1. Opening Activities

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The mission of the Warren County School District is to educationally empower all students to think critically and solve problems through a rigorous curriculum that will provide them with the skills necessary to graduate and pursue a career of their interest.

Executive Summary

2. New Business

Financial Reports

 

Authority

 

It is the duty of the Board to ensure that all children living within its jurisdiction have an equal opportunity to receive a free and appropriate education and to require school attendance by all children living within the District, as prescribed by law.  

 

The educational program offered by the District is predicated upon the presence of the student in school.  In order for students to benefit from planned educational activities and classroom participation, it is essential that regular attendance be maintained. 

 

Definitions

 

“School age” shall be defined as the period from the earliest admission age for the District's kindergarten program until graduation from high school or the end of the school term in which a student reaches the age of twenty-one (21) years, whichever occurs first.

 

“District of residence” shall be defined as the school district in which a student's parents/guardians reside.

 

“Compulsory school age,” shall be defined as the period of a child's life from the time the child enters school, which shall be not later than at the age of eight (8) years, until the age of seventeen (17) years. The term shall not include any child who holds a certificate of graduation from a regularly accredited senior high school.

 

Right to Attend Public School

 

The District shall enroll school age students eligible to attend District schools, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Board policy and administrative regulations.

        

For purposes of the above definition of “school age,” in order to meet the earliest admission age for the District’s kindergarten program, the student must be five-years-old before the first day of school of the school year in which admission is sought 5 years of age on or before July 1.  No early admission shall be permitted. 

 

In order to be eligible for first grade as a beginner, or otherwise, the student must be six-years-old before the first day of school of the school year in which admission is sought 6 years of age on or before July 1.  No early admission shall be permitted.

 

Enrollment Requirements

 

School age resident students and eligible nonresident students shall be entitled to attend District schools.

 

The District shall not enroll a student until the parent/guardian has submitted proof of the student's age, residence, and immunizations and a completed Parent Registration Statement, as required by the applicable law and regulations.

 

The District shall administer a home language survey to all students enrolling in District schools for the first time.

 

The District shall normally enroll a school age, eligible student the next business day, but no later than five (5) business days after application.

 

The District shall not inquire about the immigration status of a student as part of the enrollment process, nor shall any child’s right to be admitted to school be conditioned on the child’s immigration status. 

 

Enrollment requirements and administrative regulations shall apply to nonresident students approved to attend District schools, in accordance with Board policy, by the Superintendent.

 

Residency Eligibility

 

When the parents of a student reside in different school districts, the student may attend school in the district of residence of the parent with whom the student lives for the majority of the time, unless a court order or court approved custody agreement specifies otherwise.

 

If the parents of a student share joint custody and time is evenly divided, the parents may choose which of the two (2) school districts the student will enroll in for the school year.

 

If the student is an emancipated minor, the resident school district shall be the one in which the student is then living.

 

Homeless students shall be enrolled immediately by the District in accordance with current federal and state regulations and Policy 10140.

 

The Superintendent or his/her designee is empowered to develop administrative procedures, in compliance with state requirements, which guarantee the right of every school-age resident student and eligible nonresident student to attend the public school.

 

A student’s assigned school shall be the school located in his/her attendance area unless special programs, services or facilities necessitate assignment to another building. 

 

Non-Resident Students

 

Non-resident students of school age who are living with and under the supervision of a District resident shall be entitled to the same educational programs and services as those enjoyed by resident students providing that authorization and an appropriate agreement with the non-resident student’s home district is in place. 

 

The Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall require that appropriate legal documentation showing dependency or guardianship or a sworn statement of full residential support be filed with the appropriate building Principal before an eligible nonresident student may be accepted as a student in District schools. The Superintendent, or his/her designee, may require a resident to submit additional, reasonable information to substantiate a sworn statement, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Education.  The Superintendent, or his/her designee, reserves the right to verify claims of residency, dependency and guardianship and to remove from school attendance a nonresident student whose claim is invalid.

 

If information contained in the sworn statement of residential support is found to be false, the student shall be removed from school after notice is given of an opportunity to appeal the student's removal.  The District shall not be responsible for transportation to or from school for any nonresident student residing outside District boundaries.

 

Tuition rates shall be determined in accordance with statute. Tuition shall be charged monthly, in advance of attendance.

 

Nonresident Children Placed In The District

 

Any child placed in the home of a District resident by a court or government agency shall be admitted to District schools and shall receive the same benefits and be subject to the same responsibilities as resident children.

