Student Discipline Code 2009 – 2010
* TLC practices Restorative Practices wherever appropriate.
A student who violates a School Board Policy(for example, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Harassment, Cyber bullying, Weapons, etc…) is subject ot the discipline as outlined in the Board Policy.
The guidelines for administering discipline in the high school are authorized by School Board Policy #505 – Discipline. Discipline does not mean the suppression of young people. It means consistently helping them regulate their own behavior to grow in the way that is most meaningful to them. It means helping society in general, to have regulations and to establish boundaries within which all are expected to function. It means providing an atmosphere where one may test his/her own individuality and identity. Above all, it means teaching students self-control and that each individual is responsible for his/her own behavior.
It is the aim of the Neshaminy High School Faculty and Administration to promote honesty and integrity in all staff-student interactions. The expectation is for students to be truthful and proper in word and action in matters of school and disciplinary interactions. Failure to abide by this expectation may result in further disciplinary consequence Students need limits. Efficient classroom management means limits are constructed rationally, communicated effectively, and enforced consistently and fairly. Freedom for the student - the freedom to learn and to interact democratically - exists only within a defined social structure. We believe that good behavior must be motivated and expected in order to be learn. Our outlook on discipline is, therefore, entirely constructive.
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Minor Breaches of Discipline Requiring Disciplinary Action Examples of Minor Breaches of Discipline Requiring Disciplinary Action Absence Excuse Form Students will be expected to bring an absence note to school from parent/guardian within three (3) days from the first date of return back to school from the absence. Absence dates for which absence notes are not returned will be declared illegal/unexcused. Once dates have been declared, the absence type will not be changed. If the student is under the age of 17, he/she will be referred to
Any use of a pass other than the purpose for which it was issued, thereby affecting class time (securing a pass for library and not reporting there, forged call slip, etc.)
Any use of a pass other than the purpose for which it was issued, but not affecting class time (using a pass to avoid study hall, lunch, to remain after early dismissal, forged call slip, etc.)
Any absence not explained by a legitimate excuse (absentee list, call slip, late arrival, early dismissal, schedule change) is considered a cut. Students are required to check in with the study hall teacher at the beginning of the period before proceeding to any other destination via a pass from the appropriate person.
A class cut is defined as any absence by a student from a scheduled period (class) not previously approved by the assigned teacher or by the building administration or explained by some form of legitimate excuse (name on absentee list, call slip, late to school, early dismissal, schedule change, etc.). See Addendum 1 for impact of missed classwork.
Unauthorized/unexcused absence from school. Legal action may result. Legitimate notes from parent/guardian must be turned in to roll call teacher within three (3) school days.
Behaving in ways that are obnoxious and annoying, thereby disturbing classes and/or threatening the safety, welfare, and rights of others.
Radios, TV’s, Electronic Games, Beepers, Cell Phones, Cameras, and any other Audio or Visual Electronic Device: The use of these devices during the school day is prohibited. If there is an emergency, the student should go to his/her grade level office. These devices may not be powered “on” or visible between the homeroom warning bell and 2:14 pm. All student contact should be made through the grade level office. Exception: The use of personal listening devices is limited to the cafeteria only during the regular lunch periods of 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th. A personal listening device is defined as, but not limited to, an iPod, a CD player, a tape player, or an MP3 player to be used in conjunction with a set of headphones or ear-plugs. Cell phones that download music, or act in a capacity to play music, are not allowed to be used in any case. The use of speakers or volume that is disruptive to people around the user of the listening device will be considered inappropriate. Upon completion of the lunch period, the listening device is to be powered off and stored in the pocket or book bag of the student. These devices are not permitted to be used during the remainder of the school day.
Students are not permitted to eat food or drink beverages in school hallways or common areas during the hours that school is in session, unless given specific written permission to do so by the administration. For safety reasons, glass bottles or containers brought into the school building at any time will be confiscated. Eating and drinking during homeroom, study hall or during class will be at the discretion of the teacher. Teachers may not send students to the cafeteria to buy food or drink from a study hall or class unless the student does not have a scheduled lunch that day. The sale of food and beverages, via vending machines, is prohibited from 7:05 AM to 2:14 PM. Cafeteria vending machines are accessible during a student’s regularly scheduled lunch period. Breakfast food will be sold in the cafeteria until 7:05 AM each morning. No food or drink will be sold in the cafeteria to students between 7:05 AM and the first scheduled lunch period.
Using foul/obscene/sexually/cultural/abusive offensive language. · Pass cards will be issued to all students in roll call at the beginning of the month. · When a student asks to use a pass (lavatory, nurse, locker, phone, Guidance), he/she will present the pass card. · The teacher will give the student the official pass, if permitted to leave the classroom. · The teacher will sign and date the pass card during that class period. · When a student loses or has used all of the spaces on his/her pass card, the grade-level administrator will issue a restricted pass card and place the student on restricted pass for the rest of the month. Restricted pass cards are always white. · Emergencies: It is important that teachers and students understand that there may be a time when a student asks to use the pass even if he/she has used the allowed number of requests on that card. The request, if deemed appropriate by the teacher, should be honored by sending the student to the grade-level office.
