Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT/DISCIPLINE

1. Be respectful

2. Use kind words

3. Keep all objects and hands to yourself

4. Do not use inappropriate language

5. Listen to directions from adults

Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy

Westwood Regional School District prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts pupils’ ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment; since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying includes any gesture, written, verbal, or physical act that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus and that:

1. is motivated 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 disability

2. by any other distinguishing characteristic

3. a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of harming a pupil or damaging the pupil's property, emotional well being, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property

4. has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school

5. is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to limit a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from the educational program; or conduct which creates a sexually hostile environment.

The administration, faculty, and staff expect pupils to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other pupils and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment. Behavior otherwise will not be tolerated, and disciplinary action will be taken in the event it does occur.

For further information, refer to Bullying Policy 5512 on the district website (www.wwrsd.org > Board of Education > Policies & Regulations).

Statement of Beliefs

An objective of education is to promote an environment where individuals may function cooperatively and beneficially. This demands that each member of the community adheres to specified acceptable and appropriate modes of conduct that have been defined and ordained by society. When a member chooses not to conform to a reasonable and established code of conduct and behavior, disciplinary action is warranted.

Initially, discipline should be corrective and rehabilitative in nature in order to teach and maintain distinctive and proper behavior. However, and more importantly, the discipline process should initiate and nurture the continuing development of self-control in the individual to ensure that the individual will become a confident and effective contributing member of society.

It is impossible to foresee every situation that may arise. Infractions will be dealt within a reasonable and fair manner by the appropriate administrator. Each student and parent/guardian has the right to a fair hearing. Appeals may be made to the principal and then to the Superintendent of Schools.

Nothing in the Code of Discipline should be interpreted as to preclude an administrator from exercising discretion in the administration of the code. Upon investigation of an offense, and in determination of extenuating circumstances, the administrator may modify the punishment in the best interests of the school, the code, or the individual student.

Student Responsibilities

In the school community, self-discipline, cooperation, and personal responsibility are the foundation upon which an effective and stimulating education is built and fostered. A positive, effective school environment, where learning and teaching are successfully executed, requires that each participatory individual, whether student, teacher, administrator, or parent/guardian, play an active role in the development and maintenance of such an environment. This requires a code of behavior that clearly defines a student’s responsibilities and obligations while guaranteeing his/her rights and privileges.

School Procedures for Student Discipline

To assure effective reinforcement of positive student attitude, behavior and responsibility, parent and school cooperation is essential. Parents are expected to provide support in matters of discipline and should consider a call from the school serious. Usually, teacher or administrator contact will be made only after numerous attempts to correct the inappropriate conduct have been unsuccessful.

When an infraction occurs, the problem will be discussed with the student by the teacher and/or principal in a positive atmosphere that enables the student to explain his or her view of the situation. Whenever possible, the discussion will be held in private. An effort will be made to counsel the student as to alternate strategies / behaviors that could have been used in this situation.

If a decision is made to remove specific privileges, efforts will be made to be fair, appropriate and consistent.

The following is the procedure for the handling of most infractions. In certain cases, some of these procedures may be skipped:

Verbal warning, specifying the inappropriate behavior, and reminding of correct procedure. Example: "Raymond, please stop running through the hallways. In the future, please walk while in school."

Counsel, remind of procedure, and inform of future consequence. Example: "Raymond, please stop running through the hallways. In the future please walk while in school. Next time, you will have to stay after school for 15 minutes."

Violations can also include loss of privileges. Notifying parent. Notifying the principal.

Discipline Violations: CODE OF CONDUCT versus HIB

Discipline may be necessary when a student violates the expected norms of behaviors in the district. All students should expect a safe school environment free from disruptions. There are two possible discipline pathways when the environment is disrupted: code of conduct or violation of the harassment, intimidation or bullying policy. Discipline is considered based on the severity of offenses, the history of the offenders, and the developmental ages of the students.

HIB violations follow an investigative protocol to determine if it is a HIB violation or a code of conduct violation. Code of conduct violations are more common and can have similar punishments. Punishments for either category could include a spectrum of consequences including loss of privileges, talking to school counselor or principal, in class punishments, suspension, expulsion and/or communication with parents. Students have rights to an appeal process through BOE regulation 5750. For students with disabilities, behavior interventions and supports shall be determined by NJAC 6A:14.

For more information see school policies and regulations:

Suspension: Policy 5610

Expulsion: Policy 5620

Harassment, Intimidation and Bully: Policy 5512

Complaint procedure: Regulation 5750

Conflict or Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying?

See the chart below to determine if it is potentially a code of conduct violation or HIB violation. School authorities can make the determination between the two violations.

Student Rights according to NJ and Federal Law

For more information of students' rights and protections pursuant to federal and state law see the NJ DOE site on Keeping Our Kids Safe, Healthy and in School. According to the NJ DOE, "Each district board of education is required to develop, adopt and implement a code of student conduct that establishes standards, policies and procedures for positive student development and student behavioral expectations on school grounds, including on school buses or at school-sponsored functions, and, if determine appropriate by the board, conduct away from school grounds [N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)]."