Disciplinary Procedures and Code of Conduct in DeSoto County Schools, Exercises of Acting

Download Disciplinary Procedures and Code of Conduct in DeSoto County Schools and more Exercises Acting in PDF only on Docsity! DeSoto County Schools Dress Code Policy Policy JCDB-Dress Code Proper attire and grooming are deemed important to scholastic achievement and orderliness. The responsibility for the appearance of the students begins with the parents and the students themselves. Students’ clothing, make-up, and hairstyles should reflect neatness, cleanliness, and self-respect so that the school is a desirable place in which to promote learning and character development. It is virtually impossible to formulate a set of regulations that adequately covers every detail of proper grooming. Violations of the Dress Code will be dealt with in accordance with the DeSoto County Schools Code of Discipline. It will be treated as insubordination and will be handled as stated in the Code of Discipline of the DeSoto County Schools. Insubordination is a Level II violation. First Violation: Administrator-Parent conference, home suspension, ALC, or in-school suspension. Second Violation: School suspension (three days) Repeated Times: Suspension from school pending a disciplinary hearing 1. Hair must be neat, clean and worn in a manner that does not interfere with vision or cause a disruption in the classroom. No combs, picks, rollers or extreme coloring will be allowed. 2. T-shirts with sleeves, white or colored, are acceptable. Shirts must be properly closed, zipped or buttoned. 3. No article of clothing that pertains to or depicts the following will be acceptable: a. Substances or activities illegal by law for minors, such as, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling b. Profane, suggestive or violent language c. Derogatory symbols; remarks directed to any ethnic group 4. Sufficient underclothes must be worn appropriately and must not be exposed. 5. Tank tops, tube tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, thin straps, or tops that expose the midriff, any part of the bust, excessive part of the back, are excessively tight or are distracting in class are not permitted. No slits in shirts are to be above the waistline of pants or skirts. Shirts are to be tucked in. Blouses/tops made to be worn outside should be at least three (3) inches below the waistline and no longer than five (5) inches below the waistline. 6. Students in grades K thru 5 are allowed to wear shorts as part of their daily attire. Shorts should be walking shorts or Bermuda shorts. Students in grades 6 thru 12 may wear walking shorts or Bermuda shorts that are knee length. They should not be excessively tight or baggy. Athletic shorts are not permitted unless they are a part of an approved gym class or athletic class/activity. 7. Knee length dresses and skirts are allowed. No slits in these skirts or dresses above the knee caps are allowed. 8. No spandex articles of clothing are allowed. 9. Shoes must be worn at all times, and no house shoes are allowed. Shoes with laces should be laced and tied. 10. No visible tattoos will be allowed. Neither male nor female students will be permitted to wear rings and/or studs in their noses, tongues, or any exposed body parts other than the ear and appropriate rings on fingers. 11. Coaches, physical education classes or any organized athletics have the option to ban all jewelry due to safety reasons and/or violation of the Mississippi High School Activity Association regulations. 12. Sunglasses, other than prescription, must be removed when inside the building. 13. All pants must be worn fitted to the waist, at the waist, with or without a belt. Belts must be worn and buckled appropriately for pants that have belt loops. Pants should fit appropriately. No baggy pants are allowed. No writing is to be on the seat of the pants, even the cheerleader’s uniform and dance team. 14. Leggings are allowed when worn with a top that meets the dress length guidelines specified in #7. 15. Pants must have no exposed skin above the knee. 16. Hats, caps, sweatbands, or other head coverings are not to be worn in the buildings or on the grounds of the school except for medical reasons as prescribed by a physician. Head coverings as part of a religious belief will be allowed if there is sufficient proof the student is a practicing member of the religious sect. Head coverings may be worn if authorized by the faculty and/or administration, if it is part of a uniform (i.e., wearing a full baseball uniform during games or practice) or as deemed necessary. 17. Specific outfits designated for extracurricular activities and decisions concerning any questionable clothing will be left to the discretion of the principal. 18. Local principals or their designee have the power and discretion to make all decisions on their campus. I have read and understand the above dress code policy. _______________________________________________________ ____________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date period of time specifically agreed upon by the teacher and school principal. If the parent, guardian or custodian does not agree to attend class with the student or fails to attend class with the student, the student shall be suspended in accordance with this Code. CODE OF DISCIPLINE GRADES K-12 Student Conduct: Acts of Misconduct These acts of misconduct include those student behaviors which disrupt the orderly educational process in the classroom or on the school grounds including the following: Level I 1 – 1 Tardiness 1 – 2 Running and/or making excessive noise in the hall or building 1 – 3 Inappropriate personal contact including but not limited to pushing and shoving, inappropriate gestures and public displays of affection, recklessness, or any inappropriate contact which does not result in physical harm, or any additional contact which the principal determines to be in this level. 