While at school, on school grounds, or in attendance at school activities, students who are: a) found to be under an influence of alcohol or drugs or; b) found to have used or be in possession of alcohol or drugs or related paraphernalia will be suspended immediately, and may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences, including Referral to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing, and, at his/her discretion, referred to the School Committee. 

If a student is reasonably suspected to have used alcohol or drugs, the administration reserves the right to administer a breath analysis test or search to confirm the suspicion.  Refusal by the student to comply with the request to submit to a breath analysis or a search of one's person and belongings will be taken as a confirmation of the suspicion.

If a student is reasonably suspected to have drugs and/or drug paraphernalia in their possession, the administration reserves the right to institute a search of said student. Searches may include the student's bag/backpack, locker, vehicle, and physical person (i.e. pockets, hood, socks, shoes) as needed to ensure the safety and security of the school learning environment. 

Students must take every precaution to not place themselves in such an environment where they may be in the presence of alcohol and drugs. In recognition of this sentiment, if a student is found to be in the presence of alcohol or drugs while at school or school sponsored event they should make every effort to immediately leave the situation. Students who remain in the presence of such substances will be subject to disciplinary consequences. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, after school detention, Saturday detention, In-school suspension (ISS), or Out of School suspension (OSS) based on the circumstances surrounding the specific event. 

Students found to be selling,  supplying, or conspiring to sell or deliver drugs, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or alcohol while at school will be suspended immediately and may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences, including referral to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing, and, at his/her discretion, referred to the School Committee. 

The use, possession, transportation, or sale of alcohol, nicotine products, non-prescription drugs, and/or controlled substances violates state and federal laws and will not be tolerated at Portsmouth High School. Any student found to be under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or intoxicants or controlled drugs, except those medications prescribed by a medical doctor for the use of the student and for which the user has a valid, current prescription and approval by the school nurse, whether during school hours or at a school sponsored activity on or off school property, will be subject to the following penalties and actions:

1) Parents/guardians will be notified immediately and will be requested to meet with an Administrator. 

2) The Portsmouth Police Department will be immediately notified and will be asked to prosecute any crime to the full extent of the law. 

3) The student shall be suspended from school for up to five (5) school days.

4) The student shall be suspended from all extracurricular activities for up to thirty (30) calendar days. Such activities include, but are not limited to: drama and music rehearsals and productions, school dances, proms, banquest, athletic practices and competitions, and end of the year activities such as class trips, senior week, and graduation exercises. First time offenders can have 15 days of this sanction deferred if they work with the substance abuse counselor for intervention.

5) The student’s parking privileges may be suspended for up to thirty (30) days.

6) With parental approval, the student will be referred to the Portsmouth High School Student Assistance Counselor. If approval is obtained and an appointment is made, the suspension of a first-time offender will be reduced at the discretion of the administration. In addition, the thirty (30) day extra-curricular suspension could be modified.

7) Any student who is suspected of selling/providing alcohol or drugs to members of the PHS community may have their cell phone confiscated and/or lose the privilege to bring personal devices to school for a specified period of time

ANY STUDENT WHO SELLS ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED DRUGS OR IS IN POSSESSION OF SUCH QUANTITIES OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED DRUGS THAT ARE REASONABLY DETERMINED TO BE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING SUCH ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED DRUGS TO ANOTHER PERSON, WILL BE REFERRED TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS WITH A RECOMMENDATION FOR LONG-TERM SUSPENSION.

A student behaving in such a way as to cause fear, physical harm, or attempted injury to any other person(s), or who engages in behavior that incites or escalates a situation, such as taunting, name-calling, shouting, or using profane language or gestures, shall receive detention, suspension, or be recommended to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing. 

Students who engage in physical contact (initiating or responding) may be subject to an out of school suspension of up to five (5) days for a first offense. With parent approval, the student will be referred to an anger management program. If approval is obtained and appointment is made, the suspension of a first-time offender may be reduced from five (5) days at the discretion of building administration. Students should seek alternatives to fighting before it happens, such as notifying an adult or conflict mediator. The Portsmouth Police Department will be notified when deemed appropriate.

Blackmail is defined as the act of threatening to reveal damaging information about someone unless they meet certain demands, usually involving money or other actions.

Extortion is defined as the act of obtaining something of value, typically money or property, through coercion, threats, or intimidation. It involves using force, violence, or fear to compel someone to give up something against their will. 

