STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT

STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT.......................................... 28

Discipline Management Techniques....................................... 28

Discipline Procedures............................................................. 28

Expectations........................................................................... 29

Jurisdiction............................................................................. 29

GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................... 30

Alcohol and Drug Use............................................................. 30

Assaults.................................................................................. 30

Care of School Property......................................................... 31

Disruptions.............................................................................. 31

Dress Code............................................................................. 31

Hazing.................................................................................... 32

Prior Review........................................................................... 32

Publications and Prior Review............................................... 32

Sexual Harassment / Sexual Abuse....................................... 33

Tardiness................................................................................ 33

Weapons................................................................................ 33

GENERAL MISCONDUCT VIOLATIONS........................................... 34

REMOVAL FROM THE REGULAR EDUCATIONAL SETTING............. 36

Discretionary Removal........................................................... 36

Formal Removal..................................................................... 36

Suspension............................................................................. 36

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program........................... 36

Mandatory DAEP Referral............................................... 38

Optional DAEP Referral.................................................. 39

Expulsion................................................................................ 42

Mandatory Expulsion...................................................... 43

Optional Expulsion......................................................... 44

GLOSSARY.................................................................................... 45

STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT

DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

The following discipline management techniques may be used – alone or in combination – for misbehavior violating the Student Code of Conduct of campus or classroom rules:

· Verbal correction.

· Cooling-off time of “time-out.”

· Seating changes within the classroom.

· Counseling by teachers, counselors, or administrative personnel.

· Parent-teacher conferences.

· Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process.

· Rewards or demerits.

· Behavioral contracts.

· Detention.

· After school community service.

· In school suspension/community service.

· Recommendation for expulsion.

· Sending the student to the office or other assigned area, or to in-school suspension.

· Out-of-school suspension.

· Placement in a disciplinary Alternative Education Program.

· Assigned school duties such as scrubbing desks or picking up litter.

· Withdrawal of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities and eligibility for seeking and holding honorary offices, and/or membership in school-sponsored clubs of organizations.

· Techniques or penalties identified in individual student organizations’ extracurricular standards of behavior.

· Withdrawal or restriction of bus privileges.

· School-assessed and school-administered probation.

· Corporal punishment.

· Referral to outside agency and/or legal authority for criminal prosecution in addition to disciplinary measures imposed by the District.

· Other strategies and consequences as specified by the Student Code of Conduct.

In School Suspension (ISS)

The disciplinary measure of In School Suspension is an intermediate measure by

which the student is isolated from the remainder of the class. The student is

under the supervision of an administrator or his designee. ISS is normally for a

minimum period of three days for the first assignment or longer periods of time

for successive assignments.

The objective of ISS is to provide an appropriate educational setting for a student

who has been a disruptive element in his normal setting. Isolation from peers and teachers allows the student time to reevaluate his past behavior and determine goals for his future behavior. Failure to respond in a positive manner to the ISS program may lead to more severe consequences.

The rationale for using ISS as opposed to home suspension or expulsion is that enables the home campus personnel to continue working with the student.

The student serving ISS is given all of his regular assignments. Upon completion of assignments, and a conference with the principal, the student may be reassigned to regular classes and there will be no academic penalties.

Each handicapped student’s IEP shall indicate if this program can appropriately be used. The IEP shall specify what disciplinary measures can be used for offenses that would normally warrant as assignment to an alternative education program.

Parental questions or complaints regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the teacher or campus administration, as appropriate and in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). A copy of this policy may be obtained from the principal’s office or the central administration office. Consequences will not be deferred pending the outcome of a grievance.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

When imposing discipline, district personnel shall adhere to the following general guidelines:

· Discipline shall be administered when necessary to protect students, school employees, or property and maintain essential order. All discipline is administered to insure a climate in which

· all students can pursue their academic career.

· Students shall be treated fairly and equitably. Discipline shall be based on a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include:

A. Seriousness of the offense

B. Student’s age

C. Frequency of misconduct

D. Students’ attitude

E. Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment

F. Statutory requirements

Minor offenses: Any violation of the Code of Conduct that is not listed as a serious offense is considered a minor offense.

