CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

1. OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

Skhillz Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students, families, and staff members. This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for behavior in our virtual learning community and applies to all interactions within our educational platform, including online classes, discussion forums, email communications, and any school-sponsored virtual events.

Our goal is to create a positive educational atmosphere where every student can learn effectively, teachers can instruct without disruption, and all community members feel valued and respected. This policy supports our mission to deliver high-quality virtual education while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and personal conduct.

2. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

2.1 Who This Policy Covers

This Code of Conduct applies to:

All enrolled students regardless of grade level or program type

Parents, guardians, and family members who interact with our platform or staff

All Skhillz Academy employees, contractors, and volunteer staff members

Any guests or visitors participating in virtual school events or activities

2.2 When This Policy Applies

These conduct standards are in effect:

During all live virtual classes and recorded instructional sessions

While using any Skhillz Academy online platforms, learning management systems, or communication tools

In all written communications including emails, discussion boards, chat features, and assignment submissions

During virtual extracurricular activities, school events, and parent meetings

When representing Skhillz Academy in any online or offline capacity, including social media interactions that reference the school

2.3 Digital Citizenship

All community members are expected to demonstrate positive digital citizenship by using technology responsibly, treating others with respect in online environments, and understanding that virtual interactions have real-world consequences and should reflect the same courtesy expected in face-to-face meetings.

3. CORE VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS

3.1 Respect and Courtesy

Every member of our school community deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, learning differences, or any other characteristic. This means using polite language, listening to others' viewpoints, and avoiding interrupting or talking over classmates during virtual discussions.

3.2 Academic Integrity

Students are expected to complete their own work honestly and give proper credit to sources when using information from books, websites, or other materials. This includes not copying from other students, not allowing others to complete assignments for them, and not using unauthorized resources during tests or quizzes.

3.3 Responsibility and Accountability

All community members should take ownership of their actions, meet their commitments, and accept consequences when they make mistakes. Students are responsible for attending classes, completing assignments on time, and communicating with teachers when they need help or face challenges.

3.4 Safety and Security

Everyone has a responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment by reporting concerning behavior, protecting personal information, keeping login credentials secure, and following all platform safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from online risks.

 4. STUDENT CONDUCT STANDARDS

4.1 Virtual Classroom Behavior

Students must maintain appropriate behavior during all live online classes by arriving on time, staying focused on lesson content, and participating constructively in discussions. This includes keeping their workspace organized and free from distractions, muting microphones when not speaking to avoid background noise, and using video cameras when requested by teachers to maintain engagement and connection with the learning community.

4.2 Communication Standards

All written and verbal communication should be respectful, appropriate for an educational setting, and free from profanity, inappropriate jokes, or references to violence, drugs, alcohol, or sexual content. Students should use proper grammar and spelling in assignments and formal communications, while understanding that teachers and classmates deserve the same courtesy in emails and discussion posts that would be expected in face-to-face conversations.

4.3 Participation and Engagement

Students are expected to actively participate in their education by asking questions when they don't understand, contributing meaningfully to group discussions, and completing assignments with effort and care. This includes logging into classes on time, staying present and focused during instruction, and engaging with classmates in collaborative activities in a positive and supportive manner.

4.4 Technology Use Guidelines

School-provided technology access and personal devices used for school should be used exclusively for educational purposes during class time, which means avoiding social media, games, entertainment websites, or other non-academic activities while school is in session. Students must also protect their login information, never share accounts with others, and immediately report any technical issues or security concerns to school staff.

5. PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS

5.1 Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

- Plagiarism, which means copying text, ideas, or work from books, websites, or other students without giving proper credit to the original source

- Cheating on tests or assignments by using unauthorized materials, getting answers from other students, or having someone else complete work that should be done independently

- Falsifying information on assignments, such as making up sources that don't exist or claiming to have completed activities that were not actually done

- Helping other students cheat by sharing answers, completing assignments for them, or providing unauthorized assistance during tests or individual assessments

5.2 Harassment and Bullying

Any form of harassment or bullying is strictly prohibited and includes:

- Sending threatening, intimidating, or hurtful messages to other students, teachers, or staff members through any communication method including email, chat, or social media

- Making discriminatory comments based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, learning differences, family circumstances, or any other personal characteristics

- Cyberbullying behaviors such as spreading rumors online, sharing embarrassing photos or information without permission, or deliberately excluding others from virtual group activities

- Persistent unwanted contact or attention that makes another person feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unwelcome in the school environment