Students found to be responsible for blackmail or extortion will be subject to disciplinary actions:

• In-school and/or Out of school suspension of up to five (5) days

• Depending on the circumstance, confiscation of cell phone/personal communication device

• Loss of the privilege to bring personal devices to school for a specified period of time

• The Portsmouth Police may be notified based on the nature of the infraction

Bullying/Harassment is defined as any student who delivers disrespectful messages (verbal or gestural) to another person that includes threats and intimidation, obscene gestures, pictures, or written notes.  Disrespectful messages may include negative comments based on race, religion, gender, age, and/or national origin; sustained or intense verbal attacks based on ethnic origin, disabilities or other personal matters.  Harassment may include stalking carried out through the use of technology or any electronic device as well as unwanted sexual advances, extortion, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature which is offensive to the recipient. 

Those who engage in such activity will face disciplinary actions at the discretion of the administration in accordance with Portsmouth Public Schools’ Policy JICK: Student Violence, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Rhode Island State law (200-RICR-30-10-2)

Portsmouth High School is committed to providing a safe, positive, and productive learning environment for all students. We hold high expectations for student behavior, academic integrity, and the responsible use of existing and emerging technologies capable of capturing and/or transmitting data or images. The Portsmouth School Committee recognizes that inappropriate use of personal cellular phones and/or other personal technology devices during instructional time has a disruptive effect on student learning and the educational environment. Students who possess and/or use such devices at school or school-sponsored events are expected to demonstrate the greatest respect for the educational environment and the rights and privacy of all individuals within the school community. 

In light of these commitments Portsmouth High School operates under the following expectations:

1. While students are allowed to possess cell phones in school, all cell phones must be placed in the designated, wall mounted phone pockets at the beginning of each period. Students who do not "turn-in" a cell phone at the beginning of class and are found to have one on their person/in their possession will be subject to disciplinary consequences. 

Exception: In the rare instance that a student requires access to their cell phone as indicated by a 504 plan, IEP (Individualized Education Program), or Multilingual Learner services.

2. Students are allowed to use cell phones during passing times and/or lunch so long as the phone does not cause a disruption to the school day of the student and/or other PHS students. 

3. Wireless earbuds are not allowed to be worn at any time in the building unless explicitly required via a 504 plan, IEP (Individualized Education Program), or Multilingual Learner services. Students who repetitively are found to be wearing these devices or who refuse to remove earbuds will be subject to disciplinary consequences. 

4. The use of social media and/or inappropriate applications is strictly prohibited during school hours. Refer to Policy JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices

5. Students are strictly prohibited from using any electronic device, as defined by Policy JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices, in any school or district restroom or locker room. 

The consequence for violation of any of the above shall be:

First Offense: Verbal warning from classroom teacher. Required placement of cell phone in classroom phone pocket. Students who refuse to turn in their phone when prompted may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences.  

Second Offense: Required placement of cell phone in classroom phone pocket. Students who refuse to turn in their phone when prompted may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences. Parent/guardian notification by the classroom teacher; Teacher detention

Third and Subsequent Offenses: Required placement of cell phone in classroom phone pocket. Students who refuse to turn in their phone when prompted may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences. Parent/guardian notification by building administration; Collaborative Response to Intervention (RtI) meeting with student and related stakeholders; Potential for disallowing use of said device in the school setting for period of time. Additional consequences may be assigned by building administration 

Any act of academic dishonesty or breaking the rules to gain academic advantage, including cheating on tests or other assignments and appropriating another’s work as one’s own without the required citation or attribution (including via the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools outside of faculty-approved, classroom applications). Student work submitted should be the product only of that student, unless otherwise indicated.  This applies to work done outside of school, ie. homework, term papers, and projects, as well as quizzes and tests.  Teachers are required to report any and all instances of cheating or plagiarism to administration. Plagiarism, a misrepresentation of academic work, is unethical. 

Examples of cheating and plagiarism include, but are not limited to: 

• Using unauthorized written notes during tests, quizzes, or other assessments

• Unauthorized use of electronic devices during tests, quizzes, or other assessments

• Unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate work without appropriate citation

• Offering one’s notes, ideas, or written work during tests, quizzes, or other assessments

• Using another person’s ideas, notes, written work, or otherwise unspecified information without prior consent

• Offering to supply notes, previous test questions, or otherwise unspecified information that would provide an advantage.

