Processes for Determining Misconduct and Consequences

Character, citizenship, and integrity are an integral part of school life. Students are expected to be responsible citizens who exhibit these qualities and respect the rules that govern our community. When students fail to follow the rules, they are held accountable for their actions.

Students who disregard school rules will accept the natural or logical consequences expected in response to their misconduct. Depending on the severity of their misconduct students with the guidance of the Vice Principal will develop a personal action plan to repair the damage inflicted either on themselves, others or the environment. The action plan will include the logical consequences presented in detail below which are based on the frequency and severity of the misbehavior.

Throughout the academic year the V.P. will guide, and monitor the implementation of student action plans as well as hold reflective student meetings to evaluate the learning outcomes. Action plans will address all logical consequences of the misconduct, as per handbook, and will agree on the respective reparations. The objective is that these reparations are aligned with the act of misconduct and will allow students to grow personally and socially.

Each student’s behavior record will be monitored by the Vice Principal (abbreviated below as V.P.). If necessary, a meeting may be called by the V.P. to discuss behavior with the student, parent, and any other persons deemed necessary, in an effort to improve the student’s behavior.

List of Acts of Misconduct categorized by level of severity

Below is a list of acts that most frequently disrupt the respectful, safe, and orderly school life as well as the educational process. Administrative discretion will be applied for any other acts of inappropriate behavior not included in the list below. IMPORTANT NOTE: Any BUS REFERRAL is handled according to the levels below.

Level 1

• Inappropriate physical displays of affection on campus

• Unruly behavior in the halls, cafeteria, learning commons, etc., (i.e. ball bouncing in the hallway and cafeteria)

• Food/drinks in the Library and/or the Learning Commons and not respecting the privacy of library facilities

• Damage to textbooks

• Inappropriate behavior as determined by generally accepted norms

Level 2

• Littering

• Class disruption

• Vulgar/inappropriate language or behavior that is offensive to others

• Being in an area that is not directly related with student learning without permission. For example being in the Elementary school playground without permission from an adult.

• Leaving class without permission/cutting class/unexcused absences

• Being late to class between classes and/or after lunch without permission

• Refusal to follow the directions of any staff member

• Lying to faculty/staff

• Non-compliance with the Dress Code

• Rude behavior towards other students

• Possession of incendiary devices

• Cell phone use in the classrooms without permission**

• Repeated inappropriate behavior as determined by generally accepted norms

Level 3

• Invasion of privacy

• Leaving campus without permission

• Unauthorized use/viewing of faculty/staff/administrative computer

• Graffiti

• Disrespectful behavior or language to school personnel

• Knowingly being present when other students consume alcohol or use other illegal substances

• Ordering or receiving food or drink from outside delivery services

• Mingling with non-Academy students during passing times and / or lunch or loitering in the MS facilities.

• Continuous inappropriate behavior as determined by generally accepted norms

• Non-compliance of the Academic Integrity Policy (Dependent on the degree and magnitude of malpractice)

Level 4

• Making a deliberate, malicious and false accusation against another person

• Use of incendiary devices

• Pretending to be another student

• Involved in a physical altercation

• Forged note

• Gambling or extortion

• Smoking, use or possession of smoking paraphernalia, vaping devices, electronic cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping juices.

• Unauthorized non-educational use of the Internet facilities, such as:

  • Downloading or displaying inappropriate materials

  • Downloading software without permission

  • Attempt to install unauthorized software without consulting with the IT office

• Unauthorized use of copyrighted material

• Publication/retrieval of personal web pages on school equipment

• Bringing guests or visitors on campus without permission

• Non-compliance of the Academic Integrity Policy (Dependent on the degree and magnitude of malpractice)

Level 5*- Most serious misconduct with potential legal consequences

• Vandalism/intentionally causing damage to school property

• Bullying

• Theft

• Causing physical harm to another student

• Physically aggressive behavior

• Starting a fire/arson

• Improper and/or intentional activation of fire alarms

• Use or possession of any object with intent to do harm

• Distribution of smoking paraphernalia, vaping devices, electronic cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping juices.

• Stealing

• Climbing over exterior fences or gates of the campus

• Inappropriate uses of electronic devices: Harassment, threats, intimidation, electronic forgery, cyber-bullying/cyber-threats, videotaping in or out of the classroom**, invasion of personal rights, cheating on tests/exams, or other forms of illegal behavior during the instructional and non- instructional day.* Some cases may involve possible notification of police and recommendation for expulsion.**In the case of vandalism an itemized bill of repairs will be given to parents for required restitution.

