Embedded Files
1. Book/Gym/Duffel Bags/Backpacks
These items are not to be carried while in school. Small bags should only be used to carry gym clothing to physical education classes. When entering the school, students are to place bags in their lockers.
2. Electronic Devices
The use of electronic devices, including, but not limited to: cell phones, smart phones, electronic games, earbuds/headphones, tablets, iPods or MP3 players, and cameras can be disruptive to the educational process; such devices are not to be used in the school building without prior authorization. Students may use their electronic device before school and after school. Students must put their electronic devices away and powered off during the school day. Electronic devices are not to be used for any reason during the school day. If a student is using their electronic device during the school day, it will be confiscated and the parent will have to come pick it up from the office.
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices that students choose to bring to school. Loss of these items will not be investigated and it is highly recommended that they be left at home.
3. Dress and Appearance
Proper dress, hygiene, and good work habits work to promote good school behavior and consistent learning. Therefore, any attire that distracts from the educational process is not permitted in school. A general rule is that shorts and dresses should have at least a five inch inseam. All sleeveless shirts must have at least a two inch strap, and exposed midriff should not exceed three inches. Exposure to any undergarments is prohibited. Pants must be worn in a manner such that they do not sag excessively below the waist. Jeans or shorts with rips that expose skin above the five inch inseam line are prohibited. For safety reasons, slippers, high-heeled or wheeled shoes are not to be worn at school. Examples of distracting attire are:
inappropriate symbols (i.e. confederate flags, swastikas, gang signs, sexually suggestive or vulgar language)
inappropriate products advertising alcohol or drugs
excessive midriff or back exposure, low cut shirts, and tight/short shorts
chains or sunglasses
Tube tops and mesh shirts
hoods, hats, visors, and bandannas
coats/jackets, gloves, and blankets in classrooms
other examples of distracting attire as defined by administration on a case by case basis
Students whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.
4. Food/Candy, Drinks, Gum
Food, candy and drinks are only allowed in the cafeteria or at staff supervised activities.
5. Public Display of Affection
Inappropriate displays of affection and/or physical contact are not considered acceptable behaviors at West Ottawa Middle Schools. Students are not allowed to hold hands, hug, kiss, or embrace each other in any way.
6. Skateboard Policy/Bicycle
Bicycles are to be locked and placed in the designated bicycle rack. Due to safety and security issues, use of skateboards and rollerblades are prohibited on school property.
7. Cheating/Academic Misconduct
A student will not plagiarize, cheat, gain unauthorized access to, or tamper with educational materials. Discipline under this section may result in academic sanctions in addition to other discipline.
8. Forgery/False Representation
The act of fraudulently using, verbally or in writing, the name of another person, or falsifying times, dates, grades, addresses, or other data such as excused passes, detentions, and/or teacher’s forms which request parent signature shall constitute forgery or false representation.
9. Loitering Policy
Students are not to loiter after 3:00 pm. Students picked up after 3:00 pm must be picked up at the main entrance of the building. All students are to leave school property after dismissal unless they have a scheduled practice; teacher meeting; detention; or other authorized reason.
10. Disruptive/Disorderly Behavior
A willful act or behavior that jeopardizes or disrupts the educational atmosphere will be considered disruptive/disorderly behavior.
11. Disrespect
Speaking to any member of the school community in a discourteous, insulting, or profane manner is prohibited.
12. Fireworks/caustic/noxious Substances
The act of possessing, using, or transferring items such as firecrackers, smoke bombs, stink bombs, caustic/noxious substances, etc., on school property or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited.
13. Obscene/Lewd/Vulgar/or Abusive Language or Gestures
Inappropriate language/gestures are prohibited.
14. Insubordination
Willful failure to respond to or verbally refuse to carry out a reasonable request by a staff member or other person in authority, including administrators, teachers, security person, secretaries, bus drivers, cooks, custodians, or any other school personnel shall be considered an act of insubordination.
15. Vandalism
The acts of willful destruction of school property and property belonging to others; and defacing school property such as lockers, desks, books, etc., are prohibited. Students will be held responsible for the proper use and protection of any equipment or facility they are permitted to use. Students using school property and equipment can be fined for excessive wear and abuse of the property and equipment. The fine will be used to pay for the damage, not to make a profit.
Examples of vandalism are, but are not limited to: defacing or physical destruction of school property or property of others, glass breakage, painting, writing, etching, spitting on school property or property of others
16. Unsafe Physical Play
Physical contact, in a playful manner, that endangers or harms others students is prohibited.
17. Aggressive Physical Contact
Physical contact such as pushing, shoving, minor slapping, flicking, poking, tripping, etc. is prohibited.
18. Threatening Students/ Verbal Confrontation
Intimidating other students or interfering with other students by threats of violence or physical harm is prohibited.
19. Physical Confrontation
The deliberate act of hitting, or striking another student on school property is prohibited. This includes going to or from school and any school sponsorship activity.