• Improperly sourcing or citing another’s work, including improper citation, lack of citation, or false citation and acknowledgement

Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will result in academic and administrative consequences. The same consequence will be given to both the student who cheated or plagiarized and to the student who supplied their work or access to class notes, ideas, previous assessment questions or otherwise unspecified information that would provide an advantage. Any instance of cheating or plagiarism will be documented and could affect participation in extracurricular activities such as National Honors Society.

First Offense: Students must retake the assignment/assessment. The highest grade a student can earn is a 65%. Parents/guardians will be notified by the classroom teacher.

Second Offense: Students must retake the assignment/assessment and the highest grade a student can earn is a 55. Parents/guardians will be notified by the classroom teacher.

Third and Subsequent Offenses: Students must retake the assignment/assessment and the highest grade a student can earn is a 50. Parents/guardians will be notified by building administration. Disciplinary consequences may include in-school suspension and/or a collaborative response to intervention (RtI) meeting with the student and related stakeholders.

Students and families are encouraged to connect with their classroom teachers and to review the resources on the library’s website for further clarification of academic integrity.

Attendance is imperative for student success. When a student chooses not to attend a scheduled class it is considered a class cut.  Each class cut will result in a conversation with the teacher to determine the root cause of the cut and, the potential for makeup opportunities. Please note that per building policy, teachers and administrators are under no obligation to provide make-up work for students in the event of unexcused absence(s). For this reason it is essential that all missed class/school time is appropriately reported to the PHS main office within 48 hours of said class/school absence.  

First Offense: Collaborative conversation between the teacher and student; Parent contact from classroom teacher; Potential academic consequences administered by classroom teacher; After-school office detention. 

Second Offense: Collaborative conversation between the teacher and student; Parent contact from building administration; Potential academic consequences administered by classroom teacher; After-school office detention; Potential Saturday Academy detention or after-school detention at the discretion of building administration

Third and Subsequent Offenses: Collaborative Response to Intervention (RtI) meeting with student and related stakeholders; Parent contact from building administration; Potential academic consequences administered by classroom teacher; Potential in-school suspension, Saturday Academy, or after-school detention at the discretion of building administration

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student that:

• Causes physical or emotional harm to the student or damage to the student’s property;

• Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to their property;

• Creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or abusive educational environment for the student;

• Infringes on the rights of the student to participate in school activities; or

• Materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school

No student, employee, faculty or staff of Portsmouth High School shall post forward or otherwise disseminate any data, documents, photos, images or videos or other information using any technology medium, including social networking websites, which might result in a disruption of classroom activity of the educational process.  Those who engage in such activity will face disciplinary actions at the discretion of the administration in accordance with Portsmouth Public Schools’ Policy JICK: Student Violence, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Rhode Island State law (200-RICR-30-10-2)

Disorderly conduct is defined as any student disruption or act of violence which may be detrimental to the learning process, endanger the health and welfare of students, faculty, and staff, or general behavior that embarrasses the school or the school community. The Portsmouth High School Administration reserves the right to consequence or suspend any student pending review and subsequent action by the Superintendent and School Committee. The Portsmouth Police Department may be notified at the discretion of building administration.  

Students must adhere to the Portsmouth School Department’s Dress Code policy.

With the safety and security of the PHS community in mind, it is essential that all students, faculty, administration, and staff assist with allowing only approved visitors and regular attendees into the building. Students who allow unauthorized access to the building by allowing individuals in through any door without faculty/staff approval will be subject to disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to, one or more days of after-school detention, In-school Suspension (ISS), and/or Saturday detention. 

Students found to be responsible for causing a false alarm (verbal and/or tangible) and/or tampering with equipment will be subject to disciplinary actions and possibly referred to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing, and, at his/her discretion, be referred to the School Committee for long term suspension. The Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments shall be notified. 

Fighting/Physical Confrontation is defined as actions involving serious physical contact where injury may occur (e.g., hitting, punching, hitting with an object, kicking, hair pulling, scratching, etc.). Students who are involved in a fight or physical confrontation will be subject to disciplinary actions based on the nature and extent of the altercation. Building administration will investigate the incident and determine to the best of their ability who was at fault and whether or not both students deserve the same consequences.  

Consequences may include, but are not limited to: office detention, Saturday Academy, in-school suspension, out of school suspension or recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing. 

