Code of Discipline

CODE OF DISCIPLINE

An objective of education is to promote an environment where individuals may function cooperatively and beneficially. This demands that each member of the community adhere to specified acceptable and appropriate modes of conduct which 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.

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 the 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.

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.

The Student Code of Discipline listed herein conforms to the philosophy of education and the policies of the Westwood Regional Board of Education, the rulings of the State Commission of Education, and the Public Laws of the State of New Jersey as adopted by the Legislature and interpreted by the courts. It is established to ensure the orderly operation of the Westwood Regional High School.

Students in the public schools shall comply with the rules established in pursuance of the law for the government of such, pursue the prescribed course of study and submit to the teachers and others in authority over them (NJ Statutes 18A:37-1).

Any pupil who is guilty of continued and willful disobedience or defiance of any staff member or of obscene language, or who shall cut, deface, or otherwise injure any person or school property, shall be liable to punishment and to suspension or expulsion from school (NJ Statutes 18A:37-2).

Student Code of Discipline

It is impossible to foresee every situation that may arise. Any infraction not listed will be dealt with in 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 to preclude an administrator from exercising discretion in the administration of the code. Upon investigation of an offense, and the determination of extenuating circumstances, the administrator may modify the punishment in the best interests of the school, the code, or the individual student. For the most current Board of Education approved Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Regulation click on the following link Code of Conduct.

Student's Rights to Advance Notice of Behaviors: In each instance of a short-term suspension, the student will be provided oral or written notice of the charges and an informal hearing conducted by the Principal or designee in accordance with the procedures outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2. To the extent the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the educational process, the student may be immediately removed from the student’s educational program and the informal hearing shall be held as soon as practical after the suspension.

In each instance of a long-term suspension, the district shall assure the rights of the student pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.3.

Dress Code

• Click on the following link for the Student Dress Code

Substance Abuse

Please see Substance Abuse for policy and regulation information.

Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying

If you feel you or another person is being harassed, intimidated, or bullied please inform administration or the anti-bullying specialist (extension: 2076) immediately. Also, there is an anonymous reporting box in the Media Center for people who wish to remain anonymous. Please see HIB

for up to date policy and regulation information.

Student Rights According to NJ and Federal Laws

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)]."

Student Rights to Parent Notification

[N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2- 7.8 Oral or written notification to the student's parents of the student's removal from his or her educational program prior to the end of the school day on which the school administrator decides to suspend the student. The notification shall include an explanation of:

i. The specific charges;

ii. The facts on which the charges are based;

iii. The provision(s) of the code of student conduct the student is accused of violating;

iv. The student's due process rights, pursuant to 6A:16-7.1(c)3 and this section; and

v. The terms and conditions of the suspension.