Prohibited Student Conduct

The Board of Education expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, district personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

Students are expected to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. There may be occasions when district personnel use disciplinary action when necessary. District personnel are expected to use proactive strategies that promote good behavior among students and an environment free of discrimination and harassment.

The Board recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that and to focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Students who violate these school rules will be required to accept the consequences for their conduct and may be subject to disciplinary action. Examples of these violations include:

A. Engaging in conduct that is disorderly. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Running in hallways.
Making unreasonable noise.
Using language or gestures that threaten, intimidate, cause, or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for their physical safety.
Using language or gestures that threaten, intimidate, cause, or would reasonably be expected to cause, a teacher, administrator, or any other school employee to fear for their physical safety.
Conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.
Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive.
Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Reckless driving on school property or at a school event.
Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.
Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school office, school building or facility other than the one(s) they regularly attend or are scheduled for, without permission from the building administrator.
Entering or using a district building/facility before and/or after regular hours or using any district facility for anything other than it’s intended purpose.

B. Engaging in conduct that is insubordinate. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators, or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.
Truancy, excessive tardiness, refusal to attend class, wandering hallways or leaving school without permission.
Refusal to attend detention.

C. Engaging in conduct that is disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Failing to comply with directions of teachers, school administrators, or other school personnel.
Public display of affection.
Student written or electronically for- matted materials, including cyber- bullying, deemed substantially disruptive to the educational process, including that which is threatening, intimidating or in any way bullies another individual.
Handouts, fliers, pamphlets or any other forms of written information fundraising or “soliciting” of any kind without prior administrative approval.

D. Engaging in conduct that is violent or threatening. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Committing or threatening an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.
Committing or threatening an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.
Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.
Displaying what appears to be a weapon.
Threatening to use any weapon.
Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property.
Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.
Engaging in harassing or bullying conduct, verbal threats, intimidation, or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical well-being.

E. Engaging in any conduct that endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Lying to school personnel.
Stealing the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property.
Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations (may include but not limited to defamatory statements, allegations or representation made via computers, video, Internet, etc.) about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.
Discrimination, which includes the use of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex as a basis for treating another in a negative manner.
Engage in harassing or bullying conduct through verbal or non-verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional and/or physical well-being including conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse that reason- ably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause emotional harm; or reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to a student or to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety. Such conduct includes acts of harassment or bullying that occur on school property; at a school function; or off school property where the acts create or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property.
Bullying, as defined in the Code of Conduct, and which may include but is not limited to conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse (whether verbal or nonverbal) based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (identity or expression) or sex and is so persistent or pervasive that it creates a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when the harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior either has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits or mental, emotional or physical well-being; or reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his/her physical safety or physical injury or emotional harm to the student.
Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in any school-sponsored activity, organization, club or team.
Physically detain or restrain any other person.
Selling, using or possessing obscene material.
Using vulgar or abusive language cursing or swearing.
Smoking, vaping and/or possessing drug or smoking paraphernalia, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes or using chewing or smokeless tobacco.
Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing, or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. “Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to: inhalants, edibles, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs.”
Inappropriately possessing, using or sharing prescription and over the counter drugs.
Gambling.
Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body (breasts, genitals, buttocks).
Inappropriate displays of affection including any sexual contact, even if consensual and without regard to clothing.
Initiating a warning of fire, bomb threat or other threat or catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher unnecessarily.
Fireworks possession or use on school grounds.
Photography and audio/video taping of any individual without their knowledge and consent. Sharing of photography and audio/video taping without consent is prohibited as well.
Violation of the school electronics use agreement and/or misuse of district technology.
Planning or carrying out a prank that has the potential to cause physical harm or property damage.

F. Engaging in any form of academic misconduct. Examples include but aren’t limited to:

Plagiarism
Cheating
Copying
Altering, damaging, taking or destroying records.
Assisting another student in any of the above actions.
Soliciting others to commit any of the above offenses

G. Engaging in misconduct while on a school bus, including but not limited to: harassment, bullying and/or discriminatory behavior. It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on District buses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving and fighting will not be tolerated.

Student Discipline

Disciplinary action, when necessary, will be firm, fair, and consistent so as to be the most effective in changing student behavior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following:

The student’s age.
The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense.
The student’s prior disciplinary record.
The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.
Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate.
Other extenuating circumstances.

As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations.

If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the students shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education and discipline, if warranted, shall be administered consistent with the separate requirements of this Code of Conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to have a disability. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability.

