In order to ensure the opportunity for students to learn, it is necessary to take corrective action when disruptive or inappropriate behavior occurs. This document outlines the code of conduct and discipline procedures for addressing such behaviors.
At MGHS, staff and students have the right to expect the following:
1. a well-balanced, appropriate educational program;
2. freedom from physical and verbal threats;
3. freedom from physical and verbal harassment;
4. use of school facilities and programs according to established school regulations and procedures;
5. personal property free from theft or damage.
6. courteous behavior from students, parents, and school personnel;
7. confidential help regarding drugs or alcohol;
8. formation, holding, and expression of opinions and beliefs which do not disrupt the normal operation of the school;
9. due process in the application of the rules and regulations of the school; and
10. a classroom and school climate conducive to learning.
All students and parents should read and be familiar with the code of conduct and discipline procedures. The development of responsible behavior and self-discipline among students occurs at two levels within a school: 1) teachers take primary responsibility in the classroom, and 2) administration takes responsibility for issues that occur during unstructured time and/or when behavior is repetitive or extreme in a classroom.
Discipline will be handled in a progressive manner. Therefore, students who repeat inappropriate behaviors will receive more intensive consequences as behaviors progress. When appropriate, administration will involve counselors, the social worker, the school psychologist, and/or the school resource officer to help resolve student behavior issues.
Furthermore, teachers, members of the Student Services team, and administrators may seek to use the principles and practices of restorative justice to address behavior issues or conflicts as an alternative to detentions or suspension. Restorative justice circles may be used for re-entry from suspension, to resolve student/student or student/staff issues, or to address habitual behavioral concerns in a student (tardies, truancy, social media postings, etc.) brought about by teachers, the Student Services team, or administration.
The categories below outline prohibited behaviors and the range of consequences at the discretion of teachers and administrators in dealing with them. Ignorance does not excuse violation of these rules. Administration retains the right to deal with any action not covered explicitly in the rules outlined below and may use their professional judgment to diverge from the procedures outlined below.
Note: When there is an “s” followed by a number, a specific Wisconsin State Statute is referenced
A. School Attendance (MGSD Policy 5200)
Students will attend school (all classes, assemblies, required meetings) unless properly excused by a parent/guardian and/or principal as explained in the High School Attendance Policy. Students are required to report to school and classes on time and to remain on the school campus during regular school hours unless excused by an administrator or designee.
The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Attendance:
Truancy—an absence outside of school without a valid excuse
In-School Truancy—a student not in the appropriate classroom, IMC, resource center, or study hall during the school day
Unauthorized Leaving of Campus—leaving campus without permission of an administrator or designee and/or failure to follow designated procedures
Excessive Tardiness—repeated lateness to an assigned class
Range of consequences: Detention, Saturday School, Referral to School Resource Officer
B. Student/Student Expectations
Each student has the right to attend school and school activities without fear of threats against his / her feelings, property, and physical well-being. Each student shall respect the feelings, property, and physical well-being of other students.
The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Student / Student Relationships:
Physical and verbal abuse—intentionally damaging words or actions directed at other students aimed to cause harm
Disrespect—to insult, call derogatory names, use obscenity toward, dishonor, or in any other manner abuse any member of the student body
Slander/Libel—intentionally defaming another; anything which exposes the other to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or disgrace in his/her line of work (s942.01)
Theft—stealing from another student or the school
Property Damage—the destruction of another person’s property
Threatening or Intimidating Acts—verbal or gestured acts which threaten the well-being, health, or safety of any student on school property or in route to or from school
Assault and Battery—causing bodily harm to another by an act done with intent to cause bodily harm to that person
Physical Attack—the act of physically battering or in some manner attempting to injure any student on school property or in route to or from school or at any school sponsored activities
Fighting—mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the situation by verbal and/or physical action; any act involving hostile bodily contact in or on school property or in route to or from school, including any activity under sponsorship (s940.19)
Bullying / Harassment--See School Board policy 5507 later in this handbook
Range of consequences: Detention, Saturday School, Suspension, Pre-expulsion Order, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer
C. Student/Staff Expectations
Students and staff have a right to work, study, and teach in an atmosphere of mutual respect. They also have the right to free and responsible inquiry and expression while being mindful of the responsibilities listed below. Students have the responsibility to respect authority, feelings, physical well-being, and property of members of the school staff.