Not having proper identification while on school buses or school grounds. At all times, students will be required to carry the current, official school photo ID. This is the only acceptable ID. Students are required to provide correct first and last name when requested to do so by a staff person.
Insolence is defined as being verbally disrespectful to a staff member.
Insubordination is acting contrary to or refusing to act in accordance with a legitimate request of a staff member. Both of these behaviors refer to non-academic matters only. A student who, for example, does not do his/her homework should be academically penalized. It is not, nor should it be, in the province of the Administration to deal with academic matters between a teacher and a student.
Students are to arrive to class on time. Students late to class without a note will be returned to class with a note indicating unexcused lateness to class. The student is always responsible for any class work missed.
Students late to school must sign in at the appropriate grade level attendance office. The attendance clerk/typist will give the student a late pass, and the student in turn must give that pass to his/her roll call teacher the following day. Students who have not signed into school will be referred to the grade level assistant principal.
Students must show the late pass to his/her classroom teacher the day of the lateness to school. The following day the late pass must be submitted to the homeroom / roll call teacher. If after three days the pass is not submitted to the roll call teacher and no verification can be obtained from the attendance bulletin the roll call teacher will forward the “Absence Excuse” form to the grade level office.
A student who has not been accounted for in roll call and who does not sign in at the appropriate office directly upon arriving at school.
Overly demonstrative displays of affection deemed inappropriate for the educational environment.
Not adhering to regulations designed for the security and safety of automobile owners, operators and pedestrians. Regulations are printed in contract form and are available in each Assistant Principal’s office. The 12th grade office must approve all parking. Parking without the direct permission of the 12th grade office will warrant disciplinary action by the student’s grade level assistant principal.
Being anywhere on the grounds or in the building without express permission by means of a schedule, announcement, bulletin, pass, etc. Students must use the lavatory pass, which corresponds to the color-coded lavatory pass. Students may be subject to search by Administration.
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Major Breaches of Discipline Requiring Disciplinary Action
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Examples of Major Breaches of Discipline Requiring Disciplinary Action
The major breaches of discipline listed herein have been identified by Neshaminy School District Policy, Section #505 - Discipline, as serious student offenses and must be reported directly to the Assistant Principal for specific action. (This applies to BOTH in-class and out-of-class student behavior.) This list is not all-inclusive.
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Arson - Committing |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 days |
Deliberate setting of a fire in the building, on school campus, or school bus.
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Cafeteria behavior - Unacceptable |
10 Demerits / Restricted Lunch to 10 days |
Throwing of food or any object, misuse of cafeteria furniture, destruction of cafeteria property, and disruptive conduct.
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Computer Misuse |
10 Demerits |
Misuse is defined as physical abuse and damage, introduction of non-approved programs including viruses, misuse of software or any other damaging action to either hardware or software. Please refer to internet policy and subject/department guidelines for additional information.
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Drug paraphernalia: Possession |
10 Demerits and 3 - 10 days |
Having possession of items considered drug paraphernalia.
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Electronic Devices: Inappropriate Use |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Radios, TV’s, Electronic Games, Beepers, Cell Phones, Cameras, and any other Audio or Visual Electronic Device (Inappropriate Use of Electronic Devices – Addendum 5)
The inappropriate use of electronic devices is prohibited. The use of personal video is prohibited unless authorized under specific direction. A student must obtain a permission slip from the administration and procure signatures/permission from each involved staff member to establish authorization prior to videotaping or use of any other electronic recording device.
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Explosive Devices/Dangerous Weapons: Board Policy #535 |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Possession, exchange, sale or setting off explosive devices. Possession of dangerous weapons. Please refer to the student handbook headings on laser pointers.
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False alarm |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Deliberate pulling of a fire alarm for the expressed purpose of disrupting the normal operations of the school.
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Fighting/Physical Engagement |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Includes but is not limited to slapping, hitting, pushing, shoving, striking, etc. with the apparent intent to inflict bodily harm
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Foul/obscene language |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Using foul/obscene/sexually/cultural/abusive offensive language that surpasses the working definitions of in-class and out-of-class behavior relating to foul language. Use of foul/obscene language specifically directed at a staff member will result in automatic suspension.
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Gambling |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Gambling is defined as: to play a game for money or property, to bet on an uncertain outcome, to stake something on a contingency, to take a chance, to risk by gambling.
Gambling of any type (exception: school-sponsored carnival, etc.) is prohibited on school property. All such reported incidents will be referred to the appropriate grade-level assistant principal. Card playing for money, points, food, etc. is not permitted.
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Harassment: Board Policy #548 |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
It is the policy of the Board of School Directors to support fully the laws prohibiting harassment and discrimination, including harassment and/or discrimination because of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, disability, medical condition and age as well as sexual harassment, and to maintain a learning environment which is free of any such harassment and discrimination. A finding by the investigator that a student has engaged in harassment or discrimination shall subject the student to disciplinary action, which may include exclusion from social activities, detention, suspension, and/or expulsion from school. The laws of
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Insubordination |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Insubordination includes failure to comply with a legitimate request by a member of the staff, encouraging other students to be insubordinate and/or insolent, and failure to provide valid I.D.
