Pennbrook Middle School
2014-2015
Mr. Galante, Principal
Mr. Dukeman, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Schofield, 7th Grade Counselor
Mr. Clancy, 8th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Flocco, 9th Grade Counselor
Mr. Bauer, Athletic Director
Mrs. Garifalos, Secretary to the Principal
Mrs. McConaghy, Secretary to the Assistant Principal
Mrs. Lancia, Guidance Secretary,
Mrs. Bowers, Attendance Secretary
Mrs. Behrens, Main Office Receptionist
(215) 699-9287 School Office
School Closing Code # 303
www.npenn.org
2014-2015 School Agenda Book
The Agenda Book has been designed to provide Pennbrook's students and parents
with general information about Pennbrook, the “2014-2015 North Penn Middle
Schools Student Information Handbook” and the “Student Discipline and
Attendance Responsibility Information” are included. The Agendas are intended to
be used by students on a daily basis to keep track of both nightly and long-range
assignments
Name______________________________________________ Homeroom___________
2014-2015 Important Dates
8/28/14
9/02/14
9/5/14
9/11/14
9/16/14
9/18/14
9/18/14
9/23/14
10/23/14
10/23/14
10/29/14
10/24/14
11/03/14
11/13/14
11/18/14
11/26-11/28
12/24 -1/5/15
1/8/15
1/20/15
1/19/15
2/3/15
2/5/15
2/6/15
2/16/15
3/6/15
3/17/15
3/12,13&14/15
4/17/15
4/2,3,6/15
4/24/15
4/13 - 5/1/15
5/13-5/17/15
5/19/15
4/29/15
5/25/15
6/2/15
6/3/14
6/4/15
6/8,9,10/15
6/11/15
7/8th Grade New Students Orientation
First Student Day
First Friday Celebration for Parents
7th Grade After Party
Home and School
Student Picture Day
Back to School Night
Hearing Screenings
Career Day
7th Grade Read-in
PB Picture Re-Take Day
Halloween Dance
Parent Teacher Conferences
Barnes & Noble Night
Home & School
Thanksgiving Holiday
Winter Break
NJHS Induction Ceremony
Home and School
Martin Luther King Day
8th/9th Course Selection Night
7th Course Selection Night
Valentine’s Dance
Presidents Day
Basketball Classic
Home & School
School Play
6th/7th Grade Dance
Spring Break
9th Grade Day of Service
Window for PSSA English Language, Math and
Science
Spring Keystone Exams
Home & School
Red & Blue Day
Memorial Day
7th Grade Awards
8th Grade Awards
9th Grade Awards
Proposed Student Exam Dates
Proposed Last Day of School for Students
8-11:15 am
8-9am
3:15pm
7-8 pm
8-2pm
7pm
8:15am
8-11:00 am
5:30-7:00pm
9-10am
7-9pm
8-2:55pm
5:30 – 9pm
7-8pm
No School
No School
7-9pm
5-7:00pm
No School
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7-9pm
No School
7-10pm
7-8pm
7:00pm
7-8:30pm
No School
All Day
7-8pm
8-11:50am
No School
11:20-11:50am
11:20-11:50am
8:30am-10:00 am
PENNBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
2014 – 2015
Student Responsibilities
Homeroom & Lunch Study Guidelines
MORNING HOMEROOM





After going to your locker, please report directly to homeroom.
Once you arrive in homeroom, do not leave homeroom without a pass from your
homeroom teacher or the teacher you are going to see.
If you are not in homeroom by 8:10, please report directly to the main office to speak
with the Attendance Secretary for a late pass. You will not be admitted to
homeroom without a late pass from the attendance secretary.
Please sit in your assigned seat and wait for the 8:10am bell.
Due to the importance of the information provided during the morning
announcements, there is absolutely no talking during the announcements.
LUNCH STUDY GUIDELINES
Time
Lunch Study
Pass needed
11:15 to
11:20
Students go to bathroom, locker and report to HR prior to 11:20
None
11:20
Students seated in HR. Lunch Study teacher closes door,
Students arriving after door is closed are late. No one leaves
room.
11:20 to
11:25
Homeroom is silent, students are seated.
11:25
Students that have a Lavender intervention pass, or Blue IMC
Pass, present the pass to the Lunch Study Teacher, signs out in
LS classroom log and leaves for the designated classroom.