In general, discipline will be designed to correct misconduct and to encourage all students to adhere to their responsibilities as citizens of the school community. Disciplinary action will draw on the professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques. Disciplinary action will be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment, and statutory requirements.

The District will take into consideration self-defense as a factor in a decision to order suspension, removal to a DAEP, or expulsion. (See glossary)

The District may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the Student Code of Conduct. These rules may be posted in classrooms or given to the student and may or may not constitute violations of the Student Code of Conduct. For rule violations that are not also violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the teacher is not required to make a Student Code of conduct violation report, and the principal is not required to notify parents.

Because of these factors, discipline for a particular offense (unless otherwise specified by law) may bring into consideration varying techniques and responses.

EXPECTATIONS

Each student is expected to:

· Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not.

· Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.

· Attend all classes regularly and on time.

· Prepare for each class, and take appropriate materials and assignments to class.

· Meet District or campus standards of grooming and dress.

· Obey all campus and classroom rules.

· Respect the rights and privileges of other students and of teachers and other district staff.

· Respect the property of others, including district property and facilities.

· Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

· Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

JURISDICTION

A student, whose behavior shows disrespect for others, including interference with learning and a safe environment will be subject to disciplinary action.

School rules and the authority of the District to administer discipline apply whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-sponsored activities.

The District has disciplinary authority over a student:

· during the regular school day or while the student is going to and from school on District transportation.

· during lunch periods in which a student is allowed to leave campus.

· for certain mandatory DAEP and discretionary expulsion offenses, within 300 feet of school property as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line;

· while the student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location.

· for any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.

· for any mandatory expulsion offense committed while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity of another district in Texas;

· when retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location.

· when the student commits a felony, as provided by Texas Education Code 37.006 or 37.0081; and

· when a criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event.

The District has the right to search a vehicle driven to school by a student and parked on school property whenever there is reasonable cause to believe it contains articles or materials prohibited by the District.

The District has the right to search a student’s locker whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that it contains articles or materials prohibited by the District.

A school administrator will report crimes as required by law. A school administrator who suspects that a crime has been committed on campus will call local law enforcement.

The District has the right to revoke the transfer of a transfer student for violating the District’s Student Code of Conduct.

The District may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the Student Code of conduct. These rules may be posted in classrooms or given to the student and may or may not also constitute violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

No student shall possess, use, transmit. Or attempt to possess, use or transmit, or be under the influence of any of the following substances on school premises at a school-related activity, function or event.

1. Any controlled substances or dangerous drug a defined by law, without regard to amount, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.

2. Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.

3. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance for inhalation.

4. Any other intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drug.

“Use” means a student had smoked, ingested, injected, imbibed, inhaled, drunk, or otherwise taken internally a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical appearance, actions, breath, or speech.

Under the influence” means a student’s faculties are noticeably impaired, but the student need not be legally intoxicated.

The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above listed substances is also prohibited under this rule. A student who uses a drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically for that student’s use shall not be considered to have violated this rule.

Drug and/or alcohol use or possession on a school campus is a serious offense and will not be tolerated at Paradise I.S.D. Violation of this policy will comply with consequences established by Senate Bill 1 and site-based committee.

The Paradise I.S.D. staff and School Board are concerned about the safety of each student at Paradise. In light of the problems faced at other schools in the Metroplex, we feel that a strong statement of our students to be drug free is in order. Paradise I.S.D. is implementing a testing program that is mandatory for all student athletes.

The district will pay for the drug test for any student grades 7-12 who is required to be tested, or who would like to volunteer to be tested. Each student tested drug and alcohol free will receive a card to that effect.

Any student testing positive to drugs or alcohol will face a 30 school day probation period in which they can not compete in extra-curricular activities. They will also be required to attend counseling to help prevent a reoccurrence. If you feel that the test results are invalid, you can have a re-test at the expense of the parent. If your child is on medication that shows up positive on the test, a doctor’s verification can be used to clear the student. A 5% random testing of students will occur periodically after the initial testing.

For any student testing positive to drugs and alcohol, the school discipline procedure is defined in Senate Bill I. It includes 30 days in AEP (Alternative Education Program) and counseling for the first offense. A second offense will result in 60 day placement in AEP and counseling. The student will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities during that time.