 

Other Nonresident Students

 

A nonresident student may be admitted to District schools without payment of tuition where attendance is justified on the grounds that the student lives full-time and not just for the school year with District residents who have assumed legal dependency or guardianship or full residential support of the student.

 

The category of “non-resident students” includes school-aged students residing in foster homes or an institution or other facility within the District.

 

The Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall develop procedures for the enrollment of nonresident students which:

 

1.  Admit such students only on proper application and submission of required documentation by the parent/guardian.

2.  Verify claims of residency.

3.  Do not exclude any eligible student on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or handicap/disability.

4.  Deny admission where the educational facilities or program maintained for District students is inadequate to meet the needs of the applicant.

5.  Make continued enrollment of any nonresident student contingent upon maintaining established standards of attendance, discipline and academics.

6.  Outline the appeal procedure relative to the removal of a student

 

Absences from School

 

Students shall be excused from school only for absences which are stipulated as “excusable” in the school code.  When a student is absent from school for reasons which are not consistent with “excused absences” in the school code, the absences shall be recognized as “unlawful” for students of compulsory school age and “unexcused.” for students beyond compulsory school age.  The District shall maintain procedures and attendance/absence records in compliance with the school code.

 

Excessive Absences

 

The District has a responsibility to investigate excessive absences by students.  This applies to students of compulsory school age as well as those beyond compulsory school age.  A Doctor’s excuse shall be requested when excessive absences occur.  Students beyond compulsory school age may not be maintained on District rolls when they do not attend school regularly.  The District shall maintain procedures regarding truancy and for investigating excessive absences

 

Withholding Academic Credit

 

Academic credit may not be withheld solely on the basis of excessive absences.

 

 

Adoption Date     -     September 13, 1999

Revision Date      -     October 11, 2010; January 10, 2011; August 12, 2013;

January 11, 2016; ___________, 2017

Review Date       -    

Legal Reference  -      School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 501, 502, 1301, 1302,

1303a, 1305, 1306, 1306.2, 1309, 1310, 1316, 1326, 2503, 2561

                                                     

State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 11.11, 11.12, 11.14, 11.15, 11.18, 11.19, 11.41, 12.1

 

Pa. Dept. of Educ. BEC §13-1301 – §13-1306 (2009); Pa. Dept. of Educ. BEC §5-503 (2000)

 

Cross Reference

 

1.     In order to provide a safe and effective learning environment, the District must maintain discipline in the face of student misconduct.  This policy
is intended to provide a general outline and code for the manner in which discipline will be handled.  The student is reminded that this Discipline Policy does not stand alone.  Other District policy sections also relate to student conduct, including but not limited to the Student Search Policy and the Co-Curricular Activities Policy.

 

The District acknowledges that student discipline (including suspensions and expulsions) is governed by Title 22, Chapter 12 of the Pennsylvania Code.  It is the District’s Policy that all discipline (and specifically suspensions and expulsions) shall be administered in accordance with Title 22, Chapter 12 of the Pennsylvania Code, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

2.     SCOPE OF THIS DISCIPLINE CODE

 

This code will govern behavior and circumstances that occur during school or school sponsored activities, when a student is under the supervision of the school, on District property (when there is a nexus to the school day or a school sponsored activity; or the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the operation of the school, or the administration reasonably anticipates that the conduct is likely to cause a substantial disruption to the operation of the school), and during the time necessarily spent going to or returning from school or school sponsored activities.  Additionally, this policy may apply to conduct that does not occur during school or school sponsored activities, when a student is under the supervision of the school, on District property, or during the time necessarily spent going to or returning from school or school sponsored activities, if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the operation of the school, or the administration reasonably anticipates that the conduct is likely to cause a substantial disruption to the operation of the school. 

 

This code gives a general description as to consequences that the District will impose through its system of discipline.  The student should be aware that in addition to the consequences of this code the student may also be subject to criminal prosecution for misconduct that rises to the criminal level.

 

3.     HOW TO UNDERSTAND THIS CODE

 

Described in the paragraphs below are general categories of misconduct.  For the most part, these categories are described in one or two words; the categories are intended to be very general in nature and broad in their scope.  When a student is disciplined for misconduct, the consequence of the misconduct will usually be the consequence(s) set forth in numerical order under the applicable general category.  When more than one category applies, the District may impose discipline under the category or categories it believes most applicable.

