Rancho Cotate High School
Discipline Policies
Rancho Cotate High School is committed to providing a safe and orderly environment. Students are subject to school disciplinary action for improper or unsafe behavior 1) while on school grounds, 2) while going to or coming from school, 3) during lunch or free period, whether on or off the campus, 4) during or going to or from any school sponsored activity.
Range of Disciplinary Actions:
Conference – Student meets with teacher, campus supervisor, or administrator. Warning is given of potential consequences of a students’ action and school policy is reviewed.
Restorative, including conflict mediation - Student meets with parties who were harmed and engages in an action or series of actions to repair the relationship
Detention – Students may be required to attend detention for conduct violations or truancy. Detention must be served to be eligible for activities, including graduation. Teachers may also assign their own detentions.
Saturday School – Students may be assigned to Saturday School at the discretion of Administration.
Behavior Contract – A contract may be used for improving behavior or attendance in an agreed upon manner.
Activities Probation - For a time period imposed at the discretion of the administrator, the student will not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities at the school.
Suspension- A suspension is the temporary removal of a student from school or from class for violation of school rules as defined in the California Education Code, 48900. There are two forms of suspension: suspension from class (EC 48910) and suspension from school. Any teacher may suspend a student from his/her class for a maximum of 2 days per incident. Teachers must contact parents to inform them of the incident. Students may not be suspended from school for more than 5 days at a time, nor more than 20 days per school year without school board approval. Students approaching 20 days of suspension may be considered for expulsion or alternative education under a restricted behavior contract.
Grounds for Suspension and/or Expulsion under Education Code 48900
A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion, unless the superintendent of the school district or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has committed an act as defined pursuant to any of subdivisions (a) to (r), inclusive:
(a) (1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. (2) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.
(b) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished a firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object, unless, in the case of possession of an object of this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal.
(c) Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of, a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
(d) Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to a person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.
(e) Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
(f) Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
(g) Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.
(h) Possessed or used tobacco, or products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. However, this section does not prohibit the use or possession by a pupil of the pupil’s own prescription products.
(i) Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
(j) Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
(k) (1) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. (2) Except as provided in Section 48910, a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 3, inclusive, shall not be suspended for any of the acts enumerated in paragraph (1), and those acts shall not constitute grounds for a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to be recommended for expulsion. This paragraph is inoperative on July 1, 2020.(3) Except as provided in Section 48910, commencing July 1, 2020, a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 5, inclusive, shall not be suspended for any of the acts specified in paragraph (1), and those acts shall not constitute grounds for a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to be recommended for expulsion.(4) Except as provided in Section 48910, commencing July 1, 2020, a pupil enrolled in any of grades 6 to 8, inclusive, shall not be suspended for any of the acts specified in paragraph (1). This paragraph is inoperative on July 1, 2025.
(l) Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
(m) Possessed an imitation firearm. As used in this section, “imitation firearm” means a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.
(n) Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 266c, 286, 287, 288, or 289 of, or former Section 288a of, the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code.
(o) Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or a witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for purposes of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.
(p) Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
(q) Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” means a method of initiation or pre-initiation into a pupil organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, that is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a former, current, or prospective pupil. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” does not include athletic events or school-sanctioned events.
(s) A pupil shall not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section unless the act is related to a school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of the school district or principal or occurring within any other school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to a school activity or school attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (1) While on school grounds (2) While going to or coming from school (3) During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
(r) Engaged in an act of bullying. For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils as defined in Section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4, directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: (A) Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property. (B) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on the pupil’s physical or mental health. (C) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with the pupil’s academic performance.(D) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with the pupil’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
(2) (A) “Electronic act” means the creation or transmission originated on or off the school site, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (i) A message, text, sound, video, or image. (ii) A post on a social network internet website, including, but not limited to: (I) Posting to or creating a burn page. “Burn page” means an internet website created for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in paragraph (1). (II) Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in paragraph (1). “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent impersonate a pupil for the purpose of bullying the pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated. (III) Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in paragraph (1). “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile. (iii) (I) An act of cyber sexual bullying. (II) For purposes of this clause, “cyber sexual bullying” means the dissemination of, or the solicitation or incitement to disseminate, a photograph or other visual recording by a pupil to another pupil or to school personnel by means of an electronic act that has or can be reasonably predicted to have one or more of the effects described in subparagraphs (A) to (D), inclusive, of paragraph (1). A photograph or other visual recording, as described in this subclause, shall include the depiction of a nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit photograph or other visual recording of a minor where the minor is identifiable from the photograph, visual recording, or other electronic act. (III) For purposes of this clause, “cyber sexual bullying” does not include a depiction, portrayal, or image that has any serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value or that involves athletic events or school-sanctioned activities.