1 – 4 In unauthorized area without pass (halls, etc.) 1 – 5 Dress code violation * 1 – 6 Displaying any behavior which is disruptive to the orderly process of education Disciplinary Action First Violation Minimum: Teacher-Student Conference Maximum: Teacher-Student-Parent Conference Repeated or Flagrant Violation Minimum: Mandatory Student -Parent-Administrator Conference (Home Suspension) Maximum: Corporal Punishment, ALC, detention, and/or school suspension * Students, who after having a student-teacher conference, a teacher-student-parent conference, home suspension, Teacher Support Team interventions, continue displaying behavior which is disruptive to the orderly process of education, can be suspended from school, pending a disciplinary hearing. Level II * 2 – 1 Leaving the school grounds without permission * 2 – 2 Skipping class * 2 – 3 Insubordination- refusal to follow written or verbal school rules after receiving specific directions from a person in authority including, but not limited to breaking school or classroom rules, failure to respond to staff request, refusal to complete assigned task, or exhibiting disrespect towards adults * 2 – 4 Possession and/or use of a tobacco product or substances used as smoking material, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vapes, vaporizers, or any alternative nicotine product * 2 – 5 Exhibiting any hostile physical or verbal actions * 2 – 6 Bullying (as defined in Board Policy JDDA) ** 2 – 7 Unauthorized use of personal electronic devices (as defined in Board Policy IJBA). 2 – 8 Cheating on tests or exams (The grade “0” will be assigned regardless of other punishment.) Disciplinary Action First Violation Minimum: Administrator-Conference, ALC, mandatory student-parent-administrator conference, corporal punishment Maximum: School suspension (one to three days) Repeated or Flagrant Violation Minimum: School suspension (three days) Maximum: School suspension (three days) and/or ALC for up to ten (10) days and/or Teacher Support Team interventions * Students who, after having a student-teacher conference, a teacher-student-parent conference, a mandatory student-parent-administrator conference, and Teacher Support Team interventions, continue displaying behavior which is disruptive to the orderly process of education, can be suspended from school, pending a disciplinary hearing. ** Additional disciplinary action for unauthorized use of personal electronic devices (as defined in Board Policy IJBA): 1st Offense: First offense will result in confiscation of the device and parental contact. The electronic device will be returned at the end of the school day to the student or his/her parent/guardian as determined by the building principal. 2nd Offense: School will take and keep device for 5 school days. After the device is retained for 5 school days, the electronic device will be returned to the student or his/her parent/guardian as determined by the building principal. 3rd Offense: School will take and keep device for 10 school days. After the device is retained for 10 school days, the electronic device will be returned to the student or his/her parent/guardian as determined by the building principal. 4th Offense: School will take and keep device for 20 school days. After the device is retained for 20 school days, the electronic device will be to the student or his/her parent/guardian as determined by the building principal. Level III 3 – 1 Fighting 3 – 2 Gambling * 3 – 3 Theft or possession of stolen property 3 – 4 Acts which threaten the safety and well-being of students and/or staff: engaging in any behavior (by word or act) that encourages, incites, or instigates threatening or aggressive acts which can create the risk of harm to another person. 3 – 5 Extortion- use of intimidation, coercion or force * 3 – 6 Vandalism of personal and/or school property 3 – 7 Using profane, obscene, indecent, immoral, or offensive language and/or gestures, and/or possession of obscene, indecent, immoral or offensive materials 3 – 8 Inappropriate sexual conduct, including unwelcomed sexual contact, indecent exposure, or transferring sexually suggestive images through personal electronic devices Action First Violation Minimum: School suspension from one to three days, ALC, corporal punishment Maximum: School suspension (three days), report to authorities when applicable Repeated or Flagrant Violation DUE PROCESS In cases where the imposition of punishment is for a suspension of three (3) days or less, the student will be orally informed of the charges lodged against him. The student shall have a right to respond and refute these charges. There may be a delay between the time that “notice” is given and the time of the parent/student right to respond. A parent will be notified of the suspension by telephone, if possible, and in writing. The student’s parent/guardian has a right to discuss this matter further and have the charge and punishment explained by the administration along with all other rights provided by board policy. DISCIPLINARY HEARING When a student appears before a disciplinary hearing, the student will be subject to additional punishment up to and including suspension of more than three (3) days, assignment to an alternative educational setting for more than ten (10) days, or an expulsion from school. For additional information on due process and disciplinary hearings, please refer to Board Policy JDD – Disciplinary Procedures. ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES After a student is referred for consideration of placement at DeSoto County Alternative Center (DCAC), the District Review Board and Transition Team will determine appropriate placement for the student. Once a student is accepted into DCAC, the District Review Board and Transition Team will develop an Individualized Instruction Plan (IIP) for each student. The plan will follow the program and class schedule of the home school. DCAC follows the frameworks that are established by the state of Mississippi for the subject matter to be taught in each course. Certified personnel will send a daily feedback sheet home that requires a parent signature for all students attending DCAC. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) committee meets to determine every change of placement for our special education students. Students with special education rulings follow their IEP while at DCAC. Parents are notified of the recommendation for placement at DCAC during the disciplinary hearing. The home school will contact the parent once acceptance is granted by the District Review Board. All parents and students will meet with a DCAC administrator to discuss the DCAC program and requirements. The minimum time that is required to complete DCAC is 30 school days, but the stay can be longer if the student does not progress properly. The District Review Board consists of school-level administrators, district-level administrators, and counselors as determined by the Director of Pupil Services. DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS When a student appears before a disciplinary hearing, the student will be subject to additional punishment up to and including suspension of more than three (3) days, assignment to an alternative educational setting for more than ten (10) days, or an expulsion from school. I have read and understand the above policy. ______________________________________________ ___________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Policy JDA-Corporal Punishment The DeSoto County Board of Education recognizes corporal punishment as a method that may be used in controlling student behavior. Other punishments should have been tried before corporal punishment is inflicted. This punishment may be administered to students of all ages, but it is suggested that students in grades 6-12 be given a choice of other punishment instead of corporal punishment. Corporal punishment shall consist of no more than three (3) licks per incident on the buttocks with an appropriate instrument approved by the principal. Even though parental permission is not required, parents may request in writing that this punishment is prohibited for their child. Except in the case of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment, licensed personnel, acting within the course and scope of his employment shall not be liable for any action carried out in conformity with state or federal law or rules or regulations of the State Board of Education or the local school board regarding the control, discipline, suspension and expulsion of students. A second licensed employee shall be a witness to the corporal punishment and be informed in the presence of the student of the reason the student is being punished. The local school board shall provide any necessary legal defense to licensed personnel, acting within the course and scope of his employment in any action which may be filed against them. The DeSoto County School District shall be entitled to reimbursement for legal fees and expenses from its employee if a court finds that the act of the employee was outside the course and scope of his employment, or that the employee was acting with criminal intent. Corporal punishment administered in a reasonable manner, or any reasonable action to maintain control and discipline of students taken by a licensed employee acting within the scope of his employment or function and in accordance with any state or federal laws or rules or regulations of the State Board of Education or the local school board does not constitute negligence or child abuse. No licensed employee acting shall be held liable in a suit for civil damages alleged to have been suffered by a student as a result of the administration of corporal punishment, or the taking of action to maintain control and discipline of a student, unless the court determines that licensed employee acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting a wanton and willful disregard of human rights or safety. For the purposes of this subsection, "corporal punishment" means the reasonable use of physical force or physical contact by a licensed employee as may be necessary to maintain discipline, to enforce a school rule, for self-protection or for the protection of other students from disruptive students. Following the administration of the punishment, the school shall provide a report to parents giving the reason for the