The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Student / Staff Relationships:
Insubordination—willful failure to respond or carry out a reasonable order or request by authorized school personnel; refusal to follow school rules and the direction of an adult engaged in the operation of the school
Disrespect—to insult, call derogatory names, dishonor, sexually harass, make gestures, or in any other manner abuse any member of the school staff
Disorderly Conduct—engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct in which such conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance (s947.01)
Physical and Verbal Abuse—intentionally damaging words or actions directed at a staff member aimed to cause harm
Threatening or Intimidating Acts—verbal or gestured acts which threaten the well-being, health, or safety of any member of the school staff
Physical Attack—the act of physically assaulting any member of the school staff on school property at any activity under school sponsorship or in route to and from school
Failure to Report to the Office—refusing to report the main or attendance office when a student is sent out of a classroom to an administrator
Failure to Serve Teacher-Assigned Detention—refusing to attend detention on the assigned date and location
Disrespect for the Property of a Member of the School Staff—misusing, breaking, stealing, or going through the belongings of a staff member without permission
Theft—stealing from the person, belongings, or classroom of a staff member
Range of consequences: Detention, Saturday School, Suspension, Pre-expulsion Order, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer
D. School Property
Each student is entitled to a well-equipped, well-maintained, clean, and aesthetically pleasing school environment. Each student is to respect and help maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the building.
The following constitute prohibited behaviors under School Property:
Littering—make a place untidy with trash or objects left lying about
Vandalism—willful destruction of public property, intentionally causing damage to or defacing school premises or property, and/or willful damage to property of staff members and others (s943.01)
Abuse of Printed or AV Materials
Defacing Property—damage to school property requiring cleaning or repair (MGSD Policy 5513)
Destruction—damage to property as to render it unusable
Minor or Major Theft
Possession of Stolen Property
Range of consequences: Saturday School, Suspension, Restitution, Referral to School Resource Officer
E. Protection of Public Safety
Each student has a right to be safe and secure from physical harm while attending school. Students have a responsibility to conduct themselves in such a manner as not to pose a threat to the health and safety of other students. The infractions listed below and any other act that poses a threat to the health and safety of students and/or staff is strictly prohibited.
The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Protection of Public Safety:
Parking in Unauthorized Areas or Improper Parking
Unauthorized Driving During School Day
Reckless Driving on or Around Campus (s941.01)
Unauthorized Use of Matches, Lighters, or Other Flammable Devices
Arson—the willful and malicious burning of/or attempt to burn any part of any property of the school or of its staff and students
Detonation or Possession of Firecrackers or Other Nuisance Devices
False Alarms or Bomb Threats—threats or false alarms made to the school or to a school-sponsored event are a felony (s941.13/s947.015)
Improper Initiation of Fire Alarm—act of initiating a fire alarm or initiating a report warning of a fire or other catastrophe without just cause
Possession of a Weapon—possessing, concealing, or storing a weapon on one’s person, in a locker, vehicle, or anywhere on the premises (s941.20) (s948.61) (s948.605) (MGSD Policy 5772)
Selling, Using, or Possessing a Firearm—selling, distributing, possessing or using firearms, weapons, air-powered weapons, firecrackers, smoke bombs, or any form of fireworks in school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events (s941.20/s948.605/s948.61) (MGSD Policy 5772)
Threats Involving a Weapon (MGSD Policy 5772)
Use of a weapon (MGSD Policy 5772)
Disruption of School Events, Games, Meetings and Assemblies
Trespassing—being physically present on a school campus or at a school activity after being requested to leave by administration or law enforcement (s.943.14)
Disorderly Conduct—engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct in which such conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance (s947.01)
Disruption or Insubordination on Bus—refusal to abide by rules on a school bus or causing a disruption to the safety of the driver or other riders
Range of consequences: Loss of Privileges, Saturday School, Suspension, Pre-expulsion Order, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer
F. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
Each student has the right to associate with students who are free from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs and not be subjected to those wishing to buy, sell, or use such substances. Each student has the responsibility to keep his or her mind and body in a sound, healthy condition. The use or sale of any illicit non-prescription drugs, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco is prohibited on school grounds and at or before school-sponsored activities.