 

The discipline outline herein will be carried out in accordance with the laws of Pennsylvania.  However, this code cannot anticipate every possible circumstance or type of misconduct.  Therefore, this code is intended to serve as a general guide applicable to most, but not all situations.  For certain infractions, it is explicitly stated that discipline greater than or less than the identified discipline can be imposed.  However, even if not explicitly stated, greater or lesser discipline, alternative referrals, or other alternatives or action not necessarily set forth herein may be taken or imposed, depending upon the circumstance of the infraction.

 

The student must be aware that the District cannot police every instance of misconduct.  Because the District does not impose discipline upon a student for misconduct is no reason to believe that the District will not impose discipline for the same misconduct the next time it occurs.  When two or more students are involved in misconduct, the fact that the District does not impose discipline upon one of those students is no reason to believe that the District will not impose discipline upon the other student(s).

 

In addition to the discipline described below, the student is advised that the District may also confiscate any items used in association with misconduct (such as tobacco, cheat sheets, weapons, diskettes, beepers, telephone, alcohol, etc.).  The student is also advised that student misconduct will also result in police notification if, at the District’s discretion, the misconduct rises to the level of criminal behavior or if police notification is required by law.

 

From time to time the consequences listed below include the phrase “or other disciplinary action”.  That phrase is intended to include suspension, expulsion, or referral to the hearing officer.  Other disciplinary measures, including but not necessarily limited to detention, community service, restitution, educational project, letters of apology, and/or referrals for counseling or to a Student Assistance Program (SAP), may be substituted for and/or added to the consequences described below at the discretion of the building administrator.

 

If the duration of a suspension or expulsion continues through the last day of the school year in which the student will graduate, the building administrator will review the case to determine participation in graduation. 

 

Special education students will be disciplined under this policy, subject to the requirements of State and Federal guidelines.  The Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent or his/her designee to develop administrative procedures with respect to the discipline of special education students. 

 

4.     MISCONDUCT GOVERNED BY THIS POLICY

 

A.     ASSIGNMENT CUTS

 

1.      Assignment Cut (class, study hall, lunch, etc.)

 

........ #1 Offense – Student/principal conference and/or disciplinary action

........ #2 Offense – Student/parent/principal conference and/or disciplinary action

........ #3 Offense – 1 day suspension

........ #4 Offense – 2 days suspension

........ #5 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline. 

 

2.      Assignment Cut (2 or more assignments), truancy, or skipping school)

 

                 ........ #1 Offense – Student/parent/principal conference and/or disciplinary action

                 ........ #2 Offense – 1 day suspension

                 ........ #3 Offense – 2 days suspension

                 ........ #4 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

B.     INSUBORDINATION – DISRESPECT

 

Category I

                

Refusal to comply with a directive given by an employee of the District, when such refusal does not create a substantial disruption to the school environment or degrade a District employee.  Examples may include but are not limited to sleeping in class, not sitting down when asked, and refusing to do work.

 

........ #1 Offense – Warning

........ #2 Offense – Warning and parents will be notified

........ #3 Offense – Student/parent/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #4 Offense – 1 to 3 days suspension

........ #5 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

Category II

 

Refusal to comply with a directive given by an employee of the District when such refusal creates a substantial disruption to the school environment or degrades a District employee.

 

........ #1 Offense – Student/parent/teacher conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #2 Offense – 1 day suspension

........ #3 Offense – 1 to 3 days suspension

........ #4 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

Any act of disrespect by a student towards a District employee or an affiliate of the District, or towards any such person’s property which occurs at any time and which is linked to that individual’s association with the District will be subject to disciplinary action according to this subsection. 

 

       

C.     DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

 

........ #1 Offense – Student/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #2 Offense – Student/parent/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #3 Offense – 1 day suspension

........ #4 Offense – 1 to 3 days suspension

........ #5 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

D(1). USE OR POSSESSION OF TOBACCO (LIGHTED OR UNLIGHTED CIGARETTE, CIGAR, PIPE OR OTHER SMOKING PRODUCT OR MATERIAL AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO IN ANY FORM). 

 

........ #1 Offense – 1 day suspension

........ #2 Offense – 3 days suspension

........ #3 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

D(2).  USE OR POSSESSION OF A VAPOR PRODUCT (THE TERM “VAPOR PRODUCT” IS DEFINED IN POLICY 1420, AND THE DEFINITION IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE).

