Young Scholars Kenderton Charter Discipline system
Kenderton CS makes every effort to ensure each child’s success. Because of that, we have an obligation to
provide for the safety and welfare of all students. If a child is persistently disruptive to the educational
environment or persistently tardy or absent, Kenderton CS will work to support the needs of the scholar and
family. This includes family phone calls, meetings, reflection time, and consequences connected to the
behavior demonstrated. Kenderton has three levels (I, II, III) of disciplinary violations which are described
below.
Level I Violations:
Level I Violations include, but are not limited to:
Level I Violation
Description
Late to School or Class
Arrival after the bell rings for the start any class or after school activity.
Violation of Uniform Policy
This includes, but is not limited to, violations of dress code, un-tucked shirt, inappropriate dress on dress down days,
etc.
Obscene/Abusive/
Inappropriate/Disrespectful
Language
This includes spoken, written, and body language that is disrespectful, inflammatory, or offensive to generally
accepted community standards including religious or ethnic epithets. Inappropriate language includes rolling eyes,
sucking teeth, talking back, silently mouthing words, defiantly folding arms, pouting, avoiding eye contact, slouching
in chair, etc.
Students are expected to follow the rules that individual teachers have established for student conduct in their
classrooms. No student’s behavior can be permitted to disrupt the learning of others. Violations include:

Disruptive behavior, including disruptive outbursts, talking while others are talking, throwing objects,
and inappropriate gestures and sounds.

Sleeping in class or putting head on desk

Being unprepared, e.g. not having proper supplies & books

Leaving class without permission and a hall pass

Wearing headphones except for approved instructional purposes

Horseplay that includes but not limited to pushing, shoving, kicking, or other physical contact,
knowingly taking of another’s property done in a playful and/or confrontational manner
Disruptive Behavior
Gum & Food Contraband
Environment
Lapse of Integrity
Student Personal Electronics
Gum chewing is prohibited in the building. There is no eating and/or drinking allowed in class. Lunches should be
stored in lockers and then taken to and eaten in the cafeteria. Students are prohibited from carrying food or drinks
from the cafeteria. For additional support, students may eat lunch in their teacher’s classroom provided they have a
pass from their teacher. If this pass from the teacher is abused, the Dean/Assistant Principal will revoke the privilege.
Kenderton Charter School is committed to maintaining a professional and healthy environment. Students are
required to maintain a clean school environment by picking up after themselves at lunch, disposing of paper in
hall/class, retrieving lost/unwanted personal items, and respecting all school property.
Attempt to deceive or mislead by verbalizing intentions that misrepresent a student’s actions when questioned by
school personnel.
Students are never permitted to use mobile phones, iPods or music devices, video game devices, laser pointers,
etc…in class or hallways. All devices shall be completely turned off (not in vibration mode) and secured in the
student’s locker during school hours. Using such devices is prohibited. Such devices should never be visible within
class or in hallways. Once confiscated, teachers immediately give the device to front desk labeled with student’s
name. Confiscated items are only returned to the parent/guardian and only during an appointment or routine time
dedicated to such matters.
Kenderton Charter School does not accept any responsibility for loss of student’s electronic equipment due to theft or
other loss. In addition, Kenderton Charter School will not be responsible for damage or loss of a nuisance device that
is confiscated by staff.
Level I Consequences include (but are not limited to): loss of privileges, Choices Meter color change, deductions from
Paycheck, 3 hour Friday detention, Saturday detention, suspension, and parent volunteer day(s).
Level II Violations:
Level II Violations include, but are not limited to:
Level II Violation
Description
Threats, Intimidation,
Provocation and Pre-fight
Threats are words and/or actions that are intended to taunt, provoke, or do emotional harm. Intimidation
includes aggravating or making others uncomfortable by calling others “out of their names,” passing rumors,
etc.
Provocation is the use of intimidation or threats to provoke a violent reaction, including poking, “getting in
his/her face”, violation of personal space, aggressive gestures, etc.
Pre-fight is physical aggression (e.g. pushing, shoving) that ends very quickly or is easily stopped by an adult
or other student.
Note, depending on the nature of the threat, intimidation, provocation or pre-fight, the Dean of Students may
consider the violation to be of a Level III nature.
Watching, encouraging or instigating a pre-fight/ fight before school, during school or after school is
prohibited. It is our belief that bystanders play a role in escalating violence; therefore anyone watching a fight
has an obligation to de-escalate the situation by staying calm, remaining nonpartisan and getting help.
The use of the Internet (web pages, social networking sites, email, etc.) to intimidate, bully, defame, threaten
or spread rumor or inappropriate information about another individual or group of individuals.
Note, depending on the nature of the communication, the Dean of Students may consider the violation to be
of a Level III nature.
Plagiarism is using, without permission, the ideas & writings of another; either word for word or in substance,
and representing such as one’s own.
Forgery is the signing of a document in another’s name.
Cheating includes deceit, fraud, or deception (i.e., copying another’s assignments, assisting another to cheat
by lending one’s own work; giving or receiving aid during a testing period).
This includes failure to comply with directions of teachers and other school personnel such as leaving class
without permission or vulgar language directed at school personnel.
Cutting includes all scheduled or rostered activities as well as leaving the building without permission
Harassment means any behavior which is repeatedly and persistently annoying.
Facilitating Violence
Cyber-Bullying
Plagiarism, Forgery, Cheating
Insubordination
Cutting Class
Harassment
Sexual Harassment
Kenderton Charter School recognizes that harassment on the basis of sex is a violation both of Federal and
State discrimination laws and that these laws apply to students and employees. Sexual harassment consists
of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual
nature when:

submission to such conduct is made a term of the student’s right to learning

such conduct interferes with an individual’s academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive educational environment

submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions
Forms of sexual harassment include but are not limited to the following:
Derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs; sexually-oriented sounds or remarks
Uninvited, unnecessary or offensive touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, brushing against
another person’s body, or impeding or blocking movement
Derogatory or offensive pictures, posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, or gestures
The severity of the disciplinary action will be based upon the circumstances of the infraction, and could
include expulsion from school. Repeated or serious violations may also result in filing of criminal
charges as deemed appropriate by the school.
Gambling
Gambling includes betting or wagering for money, favors, or fun.
The severity of the disciplinary action will be based upon the circumstances of the infraction, and could
include expulsion from school. Repeated or serious violations may also result in filing of criminal charges as
deemed appropriate by the school.
Damaging Of School Property
and/or Property of Others
(Misdemeanor)
Misdemeanor damage means damage to any school property or of others of $50.00 or less.
Level II Consequences include (but are not limited to): Dean Referral, parent meeting, loss of privileges, restorative
action, Saturday detention, Out of School Suspension, parent volunteer day(s), or community service.
Level III Violations:
Level III Violations include, but are not limited to:
Level III Violation
Description
Firearm, Weapon or Dangerous
Instrument
Any person found or observed on school property or school-sponsored event in possession of a firearm,
weapon or dangerous instrument (i.e. BB gun, bullet, pistol, rifle, gun, disguised gun, dagger, switchblade,
knife, box cutter, paint ball gun, dart gun, pepper spray or other noxious sprays, explosive or incendiary bomb
or other instrument, material or device that can cause physical injury etc.) must immediately be reported to
the Principal. Law enforcement officials shall be informed.
Terrorist threats/act mean a communication/act to commit violence, terrorize, evacuate building, or otherwise
cause serious public inconvenience or safety risk. Depending on the nature of the incident, law enforcement
officials may be informed.
This violation includes drug possession, use, or illicit activity on school grounds or at a school-sponsored
event. Illicit activity means the intent to use, sell, store, or purchase illegal substances, and paraphernalia.
School administrators will report the incident to the police and provide all information concerning the matter to
law enforcement authorities.
Theft means withholding, taking, or removal of personal or school property (including tests) without the
owner’s consent. Depending on the nature of the incident, law enforcement officials may be informed.
Terrorist Threats/Acts
Drug Possession, Use, or Illicit
Activity
Theft
Arson and/or Possession of
Fireworks and Other Explosive
Devices
Vandalism
Disorderly Conduct
Assault of Staff Members,
Vendors, Guests
Violence, Fighting & Fighting
with a Weapon
Sexual Misconduct
Arson means the malicious burning of another’s property. Students may not possess or use fireworks or the
paraphernalia needed to explode them—matches, lighters—on school grounds or during school activity.
Depending on the nature of the incident, law enforcement officials may be informed.
Vandalism includes intentional or reckless damage to, or attempt to damage, the property of another, or the
causing of damage while committing an act contrary to this code or to the law. Depending on the nature of
the incident, law enforcement officials may be informed.
Reckless behavior that could cause injury, including throwing objects (tables, chairs), pulling fire alarms, etc.
Any violent act against a faculty or staff member or a visitor to Mastery Charter may result in severe penalties,
including the filing a criminal complaint.
Violence includes physical aggression between two or more students that escalates into punching, wrestling,
knocking down, or damaging or destroying property. This means physical aggression typically that lasts
more than a few seconds and is not easily broken up. Any aggression that includes use of a weapon or use
of an implement as a weapon clearly falls into this category. In cases of violence with a weapon or violence
that results in injury, law enforcement officials will be informed.
This may include attempting or carrying out a sexual act with oneself or another person whether it is
