Discipline/Code of conduct

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

In the school community, self-discipline, cooperation, and personal responsibility are the foundation upon which an effective and stimulating education is built. A positive and safe school environment, where learning and teaching are successfully executed, requires that each participatory individual, whether student, teacher, administrator, parent, or guardian, play an active role in the development and perpetuation of such an environment. This requires a Code of Discipline that clearly defines a student’s responsibilities and obligations while guaranteeing his or 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 the individual. 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 Middle School. Students in Westwood 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). It is impossible to foresee every situation that may arise. Every infraction will be dealt with in a reasonable and fair manner by the appropriate administrator. Each student and parent or guardian has the right to a fair hearing. Appeals may be made to the Principal and then to the Superintendent of Schools. 

Pursuant to N.J.S.A 18A:37-2

Teacher Detention is the first level of discipline. Teachers have the authority to require their students to report before or after school for detentions as a teacher-imposed disciplinary action with notice to the parent or guardian. 

Lunch detention is the second level of discipline, and can be recommended by any staff member for disruptive and repetitive breaches of the Discipline Code. Infractions might include, but are not limited to, disruptive behavior, inappropriate conduct, insubordination/defiance, inappropriate physical contact, tardiness, and HIB. Students who serve Lunch Detention do not sit in the lunchroom or attend recess. Students may eat lunch and complete work in the Lunch Detention Room during this time. Lunch Detention will be held in Room 12 for both grades. 

Central Detention is the third level of discipline, and is assigned by a building administrator for serious breaches of the Discipline Code. Infractions might include, but are not limited to, disrespect of staff, direct insubordination, inappropriate language, HIB, or cutting teacher or lunch detention. Detentions are scheduled with individual parents or guardians to ensure availability for pickup after school. They will be held in an appropriate and supervised location within the school. Students must report for all detentions on the day(s) specified. Failure to attend any detention obligation is a violation of school responsibilities. Failure to report to detention will result in further disciplinary action. 

Staff is not responsible for determining whether or not the student is under the influence, but is responsible for being alert to signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use and for making referrals when observing suspicious behavior according to the requirements of NJ Statutes 18A: 40A-12. Any referral made in “good faith” by a teacher will not have any legal ramifications according to NJ Statutes 18A: 40A-13. 

When a staff member observes behavioral or physical signs that raise suspicion of a student being under the influence, the staff member will report the specific observations and suspicions directly to the appropriate administrator as soon as possible. Once the staff member reports suspicion, the appropriate administrator will call the parent or guardian to explain the situation and request that the student be removed for an immediate medical examination. This examination must take place within two hours of the student leaving the building. 

The student will be allowed to return to school only with a note from a licensed physician stating he/she is physically and mentally able to do so. Disciplinary action will be imposed based on the results. All tests are confidential and will only be furnished to the principal, appropriate assistant principal, school nurse, and school counselor. Efforts to maintain the confidentiality of the student and teacher/staff will be made by all.

Westwood Regional School District prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB). A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a pupil's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any gesture, written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents 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 disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, or the rights of other students, and that: 

1. a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his or her person, or damage to his or her property; [or] 

2. has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with the orderly operation of the school; [or] 

3. creates a hostile educational environment at school for the student; [or] 

4. infringes on the rights of the student at school by interfering with a student’s education, or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student. 

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. In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, the school has an Anti-Bullying Specialist to investigate reports of bullying, harassment, and intimidation. 

In-School Suspension is to be used for serious infractions of school policy and procedure which do not require immediate removal from school or for continued misconduct. A student is suspended from his or her regular schedule to attend corrective instruction in the In-School Suspension area. Students given In-School Suspension will not receive a zero in each class missed, nor will they be prevented from completing tests or other work missed. All make-up work, however, is the responsibility of the suspended student. While on suspension, and during the term of the suspension, a student may not participate in any school-sponsored activity or interscholastic or intramural sport or function. The suspended student will also not be allowed to the cafeteria during his or her regular lunch period. Lunch must be eaten in the In-School Suspension area. Students will not be allowed to eat unless it is during the designated lunch time. A parent or guardian conference with the appropriate administrator is mandatory before a student is readmitted to regular classes. 

Out-of-School Suspension will be assigned for major infractions which are considered extremely serious breaches of the Code of Conduct and for continued misconduct. A parent or guardian conference with the appropriate administrator is mandatory before a student is readmitted to regular classes. All make-up work considerations for the In-School Suspension apply to Out-of-School Suspension. Students serving Out-of-School Suspension are not allowed on school grounds for any reason without the express permission of the principal and may face trespassing charges with the police.  

Pursuant to N.J.S.A 18A:37-2

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.

Each student in attendance in school is protected against illegal or unreasonable personal searches or seizures of property by both federal and state constitutions. However, school officials have the right to conduct a search of any person and/or locker if there is a “reasonable suspicion” that materials are being concealed, the possession of which, is prohibited by law or by the rules of this school (this includes stolen items). Westwood Regional Middle School reserves the right to search a student’s locker, other storage facility, or person. This will serve as the written notice to that effect for both students and parents and guardians. Students and parents or guardians are informed herein that inspection may occur at any time at the discretion of the school administration. 

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)]."