 

........ #1 Offense – 1 day suspension

........ #2 Offense – 3 days suspension

........ #3 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

Greater Discipline, including expulsion, may be imposed if a vapor device contains a substance other than nicotine that  falls under Section E of this Discipline Code. 

 

E.      ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

 

Students are prohibited from using, being under the influence of, possessing or transporting, or dispensing (by sale or gift) any of the following  during school or school sponsored activities, when a student is under the supervision of the school, on District property, or during the time necessarily spent going to or returning from school or school sponsored activities:

 

1)      Alcoholic or malt beverage

2)      Any substance regarded as controlled or illegal under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

3)      Any look-alike substance intended to mimic any substance described in the preceding sentence

4)      Any mechanical device (such as pot pipe, syringe, or needle) capable of utilization for taking any substance regarded as controlled or illegal

5)      Any other medication – For purposes of this section, the term “medication” shall include all prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications.

6)      Any other substance capable of causing or taken for the purpose of achieving a “high” or other altered state

 

Nothing in this section is intended to discipline or punish any student who is in proper possession of or who properly utilizes medication or a mechanical device in accordance with the District’s “Administration of Medications” policy.  Any violation of this section will result in notification of parents or guardians.  For any violation of this section concerning usage, being under the influence, possession, or transportation of alcohol or drugs (as defined in items 1 through 6 listed above), a student will be subject to the following discipline:

 

........ #1 Offense – Suspension for 3 to 10 school days and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline; required parental conference; and referral to Student Assistance Program.

 

........ #2 Offense – Suspension for 10 school days; referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.  A parent conference will also be required, and intervention/ assistance will be provided through either a referral to a school-designated drug counselor or a referral to an appropriate drug and alcohol program.

 

Less severe, or more severe, discipline may be imposed depending on the type and/or quantity of drugs or alcohol that the student uses, possesses, transports, or is under the influence of.

 

For any violation of this section concerning dispensing of alcohol or drugs (as defined in items 1 through 6 listed above), a student will receive a three to ten day suspension and be referred to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline, with expulsion from school for a period of not less than one year as the most likely consequence for any case that is referred to the hearing officer.  A parent conference is required.  Help will be provided through the mandated appointment(s) with a school designated drug counselor or referral to an appropriate drug and alcohol program.

 

If a student is expelled for a drug and alcohol violation, the Board shall require, prior to readmission, that the student provide sufficient evidence (to the District’s satisfaction) that the student has received appropriate intervention/assistance relative to the drug and/or alcohol violation.

 

F.      FIGHTING

       

........ #1 Offense – 1 day suspension

........ #2 Offense – 3 days suspension

........ #3 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline. 

 

G.     POSSESSION OF A WEAPON* (knife, gun, martial arts items, explosives, etc.

 

1)      Weapon defined:  “Weapon” for the purpose of this policy “shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, rifle, or any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting personal bodily injury.”*

 

2)      Discipline defined:  For any violation of this section, a student may be suspended and (unless a Stipulation of Discipline is recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board that does not impose an expulsion) shall be referred to the hearing officer for an expulsion hearing in accordance with Act 26.  Act 26 generally provides that the District “shall expel, for a period of not less than one year, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon onto, is in possession of, or uses a weapon on any school property, any school sponsored activity, or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity.”  The Superintendent may recommend modifications of such expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.  Any violation of the District’s weapons policy shall also result in a required parental conference and a required referral to the Student Assistance Program.

 

3)     The provisions of this policy shall not apply to the following:

 

a.      A weapon being used as a part of a program by a school or by an individual who is participating in the program; or

b.      A weapon that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school property for the purpose of obtaining access to public or private lands used for lawful hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities.”

 

4)      Procedure:  All provisions of Act 26 of 1995 will be applicable in the administration of this policy

 

H.    TARDINESS TO AN ASSIGNMENT (class, study hall, lunch, etc.)

 

........ #1 Offense – Teacher records tardy and counsels student.

........ #2 Offense – Teacher records tardy and counsels student.  Teacher initiates a warning letter to the parent with a building administrator co-signing the letter.

........ #3 Offense – Teacher refers student to the guidance counselor/building administrator who initiates a letter to the parents.

........ #4 Offense – Teacher refers matter to the building administrator.  Appropriate disciplinary action to be taken at the discretion of the building administrator.  If tardiness persists, referral may be made to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

I.       FORGERY OF A SIGNATURE OR ALTERATION OF A DOCUMENT

 

........ #1 Offense – Conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #2 Offense – 1 to 3 days suspension

........ #3 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension

........ #4 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.   

