Levels of
Unacceptable Behavior

Levels of Unacceptable Behavior

No handbook or policy manual can cover every disciplinary situation that may occur. Instead of trying to include every possible rule and consequence, it is much more effective to establish an infraction level system designed to cover all misbehaviors through the use of descriptions rather than specific behaviors.

Level 1: Productive Personal Environment

A Level 1 behavior is one that occurs in the classroom and affects only the student who demonstrates the behavior. Such behaviors can usually be corrected without disrupting the learning of others, and the teacher should not stop the learning activity to correct the behavior.

Examples:

• Not having appropriate equipment, supplies, and/or materials for class.

• Sleeping.

• Being off task, but not disrupting others.

• Failing to turn in homework or complete assignments.

• Failing to dress for PE.

Teachers are responsible for maintaining a classroom environment conducive to learning and enforcing the rules and regulations set forth in this handbook. Whenever such behavior occurs, it requires the immediate attention of the teacher and calls for immediate correction.

Level 2: Productive Classroom Environment

This is the highest priority for the classroom teacher. A Level 2 behavior is one that occurs in the classroom and disrupts the learning of other students.

Examples:

• Failing to follow a reasonable request of the teacher.

• Talking back aggressively to the teacher.

• Talking or shouting out at inappropriate times.

• Horseplay.

• Disturbing another student in any way.

• Being out of seat without permission.

• Improper use of equipment.

• Not following directions or classroom rules.

Students must refrain from Level 2 behaviors. While classroom discipline is mainly handled by the teacher, a student may be referred to the School Counselor or Head of Student Affairs if necessary.

Level 3: Orderly Environment

A Level 3 behavior is one that occurs outside the classroom and disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Examples:

• Disruptive behavior in the hallway, canteen, playing fields, etc.

• Disruptive behavior at a school activity.

• Disruptive behavior before, during, or after school.

• Tardiness.

• Being in the hallway without a hall pass during class time.

• Inappropriate use of a motor vehicle.

• Immoral literature or digital media.

• Destruction or defacement of property.

• Possession or use of tobacco or e-cigarettes.

• Inappropriate display of affection.

• Dress code violations.

Level 4: Safe Environment

A Level 4 behavior is any unacceptable behavior that is illegal and/or intended to cause physical or emotional harm to others (students, parents, teachers, and non-teaching staff).

Examples:

• Possession or use of weapons, including replicas.

• Intimidation, harassment, or bullying.

• Theft.

• Fighting, assault, or battery of any kind.

• Hitting, biting, or kicking with the intent to cause physical harm.

• Gross disrespect towards peers or any staff member at school, including in electronic communications such as email (cursing, name calling, threatening, etc.).

• Possession or use of alcohol or drugs.

• Sexual harassment of any kind.

• Possession or use of flammables or committing arson.

• Possession or use of explosive devices.

• False alarms (fire, gun, and bomb threats).

• Criminal vandalism.

Students must refrain from Level 4 behaviors. Students cannot be expected to learn in a threatening environment. Whenever such behavior occurs, it requires the immediate attention of staff, notification of parents, and possibly notification of law enforcement officers. Level 4 infractions will usually result in out-of-school suspensions ranging from one day to up to a week.