ASSAULTS

Students are prohibited from assaulting anyone on school property or at any school related event.

An assault is defined as:

· Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person

· Intentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent bodily injury

· Intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another when the student knows or should reasonably believe that the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students shall not vandalize or otherwise damage or deface any property, including furniture and other equipment, belonging to or used by the district or district schools.

DISRUPTIONS

No student or group of students acting in concert may willfully engage in disruptive activities or disrupt a lawful assembly on the campus or property of any school in the district. Disruptive activity means:

1. Obstructing or restraining the passage of persons in a exit, entrance, or hallways of any building without the authorization of the administration of; the school.

2. Seizing control of any building or portion of a building for the purpose of interfering with any administrative, educational, research, or other authorized activity.

3. Preventing or attempting to prevent by force or violence, or the threat of violence in any lawful assembly authorized by the school administration.

4. Disrupting by force or violence or the threat of force or violence, a lawful assembly in

progress.

5. Obstructing or restraining the passage of any person at an exit or entrance to said campus or property or preventing or attempting to prevent by force or violence or by threats thereof the entrance or exit of any person to or from said property or campus without the authorization of the administration of the school.

A lawful assembly is disrupted when any person in attendance is rendered incapable of participation in the assembly due to the sue of force or violence or due to reasonable fear that force or violence is likely to occur. Conduct by students, either in or out of class, that for any reason-whether because of time, place, or manner of behavior-materially disrupts class work or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the right of other students or employees at school related activities is prohibited.

Student demonstrations and similar activities shall be prohibited when there is evidence that may

Reasonably lead school authorities to forecast substantial disruption of, or material interference with, normal school operations of approved school activities.

DRESS CODE

The District's dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. The administration will have the discretion to limit any other dress and grooming that is deemed inappropriate or distracting. Students and parents may determine a student's personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following guidelines:

1. Students may wear loose fitting, hemmed shorts, skorts and culottes (no wind-shorts or inappropriately worn gym shorts). The length must be no shorter than the longest fingertip when arms are extended and hands held flat against the leg. Due to growth and development of students, fingertip length may be deemed inappropriate at the administrator’s discretion.

2. Halter tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, tube tops, undergarments worn as outer wear, or cut or torn articles of clothing will not be allowed. Any garment that shows any inappropriate part of the body due to sitting, bending, or raising hands and are a distraction to the educational process will not be allowed.

3. No caps, hats, headbands, bandannas or headwear may be worn in any building on campus during school hours. When taken up, they become property of the principal. School issued caps may be placed in the athletic dressing area.

4. No clothing may be inappropriately worn or contain inappropriate pictures, slogans or advertisements. (Example - overalls must be fastened at all times appropriately.)

5. Underclothing, boxer shorts, etc. needs to remain unseen. Bike shorts, spandex, and Lycra may be worn only as an undergarment.

6. Body piercing adornments are limited to female ears. Inappropriate, excessive, or distracting jewelry will be removed upon request. (example: wristbands, more than two necklaces or bracelets.)

7. Skirts, dresses and slits in the skirts and dresses must be no shorter than the longest fingertip when arms are extended and hands held flat against the leg. Due to growth and development of students, fingertip length may be deemed inappropriate at the administrator’s discretion.

8. No facial hair allowed for students. (Mustaches, beards, etc.) Sideburns must be no longer than the bottom of the ear.

9. Hair length for males must be cut and even (with no tails or braids) where the total length must be above the top collar of a dress shirt and above the ear. Hair length must not obscure vision and must be well groomed.

10. Hair must be a naturally occurring human hair color without striping.

11. Tattoos must be covered at all times.

12. Shoes will be worn at all times, properly fastened. House shoes are prohibited.

13. Sunglasses are not permitted.

14. Chains, ropes, cords, or other items that could be used as a weapon or are deemed a health or safety hazard will not be brought to school or school sponsored activities on or off school premises.

15. Pant, jeans and shorts will be fitted or belted at the normal waist level (no baggy, saggy styles or ones with oversized bell-bottoms). Students who violate this rule may be required to tuck in their shirt.