punishment, the person who administered the punishment and the name of the witness. At all times, licensed employees must adhere strictly to the guidelines laid down by their building principal. REF: Ms Code § 37-11-57 (1997) I have read and understand the above policy. ______________________________________________ ___________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Policy JDAA-Discipline Plan 1. A copy of the DeSoto County School District's discipline plan shall be distributed to each student enrolled in the district, and the parents, guardian or custodian of such student shall sign a statement verifying that they have been given notice of the discipline policies. The school board shall have its official discipline plan and code of student conduct legally audited on an annual basis to insure that its policies and procedures are currently in compliance with applicable statutes, case law and state and federal constitutional provisions. 2. The discipline plan of DeSoto County School Districts shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a.) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school district shall be responsible financially for his or her minor child's destructive acts against school property or persons; (b.) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school district may be requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an appropriate school official for a conference regarding acts of the child specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection, or for any other discipline conference regarding the acts of the child; (c.) Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a school district who refuses or willfully fails to attend such discipline conference specified in paragraph (b) of this section may be summoned by proper notification by the superintendent of schools or the school attendance officer and be required to attend such discipline conference; and (d.) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school district shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against such student for unlawful activity occurring on school grounds or buses. 3. Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child who (a) fails to attend a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian or custodian has been summoned under the provisions of this section, or (b) refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties imposed upon him or her under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00). disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole. II. PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING A COMPLAINT Any student, school employee, or volunteer who feels he/she has been a victim of bullying or harassing behavior, or has witnessed or who has reliable information that a student, school employee, or volunteer has been subject to bullying or harassing behavior shall report such conduct to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The report shall be made promptly after the alleged act or acts occurred. The school official shall complete a “Bullying/Harassing Behavior” complaint form which shall include the name of the reporting person, the specific nature and date of the misconduct, the name of the victim(s) of the misconduct, the names of any witnesses and any other information that would assist in the investigation of the complaint. The report shall be given promptly to the principal or superintendent who shall institute an immediate investigation. Complaints against the principal shall be made to the superintendent. The complaint shall be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The District official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties after the initial receipt of the complaint by the District. I have read and understand the above policy. ______________________________________________ ___________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Policy JDCA-Gang Policy The DeSoto County School District prohibits gang activity, defined hereinafter. Students who engage in gang activity will be subject to discipline pursuant to the District’s Code of Discipline, up to and including possible expulsion. A “gang” is defined as a group that initiates, advocates, or promotes illegal activities, activities that threaten the safety or well being of persons or property on school grounds, or at supervised school functions, or activities that are harmful to the education process. Prohibited “gang activity” includes, but is not limited to: (1) Soliciting students to become gang members; (2) Participating in gang initiation or other gang ceremonies; (3) Deliberately wearing, displaying or possessing prohibited gang symbols; (4) Engaging in gang-related violence or threats of violence; (5) Threatening others, including threats by brandishing a weapon or a replica of a weapon on school campuses, or at supervised school functions; or (6) Engaging in any behavior undertaken in such a manner as to be reasonably likely to incite violence or endanger persons or property. Prohibited “gang symbols” may include any type of clothing decoration, jewelry, patches, bandanas, gang names, depiction of gang signs or symbols, and/or body signal/movement which is recognized as denoting a gang or is a sign, signal or movement utilized in connection with gang communications, including, but not limited to those appearing with the “Gang Awareness” pamphlet attached