Disciplinary Consequences
Students who
break rules are subject to disciplinary consequences by teachers,
administrators, or other school personnel. There are six (6) levels of consequences for offenses. Examples provided do not constitute a
complete list of the infractions for which students may be found in violation
of rules.
Progressive Discipline Steps/Range of Consequences
Recommended
minimum and maximum levels of disciplinary consequences are listed. It is intended that discipline be
progressive in nature and move to a more serious consequence with each
violation. In the case of more
serious offenses, the consequences may not be progressive in nature but reflect
the seriousness of the situation.
Consequences for Elementary School Students
It is recognized
that violations of certain rules and the resulting consequences for students in
elementary schools may be different than the consequences for older students.
The chief administrative officers may choose to utilize the lower range of
consequences for elementary-age students, whenever appropriate, if the
consequence resolves the offense.
If an out of
school suspension is necessary, the student will have an opportunity to hear
the charges against him/her and to present his/her side of the story. Parents will be offered the opportunity
to meet to discuss the suspension.
The reason(s) for the suspension will be provided to the parents and
student. If the intent of the
chief administrative officer is to file written charges for an expulsion,
parents will be notified in writing within three (3) school days. Suspended students will not be
permitted on school property or participate in classroom and school activities
without the consent of the chief administrative officer.
If in the
judgment of the chief administrative officer/designee, based on the age of the
student and/or nature of the offense, an alternative consequence is
satisfactory to resolve the offense, the chief administrative officer/designee
has the authority to develop an appropriate alternative disciplinary
consequence under a written contract with the parent, student, and the teacher
as appropriate. The officer must
approve any written contract for an alternative consequence. This written contract will be retained
in the administrative office.
If the student
violates the law, the police department may be involved depending on the
severity of the
offense. Parents will also be
contacted if possible.
Discipline Procedures for Special Education
Students
Students with disabilities may be
suspended for inappropriate behavior. Principals may suspend a student with
disabilities for short-term suspension. Principals may suspend a disabled
student from school for a total of ten days in a school year.
The Principal
may recommend a student with disabilities for long-term suspension or expulsion
(greater than ten days) by following these procedures:
1. The
principal will follow regular procedures for long-term suspension or expulsion
as described above.
2. Once
the principal has made a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
of a student with disabilities, he or she will convene members of the School
House Team who will determine:
A. if the student is eligible for special
education services;
B. if the student is appropriately placed in
a special education program; and
C. if there is a casual relationship between
the student's disabling condition and the conduct for which he or she is to be
disciplined.
3. The parent will be
notified in writing of the time and place of the committee meeting and its
purpose.
Levels of Disciplinary
Consequences
Level 1:
Conference/Parent Contact
Staff members may
initiate and conduct a conference or make contact with any combination of the
following:
1. Teacher/student,
teacher/parent
2. Counselor-case
manager/student
3. Teacher/counselor,
teacher/student/administrator
4. Teacher/student/counselor/parent
5. Administrator/student,
administrator/parent
6. Teacher/administrator/student/parent
7. Mediator/student
8. Other
parties deemed necessary
9. Letter
to parent
10. Telephone
contact with parent
1. Referral:
To school counselor, intervention assistance team, or other staff person.
2. Time-out:
The removal of a student from classes of one-half day or less.
3. School
Probation Agreement with student/parent: A written statement listing steps to be taken to improve behavior or attendance. The statement also describes the
support to be provided by school staff and/or parent as well as the date when
the contract will be reviewed.
4. Restricted
activity: The denial of
participation in school activities and/or
extracurricular events.
5. School/community
service: Assignment of student to perform school/community service.
6. Recess
restrictions.
7. A
combination of any Level 2 option and Level 1 conference/parent contact.
8. Other
options as discussed among parents, teachers and administrators.
Level 3: In-school Alternatives
1. Placement
of a student in an in-school suspension program for one-half day or more.
2. Placement
of a student in a specially designed in-school class or program.
3. Placement
as outlined above and in combination with Levels 1 and 2 consequences.
Level 4: Out-of-School Suspension (1-5 days)
1. Suspension
with parent conference.
2. Suspension
with parent conference and probationary agreement.
3. May
be in combination with levels 1, 2 and 3 consequences.
Level 5: Alternative Consequences/Programs
1. School
probation with modified schedule.
2. School
probation with community service.
3. School
probation with intensive counseling or therapy.
4. School
probation with referral to a community agency.
5. School
probation may be in combination with Levels 2, 3 and 4 consequences.
6. Placement
in alternative programs within the local school setting.
Level 6: Expulsion Meeting/Expulsion
Expulsion is the
denial of a student’s right to attend school or school-sponsored
activities.
1. Suspension
with request for an expulsion meeting.
2. Expulsion
meeting requested without suspension.
3. Suspension/casual
hearing/expulsion meeting requested.
4. Placement
in alternative program in lieu of expulsion.
5. Alternative
placement after a causal hearing.
