West Warwick Public Schools
District Policies: Code of Student Conduct
RIGL § 16-2-17 ensures the right to a safe school environment and outlines the due process rights regarding student discipline. The West Warwick Public Schools (WWPS) acknowledges the entitlement of every student, staff member, teacher, and administrator to attend or work at a school that prioritizes safety, security, conducive learning, and freedom from any form of physical harm, whether explicit or implied. WWPS is fully committed to complying with all regulations established by the Rhode Island General Law. Thus, the Code of Student Conduct presented here establishes a set of behavior and discipline standards that are universally applicable to all students across all grade levels.
Moreover, school administrators create student handbooks that provide additional details regarding disciplinary matters. These handbooks are updated annually and require the signature of each student's parent or guardian at the beginning of every school year. Each handbook explicitly outlines behavioral expectations and the appropriate consequences for failing to meet those expectations.
Furthermore, WWPS recognizes that the success of any educational endeavor heavily relies on the level of interaction among students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The extended school community collectively bears the responsibility of supporting students' development through learning and self-reflection. The WWPS community values and appreciates diversity in people, environments, and perspectives, fostering a sense of connection among peers, the school, and the broader community. Accordingly, the following section outlines the expectations for each group involved.
Students
West Warwick students are expected to maintain proper standards of behavior at all times and will:
● Be mindful of the diversity of people, environments, and perspectives.
● Respect the rights and dignity of others;
● Observe and adhere to school rules and regulations;
● Commit themselves to continued personal and educational growth; and
● Contribute to a positive school culture and climate.
West Warwick Public Schools Employees
It is expected that individuals will treat others with dignity and respect. The school community will:
● Implement the provisions of this Code of Student Conduct and student handbooks in an equitable manner, bearing in mind the diversity of people, environment, and perspectives;
● Maintain and nurture a school environment conducive to obtaining the optimum learning experience, understanding that school is a place for teaching and learning, and a place where academic, physical, social, and emotional growth are emphasized; and
● Ensure that there are established clear and consistent rules.
Parents
Parents and guardians are vital to the success of the school process. WWPS provides an atmosphere that encourages and seeks parental input. In partnership with their child’s school, parents and guardians have the responsibility to reinforce acceptable standards of behavior - as well as the entire learning process - at home. Parents are therefore responsible for familiarizing themselves with district and school policies, rules and regulations, including this Code of Conduct, and their child’s student handbook. Parents will be notified and involved in all disciplinary infractions resulting in suspension, alternative educational placement, or police involvement.
SCOPE OF POLICY
The provisions of this Code of Conduct are applicable to all students of WWPS, encompassing their participation in various school-related activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, extra-curricular and co-curricular events, athletic competitions, dances, school trips, distance learning, the bus, and academic competitions. It is important to note that these regulations apply irrespective of whether the activities take place on or off campus and whether the student is actively participating or simply observing the event.
POTENTIAL RESPONSES FOR VIOLATION OF BEHAVIOR CODE
The WWPS community is guided by the fundamental principles of mutual respect, responsibility, and the cultivation of positive relationships among students and adults within the school. Students are required to adhere to specific behavioral standards. In cases where a student's conduct does not align with the guidelines outlined in the student handbook or this Code of Conduct, the WWPS endorses various responses, including but not limited to the following:
Positive interventions and supports
Restorative responses
Reflection and counseling
Restrictive interventions
Interventions/responses outlined in school level student handbooks
Parent meetings
Community Service
Detention
In School Suspension
Out of School Suspension
Removal from WWPS schools and placement in an alternative education program
Due to the unique nature of each infraction, school administrators shall have the right and responsibility to exercise immediate judgment in matters and may seek guidance from support personnel and higher administrative authorities. Administrators may consult with the police regarding those matters which they reasonably believe may be criminal in nature only.
Student Suspension
WWPS students may be suspended in accordance with Rhode Island general laws and Rhode Island Department of Education regulations.
Out of School Suspension Defined
Suspension is the temporary exclusion of a student from physical presence on the school property and from school related activities on or off school campus. All suspensions will be the responsibility of the principal and their designee in conformance with federal and state law, including due process requirements as set forth below.
Pursuant to RIGL §16-2-17, a “disruptive student,” defined as a student who exhibits persistent conduct which substantially impedes the ability of other students to learn, or otherwise substantially interferes with the rights of other students to be free from the threat, actual or implied, of physical harm, and who has failed to respond to corrective and rehabilitative measures presented by staff, teachers, or administrators, may be suspended out of school.
