Core Values & Motto
Core Values:
Kindness
Responsibility
Integrity
Core Motto:
Own it.
This initiative is a framework that guides the school community through a process of addressing the unique culture, climate and behavioral issues within Ledyard Middle School. Our school wide values, as noted below, are what the entire Ledyard Middle School learning community works towards achieving behaviorally, academically and socially. The Positive Behavior Support program is designed to assist staff in developing and enhancing a school-wide behavior support system using a variety of positive strategies. As a result of the PBS programming, staff members will gain skills to support increased improvement in classroom and overall school climate. Research demonstrates that the Positive Behavior Program initiatives lead to higher academic performance for all students.
Student Expectations
Students are expected to act appropriately throughout the school day to peers and staff members. Students are expected to respond to reasonable requests made by staff members and teachers. Refusal to comply with reasonable expectations will result in progressive disciplinary actions. Parents/guardians will be informed of concerning behaviors. It is important to practice the core values of Dignity, Kindness, and Potential in all aspects of being a student at Ledyard Middle School.
To clarify the definition of “act appropriately”, please see the following:
Students are expected to be academically honest. Students are not expected to share work, plagiarize, or cheat.
Students are expected to respond to an adult’s request in a reasonable time and manner. Students are not expected to talk back, refuse reasonable requests of behavioral change, or be defiant. Students are expected to show respect to self and others. Students are not expected to talk back, or be socially rude in terms of tone and body language.
Students are expected to pay attention and not disrupt class and others. Students are not expected to interrupt by talking to others, out of turn, or making noises or gestures that interrupt the learning environment.
Students are expected to dress appropriately.
Students are expected to keep their hands and body to themselves. Students are not expected to touch another person in any unwanted manner such as poking, teasing, or hitting.
Students are expected to use appropriate language. Students are not expected to swear, use racial or sexually suggestive terms, or offensive gestures.
Students are expected to use school materials appropriately. Students are not expected to destroy, damage, or alter school, or other property such as Chromebooks and personal items. Students are expected to be in assigned locations. Students are not expected to be in the hallway or bathrooms without permission.
The above are basic behavioral expectations and will be addressed by teachers and administrators. They constitute minor behavioral infractions and can become major issues with continued occurrences. There are many possible actions that a teacher and the principal may utilize to redirect a student to behave in an appropriate manner.
Disciplinary Consequences
Progressive disciplinary options:
A student may be asked to discontinue concerning behaviors.
A student may be asked to move to a different seat/ location.
A student may be asked to spend time with a teacher or sent to the office during lunch.
A student may be asked to work with a behavior plan or contract.
A student may be asked to notify their parents of the situation.
A student may be asked to stay after class to discuss the concerning behaviors.
A student may be asked to stay after school for detention.
A student may be asked to pay restitution for a vandalizing act.
Based on severity of the behaviors, a student may be referred to the teacher team meeting agenda.
Based on severity of the behaviors, a student may be referred to a school counselor for support.
Based on severity of the behaviors, a student may be referred to the principal or superintendent.
Based on severity of the behaviors, a student may be suspended from school or student transportation. *Note: All suspensions shall be in-school suspensions unless the administration determines that the student poses a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that the student will be excluded from school during the time of the suspension.
Based on the severity of the behaviors, a student may be reported to the local police department. Based on the severity of the behaviors, a student may be referred to the Board of Education for expulsion.
Due Process
Student behavior will be documented and records will be maintained for the duration of their time while at the Ledyard Middle School. When concerning behaviors occur, a student will be made aware of this concern by the teacher or staff member present. If redirection needs the assistance of the principal, a report will be made to the principal’s office. The principal will then investigate the concerning behaviors and meet with the student and staff members as needed. Communication will be made to the student’s parents/guardians. Any progressive discipline that involves suspension will be reported to the Office of the Superintendent.
Classroom Expectations
Kindness:
Help others when they need help.
Accept others.
Don’t interrupt others (peer/ teacher).
Responsibility:
Have class materials prepared.
Do work (on time).
Pay attention.
Integrity:
Be honest with yourself.
Don’t gossip.
Do not ask people for answers to assignments.
Hallway Expectations
Kindness:
Walking in the hallways without pushing.
Holding the door for others.
Saying “hi” to others.
Responsibility:
Be on time for class.
Be in the location you are supposed to be (not walking friends).
