Introduction
On July 24, 2000 the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE) was enacted into law by the State of New York. This legislation is one of the most comprehensive regulations in the nation seeking to address school safety and violence prevention. Every school district throughout the state is required to be in full compliance by July 1, 2002. The Westbury Board of Education adopted its district-wide School Safety Plan on June 13, 2001. Included in this plan is the district’s Code of Conduct A complete copy of the Code of Conduct is available upon request by contacting the district office.
Westbury Schools are committed to promoting safe and healthy learning environments where students are secure in their pursuit of educational success. The right to learn and to teach in an educational setting that is safe, free from disruption, and conducive to learning is essential.
…of Students
To respect authority and obey school rules in order to be responsible citizens.
To show respect and consideration for the personal and property rights of others.
To demonstrate effective work/study habits by putting forth their best educational efforts.
To provide praise to others who earn it and acknowledge one’s own positive characteristics and successes.
To alert school authorities when aware of potential security or safety concerns and/or code violations.
…of Parents
To respond to communication from school and to initiate such communication, if needed.
To prepare the student to assume a positive attitude in the school environment, including respecting the rights of others and the authority of all staff.
To understand and support the Westbury School District CODE OF CONDUCT.
To alert school authorities when aware of potential security or safety concerns and/or code violations.
…of Staff
To inform parents/guardians adequately in matters related to student conduct.
To consistently enforce standards for all students while providing a challenging curriculum.
To assume primary responsibility for enforcing the CODE OF CONDUCT through the use of various techniques at the classroom and building levels, such as student-staff conferences, contact with parents, and other disciplinary techniques.
To alert school authorities when aware of potential security or safety concerns and/or code violations.
To immediately refer violent and repeatedly disruptive students for minimum suspension.
The superintendent may suspend a student for more than five (5) school days or issue a permanent suspension. Any suspension beyond five (5) days requires a superintendent’s hearing.
A parent or guardian may appeal a disciplinary decision only in the event of a violation of due process, i.e., the right to present his/her side of the story.
CONSEQUENCES FOR UNACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Westbury School District has adopted a uniform discipline code for all students. It is recognized that the primary responsibility for student discipline lies with each staff member. However, if a staff member feels a referral is necessary, the principal shall apply the code based on the prior disciplinary record. Follow-up with the referring staff member shall be the responsibility of the principal. Consequences of misbehavior include in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, detention, community service, loss of privileges, and an abbreviated day. Any student whose behavior continues to be unacceptable shall be referred to the appropriate pupil personnel service and/or an Alternative Learning Center. Following is a listing of violations and actions a principal or superintendent shall enforce for infraction of the CODE OF CONDUCT consistent with a student’s right to due process. Students who are suspended shall not participate in any school activities nor be allowed on any District property for the duration of the suspension.
DISCIPLINARY OFFENSE |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION |
|
MINIMUM |
MAXIMUM |
|
|
Assault: Intentionally causing physical injury to another person or persons |
2 Days OS *, PC |
5+ Days OS, PC |
|
§ Assault on staff
|
Felony charges will be filed. |
|
|
Harassment/Bullying: Communications or physical action that is threatening, insulting, disrespectful, potentially harmful, or annoying |
2 Days IS* |
5+ Days OS |
|
Hazing: Initiation into or affiliation with any organization engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury. |
2 Days OS * |
5+ Days OS |
|
§ Weapons Possession: Having, bringing, or using a weapon (Gun Free School Act, 1994) |
5+ Days OS, SH, Up to 1 calendar year suspension |
|
|
Possession or use of any instrument/article capable of causing physical injury. |
3+ Days OS |
5+ Days OS, SH |
|
Inciting violence/menacing: Knowing about and not reporting a potentially violent act; encouraging someone or planning to participate in a violent, unsafe, or illegal act. |
2 Days OS |
3+ Days OS |
DISCIPLINARY OFFENSE |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION |
|
MINIMUM |
MAXIMUM |
|
|
Extortion: Obtaining property or assistance through coercion. |
5 Days OS |
5+ Days OS, SH, PC |
|
Theft: Unlawful taking or possession of property.
