Student Code of Conduct
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Interventions are actions taken when a student violates a rule or policy.
INTRODUCTION
Hampden DuBose Academy views discipline not simply as punishment, but as training in righteousness, with the goal of Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). The responsibility for discipline lies primarily with the parents, with the school assisting them as they fulfill their God-given obligation (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:4).
Discipline is primarily a parental responsibility. It is up to the parents to see to it that the students behave properly. Parents do not relinquish their responsibility to the school. Rather, the school is here to support the parents in their discipline. If the school and the home are not working together on discipline, whatever the school does will be ineffective. While we employ various methods, the responsibility for student compliance finally rests with the parents, not with the school.
Attendance at Hampden DuBose Academy is a privilege, not a right. Any student whose conduct or attitude in or out of school shows him to be in opposition to the basic principles and purposes of the school will face dismissal.
DISCIPLINE SYSTEM AND PHILOSOPHY
It is our earnest desire that parents and the school staff understand and agree upon the same ideas regarding the important matter of discipline. Please consider carefully the ideas below, as together we endeavor to train children from the same standpoint that out of our training will develop mature young adults.
The word discipline comes from a Latin word disco, meaning to learn. Discipline means education. It involves “instruction.....correcting thoughts, morals, and manners.....due subordination to authority, to govern.” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.)
The goal of discipline is to establish within the individual a proper relationship with God and man. Children who learn to be in a right relationship with God and others will be fulfilled and happy individuals. For, what is man’s chief end? It is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. When one understands that he is made by and for God, he understands that his life has a purpose.
Teaching a child Christian self-‐government will help achieve the goal. Self-‐government is the ability to control oneself, not by mere human will or out of fear of punishment, but out of love of Christ and submission to him.
The means for reaching this goal is to deal with the heart. Behavior changes when the heart changes. Jesus Christ, in the heart of the child, gives a greater desire to do what is right and to be properly self-‐ governed (Galatians 1:20). Salvation through Jesus Christ produces those who fulfill the law, not merely obey (aside by) the law (Romans 8:2)
These are three aspects of discipline which include:
TEACHING
CORRECTION
PUNISHMENT
Teaching or training involves instruction in the standards, demonstration of standards, practicing the standards and further explanation if needed (Psalm 119:34).
Good discipline establishes and teaches the rules of government (direction, regulation, control, and restraint). It includes teaching the meaning of internal and external aspects of obedience, establishing an understanding of the meaning of consenting to be governed, and acknowledging an agreement to be governed. It is not merely telling a child what to do.
There is an aspect of discipline that involves correction, chastisement, or punishment, but instruction comes first. The best instruction comes from the word of God. From the Bible, we learn all that is necessary for an understanding of:
Self Ephesians 2:10
Relationships Romans 12:10
Values Ecclesiastes 12:13‐14
Training Proverbs 1:8‐9
Nurturing Deuteronomy 6:6‐7
Discipline Proverbs 4:23, Luke 6:45, Proverbs 19:18
Authority Romans 13:1, Exodus 20:12, and Ephesians 6:1‐2
Correction revolves around God’s Word and His authority. Correction helps the child account for his individual responsibility to God. It is intended to bring restoration and move a child back to obedience to God. “Discipline is not punitive but corrective.” It is an expression of love and yields a harvest of righteousness and peace.
It is best to correct internal attitudes before they become actions. These are the first revealed in a child’s posture, mouth, or eyes and can be gently corrected. Correction at this point enables a child to overcome areas of weakness and moves him toward self-‐government.
Further steps in correction include the following:
Identify the problem. A child should be able to state what he did and what the rule is. Assistance from an adult by proper questioning may be helpful until a child learns to identify and behave himself. This step is actually confession that clears the conscience and strengthens internal self-‐control.
There should be an apology and restitution when appropriate. Acknowledgement to God of weakness and need for His strength is part of the restitution process. A scripture for meditation may be appropriately assigned.
Forgiveness and re-‐establishment of fellowship should take place at this point.
Punishment, if needed, is determined and administered. Even though forgiveness has taken place, there is still the consequence of sin. You reap what you sow.
Punishment should fit the offense:
Restitution for damage
Isolation for poor manners
Loss of privileges when self-‐control is lacking
Punishment when there is rebellion-‐deliberate (for older students, detention or suspension is more appropriate.)