 

J.       STEALING OF SCHOOL PROPERTY OR THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS

 

........ #1 Offense – conference and up to 3 days suspension

........ #2 Offense – 1 to 10 days suspension

........ #3 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension

........ #4 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.   

 

Restitution must be made in each case.

 

K.     STUDENT HARASSMENT

       

........ #1 Offense – Student/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #2 Offense – Student/parent/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #3 Offense – 1 to 3 days suspension

........ #4 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension

........ #5 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.   

 

K.1.  BULLYING

                

Bullying defined:  An intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

 

........ 1)      Causing substantial interference with a student’s education;

........ 2)      Creating a threatening environment;

........ 3)      Causing substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

 

Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber-bullying.

 

The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by District students.

 

Students who have been bullied should promptly report such incidents to the building principal.

 

The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified.  Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District’s legal and investigative obligations.  No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.

 

The District may develop and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs and shall annually provide the required information on bullying as a part of the Safe School Report. 

 

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this bullying policy is reviewed annually with students. The Superintendent or his/her designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators, shall review this bullying policy every 3 years and recommend necessary revisions to the Board. 

 

This policy shall be accessible in every classroom.  The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within each school building and on the district web site, if available.

 

........ #1 Offense – Student/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #2 Offense – Student/parent/principal conference and/or other disciplinary action

........ #3 Offense – 1 to 3 days suspension; counseling within the school

........ #4 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension; counseling within the school

........ #5 Offense – 3 to 10 days suspension and referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

Transfer to another school building, classroom, or school bus may also be imposed if deemed necessary by the building administrator. 

 

K.2   HAZING

                

Any student that violates Policy 10960 (with respect to hazing) shall be subject to discipline that may include, but is not limited to, suspension, referral to the Hearing Officer (if expulsion is the recommended discipline), or temporary or permanent removal from the sport (or other school sponsored activity) during which the hazing occurred.  Depending on the nature of the infraction, a student/parent/principal conference and/or counseling within the school may also be required. 

 

L.      FAILURE TO BRING AN EXCUSE TO SCHOOL WITHIN 3 DAYS OF ABSENCE

 

1)      Such absences will be recorded as unexcused. and/or illegal.  All work missed by a student is to be completed.  It will be the decision of the building administrator as to whether the student will receive credit for the completed work.

2)      In certain circumstances the building administrator may grant an extension of time for an excuse to be brought.

3)      If the situation regarding the “failure to bring excuses” becomes excessive, the building administrator may refer the student to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

M.     DEFACING OR DAMAGING SCHOOL PROPERTY OR PROPERTY OF ANOTHER

 

1 to 10 days suspension – Possible referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline because there has been intentional, negligent, or careless defacing, damaging, or desecration of property by a student.  In addition to the foregoing, the building administrator or hearing officer may impose upon the student the responsibility of reimbursing the owner for the cost of repair or replacement of the property damaged.

 

 

N.     UNAUTHORIZED OR IMPROPER USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IN VIOLATION OF POLICY 10515

 

........ #1 Offense – Loss of driving privileges for 10 to 30 school days

........ #2 Offense – 1 day suspension + loss of driving privileges for 30 school days

........ #3 Offense – 3 days suspension + loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the school year

 

O.     BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION (MINOR OFFENSE)

 

Students must sit in assigned seats facing forward; student must follow driver’s instruction and must refrain from pushing, hitting, creating unreasonable noise or distractions, opening windows against the driver’s orders, placing hands or body out of window, harassment of persons outside the vehicle, or similar offenses that pose a hazard to the safety/welfare of other students, the driver, or persons outside the vehicle.

 

........ #1 Offense – Warning and parent will be notified

........ #2 Offense – 1 day suspension of riding privileges

........ #3 Offense – 3 day suspension of riding privileges

........ #4 Offense – 15 day suspension of riding privileges

........ #5 Offense – Suspension of riding privileges for the balance of the school year.  (A review of the case will take place after 30 school days and will include a meeting with the building administrator, parents, student, and driver.)**

 

P.      BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION (MAJOR OFFENSE)

 

Students shall refrain from fighting, damaging the vehicle, throwing objects out windows, opening any exit doors, or similar offenses that pose the threat of serious danger to the safety and welfare of students, the driver, or persons outside of the vehicle.