Student arrives at designated classroom, signs into classroom
log, gives intervention teacher or IMC the pass and stays with
intervention teacher or IMC until 11:53. Student does not leave
IMC or intervention room for any reason.
Students remaining in Lunch Study Homeroom work quietly from
11:25 to 11:53.
Lavender
Pass signed
by
Intervention
Teacher
11:35
Student requesting to see another teacher gets a Light Green
pass from LS Teacher, signs out in classroom log and travels to
the new classroom. Students arrives at new classroom, gives the
pass to the Teacher, signs in at second classroom’s log sheet,
and stays with that teacher until 11:53
Light Green
Pass signed
by LS
Teacher
11:53
Bell rings ending LS
None
PENNBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Team Lunch Study Intervention
2014-2015
The Pennbrook Middle School Lunch Study Intervention Program is designed to provide
teachers and students time outside of the normal class period to guarantee student
academic success.
Students will be pulled from their homeroom during lunch study to meet with a
teacher either individually or in a small group setting for a variety of reasons.
Pennbrook's Teachers work very diligently in making sure that their students have
grasped material during class time, and the Intervention Program provides further
time for the student to master the content.
The following list includes some of the many reasons that students may be asked by
teachers to participate in Intervention.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Make-up Test/Quiz/Homework.
Extended time to Re-Teach information currently covered in class.
Review for upcoming Test/Quiz.
Re-write/Re-do Projects. Progress check for projects.
Allow time for students to work in small group setting on an assignment
or project.
Provide clarification of class notes.
Complete lab.
Assist with organization of class materials/notebooks.
Student Teacher Conference.
Low Grades (D,F).
Test/Quiz corrections.
Makeup Homework.
The Pennbrook Middle School Lunch Study and Intervention Programs are designed to
help students. Students are encouraged to utilize Lunch Study in a proactive manner as
well, in seeing their teachers for extra assistance, even if they are not requested by the
teacher to participate in the Intervention program.
The Pennbrook Intervention Program is instrumental in ensuring student success. Please
remember as students that when a teacher requests that you meet him/her for
Intervention, it is not a punishment. Your teachers are working hard to make sure you
succeed, and we expect that your efforts match that of theirs.
PENNBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activities & Athletics
2014 - 2015
Art Club
Theatre
9th Grade Boys Basketball
Ski Club
Talent Show
7/8th Grade Boys Basketball
En-Act Club
Treble Choir
9th Grade Softball
German Club
Volunteer Corp
7/8th Grade Softball
Jazz Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
9th Grade Baseball
Literary Magazine
Yearbook Club
7/8th Grade Baseball
National Junior Honor Society
9th Grade Football
9th Grade Girls Track
Orchestra
7/8th Grade Football
7/8th Grade Girls Track
Reading Olympics
9th Grade Boys Soccer
9th Grade Boys Track
Red and Blue Day
9th Grade Girls Soccer
7/8th Grade Boys Track
Science Fair
7/8th Grade Co-Ed Soccer
9th Grade Girls Lacrosse
S.W.A.A.G
9th Grade Field Hockey
7/8th Grade Girls Lacrosse
Volleyball Club
7/8th Grade Field Hockey
9th Grade Boys Lacrosse
Student Council
Cheerleading
7/8th Grade Wrestling
7/8th Grade Girls Basketball
9th Grade Wrestling
9th Grade Girls Basketball
Dodgeball Club
Frisbee Club
Newspaper
***All Athletic Physical Forms are available for download at the Pennbrook website:
http://www.npenn.org/pennbrookms/site/default.asp. All Fall athletes must have their
physical forms signed and returned before the start of practice in order to participate.
