2017-2018 Student Handbook

The following violations of the Code of Student Conduct and School Board policy shall be grounds for suspension: 1. Abusive Language and/or Behavior 2. Bomb Threats/False Fire Alarm 3. Cheating/Plagiarizing/Forgery 4. Conduct on School Bus 5. Disruptive Behavior 6. Dress 7. Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Related Violations 8. Hazing/Assault and Battery 9. Property Damage/Vandalism/Theft 10. Sexual Harassment of Students 11. Student Organizations (Gang Activity) 12. Skipping Class/Leaving School without Permission 13. Threats Against Employees, Student, or Other Persons 14. Trespassing/Unauthorized Presence 15. Weapons/Firearms/Destructive Devices/Look Alike Weapons C. Authority Each school principal, assistant principal or designated teacher is delegated authority to suspend a student when, in their judgment, this action is required. In the exercise of this authority, the principal, or a designee, is subject to all provisions of law and of this policy. D. Duration and Procedure 1. Short-term - The principal or designee may suspend a student from school for not more than ten (10) days. The principal may terminate any period of suspension at an earlier time when a parent or guardian complies with the request for a conference. 2. Long-term - The principal shall submit a recommendation for the long-term suspension of a student to the superintendent. This recommendation shall include all supporting information for the recommendation. The costs of any community-based educational program, or alternative education program, or educational option, which is not part of the educational program offered by the school division, shall be paid by the parent of the student. A Disciplinary Hearing Panel of school administrators will be appointed to review the Long-Term Suspension recommendation. This panel will meet with the student, the student's parent(s), and the administrator(s) making the recommendation. The Disciplinary Panel will review options available to the school system and will make an advisory recommendation to the superintendent. The superintendent will review all information and recommendations and may recommend long-term suspension. See page 13 for procedures to follow for students with disabilities. E. Notice of Suspension The notice of suspension should be completed with one copy given to the student, one copy mailed to the parent or legal guardian, one copy sent to the superintendent and one copy retained by the school. The space on the suspension notice designated for the principal's statement must include: 1. Charges or reasons for suspension. 2. Evidence to support charges. 3. A statement to the effect that the student has been informed of the reasons for suspension and given an opportunity to reply to the charge or charges before the suspension is effective. 4. Length of suspension. 5. Notice if parental conference is necessary before a student is reinstated. 6. Information concerning the availability of community-based or alternative educational programs and intervention programs.

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