Code of Conduct

Self-discipline is the only real discipline. Students who follow these simple guidelines will encounter no discipline difficulties within school. 

➤  Be on time and prepared for school and class. 

➤  Follow the directions/directives of teachers, staff and administrators or any adult working at MHHS. 

➤  Remain attentive and on task during the full class period. 

➤  Be considerate of the rights and feelings of others. 

Progressive Discipline:  A positive school climate means everyone – students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators and community members feel safe, welcome and respected in our school and at school sponsored events. Everyone has a role to play in developing a school climate and culture which encourages appropriate student behavior and promotes the building of positive, healthy relationships. 

The Code of Conduct is based on a system of progressive discipline with the goal of limiting the use of out of school suspension as a consequence for student misconduct. However, there are certain infractions that will result in out of school suspension. When a student is not adhering to the expectations of the school or classroom, teachers and administrators will determine the most appropriate way to handle each situation and help students learn from their poor choices and behavior. 

The administrator will exercise discretion in determining disciplinary consequences. The administrator may utilize their discretion to significantly increase consequences in the case of multiple offenses or for other factors. In determining the severity of the consequences, the administrator will consider all relevant facts including but not limited to: 1) previous disciplinary record, 2) severity of the disruption to the educational process, 3) the degree of danger to self and others, 4) the degree to which the student is willing to change their inappropriate behavior and 5) whether alternative consequences are appropriate to re-engage the student in learning. Alternative consequences may include restorative practices, mediation, conflict resolution and counseling from school SEL staff members. 

Classroom Conduct:  Teachers are responsible for keeping order and handling routine misbehavior in their classes. Teachers will discuss the expectations and rules established for their classes with all their students so that effective teaching and learning can take place. Teachers will deal with violations of the rules governing normal school behavior in a variety of ways including: 

➤  Teacher reprimand/warning 

➤  Teacher/student conference 

➤  Parent/Guardian contact (preferably by phone) 

➤  Teacher Detention 

➤  Consultation with Department Chair/student 

➤  Referral to a counselor or SEL staff member 

➤  Parent/Guardian meeting 

➤  Office referral 

Possible Disciplinary Infractions: PLEASE NOTE This list is to be used as a sampling of actions, behaviors or choices that would warrant school discipline. This is not to be considered a complete list. Any student sent out of class is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activities for that day or any day until the student has completed or served the assigned consequence for the infraction. 

➤  Alcohol (Possession, use, purchase/sale of) 

➤  Arson 

➤  Assault/Battery (Physical, Sexual, Verbal) 

➤  Attendance (Class cut, left school without permission, tardy, truant) R.I. Gen. Law 16-19-1

➤  Bomb Threat 

➤  Bullying/Threat/Intimidation (Cyber, Mental, Physical) 

➤  Cheating/Plagiarism 

➤  Communication/Electronic Device Misuse 

➤  Controlled Substance (Possession, use, purchase/sale of) 

➤  Disorderly Conduct/Disrespect/Insubordination (Including during fire drills, evacuations, lockdowns) 

➤  Fight/Physical Altercation 

➤  Fire Regulations 

➤  Forgery/Gambling 

➤  Harassment/Hatred (Including sexual and stalking)/Hazing 

➤  Larceny/Theft 

➤  Obscene/Abusive Language 

➤  Sexual Misconduct 

➤  Technology Violation/Unauthorized use 

➤  Tobacco/VAPE (Nicotine or THC) R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. 23-20.9-5[2018] 

➤  Trespass/Unauthorized area 

➤  Vandalism 

➤  Weapons (Harm inflicting device) 

Potential Administrative Disciplinary Actions: 

➤  Detention:(Teacher/Office/Lunch) 

➤  Suspension (In school (V.I.B.E.) or Out of School), Long term suspension 

➤  Loss of parking privileges 

➤  Social Probation