Pennbrook * Penndale * Pennfield
STUDENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK 2014-2015
Contents
I. General Information
Assemblies, Bicycle Racks, Cafeteria,
Dress Code, Homebound, Homework,
Harassment/Bullying, Items Not
Permitted, Lockers, Lost and Found,
Physical Education Regulations, School
Spirit, Student I.D., Student Rights and
Responsibilities, Technology,
Telephones, Textbooks, Visitors to
School
II. Transportation
Early Bus Arrival, Late Buses, Bus and Bus
Stops
III. Attendance
Absences/Student Attendance,
Returning Absence Excuses,
Vacation/Family Trips, Unlawful
Absence , Tardiness Procedures, MakeUp Work, Passes for Leaving School,
Class Absence/Tardiness
IV. Health & Safety
Accidents, Information Verification
Sheets, Fire Drills, Health Services,
Medications, Records, Student
Insurance
V. Grading
Reporting Procedure, Interim Reports,
Promotion Requirements, Summer
School Remediation, Honor Roll, Final
Exams, Obligations
VI. Eligibility
VII. Counseling Services
Change of Address, Student Schedule
Changes, Transfer and Withdrawal
Procedures, Working Papers, Parent
Conferences
VII. Discipline
Detention, Saturday School, Suspension
Emergency School Closing
For up-to-the-minute school closing,
delayed starting time, or early dismissal
information, look to North Penn Television
(NPTV) first. NPTV can be found on
Comcast Cable channel 28 and Verizon
FIOS channel 29. Regularly updated
information can also be heard by calling
the district’s INFORM-A-PHONE at 215-3687663. In addition, information will be
announced by WNPV radio (1440 AM).
(Other radio stations might use the district
code when announcing school closings.
The North Penn School District number is
303.) Reports in the morning will be
between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. If no report is
heard, it can be assumed that school will
be in session.
School Messenger: Providing up-to-the-minute accurate information in emergency situations is
extremely important. NPSD uses a software program called “School Messenger” to send messages to
specified telephone numbers and email addresses of your choice within a matter of minutes. Examples
of when School Messenger is used include school closings due to power outages, security threats, or
early dismissals in the case of bad weather. NPSD will continue to use NPTV, www.npenn.org and local
media outlets for public communication. It is important that you make sure your contact information is
up-to-date and accurate by notifying your school office when changes are made. This will enable the
district to disseminate information to all of its families and staff members in the most time-efficient
manner possible.
* Students who do not adhere to the regulations outlined in this booklet will be disciplined according to
the North Penn School District Code of Student Discipline and Attendance Responsibilities.
I. General Information
Assemblies: Assemblies are a part of the educational program of our school. All students are expected
to be considerate of the presenters and other listeners. Conversations and distractions are
inappropriate. Discourteous behavior may cause removal of those responsible.
Bicycle Racks: Racks for parking bicycles are available. Students should lock their bicycles.
Cafeteria: The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school
community. In order to encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced breakfast and lunch are offered at
reasonable prices. Beverages and sensible snacks are also sold through the serving lines each day.
The cafeteria management and fellow students will appreciate student cooperation in the following:
(1) Return all trays. (2) Leave the table and the floor around your seat in a clean condition for others.
(3) Students should conduct themselves in an orderly fashion.
No food may be taken out of the cafeteria. The school maintains a closed lunch period and students
are not permitted to leave the school for lunch. Large quantities of food for celebrations or birthday
parties are not permitted during normal lunch periods. Members of the professional staff are assigned
to the cafeteria to maintain student management and control. Misuse of the cafeteria will result in
suspension from the cafeteria and an assignment to a special lunch area.
Dress Code: Appropriate clothing for students in a school setting is one of the factors which contributes
to a reasonable and acceptable level of student behavior. The atmosphere in the school is affected
by what students wear. NPSD believes that articles of clothing oriented to summer, the beach, the pool
or recreation are inappropriate for an educational setting.
To ensure that both the home and school can take pride in the appearance of students, the
administration has set the following dress code regulations:
T-shirts or other clothing bearing references to drugs, tobacco products, alcohol, sex or those
references which are ethnically/culturally offensive are inappropriate for school. Half shirts, muscle
shirts, fishnet tops, halter tops, tube tops and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Tops that are cut-off,
low-cut or expose too much of the anatomy are not permitted. Attire such as shorts and skirts should
extend to the fingertips or beyond. Bare midriffs and open backs are inappropriate. Exposure of any
undergarments is not permitted. Hats, bandanas or head coverings (except for health or religious
reasons) are not to be worn in the building. Emerging fashion trends which are not cited above will be
evaluated by the administration according to the above guidelines.
For reasons of safety and/or health, special dress or grooming regulations may be required in special
areas like laboratories, shops, gymnasiums, etc.
