Alternative Assignment Choice
Non-verbal Prompt
Verbal Redirection
Restate Expectations
Positive Reinforcement
Searches
School authorities may search the person, the possessions of, and/or the locker assigned to any student. School authorities may take temporary possession of and safeguard any materials, which are considered to be evidence of the commission of an offense or of other improper activity.
In general, searches should be based on reasonable suspicion that material will be produced, which evidences the violation of the Upper Darby School District Middle Schools’ Code of Character and/or a violation of applicable law, statute, or regulation. Prior to an individual locker search, the student shall be notified and be given an opportunity to be present. However, when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that a locker contains materials that pose a threat to the health, welfare, or safety of the school population, student lockers may be searched without prior warning.
Custody and control of student lockers are shared jointly by the Upper Darby School District Middle Schools and the assigned student(s). Although students have a legitimate expectation of privacy in a school locker, the expectation should be minimal. Under certain circumstances, the interests of the Upper Darby School District to search a locker or lockers will clearly outweigh the intrusion into the privacy rights of students.
Deterring drug possession and use is a compelling concern for school officials. Appropriate searches are permissible to both discover the evidence of drugs within the school and to warn students that bringing drugs to school will not be tolerated. Canine sniff searches will be used to minimize the intrusiveness of any mass or school-wide search.
Students who attend dances at Upper Darby School District Middle Schools and prom(s) off-site will be searched at the door as part of our standard procedure. Students who are found in possession of materials that violate the Upper Darby Code of Character will be subject to school discipline.
Physical Restraint
Physical restraint may be used for, but not limited to, the following reasons: defense of self or others, removal of students from the educational setting, or detaining a student while awaiting the arrival of school administrators or police.
Staff members may use reasonable force as is necessary to protect themselves from attack, protect another person or property, quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, and/or obtain possession of dangerous objects.
Tier II Program
As part of our PBIS framework, UDSD provides interventions for students who do not respond positively to school-wide expectations and procedures. Students demonstrating the need for additional behavioral support may be referred to the Tier II team. The procedures are as follows:
Tier I Behaviors of Concern
Behaviors that impede the orderly classroom procedures which include, but are not limited to the below examples. These behaviors will be addressed by an individual teacher. If Tier I behaviors persist, teachers may issue an administrative referral.
Possible Interventions: Teacher redirection, Student reflection, Mediation/conflict resolution, Teacher Led Restorative Conference, Classroom management system, Behavioral referral (based upon occurrence frequency), Family communication, Provide student access to Student Support Service Team, Apology of Action, Teacher Reflection (before/after school, or during lunch), Learning Community Consultation, Youth Court. The building administration reserves the right to provide intervention for Tier I behaviors of concern.
Infractions & Definitions
Truancy
See Board Policy 204.
Disrespect to Teacher
May Include:
- Anything that impedes with learning, or interferes with instruction. Throwing objects, misuse of materials, damage to instructional materials, disrespect to peers, or verbal arguments between students.
Disruptive Classroom Behavior
May Include:
- Anything that impedes with learning, or interferes with instruction. Throwing objects, misuse of materials, damage to instructional materials, disrespect to peers, or verbal arguments between students.
Dress Code
See Board Policy 221.
Late to Class
A student who arrives up to 15 minutes after the scheduled class start time.
Misuse of Hall Pass or Student ID
May Include:
- Out of class for an excessive amount of time
- Out of bounds - on the wrong floor or and unreasonable distance from assigned class
- Using another student’s hall pass or ID for any purpose
- Not carrying a pass in the hallways
Possession of Electronic Device
Any violation of the cell phone policy as outlined in the updated Board Policy 237.
**During state testing, a separate code will be entered by administration for testing violations.
Violation of Acceptable Use Policy
See Board Policy 237 and Board Policy 815.
Tier II Behaviors of Concern
Behaviors that disrupt the learning climate of the school include, but are not limited to the below examples:
Possible Interventions:
Teacher-led Restorative Conference with staff and family, Mediation/conflict resolution, Family communication, Provide student access to Student Support Service Team, Teacher Reflection (before/after school, or during lunch), Center Team Consultation, Learning Community Consultation
SAP Referral, Youth Court. The building administration reserves the right to provide intervention for Tier II behaviors of concern.
Infractions & Definitions
Not Following Procedures
May Include:
- Not signing in through approve system upon entering the building or classroom
Not identifying self when stopped by an adult
Eating food in the hallways
Cheating
- Unauthorized use or attempted use of material or information during an academic exercise
- Copying another student’s academic work or allowing another student to copy your work
- Submitting someone else’s work as your own
Disruptive Hallway Behavior
- Running, Throwing objects, Yelling, Knocking on door and running away
Continuation of Unmodified Tier 1 Behavior
- Multiple Tier 1 infractions of a similar nature.
