PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — At the May 22 Calvert Board of Education meeting, the director of student services presented significant updates on the 2025–26 Students’ Rights, Responsibilities, and Code of Conduct guide in what she called a “heavy lift” and “tremendous workload.”
Lewis thanked the many people who worked on the document before launching into the changes, most of which were added to align with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) guidelines.
The document outlines clear expectations of students and levels of responses or consequences. Changes to those responses include less focus on expulsion or suspension. New MSDE guidelines encourage progressive disciplinary actions that work with families and counselors to focus on keeping students in school and on track to graduate.
Lewis and her team removed the zero-tolerance policy to comply with MSDE. The only exception is the possession of a firearm in schools. Otherwise, long-term suspension or expulsion should only be used as a last resort, and only for a maximum of 10 days per year if a student has an IEP. Pre-K, kindergarten, first, and second graders cannot be expelled as per Maryland law.
The committee also proposed adding an anonymous tip line and included information on dealing with AI in schools — provisions on AI were added to both the academic honesty and bullying, harassment, and intimidation sections of the document.
“AI, unfortunately, has become a common tool to extend the impact of harassment and bullying and intimidation,” Lewis said. “So now that has been clearly defined, and if used in Calvert County Public Schools it’s a violation of our code of conduct and there will be subsequent consequences,” Lewis said. She added that the language isn’t restricted to events happening at school, but includes any member of the school community.
However, teachers can set their own allowances for use of AI, depending on the project and the needs of their classroom. They can also help students understand the limitations and mechanisms of AI and how to use it safely, without the students facing disciplinary measures.
The board also asked for language changes around the electronic disciplinary referral system and will re-review the policy at a later date.
The Students’ Rights, Responsibilities, and Code of Conduct is posted on the CCPS website. Parents, students, and guardians may request a hard copy directly from the child’s school.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com