Discriminatory behavior of any kind — whether verbal, written, online, or physical — is not tolerated and will be addressed under the KISD Student Code of Conduct and the KISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.

The Keller Independent School District believes that being involved in Extra-Curricular activities is an honor, demanding many responsibilities. In accordance with Texas Education Code §37.151–§37.157 and KISD policy, hazing of any kind is strictly prohibited within the Orchestra program. Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act — whether on or off campus — directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or dignity of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Examples of prohibited hazing behaviors include, but are not limited to:

·       Physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding, electric shocking, placing harmful substances on the body)

·       Forced or coerced consumption of any substance

·       Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, or confinement

·       Activity that causes or is likely to cause serious mental or emotional harm

·       Forced or coerced violation of the law, school rules, or policies

·       Initiation rituals, even those framed as tradition or fun

Texas law makes hazing a criminal offense and requires students with knowledge of hazing to report it. Students who witness or experience hazing should report it immediately to a director, the campus principal, or the Fine Arts Director. Reports may be made anonymously.

Violations will be addressed under the KISD Student Code of Conduct, the KISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct, and applicable Texas law.

The Orchestra is committed to providing a safe environment for all students. Bullying — whether verbal, physical, social, or electronic (cyberbullying) — is not tolerated and will be addressed under KISD policy and Texas state law (David’s Law, Texas Education Code §37.0832).

Bullying is defined as a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and that:

·       Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm or damage to property

·       Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment

·       Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school

·       Infringes on the rights of the victim at school

Students or parents who witness or experience bullying should report it through any of the following channels:

·       Speak directly with an orchestra director

·       Report to the campus principal or assistant principal

·       Submit a report through the KISD anonymous tip line

·       File a formal report through the campus counseling office

Reports may be made anonymously. Retaliation against any student who reports bullying in good faith is also prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. All reports will be investigated promptly and confidentially in accordance with KISD policy. Substantiated incidents will be addressed under the KISD Student Code of Conduct and, where applicable, the KISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.

Parents who do not wish to have their student’s pictures or videos shared on social media or the program website may opt out by completing the Orchestra’s photo opt-out form. Submitted opt-outs will be honored, and the student’s images will not be used for publicity purposes.