Homebound Instruction: Homebound instruction is a temporary, short-term educational process serving
as a bridge to the general education program at each of the three NPSD middle schools. Assignment
of homebound instruction is based only upon medical recommendations and reviewed by
administration for approval. Instruction for homebound is limited to one hour per week for each of the
five major subjects as determined by the principal. Homebound instruction is initiated through the
Health Suite. Medical authorization for homebound students must be renewed every 90 days.
Homework: Home study is a necessary part of each student’s educational program. Each student is
expected to spend time in addition to scheduled class instruction to achieve satisfactory work.
Homework assignments should average a minimum of five academic hours, one hour per subject per
week. This will be representative of core academic disciplines, but may include other encore subjects.
Some assignments are long range in nature and require planned study time for their completion.
Planned study eliminates the necessity of spending too much time in completing an assignment the
day before it is due.
Harassment/Bullying: Harassment in any form, including bullying or hazing, creates a climate that is not
conducive to learning and is prohibited. The school board strives to provide a safe, positive learning
climate for students in the schools. Consequently, the school district will not tolerate any acts of bullying
occurring on school property, at school-sponsored activities scheduled on or off school grounds, or
during the time students necessarily spend traveling to and from school or school-sponsored activities.
Items Not Permitted in Academic Settings: Cellular phones, balloons, skateboards, portable
radio/cd/mp3 players, iPads or iPods brought from home, two-way radios, laser devices, video
cameras and handheld video games are prohibited by students on school premises during the school
day unless a request is received from the student’s parent or guardian and approved by the
superintendent or his/her designee. Additionally, students are at all times prohibited from using camera
phones or any videotaping device to photograph, capture an image of or videotape another student
on school grounds or buses without the student’s knowledge and express consent. If these items are
found to be in use during school hours, they will be confiscated and held in the main office.
Confiscated items may be returned only to a parent. Tobacco products of any kind are prohibited, as
are lighters and matches. Students who do not adhere to this regulation will be disciplined according
to the North Penn School District Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities.
Lockers: Students are assigned lockers where they may store possessions and books. The locker remains
the property of the school. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a clean and sanitary locker.
Students having difficulty with their locker should report this problem to their homeroom teacher.
Students will be held accountable for any damage to the locker assigned to them. According to the
Student Bill of Rights, “School authorities may search a student’s locker and seize any illegal materials.
Such materials may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary, juvenile or criminal
proceedings. When a student’s locker is to be searched, the student shall be notified and given an
opportunity to be present.” However, when school authorities have a “reasonable suspicion” that the
locker contains materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare and safety of students in the
school, student lockers may be searched without prior warning.
Lost and Found: Students who find lost articles are asked to take them to the “lost and found.” Lost
articles which are not claimed within a reasonable time will be given to a designated charitable
institution.
Physical Education Regulations: All students are required to:
(1) Wear neat and clean regulation physical education uniforms, marked with the owner’s name. (2)
Remove all earrings and jewelry. (3) Bring a sweatshirt and sweatpants for chilly days when classes are
held outdoors. (4) Bring a towel, if needed.
Students may purchase gym suits at the student store.
In early September, depending on the school, all students will receive a combination lock, or the
teacher will lock the locker room at the beginning of class. Students are responsible to return the lock
at the end of the school year or pay for its replacement.
School Spirit: School spirit may be divided into three categories:
(1) Courtesy and Respect-Toward teachers, fellow students, and the officials of the school activities. (2)
Pride-In everything our school endeavors to accomplish and has accomplished. (3) SportsmanshipShowing respect for your opponent and graciousness in winning and losing. School spirit means loyalty
to all functions of the school. Loyal students support their school and do their utmost to keep scholastic
and behavioral standards at the highest possible levels.
Student I.D.: In early September, all students are photographed by the school photographer. Several
picture packages are available for student purchase. One make-up day for absentees and retakes is
scheduled, usually in November. The photographer provides I.D. badges at no cost to all students.
Students are expected to have their I.D.s in their possession while in school or attending school
functions. A $3 fee is charged for replacing lost or missing I.D. badges.
Student Rights and Responsibilities: The Pennsylvania State Department of Education has published a
statement of student rights and responsibilities. This document complements the North Penn School
District Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities and is available in the building principal’s office.
Students are encouraged to read these guidelines and meet with any administrator should a
clarification be needed.
Technology: Guidelines for student use of computers and related technology are outlined in the
district’s “Acceptable Use Policy.”
Telephones: Any misuse of telephones is a violation of state and federal crime codes.