hereto as well as the additions thereto in the future. School officials will keep a booklet containing known “gang symbols” in each school office. In addition, prohibited “gang symbols” shall be published at the start of each school year in the Student Handbook. Students and parents who may have questions regarding this policy should contact the school principal for further clarification of any part of the policy. Students may be disciplined for engaging in any activity prohibited by this policy including the prohibited “gang activity” enumerated in the third paragraph hereof. District officials will cooperate with local law enforcement to provide the school with gang information to aid in the prevention of violence, gangs, and drugs in our schools. This information shall include, but is not limited to: gang names, colors, symbols, signals, and gestures associated with gangs (all of which are prohibited gang activity). School officials will publish notice of these prohibited names, signals, gestures, colors and symbols in the school office as made available by local police department and government authorities or otherwise made known to school officials. Amendments and updates to the list of prohibited gang symbols and gang activity and/or handbook must be submitted to the Director of Pupil Services for approval. Thereafter, the Director of Pupil Services will distribute the amended and/or updated information to the appropriate district officials. The school will continually update the information posted in the school office relating to prohibited gang symbols and gang activity. Notice of updated prohibited gang activity and/or gang symbols will be sent home with each student, said notice shall advise students that the prohibited gang activity and gang symbols has been updated with updates maintained in the school office and the District website. Each school shall make regular announcements to the student body advising that gang activity and gang symbols are strictly prohibited. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing herein prohibits the display of recognized religious symbols such as the Star of David or the Crescent or the Cross unless these or other religious symbols are altered or augmented in some way. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, wearing of clothing or particular colors in and of itself is not prohibited unless the clothing (color or otherwise) is worn in combination with other prohibited gang signs or symbols. The wearing or displaying in any manner of gang names however, is prohibited. I have read and understand the above policy. ______________________________________________ ___________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Policy JDD- Disciplinary Procedures I. Hearing Bodies: Except in cases punishable by reprimand, detention, in-school suspension, etc., all cases of student discipline will be heard by one of the following. A. Principal or his/her designee B. School Disciplinary Committee or Hearing Officer C. District Disciplinary Committee or Hearing Officer D. The DeSoto County Board of Education II. Jurisdiction: The Principal, or his/her designee, of the respective schools have jurisdiction to hear and decide matters of student discipline and impose the necessary punishment, once guilt or innocence is determined. The categories of punishment shall consist of reprimand, in-school suspension of no more than ten (10) days, corporal punishment, school suspension of no more than three (3) days, or other punishments that do not involve removing the student from school. Cases involving a suspension of more than three (3) days, assignment to an alternative educational setting for more than ten (10) days, or an expulsion from school will be heard by a disciplinary committee or a hearing officer. The disciplinary committee shall consist of three (3) professional staff members. This committee and/or hearing officer shall be appointed by the school superintendent or his designee. After the decision of the disciplinary committee or hearing officer has been made, appeals will be made to the district appeal officer or district appeal committee. After this appeal, the DeSoto County School Board will hear any final appeal of this case. III. Notification of Charges: (A.) In cases where the imposition of punishment is for a suspension of three (3) days or less, the student will be orally informed of the charges lodged against him. The student shall have a right to respond and refute these charges. There may be a delay between the time that “notice” is given and the time of the hearing. A brief record will be kept on these proceedings. A parent will be notified of the suspension by telephone, if possible, and in writing. (B.) In cases where the punishment may involve removal from school for more than three (3) days, the following procedure shall be followed: 1.The student will be informed of the charges and a hearing held as outlined above. The student may be suspended by for three (3) days, pending the hearing. 2. The student shall be notified in writing of the specific charge or charges and the time and place of the hearing. Such notice will be hand delivered to the student, the parent notified by telephone, if possible and a copy mailed to the parent. 3.The notification will specifically inform the student the following: a. Witnesses may be produced in behalf of the student; b. Student may be accompanied by a parent or guardian;