The school staff does not administer a spanking or corporal punishment. Failure to cooperate with the discipline program may lead to suspension or expulsion.
When a consequence is dispensed, the student is reminded of the Biblical authority of parents and the delegated authority of teachers to apply punishment. Children receive correction from parents and teachers because it is the means God has designed for correcting character.
In summary, the adults’ (parents and teachers) responsibilities toward the children they are training are:
Being a “truly kind and selfless authority, God’s agent.”
“Shepherding children to understand themselves in God’s world.”
“Keeping the gospel in clear view so that children can internalize the Good News and someday live in mutuality with you and others under God.”
Teaching Biblical principles of self-‐government. Helping the child learn to “do his work diligently for God” and to develop his gifts and abilities as a good steward of these gifts from God.
Teaching children to KNOW and KEEP the law is such a way that obedience leads to individual self-‐government.
Note: Students are encouraged to defend themselves in a case of aggressive behavior and escape to a safe area. Revenge is not tolerated and adults in charge execute justice.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES AT A GLANCE
Teach
Instruct in the rules (the law) and standards.
Demonstrate the standards.
Practice the standards
Explain further, if needed.
Correction
Address internal attitudes before they become actions.
Have the child identify the problem and state it.
Have the child apologized and make restitution to God, the teacher, and the offended party
Lead the child to forgiveness.
Help restore relationships.
Assign reflection exercise if appropriate
Punish
If needed, determine and administer discipline that fits the offense.
Remind the child of the adult’s Biblical authority to punish and of the Biblical purpose for punishment, which is to serve justice.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Each student at Hampden DuBose Academy will receive a Code of Student Conduct. This code is used to govern the conduct and discipline of students at our school. Each student is expected to obey school rules while on school grounds, while being transported to and / or from school; during school-‐sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions, and similar activities. Students are also to obey the laws of the state both on and off campus. Those who violate the law will be dismissed from their current year of school.
DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINARY TERMS
DETENTIONS
A student may be detained for disciplinary reasons for up to one hour during or after school.
REMOVAL FROM CLASS
In extenuating circumstances, a student may be removed from class and sent to administration.
PROBATION
This is an intervention for a period of time in which the student must follow administrative directions in order to retain privileges. A student placed on probation may be required to attend parent directed outside counseling during the intervention period.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
If there is reasonable suspicion that a student possesses contraband or stolen property, the school administrator and/or designee may search the student’s belongings and ask the student to remove items that may be on their person (for example, empty their pockets). If the student refuses, the school administrator may call law enforcement and/or the student’s parents.
EXPULSION
The removal of the student from Hampden DuBose Academy.
“ZERO TOLERANCE” POLICY
The school views disruptive and criminal acts, and those which may affect the health, safety, and welfare of those on school property, school sponsored transportation, or during a school sponsored activity, as extremely serious in nature.
Students will be immediately suspended or expelled (Zero Tolerance) for:
Homicide
Sexual Battery
Armed Robbery
Aggravated Battery
Battery
Kidnapping
Arson
Possession, use, or sale of any firearm
Possession, use, or sale of an explosive device
Possession, use, or sale of a weapon
Breaking and entering
Disruption which substantially disrupts class, school, or a school function
False fire alarm or calls
Distribution, possession, or use of alcohol/tobacco products or illegal drugs
Distribution, possession, or use of e-cigarettes or vaping
Property damage
Sexual offenses
Trespassing after a warning
Vandalism
Other illegal acts not listed here
CONFISCATED ITEMS
If a teacher or administrator confiscates an item, such as an electronic device, parents will be required to sign out the item from the school office. At this point, students will not be allowed to pick up the item.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Cheating and/or plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate administrative interventions and actions including loss of grade or course credit.
STUDENT SPEECH/EXPRESSION
Respect others' rights to express their views.
Respect the religious beliefs of others.
Behave respectfully during patriotic observances.
GRADES
Learn about grading standards and policies.
Meet academic standards in line with ability and make every effort to improve unsatisfactory work.
Follow the rules of responsible journalism under the guidance of an advisor, including seeking complete information about topics and refrain from publishing libelous and obscene material.
PRIVACY AND PROPERTY
Respect others' property.
Refrain from harassment of any kind.
Keep materials prohibited by law or school policy away from school property and activities.