Students who engage in physical contact (initiating or responding) may be subject to an out of school suspension of up to five (5) days for a first offense. With parent approval, the student will be referred to an anger management program. If approval is obtained and appointment is made, the suspension of a first-time offender may be reduced from five (5) days at the discretion of the building administration. Students should seek alternatives to fighting before it happens, such as notifying an adult or conflict mediator. The Portsmouth Police Department will be notified when deemed appropriate.

Any student possessing, using, transmitting, or concealing fireworks, explosives or firearms, may be suspended from school. Long-term suspension may be recommended to the Superintendent based on the nature of the incident. The Portsmouth Police Department shall be notified.

Student engages in inappropriate (as defined by school) verbal and/or physical gestures/ contact, of a sexual nature to another student/adult, either consensual or non-consensual. Those who engage in such activity will face disciplinary actions at the discretion of the administration.

At PHS students are provided with a variety of tools to help facilitate their learning. These tools include a variety of tech-foward items designed to provide students with various opportunities to enter into the taught curriculum. It is extremely important that students respect this equipment and use these devices/items for educational purposes. Should a student fail to abide by these guidelines, the following consequences may be assigned: 

1. Violations will result in a loss of/restricted access. 

2. Additional disciplinary action may be taken at the building level in accordance with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

3. When applicable, law enforcement agencies will be involved.

Refusing a directive of a teacher, administrator or other staff member. Those who engage in such activity will face disciplinary actions at the discretion of the administration which may include but are not limited to possible in or out of school suspension.

Once a student arrives at school by any means, the student may not leave the school grounds and must come directly into the building. Students who leave school during the school day without proper permission or dismissal through the main office or nurse’s office will be subject to the following consequences: 

First Offense: Parent/guardian notification by building administration; In-school suspension; Potential suspension of parking privileges for up to seven (7) calendar days or seven (7) day hold placed on parking eligibility

Second Offense: Parent/guardian notification by building administration; Collaborative Response to Intervention (RtI) meeting with student and related stakeholders; Potential suspension of parking privileges for up to fourteen (14) calendar days or fourteen (14) day hold placed on parking eligibility

Third and Subsequent Offenses: Parent/guardian conference; Multiple days of In-school suspension; Potential forfeiture of parking privileges or long-term hold placed on parking eligibility

Defined as direct obscene, offensive, indecent, abusive, or insulting language or gestures, delivered verbally or in writing to a student and/or faculty member. Those who engage in such activity will face disciplinary actions at the discretion of the administration.

The PHS Administration is authorized to grant parking permits to seniors and juniors. The following regulations apply to student parking.

To apply for a PHS student parking permit, please complete the form found at the following link: PHS Online Parking Permit Request.

When parking on campus, the student will:

1. Operate their motor vehicle safely, reasonably and in accordance with all applicable traffic laws.

2. Have their parking permit sticker displayed as directed.

3. Park appropriately in white outlined spaces only.

4. Maintain proper registration, insurance, and inspection and have it available on demand.

5. Arrive by 7:15 A.M.

6. Drive no more than 15 MPH while on campus.

7. Refrain from playing loud music that disrupts the educational environment. 

8. Park in appropriately designated “student” spaces. Students may not park in spaces reserved for visitor and/or faculty/staff parking at any time. 

In order to maintain the privilege to park on campus, the student will:

1. Comply with all other school rules as described in the student handbook.

2. Adhere to the student/parent agreement as it pertains to participation in extracurricular activities.

3. Demonstrate the ability to regularly attend school by the allotted arrival time. 

In the event of the following, student parking privileges may be suspended and/or revoked for a period of time:

1. Any breach of conduct that results in the student being suspended from school.

2. Being tardy (unexcused)  to school more than three times in a specific quarter.

3. Breaching any of the above provisions describing the proper way to operate the motor vehicle.

4. Using the vehicle to attempt to leave school grounds without permission or to transport other students who are leaving school grounds without permission.

5. Parking on campus when privileges have been suspended.

The Portsmouth High School administration reserves the right to:

1. Suspend or revoke parking because of violations of these parking policies as well as violations of the school disciplinary code.

2. Search a vehicle given reasonable suspicion of wrong-doing.

3. Tow vehicles, at the owner’s expense, that are parked on campus in an unauthorized location.

4. Assign a consequence for parking violations.

Unauthorized cars parked on campus will be subject to towing at the owner's expense (Policy 5310).  No warnings will be issued. Portsmouth High School assumes no responsibility for any lost or damaged property while vehicles are parked or operated on campus.  Students who choose to park their vehicles off campus do so at their own risk.  