5.3 Inappropriate Content and Language

Students may not create, share, or distribute:

- Profanity, vulgar language, or offensive terms that would be inappropriate in a classroom setting, including content that demeans or insults others based on personal characteristics

- Violent, graphic, or disturbing images, videos, or text that could upset other students or create an unsafe learning environment

- Content related to drugs, alcohol, weapons, or illegal activities that is not appropriate for an educational setting and could negatively influence other students

Sexually explicit or suggestive material of any kind, including inappropriate jokes, images, or references that would make others uncomfortable

5.4 Privacy and Security Violations

Protecting everyone's privacy and security requires that students never:

- Share their own or others' login credentials, passwords, or personal account information, as this puts everyone's educational records and personal safety at risk

- Record, screenshot, or share virtual classes, private conversations, or other school activities without explicit permission from teachers and all participants involved

- Access or attempt to access other students' accounts, assignments, or private information, which violates both school policy and potentially federal privacy laws

- Share personal information about classmates or teachers such as home addresses, phone numbers, or family details in public forums or with unauthorized individuals

5.5 Disruption of Learning Environment

Behaviors that interfere with teaching and learning include:

- Intentionally disrupting classes through inappropriate use of chat features, making disruptive noises, or engaging in attention-seeking behaviors that take focus away from educational content

- Refusing to follow reasonable teacher instructions about muting microphones, turning on cameras, participating in activities, or following classroom procedures designed to help everyone learn effectively

- Creating technical disruptions by deliberately causing connectivity issues, interfering with other students' ability to access the platform, or misusing technology tools in ways that impact the class

- Engaging in side conversations, playing games, or participating in non-academic activities during instructional time that distract from learning objectives

6. PARENT AND FAMILY EXPECTATIONS

6.1 Supporting Student Success

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in their child's virtual education success by providing a quiet, dedicated learning space free from distractions during school hours, ensuring reliable internet access and appropriate technology, and monitoring their child's daily attendance and participation in online classes. Families should also maintain regular communication with teachers about their child's progress and any challenges that arise.

6.2 Communication with School Staff

All communication with teachers, administrators, and support staff should be respectful, constructive, and focused on supporting student learning and well-being. Parents should use appropriate channels such as email or scheduled phone calls rather than interrupting live classes, and should allow reasonable response time (typically 24-48 hours during business days) for teachers to reply to non-urgent communications.

6.3 Privacy and Confidentiality

Parents must respect the privacy of other students and families by not sharing information learned during virtual classes or school communications, not recording or photographing other students during online activities without permission, and ensuring that any concerns about other students are addressed through proper school channels rather than direct contact with other families.

6.4 Technology Supervision

Parents are responsible for supervising their child's technology use during school hours to ensure devices are being used appropriately for educational purposes, monitoring online activity to prevent access to inappropriate content, and immediately reporting any technical issues or concerning online interactions to school administrators.

7. STAFF CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

7.1 Professional Standards

All Skhillz Academy staff members must maintain the highest standards of professional conduct by treating students, families, and colleagues with respect and courtesy, maintaining appropriate boundaries in all interactions, and ensuring that personal beliefs or opinions do not interfere with providing quality educational services to all students regardless of background or circumstances.

7.2 Student Safety and Welfare

Staff members are mandated reporters under Florida law and must immediately report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or safety concerns to appropriate authorities and school administration. Teachers must also create safe learning environments by monitoring student interactions during virtual classes, addressing inappropriate behavior promptly, and ensuring that all students feel welcome and supported in their educational journey.

7.3 Confidentiality and Privacy

All staff must protect student privacy by following FERPA guidelines when handling educational records, never discussing individual student information with unauthorized persons, and ensuring that virtual learning platforms are used securely to protect sensitive student data from unauthorized access or disclosure.

7.4 Communication Standards

Staff communication with students and families should be timely, professional, and focused on educational matters, using official school communication channels and maintaining documentation of important conversations or decisions that affect student progress or well-being.

8. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

8.1 How to Report Concerns

Students, parents, or staff who witness or experience violations of this Code of Conduct should report incidents promptly using the following methods:

Email reports to [email protected] with detailed information about the incident including dates, times, people involved, and specific behaviors observed

Contact school administration directly at (888) 429-5094 during business hours for urgent concerns that require immediate attention

Use the anonymous reporting form available on our website for situations where individuals prefer not to identify themselves but want to alert school officials to concerning behavior

8.2 Information to Include

When reporting incidents, please provide as much detail as possible including the specific date and time the incident occurred, names of all people involved, a clear description of what happened including any inappropriate language or behavior, any screenshots or documentation if available, and whether this is a first-time incident or part of an ongoing pattern of behavior.

