Table of Contents

A Message From the Superintendent

Introduction

Six Essential Systems for a Strong Learning Climate

Three Pillars

Office of Climate and Culture: Supporting Our Students and Building Community

School Attendance

JCPS Prevention and Support Services

Trauma-Informed Care

Bullying Prevention and Support

Suicide Prevention and Support

Addiction Prevention and Support

Rights and Responsibilities of Entire JCPS Community

Kentucky Administrative Regulations for Special Education Programs

Evidence-Based Best Practices to Support Student Behavior

Progressive Consequences

Interventions and Consequences

Behavior Intervention and Consequence Definitions

Progressive Consequences and Resources Pre-K Through Grade Three

Behavior Code Definitions

Jurisdiction and Application of the SSBIH

Due Process

Reporting Concerns of Improper Treatment or Abuse

Retaliation and Discrimination Prohibited

Student Searches

Suspension Procedures

Alternative Placement

Appeal Process

Bus Safety

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Appendix G

Student Bill of Rights

In JCPS, we strive to support students’ mental health needs. We use evidence-informed suicide prevention trainings for students that are both interactive and engaging.

Suicide prevention training resources may be found here: https://www.education.ky.gov/SCHOOL/SDFS/Pages/Suicide-Prevention-and-Awareness.aspx. An online version of the parent training is available at https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know/. If students, teachers, or parents are concerned about the mental health of a student, or themselves, they are encouraged to reach out to their school counselor or local mental health professional. In an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room for assistance.

In 2019, KRS 156.095 was amended to require all public middle and high school students to receive suicide prevention training by September 15 of each school year.

JCPS also trains fifth-grade students in suicide prevention using the Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum specifically designed for younger students. Additionally, KRS 156.095 requires that all school district employees with job duties requiring direct contact with students in grades six through twelve receive one hour of suicide prevention training every year. In addition to legislative requirements, JCPS requires all school district employees with job duties requiring direct contact with students to receive training on suicide prevention.

Students in second through fourth grade also receive classroom counseling lessons on mental wellness and learn specific strategies on how they can take care of their mental health.

The Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) adopted a Be SMART Secure Firearm Storage resolution in 2023.

Everytown for Gun Safety launched the Be SMART campaign to focus on education and awareness about child gun deaths and secure gun storage. Be SMART volunteers encourage parents and caretakers to “Be SMART” and take these five simple steps to help prevent shootings by children:

Secure all firearms in your home and vehicles.
Model responsible behavior around firearms.
Ask about the presence of unsecured firearms in other homes.
Recognize the role of firearms in suicide.
Tell your peers to be S-M-A-R-T.
You can download helpful resources, including a secure storage fact sheet, at BeSMARTforKids.org/resources.