Integrity:
Don’t spread rumors.
Be a good person even when other people aren't there.
Locker Room Expectations
Kindness:
Maintain the privacy of others.
Be Hygienic.
Responsibility:
Store your belongings in an orderly manner in a locker.
Integrity:
Use proper behavior.
Follow rules and expectations.
Bus Expectations
Be welcoming to others.
Respect others’ needs.
Stay seated.
Keep volume down.
Maintain volume at a talking level.
Make room for others when entering, exiting, and seated.
Cafeteria Expectations
Leave no trace.
Use a calm voice.
Listen to the directions of the adult in charge.
Help others clean up.
Leave peer’s lunch alone∙ Be respectful to everyone. Keep body parts to yourself.
Eat healthy.
Be tolerant of others’ food choices.
Stand up for others.
Be an ally.
Bathroom Expectations
Maintain the privacy of others.
Be hygienic.
Go
Flush
Wash
Leave
Leave the bathroom as clean as when you arrived.
Stand up for others.
Be an ally.
Assembly Expectations
Leave no trace.
Use a calm voice.
Listen to the directions of the adult in charge.
Help others clean up.
Leave peer’s lunch alone∙ Be respectful to everyone. Keep body parts to yourself.
Eat healthy.
Be tolerant of others’ food choices.
Stand up for others.
Be an ally.
Social Media Expectations
Don’t pass on hurtful information.
Think before you post or share.
Is it true?
Is it helpful?
Is it inspiring?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
Create a positive digital footprint.
Use media to support your learning.
Stand up for others.
Be an ally.
Disciplinary Due Process
Cafeteria Information
Students are expected to report to the cafeteria with all necessary items for lunch and not need to report to their locker or classroom once in the cafeteria.
In order to keep the cafeteria safe and orderly, students are expected to:
Walk quietly in line without cutting.
Choose a seat and remain in that seat.
Receive permission to leave the cafeteria to use the bathroom.
Use good table manners and do not throw or take others’ items.
Use conversational tones when speaking.
Welcome others to join the table; no seat saving allowed.
Everyone is responsible for cleaning the table and floor area.
Supervisors will dismiss students to clean tables and be dismissed.
Finish all food and beverages before leaving the cafeteria.
Silence when an adult supervisor is getting everyone’s attention.
Student Dress Code
All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are suitable and appropriate for school activity and learning. Students are not to wear bandanas and head coverings of any kind unless prior permission is given by administration; large winter jackets, “Comfies”, “Snuggies”, and blankets; pajamas and clothing that resembles sleepwear; costume onesies; strapless or backless clothing or shirts; muscle shirts and shirts that expose the torso; clothing that has less than a 3” inseam; clothing that does not cover undergarments; and clothing that advertises, promotes or expresses racism, discrimination, bigotry, illegal activities, tobacco products, alcohol, or violence or could cause injury to self or others; and slippers or cleats.
Administration reserves the right to address the dress code with any student wearing an article of clothing deemed inappropriate or offensive and this policy may be continually updated based on current trends of fashion and student adherence.
If dress code is violated, the student will remain in the main office until the issue is addressed and remedied.
Bus Riding Information
Acceptable Use Policy
Students accept responsibility to abide by the Internet Network Access policies of Ledyard Public Schools as stated in this agreement. While at school students agree:
To use the Internet Network in support of education and research, consistent with the educational objective of the Ledyard Public Schools.
To use the Internet Network only with the permission of the responsible teacher.
To be considerate of other users on the network and use appropriate language for school situations as indicated by the school codes of conduct.
To not knowingly degrade or disrupt Internet network services of equipment, as such activity is considered a crime under state and federal law; this includes, but is not limited to, tampering with computer hardware or software, vandalizing data, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized network services, or violating copyright laws.
To immediately report any problems or breaches of these responsibilities to the responsible teacher. To not divulge personal information over the Internet.
To immediately report the discovery of material that contains pornography, profanity, obscenity, or language that offends or tends to degrade others, or material that advocates illegal activities and the actions that led to it to the responsible teacher.
Students understand that any conduct that is in conflict with these responsibilities is unethical and may result in termination of network access and possible disciplinary action.
Public Displays of Affection
The Ledyard Middle School recognizes that genuine feelings of affection may exist between students. However, students shall refrain from all Public Displays of Affection (PDA) while on campus or while attending and/or participating in a school-related activity.