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Intimidation |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Threats directed toward the person or property of any staff member or student.
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Leaving school grounds without permission |
10 Demerits and ISS |
Leaving school grounds without prior administrative approval.
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Physical assault on a staff member |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Pushing, shoving, punching, hitting, slapping, or any physical movement intended to inflict bodily harm or personal injury.
Smoking
In an effort to reduce smoking in school and enhance the building environment, penalties for smoking, possession and/or use of tobacco products have been increased.
· 1st offense – a fine, 1 day out of school suspension.
· 2nd and all subsequent offenses – a fine, and 5 days
Students suspected of being in possession of or smoking are subject to search and confiscation of tobacco and smoking paraphernalia.
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Theft of school or personal property |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Unauthorized removal of property from known, normal, or established location. Stealing of data disks and programs.
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Trespassing on school grounds |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Being present on school grounds or in the building after being expressly prohibited - verbally or in writing by a bonafide school official.
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Vandalism -Major |
10 Demerits and 1 - 10 day |
Engaging in behavior leading to the damage and/or destruction of school or personal property.
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Violation of Alcohol and other Drugs: Board Policy #510 |
3 - 10 days |
Possession, use or abuse of any controlled substance, including alcohol.
Violation of Alcohol and other Drugs During Co-Curricular and/or Interscholastic Activity
All students who are participants in any co-curricular and/or interscholastic activity whose conduct violates School Board Policy #510 (Alcohol and Other Drugs), the Neshaminy High School Discipline Code as it relates to alcohol and other drugs, and /or this Concurrence shall be subject to the provisions set forth herein. (Board Policy #505)
Addendum 2: Consequences for Inappropriate Possession of Electronic Devices:
· 1st Offense – Item confiscated, retained. to the parents after they sign a notification of future disciplinary action form provided by the grade level administration.
· 2nd Offense - Item confiscated, retained, five (5) demerits and ISS detention, lunch detention of ISS/OSS/ . · 3rd Offense – Item retained until further disciplinary action, which will include ISS or
The
Addendum 3: Lateness to Class
Addendum 3: Lateness to Class Procedure Students are expected to arrive to school. Teacher may record class lates and forward an incident card to the office.
Addendum 4: Unexcused Lates to School
Addendum 4: Consequences for Unexcused Lates to School
· Late 1-2 Recorded
· Late 3 After School Detention
· Late 4 Recorded
· Late 5 1 ½ hour Saturday Detention
· Late 6 Recorded
· Late 7 and 8 1 day ISS with parent phone call
· Late 9 1 day
If a student cuts an assigned administrative Saturday detention he /she will receive an appropriate consequence at the Assistant Principal’s discretion.
Adding up Unexcused Late minutes to school:
1. When a student reaches a full class period(s) in unexcused minutes, the classroom teacher will be notified. The classroom teacher will receive an “N” grade Notification Form. The classroom teacher will assign an “N” grade for that class.
2. The assistant principal will follow the procedures for a class cut.
3. The appropriate school authorities will contact Parents/guardians of students who are chronically late.
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Addendum 7: Bus Infractions
Addendum 7: Behavior of Students on Buses
The safety and well being of students riding to and from school is the primary job of the bus driver. To accomplish this task requires the full attention of the driver and the complete cooperation of all students. Any student who interferes with the bus driver’s ability to drive the bus safely will be dealt with firmly and consistently, following all due process guidelines. Students positively identified by the driver and a member of the school administration as having violated the rules of safe conduct will be dealt with as follows:
Level I Infractions Administrative Options
· Smoking ++ A. Suspension from bus 1 to 10 days
· Vandalism+ B. Suspension from school for 1 to 5 Days.
· Setting off explosive devices++ C. Payment of any damage to bus
· Throwing objects at driver D. Recommendation to Deputy Superintendent for removal of
bus privileges for more than 10 days
· Use of foul, obscene or E. Involvement of local police/
objectionable language or magistrate prosecution of student
gestures towards drive
· Illegal use of emergency doors F. Assignment of special seating on bus
· Fist fights G. Administrative warning (special needs students only)
+student must pay for damages
++suspension from and/or turned over to police for action
Level II Infractions Administrative Options
The administration may use any one or more options listed below:
· Failure to remain seated A. Adminstrative warning
· Loud & obnoxious behavior B. Notification to parents and/or conference
· Showing disrespect to driver C. Assigned seating on bus
· Putting any part of the body D. Suspension from bus 1 to 5 days
out of the window
· Spitting on or out of bus E. After school detention
· Use of foul, obscene or F. Change in bus assignment
objectionable language
or gestures among students G. Out of school suspension
· Roughhousing H. Any appropriate provisions of
individual building discipline
policy