consensual or non-consensual. Depending on the nature of the incident, law enforcement officials may be
informed.
Level III Consequences include (but are not limited to): Disciplinary Hearing and/or Expulsion Hearing
Students who have been identified to receive special education services and/or section 504 services may have additional
protections within the student discipline process.
Discipline Policy
Academic excellence can only be achieved within a highly structured environment. Safety, order, and student discipline are fundamental
to learning at KCS. While students need a challenging curriculum, dedicated teachers and proper materials, they must also have a
secure environment in which to learn. Any time spent dealing with student misbehavior is lost instructional time. Therefore, KCS
teachers and students are required to follow the routines and procedures of our school with strict precision. It is our responsibility to
maximize every second of our school day to provide our students with the knowledge and skills required to grant them access to
limitless opportunity. We can achieve this only by creating an environment that serves as the strongest platform for student
achievement. This platform is built and maintained through structure, intense attention to detail, consequences, rewards, and a deep
commitment and care for each and every student and our collective community.
At Kenderton Charter School, we have high expectations for the kind of people our students will grow to be. We believe that students
who demonstrate our PATH (Prepared/Professional, Attentive, Thoughtful, and Hardworking) core values will be empowered and
prepared to enter and be successful in high school and on the path to college. We believe that each student can reach high academic
standards, enjoy learning, achieve success and contribute actively to his or her community.
In order to maintain a school culture that nurtures students to develop in such a manner, our school-wide behavior system is a
prevention-based model, focused on modeling our core values, helping students reflect upon their behaviors (both positive and
negative), and teaching them to make positive choices.
Kenderton CS sets high expectations for student behavior, and reinforces positive choices in the classroom and school- wide. Students
are provided with multiple opportunities to demonstrate our core values and to learn to embody those they may be struggling with.
We do this by explicitly teaching students what we expect and providing appropriate reinforcement. Every adult in the school
models the core values for our students through his/her work habits, professionalism, and positive interactions. Our expectations
for students are evident in the relationships we build with students, our partnerships with families, and the quality of instruction in our
classrooms.
When students make poor choices, our behavior management system holds them immediately accountable to their behavior. This
helps students recognize that their behavior is a choice – positive choices are rewarded, while poor choices are addressed with
negative consequences. The behavior management system supports student development by always focusing on the belief in a child’s
capacity for positive choices.
In addition, we believe that our primary responsibility is to keep our children safe at all times. Kenderton CS reserves the right to
intervene using certified Handle With Care techniques to make sure children are prevented from hurting themselves or others.
Due Process
Authority of School Administration
Every teacher, designated supervisory personnel and/or school administrator, has the right to exercise the same
authority as to the conduct and behavior over the pupils during the time they are in attendance at school, including
traveling to and from school, as the parents or guardians may exercise over them.
When the Incident Occurs
Student must be brought to School Director / Dean of Students or administrator in charge.
The School Director / Dean of Students must inform the student of the complaint against him.
The student must be given an opportunity to respond with his side of story.
Exception to the rule: prior notice of the intended suspension need not be given when it is clear that the health, safety
or welfare of the school community is threatened.
Written notice of suspension will be prepared for parents and given to student. Notice should also be sent to the
Secretary of the Board. As a precautionary measure, a copy of the notice will be sent to the parent by certified mail.
Notice must contain reasons for suspension and if for more than three (3) days, see below
Suspension
Suspensions for 4 to 10 days (suspensions may not be made to run consecutively beyond the 10 school day period)
(1) Student and parent have the right to an informal hearing with School Director / Dean of Students