An action or speech motivated by hostility or hatred due to some characteristics or perceived characteristics of the victim. Any act, or attempted act, to cause physical injury, emotional suffering or property damage through intimidation, harassment, racial/ethnic slurs and bigoted epithets, vandalism, force, motivated all or in part by hostility to the victim’s real or perceived membership in a class (including, but not limited to, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, political beliefs, marital status, age, social and family background, linguistic preference, or disability). Includes prejudice-related harassment or hate crimes carried out through the use of technology or any electronic device. In the event that these circumstances occur the student will be consequenced as follows: Notification of parents, potential for in school suspension or out of school suspension, potential out of school suspension of up to 10 days. Suspensions may be reduced if the student is willing to issue an apology and participate in racial empathy programming facilitated through the school counseling office. (Policy JICK)

Students at Portsmouth High School are expected to attend their classes in a timely fashion. When a student is tardy to class, their late arrival results in a disruption to the class as well as a negative impact on the educational process. Students are expected to have a pass from their sending teacher/location when entering a class that has begun.

The consequence for violation of any of the above shall be:

First Offense: Documented conference with classroom teacher. 

Second Offense: Parent/guardian notification by the classroom teacher; Teacher detention

Third and Subsequent Offenses: Parent/guardian notification by building administration; Collaborative Response to Intervention (RtI) meeting with the student and related stakeholders.

Any student who arrives at class after 7:25 A.M. must report to the Main Office.  Students should plan to be in the building by 7:20 A.M. in order to arrive to class on time.

It is the responsibility of the student to clarify any valid tardiness with the classroom teacher. Students are permitted 3 unexcused tardies to school prior to receiving a consequence per quarter. On the 4th tardy during the same quarter, consequences will be administered as follows:

Fourth (4th) Tardy: Office detention; Academic consequences; Parking permit may be revoked up to seven (7) calendar days;  Documented conference with student and School Life Coordinator 

Fifth (5th) and Subsequent Offenses: Saturday Academy; Academic consequences; Parking permit may be revoked for a minimum of (14) calendar days; Parent/guardian notification by building administration; Collaborative Response to Intervention (RtI) meeting with student and related stakeholders; Student may be placed on social probation for the duration of the quarter. 

Theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property of another person without threat, violence or bodily harm. The Portsmouth Police Department will be notified. Immediate restitution will be required. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, detention, Saturday Academy, or in-school suspension. Repeat offenses may result in referral to the Superintendent of Schools. 

In accordance with Rhode Island Law 92-230, Smoking Restrictions in Schools Act, tobacco product use is prohibited in all school buildings, playgrounds, the school administration building, indoor athletic facilities, school gymnasiums, locker rooms, school buses and other school vehicles (Policy 5131.5).

Smoking cessation programs will be offered to students on a voluntary basis.

Students who violate the law will be disciplined.  Violations of this policy shall include, but not be limited to, actual smoking, being in possession of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, hookah pens, e-cigarettes and electronic inhalation devices and/or paraphernalia, etc., whether lit, partially full/empty, or not.  Violation of the law will result in:

1st Offense: Student will be asked to attend a Saturday Academy to complete an educational training on dangers of vaping/tobacco use as well as a mandatory referral to our Student Assistance Counselor and a parent/guardian contact

2nd Offense: Students will serve a Saturday Academy, parent guardian contact and additional meetings with our Student Assistance Counselor

3rd Offense: A team consisting of school-based stakeholders will craft a Response To Intervention (RtI) plan which may include mandatory counseling, small groups or behavioral plans. A meeting with parent/guardian may be scheduled to plan for supporting the student. 

Truancy is defined as any unauthorized absence from school. 

Every effort shall be made by the school administration to contact the student and/or parents/guardians should concerns arise regarding a specific student’s school attendance. In the event of Chronic Tardiness/Absenteeism (Absence that results in a student missing 10% or more of the school year), a parent conference may be requested by building administration in order to gameplan and speak through practical solutions. Continued, unexcused absence from school may result in parent meetings, home visits and referral to the truancy officer. Additional information regarding the district truancy procedures can be found via Policy JE: Student Attendance and Truancy. 

* Please note that per building policy, teachers and administrators are under no obligation to provide make-up work for students in the event of unexcused absence(s). For this reason it is essential that all missed class/school time is appropriately reported to the PHS main office within 48 hours of said class/school absence.