In the event of disciplinary actions in response to acts of harassment, bullying and or discrimination against students by employees or students, a progressive model of student discipline shall be imposed which includes measured, balanced and age-appropriate remedies and procedures that make appropriate use of prevention, education, intervention and discipline and shall consider, among other things, the nature and severity of the offending student’s behavior, the developmental age of the student, the previous disciplinary record of the student and other extenuating circumstances as well as the impact the student’s behaviors had on the individual(s) who was physically injured or emotionally harmed as a result of such acts. Responses shall be reasonably calculated to end the harassment, bullying and/or discrimination, prevent recurrence and eliminate the hostile environment.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL

The Code of Conduct is in effect while on school property, for all school functions and school sponsored activities (including off-campus activities), and during transport on school vehicles. The frequency of the occurrence shall determine the appropriate disciplinary consequence including reclassification to a higher-level infraction.

LEVEL I

Any misbehavior that represents a minor infraction of the established expectations is considered a Level I misbehavior.

Examples of Level I Infractions:

Inappropriate cafeteria or recess behavior.
Unprepared for physical education.
Failure to complete homework/classwork.
Abuse of hall or bathroom privileges.
Failure of student leaders (safety patrol, student council representatives) to exemplify positive school behavior.
Bringing and using electronic devices (including but not limited to phones, smart devices, etc.) in school.
Inappropriate assembly behavior.
Inappropriate bus behavior (See transportation expectations).
Swearing (inappropriate language).
Disruption of instruction.
Buying/selling items.

Level I Disciplinary Procedures:

Staff member immediately intervenes and applies the most appropriate option.
Since the frequency of occurrence determines subsequent response to the same infraction, a record of infractions and the disciplinary responses to each will be kept for each student.
In case of repetitive behavior, the teacher will communicate with the principal and/or supervisor.
The supervisor maintains a record of the offense and disciplinary action.

Examples of Level I Disciplinary Consequences. The following consequences are randomly listed and are not intended to be progressive:

Verbal reprimand
Note to parents
Call to parent
Talk to principal/designee
Detention
Loss of privileges
Suspension or termination of student leadership position
Electronic device taken until parent retrieves it
Removal from assembly
Referral to counseling

LEVEL II

Any misbehavior which tends to disrupt the safety of students and/ or the learning climate of the school is considered a Level II misbehavior.

Infractions at this level include Level I infractions committed by a student who continues or repeats the behavior after being disciplined at Level I.

Examples of Level II Infractions:

Recurring Level I misbehavior
Inappropriate bus behavior (See transportation expectations)
Insubordination/disrespectful behavior toward a staff member (first infraction)
Inappropriate attire
Inappropriate articles in school
Absenteeism/truancy
Harassment/intimidation
Bullying
Physically aggressive behavior

Level II Disciplinary Procedures:

The staff member reports the incident to the principal/supervisor for appropriate disciplinary action.
Parent is notified.
The supervisor maintains a record of the offense and the disciplinary action.

Examples of Level II Disciplinary Consequences:

Warning issued
Letter home to parent/guardian
Loss of privileges
Recess detention/removal
Lunch suspension
Verbal reprimand
Letter home
Detention
Removal from class
Parent conference
Referral to Student Success Team
Referral to counseling
Record is kept of infraction and disciplinary action

LEVEL III

Any misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school or any misbehavior whose consequence may pose a serious and/or continued threat to the health and safety of others in school is considered Level III. Infractions at this level include Level II infractions committed by a student who continues or repeats the infraction after being disciplined at Level II.

Examples of Level III Infractions:

Recurring Level II infractions
School or personal property damage/ vandalism
Insubordination/disrespectful behavior toward a staff member
Fighting/threatened use of force
Inappropriate bus behavior (See transportation expectations).
Theft
Racial slurs
Harassment/intimidation
Bullying
Propagation of threats/rumors of violent acts
Physical Aggression toward a Student/Staff Member resulting in physical injury

Examples of Level III Disciplinary Procedures:

Staff member reports the incident/ infraction to the principal/supervisor for appropriate disciplinary action.
The principal/supervisor meets with the student to determine the appropriate disciplinary action and informs the staff member of the action taken.
Parent/guardian is notified.
Record is kept of the offense and disciplinary action.

Examples of Level III Disciplinary Consequences:

Contact parent/guardian
Payment for damages done
Referral to counseling
Referral to principal/supervisor
Detention
Suspension (in or out of school)
Continuation of more stringent Level II options
Bus suspension
Referral to Student Success Team
Loss of privileges

LEVEL IV

Any misbehavior considered a criminal act is a Level IV infraction. Law enforcement officials will be notified and criminal charges may be filed.

Examples of Level IV Infractions:

Recurring Level III infractions
School vandalism exceeding $100
Possession, selling or use of illegal substances, alcohol or cigarettes
Possession, use or threatened use of weapons/dangerous instrument(s)
Assault or battery requiring a police report
Arson
Harassment/intimidation
Bullying
Bomb threat
False fire alarm
False 911 call

Level IV Disciplinary Procedures:

Staff member reports the incident/ infraction to the principal/ supervisor.
If activity is criminal, police will be contacted.
Referral to Student Success Team.
Record is kept of the offense and disciplinary action.