Principals and Assistant Principals are authorized to suspend students each school year for a cumulative ten (10) days or less if a student represents a threat to the rights of students, teachers, or administrators as described above. Suspended students and their parents/guardians should be provided with due process as outlined under the section “Suspension of Ten Days or Less.”
It is strongly encouraged that the parent/guardian of a student suspended outside of school meet
with Administration prior to the student’s return to school. Students who are suspended from school will not be able to attend or participate in extracurricular activities during the period of suspension. Suspended students must remain off school property at any WWPS school or off campus school related activity for the duration of the suspension and until the reinstatement meeting with the parent. Suspended students who violate this rule will be considered to be trespassing and the police may be notified.
Extracurricular Suspension
Offenses, which threaten the safety of the WWPS community or violate the spirit of positive participation in student life, may carry up to a thirty (30) day extracurricular suspension. The administration may assign extracurricular suspension in the event of infractions including but not limited to:
● Assault and/or fighting
● Substance abuse
● Vandalism or damage to any school property
● Possession of weapons and/or replica weapons
● Theft
● Academic Dishonesty
● Disruption of school
● False fire alarms/Bomb threats
● Tampered smoke detectors
● Continual disregard for school rules
● Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
Suspension of Ten Days or Less
Before any suspension of up to cumulative ten days, a student must be afforded the following:
Students shall be given written notice of the charges against them.
If a student denies the charges, they will be given an explanation of the evidence.
Students shall be given an opportunity to present their account of events to the Principal or Assistant Principal imposing the suspension at an informal conference.
Notice and the informal conference shall generally precede the student’s removal from school but, if prior notice and hearing are not feasible because the student’s presence endangers persons or property or threatens disruption of the academic process thus justifying immediate removal from school, the requisite notice or hearing shall follow as soon as possible.
Notice containing the reason for suspension and the duration thereof will be given to the parent or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 or the parent or guardian is permitted to access the student's records according to the standards set forth in the District’s Access to Student Records Policy. Such notice shall be given in the family’s preferred language.
Suspension of Greater than Ten Days
In cases where the Superintendent recommends that a suspension last or be extended beyond ten days, the student, and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student, shall be afforded notice of the recommendation for a suspension exceeding ten days, which includes, at a minimum:
A clear, written statement of the reason for suspension or removal and placement in an alternative educational placement;
Notice of the right to prompt public or private hearing, at the student’s election, and the right to be represented by legal counsel or attorney at such hearing; and
If a hearing is requested, a prompt notice setting the time and place of such hearing, said time and place to be reasonable so as to allow sufficient time for preparation.
Notices to the student’s parent or guardian shall be written in the family’s preferred language.
The notice and hearing shall be provided to the student prior to the extension of the suspension or the student’s removal to an alternative educational placement, except when it is not feasible to do so because the student’s presence endangers persons or property or threatens disruption of the academic process, thus justifying immediate removal from school. The requisite notice and hearing shall follow as soon as possible.
The student shall be afforded a hearing at which time the student shall have the right to representation by counsel, and the right to cross-examine witnesses and to present witnesses on their behalf.
There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic) record of the hearing including all exhibits. The record shall be preserved.
The student shall be furnished a copy of the record without cost.
A written decision shall be rendered within a reasonable time, based exclusively on the record established at the hearing.
The student shall promptly be provided a copy of the decision.
A copy of the decision shall be preserved.
Prior to suspending a child with a disability, as that term is defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq. or accompanying regulations, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the laws or regulations of the State of Rhode Island, a manifestation determination hearing shall be held in order to determine if the behavior leading to the suspension is the result of a student’s disability and/or the direct result of the district’s failure to implement a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
No student with a disability shall be excluded, suspended, or withdrawn from any school-based education program for reasons deriving only from the student’s disability or for reasons directly deriving from the District’s failure to implement a student’s IEP or 504 Plan. The sole exception to this regulation shall be whenever the Superintendent of Schools, upon substantial evidence, determines that the child: (1) carried a weapon to or possessed a weapon at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function under the jurisdiction of the district; (2) knowingly possessed or used illegal drugs, or sold or solicited the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of the district; or (3) has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of the district.
A child so excluded may only be excluded from school for forty-five (45) days and shall be afforded home tutoring and counseling therapy as determined by an evaluation team in an effort to determine a reassignment to a program which can better meet the specific needs of the student. A complete record of each such exclusion, including the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, shall be filed with the Commissioner of Education within thirty (30) days of each such exclusion. Disabled students excluded for disciplinary reasons must be accorded all the safeguards provided in the Regents Regulations for Governing Exclusions of Students from School.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SPECIFIC INFRACTIONS
Certain consequences set forth below may be applied to students at all grade levels. Additional details are provided in each of the school-level student handbooks.
