STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
It is expected that Blake students will behave in a way that is consistent with our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, and Reflection in order to foster a physically and emotionally safe school community.We expect our students to conduct themselves in a manner that does not violate the rights and privileges of others. Students are required to respect all members of the school community, as well as adhere to school standards/expectations and those provisions of law that apply to student conduct. The Student Discipline Code is applicable to every student in grades six through eight and shall be in effect on school property during regular school hours as well as at other places and times where teachers and school administrators have jurisdiction over students, including, but not necessarily limited to school-sponsored functions such as field trips and athletic events. This code also applies to students when they are being transported on school buses and/or other vehicles for school functions.
The following will be considered when determining a consequence for behavior:
Age and grade level of the student.
Frequency of misconduct by the student.
Level of seriousness of the particular misconduct.
Attitude evidenced by the student.
Any other relevant factor, including but not limited to children with educational plans under Chapter 766 of the General Laws.
DISCIPLINE CODE
Thomas Blake Middle School maintains procedures that ensure appropriate educational programming for all students, including those that receive disciplinary consequences. In all instances where disciplinary consequences may result, students are afforded due process and restorative practices will be implemented in a timely manner. Those infractions that may result in suspension will result in immediate parent/guardian notification. Parents/guardians and students will be offered the opportunity for a disciplinary hearing to discuss the incident/behavior, as well as possible consequences. Following such due process, the student and parent/guardian will be notified of the resulting consequences in writing. This notification will include a summary of the offense, subsequent disciplinary hearing results, and resulting consequences. If the incident results in a suspension, the notification will also specify the length of suspension (with date of return to school), as well as academic remediation opportunities during and upon return from the suspension.
If the ruling results in long-term suspension, the student and parent/guardian will also be informed of their rights to review all materials used to make the decision, the right to be represented by counsel (at student/parent/guardian expense), the right to produce witnesses, the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school, and the right to request that the hearing be recorded (and to receive a copy of the recording).
GENERAL DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES
Teacher Detention
Lunch Detention/Office Detention
Withholding of Privileges
Suspension
Exclusion
Emergency Removal
The school district reserves its right to implement additional discipline under the provisions of Mass. Gen. L. ch 71, section 37H.
DETENTION
Teacher Detention
All teachers will handle their own detention for minor incidents occurring within their jurisdiction. Teacher detention will take precedence over all school activities. Teacher detentions may be issued for, but are not restricted to, the following:
class disruption of a minor nature that impedes the educational process
tardiness to class
missing class time without prior notification/approval
unapproved use of electronic devices
Twenty-four hours notice will be given to all students when detentions are assigned and parents/guardians will be contacted.
Office Detention
Administration may issue detention before or after school or during lunch in addition to teacher-issued consequences. The following are examples of offenses for which students may be assigned office detention:
Disruptive or unacceptable behavior in the classroom, corridors, cafeteria, LMC, or on the school bus
Participation in actions/activities which are not appropriate in school or on school grounds
Presence in areas of the building without prior approval
Unexcused/excessive tardiness.
Failure to report to the office when tardy or when directed by a teacher/staff member
Failure to serve office detention may result in further disciplinary action. Students are expected to serve all detentions, teacher and office, within 24 hours notice to families.
SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION
Serious infractions of the Discipline Code require consequences commensurate with the violation. The school district reserves its right to suspend students for offenses other than those listed within the handbook based on the particular facts of the situation.
The following list is meant to be a representative but not an exhaustive list of potentially suspendable offenses:
Discrimination based on a student’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Any act which disrupts a class or interferes with the educational process of a teacher and/or other students.
Insubordination. It is expected that the lawful direction and order of teachers and administrators will be carried out immediately. However, if students feel that this direction is unreasonable, they must first comply with the direction of the teacher or administration and then seek an appeal at the next highest level of authority.
Profanity, obscenity, discourtesy, or disrespect toward teachers, substitute teachers, administrative assistants, custodial staff, cafeteria personnel, bus drivers, administrators, and other students
Stealing or receiving stolen property
Defacing school property
Fighting
Setting off false alarms (violations of this rule will also be referred to the police chief and fire chief)
Intent to possess or actual possession, use, sale, distribution, or purchase of drugs or drug paraphernalia (prescribed or over the counter; possible cause for expulsion according to Chapter 71, Section 37H of Mass. Laws)
Refusing to give correct name promptly to teachers, substitute teachers, or administrators
Physical violence or threat of physical violence, trespassing, or harassment directed toward any school employee, School Committee member, student, or guest and their property regardless of location.
Hazing
Bullying/harassment
Presence in a restricted area
Other actions that are determined to be harmful or dangerous to oneself or others
PRINCIPAL’S DISCRETION
In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed, the principal, or his/her designee, shall exercise discretion in deciding the consequence for the offense, except as set forth in G.L. c. 71, § 37H ¾ and as set forth below in the section on Alternative Remedies for Disciplinary Consequences. The principal shall consider ways to reengage the student in learning and shall attempt to avoid long term suspension as a consequence until alternatives have been tried. These alternatives may include the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive behavioral interventions and supports.
ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES FOR DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES
Prior to issuing any disciplinary consequences pursuant to G.L. c. 71, § 37H ¾ and not subject to G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H ½, as discussed below, the Principal or designee will consider alternative remedies to such consequences. This policy applies only to short-term or long-term suspensions, emergency removals or in-school suspensions, or expulsions that are not issued under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H ½. This policy does not apply to disciplinary consequences issued under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H ½, which include: assault of educational staff, possession of controlled substances or a dangerous weapon on school grounds, and felony charges or conviction.
The Principal or designee will consider methods to re-engage the student in the learning process when deciding disciplinary consequences for the student. Specifically, the Principal or designee will consider and use alternative remedies including but not limited to mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem solving. The use and results of such alternative remedies will be documented in writing. The Principal or designee will consider, use to the extent possible, and document in writing such alternative remedies before the Principal or designee may suspend or expel a student. The Principal will also implement school or district models to re-engage students in the learning process, including positive behavioral interventions and supports models and trauma sensitive learning models. The Principal or designee will not implement such models in direct response to a specific incident.
In the event alternative remedies are not feasible, the Principal or designee will document specific reasons as to why such alternative remedies are not suitable or counter-productive, or in situations where the student’s continued presence in school would pose a specific, documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm on another while in school.
PROCEDURES FOR IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION OF LESS THAN TEN (10) CUMULATIVE OR CONSECUTIVE SCHOOL DAYS
An in-school suspension may be used as an alternative to short-term suspension for disciplinary events. An in-school suspension means the removal of a student from regular classroom activities, but not from the school premises, for no more than ten (10) consecutive school days, or no more than ten (10) school days cumulatively for multiple infractions in one school year.
If the principal chooses this alternative, the principal shall inform the student of the disciplinary offense charged and the basis for that charge and provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charge and explain the circumstances surrounding the charge. If an in-school suspension is issued, the principal shall make at least two documented attempts to notify the parent orally of the disciplinary offense, the reasons for concluding that the student committed the offense, and the length of the in-school suspension.
The principal shall also invite the parent to a meeting to discuss the student’s academic performance and behavior, strategies for student engagement, and possible responses to the behavior. This meeting shall be scheduled on the day of the suspension, if possible, or as soon as possible thereafter. The principal shall also send written notice to the student and parent about the in-school suspension, including the reason and length of the in-school suspension, and inviting the parent to the above described meeting, if such meeting has not already occurred.
PROCEDURES FOR SHORT-TERM OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
(exclusion of a student from school premises and regular classroom activities for a specified period of not more than ten school days.)
The principal, or his/her designee, may suspend students on a short-term basis. Unless a student poses a danger to persons or property, substantially and materially disrupts the order of school, possesses a firearm, controlled substance, or assaults a school staff member, the student will receive the following prior to a short-term suspension:
Oral and written notice of the charges in English and the primary language of the home if other than English. This notice shall include:
a. The disciplinary offense;
b. The basis for the charge;
c. The potential consequences, including the potential length of the suspension;
d. The opportunity to have a hearing with the principal and the parent concerning the proposed suspension, including the opportunity to dispute the charges and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged incident;
e. The date, time, and location of the hearing;
f. The right of the parent and student to interpreter services at the hearing; and
g. if the student may be placed on a long-term suspension following the hearing with the principal:
the rights set forth under the “Procedures for Long-Term Suspension”; and
the right to appeal the principal’s decision to the superintendent.
At the hearing, if the student and/or parent elects to attend, the student shall have the opportunity to present his/her version of the relevant facts and any mitigating circumstances. The principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of the opportunity to attend the hearing. To conduct the hearing without the parent, the principal must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent. The principal is presumed to have made reasonable efforts if the principal sent written notice and has documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency notification.
Based on the available information, the principal shall make a determination as to whether the student committed the disciplinary offenses and what remedy shall be imposed. The principal shall notice the student and parent in writing of his/her decision, the reasons for it, and, if applicable, the type and duration of the suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and other academic work.
If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension, before the suspension takes effect.
PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY REMOVAL
If the student’s continued presence poses a danger to persons or property, and in the principal’s judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger, the principal may temporarily remove the student from the school without following the procedures for a short term, out-of-district suspension. This temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal and the superintendent shall be immediately notified of the removal. Additionally, the principal shall make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and student’s parent of the emergency removal, the reason for the emergency removal, and the other information required in a short-term suspension notification. The short-term suspension notice shall be provided in writing to the student and parent. The opportunity for a hearing with the principal shall occur within two (2) school days, unless otherwise extended by the school and parent. A decision regarding the student’s continued suspension or other removal shall be rendered the same say as the hearing and written notice shall be provided the following school day. This written notice shall include all the information required based on the type of discipline imposed (short-term suspension, in-school suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion).
The principal may also remove a student from privileges, such as extracurricular activities and attendance at school-sponsored events, based on a student’s misconduct. This type of removal is not subject to the procedures for suspension and expulsion outlined in this policy.
PROCEDURES FOR LONG-TERM SUSPENSION
(exclusion of a student from school premises and regular classroom activities for more than ten school days.)