When on a faculty-approved leave from class (e.g. to use the restroom, visit the school counseling office, check-in at the main office), students are expected to report directly to the space where their pass has been issued for the purpose identified at the time the pass is issued. Once their trip is complete, students should return directly back to class in a timely manner. Loitering in the bathroom or reporting to other locations in the building without prior faculty consent will result in disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to, pass restrictions, detention, and in repetitive cases, in-school suspension.

At PHS, students are responsible for respecting the rights of others when using videography and/or photography as outlined in the PSD Appropriate Use Policy (Policy IJNDC). Individuals who intend to video/photograph members of the PHS community must receive consent from each subject prior to recording/photographing. Moreover, devices capable of recording audio/visual and/or photo are strictly prohibited from being used in locker rooms, changing rooms, restrooms or any other place where students or employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Should a student fail to abide by these guidelines, the following actions will take place:

• Disciplinary consequence assigned commensurate with the specific infraction ranging from detention to out of school suspension

• Immediate confiscation of device

• Loss of the privilege to bring personal devices to school for a specified period of time

• The Portsmouth Police may be notified based on the nature and location of the unauthorized recording

Vandalism may include unauthorized tampering of school computer programs and systems.  Students who intentionally damage or destroy (vandalize) school property or school equipment (this includes unauthorized use/damage of computers and school books/materials), personal property, or public property may be subject to restorative and disciplinary measures consisting of, but not limited to, detention, Saturday Academy, and/or suspension. The student will be required to make restitution and will be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing. The Portsmouth Police may be contacted based on the nature and severity of the incident.

Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a school environment that is conducive to learning.  The underlying belief of this policy is that all children have the right to be educated in a safe and nurturing environment.  Therefore, each school shall enforce a policy of zero tolerance for weapons and violence in school. (Policy 5700)

Definitions

Weapons

The term "weapons'' shall include, by way of illustration, the following enumerated items: any loaded or unloaded firearm (e.g., pistol, blank pistol, starter pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, etc.); any knife (e.g. Bowie, Direk, lock-blade, hunting, pen, pocket, switchblade, utility, etc.); any razor (e.g., straight, regular, retractable, etc.); any defensive weapon (e.g., gas repellent, mace, stun gun, etc.); any martial arts device (e.g., Chinese stars, nunchaku, etc.); any explosive device (including fireworks); or any tool or instrument which school administrative staff could reasonably conclude as being capable of inflicting bodily harm (e.g., blackjack, chain, club knuckles, nightstick, pipe, studded bracelet, etc.); or which by virtue of its shape or design gives the appearance of any of the aforementioned (e.g., air pistol, air rifle, BB gun, toy gun, etc.).  In addition, any animal which could be used to inflict bodily harm will also be considered in this category.

Consequences

Possession of a weapon at school or school activity will result in:

1. Referral to the Assistant Principal,

2. Confiscation of the weapon,

3. Referral to the Police Department for prosecution,

4. Parent conference,

5. Immediate Out of School Suspension and referral to the Superintendent for possible School Committee action.

Assault

Assault is defined as an act of physical violence or an aggravated threat of physical violence by a student(s) on another student(s), staff member(s), or others on school grounds.  When considering what constitutes aggravated assault, the factors to be weighed include: age of student(s) involved, seriousness of bodily injury, the state of mind of the individual(s) involved, and any other factors deemed relevant to the school principal or designee.

Students who verbally or physically assault a teacher, coach, advisor, assigned personnel, any staff member or another student will be:

1. subject to disciplinary action with required restitution

2. referred to the Superintendent of Schools for a hearing, and, at his/her discretion, be referred to the School Committee for exclusion and enrollment into the Alternate Education Program.

If, at the Superintendent's discretion, the student is allowed to return to school after suspension for either alcohol/drugs, assault, false alarms, vandalizing property, or weapons, the next infraction of the Disciplinary Code involving alcohol/drugs, assault, false alarm, vandalizing school property, or weapons, requiring suspension during the student's four years at Portsmouth High School will result in an automatic recommendation by the Superintendent of Schools to the School Committee for exclusion and enrollment in the Alternate Education Program.

Any student who engages in threatening students, faculty or staff (verbally or in written form), will be subject to disciplinary measures Police notification will result.  The student may return to school only after it has been determined they pose no threat to others. A parent conference will be required prior to re-entry.