- Student exhibited no change in behavior after intervention.
Cutting Class
- Physically in school but not attending a class
- Late to class by 15 or more minutes
Plagiarism
May Include:
- Presenting another person’s writing as your own.
- Copying another person’s words without proper citation
- Copying work from internet sources without proper citation
Tampering with Instructional Materials
- Can include but not limited to books, textbooks, hard copy quizzes/assessments, technology designated for instructional purposes
Leaving Class Without Permission
Tier III Behaviors of Concern
Behaviors that may pose a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of a member of the school community include, but are not limited to the below examples:
Possible Interventions:
Parent contact by administration, Administrative Disciplinary Conference, Administrative Reflection, Social Worker referral, SAP referral, SST referral, SAIC/SAIP, Restorative Conference with Students/Family, Mediation/conflict resolution, Center Team Consult, Out of School Suspension, Contacting law enforcement, Criminal Prosecution, Restitution. Infractions involving a tobacco vape or other tobacco products may result in the assignment of a smoking cessation activity.
The Principal (or designee), in consultation with the Superintendent (or designee), may recommend expulsion, or a referral to AEDY (must meet application criteria).
Infractions & Definitions
Late to School
See Board Policy 204.
Cursing/Abusive Language towards Student
May Include:
- Any term/word conceived as offensive toward a peer, aggressive in nature or with malicious intent.
Cursing/Abusive Language towards Staff
May Include:
- Any profane or obscene word used in anger towards a teacher.
- Any term/word conceived as offensive.
- Any hand gesture that is perceived offensive by the teacher.
Cutting/Removal from Administrative Reflection
Minor Physical Altercation Student to Student
May include:
- Pushing/Shoving
Minor Verbal Altercation Student to Student
- Escalated verbal arguments that require additional intervention/support from staff outside of the classroom.
Electronics During State Testing
- Misuse of electronics as it is stated in directions provided for state assessments
Violation of Acceptable Use Policy
- See Board Policy 237 and Board Policy 815.
Habitual Truancy
- See Board Policy 204.
Bringing Unauthorized Visitors to Campus
- All visitors must enter through the Main Entrance and provide identification to security. This includes opening or propping doors.
May Include:
- Food Delivery Services (Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub).
- Students from other schools
- Any non-student, school aged or otherwise
- Graduates of Upper Darby School District
- Family members
Causing of a False Alarm
- Pulling a Fire Alarm
- Any action(s) that could cause a Lock In, Lock Out, or Lock Down
Continuation of Tier 2 Offenses
- Multiple Tier II infractions of a similar nature
- Student exhibits no change in behavior after intervention
Creating a Health/Safety Hazard
- Creating unsafe conditions for students and staff on school grounds
Drug Paraphernalia Possession
- Includes but not limited to: bong, bowl, scales (digital or otherwise), rolling papers, packaging materials ie clear, zip top bags
Extortion
- Using intimidation or threats to obtain money, information, or anything else of value from another person.
Forgery
- Falsely or fraudulently making or altering a document
Gambling
- Exchange of money, goods, or services in any format and/or game(s) of chance
Gang Activity
- Including wearing of colors, sports paraphernalia, or any article of clothing that contains a symbol of a Gang or the intent to show allegiance to a Gang.
- A gang shall mean any ongoing organization or group of people which has an identifiable name or identifying symbol whose members, individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of activity that endangers or disrupts the safety of the school or members of the school community.
Instigating a Fight
- Can include various means of instigating including but not limited to: verbal, written, electronic (SM)
Leaving School Grounds without Permission
- Excludes students with a modified schedule (late entry, early dismissal, DCTS)
Not following fire drill or lock down procedures
Students violating lock down or fire drill procedures:
Leaving the room during a lockdown
Making noise during a lockdown
Not reporting to your designated area during a fire drill
Possession/Sale of Stolen Goods
- Possession or sale of items identified as stolen.
Possession/Setting off of an Incendiary Device
- This includes lighters, matches, fireworks, and any other explosive device
Possession, Use, Sale of Tobacco
- Includes cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, dissolvable or smokeless tobacco.
- See 222-AR-0. Tobacco/Nicotine.
Trespassing
- Being on school property while on disciplinary removal or suspension or violating the early dismissal policy by not leaving school grounds after the agreed dismissal time
- Students with modified schedules who do not leave campus following their scheduled dismissal time or those who arrive prior to their scheduled start time
Violation of Bus Procedures
When a student interferes with the safe operation of a school bus. Violations include:
Entering or riding a school bus which you are not assigned to
Disruptive behavior that impedes bus travel
Unsafe behavior that could lead to physical harm to students and staff
Violations of bus procedures as outlined in Policy 810-AR-3
*Any violation of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code constitutes a Tier III violation.