Textbooks: The school furnishes books to all students. Book labels should be filled out completely and
initialed by the teacher who issues the book. The expected useful life of a textbook is five years.
Reasonable depreciation is expected as a result of daily use. Unreasonable damage to or loss of a
textbook will result in replacement cost for the book based on a depreciation plan (a 20% reduction
each year in the cost of the book for up to five years). If a textbook is lost within the first year of use, full
replacement cost will be required at the time of loss. If the book is lost at the end of the first year, a 20%
reduction in the cost of the book will apply. All fees must be paid in the school’s main office.
Visitors to School: Student visitation during the school day is not permitted. All adult visitors should report
to the main office.
II. Transportation
Early Bus Arrival: Students who arrive at school early are to report to the cafeteria or other designated
area.
Late Buses: Transportation will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. for students
participating in most after school activities.
Bus and Bus Stops: Bus schedules are made available at www.npenn.org for district families before
school opens in September. Each student is expected to ride the bus assigned at the beginning of the
school year. To ride any bus other than the one assigned requires a written request from the parent or
guardian. Students going to a friend’s house after school must also have a note from that parent.
Students should bring these requests to the office to obtain a bus pass. On early dismissal days,
requests to ride another bus will be denied.
Students should adhere to the following guidelines: (1) Be at the bus stop 10 minutes before the
scheduled time of your stop. Wait at least one half hour, weather permitting, if the bus is late. Wait in an
orderly fashion and respect the property and lawns of others. Wait until the bus comes to a complete
stop before boarding. Keep hands and heads inside the bus at all times. Be courteous to fellow
students and to the bus driver. Remember that the same rules which apply while on school property
also apply while riding the school bus. (2) The following behaviors are not acceptable on the bus and
may result in disciplinary action (including bus suspension): loud talking; horseplay; throwing anything in
or out of the bus; leaving seats while bus is in motion; diverting the driver’s attention; tampering with or
vandalizing the bus.
III. ATTENDANCE
Student Responsibilities: Students must attend all scheduled classes unless an absence is
authorized. Not only is daily attendance required by the School Code of Pennsylvania, it is
also essential for the successful completion of courses. Parents and guardians are asked to
call the school by 8:10am to report a student absent or tardy.
All absences from school will be treated as unlawful unless a parent/guardian provides a
written excuse or has phone conversation with an attendance secretary that contains
satisfactory evidence of a mental, physical or other urgent reason for the absence. The
determination of whether the excuse properly contains satisfactory evidence shall be made
exclusively by the school principal or his/her designee. Examples of “mental, physical or
other urgent reasons” include illness, family emergency, death of a family member, medical
or dental appointments, authorized school activities, and educational travel with prior
approval. A written excuse or phone call must be provided to the school within three
calendar days of the absence. North Penn School District does not accept notification for
students’ absences via email. Students with one or more unlawful absences may be assigned
disciplinary consequences. In addition, repeat unlawful absences may result in referral to
civil authorities for truancy proceedings.
Returning Absence Excuses: Upon returning to school following an absence, students are
expected to provide a completed excuse form, signed by a parent or guardian, to the
homeroom or period 1 teacher within three school days of the absence. Homeroom or period
1 teacher will record receipt of written excuse and forward to the appropriate office. If a
parent/guardian has called the student does not need a written excuse.
Permissible Reasons for Absence from School per
North Penn School District:
(Please note the determination of whether the excuse properly contains satisfactory evidence
of mental, physical or other urgent reasons shall be made exclusively by the school principal
or his/her designee.)
1. Personal illness
2. Quarantine of the individual home
3. Death in the immediate family
4. Impassable roads
5. Educational trip with parent or guardian. This must include a written request and preapproval by the building administration.
6. Religious holiday
7. Suspension from school
8. Required court appearance
9. Exceptional urgent reasons-must pertain to the student as determined by the principal or
assistant principal.
Attendance Procedures (To School):
1. Once a student arrives on school property, the student may not leave school property until
dismissal time without administrative permission. Failure to comply with this procedure will
result in disciplinary action.
2. Parents are required to call the school office and/or send in a written, signed excuse for all
absences.
3. If written excuses are not provided within three school days of the date of absence or a
parent phone call has not been received by the home office, the days of absence will be
considered unlawful. Administrative Regulation 5144 (c) explains the school response to
unlawful absences. (See page ?).
