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JK-R 2
MIDDLE SCHOOL OF THE KENNEBUNKS
Code of Conduct
All students’ rights to an education must be respected. The rights and rules of the Code of Conduct are for the protection of the entire student body. These rules must be obeyed while students are under our supervision. This includes behavior on buses, field trips, at dances, athletic events and all other school activities. We value cooperation and insist that everyone have respect for themselves, for one another, for the school building and grounds.
RIGHTS
the RIGHT to a quiet, orderly place in which to learn.
the RIGHT to have ideas and feelings respected.
the RIGHT to personal safety.
the RIGHT to have individual belongings protected.
the RIGHT to have questions answered.
RULES
In order to protect everyone’s rights, we need RULES. The following behaviors are not allowed:
· Any behavior or the possession of any items which the teachers or principal determine to be a safety hazard or disruptive influence
· Disrespect including name calling, verbal harassment and physical harassment
· Disruptive and/or uncooperative behavior
· Fighting
· Deliberately hurting or threatening a fellow student
· Gum chewing (not allowed in our school)
· Hats will not be worn inside the building by anyone except on “special hat days”
· Possession (including use) of any illegal or dangerous substances, or items, such as, but not limited to, knives, guns, tobacco, matches, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, drugs, laser pointers, etc.
· Stealing
· Swearing
· Tardiness
· Throwing snowballs, ice, or any substance that could be injurious
· Truancy
· Vandalism – destruction of property
When behavior problems occur, they will be dealt with as fairly as possible, on an informal basis between the teacher and student. This will involve counseling by teachers in an effort to help students improve the situation. At times, detention or assigned tasks may be necessary.
If a pattern of behavior should develop which interferes with your learning and/or that of other students, then it may become necessary for the school to implement formal discipline procedures. Formal discipline is intended to make you aware that your behavior must change immediately.
FORMAL DISCIPLINE STEPS begin with DETENTION. After three (3) detentions, a student is placed on FORMAL WRITTEN WARNING to improve behavior. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION, and finally a SCHOOL BOARD HEARING will follow if the student is unwilling to adhere to school rules. We expect none of our students will violate the discipline code to this extent but are prepared to fully implement the discipline steps if needed.
Fighting is a dangerous and disruptive influence and will not be tolerated. Students who fight will be immediately isolated and possibly sent home in an out-of-school suspension.
In any and all severe disciplinary problems, action is at the discretion of the school principal and assistant principal. Therefore, detention, probation, suspension, or any appropriate punishment may be administered in a manner fitting the violation.
STEP 1. 1st Formal Detention
A. Notice is sent to parents that student will be retained the following assigned day. Detention has priority over all extra-curricular activities.
B. Infraction documented on card.
STEP 2. 2nd Formal Detention
Step 1 A & B
STEP 3. 3rd Formal Detention
Step 1 A & B
STEP 4. Formal Written Warning
Detention
Step 1 A & B
STEP 5. In-School Suspension – 1 day
A. Student remains in in-school suspension for one day.
B. He/she does not participate in any classes or extra-curricular activities.
C. Lunch is eaten in the in-school suspension area. The student will have no peer contact.
D. A team meeting is held to coordinate assignments for the student in the in-school suspension.
E. A meeting will be held with the student, team and/or team leader, and the principal before the student completes the suspension.
F. Parents notified.
Step 5 – A, B, C, & D
STEP 7. In-School Suspension – 3 days
Step 5 – A, B, C, & D
STEP 8. In-School Suspension – 5 days
Step 5 – A, B, C, & D
STEP 9. Out-of-School Suspension – 3 days
Meeting held to coordinate assignments
Meeting with parents before student returns
STEP 10. School Board Hearing
In-school suspension is offered as an alternative to out-of-school suspension. If a student cannot behave in in-school suspension, parents will be contacted and will take their child home immediately.
Behavior such as fighting or threats of violence that may endanger the safety of others may cause a student’s immediate removal from school until we can be assured like behavior will not continue.
APPEAL PROCESS:
The principal and assistant principal are available to discuss disciplinary action with students and parents. Discipline is most effective when it receives the support of parents. Maine school law provides principals with the authority to suspend students for up to ten days for a particular disciplinary event. In the case of out-of-school suspension for six or more days, parents who disagree with the disciplinary action may request a meeting with the superintendent of schools. The request must be made in writing and must include the basis for the appeal and why. In all other disciplinary action, appeals will be determined by the building principal and his/her decision shall be final.