(B) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) and subparagraph (A), an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the internet or is currently posted on the internet.(3) “Reasonable pupil” means a pupil, including, but not limited to, a pupil with exceptional needs, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of that age, or for a person of that age with the pupil’s exceptional needs.
(4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school-sponsored activity.
(t) A pupil who aids or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person may be subject to suspension, but not expulsion, pursuant to this section, except that a pupil who has been adjudged by a juvenile court to have committed, as an aider and abettor, a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered great bodily injury or serious bodily injury shall be subject to discipline pursuant to subdivision (a).
(u) As used in this section, “school property” includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and databases.
(v) For a pupil subject to discipline under this section, a superintendent of the school district or principal is encouraged to provide alternatives to suspension or expulsion, using a research-based framework with strategies that improve behavioral and academic outcomes, that are age appropriate and designed to address and correct the pupil’s specific misbehavior as specified in Section 48900.5.
(w) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that alternatives to suspension or expulsion be imposed against a pupil who is truant, tardy, or otherwise absent from school activities. (2) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which includes restorative justice practices, trauma-informed practices, social and emotional learning, and school wide positive behavior interventions and support, may be used to help pupils gain critical social and emotional skills, receive support to help transform trauma-related responses, understand the impact of their actions, and develop meaningful methods for repairing harm to the school community.
A student who is suspended (in-school or at home) is not allowed to attend any school sponsored event, activity, or sport the day(s) he/she is suspended.
Offenses that result in mandatory expulsion per Education Code 48915
(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivisions (c) and (e), the principal or the superintendent of schools shall recommend the expulsion of a pupil for any of the following acts committed at school or at a school activity off school grounds, unless the principal or superintendent determines that expulsion should not be recommended under the circumstances or that an alternative means of correction would address the conduct:
(A) Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense.
(B) Possession of any knife or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the pupil.
(C) Unlawful possession of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, except for either of the following: (i) The first offense for the possession of not more than one avoirdupois ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis. (ii) The possession of over-the-counter medication for use by the pupil for medical purposes or medication prescribed for the pupil by a physician.
(D) Robbery or extortion.
(E) Assault or battery, as defined in Sections 240 and 242 of the Penal Code, upon any school employee.
(2) If the principal or the superintendent of schools makes a determination as described in paragraph (1), he or she is encouraged to do so as quickly as possible to ensure that the pupil does not lose instructional time.
(b) Upon recommendation by the principal or the superintendent of schools, or by a hearing officer or administrative panel appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48918, the governing board of a school district may order a pupil expelled upon finding that the pupil committed an act listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) or in subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) of Section 48900. A decision to expel a pupil for any of those acts shall be based on a finding of one or both of the following: (1) Other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct. (2) Due to the nature of the act, the presence of the pupil causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the pupil or others.
(c) The principal or superintendent of schools shall immediately suspend, pursuant to Section 48911, and shall recommend expulsion of a pupil that he or she determines has committed any of the following acts at school or at a school activity off school grounds:
(1) Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm. This subdivision does not apply to an act of possessing a firearm if the pupil had obtained prior written permission to possess the firearm from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal. This subdivision applies to an act of possessing a firearm only if the possession is verified by an employee of a school district. The act of possessing an imitation firearm, as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 48900, is not an offense for which suspension or expulsion is mandatory pursuant to this subdivision and subdivision (d), but it is an offense for which suspension, or expulsion pursuant to subdivision (e), may be imposed. (g) As used in this section, “knife” means any dirk, dagger, or other weapon with a fixed, sharpened blade fitted primarily for stabbing, a weapon with a blade fitted primarily for stabbing, a weapon with a blade longer than 31/2 inches, a folding knife with a blade that locks into place, or a razor with an unguarded blade. (h) As used in this section, the term “explosive” means “destructive device” as described in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
(2) Brandishing a knife at another person.
(3) Unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900 or committing a sexual battery as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900.
(5) Possession of an explosive.