Being overly affectionate at school can be offensive and is generally in poor taste. The expression of feelings toward one another is a personal concern between the individuals and thus should not be shared with others in the general vicinity. PDA includes any physical contact that may make others in close proximity uncomfortable or serves as a distraction for themselves as well as innocent onlookers. Some specific examples of PDA include but is not limited to:
Kissing
Holding hands and Excessive hugging
Cuddling and Inappropriate touching
Inappropriate Public Displays of Affection (PDA) is not appropriate for the workplace or the learning environment and will not be tolerated. Students caught engaging in such practices are subject to the disciplinary consequences.
Chromebook Responsibility
The school provides books and Chromebook to all students. Reasonable wear and tear is expected as a result of daily use. Unreasonable damage to textbooks will result in fines to repair. Students are responsible for the textbooks/chromebooks assigned to them and/or library materials borrowed. Lost textbooks must be paid for and replaced immediately. Fines must be paid to the office at the time of loss. Student Chromebooks are subject to the Ledyard Public Schools Orientation, Acceptance and Damages/Repair policy. Protection plans are able to be purchased and information for this program is provided annually on the district website. Grade 6 students will keep their chromebook in their homeroom daily and not take the device home. Grade 7 and 8 students will be permitted to take the device home nightly.
Detention Information
School-wide detention exists as a deterrent for students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and in accordance with all school rules and regulations.
Detention: Detention may be assigned by a teacher or the administration. There are two types of detention, lunch and after school. Students will be given 24-hour notice of any after school detention assignment. Athletic practices/games, or other obligations will not be acceptable reasons for missing assigned detention. Students who are absent from school on day(s) when they have detention will be required to make up the missed detention. A student who fails to attend a full detention session, is late for detention, or is removed from detention may receive an additional consequence.
Lunch Detention: For certain disciplinary infractions, lunch detention will be assigned. Students serving lunch detention are responsible for the same rules as those that apply to an after school detention.
After School Detention: After school detentions are assigned by the teachers and/or the administration and are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; from 2:10 pm to 3:00pm. During after school detention, students are assigned seats and are expected to be actively involved in academic work. Any exceptions are at the discretion of the teacher on duty.
Behaviors that May Result in Detention:
Disruptive actions
Being out of class or study without a pass
Cutting class
Dress code violation
Public display of affection
Repeated tardiness (school & class)
Failure to comply with a directive given by a staff member
Policy violations (cell phone, AUP, etc.)
Failure to follow safety regulations
Missed detentions (consequential)
Forgery
Littering
Misconduct at school related activities
Plagiarism and/or cheating (2 detentions, progressive)
Lying
Using inappropriate language
Violating school bus rules
Suspension Information
Suspension exists as a deterrent for students so that they may conduct themselves in a way as to allow for the safety and welfare of all students in attendance and to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students may be disciplined for conduct occurring on school grounds, or at any school-sponsored activity that endangers persons or property, is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or that violates a policy of the Ledyard Board of Education. Students also may be disciplined for conduct that occurs off school grounds if such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process and violates a policy of the Ledyard Board of Education.
Suspension: Suspension is assigned by the administration. There are two types of suspension, in-school and out-of-school. In-school suspension is the primary option for suspension consequences unless the administration determines that the student poses a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that the student will be excluded from school during the time of the suspension.
In School Suspension: In-School suspension means that the student will come to school and work in the ISS/ Safe Haven room for the duration of the suspension. All schoolwork and other work deemed appropriate will be provided for the student to complete by the end of the day. Maximum assignment is up to 5 consecutive days.
Out of School Suspension: Out-of-School suspension means the student is not allowed to come to school and must complete all class work at home. Out of school suspended students are excluded from all school activities for the duration of the suspension period. Maximum assignment is up to 10 consecutive days.
Due Process: Students are provided an informal hearing before the principal or assistant principal during which a student is informed of the reason(s) for the suspension and given an opportunity to explain the situation. Parents are immediately notified of any suspension and may be required to pick the student up at school if needed. The administration has final authority in all suspensions.
Records: When a student is suspended, notice of the suspension and the conduct for which the student was suspended shall be included on the student’s cumulative educational record. As mandated by Connecticut statute, a record of each student's suspension is kept in the student's cumulative file until the student graduates. The law also requires that in the event a student transfers to another Connecticut high school, all information in the student's cumulative file regarding suspension must be sent to the receiving school.