20. Physical Assault
Physical assault means intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person through force or violence. This type of behavior is strictly prohibited.
21. Striking or Threatening School Personnel
Intimidating school personnel or interfering with administrators or teachers by force, violence, or threat of violence is prohibited.
22. Bullying
Bullying can be defined but not limited to intimidation of others by gestures, comments, threats, or actions to a student which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety, or personal degradation.
Examples of these acts are, but not limited to:
A. threatened or actual physical harm;
B. unwelcome physical contact;
C. threatening or taunting verbally, in writing or through electronic communications;
D. taking or extorting money or property;
E. damaging or destroying property;
F. blocking or impeding student movement;
G. electronically transmitted acts during school hours
Any student who believes s/he has been the victim of aggressive behavior including bullying or hazing, should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal.
23. Sexual Harassment & Non Discriminatory Policies
Sexual harassment and non-discrimination is unlawful under both Michigan and federal law and is contrary to the commitment of the West Ottawa Public Schools to provide an effective learning environment. District policies prohibit sexual harassment and discrimination (Policy 5517) of students, employees, volunteers, contractors, or applicants for employment by students, employees, Board members, volunteers, or contractors. The district will not tolerate sexually harassing or discriminatory behavior as defined by law and/or by district policy, false reports of discrimination and/or sexual harassment, or retaliation against persons reporting allegations of sexual harassment or cooperating in the investigation of such complaints.
Any student who believes she/he has been subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination shall verbally report the offense to any school employee with whom she/he feels comfortable or to the Civil Rights Compliance Officer located in the Administration Office of Student Services whose office phone number is (616)738-5720. The employee receiving the verbal report shall immediately complete a Harassment or Non-Discrimination Report Form and forward it to the building principal. Upon receipt of the Harassment or Non-Discrimination Report Form, the building principal shall immediately notify the designated district/central office administrator of the incident. The building principal shall then form an investigation team. Once the team receives the Harassment or Non-Discrimination Report Form, it shall complete an investigation, make a determination, and recommend the remedial steps necessary, if warranted, to stop the sexual harassing or discriminating behavior. The team shall submit all investigative documentation and its determination and recommendations, in writing, to the building principal or supervisor.
The principal or supervisor shall notify the complainant and the alleged harasser, in writing, of the investigation team’s findings. If no harassment or discrimination has been found, the notification must show objective, clearly stated evidence to justify that conclusion. If harassment has been substantiated, the building principal or supervisor shall seek the victim’s input on what she/he thinks would be the most effective remedies, meet with the superintendent’s designee to determine the corrective remedy/remedies to be taken and begin implementing it/them, periodically monitor the situation by checking with both the victim and the perpetrator regarding the success of the remedy/remedies, and document all information in the case file.
For Title IX questions or concerns, please contact:
Jens Milobinski- Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources- Title IX Coordinator- 616-786-2082-milobinskij@westottawa.net
24. Harassment
Harassment of any person in the school community is prohibited. Examples of harassment are, but not limited to: making fun of another student, stalking or targeting another student because of their sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, or disability. Harassment is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough to negatively impact a student’s education, physical or emotional well-being.
Any student who believes s/he has been the victim of aggressive behavior including bullying or hazing, should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal.
25. Indecency/Obscenity/Hate Speech
All offensive acts, which include acts of immoral conduct, against commonly recognized standards of propriety or good taste as interpreted by the administration and/or teaching staff are prohibited. Vulgar acts in verbal or written form may include; pictures, gestures, caricatures, or suggestive/inappropriate clothing during any school activity. Examples of hate speech are but not limited to abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, weight, disabilities or similar grounds.
26. Extortion/Blackmail/Coercion
Obtaining money, property, or service by violence or threat of violence or forcing someone to do something against his/her will by force or threat of force is prohibited.
27. Gang Activity
Gang activity is defined as individual or group behaviors associated with belonging to a group of youths that promotes juvenile delinquency and which has an adverse effect on the school and learning environment. Students shall not engage in behaviors at school, while on school property, or at school-related activities that promote “gang” activity. This includes:
Wearing of clothing or other apparel, such as bandannas of any type (for both male and female students), or altering one’s appearance to indicate gang affiliation.
Wearing of beads, earrings, or other jewelry that denotes gang colors or symbols.
Hand signals that communicate gang activity.
Violent behaviors such as fighting, verbal confrontations, individual or group conflicts (“standoffs”).
Possession of weapons, as described in state law, is prohibited in school.
Displaying gang symbols on one’s body, clothing, possessions, school locker, or other school property.
Any other activities deemed to be gang related. (The administration reserves the right to determine which behaviors, dress, or activities are gang related.)
28. Unnecessary Devices or Objects
The use or possession of any items that may be deemed disruptive to the educational environment or present a health or safety concern as determined by the administration are not allowed.
29. Burglary/Theft/and/or Unauthorized Possession of Property Belonging to Others
Stealing of school property or personal effects of others, or stealing from an individual by force or threat of force is prohibited. Students may be responsible for full restitution and/or law enforcement officials may be contacted.
