Student Conduct

PMHS will be following the Pennsville BOE Student Code of Conduct Policy 5131, 5131R for all discipline infractions.  Please be sure to review the document in its entirety.  

LEGAL NOTICE:  Please read prior to contacting administration regarding any disciplinary concerns.

CLICK LINK TO READ:  Pennsville Student Code of Conduct Board Policy 5131 

STUDENT CONDUCT

As young adults, you are expected to maintain your conduct in a fashion that will enhance your education.  We take great pride in our school community and seek an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Each of you should be proud of your achievements and conduct.  Activities such as cutting class, truancy, fighting, smoking, lateness, disruptions, disrespect, theft, defiance, profane language, behaving in an inappropriate manner, etc. and violating Board Policy or school regulations, seriously detract from the educational atmosphere.  Remember, if you are not proud of it, you should not do it.

The Pennsville Board of Education, PMHS Administration and staff, the New Jersey Board of Education, and the Commissioner are in agreement that disruption of schools, or interference with their normal operation, offends the rights of children of school age to receive a suitable education, violates the law and cannot be condoned or tolerated.

Events that occur outside the school can impact on the safety and educational process of school and may result in Disciplinary Action. We recognize that situations arise whereby students and/or parents may wish to have their concerns expressed and considered.  This may be done by contacting the principal, superintendent and Board of Education in that order. The grievance procedure is contained within this book and may be exercised at any time.

The Pennsville Board of Education has established a code of student conduct in Board Policy 5131R - contained below are highlights of this policy and others pertaining to student conduct. 

WEAPONS

Weapons of any kind, (guns, knives, and pocket-knives) or any devise, which can be used as a weapon, will not be tolerated.  Any student bringing a weapon to school will be suspended pending a hearing with the Superintendent or Board of Education.

CONDUCT IN CLASS

Students are responsible to be prepared for class each day.  Upon arrival, get seated, attentive, and actively learning. Always be equipped with pencil, pen, adequate paper, and any other unique materials necessary for various classes.

STUDY HALL

Students will NOT be permitted to request a Study Hall within their regular course schedule.  If assigned a study hall this is a time for completion of classwork, homework, reading, or other school-related work.  No student may be excused from study hall without prior permission of the supervising teacher. Students are permitted to visit the Media Center and guidance facilities with permission from the supervising teacher.

ON THE BUS

For safety, all students must cooperate with the bus operator.  No activity, which distracts the operator or endangers any of the passengers on the bus, will be tolerated.

Only authorized students may use our transportation services.  Students must board and disembark the bus at their designated stop.  At the end of the day, students are to board the buses at the high school only.

For any violation of bus regulations, a student may be denied transportation privileges, be suspended or accrue disciplinary points.  Riding on a bus is considered the school environment. If a student’s action(s) on the bus cause the driver to stop the bus to regain control of the offending student(s), that student(s) will be suspended from bus privileges at the principal’s discretion, and may also be administered administrative penalties and/or police charges. 

FIELD TRIPS

All school rules are in effect on any field trip.  No student may go on a trip without a completed permission slip.  Any student failing to gain written release and still attends the trip will be disciplined for truancy.  Students must be in attendance the day before a trip in order to be considered eligible to attend the field trip.  Students who attend extra and co-curricular events must be in academic good standing and have no suspensions for one calendar month prior to the extra/co-curricular event.

Students who have been suspended have been determined to be excessively absent or excessively tardy will not be permitted to participate in Field Trips – Including the Senior Class Trip

Senior Trip-Rules & Regulations---MUST BE FOLLOWED or YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ON TRIP

**We highly recommend that families consider purchasing trip insurance.  In the event there is a family emergency, illness, or a violation of the regulations below - having trip insurance will ensure almost all of your trip money will be returned.

Trip Procedures:

1. All students traveling on the Senior Class Trip must register and pay through our Travel Agents website, which is linked above.  Credit Card payments do carry a small service fee, but ACH (direct payment from checking account) payments are completely free.

2. All forms, permissions and documents must be completed through the web portal above.  No student will be permitted to travel without a fully completed registration.

3. The following are eligibility requirements for traveling on the Senior Class Trip.  Violation of any of these requirements will result in immediate removal from the Senior Class Trip.  Refunds will be issued based on the terms and conditions of the contract listed on the web portal above.  **Insurance will help recoup the maximum refund in the event of removal from the trip.

A. Student Eligibility 

• Each student must be academically eligible for graduation at the time of the trip (End of 3rd Marking Period).

• Any student who has unexcused absences totaling more than 10% of the day’s school has been in session at the time of the trip will not be permitted to attend.

  •  If a student is at 15 unexcused absences before the trip, they will not be permitted to attend.  Refund will be as stated in the contract.  **Trip insurance would guarantee the maximum refund.

• Students who have been suspended two or more times will not be permitted to go on the trip. 

  • Beginning on 9/1/2022, if a student is suspended, for possession, consumption, and/or being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance during school hours or at a school-sponsored activity, said student will not be permitted to attend the class trip.