Behaviors that May Result in Suspension:
Failure to report to office detention
Plagiarism and/or Cheating (repeated)
Leaving campus without permission
Misbehavior in detention or during in school suspension
Assault and/or Fighting
Leading actions which contributes to assault and/or fighting (verbal/physical)
Use/suspected use/ or possession of tobacco/nicotine/vaping products (detector alert is viable to support for referral if you are present when alert shows positive)
Abusive language (directed at student/staff)
Vandalism/ Destruction of school property
Gambling
Theft
Hazing
Threatening
Bullying
Unexcused absence during in school suspension (progressive)
Actions which endanger the safety of others
Harassment / Sexual Harassment
Possession, sale, or use of a facsimile of a firearm
Use of any instrument in a manner to inflict bodily harm or intimidate or threaten
Possession of instruments displayed in an intimidating manner
Possession of dangerous instruments or weapons
Possession/use/selling/distribution of a controlled substance or alcohol in school or at a school event
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Racial / Sexual Orientation slurs or hate crimes
Threatening or intimidating a staff member
Assaulting a staff member
Repeated infractions of school rules
Student Discipline/Consequences/Guidelines for Ledyard Middle and High Schools
The following behaviors will result in suspensions of 1 to 10 days depending on the severity of the offense and the frequency with which the behavior occurs. These suspensions may be served as in school or out of school per Administration's discretion. When warranted, the administration has the right to impose longer suspensions. If a student's actions also violate the law, the police or other appropriate authorities will be notified. Offenses marked by an * will result in an expulsion hearing.
Failing to report to office detention 2 detentions 1 day 1 day
Tardiness to office detention 2 detentions 1 day 1 day
Leaving school without proper dismissal 1 day 1 day 1 day
Absence from school without parent authorization 1 day 1 day 1 day
Misbehavior in detention 2 detentions 1 day 1 day
Assault 5 - 10 days 5 -10days 5 - 10 days*
Fighting 1 - 3 days 3 - 5 days 5 - 10 days
Verbal or physical action which contributes to a fight or assault1 - 2 days 2 - 3 days 3 - 5 days
Use or possession of tobacco products including vaping 1 day 2 days 3 days
Abusive language directed at a staff member 1 - 5 days 5 - 10 days 10 days
Willful damaging or destruction of school and personal property1 - 3 days 3 - 5 days 5 - 10 days
Theft 1 - 3 days 3 - 5 days 5 - 10 days
Hazing 1 - 5 days 3 - 7 days 5 - 10 days
Threatening or Bullying 1 - 10 days 5 - 10 days 10 days*
Unexcused Absence from In-school suspension 2 days 2 days 2 days
Actions which endanger the safety of others 1 - 3 days 3 - 5 days 5 - 10 days
Repeated failure to do as directed by a staff member 1 - 2 days 2 - 3 days 3 - 5 days
Harassment, taunting, baiting 1 - 2 days 2 - 3 days 3 - 5 days
Being disrespectful to a staff member 1 - 2 days 2 - 3 days 3 - 5 days
Possession of a firearm, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or martial arts weapon as defined by law10 days* 10 days* 10 days*
Possession of a facsimile of a firearm 5 - 10 days 10 days 10 days
Use of a any instrument in a manner to inflict bodily harm or intimidate or threaten10 days 10 days* 10 days*
Possession of instruments displayed in an intimidating manner1 - 5 days 5 - 10 days 10 days*
Possession of knives, chains, or other dangerous instruments (other than listed above)1 - 5 days 5 - 10 days 10 days*
Possessing, using, or being under the influence of controlled drugs or alcohol in school or at a school event10 days 10 days* 10 days*
Racial slurs/hate crimes 1 - 5 days 5 - 10 days 10 days
Possession of drug paraphernalia 1 - 10 days 1 - 10 days 10 days
Distributing a drug, alcohol, or controlled substance 10 days* 10 days* 10 days*
Threatening or intimidating a staff member 1 -10 days 1- 10 days 1 - 10 days*
Assaulting a staff member 10 days 10 days* 10 days*
Sexual Harassment As per Board of Education Policy 5145.5
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes PA 93-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Security GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, Pub.L. 103-227
Regulation approved: June 19, 2007 LEDYARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Ledyard, Connecticut
Expulsion Information
Expulsion means “an exclusion from school privileges for more than ten (10) consecutive school days, and shall not extend beyond one calendar year. The Board of Education may expel any student whose conduct on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity is a violation of a policy of the Board or is seriously disruptive of the educational process or endangers persons or property or whose conduct off school grounds is a violation of Board policy and is seriously disruptive of the educational process.” Students suspended on ten occasions or for a total of fifty (50) days will be referred to the Board of Education for further action, which may include expulsion from school. Per Ledyard Board of Education Policy 5114.