30. Tobacco Use
In compliance with state law and in the interest of health and safety, students shall not smoke or use tobacco in any form or be in possession of tobacco in any form, on any property or in any bus or building owned or operated by the Board of Education or while at any school function. Lighters and matches are not allowed in school and are subject to the arson rules. Law enforcement officials may be contacted for each occurrence.
31. Vape (vapor cigarette)/E-cigarette Use
In the interest of health and safety, students shall not smoke or use Vapes or E-cigarettes in any form or be in possession of a Vape or E-cigarette or liquids in any form, on any property or in any bus or building owned or operated by the Board of Education or while at any school function. Law enforcement officials may be contacted for each occurrence.
32. Alcohol/Illicit Drug Policy
Sale of, distribution of or intent to distribute, possession of, use of, and/or being under the influence of any drug, alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or any other substance which implies or includes abnormal behavior while on school property or at a school-related activity is strictly prohibited.
The school has a “Drug Free” zone that extends 1000 feet beyond the school boundaries as well as to any school activity and transportation. This means that any activity, possession, sale, distribution, or use of drugs, alcohol, fake drugs, steroids, inhalants, over-the-counter medication or look-alike drugs is prohibited. Attempted sale or distribution is also prohibited. This includes nonalcoholic beers and wines. If caught, the student may be suspended or expelled and law enforcement officials may be contacted.
Use and/or under the influence - any physical condition that indicates consumption of any drug, alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or any other substance which implies or includes abnormal behavior.
Possession - physical possession of any drug, alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or any other substance; this includes student’s hall locker, gym locker or vehicle; or admittance of physical possession.
Sale, distribution, or intent to distribute - any student who provides, distributes or offers to sell any drug, alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or any other look alike substance on school property, at a school-related or school-sponsored function to any person at any time).
33. Arson: Purposely Setting a Fire
Maliciously or willfully setting a fire or doing any act, which results in the starting of a fire to a building or school and/or personal property or causing an explosion or the possession of explosive devices on school property is a violation of state and federal law and may result in disciplinary action up to expulsion.
Public Act 328, Section 1311 requires school boards and school administrators to impose expulsion as a penalty for arson
34. Bomb Threats/False Fire Alarms/False Emergency 911 Calls
Causing, by an act or in written form, a false fire alarm, bomb threat, or emergency 911 call is strictly prohibited and a Federal offense.
35. Weapons
A weapon includes conventional objects like guns, pellet guns, knives, or club type implements. It may also include any toy that is presented as a real weapon or reacted to as a real weapon.
Criminal charges may be filed for this violation. Possession of a weapon may subject a student to expulsion and possible permanent exclusion. State law may require that a student be expelled from school for a period on 180 days if he/she brings onto or has in his/her possession on school property or at a school-related activity any of the following:
Any explosive, incendiary, or poisonous gas including bombs, grenades, rockets, missiles, mines or device that can be converted into such a destructive item.
Any cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade over three (3) inches long fastened to a handle
Any similar object that is intended to invoke bodily harm or fear of bodily harm
Any object that is used to threaten, harm or harass another may be considered a weapon. This includes but is not limited to: padlocks, pens, pencils, laser pointer or jewelry. Intentional injury to another can be a felony and/or cause for civil action. This violation may subject a student to expulsion.
36. Instigating a Verbal or Physical Confrontation
Creating a purposeful disagreement, either verbally or physically, between other students for one’s own enjoyment is not tolerated. This could be done by spreading untruths and/or rumors verbally, on social media, via email or other digital platforms.
37. False Reporting
Ongoing investigations are to be kept confidential to the extent possible given the district’s obligations to investigate and effectively address the allegations. We ask that students, staff, and parents not discuss or spread information about pending investigations. It is equally important that students who are considering making a false accusation against someone or lying to staff during a major investigation understand that intentional false reporting is a violation of school rules and will lead to disciplinary actions against the student making the false report.
38. Investigations
Given a school’s authority and need to maintain a safe environment, a school official has the right to question students on matters of school discipline without requiring parental consent. In addition, parent notification that school officials intend to interview a student is also generally not required. The refusal to participate in an investigation can be subject to discipline equal to the suspected violation.
39. Electronic Recording of Students or Staff
Students and staff have the right to privacy while at school. Taking photos or videos of students or staff, with or without permission of the other party, is not permitted on school property and is subject to discipline. Further, the distribution of this media is not permitted and may result in additional disciplinary action.
40. Personal Deliveries
Personal items (balloons, flowers, and gifts) delivered to the school must be left with the receptionist. These items must stay at the receptionist’s desk during school hours. A student may pick these items up at the end of the school day. Food delivery services are not permitted and will be sent back to the ordering business if delivered to the school address. The school will not be responsible for any charges associated with the delivery services.
41. Other Behaviors
As outlined in the West Ottawa Middle Schools Behavior Matrix .
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