Administration and staff have the authority to search students’ lockers and book bags if there is reason to believe a student is in violation of this policy.
USE OF SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AND PROPERTY
Students are expected to respect school property.
Refrain from inappropriate use of devices and internet services.
Use technology as intended – to promote positive academic development.
DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM
An administrator may, at his or her discretion, assign an immediate detention or suspend or expel a student if the student’s behavior is warranted. An example of this would be a student who is physically or verbally defiant to correction. An administrator may, at his or her discretion, also place a student on immediate behavioral probation if warranted.
BEHAVIORAL PROBATION
A student may be placed on behavioral probation for any instance of behavior, which is dangerous to any other person while under school control, or for a pattern of irresponsible behavior which reflects an attitude of hard heartedness and lack of repentance. The time period of behavioral probation will be up to the discretion of the administration, and will be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense. Further offenses during probation will result in a recommendation for expulsion or encouragement to seek education elsewhere.
At the end of the probation period, the administration, after counsel with the student, his/her teachers, and his/her parents, may take further action including the following options: an additional probationary period if some promising change is evident, expulsion from school, or lifting of probation and restoration to full, responsible membership in the student body.
A student on behavioral probation may not represent the school in any public contact, contests, meetings, activities with other schools or the general public, extracurricular activities, or public events such as sports or drama performances. The student may, however, continue to participate in practice sessions.
INFRACTION LEVEL
LEVEL I INFRACTIONS
Attendance rules violation
Cheating / plagiarism
Defacing or failure to account for materials
Disrespect for authority
Disorderly conduct
Disrespect for others
Lack of classroom preparation
Profane, obscene, or abusive language / materials
Tardiness
Vehicle violation
Dress code violations
Violation of technology including cell phone use
LEVEL I INTERVENTIONS
Confiscation of unauthorized materials / objects / contraband
Detention
Loss of privileges
Special work assignments / work detail
Verbal reprimand
Contact of proper legal authorities
Parental contact
Suspension from school
Lowering or loss of grade for an assignment, test. quiz, or project
LEVEL II INFRACTIONS (Administrative Level Decisions)
Excessive detentions/ repeated Level I infractions
Careless / malicious action (which results in the injury of a person)
Defiance of authority / willful disobedience (verbal and nonverbal refusal to comply with school rules or direction from school staff, or disrespect of school personnel on or off campus)
Verbal threats of harm towards another person or organization
Fighting / assault
Misdemeanor (gambling, vandalism, theft, forgery, extortion, etc.)
Possession of fireworks
Possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products
Possession of weapons on campus
Sexual offenses
Physical affection contact between students
Unauthorized assembly, publications, petitions, electronic messages
Possession or use of alcohol or drugs
False fire alarm
Gang related activity
Breaking and entering or theft
Battery
Felony
LEVEL II INTERVENTIONS
Detention
Loss of privileges
Special work assignments / work detail
Verbal reprimand
Parental contact
Suspension from school
Confiscation of unauthorized materials / objects / contraband
Contact of proper legal authorities
Probation
Expulsion from school
POLICY FOR ACCRUED DETENTIONS
Level 1 Infractions that lead to detentions will be accrued as follows:
Three (3) detentions in a single nine week period may result in a warning letter sent to the parents concerning potential probation
Six (6) detentions in a single semester may result in a parent meeting with probation.
Each additional detention in a single semester while on probation may result in possible suspension or expulsion from school.
Suspensions follow one day, three day, and up to ten day suspensions, depending upon infraction and is at the discretion of the school administration.
Level 2 Infractions will accrue as follows:
First Infraction may result in parent communication and at least probation, with the possibility of suspension or expulsion.
Second infraction while on probation may result in possible suspension or expulsion from school.
Each additional detention in a single semester while on probation may result in possible suspension or expulsion from school.
Suspensions follow one day, three day, and up to ten day suspensions, depending upon infraction and is at the discretion of the school administration.
PARENTAL COMPLIANCE
Parents of students are expected to comply with all rules of conduct, academics, and other policies set forth by the school and published within the student handbooks. Parents are also expected to comply with all classroom requirements as set forth through the publishing of class syllabi and other communication methods from the teaching staff. Failure of a parent or parents to comply with the policies established from the school’s administration may result in the administrative withdrawal of the student from school.