(2) Informal hearing requirements:
a. The informal hearing is meant to encourage the student's parents/guardian to meet with the School
Director Dean of Students to discuss ways by which future offenses can be avoided.
b. The steps below will be followed to ensure due process:
1. The student and the parent/guardian will be notified in writing as to the reasons for the suspension.
2. Sufficient notice will be provided with notice of the time and place of the informal hearing.
3. A student has the right to question any witnesses present at the informal hearing, and has the right
to speak and produce witnesses on his/her own behalf.
4. The informal hearing will be held within the first 5 days of the suspension.
For all suspensions, students shall have the responsibility to make up exams and work missed while being disciplined
by suspension and shall be permitted to complete these assignments within guidelines established by the Board.
Due Process Expulsion Procedures:
1. A Board decision is required to expel a student.
a. Expulsion is exclusion from school for more than 10 days. All expulsions require a prior formal hearing.
b. During the period prior to the hearing and decision of the Board of Trustees in an expulsion case, the
student, unless on suspension, shall be placed in his normal class except:
i. If it is determined after an informal hearing that a student's presence in his normal class would
constitute a threat to the health, safety, morals or welfare of others; and
ii. If it is not possible to hold a formal hearing within the period of a suspension, the student may be
excluded from school for more than 10 school days, if the formal hearing is not unreasonably
delayed.
2. Notification of the charges will be sent to the student's parents/guardian by certified mail.
3. Parents will be provided with sufficient notice of the time/place of the hearing.
4. The hearing will be held in private unless the student or parent requests a public hearing.
5. The student will have the right to be represented by counsel.
6. The student will have the right to be notified of the names of the witnesses against the student, and copies of the
statements and affidavits, if any, of those witnesses.
7. The student will have the right to request that any such witnesses appear in person and answer questions or be
cross-examined. (If witness is a minor, parental consent is required and must be given before the minor can appear)
8. The student will have the right to testify and present witnesses on his own behalf.
9. A record will be kept of the hearing, either by stenographer or by tape recorder.
10. The proceeding will be held with all reasonable speed.
11. In the event the student is dissatisfied with the results of the hearing, an appeal may be filed in accordance with the
Local Agency Law to the Court of Common Pleas within thirty (30) days of receipt of that Adjudication. If it is alleged
that a constitutional issue is involved, the student may be able to file a claim for relief in the Federal District Court.
Students and their parents/guardians will be apprised of these rights.
Description of the due process hearing
At the beginning of the hearing, a duly authorized committee of the Board, or a duly qualified hearing examiner, who
need not be a member of the board, but whose adjudication must be approved by the Board, (herein called Hearing
Officer) shall inform the student and the student’s representative(s) that:
The School’s and the student’s representatives shall have the right to examine and cross-examine witnesses; The
student has the privilege against self-incrimination, but that if the student does testify, he/she shall be subject to crossexamination; The Charter School has the burden of proving the charges by a preponderance of the credible evidence;
A transcript of the proceedings shall be maintained and made available to the student’s representative upon request;
and the hearing shall be private or open to the public, as determined by the student’s representative.
The person conducting the hearing shall not have intimate knowledge of the details of the charges to assure an
impartial, unbiased hearing of the case.
The Hearing Officer shall inform the parties that:
The case will proceed by having the school present its evidence through witnesses and other evidence first;
The school’s witnesses shall be subject to cross-examination by the student’s representative; and
The student will then have the opportunity to present witnesses on his/her behalf, subject to cross-examination by the
school’s representative.
Following the conclusion of the testimony and the introduction of other evidence matters, the parties shall be afforded
the opportunity to present oral arguments to the Hearing Officer indicating the reasons why the charges should be