Bus Riding Information
The school day begins when a student is waiting for the school bus and is over when a student is dropped off from the school bus. Proper conduct while waiting for, boarding, riding, and disembarking from a bus is extremely important. Any behavior which distracts the driver endangers all passengers. In the interest of safety, students must comply with the following rules:
Students are expected to assume a seat and remain reasonably quiet at all times.
Students will not be permitted to stand or exchange seats at any time the bus is in motion. The bus driver must give consent to exchange seats at any time.
Shouting, loud talking, name calling, and/or abusive language will not be permitted.
Students are not to leave their seats to get off the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
Students are not to open or close windows without the consent of the driver.
Courtesy is to be shown to the bus driver and to other students at all times.
Students who must cross the street must cross in front of the stationary bus.
While waiting for the bus, students must wait at the side of the road.
No pushing or shoving while entering the bus will be permitted.
Use of water pistols or other facsimile devices/weapons of any kind is prohibited.
Throwing objects of any kind is prohibited.
No student may take another bus without a written note from home and consent from the main office.
The possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or controlled substances is strictly forbidden.
Skateboards are not permitted on buses without written permission.
No bottles are permitted outside of backpacks.
Absolutely no eating or drinking.
The bus driver will report to the principal's office the names and actions of any students disregarding bus rules or creating an incident that may prove detrimental to the safety of life or property. Any violation of the above regulations may be cause for immediate suspension of bus privileges. Every attempt will be made to notify parents immediately with regard to a bus suspension. Video camera technology has been installed on all buses. Video camera tapes may be viewed by the administration at any time, especially when student conduct warrants disciplinary action. However, when the district uses the bus video cameras, it is subject to the requirements and regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, the disclosure of the recording to a parent of a student appearing in the tape or to anyone in general will be restricted. The driver and administration may assign seats at any time.
Consequences
When student behavior does not meet expectations, a bus incident report will be written by the bus driver. The seriousness and frequency of incidents on the bus during the school year will be considered in determining consequences at the discretion of the administration. Bus incident reports may be communicated directly with parents. Progressive discipline for student transportation issues is as follows: warning, possible seat move, detention, bus suspension, removal from bus.
Out of School Conduct
Students are subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and expulsion for misconduct which is seriously disruptive of the education process and is a violation of a publicized board policy, even if such conduct occurs off-school property and during non-school time.
Examples of off-school conduct that may result in such discipline include but are not limited to:
Sale, possession, use, or distribution of dangerous weapons or facsimiles.
Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs.
Violent conduct.
Making of a bomb or bomb threat.
Threatening to harm or kill another student or member of the staff, where any such activity has the reasonable likelihood of threatening the health, safety or welfare of school property, individuals thereon, and/or the educational process. PA 95-304, PA 96-244, PA 98-139, C.G.S. 10-233c.
Searches
Desks and school lockers are the property of the school for temporary use by students. Desks, lockers, or other school property may be searched by the principal or someone appointed by the principal if there is reason to believe that the search will show evidence that a student has broken either school rules or the law. Students may also be searched for the same reasons. A search may be made of purses, backpacks, outer coats and jackets, footwear, pockets, belts, hair and hats. The scope of the search will be reasonably related to the circumstances which justified the search.
Threats
All threats are taken seriously and immediately investigated. If evidence suggests that threatening statements or behaviors have occurred, progressive disciplinary action is taken and the Office of the Superintendent is notified. Local police authorities may be notified if determined necessary.
Weapons
Possession or use of a knife, gun, laser pointers, water guns, air guns, paintball guns, fireworks, flame throwers, or any other object that might be considered a weapon is prohibited. As of October 1, 1994, students found to have possessed a weapon on school grounds or a school sponsored activity must be expelled. The Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 8921.