Hawthorne School Parent-Student Handbook 2016-2017
SECTION III
DEFINITIONS
Examples of misconduct are listed in categories according to seriousness: Level I is the least serious. Level IV is the most serious. The list indicates the MINIMUM action to be taken by the school staff and administration, and it is intended to provide guidance. The gravity of any single offense or a repetition of offenses( whether or not the offenses are the same or different) may result in more serious consequences.
Level I This category includes misbehaviors, which interfere with orderly classroom operation. These are usually handled by the teacher and include such things as lateness to class, unnecessary talking during the lesson, teasing or bothering another student during the lesson, and leaving class without permission. Warnings, an after-school detention with the teacher, consultation with the guidance counselor, and / or parent / guardian contact are some of the usual interventions or consequences. The wearing of inappropriate attire— clothing that is likely to create, or does create, a disruption, disorder, or undue distraction in school, or such as to endanger the student‘ s own safety or health— falls into this category, and is most often handled by a warning and a requirement for change of clothing. In extreme cases, a parent / guardian may be contacted and asked to provide a change of clothes.
Level II Misconduct that fall into this category is again within the classroom and is directly handled by the teacher, but with administrative help as needed. The use of obscene or disrespectful language in class, talking back to the teacher, refusal to follow directions given by an adult staff member, verbal confrontation, physical scuffles, misconduct during lunch or recess, and the forging of notes or excuses, are examples of misbehavior at this level. The parent / guardian shall be informed of the behavior. Consequences are usually in the form of more than one detention. Parent / guardian conferences may be required. The teacher may arrange for teaching colleagues, the guidance counselor( s) and / or administrator( s) to be present at the parent / guardian conference.
Level III Behavior that falls under this category is more severe, may be illegal, and may occur both in and out of the classroom. In all cases, the Principal‘ s office is informed, and the teacher fills out a formal referral report. Parents / guardians are informed, and a parent / guardian conference is usually required before the student is allowed back into school or a particular class. Fighting anywhere on or off school grounds, thefts, swearing at a teacher or other adult staff member, destruction of school property or the property of others, bullying, harassment, intimidation, cyber-bullying, as well as discrimination / harassment based upon a protected class, are types of behavior which fall into this category. Consequences may include a combination of in-school or out-of-school suspensions or developmentally appropriate interventions. Examples of behaviors in the Level III category, which will usually incur in-school suspension, include: cutting detention; endangering any person or school property; and theft.
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