• Videotaping, recording, taking photos, and/or posting on social media (without the consent of both parties) within the ACS Athens Campus, except for approved projects, is not only inappropriate but ILLEGAL.

• Non-compliance of the Academic Integrity Policy (Dependent on the degree and magnitude of malpractice)

Level 6* – Possible Removal from School, Depending On the Circumstances

• Harassment: verbal, sexual, emotional or based on gender, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation

• Engagement in illegal activity on or off campus

• Possession or use of alcohol

• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, drugs or paraphernalia

• Hacking of the ACS Athens Network Information System or security

• Possession, concealment or use of weapons or any device used as a weapon

• Any action that may endanger students’ lives*The school reserves the right to initiate the expulsion procedure for students who have committed an act of misconduct that is not listed as a level 6 misconduct.

Procedures of addressing, monitoring and correcting behavior misconduct

The steps below describe the process of handling any behavior misconduct:

• Teachers, staff, and/or administrators must complete a behavioral referral form and send it to the V.P.

• The V.P. will meet with the student to discuss and record the details of the incident.

• The V.P. will continue discussing with other students who might have been involved or affected by the misconduct.

• The V.P. will call the parents to inform them about the outcome of the meetings with the student regarding the incident.

• After the incident is fully documented and student ownership is assumed, the V.P. together with the student will work on developing an action plan for correcting the damage as well as apply the logical consequences as stated below. Counselors and the Principal will be called in the meetings as necessary.

• Action plans will be shared with the adults who have been affected by the student's misconduct. This will allow the student to not only correct but also develop a stronger and more meaningful relationship with the adult.

• For any incident, the V.P. will email parents or guardians regarding the logical consequences and the agreed action plan.

• The V.P. will record all steps above on Skyward under the Discipline tab

• Upon completion of the reparations students will meet with the V.P. to complete a reflection form in order to evaluate the learning outcomes from the reparations. This reflection will remain in the student file.

Logical Consequences for repeated misconduct(s)

Possible Logical Consequences, according to the gravity of misbehavior, may include but are not limited to the following or any combination of the following:

• Notification of parent / guardian

• Written Report on File

• Loss of lunch break - denying of cafeteria privileges

• Loss of cell phone access on campus

• Loss of delivered food / drink

• Loss of assessment credit

• Loss of field trip privilege

• After school time

• Assisting the Maintenance Department

• Assisting the Learning Commons Staff

• Assisting in the Elementary School

• Assisting in the Middle School

• In-School Reflection

• Out-of-School Reflection

Students who repeatedly misbehave will receive logical consequences as below:

Logical Consequences for any combination of Levels 1, 2, and / or 3 misconduct

• The first time a student is involved in any misconduct of Level 1, they will meet in a discussion session with the V.P. in order to address the causes of misbehavior and agree upon reparations to repair the relationships with those involved.

• The second time a student is involved in any misconduct of Level 1, or the first time a student is involved in any misconduct of Levels 2 and/or 3, they will receive logical consequences, meet with the V.P. in order to address the causes of misbehavior, and follow through with reparations to repair the relationships with those involved.

If a student is involved in any misconduct of Level 1, 2, and/or 3 more than 3 times the logical consequences will be ONE full day under the supervision of the V.P. at school in order to reflect, discuss with their counselor and/or the school’s psychologists a deeper action plan of correcting behaviors. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will be applied based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

If the student continues misbehaving at a Level 1, 2, and/or 3 the logical consequences will include the input of the parents. A meeting will be called with the parents or guardians in order to design a more extensive action plan that will be connected with the parents. Additionally, the student will devote ONE day under the supervision of the V.P. at school in order to reflect, and possibly design with the counselor and/or the school’s psychologists a deeper action plan of correcting behaviors. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will be applied based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

If the student continues to misbehave despite all steps taken above, the logical consequences and the action plan will be extended, and the student will remain for ONE day at home in order to reflect on and discuss his behavior with his parents and/or designated adults. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will apply based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

Logical Consequences for Level 4 misconduct

• The first time a student is involved in a Level 4 misconduct they will receive logical consequences, meet with the V.P. in order to address the causes of misbehavior, and follow through with reparations to repair the relationships with those involved.