HAZING

Hazing includes any willful act done by a student, either individually or with others, to another student for the purpose of subjecting the other student to indignity, humiliation, intimidation, physical abuse or threats of abuse, social or other ostracism, shame, or disgrace. Students shall have prior approval from the Principal or his designee for any type of “initiation rites” of a school club or organization. No student shall engage in any form of hazing nor shall any student encourage or assist any other person in hazing (this includes sexual harassment).

PRIOR REVIEW

All students publications and other written material intended for distribution to students shall be submitted for prior review according to the following procedures:

· Material shall be submitted to the building principal or a designee for review.

· The principal or a designee shall approve or disapprove submitted material within

· twenty-four hours of the time the material is received. Failure to act within the twenty four-hour period shall be interpreted as disapproval.

· The student may appeal disapproval to the superintendent, who shall decide the appeal within three days of its receipt. Failure of the Superintendent to act within the three-day period shall be interpreted as disapproval.

PUBLICATIONS AND PRIOR REVIEW

Distribution of written materials may be restricted, subjected to the following guidelines:

· Distribution may be limited in order to prevent interference with normal school operations in circumstances where there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that disruption will likely result directly from the distribution.

· Reasonable administrative regulations as to the time, place, and manner of distribution may be prescribed to promote orderly administration of school activities by preventing disruption, but shall not be designed to stifle expression.

· Content of the materials to be distributed shall conform to the following standards:

A. Materials that are sexually inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience

or that endorse actions endangering the health and safety of students shall not be distributed.

B. Material may not be forbidden if portions or specific language objected to may also be found in material that is made available to students through school facilities, I.E., the school library or reading assigned by the teachers.

C. Libelous material may be prohibited from distribution.

D. Publications that criticize board members or school officials or advocate violation of school rules may be prohibited when there is evidence than reasonably supports a forecast that material and substantial disruption of normal school operations will result from the publication. Advocacy directed toward action inciting or producing imminent lawless or disruptive action and that is likely to incite or produce such action shall be restricted.

E. Hate literature that attracts ethnic, religious, or racial groups, and similar responsible publications aimed at creating hostility and violence may be banned. Only

material that could reasonably support a forecast of material and substantial disruption of normal school operations is affected by this restriction.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT/SEXUAL ABUSE

The district believes that every student has the right to attend school and school related activities free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. The district considers sexual harassment of students to be serious and will consider the full range of disciplinary options, up to and including expulsion, according to the nature of the offense.

All students are expected to treat one another courteously, with respect for the other person’s feelings’, to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. All students are prohibited from engaging in offensive verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by work, gesture, or any other intimidating sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors, that the other student regards a offensive or provocative.

Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in this area with the teacher, the coach, the counselor, the principal, or designee, or the superintendent, who serves as the District’s Title IX coordinator for students.

A complaint alleging sexual harassment by another student or sexual harassment or sexual abuse by a staff member may be presented by a student and/or parent in a conference with the principal or designee or with the Title IX coordinator. The first conference with the student will be held by a person who is the same gender as the student. The conference will be scheduled and held as soon as possible within five days of the request. The principal or Title IX coordinator will coordinate an appropriate investigation, which ordinarily will be completed within 10 days. The student or parent will be informed if extenuating circumstances delay completion of the investigation. The student will not be required to present a complaint to a person who is the subject of the complaint. If the resolution of the complaint is not satisfactory to the student or parent, the student or parent may request a conference within 10 days with the superintendent or designee by following the procedure set out in Board Policy FNCJ (local). If the resolution by the superintendent or designee is not satisfactory, the student or parent may present the complaint to the Board as provided by policy.

TARDINESS:

Junior, and High School

Junior High and High School students who are late to class without an excuse are considered to have an unexcused tardy and the parents will be contacted by the office for the first tardy. Second tardy is lunch detention. Third tardy will be assigned after-school detention. After the third tardy and every tardy thereafter, the student will be assigned to ISS. Further violations will carry the same penalty / consequences for the remainder of the semester. Tardiness after the first 25 minutes of any class period is counted as an absence.

Elementary and Intermediate students are tardy up to 10:00. After this time, a student will be counted absent.

Elementary Tardy Policy

(The first unexcused tardy at the beginning of each semester will not be calculated.)

1^st Warning to student- Pulls a card in the classroom