|
2 Days OS |
5+ Days, SH, PC |
|
Theft: Unlawful taking or possession of property with force. |
2 Days OS |
5+ Days, SH, PC |
|
Willful damage of school or personal property: Intentional destruction of school property (Student(s) shall be responsible for all damages). |
1 Day OS |
5+ Days OS, SH, PC |
|
Pranks: Actions resulting in disruption of the school program. |
D |
2 Days OS |
|
Multiple occupancy of a locker and/or violation of its use. |
Suspension of locker privileges |
Permanent loss of locker privileges |
|
Illegal/Unauthorized/Misuse of school electronic devices, equipment and machines. |
2 Days IS |
2-5 Days, OS, SH, PC |
DISCIPLINARY OFFENSE |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION |
|
MINIMUM |
MAXIMUM |
|
|
Dress Code Violation
|
PN, Cover Clothing |
PN, 1 IS |
|
Obscenity/Profanity: Communication/activity that is obscene, profane or gang related including clothing and technology. |
1+ Day OS * |
5+ Days OS, SH, PC |
|
Discriminatory practice and/or Sexual Harassment: Activities that are intended to be offensive to one’s race, religion, heritage, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. |
2 Days OS, * |
5+ Days OS |
|
Activities that can be considered lewd, sexual misconduct |
2 Days IS, * |
5+ Days OS, * |
DISCIPLINARY OFFENSE |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION |
|
MINIMUM |
MAXIMUM |
|
|
Alcohol/Controlled Substance: Possession, consumption, distribution, and/or under the influence. |
*5 Days OS, |
*5+ Days OS, |
|
Possession of drug, gang, illegal or inappropriate Paraphernalia |
2+ Days OS |
4+ Days OS |
|
Possession of Tobacco or marijuana
|
1 Day OS, (Marijuana, PC) |
2+ Days OS, (Marijuana, PC) |
|
Explosive/Hazardous Devices: Bringing, possessing and/or detonating any device with the potential for creating a public disturbance or harm. |
5 Days OS |
5+ Days OS |
|
Discharging Fire Extinguisher, pulling fire alarm or dialing 911falsely |
3 Days OS |
5+ Days OS |
|
Falsely reporting an incident.
|
3 Days OS |
5+ Days OS |
|
Open Flame: Use of matches or lighter on school property, unless supervised by a staff member.
|
1D |
5+ Days OS |
|
Deliberate setting of a fire
|
5 Days OS, PC, SH |
5+ Days OS, PC, SH |
DISCIPLINARY OFFENSE |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION |
|
MINIMUM |
MAXIMUM |
|
|
Reckless use of a motor vehicle: Use of a vehicle which endangers people and property. |
Loss of Driving Privileges and 3+ Days OS |
Permanent Loss of Driving Privileges and 5 Days OS, PC |
|
Parking Regulation Violation
|
Loss of Driving Privileges 3+ Days OS |
Permanent Loss of Driving Privileges, 5 Days, OS, PC |
|
Unauthorized or operated vehicles |
Sticker, PN |
Towed, PN, PC |
DISCIPLINARY OFFENSE |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION |
|
MINIMUM |
MAXIMUM |
|
|
Insubordination: Willful refusal to follow given directions. |
M |
5 Days OS |
|
Disruptive Behavior: Disrupts the educational process or interferes with the teacher’s authority. |
M+, 1 Day IS, PN |
2+ Days OS,Exclusion of Extra-Curricular Activities |
|
False Information: Refusing to give or giving false information when requested. |
1 Day IS |
5 Days OS |
|
Forgery/Plagiarism: Falsifying signature, data et al., cheating (caught in the act of or intent to) |
Grade of 0% |
2+ Days OS |
|
Violation of Administrative actions.
|
M, 1 Additional Day |
5+ Days, OS, SH |
|
Gambling
|
1 Day IS |
3 Days OS |
|
Possession of any unauthorized electronic devices and other disruptive materials |
Confiscation, PN See #1 (below) |
1+ Day OS See #1 (see below) |
|
Inappropriate/Unsafe Bus Behavior
|
Loss of Bus Privileges |
Permanent Loss of Bus Privileges |
|
Trespassing, Unauthorized presence on school property. |
2+ Days OS |
5+ Days OS, SH, PC |
|
Leaving Campus without parental or administrative permission. |
1 Day OS |
2+ Days OS |
|
Cutting Class
|
D |
M possible 1+ Day OS, Exclusion of Extra-Curricular activities |
|
Continuous lateness to class and school.
|
D |
M possible 1+ Day OS, Exclusion of Extra-Curricular Activities |
|
Loitering in school |
Immediate ejection from building, 1 Day IS, PN |
2+ Days OS |
#1: Possession of any unauthorized electronic devices and other disruptive materials:
1st Offense
Confiscate the electronic device
Put device in zippered plastic bag
Tag the device with identification information
Give student receipt
Secure the electronic device
Parent must come to retrieve the electronic device
Incident will be logged
2nd Offense
Same as first offense
Parent must sign a letter that will state that if this or any other electronic device is confiscated again, device(s) will not be returned until June 30.
3rd Offense
Device is confiscated until June 30.
Parent must retrieve device(s).