The principal, or his/her designee, may issue long-term suspensions at the building level. The principal may also issue expulsions for the offenses set forth in M.G.L. c. 71, §37H and §37H½. Expulsions for other offenses are heard by the School Committee pursuant to M.G.L. c. 76, §16 and §17.
In the event of a long term suspension or expulsion, the student will be provided oral and written notice of the charges in English and the primary language of the home if other than English. This notice shall include:
i. The disciplinary offense;
ii. The basis for the charge;
iii. The potential consequences, including the potential length of the suspension;
iv. The opportunity to have a hearing with the principal and the parent concerning the proposed suspension, including the opportunity to dispute the charges and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged incident;
The date, time, and location of the hearing; and
The right of the parent and student to interpreter services at the hearing.
2. The principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of the opportunity to attend the hearing. To conduct the hearing without the parent, the principal must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent. The principal is presumed to have made reasonable efforts if the principal sent written notice and has documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency notification.
3. In advance of the hearing, the student shall have the right to review the student’s record and the documents upon which the principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student.
4. The student shall also have the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person at the choice and expense of the student/parent.
5. At the hearing, if the student and/or parent elects to attend, the student shall have the opportunity to present his/her version of the relevant facts and any mitigating circumstances. The student shall also have the right to produce witnesses and the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school. The student may request that the hearing be audio recorded by the principal and may request a copy of the recording. All parties must be made aware that the hearing is recorded in advance of the hearing.
6. The parent, if present, shall have the opportunity to discuss the student’s conduct and other information, including mitigating circumstances, that the principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.
7. The principal shall make a determination as to whether the student committed the disciplinary offences and what consequences shall be imposed.
The principal shall notice the student and parent in writing of his/her decision, including the following information:
i. The disciplinary offence, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants in the hearing;
ii. The key facts and conclusions reached by the principal;
iii. The length and effective date of the suspension and the date of return to school;
iv. The notice the student’s opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the suspension;
v. The student’s right to appeal the principal’s decision to the superintendent or his/her designee if a long-term suspension has been imposed. This notice of appeal shall include the process for appealing the decision, which requires the parent or student to file a written notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension. The parent or legal guardian or student may request and receive from the superintendent an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven additional calendar days. The long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the superintendent decides to reverse the principal’s determination on appeal.
The superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student’s request, unless an extension is mutually agreed to.
a. The superintendent shall make a good-faith effort to include the parent in the hearing.
b. The hearing shall be conducted to determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense and, if so, what the consequence shall be. The hearing shall be audio recorded and a copy of the recording shall be provided to the student or parent upon request.
c. All the same rights as are afforded in the above long-term suspension principal’s hearing shall apply to the student in a superintendent’s hearing.
d. The superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing. If the superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the superintendent may impose the same or lesser consequence than the principal.
e. The decision of the superintendent shall be the final decision of the school district.
If the student is in grades K-3, the principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the superintendent and explain the reasons for the suspension before the suspension takes effect.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is the removal of a student from the school premises, regular classroom activities, and school activities permanently. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 71 sect. 37H ½ and sect. 37H, conduct that may lead to expulsion includes but is not limited to possession of a dangerous weapon, assault on school personnel, possession of a controlled substance, and felony convictions/pleading guilty to a felony charge. Procedures associated with expulsion are set forth in both of those named statutes.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURAL PROTECTIONS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
In general, special education students may be excluded from their programs for up to ten school days per school year just as any other student. A suspension of longer than 10 consecutive days or a series of suspensions that are shorter than 10 consecutive days but constitute a pattern are considered to represent a change in placement.
When a suspension constitutes a change in placement of a student with disabilities, district personnel, the parent, and other relevant members of the Team, as determined by the parent and the district, convene within 10 days of the decision to suspend to review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the IEP, any teacher observations, and any relevant information from the parents, to determine whether the behavior was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the disability or was the direct result of the district’s failure to implement the IEP—“a manifestation determination.”
In either case, the interim alternative education setting enables the student to continue in the general curriculum and to continue receiving services identified on the IEP and provides services to address the problem behavior.
If district personnel, the parent, and other relevant members of the Team determine that the behavior IS a manifestation of the disability, then the Team completes a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention plan if it has not already done so. If a behavioral intervention plan is already in place, the Team reviews and modifies it, as necessary, to address the behavior. Except when he or she has been placed in an interim alternative educational setting in accordance with part 4, the student returns to the original placement unless the parents and district agree otherwise, or the hearing officer orders a new placement.
Not later than the date of the decision to take disciplinary action, the school district notifies the parents of that decision and provides them with the written notice of procedural safeguards. If the parent chooses to appeal or the school district requests a hearing because it believes that maintaining the student’s current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or others, the student remains in the disciplinary placement, if any, until the decision of the hearing officer or the end of the time period for the disciplinary action, whichever comes first, unless the parent and the school district agree otherwise.
If the conduct involves weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury to any other person on school grounds, a special education student may be removed to an interim alternative educational placement for up to 45 school days regardless of the behavior’s relationship to the disability. The location of this placement will be determined by the student’s Team.