The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs:
Tobacco—possession and use of all tobacco products is prohibited by state law (s120.12(19)) and school policy on school grounds, in school buildings, or at school functions; violation of this ordinance will result in a citation in which the students could be fined. For purposes of this policy, "use of tobacco" means to chew or any substance containing tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, in addition to papers used to roll cigarettes and/or the smoking of electronic, "vapor," or other substitute forms of cigarettes (MGSD Policy 5512). Students possessing or using e-cigarettes such a JUULs on school grounds or at school functions will be suspended out of school and recommended for citation to the School Resource Officer.
Alcohol and Drugs—all possession and use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or look-alike drugs constitutes grounds for recommendation of expulsion (s125.01) (MGSD Policy 5530)
Possession of Alcohol or Drug Paraphernalia
Noticeably under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs—indicated by obvious behavior and mood changes and/or the smell of substance on the person; if a student refuses to take an illegal substance test he/she will be presumed to be under the influence.
Selling or Transmitting Alcohol or Drugs
Range of consequences: Suspension, Pre-expulsion Order, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer
Detention: The goal of detention is to change student behavior through teaching and reflection rather than punishment. Students earning a behavior referral in Infinite Campus not related to attendance will be assigned a restorative conversation meeting with a designated staff member (Associate Principal, Engagement Specialist, Restorative Justice Coordinator, teacher, coach, etc.) in Overtime on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday after school in the IMC. At this meeting the student and staff member will determine a plan for remediating behavior and a timeline for doing so. If assigned to a restorative conversation, administration has the right to hold students from practice or participation in an athletic, club, or co-curricular activity until the detention has been satisfactory completed.
Saturday School: Saturday School offers students extra time beyond the normal school hours to complete school work while also providing an alternative to suspension. Saturday School is from 9 AM to noon and is typically held in the classroom of the supervising staff member. Students must arrive on time at the front entrance of the building and stay for the duration unless arrangements have been made previously with an Associate Principal to leave early. Students will be expected to have school work to work on. Failure to serve an assigned Saturday School will result in an Out of School Suspension the following school day unless an alternative consequence is determined by an administrator.
Out of School Suspension (OSS): Out of School Suspension is served away from the school building and grounds. Students serving OSS are the complete responsibility of their parents during this time. While suspended, students are not allowed on any school district grounds and may not participate in or attend any extracurricular events. Parent meetings will be held upon re-admittance from an OSS. Wisconsin state statutes permit the suspension of students (s.120.13(1)(b). (MGSD Policy 5610).
Pre-Expulsion Order: A pre-expulsion order will be administered to students who habitually violate the same type of rules or demonstrate a repeated refusal of reasonable requests. Students may be placed on a pre-expulsion order after all other resources have been attempted to correct behavior. A pre-expulsion order is given in lieu of a referral to the school board for an expulsion hearing. The process would include a meeting with the student, the student’s parents/guardians, a school administrator, and possibly, the superintendent, in which a behavioral contract with specific expectations would be established. Failure to fulfill the order may result in a referral for expulsion.
Expulsion: Expulsion is an action taken by the school board to prohibit an enrolled pupil from further attendance. A student may be expelled from school for:
Repeated failure to follow school rules
Knowingly conveying any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made to destroy any school property by means of explosives
Conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority that endangers the property, health, or safety of others (s.120.13) (MGSD Policy 5610)