Attendance and Absences
Statewide attendance requirements are set forth in RIGL §16-19-1. Specifically, subsection (a) provides: “Every child who has completed or will have completed six (6) years of life on or before September 1 of any school year and has not completed eighteen (18) years of life shall regularly attend some public day school during all the days and hours that the public schools are in session in the city or town in which the child resides. Every person having under his or her control a child as described in this section shall cause the child to attend school as required.” School-specific attendance requirements and consequences can be found in school student handbooks.
Student Dress Code
It is expected that all students will dress in a manner consistent with good health practices, safety regulations, and in a manner that will not disrupt the learning environment. School student handbooks may contain a more detailed description of appropriate dress for each building.
Academic Integrity
Students are encouraged to do their own work and have a sense of pride in their own accomplishments. Cheating or plagiarism in any form is a serious violation of trust between students and teachers and an impediment to teaching and learning. Cheating and plagiarism are defined as “to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own” and “to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary). Examples of cheating and plagiarism include but are not limited to such activities as:
Copying another student’s test paper or any other school assignment, including daily homework or class work;
During a test or when writing a paper, using material that is not authorized by the person giving the assignment;
Collaborating with another student during a test or assignment without teacher consent;
Knowingly using, giving, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part, the contents or answers of a test or other assignment;
Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, to take a test or complete an assignment; and
Using another person’s works, research or ideas, whether found in print or through technology, without citing to the original author and source.
Building-specific procedures and related consequences associated with cheating and plagiarism may be found in school student handbooks.
Substance Abuse
The use, possession, transportation, sale, or distribution of alcohol, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and/or controlled substances violates state and federal laws and will not be tolerated at WWPS schools. 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, whether during school hours or at a school sponsored activity on or off school property, will be subject to the following penalties and actions:
Parents will be notified immediately and will be requested to meet with an administrator.
The West Warwick Police Department may be notified.
The student may be suspended from school for five (5) school days in addition to 30 days extra-curricular suspension.
With parental approval, the student will be referred to the West Warwick Substance Abuse Counselor. If approval is obtained and an appointment is made, the suspension of first-time offenders may be reduced from five (5) days at the discretion of the principal. In addition, the 30 days extra-curricular suspension could be modified.
Any student who violates this policy more than once in a school year may be subject to a ten (10) day suspension from school for the sale/distribution of controlled substances. Other violations of this policy may result in a sixty (60) day suspension from all extra-curricular activities, suspension of parking privileges for sixty (60) days, and may be referred to the Superintendent with recommendation for removal to an alternative educational placement.
Tobacco, Vaping, and Smoking
Rhode Island General Laws § 23-20.9-5 requires that every school in Rhode Island post enforcement procedures to prohibit tobacco use and state that tobacco products are prohibited in all buildings.
Assault and/or Fighting
WWPS does not condone fighting, threatening, or aggressive behavior in any form. Students should seek nonviolent alternatives and support to fighting before it happens, such as notifying an adult. 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, may receive detention, suspension, or be referred to the Superintendent. Students who engage in physical contact (initiating or responding) may be subject to consequences outlined in the student handbook. The West Warwick Police Department will be notified when deemed appropriate.
School Safety Threats
Any student who is found to have placed or has made a threat to school safety in any school building or on school property may be suspended from school up to ten (10) days if appropriate, and from extracurricular activities up to thirty (30) days. Depending on the nature of the infraction, the student may be recommended for the Superintendent for removal to an alternative educational placement. The West Warwick Police and/or Fire Departments may be notified. A re-admission hearing may be held with the Superintendent. Offenses that classify as school safety threats include but are not limited to:
Arson
Bomb threats
Damage to property (public or private) such as buildings, grounds, equipment, or materials
Digital trespassing
False use of school fire alarms
Possession of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products, lighters, or any tobacco product
Possession and/or use of fireworks
Possession of weapons or replicas of weapons
Tampering with smoke detectors
Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
WWPS recognizes that the bullying of a student creates a climate of fear and disrespect that can seriously impair the student's health and negatively affect learning. As such, students shall comply with this Code of Student Conduct and District Policy Regarding Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment. Please refer to the Rhode Island Statewide Bullying Policy, and RIGL 16-21-34, 16-21-30 for additional information.