8.3 Protection from Retaliation

Skhillz Academy prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports conduct violations in good faith, and we will take appropriate action to protect individuals who come forward with legitimate concerns. Students and families should never hesitate to report problems due to fear of negative consequences, as our goal is to address issues promptly and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone.

8.4 False Reports

While we encourage reporting of legitimate concerns, deliberately false or malicious reports that are intended to harm others or disrupt the school environment will be treated as serious conduct violations and may result in disciplinary action including suspension or termination of enrollment.

9. INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

9.1 Initial Response

Upon receiving a conduct report, school administration will acknowledge receipt within 24 hours and begin an initial assessment to determine the severity of the situation and appropriate next steps. For serious incidents involving threats, harassment, or potential illegal activity, immediate protective measures may be implemented while a full investigation is conducted.

9.2 Investigation Process

Formal investigations will include interviews with all involved parties, review of relevant electronic communications or platform activity logs, collection of any available evidence such as screenshots or recorded materials, and consultation with appropriate staff members or external professionals as needed to ensure a thorough and fair assessment of the situation.

9.3 Timeline and Communication

Investigations will typically be completed within 10 business days of the initial report, though complex situations may require additional time. All parties involved will receive regular updates on the investigation status and will be notified promptly when conclusions are reached and any disciplinary actions are determined.

9.4 Documentation

All conduct investigations will be thoroughly documented with written records maintained in secure files according to legal requirements and school policy, ensuring that appropriate information is available for any follow-up actions or appeals while protecting the privacy rights of all individuals involved.

10. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

10.1 Progressive Discipline Approach

Skhillz Academy uses a progressive discipline system that typically begins with educational interventions and escalates based on the severity and frequency of violations. First-time minor infractions usually result in verbal warnings and discussion about expected behavior, while repeated violations or serious misconduct may lead to more significant consequences including temporary restrictions on platform access or suspension from virtual activities.

10.2 Range of Consequences

Disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to:

- Verbal or written warnings that clearly explain the inappropriate behavior and expectations for future conduct

- Required conferences with students, parents, and school administrators to develop behavior improvement plans and ensure understanding of school policies

- Temporary loss of privileges such as participation in virtual extracurricular activities, access to certain platform features, or attendance at special school events

- Short-term suspension from virtual classes with required completion of alternative assignments and reflection activities before returning to regular programming

- Long-term suspension or expulsion for serious violations such as threats, severe harassment, or repeated failure to follow school policies despite multiple interventions

10.3 Factors Considered in Disciplinary Decisions

When determining appropriate consequences, administrators consider the student's age and grade level, the severity and impact of the behavior on other students and the learning environment, whether this is a first offense or part of a pattern of misconduct, the student's willingness to take responsibility and make amends for their actions, and any special circumstances or external factors that may have contributed to the behavior.

10.4 Academic Impact

Students who are suspended from virtual classes due to conduct violations remain responsible for completing academic work and may be required to make up missed assignments or assessments according to modified schedules determined by school administration. Extended suspensions may impact academic progress and credit earning, which will be clearly communicated to families along with options for academic support during disciplinary periods.

11. DUE PROCESS AND APPEALS

11.1 Right to Due Process

All students have the right to due process when facing disciplinary action, which includes being informed of specific allegations against them, having the opportunity to present their side of the story during the investigation process, and receiving written notification of any disciplinary decisions along with clear explanations of the reasons for those decisions.

11.2 Appeal Process

Students and families who disagree with disciplinary decisions may request an appeal by submitting a written request within 5 business days of receiving the disciplinary decision. Appeals should include specific reasons why the family believes the decision was incorrect or unfair, along with any additional evidence or information that was not considered during the original investigation.

11.3 Appeal Review Procedures

Appeal reviews are conducted by school administrators who were not involved in the original disciplinary decision, and may include additional interviews, review of new evidence, or consultation with external educational professionals as appropriate. Families will receive written notification of appeal decisions within 10 business days of submitting their appeal request.

11.4 Final Resolution

Appeal decisions are considered final unless they involve expulsion, in which case families may have additional appeal rights under Florida state law. Throughout the appeals process, students typically remain subject to the original disciplinary consequences unless school administration determines that alternative arrangements are appropriate pending the appeal outcome.