A student who has not been determined to be eligible for special education and related services and who has engaged in behavior that violates a code of student conduct, may assert any of the protections provided for special education students if the school had knowledge that the student was a child with a disability before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred. The school’s knowledge of the student’s disability can be demonstrated by:
The student’s parent/ guardian having expressed written concern to school staff (supervisors or teachers) that the student needs special education;
The student’s parent/ guardian has recently requested a special education evaluation; or
School staff having expressed specific concerns about the student’s pattern of behavior directly to the special education department at the school.”
The district may not be considered to have had prior knowledge
If the parent has not consented to an evaluation of the student or has refused special education services, or if an evaluation of the student has resulted in a determination of ineligibility.
If the district had no reason to consider the student disabled, and the parent requests an evaluation subsequent to the disciplinary action, the district must have procedures consistent with federal requirements to conduct an expedited evaluation to determine eligibility.
If the student is found eligible, then he/she receives all procedural protections subsequent to the finding of eligibility.
Additional information regarding the procedural protections for students with disabilities can be obtained from the Director of Student Services at 508-359-7135.
POSSESSION OF WEAPONS OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
ASSAULT OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL
Massachusetts General Law Ch. 71, §37H authorizes the principal to expel students as follows:
1. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in Chapter Ninety-Four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
2. Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
3. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (1) or (2) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, at his discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (1) or (2).
4. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
5. Any school district that suspends or expels a student under this section shall continue to provide educational services to the student during the period of suspension or expulsion, under section 21 of chapter 76. If the student moves to another district during the period of suspension or expulsion, the new district of residence shall either admit the student to its schools or provide educational services to the student in an education service plan, under section 21 of chapter 76.
6. Districts shall report to the department of elementary and secondary education the specific reasons for all suspensions and expulsions, regardless of duration or type, in a manner and form established by the commissioner. The department of elementary and secondary education shall use its existing data collection tools to obtain this information from districts and shall modify those tools, as necessary, to obtain the information. On an annual basis, the department of elementary and secondary education shall make district level de-identified data and analysis, including the total number of days each student is excluded during the school year, available to the public online in a machine readable format. This report shall include district level data disaggregated by student status and categories established by the commissioner.
7. Under the regulations promulgated by the department, for each school that suspends or expels a significant number of students for more than 10 cumulative days in a school year, the commissioner shall investigate and, as appropriate, shall recommend models that incorporate intermediary steps prior to the use of suspension or expulsion. The results of the analysis shall be publicly reported at the school district level.
A copy of this law may be obtained in the main office.
issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal of a school may suspend a student for a period of time determined appropriate by the principal if the principal determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and the reasons for such suspension prior to such suspension taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, however, that such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent in writing of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date of the suspension. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the student’s request for an appeal. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the suspension.
The principal may expel a student who has been convicted, adjudicated, or admitted guilt with respect to a felony or felony delinquency, if the principal determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such expulsion; provided, however, that the expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent, in writing, of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date of the expulsion. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the expulsion. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the expulsion.
A copy of this law may be obtained in the main office.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND ACADEMIC PROGRESS DURING SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSION
Any student who is serving an in-school suspension, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion shall have the opportunity to earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, test, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of his or her removal from the classroom. The principal shall inform the student and parent of such opportunity in writing when such suspension or expulsion is imposed.
Any student expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to receive education services and make academic progress toward meeting state and local requirements, through a school-wide education service plan. This plan will be developed by the principal and shall describe the services that the school district will make available to students who are expelled or suspended for ten (10) or more consecutive days. The plan will include the process for notifying such students and their parents of the services and arranging the services.
LEGAL AUTHORITY: M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H
M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H ½
M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H ¾
M.G.L. c. 76, § 21
603 CMR 53.00
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
Click on link to access: Medfield Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Revised April 2023
LEADERSHIP
Public Involvement.
The Medfield Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is developed through a consultation process which involves all members of the school community. Built upon the District's Bullying and Harassment Policy and school- level Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans, the MPS district plan, which will be updated every two years, draws upon the expertise of teachers, administrators, and support personnel and members of the larger school community. The Plan was originally developed and evaluated by a Steering Committee composed of district-level and school level personnel, reviewed by the district's Leadership Team, Superintendent's Advisory Council, and School Committee. This revised plan was revised with input from administrators, staff, community members and parents through each building’s site council.
Needs Assessment.
The district uses several sources of data to develop and evaluate the plan. At all levels, building data from incident reports during the course of the year are documented. At the end of each school year, the principal or designee collects all relevant data and makes it available to those who are responsible for reviewing and evaluating the plan.
Planning and Oversight.
The principal or principal's designee at each school is responsible for receiving reports on bullying, collecting and analyzing data on bullying, and recording and tracking incident reports. The principal, in conjunction with other school staff members, also plans for ongoing professional development, plans supports for targets and aggressors, approves the implementation of school curricula, and organizes key people for implementing the internet safety policy, amending student and staff handbooks, leading parent involvement activities, and reviewing and updating school bullying prevention and intervention plans as required by law.
Priority Statements.
The Medfield Public Schools expects that all members of the school community will treat each other in a civil manner and with respect for differences. At each school administrators, teachers, and support personnel will articulate this vision clearly so that all members of the school community are aware of the district's commitment to bullying prevention and intervention.
