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Discipline Policy

The purpose of our discipline approach at ECMS is to foster a nurturing environment where all students can thrive. We aim to develop essential self-regulation skills in our students that will serve them throughout their lives. Our school supports student behavior through a comprehensive social-emotional learning program, counseling services, developmentally appropriate educational practices, and principles of restorative justice. Our discipline policy emphasizes understanding and addressing the underlying causes of behavior, repairing harm, and promoting meaningful personal growth.

At ECMS, we recognize that every student plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere of our learning community. We categorize student actions as either positive contributions or negative deductions, reflecting their impact on our school environment. The Dean's List software tracks these contributions and deductions aligned to our core values to ensure that we can provide timely recognition for positive behaviors and address negative actions with appropriate support and accountability. This approach ensures that every student understands the importance of their role within the school community.

Serious School Violations

Certain behaviors may result in immediate suspension or referral for expulsion. These serious violations include, but are not limited to:

Physical violence
Threatening others
Vandalism
Jeopardizing the safety of others
Theft
Any other illegal or dangerous activities
Possession of weapons or illegal substances

Referrals

Our discipline policy includes various interventions aligned with restorative practices, focusing on reflection, accountability, and building strong, respectful relationships. We categorize referrals into four types to ensure clarity and fairness:

Referral Types

Automatic Referrals: These are for severe behaviors such as physical violence, threats, vandalism, endangering safety, theft, or possession of weapons or illegal substances. These behaviors may result in immediate suspension or referral for expulsion.
Two Infraction Referrals: Issued when a student commits a specific infraction for the second time after a pre-referral meeting. Examples include disrespectful behavior, minor physical altercations, cheating, classroom disruptions, and inappropriate language.
Accumulation-Based Referrals: These occur after a student accumulates multiple logged deductions for various minor infractions (negative deductions on DeansList) following a pre-referral meeting with the student and the parent/guardian.
Non-Suspendable or Non-Expellable Referrals: These address minor infractions such as cell phone use, dress code violations, and tardiness, which do not lead to suspension or expulsion.

Referral and Case Management Policy

Upon receiving a referral, students will enter into a case management process overseen by the Dean's office. Students will remain in open referral status until their behavior consistently reflects learning from the incident and correction of behavior for four consecutive school weeks, including completing any necessary repairs. During this period, the Dean’s office will provide ongoing support and monitor the student’s progress to ensure sustained improvement.

Referral Status

Referrals will be in 1 of 3 statuses at any given time.

Open-Initial: Assigned when a student first receives a referral. The status lasts for four weeks, during which the student engages in initial interventions like written reflections, completing repairs, and attending meetings.
Suspendable and Expellable offenses leading to referrals are subject to a longer period of remaining open.
Open-Extended: Assigned if the student’s behavior does not improve within the initial period. This status continues until the student shows consistent positive behavior for an additional four weeks and completes any new required actions.
Closed: Assigned once the student demonstrates consistent positive behavior for four consecutive weeks and completes any necessary actions. This status marks the successful completion of the referral process.

How do students earn referrals?

Automatic Referral

Student commits a major infraction. (Suspendable)

2 Infraction Referral

Student commits a semi-major infraction.
Student receives a pre-referral and participates in a family meeting with D-League.
Student commits another semi-major infraction after the pre-referral.
Student receives referral.

Accumulation Based

At the end of every month, the top 15% of students with the most deductions in DeansList will receive pre-referrals.
Students will participate in a family meeting with D-League and agree to a maximum amount of deductions for the next month.
If the student earns less than the agreed amount of deductions, the student will not receive a referral.
If the student receives more than the agreed amount of deductions, the student will receive a referral.

Non Suspendable

Student commits 3 non-suspendable infractions like dress code violations, cell phone violations etc.
Student receives a pre-referral and participates in a family meeting with D-League.
Student commits another non-suspendable infraction after the pre-referral.
Student receives referral.

Note on Repeated Behaviors

If a student engages in the same non-suspendable/non-expellable behavior after a referral has been closed, the referral will immediately enter Open-Extended status.

If the student engages in the same suspendable/non-expellable behavior after a referral has been closed, an additional referral will be assigned.