6. Expulsion,
failure to enroll/complete an alternative program.
7. Expulsion,
failure to appear at due process meeting.
8. Expulsion
meeting/expulsion.
Rules with Levels of Disciplinary Consequences
Level 1: Conference Level
4: Out-of-school
Level 2: Intervention Level
5: Alternative Programs
Level 3: In-School Alternatives Level
6: Expulsion
Good attendance
is essential if students are to achieve and reach their potential.
A. Tardiness:
A student is considered tardy if he or she
is not present at the beginning of
class/school. An absence of
between one (1) and four (4) hours will be counted as one-half day absent. A child who misses more than four (4)
hours of school will be counted absent for the full day.
B. Excessive
Absence: Frequent or prolonged absences,
which are felt to adversely, affect the student’s education.
C. Truancy:
Failure to report to school without an
approved excuse.
D.
Cutting
Class: Failure to report to class without
an approved excuse.
E.
Early
Dismissal: Excessive Early Dismissal
without an approved excuse
Levels of Disciplinary
Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 6
Repeated Rule
Violations: Repeated violations of rules
that students are expected to follow.
Students who continue to violate the rules will receive more severe
consequences.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum
1 to Maximum 6
Student
Dress: Repeated violation of the Student Dress Code. See the Dress Code.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum
1 to Maximum 4
Personal
Property: A student will not bring or
possess any object that has no educational purpose and may distract from
teaching and learning. Examples
include, but are not limited to:
A. Toys: Possession of any toys, games, etc., without
permission of the teacher or administration (toy weapons may result in more
severe consequences, Levels 1-5).
B. Radio or any
Listening and Recording Devices: Possession
of radio, Walkman, CD player, or other electronic devices without permission of
the administration.
C. Pagers/Cellular
Telephones: Possession of a telephone,
pager, or similar device on school property.
D. Other:
Possession of any object that could
disrupt the normal order of school to include, but not limited to, personal
security alarms, look-alike beepers, or other electronic devices/toys. Items will be confiscated and
may be returned to parents at the discretion of the chief administrative
office/designee.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum
1 to Maximum 3
Misrepresentation:
A student will not lie or cheat. Examples include, but are not limited
to:
A. Altering Report Cards or Notes: Tampering with report cards, official passes and
notes in any manner, including changing grades, or forgoing names to excuses.
B. False Information: Making false statements, written or oral, to anyone
in authority.
C. Cheating: Violating rules of honesty such as copying another
student’s test, assignment, etc.
D. Plagiarism: Using the work of others or published work. (May cause student to fail course.)
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 4
Disrespect: A student will not behave in a disrespectful
manner. Examples of disrespectful
behavior include, but are not limited to:
A. Walking Away: Leaving while a staff member or adult in authority
is talking to the student.
B. Talking Back: Responding orally in a rude manner to a staff member
or adult in authority.
C. Inappropriate Gestures and/or
Actions that can be Viewed as Obscene or Rude.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 5
Insubordination:
A student will obey the lawful direction
of any staff member or adult in authority during the time the student is in
school or participating in a school activity. Examples of insubordination include, but are not limited to:
A. Failure
to Comply with Direction of Instruction of a Staff Member or Adult in
Authority: Failure to follow any
reasonable direction given by a staff member or adult in authority.
B. Refusal to Work in Class: Failing to do assigned work in class.
C. Refusal
to Participate in In-school Alternatives: Failure
to report to in-school alternatives as directed by a staff member.
D. Refusal
to Report to Office: Failure to report to
the administrative office as directed by a staff member.
E. Refusal
or Failure to Identify Oneself: Failure to
identify oneself when requested by a staff member or adult in charge.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 5.
Profanity/Obscenity:
A student will not use profane or obscene
language or make obscene gestures.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
A. Swearing:
Saying anything that conveys an offensive,
obscene, or sexually suggestive message or is in poor taste for a school
setting.
B. Obscene
Gestures: Making any sign that conveys an
offensive, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.
C. Derogatory
Written Materials: Having any written
material or pictures that convey an offensive, obscene, threatening, demeaning,
or sexually suggestive message.
D.
Directed at Staff Member, Student or Other Person: Writing, saying, or making gestures that convey an
offensive, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.
Levels of Disciplinary
Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 6
Disruption: No student may disrupt class, school, or
school-sponsored event. Examples
include, but are not limited to:
A. Chronic
Talking: Repeated talking in the classroom
without permission.
B. Horse playing: Rough or noisy play or pranks.
C. Harrassing/Teasing: Pestering or tormenting.
D. Refusing
to Remain in Seat: Getting out of seat or
moving seat without permission of staff member.
E. Rude Noises: Making any unnecessary noise.
F. Leaving Without Permission:
Leaving the classroom, building, or assigned area without obtaining approval of
the teacher and/or administrator.
G. Chronic Lack of Supplies:
Repeatedly reporting to class without necessary materials such as books,
technology, or class supplies.
H.