4. Written requests for educational/family trips are required at least one week prior to the
trip. The written request must be turned in to the attendance office. Trips of this nature
should not exceed five days per year and are discouraged because they interrupt a student’s
academic progress. Students are responsible for all class work when on a family trip and/or
educational trip.
5. After ten cumulative days of absences, the student’s attendance record will be reviewed,
and a letter will be sent to the parent along with a copy of the attendance regulations.
6. Medical excuses will be required in cases of questionable absences and for absences
exceeding fifteen (15) cumulative days per school year. Absences without medical excuse
will be regarded as unlawful and will be subject to appropriate consequences.
7. In cases of unlawful absences and unexcused tardies, students may not be permitted to
make up missed work.
8. After three days of unlawful absences, an Official Notice of Child’s Illegal Absences will
be mailed and a copy will be given to the home and school visitor.
9. The parents/guardians of students who have exceeded three unlawful absences for the
school year will be invited to meet with school personnel in order to develop an Attendance
Improvement Plan (AIP). These unlawful absences may then be referred to the district
magistrate for possible fines or to Montgomery County Children and Youth.
Truancy, tardiness, and unexcused absences are behaviors which are subject to a disciplinary
response. Unmodified behaviors of this type may be interpreted as Level IV misconduct and,
therefore, subject to disciplinary responses including recommendation for expulsion or
alternative school placement.
Vacation/Family Trips
Parents or guardians who wish to take their children out of school for a vacation or family
trip must submit a written request to the attendance secretary PRIOR to the vacation or
family trip. Students are responsible for obtaining advance assignments from their teachers
and for making up all missed work and tests.
NOTE: All assignments should be completed and submitted to teachers on the day the
student returns. Students are allowed the same number of days to make up missed tests as the
number of days absent.
Tardiness Procedures
Tardy to School
1. Students are expected to arrive to all assigned classes before the bell rings.
2. Permissible reasons for tardiness to school are:
• Medical or dental reasons (documented by a medical provider in a written note to the
home office).
• Social agency referrals.
• Exceptional/urgent reasons - must pertain to the student as determined by the
principal or assistant principal (explained in a written note to the office upon arrival).
3. Disciplinary action will be assigned for unexcused tardiness to school:
• Unexcused tardies resulting in class absence are regarded as a class cut.
• Students who are tardy without parental awareness are considered unlawful absences.
4. Students who are excessively late will be asked to bring a note from their
parents/guardians explaining their lateness. An accumulation of unexcused latenesses may
result in a notice of unlawful absence.
5. Parental notes to excuse tardiness to school are limited to a maximum of five per semester.
Additional tardies will be referred to the assistant principal for parental contact.
6. Students who are late to school must report directly to the attendance office.
Tardy to Class
Students are expected to arrive on time to class. “On time to class” is defined as being in the
classroom prepared to work when the bell rings to signal the start of the period. Teachers will
report lateness to class to the appropriate assistant principal.
Response to Unlawful Absences – Students Under the Age of 17
If written excuse or phone call is not provided for a student within three days of the absence,
the absence will be unexcused.
For students under the age of 17, any unexcused absence is considered unlawful.
*This process should be managed through the Child Study Team process at each school.
Weekly report should be utilized to monitor student attendance at Child Study Team.
1. First Unlawful Absence
2. Second Unlawful Absence
3. Third Unlawful Absence
1. Automated phone call by
10:00a.m.
1. Automated phone call by
10:00a.m.
1. Same phone call procedure will
be followed from previous steps.
2. Secretary phone call is
made to notify of the absence
4. of
Fourth
Unlawful
by end
the date
of the Absences
absence.
2. Secretary phone call is made
to notify of the absence by end
of the date of the absence.
2. If unable to excuse absence,
the following steps will be
followed:
1. Same phone call procedure will be
followed from previous steps.
After receiving written notification from
third unlawful absence and student has
another unlawful absence, the school
coordinates a school/family conference to
develop an Attendance Improvement Plan
(AIP) within one week.
5b. If there is a subsequent unlawful
Home and
SchoolorOfficer
will notify
parent
absence
(whether
not parent
agreed
to
of violation of AIP and that the absences
AIP) at any time during the school year
will be prosecuted in accordance with
and three (3) days passed since parent’s
truancy
laws.& Safety
IV. Health
received
official notice of third unlawful
absence.