Disruption of School
Students involved in demonstrations and/or protests or other actions, on school property or at school events, that disrupt the school day will be addressed in accordance with the student’s school handbook. Additionally, using violence, force, coercion, threat, harassment, obstruction or other verbal or physical means to disrupt or incite others, which interferes with the education process, may be subject to suspension or referral to the Superintendent. The educational process includes all curricular and extracurricular activities. The West Warwick Police Department may be notified depending on the extent of disruption.
Bus Conduct
While riding WWPS-provided transportation, students are under the care, custody and control of WWPS. As such, students shall comply with this Code for transportation while on board a school bus. Students shall also comply with any related language contained in their school handbook.
Articles Not Permitted in School
Any article(s) deemed dangerous and disruptive to the educational process or learning environment include but are not limited to those embedded within this Code. Articles that are otherwise prohibited may be permitted when authorized by a school administrator or their designee. Refer to the student handbooks and RIGL 16-21.2-11, 11-47-60, and 11-47-60.2 for additional information.
Theft
Any student determined to have taken or received property belonging to WWPS or another individual, or determined to have made attempts in that regard, may be subject to responses as outlined in this Code. The West Warwick Police Department may be notified. Immediate restitution may be required.
Other Violations
Additional student actions not expressly provided within this Code, that are determined by the WWPS administration to warrant intervention, may require appropriate responses as outlined within.
West Warwick Public Schools
District Policies: Appeals of Code of Conduct Violations
If the student and/or parents (guardians) are not in agreement with the disciplinary decision made at the school level, the following steps may be taken:
Appeal of a Dismissal of a Student from Class or Assignment of Detention:
The student and/or parents or guardians shall be informed of the reasons for removal and assignment of detention by the Principal and/or Assistant Principal.
The student and/or parent or guardians shall be given an opportunity to appeal the action to the Principal of the school and present his or her point-of-view regarding the decision.
The Principal will render a decision and inform the student and/or parents or guardians verbally.
Appeal of a Dismissal from the Building or Suspension of Student from School:
The student and/or parents or guardians shall be informed of the reasons for removal from the building or school for a period of time by the administrator in writing, including:
The incident that has taken place
The proposed disciplinary consequence (e.g. notice of intent to suspend)
Due process procedures
The student and/or the parents or guardians shall be given an opportunity to appeal to the Principal of the school and present his or her point-of-view regarding the incident.
The Principal shall conduct a hearing regarding the incident and the disciplinary action and render a decision in writing regarding the appeal, including:
Written notice of changes against the student shall be provided to the student and parents (guardians) in their native language by the Principal.
Proposed action to be taken by the school administration
Due process procedure
Appeal of a Disciplinary Action to the Superintendent:
The student and parents or guardians shall have the right to appeal the recommendations of the school Principal within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice of the action recommended by the Principal. This notice of appeal must be sent in writing by the parents or guardians to the office of the Superintendent, including:
A request for an appeal hearing
A list of the reason(s) for the appeal
The Principal must be notified by the parent if an appeal is being made to the Superintendent.
In response to the receipt of an appeal in writing, a hearing will be scheduled by the Superintendent or designee:
The student will be invited to be present at the hearing.
The parents or guardians will be invited to the hearing.
If the parties appealing the decision of the school administration are represented by legal counsel, the superintendent’s office must be notified twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the commencement of the hearing.
All parties will be given an opportunity to present their versions of the facts and their implications. All parties should be allowed to offer testimony of other witnesses and other evidence relative to the issue.
The hearing will be conducted by the Superintendent or designated representatives who shall make a determination solely upon the evidence presented at the hearing.
The Superintendent’s office shall keep a record of the hearing.
A decision will be rendered within a reasonable time after the hearing and will be forwarded to the parents or guardians in writing in their dominant language.
Appeal of a Decision to the School Committee: The student and parents or guardians shall have the right to appeal to the School Committee the decision at the Superintendent’s level within ten (10) days of receipt of the written decision.
The notice of appeal must be sent by the parents or guardians to the Chairperson of the School Committee:
Requesting an appeal hearing of the School Committee
Listing the reason(s) for the appeal
A copy of the record and written decision at the Superintendent’s level will be forwarded to the Chairperson of the School Committee:
A hearing shall be held by the School Committee or its designated hearing officer.
A stenographic record of the hearing will be maintained.
The school system may be assisted in the process by legal representation.
A decision will be given to the parents or guardians in writing.