FIGHTING

Any student or students found to be involved in a fight, assault, battery, or any other action, which jeopardizes the safety and well being of another individual(s) will be suspended and have a possible complaint signed with the Pennsville Police Department.  Every fight can be avoided.

MEDIATION

The Board of Education and the staff of the Pennsville School district believe that all fights can be prevented.  Each student is responsible for their own actions related to the building tensions that may develop between two or more people.  To support a timely and constructive resolution of tensions and fighting, the high school counselors encourage students to join them in the 

process of mediation.  Mediation is a simplistic, yet effective process of controlled dialogue between two people that leads to meaningful communication and peaceful resolution.  Conflicts that are resolved through the involvement of a counselor in the mediation process are unlikely to become a school disciplinary matter or end up as a police complaint.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, OR BULLYING

The Board of Education expects pupils to treat each other with civility and respect, and will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.  Like other disruptive or violent behaviors, this conduct interferes with a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment.

The Board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying against any pupil.

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined as any gesture or written, verbal or physical act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school–sponsored function or on a school bus.

Administrative interventions resulting from Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying may include, but not be limited to; peer mediation, individualized counseling, detentions, suspensions, affirmative action hearings, superintendents conferences, and any other means deemed necessary by the administration. 

HIB Policy #5131.1 HIB BOE POLICY 

SMOKING & VAPING, TOBACCO, NICOTINE, ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES

The Surgeon General of the United States has proven that smoking is hazardous to your health.  Similar evidence has been presented regarding chewing tobacco. As an educational institution, we will not condone use of any tobacco/nicotine product including, but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor pens, hookah pens, etc. and will enforce the Board Policy 5131.6 as well as normal disciplinary interventions to inhibit the use of tobacco on school grounds.  This includes pressing charges against smoking offenders in the Municipal Court. In addition to electronic cigarettes, vapor pens, hookah pens, etc., any devise that does not contain nicotine, tobacco, or any other illegal drugs are not permitted on school property, as this behavior emulates smoking. Use of these devices on school property will result in disciplinary action and charges filed with the municipal court.

**Vape Detectors are in all bathrooms at PMHS** (click)  Parent Letter about Vape Detectors 

**Any student who is in the bathroom when vape detector goes off, will be considered in violation of school policy and subject to be searched and appropriate discipline action according to Pennsville BOE policy 5131.6.  

 TOBACCO PRODUCTS

By NJ State Law and School Policy, students are not to be in possession of, or engaging in the buying, selling, using of any tobacco product and/or electronic cigarette/vapor pen on school property.  

CHEATING

We are proud of our students and want them to be proud of themselves.  Cheating in any form is not an ethical behavior and cannot be condoned.  Cheating will result in disciplinary action and/or reduction in grades according to the district grading policy.

Cheating does reflect on your character which is a dimension evaluated for admission to the National Honor Society.  We are confident that you will succeed without cheating if you put forth an honest effort.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT USE 

Students are permitted to use electronic devices during passing times between classes and at lunch time only.  At NO time will texting or social networking be permitted during class time.  In addition students are NOT allowed to wear headphones/earpods, etc. in class. Failure to comply with the classroom teacher or substitute will result in an administrative detention and restricted list for the use of cell phone or headphones/earpods in class.  See discipline section for additional details.   HEADPHONES/CELL PHONES/AI-Enabled Smart Glasses (banned in the district) are NOT to be visible in the learning environment.  Keep all devices away to avoid violations of student code of conduct policy.    

• AI glasses and other similar wearable technology may not be worn or used during the school day. This policy is in place to avoid distractions, protect student privacy, and maintain a focused learning environment. Please ensure that these devices remain at home.  Because they can discreetly record, stream, or access information, they present risks far beyond those of conventional devices. For this reason, they are not allowed in school, and we ask that families keep them at home. 

PLEASE NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE ARE THESE DEVICES PERMITTED DURING TESTING OF ANY KIND.

Note:  permitting the use of electronic devices during passing and lunch time is intended as a means for the school to encourage and support appropriate and acceptable use of these devices.

DRESS CODE – POLICY #5132

In keeping with the goals of the Board of Education to provide a safe, healthy and non-discriminatory environment for educating students for maximum academic and social development, the following restrictions on dress shall be enforced.  In all cases in accordance with Policy #5132, school administrators will determine what “appropriate attire” Is.

1. 1. Students are expected to avoid extremes in appearance that are so disruptive or distracting that the reaction of other students is beyond typical behavior. 

   2. Pants are to be worn fastened & at the waist.

   3. Length of skirts, dresses, & shorts are to reach to the mid-point of the hand, including tears/rips that have wide openings.   

   4. Shirts are to cover the front, back, and sides, including the stomach.

   5. No revealing/provocative clothing of any kind.  The following are NOT permitted: transparent or see-through tops (a shirt underneath is appropriate); strapless and halter tops; low-cut clothing or tops; & outfits that provide minimum coverage.

