As the Lead Activities Director in the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD), one of my primary goals is to establish systems that ensure consistency across all 20 schools. This way, if a new advisor joins or an existing one transfers within the district, the day-to-day operations remain familiar. While we acknowledge and embrace the unique differences that make each school special (and allow each to add an addendum to the code, while keeping the following as its core), there is a shared responsibility when it comes to holding our students accountable.

If a student, teacher, or administrator moves from one school to another, should they be expected to learn and support a completely different code of ethics or set of standards? The answer is no—and here’s why.

The 20 Activities Directors in AUHSD have reached a consensus on several key principles that help create a unified approach across the district:

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

All members shall work toward the 5 C’s of AUHSD: Character, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.

CHARACTER:

– Trustworthiness: All members shall be honest, never deceive, cheat (8703-R Academic Honesty), or steal; have the courage to do the right thing; work to build a good reputation; and demonstrate loyalty to family, friends, teammates, school, community, and country.

– Respect: All members shall treat others with respect, be considerate of others’ feelings, demonstrate tolerance toward differences, use good manners, and avoid offensive language or taunting. They shall never slander, degrade, threaten, hurt, or hit anyone and shall peacefully manage anger, insults, and disagreements.

– Responsibility: All members shall use self-control and self-discipline, be accountable for their choices and actions, demonstrate reliability, and exhibit a positive attitude and supportive behavior.

– Fairness: All members shall adhere to laws, rules, policies, and guidelines, be open-minded, and listen to others. They shall not pass blame carelessly, share equitably, and take turns as appropriate, and never take advantage of others.

– Caring: All members shall demonstrate compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, and assist others in need when appropriate.

– Citizenship: All members shall respect authority, demonstrate cooperation, and properly care for all equipment, uniforms, facilities, and supplies.

COLLABORATION:

– I will uphold the ASB Constitution and my oath of office, cooperating with the ASB President, Director(s) of Student Activities, Administration, and all ASB members whenever needed.

– I will set a positive example for other students by demonstrating and upholding board policies, including dress code, ethics, and student conduct, at all times.

– I will strive to exhibit good leadership, take responsibility for my elected or appointed office, and faithfully execute my duties.

– I will support, protect, and defend the aims, purposes, and responsibilities of AUHSD, its students, teachers, administrators, coaches, clubs, classes, and teams.

– I will accept full responsibility for my conduct, on or off campus, understanding that my behavior will be judged by all. Any incidents that negatively affect the school may result in my dismissal from office.

GENERAL & SPECIFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS

GENERAL:

1. All members shall recognize that being a community member carries responsibilities and rewards, and they shall not only embrace those responsibilities but also conduct themselves both in and out of the classroom and school in a way that exhibits respect for others and themselves. I realize I must maintain my grades, therefore I will not:
2. Earn less than an overall grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and fail to make efforts to improve that grade. (Board Policy 71101.04)

SPECIFIC:

I realize I must positively conduct myself, therefore I will not:

1. Engage in any activity that involves me or encourages other students or individuals to break school or district policies or rules or endanger other students’ or school personnel’s health and safety. (This includes, but is not limited to, truancies, cheating, forgery, and lying incidents)
2. Engage in any activity that bullies, discriminates, harasses, or intimidates other students or individuals. (Board Policy 8701)
3. Be insubordinate to, interfere with the duties of, or use profane language toward a teacher, coach, staff member, or administrator.
4. Possess, sell, distribute, consume, or be under the influence of controlled substances on or off campus.
5. Engage in the theft of property belonging to the high school, its students/staff, or its organizations.
6. Deface, damage, or destroy high school buildings, grounds, or property.
7. Engage in defamation or slander in any form including using social media sites. (8610 Freedom of Speech and Expression) I will conduct myself above reproach when using the Internet. I am representing the reputation of the school, parents, and community. These include, but are not limited to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and all other social media platforms. Also as stated in the Supreme Court Case MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT v. B. L., A MINOR I will not make any “post (speech) that causes ‘substantial disruption’ or threatens to harm the rights of others”.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICE

1. I understand that I must fulfill the responsibilities of my office.
2. I understand that attendance is mandatory (unless arrangements have been made with the Director(s) of Student Activities at least 48 hours before the event. Most dates are provided well in advance and attendance is expected, therefore absences should be limited. Documentation or signed reason for absence may be requested. Excused for the day falls under Ed Code (California Ed Code 48205), and excused for an activity falls under each school’s purview.
3. I am expected to work at ASB functions-including set up and take down.
4. I will not be absent from ASB activities without being excused. I am also responsible for ALL assigned activities throughout the year. Assigned activities may include meetings, athletic events, school pep rallies prep, spirit days, lunch-time activities, community involvement activities, and fundraisers. I understand that my grade in this class may be affected by absences, even if excused. Valid reasons for excused absences are found in the school policy pages.
5. I understand that I may be assigned tasks by the Director(s) of Student Activities and/or the ASB President, Executive Board, or Committee Chairs..

PENALTIES

1. In the event of a failure to meet academic achievement or behavioral standards, students will be placed on probation for ONE QUARTER
   1. NOTE:  probation can ONLY be used one time per school year and only for the circumstances listed above.
   2. Students will be removed from ASB WITHOUT PROBATION if they break any of the Specific Rules and Regulations (II B), OR if the probation has been used and they have not improved
2. I understand and accept the consequences of violations within this code of conduct and ethics.
3. I agree to submit, in writing, my resignation if I violate this code of conduct and ethics. It will be delivered to the Activities Director.
4. If I fail to submit my resignation voluntarily after it has been determined by the administration of the high school that I have violated the provisions of this agreement, I understand that I will be removed from office.

I have spoken to my parent(s)/guardian(s), and they are aware that if I am elected and appointed to the position stated above, I have agreed to this Code of Conduct.  By signing below I recognize that I understand the ASB Code of Ethics and Conduct and I agree to the terms stated in the code.  I also understand the actions to be taken if I violate this code, which may result in being removed from ASB.

Addendums:

Addendums per school that are NOT a part of the above statement that each school shall use moving forward are allowed.  Each school is unique and they have rules that may be needed for that uniqueness.  They are allowed to make rules that may be more restrictive but not less restrictive and as agreed upon, rules that are approved by Administration, Activities Director and Student Leaders.  What addendums would you add?