Behavior
Created on Sunday, 16 October 2011 11:04
Due Process
Before school discipline is imposed, a student has the right to receive:
1. Oral or written notice of the charges against him/her.
2. An explanation of the evidence against him/her.
· 3. The opportunity to present his/her side of the story to an impartial decision-maker.
Suspensions
Disciplinary cases warranting one (1) day or longer suspension are at the discretion of the administration with the collaboration of the teacher(s) involved.
· 1. Direct insubordination (not following a staff member's valid request, when the request has a legitimate educational purpose and is within the authority of that staff person to make)
2. Violation of Rules on Tobacco Products
3. Willfully causing damage to or stealing school or private property
4. Fighting and/or personal injury. Removal from the building to be determined by the building administrator.
5 Defamation of another's character
6. Skipping a class:
1st offense - Teacher retention
2nd offense - One day Alternative Education Classroom
3rd offense - Three days Alternative Education Classroom
If it is necessary for a student to miss part or all of a class, the student must be excused by the teacher in charge.
7. Unexcused absence/unexcused tardiness to school (see attendance rules)
· 8. Pornography
· 9. Hazing (see Hazing Policy)
Emergency Suspension
The administration may temporarily suspend a student from school until the reason for the emergency suspension has ceased, but in no case for a period of more than ten (10) days. Emergency suspension may be imposed: (1) when the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or significant interference with the instructional process (2) there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or interference, and it proves impossible, due to the student's behavior, to provide the student with notice and hearing prior to the emergency suspension and, (3) when the student is under the influence of an illicit drug.
Expulsions
Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph below shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing with the provision that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses, at this hearing before the principal. After this hearing, the principal, at his or her discretion, may decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph.
The Templeton Police Department will be informed of any such incidents.
(1) Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic
games.
(a) possession of a dangerous weapon including, but not limited to a gun or a knife, (b) controlled substance as defined in Chapter 94C of the Massachusetts General Laws, including, but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or unauthorized possession or distribution or sale of an over-the-counter medication, may be subject to expulsion from the school.
(2) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher's aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school sponsored or school related events including athletic games may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
(3) Upon issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student.
See MGL Chapter 71, section 37H and 37H½.
Alcohol Testing for Narragansett Regional High School Students
Please be advised that a Portable Breath Test (PBT) may be administered at any time during the school day and at any/all school-related events.
The breath test will be administered only by trained members of the high school staff and/or Templeton Police Department. If alcohol is detected, the student will be detained until a parent/guardian comes for him/her and he/she will be subject to disciplinary consequences as described in this handbook.
· (1) Upon issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student.
See MGL Chapter 71, section 37H and 37H1/2.
Alternative Education Classroom
Any suspended student, unless other arrangements are made, will report to the alternative education classroom to serve his suspension period. Students, at the discretion of the administration, may be assigned to a partial day of AEP. The suspended student will only receive 50% credit for work accomplished during the AEP period for classes missed during his/her partial day. If the work assigned for the duration of the student's stay is not successfully completed, no additional time will be assigned and the student will receive no credit for the work. If a student becomes disruptive and has to be removed from the alternative education classroom, he or she will receive a (5) five day out-of-house suspension. Such students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in order to be readmitted to school. No phone calls or notes will be accepted. Once back in school, the student will be required to finish his or her days in alternative education placement. If a student is removed from the alternative education placement a second time, further disciplinary action may include expulsion from school. Any infraction of the following rules can result in additional days added to the AEP placement. Any student assigned to this room must adhere to the rules listed below.
Rules of the Alternative Education Classroom:
1. The student must report promptly to the alternative education room by 7:20 a.m. If the student arrives after 7:20 a.m., he or she must report directly to the office.
2. The student must bring all books and writing materials when first reporting.
3. Talking is not allowed.
4. Students must ask permission to leave their seats.
5. Sleeping is not permitted. Students must keep their heads off the desk and away from the walls.
6. Desk and chair legs will remain on the floor.
7. Students must sit directly behind and facing the desk.
8. Eating is not permitted except during lunch period.
9. Chewing gum or candy is not permitted.
10. The playing of cards, radios, games, etc. is not permitted.
11. The student must leave school premises immediately upon dismissal unless permission to attend an extra help session has been granted by an administrator. Students are not allowed to stay after school or to attend school sponsored activities, including evening activities, on the day of their suspensions.
12. Students who wish to ask a question must raise their hands and remain quietly in their seats. If a student needs additional work from a teacher, the student must request a "student request form" to fill out.
13. A student must not make marks on desks or cubicles or deface them in any way
14. A student must work until all assignments are completed in an acceptable manner and checked by the proctor. Failure to complete assignments in an acceptable manner may result in additional alternative education days.
15. Only magazines, books, booklets, or newspapers which are provided in the room or given advance approval may be used.
16. No exchanging of notes between students is permitted.
17. A student in possession of smoking paraphernalia will be given an additional day of alternative education classroom.
18. Students will be notified if any changes in the rules or additions to the rules are deemed necessary by the room proctors or the administration.