 

........ #1 Offense – Suspension of riding privileges for 3 to 30 days

........ #2 Offense – Suspension of riding privileges for a minimum of 30 days (A review of the case will take place after 10 school days and will include a meeting with the building administrator, parents, and driver.)**

........ #3 Offense – Suspension of riding privileges for the remainder of the school year (A review of the case will take place after 30 school days and will include a meeting with the building administrator, parents, and driver.)**

 

Students will be held responsible for damages to any school bus.

 

**The review meeting will be an opportunity for student, parents, driver, and the building administrator to discuss the suspension.  If the review reveals that the student/parents have developed an understanding of acceptable behavior, reinstatement of bus riding privileges could result.  It will be the responsibility of the parent to contact their child’s building administrator to schedule the review meeting.

 

Q.     MISCELLANEOUS INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

 

Any student who engages in inappropriate behavior, not otherwise specifically addressed in this code, including but not limited to self-destructive behavior, behavior that may be harmful to others or the property of others, or other behavior which negatively reflects the values of this discipline code or the philosophy, goals, and aims of the District, will be subject to suspension or other disciplinary action.  The discipline may include action by the building administrator as well as a possible referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

 

R.     TRANSFER STUDENT EXPELLED, FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL FOR AN ACT 26/WEAPONS OFFENSE 

 

Pursuant to 24 P.S. § 13-1317.2(e.1), a student who transfers to the District from a public or private school during a period of expulsion for an act or offense involving a weapon may be assigned to the District’s alternative education program, provided that the assignment may not exceed the period of expulsion. 

 

S.      CAUSING, ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE, THREATENING, OR PLANNING A MAJOR DISRUPTION

 

It is a violation of this Code to participate in, attempt, threaten, or plan any act which leads to, or has the reasonable potential of leading to, a major disruption of the school routine by interrupting school or a school sponsored activity, or by placing groups of students or school personnel in danger or distress.  Examples may include but are not limited to setting off, attempting to set off, threatening to set off, or planning to set off a fire alarm; making, attempting to make, threatening to make, or planning a bomb threat; setting fire, attempting to set fire, threatening to set fire, or planning to set fire to a building; and participating in, attempting, threatening, or planning any event that leads to or has the reasonable potential of leading to, the evacuation of a school building.

 

Any violation of this Section will result in a three (3) to ten (10) day suspension.  The student will be referred to the Hearing Officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.  For any student referred to the hearing officer, (i) expulsion from school shall be the most likely consequence in the event that a major disruption is attempted, planned, or threatened, but not actually caused; and or (ii) expulsion from school for a period of not less than one year shall be the most likely consequence in the event that a major disruption is actually caused.  In considering whether an expulsion will be recommended or imposed, and, if so, the length, the building administrator and hearing officer are to consider, among other factors deemed relevant, the age of the student, the forethought, and the actual disruption to the school environment.

 

T.      INVASION OF PRIVACY

 

Students should refrain from unreasonable intrusions concerning the privacy of District employees, other students, or third parties.  Invasions of privacy can include but are not limited to casting another in a false light, creating unwarranted publicity about another, obtaining information about or images of another via inappropriate means, or tampering with information concerning another.  The discipline may include action by the building administrator as well as a possible referral to the hearing officer if expulsion is the recommended discipline.

      

Adoption Date         -  August 12, 2002

Revision Dates        -  June 13, 2005

January 9, 2006

November 12, 2007

December 16, 2008

June 29, 2009

August 8, 2011

May 11, 2015

June 13, 2016

August 8, 2016

January 9, 2017

_______, 2017

Review Date          -    

Legal Reference     -   Pennsylvania Code, Title 22, Chapter 12

School Code 24 P.S. § 1302-A

24 P.S. § 1303.1-A

24 P.S. § 1317

24 P.S. § 1318

22 PA Code § 12.3

22 PA Code §12.6

22 PA Code §12.7

22 PA Code §12.8

22 PA Code §14.143

Act 26 (24 P.S. §1317.2)

20 U.S.C. §1400, et. seq.

34 C.F.R. Part 300

 

Cross Reference   -    Policies 1420, 10515, 10960

Purpose:

 

The Board recognizes that a limited number of students tend to create disruption within the school system and interfere with other students’ learning experiences. Alternative education programs are necessary to assist such students in developing skills to improve their ability to remain within the school program and to create positive attitudes regarding completion of their education.