• The second time the student is involved in a Level 4 misconduct, the logical consequences will be ONE full day under the supervision of the V.P. at school in order to reflect, discuss with their counselor and/or the school’s psychologists a deeper action plan of correcting behaviors, and follow through with reparations to repair the relationships with those involved. For members of Athletic teams further logical consequences will apply based on the applicable Handbook or contract signed.

• The third time the student is involved in a Level 4 misconduct the logical consequences will include the input of the parents. A meeting will be called with the parents or guardians in order to collaboratively design a more inclusive action plan that includes parental support and monitoring. The logical consequences will be up to TWO out-of-school reflection days and a subsequent meeting with the VP and Principal to review behavior and reflections.

• If a student continues to misbehave, the Citizenship Committee consisting of administrators, counselors and/or teachers will review and discuss the student’s academic and social progress in order to assess whether the school culture is the "best-fit" for the students. Recommendations will be made regarding the student’s status at ACS Athens. These recommendations will be shared with the parents in order to decide what is best for the student. During this process the student will stay at home until the issues are resolved.

Logical Consequences for Level(s) 5 and/or 6 misconduct

• The first time a student is involved in a Level 5 or 6 misconduct irrespective of the existence of Level 1, 2, 3, and/or 4 misconduct, the logical consequences will be decided by a committee that will include the V.P., the Principal, the Counselor, a teacher who knows the student and a club adviser or coach who works with the student. The process of assigning the logical consequences will start right after ownership of the misconduct is established at which time the student will be asked to remain at home for at least TWO days until a decision has been reached. The parents will be notified immediately and depending on the severity of the misconduct, safety concerns about the student and the school community, any legal issues that may arise because of the misconduct, the consequences in addition to a detailed action plan, reparations, and possibly psychological consultations, may warrant a change in the school environment and the student will be asked to withdraw from the school. Participation in athletic teams will be reviewed with the assistance of the team’s coach.

• The second time The second time a student is involved in a Level 5 or 6 misconduct the student will remain at home for at least TWO days, to decide whether the student may continue.

Expected outcomes of Reflection-Time under the supervision of the V.P.

Students who repeatedly misbehave may spend time under the supervision of the V.P. as part of the logical consequences. This time is designed so that the students have additional time to reflect and create with the guidance of the V.P. an action plan to repair the damage inflicted either on themselves or others or the natural environment. During that time the students will also have the opportunity to meet with school’s professionals (counselors, school psychologists) who can further assist the student to address the causes of the misbehavior. A reflection letter and a suggested action plan will be submitted to the V.P. by the end of the school day. If time permits, the student may also work on studying and/or completing course assignments. During that day the student will not participate in club or athletics events.

• Students will not attend regular scheduled classes

• Students must work at all times on their reflection letter, action plan, and homework

• Students will have breaks for lunch or snacks but at different times than their peers.

• Students must submit all their work to the V.P. by the end of the school day.

Suggested Outcomes for Reflection - Time out of School

Students involved in Levels 5 and/or 6 misconducts will spend time at home as part of the logical consequences. This time can be utilized for reflection and discussion with their parents/ guardians about the misconduct, for a deeper and honest understanding of their share of responsibility and the potential positive response. Also, they will have the time to create an action plan to repair the damage inflicted with the input and advice of their parents / guardians, which should be submitted to the V.P. upon their return to school. In addition, the student must submit a reflection form before he returns to school.

Reparation Guidelines

While our Code of Conduct is non-negotiable, we believe that students who have committed infractions in school will have opportunities, following the consequences of their actions, to give back to the community. Our philosophy considers Code of Conduct violations as taking something away from self, others, and/or the environment. Therefore, repairing the damage done to self, others and/or the environment gives students the opportunity to understand how to build healthy relationships in each of the three areas.

Following consultation with the school counselor, opportunities for reparations will be provided but students will also have the option to make their own reparation proposals.

Examples may include:

• The repair of damaged property and participation in school community service (summertime included).

• Referral to peer group mediation

• Working with a faculty member on a specific project to be completed/ assign a certain number of hours to be completed assisting the faculty member.

• Community Service done off-campus grounds as agreed upon with the parent.

• Student's successful participation in the reparation programs becomes a part of their official citizenship record, and will be taken into account when making decisions regarding social behavior.