Our policy is designed to guide students toward understanding the impact of their actions, developing empathy, and making positive changes. Through restorative practices, we strive to create a community where every student feels valued, respected, and capable of growth.

Referral Expungement

Expungement is like erasing a mistake from your record. A referral expungement is when you get a disciplinary referral erased from your record.

After a referral has been in closed status for four weeks, students may request a pre-meeting for referral expungement with the Dean. This meeting outlines steps and additional actions the student might undertake to have the referral expunged from their record. Following a successful hearing and completion of the agreed-upon plan, the referral will be removed from the student's record, although the disciplinary infraction will remain documented. This process is handled on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing individual responsibility and growth.

Academic Dishonesty (Cheating)

It is our expectation that students take responsibility for their learning and experience the pride that accompanies academic achievement. This ensures a positive learning environment that emphasizes intellectual integrity. Plagiarism/cheating impedes a student’s academic progress and compromises the trust between teacher and student, which is fundamental to the learning process. Cheating/plagiarism will lead to disciplinary action.

Cheating and/or plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

Receiving or providing information during a test or for a test given in an earlier period.
Using material on tests when the teacher has not given permission to do so.
Violating the teacher’s testing rules and procedures.
Using somebody else’s writing (word for word—or almost word for word) and using it as your own (plagiarism) or using somebody else’s ideas and saying they are your own and not giving credit. This includes downloading text from websites and using it as your own work.
Using or copying another student’s assignment to turn in as your own work.
Allowing other students to use your work on assignments with the exception of specific group, lab, or collaborative projects.

Bullying and Harassment

Here at ECMS, our mission is to foster student growth and development by creating a safe space for students to learn academically and socially. Bullying, Cyber Bullying, or any other form of harassment of students and staff will not be tolerated.

How do we define Bullying?

Bullying means any severe or continuing physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward one or more students that are likely to frighten students, interfere with their participation in school or feel put down in any way.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.
The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.
Bullying includes: direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; and social isolation or manipulation.
Bullying can occur via electronic communication or social media. (Our full bullying policy is available in the ECMS office.)

ECMS will not tolerate behavior, such as intimidation, harassment or bullying, that infringes on the safety and well being of any student. Acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived immigration status, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, are prohibited under this policy.

ECMS-G expects students and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, during the lunch period, whether on or off campus, and during a school-sponsored activity.

Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying.
The school will make reasonable efforts to keep a report of bullying and the results of investigation confidential.
If the complainant student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal or the counselor.
ECMS-G prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process.

Cyber Bullying and Harassment

ECMS will ensure the learning environment is a safe space for all students. ECMS-G will build community and trust using Restorative Practices and our Community Agreements. We ask for parents and families to work in partnership to help prevent and address any Cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online over digital devices. Examples of cyberbullying include hateful or mean texts, social media posts intended to spread rumors, embarrassing or fake images, or inappropriate or threatening direct messages.

Students engaging in cyberbullying or the creation of social media accounts associated with the school without the explicit permission of the school may lose the privilege to bring any electronic devices to school.

Dehumanizing Language

ECMS-G is a school that provides a safe space for all students and ensures that they are not subject to dehumanizing language or actions based on their race/ethnicity, gender and/or sexual orientation. Students who make others feel less than or unsafe through the use of dehumanizing language that targets, race/ethnicity, gender and/or sexual orientation are subject to disciplinary action.

1st Incident:

Reflection Break and meeting with Administrator
Parent is notified
Restorative process
Log entry or referral
Possible presentation to classmates or other groups

2nd Incident: In addition to the actions listed above

Student(s) will complete a 2-page writing assignment which will include the following:

History, significance and implications of the language used
Reflection that reveals what students have learned in this process
Reflection that explicates what lessons students will apply in their own lives

The letter must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Students will have 1 week to complete the writing assignment.
Writing Assignment will be turned into administration / counselors and a follow-up conversation will occur
Student may be required to make presentations to a class or classes or a group of stakeholders.
Log entry or referral

3rd Incident + after:

Student(s) receive a Referral and a parent conference is held.