 

The district may implement its own alternative education programs or contract with other entities for such programs.

 

Definition of “Disruptive Student” for Purposes of this Policy: 

 

A student who poses a clear threat to the safety and welfare of other students or the school staff, who creates an unsafe school environment or whose behavior materially interferes with the learning of other students or disrupts the overall education process. The disruptive student exhibits to a marked degree any or all of the following conditions:

1. Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules.
    
2. Display or use of controlled substances on school property or during school-affiliated activities.
    
3. Violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-affiliated activities.
    
4. Possession of a weapon on school property.
    
5. Commission of a criminal act on school property or during school-affiliated activities.
    
6. Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy.
    
7. Habitual truancy.

No student who is eligible for special education services pursuant to the Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act shall be deemed a disruptive student, except as provided for by law.

 

Guidelines:

1. Alternative education programs shall only be utilized for middle and high school students. Alternative education programs shall comply with state and federal laws and regulations. Student progress in alternative education programs shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated, minimally at the end of each semester, to determine the appropriateness of returning to the regular classroom.
    
2. Disruptive studentsshall be considered for placement in an alternative education programs on a case by case basis and may be  placed in an alternative education program only after the student and parents have been given an opportunity for an informal hearing or, in those cases when expulsion is a potential disciplinary action, after a formal expulsion hearing.
    
3. Temporary placement of a student in an Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Program for up to 10 days is permitted, without holding an informal hearing, if both the parent and student agree with the recommendation and the requirement for an informal hearing is waived. 
    
4. A student returning from a placement, who is on probation resulting from being adjudicated delinquent, or who has been convicted of committing a crime in an adult criminal proceeding shall be considered for placement in alternative education programs on case by case bases upon return to the district. Factors considered by the district, may include, but are not limited to, whether the incident causing the adjudication occurred at school or a school sponsored event, the student’s behavior in placement, and the recommendations of teachers and other adults, such as the juvenile probation officer and residential treatment staff, who have worked with the student. The student and parents shall be given an opportunity for an informal hearing prior to being placed in an alternative education program.
    
5. When a student transfers from a public or private school during a period of expulsion for an act or an offense involving a weapon, the district may place that student in an alternative education program, provided the assignment does not exceed the period of expulsion. The student and parents shall be given an opportunity for an informal hearing prior to being placed in an alternative education program.
    
6. A student need not be expelled to be placed in an alternative education program. Students who are expelled by the district and who are required to be provided with a free and appropriate public education by the district may be placed in an alternative education program following the formal expulsion hearing. In such instances, the Hearing Officer’s Adjudication Report relative the expulsion shall specify the alternative education program as the mechanism through which a free and appropriate public education will be provided, and a separate informal hearing shall not be required prior to placement in an alternative education program.
    
7. In those instances when the student and parents are required to be given an opportunity for an informal hearing prior to being placed in an alternative education program:
    
   1. The informal hearing shall be held to bring forth all relevant information regarding the event or series of events for which the student may be assigned to an alternative education program and for the student, her/his parents or guardians, and school officials to discuss concrete strategies for avoiding future offenses.
       
   2. Notification of the reason for the recommendation of assignment shall be given in writing to the student and her/his parents or guardians.
       
   3. Sufficient notice of the time and place of the informal hearing shall be given. If a suspension is also involved, the district shall offer to hold the informal hearing within the first 5 days of the suspension.
       
   4. The student has the right to question any witnesses present at the hearing and the student has the right to speak and produce witnesses on his/her own behalf.
       
8. If the student’s presence in the regular classroom poses a danger to persons or property or provides a disruption of academic progress, immediate placement in an alternative education program may occur with the informal hearing to follow as soon as practicable.
    
9. The alternative education program shall be utilized only when other established methods of discipline and interventions have been utilized and have failed or when the seriousness of the student’s behavior warrants immediate placement. 
    
10. An Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) State Referral will be needed prior to placement.
     
11. A student placed in the AEDY program may be referred to the Hearing Officer for further discipline if necessary.

Adoption Date

- June 28, 2012

Revision Date

- June 10, 2013

- ______, 2017

Legal Reference

- School Code - 24 P.S. §511, § 1317.2, §1901-C et. seq, §1901-E et.seq.

- 22 Ps. Code - §12.8, Ch. 14 & 15

- 20 U.S. C. §1400 Et. Seq

- 34 CFR§300.530-300.536

 

               

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