Examples of Level IV Disciplinary Consequences:

Police report filed
Notify parents
Suspension
Referral to Social Services/Student Success Team
Referral to counseling
Detention
Police, family or criminal court referral
Superintendent’s hearing

DRAPER MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MOHONASEN HIGH SCHOOL

LEVEL I

Any misbehavior that represents an infraction of the established procedures, which regulate the operation of the school and its educational process, are considered a Level I infraction.

Some Examples of Level I Infractions:

Inappropriate Language
Unauthorized use of electronic devices during school hours
Minor class disruptions
Inappropriate behavior
Tardiness
Left class without permission
Class cut
Violation of Dress Code

LEVEL II

Any misbehavior that tends to disrupt the educational process is considered a Level II infraction. Infractions at this level include Level I infractions committed by a student who continues or repeats the infraction after being disciplined at Level I for that infraction.

Some Examples of Level II Infractions:

Chronic (2 or more) Level I infractions
Cutting detention
Public Display of Affection (PDA)
Possession of smoking materials
Class cuts
Physical altercation
Inappropriate use of computer/technology
Unauthorized use of electronic devices
Violation of parking/driving privileges
Left school without permission
Insubordination
Cheating
Plagiarism

Level I & Level II Disciplinary Procedures:

Staff member immediately intervenes and applies the most appropriate action to address the situation.
In cases of repetitive misbehavior, the staff shall communicate to an administrator.
The staff member completes a Discipline Referral Form.
Administrator will meet and discuss the referral with the student and assign a disciplinary consequence.
Informs staff of action taken.
Since the frequency of occurrence determines subsequent consequences a record of the offense and disciplinary consequence is maintained.

Level I & II Disciplinary Consequences (include, but not limited to):

Counsel with student
Document behavior
Seat change
Parental contact
Behavior contract
Supervised detention
Restriction/loss of privileges
Written apology
Temporary removal from class
Peer mediation
Suspension from bus
Parent conference
In-school suspension
Filing of PINS (Person in Need of Supervision)
Temporary external suspension
Loss of privileges
Referral to counseling
Grade reduction (plagiarism/cheating)
Plagiarism may result in receiving no credit for an assignment

LEVEL III

Any misbehavior whose frequency and/or seriousness disrupts the educational process or poses a threat to the health and safety of self and others in school.

Some Examples of Level III Infractions:

Chronic (2 or more) Level II infractions
Insubordination/defiance toward staff
Possession of fireworks
Extortion
Fighting/assault
Hazing
Harassment or intimidation
Bullying
Theft/possession of stolen property
Smoking or possession of smoking materials
Trespassing
Truancy
Vandalism
Prohibited use of computer
Misuse of photographic or video devices
Unsafe driving

Level III Disciplinary Procedures:

Staff member immediately communicates infraction and reports student to an administrator and completes a “Discipline Referral Form.”
Administrator will meet and discuss the referral with the student and as- sign a disciplinary consequence.
Informs staff of action taken.
Since the frequency of occurrence determines subsequent consequences, a record of the offense and disciplinary consequence is maintained
Parent/guardian is notified in a timely manner
Principal and superintendent are notified
Referral to Pupil Study Team
Referral to local law enforcement agency for criminal activity

Level III Disciplinary Consequences (include, but not limited to):

Parent conference
Restriction/loss of privileges
Peer mediation
In-school suspension
External suspension
Suspension from bus
Filing of PINS (Person in Need of Supervision)
Referral to superintendent’s office for hearing
Restitution
Referral for out of school services (psychological and/or substance abuse services)
Loss of privileges
Referral to counseling

LEVEL IV

Any misbehavior which poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of self or others in school, and may require police intervention.

Examples of Level IV Infractions:

Chronic (2 or more) Level III infractions
Inciting and/or participation in a riot
Arson
Bomb threat or false alarm
Hazing
Harassment/intimidation
Bullying
Possession of weapon or explosives
Severe vandalism
Drug/alcohol possession
Drug/alcohol sale
Drug/alcohol use
Aggravated assault and battery/ fighting
Possession of firearm or facsimile
Breaking & entering
Possession and/or use of prohibited object
Threat
Lewd or indecent exposure

Level IV Disciplinary Procedures:

Administrator will report to the scene and notify appropriate law enforcement agency or medical agency.
Parent/guardian is notified in a timely manner.
Principal and superintendent notified.

Level IV Consequences (include, but are not limited to):

External suspension
Mandatory parent/guardian conference
Police report may be filed
Filing of PINS petition (Person in Need of Supervision)
Referral to superintendent’s office for hearing
Restitution
Referral for out of school services/ counseling (psychological and/or substance abuse services)