Administration reserves the right to administer a referral or suspension after any incident involving dehumanizing language or actions based on their judgment of the severity of the harm, as well as the intention behind the usage of the language or the actions that took place.

Suspension and Expulsion

Suspension and Expulsion procedures can have an extremely significant impact on both the student and the school. ECMS-G therefore adheres to the following guidelines:

Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion

ECMS-G’s rules and procedures for suspension and expulsion are intended to afford students due process rights. The decision to recommend suspension or expulsion of a student will be at the discretion of the Administrator or the administrative designees. A student may be suspended or expelled for any of the acts that are enumerated in this section and that are related to school activities of any kind. These acts may occur:

While on school grounds
While going to or coming from school
During, or while going to or coming from, a school-sponsored activity

A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the Executive Director or Principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has:

Recklessly caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person or willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.
Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object, unless in the case of possession of any object of this type, the people 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.
Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of, any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code (commencing with §11053), an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commending with §11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.
Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
Recklessly caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a pupil of his or her prescription products.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in §11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
Possessed an imitation firearm.
Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or committed a sexual battery.
Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.
Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
Engaged in, or attempted to engage in hazing.
Engaged in an act of bullying. Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act.
Aided or abetted the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person (suspension only).
Committed sexual harassment.
Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence.
Engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed against school district personnel or pupils.
Made terrorist threats against school officials and or school property.

Mandatory Suspension or Expulsion

A student may be suspended or expelled if the CEO or Principal determines that a student committed one of the following acts at school or at a school activity off school grounds:

Possessing, selling or furnishing a firearm
Brandishing a knife at another person
Selling a controlled substance
Committing or attempting to commit sexual assault or committing sexual battery
Possession of an explosive

Procedures for Suspension/Expulsion and Rights of Students Ensuring Due Process

Informal Conference

When a situation involving a student arises that calls for suspension, an informal conference will be conducted by the administrative staff and will include the student and the student’s parents/guardians. In the case of an emergency situation, where a clear and present danger exists that threatens the health and safety of students or school personnel, the student may be suspended without a conference. Should a student be suspended without a conference, the parent/guardian will be notified of the suspension and a conference will be held as soon thereafter as reasonably possible.

Notice to Parents/Guardians

At the time a suspension is recommended, a member of the administrative staff or designated personnel will make reasonable attempts to contact the parent/guardian immediately via telephone. If the parent cannot be reached immediately by telephone, staff will continue to follow up throughout the day or attempt to contact the parent in person (for example, when the parent picks the student up from school). In addition, a written notification will be sent home promptly. The written notice will detail the incident and specify the grounds for suspension, including the recommended date(s) of suspension. The notice will request a conference with the parents/guardians, if one has not already been conducted, and will require parents/guardians to respond to this request immediately.

Length of Suspension

The maximum number of days of suspension for a single incident is five (5) consecutive school days unless the administration and parents/guardians agree to a longer term or under the circumstances set forth in the expulsion procedure. For suspensions exceeding five days, a second conference will be scheduled with the parent/guardian upon completion of the fifth day of suspension to discuss the progress of the suspension. The total number of days for which a student may be suspended shall not exceed 20 school days. Upon return from suspension and before returning to class, the student and parent must participate in a post-suspension conference with administration.

Provisions for Students’ Education While Suspended

ECMS will make all reasonable arrangements to provide the student with classroom materials and current assignments to be completed by the student at home during the suspension.

Administrative Hearing

Upon a suspension that may lead to a recommendation by the Principal or designee for expulsion, the pupil and the pupil’s guardian or representative will be invited to an administrative hearing to determine if the suspension for the pupil should be extended pending an expulsion hearing.

Expulsion Hearing

The decision to recommend expulsion of a student will be at the discretion of the Principal or the administrative designees. The decision to expel rests with the ECS Board appointed Expulsion Committee. Students may be recommended for expulsion if either of the following conditions exist:

Repeated violations persist and other means of correction have been unsuccessful in bringing about an improvement in behavior.
The severity of the violation is such that the presence of the student poses a continuing threat to the health and safety of the student or others.
Possessing, selling or furnishing a firearm.
It is a federal mandate that a school expel, for a period of not less than one year (except on a case by case basis) any student who is determine to have brought a firearm to school.

Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. The hearing will be held within 30 days after the administrative staff determines that the student committed an act subject to expulsion. The hearing will be presided over by a fair and impartial panel of representatives assigned by the ECS Board of Directors.

Written notice of the hearing will be forwarded to the student and the student’s parent at least 10 calendar days before the date of the hearing. This notice will include:

The date, time and place of the hearing.
A statement of the specific facts, charges, and offenses upon which the proposed expulsion is based.
A copy of ECMS-G’s disciplinary rules that relate to the alleged violation.
The opportunity for the student or the student’s parent to appear in person at the hearing.
Parent’s right to review all evidence and question witnesses.
Parent and student due process rights.
Parent has a right to be represented by an attorney.
Parent has a right to bring witness, written statements, and/or written documents.
Notice of the student or parent’s obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student’s status with ECMS.

Record of Hearing

A record of the hearing shall be made and may be maintained by any means, including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete written transcription of the proceedings can be made.

Presentation of Evidence

While technical rules of evidence do not apply to expulsion hearings, evidence may be admitted and used as proof only if it is the kind of evidence on which reasonable persons can rely in the conduct of serious affairs. A recommendation by the Principal or designee to expel must be supported by substantial evidence that the student committed any of the acts listed in “Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion” above.

Written Notice to Expel

The Principal or designee, following a decision of the ECS Board Expulsion Committee to expel, shall send written notice of the decision to expel to the student or parent/guardian. This notice shall include the following:

The specific offense committed by the student for any of the acts listed in “Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion.”
Notice of the right to appeal the expulsion. Expulsion appeals shall be brought to the ECS Board of Directors.
Notice of the student or parent/guardian’s obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student’s status with the ECMS.
Rehabilitation Plan for student

The ECMS-G Principal or Designee shall send written notice of the decision to expel to the student’s district of residence and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). This notice shall include the following:

The student’s name
The specific offense committed by the student for any of the acts listed in “Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion”
Rehabilitation Plan

Rehabilitation

Pupils who are expelled from ECMS shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the ECS Board-appointed Expulsion Committee at the time of the expulsion order, which may include, but is not limited to, periodic review as well as assessment at the time of review for readmission. The rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the pupil may reapply to ECMS for readmission.

Alternative Educational Programs for Expelled Students

If a decision is made to expel a student from ECMS-G, the school will work cooperatively with the student’s district of residence (Student Discipline Proceedings Unit for former LAUSD students) and/or county to assist with the educational placement of the expelled student. As permitted by law, ECMS-G will communicate any incident of violent and/or serious behavior to the district/school to which the student matriculates.

Readmission

The decision to readmit a previously expelled pupil shall be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors’ designated expulsion panel and based upon the pupil having met the requirements and goals of the rehabilitation plan. The pupil’s readmission is also contingent upon the capacity of ECMS-G at the time the pupil seeks readmission.

Suspension and Expulsion Periodic Review

The ECS Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board will hold an annual review of the Suspension and Expulsion. During the review, the Board of Directors and/or a committee appointed by the Board will make any necessary modifications to the list of offenses for which students are subject to suspension or expulsion.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

In the case of students with disabilities, ECMS will comply with the discipline procedures as set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For students who receive special education services, the maximum number of suspension days cannot exceed a total of 10 school days in a school year. ECMS will follow IEP components in terms of student discipline. ECMS will work with the Special Education Program Coordinator within the Local District Office that serves its geographical area if it is determined that an alternative placement is in order.

Discipline of Students with 504 Plans

Students with Section 504 Plans will be afforded the following protections: As the 504 student’s cumulative suspensions approach a total of 10 days, the Student Success Team must meet to hold a re-evaluation meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether the misconduct of the student is caused by the student’s disabling condition and whether the student’s current educational placement is appropriate. If the student’s Section 504 Plan and placement are appropriate, and if it is determined that the behavior is not the result of the student’s disabling condition, the school may proceed in the same manner as it would with non-disabled students.

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