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Annual Staff Training on the Plan. Annual training for all school staff will include staff duties under the Plan, an overview of the steps that the principal or designee will follow upon receipt of a report of bullying or retaliation, and an overview of the bullying prevention curricula to be offered at all grades throughout the school or district. Staff members hired after the start of the school year are required to participate in school- based training during the school year in which they are hired, unless they can demonstrate participation in an acceptable and comparable program within the last two years.
The following persons will conduct the annual training:
● The principal or designee will oversee the professional development of staff
members who may have direct supervisory responsibilities for children, including teaching assistants, behavior technicians, LMC aides, student teachers and substitute teachers.
● The district's athletic director is responsible for annual training of coaches.
● The principal or designee will be responsible for annual training of building secretaries, custodians, maintenance staff members, and food service employees.
● The Student Services Director or designee will be responsible for annual training of bus drivers.
Ongoing Professional Development.
The goal of professional development is to establish a common understanding of tools necessary for staff to create a school climate that promotes safety, civil communication, and respect for differences. Professional development will build the skills of staff members to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying. As required by M.G.L. c.71, sec 370, the content of schoolwide and districtwide professional development will be informed by research and will include information on:
● developmentally appropriate strategies to prevent bullying;
● developmentally appropriate strategies for immediate, effective interventions to stop bullying incident
● information regarding the complex interaction and power differential that can take place between and among an aggressor, target, and witnesses to the bullying.
● research findings on bullying, including information about specific categories of students who have been shown to be particularly at risk for bullying in the school environment;
● information on the incidence and nature of cyberbullying, and
● internet safety issues as they relate to cyberbullying.
Professional development will also address ways to prevent and respond to bullying or retaliation for students with disabilities that must be considered when developing students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This will include a particular focus on the needs of students with autism or students whose disability affects social skills development. The district's Student Services director will oversee the professional development in relation to these plans.
Teaching students skills including positive communication, anger management, and empathy for others through the following research-based curricula:
● Sanford Harmony at grades PreK-5
● Bullying prevention lessons in the Wellness and Advisory curriculum.
The principal or designee will continually update staff on these ongoing initiatives. In addition, each school will provide all staff with an annual written notice of the Plan by publishing information about it, including staff responsibilities in the staff handbook.
ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Counseling and other services. Guidance counselors, school psychologists, and school nurses at each school have lists of available resources for students and families.
In addition to school counseling, a variety of within-school supports exist, such as social skills groups, lunch-time groups, and group and individual counseling for targets and aggressors.
Safety plans for students who are the targets of bullying or retaliation are developed by the principal or designee in conjunction with appropriate school personnel.
Students with disabilities. As required by M.G.L. c 710, Sec 3, as amended by chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010, when the IEP Team determines the student has a disability that affects social skills development or the student may participate in or is vulnerable to bullying, harassment, or teasing because of his/her disability, the Team will consider what should be included in the IEP to develop the student's skills and proficiencies to avoid and respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.
ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
Specific bullying prevention approaches. Bullying prevention curricula will be informed by current research which, among other things, emphasizes the following approaches:
● Using scripts and role plays to develop skills
● Empowering students to take action by knowing what to do when they witness other students engaged in acts of bullying or retaliation, including seeking adult assistance
● Helping students understand the dynamics of bullying and cyberbullying including the underlying power imbalance
● Emphasizing cyber safety, including safe and appropriate use of electronic communication technologies
● Enhancing students skills for engaging in healthy relationships and respectful communications, and
● Engaging students in a safe, supportive school environment that is respectful of diversity and difference.
Initiatives will also teach students about the student-related sections of the Bullying Prevention And Intervention Plan. The principal or designee will provide explicit age-appropriate information to students on the Plan during assemblies or small-group presentations at each school throughout the school year.
General teaching approaches. The following approaches are integral to establishing a safe and supportive school environment. These underscore the importance of our bullying intervention and prevention initiatives:
● Setting clear expectations for students and establishing school and classroom routines
● Creating safe school and classroom environments for all students regardless of race, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
● Using appropriate and positive responses and reinforcement, even when students require discipline
● Using positive behavioral supports
● Encouraging adults to develop positive relationships with students
● Modeling, teaching, and rewarding pro-social, healthy, and respectful behaviors
● Using positive approaches to behavioral health, including collaborative problem solving,
conflict resolution training, teamwork, and positive behavioral supports that aid in social
and emotional development
● Using the internet safely
● Supporting students' interest and participation in non-academic and extracurricular activities, particularly in their areas of strength.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO BULLYING AND RETALIATION
Reporting Bullying or Retaliation. Reports of bullying or retaliation may be made by staff, students, parents or guardians, or others, and may be oral or written. Oral reports made by or to a staff member shall be recorded in writing. A school or district staff member is required to report immediately to the principal or designee any instance of bullying or retaliation the staff member becomes aware of or witnesses. Reports made by students, parents or guardians, or other individuals who are not school or district staff members, may be made anonymously. (Oral and anonymous complaints may be reviewed but are inherently difficult to investigate and may not be procedurally fair; as a result no disciplinary action shall be taken solely on oral or anonymous complaints unless verified by clear and convincing evidence.) The school or district will make a variety of reporting resources available to the school community including, but not limited to, an Incident Reporting Form with directions for submission to the appropriate school office.
