5313

PENALTIES

The range of penalties which may be imposed for violations of the student disciplinary code includes the following:

1. verbal warning

2. written warning

3. written notification to parent

4. probation

5. reprimand

6. detention

7. suspension from transportation

8. suspension from athletic participation

9. suspension from social or extracurricular activities

10. suspension of other privileges

11. exclusion from a particular class

12. in-school suspension

13. involuntary transfer

14. suspension

Counseling, although not considered a penalty, may be an alternative to the imposition of a penalty, provided that such counseling is formally procured through the Guidance Office.

Depending upon the nature of the violation, it is the desire of the Board of Education that student discipline be progressive, i.e., a student's first violation should merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations. It is also the Board's desire that staff members imposing such penalty take into account all other relevant factors in determining the appropriate penalty. The above penalties may be imposed either alone or in combination. Such penalties may be imposed by the Superintendent of Schools or with his/her permission.

Initiation of a Student Disciplinary Proceeding

Any teacher, administrator, board member, parent or other person may report a violation of the student disciplinary code to the Building Principal or his/her designee. He/She may then make an investigation of the charges as deemed appropriate and institute an informal or disciplinary proceeding, and/or make a referral to the Committee on Special Education, as deemed necessary.

When discipline administered by a classroom teacher does not result in acceptable student behavior, the teacher should file a written report with the Building Principal, who will then take the following action:

1. Initial Infraction - conference with Building Principal and teacher concerned.

2. Repeated Referral to Principal - conference with Building Principal, teacher, student and student's parent/guardian.

3. Suspension - If the severity of the situation warrants, or the student is a habitual offender, the school authorities may suspend the student or students involved, as outlined in policy 5313.3, Suspension.

5313

This policy and the Board's rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order on school property will be publicized and explained by the teaching staff to all students and provided in writing to all parents on an annual basis. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this student discipline code, the Board requests the continuing assistance of parents in explaining and enforcing the code. A student handbook will be made available each year for the entire student population.

The student's right to a Superintendent's hearing before a suspension from attendance in excess of five days and the right to an appeal of such a suspension to the Board pursuant to Education Law Section 3214 is recognized by the Board.

If a criminal offense has been committed (i.e., false fire alarm, vandalism, use and possession of weapons) the police will be notified. All infractions of the student discipline code and/or public law will be subject to disciplinary proceedings as outlined in 5313.3, Student Suspension.

Cross-ref: 5310, Student Discipline

5312, Prohibited Conduct

5313.1, Detention

5314, Corporal Punishment Complaints

Adoption date: January 1, 1993
Reviewed on:    August 11, 2008