sustained or dismissed.
Student Rights
1. This policy sets forth guidelines by which student rights are to be determined consistent with law.
2. The Board of Trustees has the authority and responsibility to establish reasonable rules and regulations for the
conduct and deportment of students of this school. At the same time, no student shall be deprived of equal treatment
and equal access to the educational program, due process, a presumption of innocence, and free expression and
association in accordance with these guidelines.
3. Attendant upon the rights established for each student are certain responsibilities, which include respect for the
rights of others, obedience to properly constituted school authority and compliance with the rules and regulations of this
school.
4. A student who has reached the age of 18 years possesses the full rights of an adult and may authorize those
school matters previously handled by his/her parents.
5. The School Director / Dean of Students shall observe the disciplinary procedures consistent with law and Board
policy to ensure that student rights under varying conditions are properly respected.
Appeal Process
A parent or guardian may make a written request to the School Leader to appeal a disciplinary action including but
not limited to short-term and long-term suspensions and expulsions within twenty-four hours of receiving
notification of the suspension. The School Leader will schedule the Appeal Hearing within two days of receiving
the written request. The student may be represented at the hearing only by parents or guardians and one
additional adult, who may be legal counsel, a member of the clergy, a social worker, etc. The hearing will be
conducted by the Principal. The hearing
shall be closed to the public and may include the presentation of evidence, testimony, and questioning of those
present. The hearing will not be recorded verbatim by stenographic, tape, or other means. The School Leader will
notify the parent or guardian of the decision within 24 hours of the Appeal Hearing. If the disciplinary decision
(suspension/expulsion) is overturned, the cumulative record of the student and any other school-maintained
records will reflect that conclusion.
If the disciplinary decision (suspension/expulsion) is upheld and the parent or guardian wants to continue the
appeal process, the parent or guardian may make a written request to the Kenderton CS Discipline Committee
within two days of receiving the Principal’s Appeal Hearing decision, stating why the suspension should be
reversed or modified. The Hearing Officer will schedule the Appeal Hearing within two days of receiving the
written request. The student may be
represented at the hearing only by parents or guardians and one additional adult, who may be legal counsel, a
member of the clergy, a social worker, etc.
The hearing will be conducted by the Kenderton CS Discipline Committee (as determined by the school leader).
The hearing shall be closed to the public and may include the presentation of evidence, testimony, and questioning
of those present. The hearing will not be recorded verbatim by stenographic, tape, or other means. The Kenderton
CS Discipline Committee will notify the parent or guardian of the decision within 24 hours of the Appeal Hearing. If
the disciplinary decision (suspension/expulsion) is overturned, the cumulative record of the student and any other
school-maintained records will reflect that conclusion.
If the disciplinary decision (suspension/expulsion)is upheld and the parent or guardian wants to continue the
appeal process, the parent or guardian make a written request to the Kenderton CS Board of Trustees, stating why
the suspension should be reversed or modified within two days of receiving the Kenderton CS Discipline
Committee Appeal Hearing decision. The Hearing Officer will schedule the Appeal Hearing within two days of
receiving the written request. The student may be represented at the hearing only by parents or guardians and one
additional adult, who may be legal counsel, a member of the clergy, a social worker, etc. The hearing will be
conducted by the Kenderton CS Board of Trustees Discipline Committee. The hearing shall be closed to the
public and may include the presentation of evidence, testimony, and questioning of those present. The hearing will
not be recorded verbatim by stenographic, tape, or other means. The Kenderton CS’ Board of Trustees will notify
the parent or guardian of the decision within 24 hours of the Appeal Hearing. If the disciplinary decisions
overturned, the cumulative record of the student and any other school-maintained records will reflect that
conclusion. If the Kenderton CS Board of Trustees Discipline Committee upholds the suspension, the suspension
shall be imposed, and such decision will be final.