Other: Any other action that disrupts or interferes with
educational activities or the school environment.
Levels or
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 4
Threatening: A student will not threaten another student or staff
member or other person. Examples
of prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:
A. Against a Staff Member: Threatening to strike, attack, or harm any staff
member.
B.
Against
a Student or Other Person: Threatening to strike, attack, or harm
any student or other person.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Injury to Others:
A student will not cause or attempt to
cause physical injury to other students, staff members, or others.
A. Fighting: Physical contact by pushing, shoving, or hitting,
whether or not injury occurs, is prohibited.
B.
Shoving
and/or Kicking: Pushing and/or kicking
anyone.
C.
Hitting,
Biting, Spitting, Throwing Objects, or Other Action that Causes Harassment to
Another Student or Adult: Hitting, biting,
spitting, or throwing objects at a student or adult.
D.
Throwing
Objects: Throwing any object that may
cause injury in any part of the school, on school grounds, at school events, or
at school vehicles.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Improper Use
of School Technology: A student will not
engage in the improper use of technology.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
A. Damaging
or disrupting hardware or software.
B. Entering or
retrieving pornographic material, inappropriate text/files (including files
that may contain derogatory or inflammatory racial, ethnic, or religious slogans
or symbols), or files carrying viruses.
C. Violating
copyright provisions without permission. Accessing school records or another
person’s information or files without permission.
Levels of Disciplinary
Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
A student may not
engage in any activity that is a law violation. The following law violations will result in school
consequences and the police may be contacted. Parents will be notified if possible.
Trespassing: Entering any school property or into school
facilities without proper authority.
Includes any entry into school buildings, school grounds, or school
activities during a period of suspension or expulsion.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Gambling: Playing a game of skill or chance for money or
anything of value.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 6
Possession or
Use of Fireworks: Using or possessing any
explosive amusement device.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Vandalism/Graffiti: Causing damage to school property or the property
of others. The family will be held
responsible for damages.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Possession of
Stolen Property: Having in one’s
possession property obtained without permission of the owner, generally valued
at less than $250.00.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Tobacco
Products: Possession and/or use of any
tobacco product. (Tobacco products
and matches/lighters will also be confiscated.)
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 5
Theft: Assisting or participating in unauthorized control
of property belonging to any school, any organization, or any individual or
group without prior permission. Also,
possession of stolen property, or taking or accepting stolen property generally
valued at less than $250.00.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Inappropriate
sexual behavior: Participating in
inappropriate sexual behavior including sexual harassment or public indecency
on school property, at school activities, going to or from school events, or at
any time where the behavior may interfere with school purposes.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
False Alarms: False fire alarm or false emergency call.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 3 to Maximum 6
Pornographic
Material: Possession and/or distribution
of pornographic material which would reasonably be considered offensive by
community standards for students, which are without redeeming social value, or
which contain language considered to be vulgarity or profanity.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Threat of
Illegal Conduct: Threat of engaging in a
law violation of any kind which constitutes a danger to the safety of others or
is an interference with school purposes.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 1 to Maximum 6
Disorderly
Conduct: Engaging in fighting or
tumultuous conduct and/or making unreasonable noise that disrupts the
educational atmosphere and refusing to cease the disruption when requested.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
Group or Gang
Involvement: Group or gang involvement
includes, but is not limited to, group or gang related coercion; intimidation;
display of group or gang colors and paraphernalia; use of recognized group or
gang signs, graffiti, related paraphernalia; and/or involvement in activity
which incites any racial or ethnic group.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 2 to Maximum 6
The following
law violations will result in school consequences and notification of the
appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Parents will also be notified if possible.
Weapons: Possession, purchase, or sale of a knife, weapon,
explosive, chemical agent dispenser, or other object that can reasonably be
considered a weapon.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 5 to Maximum 6
Narcotics/Drugs: Possession, use, under the influence, and/or sale
of illegal narcotics and drugs such as steroids, marijuana, barbiturates,
amphetamines, alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, inhalants, or any substance
which is represented to be a narcotic or alcoholic beverage. This includes paraphernalia and
improper use of over-the-counter medications.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 5 to Maximum 6
Theft: Assisting or participating in theft, theft by force
and/or theft, repeated petty theft, possession of stolen property and/or taking
or accepting stolen property generally valued in excess of $250.00.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 5 to Maximum 6
Firearms: Possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm, laser
gun, electronic stun gun, or any weapon or device that expels a projectile by
the action of an explosive.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 6 to Maximum 6
Alternative
Firearms: Possession, purchase and/or sale
of any item represented to be a firearm, or any weapon or device that expels a
projectile by air.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 5 to Maximum 6
Illegal
Conduct: Involvement in any conduct on
school premises during a school function or event, or on the way to and from
school or at a school event, or at any time or place which violates local,
state, or federal law where such conduct poses a danger to the health, welfare,
or safety of students, staff, visitors, or interferes with school purposes.
Levels of
Disciplinary Consequences: Minimum 5 to Maximum 6