   6. Undergarments shall not be visible. 

   7. Sleepwear and items perceived as, or that resemble, such are inappropriate for school (i.e., no pajamas or slippers).

   8. Offensive items are prohibited.  Anything that promotes, advertises, depicts or mentions anything associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or things of a violent or sexual nature are not allowed.  Anything that is vulgar, obscene, lewd, rude, or is aimed at demeaning a specific group or individual(s) is prohibited.

   9. Hats and headgear are permitted at administrative discretion.

   10. Any article of jewelry considered to be a safety hazard is prohibited.  

   11. If you are not sure if something may or may not be worn, check with your Principal before wearing it to school. 

   12. Exceptions for special events (Spirit Week, etc.) or individual exemptions (health, religious, etc.) may be granted by an administrator.

   13. Faces should be visible at all times unless covered for religious or medical reasons. 

Students are expected to meet the dress code guidelines each day of school.  Students who choose not to meet the dress code will not be permitted in class until acceptable clothing is secured.  Repeated violations of the dress code will result in further disciplinary actions.

School Administrators may require special clothing for health and safety reasons for students participating in the Physical Education or Applied Technology.

Surveillance Cameras – Cameras will be used to assist in monitoring various locations throughout the building and grounds. Surveillance/Video footage may only be obtained through court order or through the Pennsville Police Dept.  At no time can students or parents/guardian request to view video surveillance footage. 

As an overview you are advised that a student will be disciplined for the following offenses: lateness, cutting class, failure to report to an appointed destination, disrupting class, use of cell phones/headphones (can not be visible in class), damaging property, theft, profane or offensive language, inappropriate behavior, creating a disturbance, fighting, threatening a student or teacher, harassment (sexual or other), reckless endangering self or others, disturbing the school environment, or any other action that is not fitting to the school setting.

The automated telephone system will be used to inform parents of special school events/activities, emergency situations, student absences and school closings.  When possible the School Messenger system will be used to inform parents of student’s lateness to class/school, and administrative detentions. 

Student IDs – Every student will be issued a student ID.  Students are expected to CARRY their ID at all times while on school property. ID’s will be used for: general identification, lunch accounts, library book circulation, and after school events such as athletic events, dances, and other school sponsored events.  Temporary ID’s will be issued in the main office.   Replacement cost for lost/damaged/stolen ID’s will be $5.00.

ANY WEAPON’S OFFENSE WILL RESULT IN A SUSPENSION PENDING A HEARING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

It is the student’s responsibility to listen to the daily announcements each day.  Any announcements, including signs and posters must be submitted by a teacher and approved by an administrator.  ANY Sign or Poster without administration approval will be removed. 

INTERNET

The internet is available to all students of PMHS.  It is meant to be used for curriculum-related research. Under specifically authorized circumstances it may be used for other pursuits of an educational nature. We reserve the right to monitor students on the internet when accessed from our school building or through one of our school programs.

Use of the Internet is a privilege and may be restricted or revoked similar to a library card.  When “on-line” the code of conduct provided students in the Student Handbook are in effect. Courtesy and good judgment must prevail.  Do not use vulgar or obscene language. Do not reveal your home address or phone number (you have no control over who may access this information once it is on the “net”).  We share a common e-mail address at PMHS, and you should not have private messages sent to one of our terminals.

Piracy, copyright violations, and plagiarizing from the Internet are strictly forbidden.  Not only do you place yourself at risk in terms of disciplinary action by the school, but you may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil suit.

Some material that can be accessed over the Internet is inappropriate for the school setting.  Accessing anything of an offensive or demeaning nature will result in curtailment of the internet privilege, points or suspension.  You must keep in mind that the internet at PMHS is not for entertainment. Playing games, downloading excessive amounts of material, and generally “surfing” are not the objective.  Those who abuse the system in this manner will lose this privilege. Also, no student is to make purchases over the Internet or incur any phone charges. Any problem of any nature should be reported to the teacher in charge immediately.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Any parent or pupil who has a grievance against a teacher, school policy, school rules, or regulations shall present the grievance in writing and proceed as follows.

1.  Present the grievance to the building principal who will arrange for conference between the aggrieved person, the teacher, an administrator, or a supervisor.

2. If the grievant is not satisfied with the decision at the first level, the grievant may present the grievance in writing to the Superintendent of Schools, who will arrange a meeting to discuss the situation with the aggrieved party.

3 If the grievant is not satisfied with the decision of the Superintendent of Schools, the grievant may request a hearing with the Board of Education. The Superintendent of Schools will arrange such a meeting, if requested by the grievant.

4. The Board of Education will meet with the aggrieved person and will answer the grievance in writing, within twenty (20) days of the hearing.

NO TRESPASSING

During the time that a student is suspended or expelled, they are not allowed on school property.  If a student is enrolled in an out-of-District placement, they are not allowed on school property without the specific written permission of a Child Study team staff member or other administrative person.  Students found to be trespassing on school property will have a police complaint filed against them.

MONEY AND VALUABLES

The school district is not responsible for the loss or theft of a student’s money or valuables.  We strongly recommend that students bring a minimum amount of money and other valuables to school.