Use of an Incident Reporting Form is not required as a condition of making a report. The school or district will: 1) make it available in the school's main office, the counseling office, the school nurse's office, and other locations determined by the principal or designee; and 2) post it on the school's website. The Incident Reporting Form will be made available in the most prevalent language(s) of origin of students and parents or guardians.
At the beginning of each school year, each school will provide the school community, including administrators, staff, students, and parents or guardians, with written notice of its policies for reporting acts of bullying and retaliation. A description of the reporting procedures and resources, including the name and contact information of the principal or designee, will be incorporated in student and staff handbooks, on the school website, and in information about the Plan that is made available to parents or guardians.
1. Reporting by Staff
A staff member will report immediately to the principal or designee when he/she witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may be bullying or retaliation. The requirement to report to the principal or designee does not limit the authority of the staff member to respond to behavioral or disciplinary incidents consistent with school or district policies and procedures for behavior management and discipline.
2. Reporting by Students, Parents or Guardians, and Others
The school or district expects students, parents or guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to the principal or designee. Reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Students, parents or guardians, and others may request assistance from a staff member to complete a written report. Students will be provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of bullying with a staff member, or with the principal or designee.
Responding to a Report of Bullying or Retaliation.
1. Safety:
Before fully investigating the allegations of bullying or retaliation, the principal or designee will take steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and/or to protect the alleged target from possible further incidents. Responses to promote safety may include, but not be limited to, creating a personal safety plan; pre-determining seating arrangements in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will act as a "safe person;" and altering the schedules and access to involved students, including witnesses and reporters. The principal or designee will take additional steps to promote safety during the course of and after the investigation, as necessary.
The principal or designee will implement appropriate strategies for protecting a student who has reported bullying or retaliation, a student who has witnessed bullying or retaliation, a student who provides information during an investigation, or a student who has reliable information about a reported act of bullying or retaliation. Student safety plans will be developed by the principal or designee in conjunction with appropriate school personnel.
2. Obligations to Notify Others
a. Notice to parents or guardians. Upon determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the aggressor of this, and of the procedures for responding to it. There may be circumstances in which the principal or designee contacts parents or guardians prior to any investigation. Notice will be consistent with state regulations at 603 CMR 49.00.
b. Notice to Another School or District. If the reported incident involves students from more than one school district, charter school, non-public school, approved private special education day or residential school, or collaborative school, the principal or designee first informed of the incident will promptly notify by telephone the principal or designee of the other school(s) of the incident so that each school may take appropriate action. All communications will be in accordance with state and federal privacy laws and regulations, and 603 CMR 49.00.
c. Notice to Law Enforcement. At any point after receiving a report of bullying or retaliation,including after an investigation, if the principal or designee has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor, the principal will notify the local law enforcement agency. Notice will be consistent with the requirements of 603 CMR 49.00 and locally established agreements with the local law enforcement agency. Also, if an incident occurs on school grounds and involves a former student under the age of 21 who is no longer enrolled in school, the principal or designee shall contact the local law enforcement agency if he or she has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor. In making this determination, the principal will, consistent with the Plan and with applicable school or district policies and procedures, consult with the Medfield Police Department and other individuals the principal or designee deems appropriate.
3. Investigation.
The principal or designee will promptly investigate all reports of bullying or retaliation and, in doing so, will consider all available information known, including the nature of the allegation(s) and the ages of the students involved.
During the investigation the principal or designee will, among other things, interview students, staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The principal or designee (or whoever is conducting the investigation) will remind the alleged aggressor, target, and witnesses that retaliation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Interviews may be conducted by the principal or designee, other staff members as determined by the principal or designee, and in consultation with the school counselor, as appropriate. To the extent practicable, and given his/her obligation to investigate and address the matter, the principal or designee will maintain confidentiality during the investigative process. The principal or designee will maintain a written record of the investigation.
Procedures for investigating reports of bullying and retaliation will be consistent with school or district policies and procedures for investigations. If necessary, the principal or designee will consult with legal counsel about the investigation.
4. Determinations.
The principal or designee will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances. If, after investigation, bullying or retaliation is substantiated, the principal or designee will take steps reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and to ensure that the target is not restricted in participating in school or in benefiting from school activities.
The principal or designee will:
● determine what remedial action is required, if any, and
● determine what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is necessary.
Depending upon the circumstances, the principal or designee may choose to consult with the students' teacher(s) and/or school counselor, and the target's or aggressor's parents or guardians, to identify any underlying social or emotional issue(s) that may have contributed to the bullying behavior and to assess the level of need for additional social skills development.
The principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the aggressor about the results of the investigation and, if bullying or retaliation is found, what action is being taken to prevent further acts of bullying or retaliation. All notice to parents must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. Because of the legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the principal or designee cannot report specific information to the target's parent or guardian about the disciplinary action taken unless it involves a "stay away" order or other directive that the target must be aware of in order to report violations.
Responses to Bullying
1. Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-Building
Upon the principal or designee determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the law requires that the school or district use a range of responses that balance the need for accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior. M.G.L. c. 71, § 370(d)(v).