Acts that pose a direct threat to the health, safety, or welfare of others in the school include, but are not limited to the following examples:
Infractions & Definitions
Arson
- Deliberately setting fire to property
Assault on Staff
Simple Assault on Staff:
- Attempts to cause intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly bodily injury to a staff member.
Aggravated Assault on Staff:
- Attempts to cause serious intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly serious bodily injury with a weapon to a staff member.
Assault on Student
Simple Assault on Student:
- Attempts to cause intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly bodily injury to another student.
Aggravated Assault on Student:
- Attempts to cause serious intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly serious bodily injury to another student.
Bomb Threat
- A verbal or written threat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to incite fear, disrupt normal activities, to cause damage to property, serious bodily harm or death regardless of the existence of the device
Burglary (stealing, not from a person)
- Illegal entry into a building with intent to commit theft
Bullying
- See Policy 249- AR- 0.
Disorderly Conduct
- Intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm by engaging in violent or tumultuous behavior, making unreasonable noise, using obscene language, or creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose.
Fighting
- When two or more people engage in a use of force or physical violence that may require intervention from school staff.
Institutional Vandalism
- To knowingly vandalize, deface, or damage school property.
Kidnapping or Unlawful Restraint
- The abduction of another person; to restrain another unlawfully in circumstances that risk serious bodily injury.
Reckless Endangerment
- Behavior that places or may place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
Rioting
- Organizing, promoting, encouraging or participating in a riot; violent disturbance of the peace
Robbery
- Taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force
Sale, distribution, or buying/receiving a controlled substance
- Behavior(s) of concern of Substance Abuse Guidelines: A student shall not knowingly sell, distribute, possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, a hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, synthetic or distilled oil, or any other kind of controlled substance. This rule pertains to actions on school grounds, at any school activity, function or event, or any vehicle designated or used by the school for student transport, including public transportation or while traveling to or from school.)
Sexual Harassment
- Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to a district education program or activity.
Sexual Misconduct
- Including but not limited to: rape, involuntary sexual deviate intercourse, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, indecent exposure, open lewdness, obscene and other sexual materials and performance
Stalking
- A pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear
Terroristic Threats
- Any written or verbal threat to commit an act of violence that would endanger others with a reckless disregard for the harm it would cause
Threatening School Official or Student
- An expression of intent to harm someone that may be spoken, written, gestured, or communicated in some other form, such as via text message or email. Threats may be explicit or implied, directed at the intended target or communicated to a third party. Behavior that suggests a threat such as weapon carrying, fighting, or menacing actions is also considered threatening behavior.
Theft and Related Offenses
- To withhold property of another permanently or for an extended period of time. To steal from a member of the school staff or another student.
Possession, Use, or Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- A student shall not possess, use, or be under the influence of any controlled substance as defined by the PA crimes code.
Sale/Distribution of a Controlled Substance
- A student shall not sell, facilitate the sale, or distribute a controlled substance as outlined in the PA crimes code.
Possession, Sale, Use or Under the Influence of Alcohol
- A student shall not possess, sell, or be under the influence of alcohol while on campus.
Possession, Sale, Use of Vaping Materials
- A student shall not possess, sell or use a vape, vape products or e-cigarette device
- See 222- AR-0.
Possession of Weapon
- A student is in possession of a weapon when the weapon is found on the person of the student, in the student’s locker, under the student’s control while on school property, on property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, or while the student is coming to or from school. A weapon shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, replica of a weapon, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.
- See Board Policy 218.1.
Possession of Pepper Spray
- A student shall not possess or use pepper spray while on campus or at school-sponsored events.
*All employees of the Upper Darby School District have a responsibility to promptly refer any suspected or confirmed action, which could constitute a Tier III Violation to any available administrator, school safety officers, and Children and Youth Services (CYS) as a mandated reporter. Upper Darby School District recognizes the potential for behaviors to warrant a referral to our SST team for examination into providing the student with additional support. Additionally, violations of the UDSD MS Code of Character may result in an informal hearing with the Director of Secondary Education.
Student Attendance Improvement Plan/Student Attendance Improvement Conference
The purpose of a Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) is to assist a student in improving their attendance. A SAIP is typically created with a student’s support system—including parents/guardians, school counselors, IEP case managers, and building administrators. A SAIP is recommended for students who are habitually absent from school. Additionally, a SAIP may be recommended for students who are chronically late to school or students who are frequently cutting class.
Central Administration Pupil Service Contact Information
Dr. Edward Marshaleck
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
(610) 622-7000, ext. 3213
Dr. Brian Ursone
Director of Pupil Services
(610) 789-7200, ext. 3216
Kelley Simone
Director of Secondary Education
(610) 789-7200, ext. 3295