REFERENCES:
Rhode Island Early Learning & Development Standards (2013)
Rhode Island Social Emotional Learning Standards: Competencies for School and Life Success (2017)
Rhode Island Department of Education, School Removals: Procedures and Requirements https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/Students-and-Families-Great-Schools/Health-Safety/Discipline/School-Removals-Procedures-Requirements.pdf
West Warwick Public Schools District Policies
Code of Student Conduct: Definitions for Conduct Infractions
DEFINITIONS, Abusive Language: To direct pornographic images, gestures or obscene language, verbally or in writing, to another student or a staff member.
DEFINITIONS, Aggressive Behavior: Actions involving serious physical contact where injury may occur.
DEFINITIONS, Arson: The crime of maliciously, voluntarily, and willfully setting fire to a building, buildings, or other property of another or of burning one's own property for an improper purpose.
DEFINITIONS, Assault: An actual intentional touching or striking of another individual against his or her will or intentionally causing bodily harm to an individual. When a student physically attacks or “beats up on” another individual or threatens with the ability to carry it out. Includes an attack with a weapon or one that causes serious bodily harm to the victim. This category should be used only when the attack is very serious, to warrant calling the school administration, the police, or bringing in security, where the intent is to do bodily harm to someone.
DEFINITIONS, Attendance-Tardy: Late to school or class (excessive).
DEFINITIONS, Attendance (other):
Absent from class or detention without permission.
Absent for the school day without authorization (truant).
Leaving class without permission.
Leaving school grounds without permission.
DEFINITIONS, Bomb Threat/ False Alarm: Student delivers a message of possible explosive material being on campus, near-campus, and/or pending explosion. OR Student is responsible for, or plays a part in, the pulling of a fire alarm.
DEFINITIONS, Cheating or Dishonesty (minor): Student delivers a message that is untrue and/or deliberately violates the rules. Plagiarism in, but not limited to, writing reports, test dishonesty, class assignments or homework. OR Student engages in a fraudulent act. (such as but not limited to: lying, cheating, stealing).
DEFINITIONS, Combustible possession and/or use: Student is in possession of or uses substances/objects readily capable of causing bodily harm and/or property damage (matches, lighters, firecrackers, gasoline, and lighter fluid).
DEFINITIONS, Defiance/disrespect: Student refuses to follow a reasonable request, refuses to work on assigned task, and/or uses an inappropriate tone/attitude.
DEFINITIONS, Disorderly Conduct: Any act that substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, behavior that substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment or poses a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of students, staff, or others. If the action results in a more serious incident, report in the more serious incident category
DEFINITIONS, Disruption: Students who engage in behavior such as calling out during a structured school activity that impedes or prohibits the progress of that activity.
DEFINITIONS, Dress code violation (major – see policy): Students who wear clothing that does not fit within the dress code (i.e. hats, jackets, etc.).
DEFINITIONS, Dress code violation (minor – see policy): Correctable and not chronic occurrences, handled by the classroom teacher, of a student wearing clothing that does not fit within the dress code. (i.e. hats, jackets, etc.).
DEFINITIONS, Possession, sale, use or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, e-cigarettes, or all related products and paraphernalia: Student is in possession or is using illegal substances or imitations, or any equipment and device used to prepare or take them. This may also include the sale of, intent to sell, or being under the influence of such substances. This category includes over-the-counter and prescription medications if abused by students.
DEFINITIONS, Expulsion from class or unauthorized departure from class: When a student is directed by a teacher to leave class and report to an administrator due to behavior which could not be controlled within the classroom setting. OR When a student walks out of class without permission from his or her teacher.
DEFINITIONS, Extortion: The crime of obtaining property or money or some other thing of value with the use or threat of force or violence.
DEFINITIONS, Fighting: Mutual participation in a fight involving physical violence, where there is no one main offender. Does not include verbal confrontations, tussles, or other minor confrontations.
DEFINITIONS, Food and Drink Violation: No food or drinks are to be consumed or in sight outside of the cafeteria.
DEFINITIONS, Forgery: Forging or tampering with school documents. (i.e. changing grades or signing notes)
DEFINITIONS, Gambling: Gaming for the purpose of acquiring another’s money or property for personal gain.
DEFINITIONS, Gross Insubordination or Disrespect: An episode that involves an on-going refusal to comply with the directives of a teacher, administrator, or other staff member. This includes, but is not limited to, an episode that involves continued refusal to leave the classroom when instructed by a teacher and/or administrator.