Skill-building approaches that the principal or designee may consider include:
offering individualized skill-building sessions based on the school's/district's antibullying curriculum.
providing relevant educational activities for individual students or groups of students, in consultation with guidance counselors and other appropriate school personnel;
implementing a range of academic and nonacademic positive behavioral supports to help students understand prosocial ways to achieve their goals; meeting with parents and guardians to engage parental support and to reinforce the anti bullying curricula and social skills building activities at home;
○ adopting behavioral plans to include a locus on developing specific social skills; and making a referral for evaluation as needed
2. Taking Disciplinary Action
If the principal or designee decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary action will be determined on the basis of facts found by the principal or designee, including the nature of the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to balance accountability with the teaching of appropriate behavior. Discipline will be consistent with the Plan and with the school's or district's code of conduct.
Discipline procedures for students with disabilities are governed by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which should be read in cooperation with state laws regarding student discipline.
If the principal or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of bullying or retaliation, that student may be subject to disciplinary action.
3. Promoting Safety for the Target and Others
The principal or designee will consider what adjustments, if any, are needed in the school environment to enhance the target's sense of safety and that of others as well. One strategy that the principal or designee may use is to increase adult supervision at transition times and in locations where bullying is known to have occurred or is likely to occur.
Within a reasonable period of time following the determination and the ordering of remedial and/or disciplinary action, the principal or designee will contact the target to determine whether there has been a recurrence of the prohibited conduct and whether additional supportive measures are needed. If so, the principal or designee will work with appropriate school staff to implement them immediately.
COLLABORATION WITH FAMILIES
Notification Requirements.
Each year each school will inform parents or guardians of enrolled students about the anti bullying curricula that are being used. This notice will include information about the dynamics of bullying, including cyberbullying and online safety. The school or district will send parents written notice each year about the student-related sections of the Plan and the school's or district's Internet safety policy. All notices and information made available to parents or guardians will be in hard copy and electronic formats, and will be available in the language(s) most prevalent among parents or guardians. The school will post the Plan and related information, such as the School Committee Policy, parent resources, and appropriate links on its website.
PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION
Acts of bullying, which include cyberbullying, are prohibited:
● on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, and
● at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses, infringe on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is also prohibited. As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, §370, nothing in this Plan requires the district or school to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs.
DEFINITIONS
Aggressor: a student or staff member who engages in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation.
Bullying:, pursuant to G.L. c. 71, § 370, means the repeated use by one or more students or by a member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:
1. causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property;
2. places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or damage to the target’s property; 3. creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
4. infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
5. materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
For the purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyber-bullying.
Cyber-bullying: bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to: any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying shall also include:
● the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or
● the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (1) to (5), inclusive, of the definition of bullying. Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (1) to (5), inclusive, of the definition of bullying.
Hostile environment: as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 370, is a situation in which bullying causes the school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of a student's education.
Retaliation: any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying.
Staff: includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, or paraprofessionals.
Target: a student against whom bullying, cyberbullying or retaliation has been perpetuate
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS
Consistent with state and federal laws, and the policies of the school or district, no person shall be discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town or in obtaining the advantages, privilege and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. Nothing in the Plan prevents the school or district from taking action to remediate discrimination or harassment based on a person's membership in a legally protected category under local, state, or federal law, or school or district policies.
In addition, nothing in the Plan is designed or intended to limit the authority of the school or district to take disciplinary action or other action under M.G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H or 37H'I2, M.G.L C. 71 § 37H 3⁄4 and other applicable laws, or local school or district policies in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether the Plan covers the behavior.
ANTI-HAZING
Hazing is prohibited under Massachusetts law and will not be tolerated by the school. A student who engages in hazing will be subject to discipline.
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269, Section 17 – Crime of Hazing:
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or be imprisoned in a house of correction for not more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment. Disciplinary action for school-related hazing is at the discretion of the school administration relative to the severity of the action. The term “hazing” as used in this section and in Section 18 and 19 shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food or liquor/beverage/drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any other such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
Chapter 269, Section 18, -- Duty to Report Hazing
Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in Section 17 and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand ($1,000) dollars.
PROHIBITION OF TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS
The use of tobacco/nicotine products of any kind, including delivery through vapor (vaping), is prohibited on school property and at school-related events.
ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The use, possession, or sale/distribution of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances on school property or at school-related events is forbidden by state law. A student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use/consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol or any other controlled substances. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a violation.
SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES
School-related activities include, but shall not be limited to, proms, dances, athletic events, music and theater performances, school-sponsored field trips, etc. The regulations and penalties regarding use of prohibited substances will be in effect during the school day and at all extracurricular and school functions, on and off school property. This applies to all participants and spectators/attendees.
In addition to the following sanctions, students should be aware that violations of this policy may result in expulsion according to Chapter 71, Section 37H of the Massachusetts General Laws.
STATE LAWS INVOLVING SCHOOL CONDUCT
Chapter 269, Section 10 – Prohibition against Firearms in Schools
Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provisions of chapter one hundred and forty, carries on his person a firearm as hereinafter defined, loaded or unloaded or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college, or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such school or college shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. For the purpose of this paragraph, firearm shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet, or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.