(d) The governing board of a school district shall order a pupil expelled upon finding that the pupil committed an act listed in subdivision (c), and shall refer that pupil to a program of study that meets all of the following conditions: (1) Is appropriately prepared to accommodate pupils who exhibit discipline problems. (2) Is not provided at a comprehensive middle, junior, or senior high school, or at any elementary school. (3) Is not housed at the school site attended by the pupil at the time of suspension.
(e) Upon recommendation by the principal or the superintendent of schools, or by a hearing officer or administrative panel appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48918, the governing board of a school district may order a pupil expelled upon finding that the pupil, at school or at a school activity off of school grounds violated subdivision (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), or (m) of Section 48900, or Section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4, and either of the following: (1) That other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct. (2) That due to the nature of the violation, the presence of the pupil causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the pupil or others.
(f) The governing board of a school district shall refer a pupil who has been expelled pursuant to subdivision (b) or (e) to a program of study that meets all of the conditions specified in subdivision (d). Notwithstanding this subdivision, with respect to a pupil expelled pursuant to subdivision (e), if the county superintendent of schools certifies that an alternative program of study is not available at a site away from a comprehensive middle, junior, or senior high school, or an elementary school, and that the only option for placement is at another comprehensive middle, junior, or senior high school, or another elementary school, the pupil may be referred to a program of study that is provided at a comprehensive school.
In addition, the school may contact your parents to request a conference, and will inform you and your parents of the length of the suspension and will mail a letter with the details of the incident and subsequent suspension.
All school rules are enforceable on the way to school; leaving school, during school, at lunchtime, during the period that school is in session when the student is truant from school, at school activities, to and from school activities on or off campus. The area of school supervision includes the campus, the perimeter of the campus and sidewalks on both sides of the streets adjacent to the school. All school rules are also in effect at all school events and activities. Please be aware that behavior consequences incurred at any of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Schools are cumulative, regardless of the fact that they pertain to different offenses.
Corrective Procedures
In the event a student violates school attendance and/or discipline regulations, the administration can impose work detail, in school suspension, restorative consequences, Saturday school, out of school suspension, before school or after school detention, behavior or attendance contracts, expulsion recommendations, parent/guardian conferences, or revocation of the Student’s privilege to attend and/or participate in school activities.
Right to Due Process
Students have a right to a hearing with the assistant principal for the purpose of: a) receiving an oral or written notice of charges; b) an explanation of the evidence leading up to the decision to suspend a student from school; c) an opportunity to present the student’s side of the story. Students and parents have the right to request a conference with the assistant principal. If you and your parents appeal or desire a further review of the case, you may request a meeting with the principal, followed by the district superintendent or designee.
Offenses & Discipline Consequences
Minor Misbehaviors: Violation of class rules, Out of class without a pass, Non-directed profanity, Loitering, Talking/disruptive, Not prepared for class/missing work, Public Display of Affection, Intentional Disruption, Littering, Eating/Drinking in class when not permitted, Not on task, Possessing any object considered disruptive to the educational process, In-class cell phone use without permission
Range of consequences:
First Offense: Teacher warning, possible teacher administered consequence, parent notification.
Second Offense: Detention, teacher suspension, referral to Assistant Principal 1-5 day suspension, parent notification, behavior agreement.
Third Offense: Teacher suspension, referral to Assistant Principal, 1-5 day suspension, possible recommendation to alternative program.
Offenses that require referral to Administration: Leaving school without checking out, Leaving class early or without permission, Cheating of any kind, Computer/Internet violation, Failure to follow staff directions, Forged note, Failure to serve detention, Possession of a lighter, Obscene or vulgar act, Failure to identify yourself to school personnel, Sexual Harassment, Knowingly receiving stolen property, Reckless driving, Profanity to staff, Dangerous/Reckless Behavior, Bullying/Hazing , Possession or use of vapor pens/vaporizing paraphernalia, Possession or use of Tobacco/tobacco products
Range of consequences:
First Offense: Referral to Assistant PrincipalParent notification, Detention, Teacher suspension, behavior agreement, 1-5 day suspension. Report to law enforcement agency and confiscation of item(s).
Second Offense: Referral to Assistant Principal, 3-5 day suspension, possible recommendation to alternative program or recommendation for expulsion. Report to law enforcement agency and confiscation of item(s).