DEFINITIONS, Harassment or Bullying:
Harassment-Verbal or Physical: Verbal or physical conduct relating to an individual’s membership in a class (including, but not limited to, perceived race, religion, color, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, political beliefs, marital status, age, social and family background, linguistic preference, or disability) that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment.
Harassment-Stalking: Threatening by following or watching or placing another in fear of receiving bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement, or restraint and following or watching the intended victim.
Harassment-Sexual: Unwanted, repeated, verbal or physical sexual behavior which is offensive and objectionable to the recipient, causing discomfort or humiliation and interferes with school performance.
Harassment-Threat or Intimidation: To unlawfully place another person in fear of bodily harm through verbal threats without displaying a weapon or subjecting the person to actual physical attack. This also includes bullying.
Bullying: Repeated negative behaviors either physical or mental, which target a specific victim. Behaviors may include, but not be limited to, threats, verbal or written abuse, physical abuse, harassment, ethnic or gender slurs, targeting a specific victim.
DEFINITIONS, Hazing: The term “hazing” shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include, but not be limited to whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other substance or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student or any other person, or which subjects the student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
DEFINITIONS, Inappropriate Language: The use of unsuitable comments or put-downs.
DEFINITIONS, Major class disruption (disorderly conduct): Any act that substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, behavior that substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment or poses a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of students, staff, or others. If the action results in a more serious incident, report in the more serious incident category
DEFINITIONS, Obscene Language: The use of indecent or harassing words to intentionally provoke a hostile reaction, or intrusion into the privacy of others.
DEFINITIONS, Physical Contact or Aggression (minor): (Minor) Pushing and shoving involving no injuries and no obvious intent to injure.
DEFINITIONS, Plagiarism: Students who take words, ideas, or a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and presents it as being their own work.
DEFINITIONS, Property Misuse: The use of material or items inappropriately or without permission.
DEFINITIONS, Public Display of Affection: The physical demonstration of affection for another person while in the view of others. (i.e. holding hands, kissing, grinding)
DEFINITIONS, Social Suspension: The suspension of the right to participate in activities conducted on an extracurricular or co-curricular basis in the West Warwick Public Schools due to academic, attendance, or disciplinary issues.
DEFINITIONS, Tardy to class: Non-chronic, lateness to class.
DEFINITIONS, Technology violation (major):
Technology-Unauthorized Use of Computers/Other Tech: Willfully causing or attempting to cause damage to software, operating systems, data files, or unauthorized or inappropriate use of technology, as defined by the code of conduct. This includes any violation of the technology use policy.
Communication/Electronic Devices: Having on one’s person a paging device, cellular telephone, or other electronic communication device that violates the Code of Conduct.
DEFINITIONS, Technology violation (minor): Correctable and not chronic technology violations that may be handled by the classroom teacher.
DEFINITIONS, Theft, Stealing, or Larceny: The unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property of another person without threat, violence or bodily harm. Included are pocket picking, purse or backpack snatching if left unattended or no force used to take it from the owner, theft from a building, theft from a motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts or accessories, theft of bicycles, etc.
DEFINITIONS, Tobacco, e-cigarettes, or all related products and paraphernalia possession, use: The possession, use, distribution or sale of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or all related products and paraphernalia on school grounds, at school-sponsored events and on transportation to and from school or other school transportation.
DEFINITIONS, Trespassing: Being on school grounds or at a school sponsored event when administration and\or police has directed the student not to for disciplinary reasons.
DEFINITIONS, Vandalism: The willful and/or malicious destruction, damage or defacement of public or private property, real or personal, without the consent of the owner of the person having custody or control of it. This category includes graffiti. Examples include: incidents such as destroying school computer records, carving initials or words in desktop or spray painting on walls.
DEFINITIONS, Weapon possession or use:
Firearms: A firearm “is any weapon (including a starter gun) which is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer, any destructive device; or any machine gun.” A destructive device is any bomb, grenade, mine, rocket, rocket, missile, pipe bomb, or similar device continuing some type of explosive that is designed to explode and is capable of causing bodily harm or property damage. Includes firearms of any kind (operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded): including but not limited to hand, zip, pistol, rifle, starter gun, flare gun and realistic replica.
Other weapons: Possession, use or intention of use of any instrument or object to inflict harm on another person, to intimidate any person. Included in this category are all types of knives, chains (any not being used for the purpose for which it was normally intended and capable of harming an individual) pipe (any length or metal not being used for the purpose it was normally intended), razor blades, or similar instruments (including pencils, pens).
Policy Adopted: August 21, 2007
Policy Revised: August 9, 2023