Links to School Handbooks and How to Read them

Most schools have handbooks that describe your student rights and responsibilities. Other topics often covered in the handbooks include:

Expulsion	Suspension
Bullying	Dress Code
Harassment	Truancy
Enrollment

Use the handbook given to you by the school. If, however, you never received one or misplaced your copy ask for a new one. Understanding the handbook.

In addition many counties post electronic versions – in PDF form or as an index of links organized by policy topic – of their handbooks on their websites. Other counties do not have electronic versions of their handbooks but provide information on various sections of their home pages. Note that many of the handbooks published on the web appear to be out of date.

Baltimore City (The BCPSS website does not describe all of the offenses. Check the handbook given to you by the school) School Board Article 5 (see sections 506 and 507) School Policies

Allegany (home page)
Anne Arundel
Baltimore County
Calvert
Caroline (home page)
Carroll
Cecil (home page)
Charles
Dorchester
Frederick
Garrett
Harford (home page)

Understanding the handbook:
Most schools have 3 or 4 categories of offenses. For example, Baltimore City has three categories:

Category I – Suspension
Category II – Suspension or expulsion
Category III - Expulsion

If “attendance” is a Category I offense in your county, then you may only be suspended for missing school. Remember: each county has different categories, so read your handbook carefully.

Source: Rob Bader

Last date of review (no legal content) 01/15/08/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)