· 19. Students are reminded that a parent/guardian or legal guardian must contact the office to reinstate the student to regular school classrooms.
Policy on Disciplining Students with Special Needs
If a student to be suspended is a special education student, the Director of Special Education is notified. The number and duration of suspensions of students with special needs is recorded and maintained by school officials.
The Individual Educational Plan of every student with special needs indicates whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code or if modification is required. If a modified discipline code is required, it is written into the student's IEP.
State Law and Regulations
With respect to removal of students with special needs from public school, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 718, section 3, states: "No School Committee shall refuse a school age child with special needs admission to or continued attendance in public school without the prior written approval of the Department (of Education). No child who is so refused shall be denied an alternative form of education approved by the Department..." For purposes of this statute, the Department of Education has developed procedures that protect students with special needs from suspensions of more than ten (10) cumulative days in a school year. However, nothing in these procedures is intended to limit the provisions of Section 331 of the Chapter 766 Regulations for emergency evaluation and placement in "... instances of dangerously assaultive or self-abusive behavior."
Outside Discipline/Police
1. Any questioning of a student by the Police Department or other outside law enforcement agencies must be done in the Principal's office or in an area designated by the Principal.
· 2. Any questioning by the above agencies must be done in the presence of the Principal and/or designee.
· 3 No student may be taken from the school by any member of the aforementioned agencies until the parent/guardian has been notified, unless the police have a warrant for the student's arrest. The only exception shall be a student in need of transportation home when parent/guardian contact or transportation is unavailable.
Pertinent Special Needs Laws
· 1. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of individuals with disabilities within the school setting. Students who do not qualify for special education may qualify for protection and services under Section 504.
· 2. Title IX is the portion of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions. In brief, Title IX states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
· 3. Title VI is the portion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race.
References to all of the above should be directed to the attention of Superintendent Dr. Roseli Weiss at the Narragansett Central Administration Office.
Restitution
In cases of destruction or vandalism of school, district, and personal property, the offending parties will be required to pay restitution for the damages caused. If, due to economic hardship, a student cannot afford to pay restitution, then said student will be required to perform service to the high school to make up the value of the damages.
Service to the High School
At the discretion of the administration, service to the high school may be imposed in addition to any other punishment. Such time will be reasonable and discussed with a parent/guardian.
Social Probation Policy
1. A student involved in any disciplinary situation or having accumulated a number of offenses warranting action by the administration may be placed on social probation. The length of the probationary period shall be determined by the administration. Attendance at or participation in any school activities may be restricted.
2. If suspension occurs during the probationary period, the administration may exercise the following:
a. Referral to other educational or social agencies.
b. Further disciplinary action.
· 3. At the discretion of the administration, if a student accrues three or more suspensions during the school year, the student and parent/guardian(s) may be required to meet with the administration to weigh the possibility of exclusion from school.
Student Driving and Parking
· 1. Students must display a placard issued by the Vice Principal. This placard must hang from the vehicle's mirror or rest on the front dash.
· 2. Students must present a valid license, registration, and signed agreement to receive the placard. License and registration will be photocopied for school records.
· 3. Parking is a privilege, not a right. Parking privileges may be revoked at the discretion of the Vice Principal for any violation of the discipline code.
· 4. Parking permits are issued free of charge. Permits will not be issued to any student with an outstanding book bill. Any vehicle parked illegally or without a permit will be ticketed.
1st offense: office detention
2nd offense: $30 fine
3rd offense: $50 fine and towing of vehicle
Use of Tobacco
A. State Law and local Board of Health Regulations prohibit the use of tobacco products in school buildings and on school property. Therefore, Narragansett Regional High School is committed to having a smoke and tobacco free environment for all members of the school community. The use of tobacco and smoking related products on school property as well as in vehicles used for transportation of students is strictly prohibited.
B. The possession of tobacco products or tobacco-related paraphernalia, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, pipes, lighters, matches, cigarette holders, and papers, is prohibited in school buildings and on school property. If "reasonable suspicion" occurs, the tobacco products will be confiscated and destroyed by the principal and/or other designated administrator. Violations will result in the following consequences:
First Offense a. $100.00 fine AND attendance at a smoking education class
b. Parent/guardian notification
c. Notification of sports and activity directors
d. 15 days social probation
Second Offense a. $200.00 fine AND attendance at a smoking education class
b. Four (4) detentions
c. Meeting between parent/guardians, student, and administration
d. Notification of sports and activity directors
e. 30 days social probation
Third Offense a. Same as second offense (a-d) AND an 8-day afterschool smoking education class
· b. 45 days social probation
Fourth Offense a. Three days out-of-school suspension
and b. Two-day Alternative Education Placement
Each Offense c. Meeting with parent/guardians, student, and administration
Thereafter d. Notification of sports and activities directors
· e.a. 60 days social probation
Note: The violator is responsible for any expense incurred to attend a cessation program and must submit documentation of attendance.
C. All visitors who violate this policy of the Narragansett Regional High School will be asked to put out the lighted tobacco product. Failure to do so will result in removal from the school property and will subject the violator to fines and attendance at a smoking cessation program.