12. SUPPORT AND INTERVENTION SERVICES

12.1 Counseling and Support Services

Skhillz Academy recognizes that behavior problems often stem from underlying academic, social, or emotional challenges, and we provide appropriate support services including access to school counselors, academic tutoring, and referrals to external mental health professionals when needed to help students develop better coping skills and decision-making abilities.

12.2 Behavior Intervention Plans

For students with recurring conduct issues, school staff will work with families to develop individualized behavior intervention plans that identify specific triggers for problematic behavior, teach alternative coping strategies, and establish clear goals and expectations for improvement with regular monitoring and adjustment as needed.

12.3 Restorative Justice Approaches

When appropriate, we use restorative justice practices that focus on repairing harm caused by misconduct rather than simply imposing punishment. This may include facilitated discussions between affected parties, community service projects, or other activities that help students understand the impact of their actions and make meaningful amends.

12.4 Family Support and Resources

We provide families with resources and guidance about supporting positive behavior at home, including information about creating effective learning environments, managing technology use, and addressing social-emotional challenges that may be affecting their child's school performance and behavior.

13. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

13.1 Students with Disabilities

Disciplinary actions for students with disabilities (including those with IEPs or 504 plans) will be implemented in accordance with federal special education laws, which may require additional procedural safeguards, consideration of whether behavior is related to the student's disability, and provision of appropriate alternative educational services during any suspension periods.

13.2 Cultural Sensitivity

Skhillz Academy recognizes that students come from diverse cultural backgrounds and will consider cultural differences when evaluating behavior and determining appropriate responses, while maintaining consistent expectations that all students treat others with respect and follow essential safety and academic integrity requirements.

13.3 Mental Health Considerations

When student behavior appears to be related to mental health challenges, school staff will work collaboratively with families and mental health professionals to ensure that disciplinary responses are appropriate and include necessary support services to address underlying issues affecting the student's well-being and academic success.

13.4 Technology-Related Violations

Given the virtual nature of our school environment, special attention is paid to technology-related misconduct including cyberbullying, privacy violations, and inappropriate use of digital platforms, with consequences that may include technology restrictions and required digital citizenship education.

14. PREVENTION AND EDUCATION

14.1 Digital Citizenship Curriculum

All students receive ongoing education about appropriate online behavior, digital citizenship responsibilities, and strategies for positive virtual learning interactions through integrated curriculum lessons, special presentations, and regular reinforcement during classes and school activities.

14.2 Character Education

Our academic program includes character education components that emphasize respect, responsibility, integrity, and empathy, helping students develop the personal values and social skills necessary for success in virtual learning environments and beyond.

14.3 Parent Education and Involvement

We provide regular information and training opportunities for parents about supporting positive behavior at home, recognizing signs of online problems, and working effectively with school staff to address any concerns that arise during their child's virtual education experience.

14.4 Staff Training and Development

All Skhillz Academy staff receive comprehensive training on virtual classroom management, recognizing and addressing student behavior concerns, implementing positive behavior interventions, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in online educational environments.

15. POLICY COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

15.1 Federal and State Law Compliance

This Code of Conduct is designed to comply with all applicable federal and state laws including civil rights legislation, special education requirements, student privacy protections, and mandatory reporting obligations, ensuring that all disciplinary actions respect students' legal rights while maintaining safe learning environments.

15.2 Coordination with Other Policies

This policy works in conjunction with other school policies including our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Academic Integrity Policy, and Anti-Bullying Policy to provide comprehensive guidance for all aspects of student behavior and school community interactions.

15.3 Regular Policy Review

This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in educational best practices, legal requirements, and technology developments that affect virtual learning environments, with input from students, families, staff, and educational professionals.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

16.1 General Conduct Questions

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (888) 429-5094
Address: 1317 Edgewater Drive, Suite 458, Orlando, Florida 32804

16.2 Emergency Situations

For immediate safety concerns or threats: Contact local law enforcement (911) and then notify school administration immediately.

16.3 Counseling and Support Services

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (888) 429-5094 (ask for student support services)

17. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT

By enrolling in Skhillz Academy, students, parents, and guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct Policy. This agreement includes understanding that violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the school.

We encourage all community members to actively participate in creating and maintaining a positive virtual learning environment where everyone can achieve their educational goals in a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.

This Code of Conduct Policy was last updated on June 2, 2025. For questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected] or (888) 429-5094.