PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Public Schools’ (CCPS) Code of Conduct will likely see changes to include modern issues affecting middle and high school students.
CCPS Director of Student Services Cecelia Lewis presented the Code of Conduct at the June 11 meeting, stating that the intent behind the changes was to update the document to provide clarity and to align it with current state law. The proposed Code of Conduct will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
One of the biggest changes in the Code of Conduct was allowing principals at each school wider discretion on student absences. Currently, the Code of Conduct allows principals to excuse absences or tardiness at their discretion as it pertains to “family vacations.” The updates take other reasons for student absences and tardiness into account, including civic engagement and job interviews.
Additionally, the document includes updates on what constitutes sexual harassment. Board of Education (BOE) member Melissa Goshorn asked that language about digital harassment be clarified to include the term “deepfakes” to provide the most specific terminology on misconduct.
BOE member Lisa Grenis also requested to tighten language about the use of electronic smoking devices like vapes so that both possession and use of vapes are clearly prohibited and are not limited to certain substances.
Lewis said her team would review the vaping language against the other specific policies for nicotine use and drug use to ensure clarity.
The new Code of Conduct will be posted online for 30 days for the public’s review. Residents can also view the summary of changes.
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