CHAP. 94c, SECTION 32J – Drug-Free School Zone
The controlled substance act provides that any person convicted of possessing or selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a public or private school (elementary, vocational, middle, or secondary) whether or not in session shall be punished by a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment.
The registrar shall suspend, without a hearing, the license or right to operate a motor vehicle of a person who is convicted of a violation of this statute, however, that the period of such suspension shall not be licensed to operate a motor vehicle until such person reaches the age of 21 years. In addition, the violator is subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.
CHAP. 71, Section 37H
Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher aide, or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored/school-related events, including athletic games may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.
CHAP. 71 Section 37H 1/2 -- An Act Relative to Safety in Public Schools
Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal, or the headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may suspend such student for a period of time determined appropriate by said principal or headmaster if said principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantially detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and the reasons for such a suspension prior to such suspension taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension, provided, however, that such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to such a felony or felony delinquency, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may expel said student if such principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantially detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The students shall receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of this right to appeal and the process for appealing such expulsion, provided, however, that the expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
CHAP. 71 Section 37H 3/4
This section shall govern the suspension and expulsion of students enrolled in a public school in the commonwealth who are not charged with a violation of subsections (a) or (b) of section 37H or with a felony under section 37H1/2.
Any principal, headmaster, superintendent, or other person acting as a decision-maker at a student meeting or hearing, when deciding the consequences for the student, shall exercise discretion; consider ways to re-engage the student in the learning process, and avoid using expulsion as a consequence until other remedies and consequences have been employed. For any suspension or expulsion under this section, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled, or a designee, shall provide, to the student and to the parent or guardian of the student, notice of the charges and the reason for the suspension or expulsion in English and in the primary language spoken in the home of the student. The student shall receive the written notification and shall have the opportunity to meet with the principal or headmaster, or a designee, to discuss the charges and reasons for the suspension or expulsion prior to the suspension or expulsion taking effect. The principal or headmaster, or a designee, shall ensure that the parent or guardian of the student is included in the meeting, provided that such meeting may take place without the parent or guardian only if the principal or headmaster, or a designee, can document reasonable efforts to include the parent or guardian in that meeting. The department shall promulgate rules and regulations that address a principal’s duties under this subsection and procedures for including parents in student exclusion meetings, hearings or interviews under this subsection.
If a decision is made to suspend or expel the student after the meeting, the principal or headmaster, or a designee, shall update the notification for the suspension or expulsion to reflect the meeting with the student. If a student has been suspended or expelled for more than 10 school days for a single infraction or for more than 10 school days cumulatively for multiple infractions in any school year, the student and the parent or guardian of the student shall also receive, at the time of the suspension or expulsion decision, written notification of a right to appeal and the process for appealing the suspension or expulsion in English and in the primary language spoken in the home of the student; provided, however, that the suspension or expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing. The principal, headmaster, or designee shall notify the superintendent in writing, including, but not limited to, by electronic means, of any out-of-school suspension imposed on a student enrolled in kindergarten through grade 3 prior to such suspension taking effect. That notification shall describe the student’s alleged misconduct and the reasons for suspending the student out-of-school. For the purposes of this section, the term “out-of-school suspension” shall mean a disciplinary action imposed by school officials to remove a student from participation in school activities for 1 day or more.
A student who has been suspended or expelled from school for more than 10 school days for a single infraction or for more than 10 school days cumulatively for multiple infractions in any school year shall have the right to appeal the suspension or expulsion to the superintendent. The student, or a parent or guardian of the student, shall notify the superintendent in writing of a request for an appeal not later than 5 calendar days following the effective date of the suspension or expulsion; provided, that a student and a parent or guardian of the student may request, and if so requested, shall be granted an extension of up to 7 calendar days. The superintendent or designee shall hold a hearing with the student and the parent or guardian of the student within 3 school days of the student’s request for an appeal; provided that a student or a parent or guardian of the student may request and, if so requested, shall be granted an extension of up to 7 calendar days; provided further, that the superintendent, or a designee, may proceed with a hearing without a parent or guardian of the student if the superintendent, or a designee, makes a good faith effort to include the parent or guardian. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony, cross-examine witnesses and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal in writing within 5 calendar days of the hearing. That decision shall be the final decision of the school district with regard to the suspension or expulsion.
No student shall be suspended or expelled from a school or school district for a time period that exceeds 90 school days, beginning the first day the student is removed from an assigned school building.
Be respectful of others on the bus, in words and actions.
Sit in an available seat and remain seated in the forward position until the bus stops at your destination.
Keep the aisles free from hands, feet and objects.
Do not yell or make loud noises.
Do not leave any trash on the bus.
Do not eat or drink on the bus.
Do not throw objects on, at, or out of the bus.
Follow the directions of the bus driver, including observing any assigned seating that the driver chooses to implement.
All school rules apply to students aboard the bus.
Consequences:
Bus drivers will submit discipline reports to the Assistant Principal. The Assistant Principal will meet with the student, contact the parents/guardians, and appropriate consequences may be given, including an assigned bus seat or the possible loss of bus privileges.