Third Offense: Referral to Assistant Principal, 3-5 day suspension, possible recommendation to alternative program or recommendation for expulsion. Report to law enforcement agency and confiscation of item(s)
Most Serious Offenses: Possession or use of alcohol/controlled substances; Possession, providing, or use of a firearm; Possession or brandishing a knife or dangerous object; Selling a controlled substance; Use or possession of explosives or fireworks; Robbery/Extortion; Theft or knowingly receiving stolen school or private property; Profanity/Vulgarity/Obscene Act; Vandalism; Gambling; Fighting; Assault/Battery; Water bottle throwing; Threats or Threatening Behavior; Terror Threats; Sexual Harassment/inappropriate unwelcome touching; Sexual Assault/Battery; Or attempt thereof of the above.
Range of Consequences:
First Offense: Referral to Assistant Principal, 5 day suspension, possible recommendation to alternative program or recommendation for expulsion. Report to law enforcement agency. Up to a 45-day probation for school activities.
Second Offense: Referral to Assistant Principal, 5-day suspension, recommendation to alternative program or recommendation for expulsion. Report to law enforcement agency. Up to a 45-day probation for school activities.
Third Offense: Referral to Assistant Principal, 5-day suspension, recommendation for expulsion. Report to law enforcement agency. Up to a 45-day probation for school activities.
Discipline violations are cumulative throughout a student’s high school career. If a second offense occurs less than 12 months from the first offense, expulsion may be recommended.
Students disciplined for ed code 48900 a-e, may not be eligible for participation in ASB and student leadership for 1 full year.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Students are prohibited from using any drugs or consuming any alcohol or being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol or intoxicant of any kind while on school property, during school-sponsored activities and under school jurisdiction. Possession of drugs and/or alcohol (which includes both marijuana and tobacco) or intoxicant of any kind by students on school property, during school-sponsored activities, or under school jurisdiction is also expressly prohibited. Possession of drugs, alcohol or intoxicant of any kind includes, but is not limited to, actual physical possession or control of such substances, possession in a student’s car, locker, desk, and backpack or other container or being in close proximity to such substances with the intent to use or possess.
Possession or use of drugs and/or alcohol or intoxicant of any kind, by students on school property, during school-sponsored activities, or under school jurisdiction will result in a 3-5 day suspension, probation, outside agency referral, report to law enforcement, and possible recommendation for expulsion. This does include vaping on campus.
Students may be placed on activities probation for up to 45 school days for violation of ed codes 48900 A(1), A(2) and C .
Activities Probation for violation of ed codes 48900 A(1), A(2) and C
The conditions of probation include up to a forty-five (45) school day restriction from all social and extracurricular activities. The student will not be permitted to participate, practice, or play in any extra/co-curricular activity. The student’s probationary period shall extend from one school year to the next when needed to complete the prescribed amount of restriction. For example, if a student violated the Alcohol or Drug Code during the last week of school, he/she would be required to complete the restriction the following regular school year. Counseling will also be a recommendation of the student’s probation. Violating this probation could result in increased disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Any SENIOR on probation may NOT participate in ANY senior activity, including but not limited to, the following:
Graduation & award ceremonies
Junior/Senior prom
Senior picnic & breakfast
20-day Restorative Probation option for violation of ed codes 48900 A(1), A(2) and C
Upon administrative approval, a student can be offered a restorative option in place of a 45-day extracurricular suspension. A meeting must be held between the student, parent, administrator and coach/activity advisor to develop a plan which "makes things as right as possible" related to the incident. Additionally, the student cannot participate in practice/games/activity for 20-school days (or weekend/school break days that the extracurricular activity is taking place). The student is encouraged to attend, but not participate in, practice/games/activity during the course of the 20-day probation in order to enact the restorative plan. The restorative action must take place under the supervision of the coach/activity advisor. The incident will be documented in the student discipline file. Upon completion, a re-entry meeting must be held and signed off by the administrator prior to returning to participation in extracurricular activities.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is…
copying word-for-word from a source without enclosing the material in quotation marks and indicating the source.
copying ideas and other content without correctly indicating the source, even if you have abstracted, summarized, or paraphrased the material.
changing only a few words, phrases, sentences, or sections, but otherwise copying directly from a source and passing it off as your own.
Consequences...
inadvertent plagiarism may be determined on a case-by-case basis, but may require that the student write an entirely new paper on a related topic.
intentional plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment and no opportunity to retrieve credit for that assignment. In addition, the teacher will contact the student's parent or guardian and an administrator regarding this and any subsequent instance of plagiarism.
repeated intentional plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the semester and escalating disciplinary consequences which could include suspension and expulsion.