Written notification is sent by
school and copy given to Home
and school visitor and guidance
counselor within 24 to 48 hours.
5a. If parent agrees to AIP and there
Letter will inform parents of legal
are no subsequent absences. Student
consequences of truancy and
attendance is monitored for
inform them of next steps if
compliance.
another unlawful absence occurs.
6. Home and school visitor determines if
referral to local children and youth agency
or a citation to the magisterial district
judge is appropriate.
Child Study Team will need to determine
whether it may be appropriate to issue a
permission to evaluate for the student.
Accidents: Every accident in the school building, on the grounds at practice sessions or athletic events
sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the health suite.
Information Verification Sheets: Each year the Health Suite must have a new information verification
sheet on file for each student detailing emergency and health information. These sheets are
distributed on the first day of the school year and should be reviewed, signed by the parent/guardian
and returned to the health suite no later than the end of the first week of school.
Fire Drills: Fire drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution. It is
essential that when the first signal is given, everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by
the prescribed route as quickly as possible. The teacher in each classroom will give instructions to the
students.
Health Services: The Health Suite is located on the first floor, next to the guidance offices. School and
staff nurses provide service for all students who may be ill or injured during the school day. If necessary,
parents/guardians may be called to take their child home from school. The nurse is responsible for
checking students with suspected contagious diseases. A student with a suspected contagious
condition may be sent home from school. These students may return to school when specific guidelines
have been met based upon the contagious condition.
Medications: Medication must be brought to the Health Suite in the original container for administration
by the school nurse. At no time should students have any medication in their possession during the
school day.
Prescription medication must be brought to the Health Suite in the original container accompanied by
a note signed by a physician with the complete instructions for dispensing. A note from the
parent/guardian giving permission to administer must also accompany the medication.
Non-prescription (Over the Counter) medication must be in the original container and labeled with the
student’s name, grade and date. A note signed by the physician and/or parent with complete
instructions for dispensing must accompany these medications. The nurse will be unable to administer
medication without the appropriate container or permission.
Records: The school nurse maintains health records for each student and conducts yearly state
mandated screenings for vision, height and weight. Hearing screenings are conducted in kindergarten
through third grade. Scoliosis screening and a physical examination are required in sixth grade. A
dental examination is required in first and third grade.
Student Insurance: All students will be covered during school time hours with a limited school accident
insurance. The company name is Bollinger, Inc. (866-267-0092) and the insurance is underwritten by
Monumental Life Insurance Company. As with any insurance, if you already have a primary insurance,
your primary insurance at home should be used first.
A supplemental accident insurance is also available to all students for purchase at costs that range
roughly from $27 to $103. This supplemental insurance offers 24-hour accident coverage and also has a
dental accident option. The insurance is to cover your student for accidents only. It is not medical
insurance for regular illnesses. Application forms are available in each school upon request. Since this is
limited insurance, parents are asked to read the descriptive folders very carefully before completing
and returning the insurance form. Please note that a school district is usually not liable for accidents
which occur during school time on a playground or in gym class, etc. It is for your benefit to purchase
this insurance if you do not have any kind of medical or dental coverage for your child or if you are
looking for supplemental insurance. The district recommends that all students be covered by accident
insurance if they are not covered on a policy at home. Please see the aforementioned information on
how to purchase school accident insurance if you are interested in doing so. In the event you need to
submit a claim for an accident that occurred at school, the claim form will need to be obtained from
the school with them having completed the school portion.
If you have any questions or need assistance facilitating a claim, please feel free to contact the
Business Office at 215-853-1011.
V. Grading
The North Penn Middle School grading system is designed to keep students and their parents informed
of academic progress and of trends in scholastic performance. Students are encouraged to discuss
their quarterly and final grades with their parents, teachers and counselor and to use the grades as a
measuring stick for self-evaluation and for making educational decisions.
Reporting Procedures: All students receive academic reports four times each year for nine-week
periods. Report cards are sent home with the students during the first two marking periods and mailed
home for the third and fourth marking periods. In addition, an Interim Report will be issued to all
students at the midpoint of each marking period.
Reporting Procedures:
Grades 7 & 8
The following letters are used for reporting:
A+— (97-100)
F —Failure (Below 65)
A — (90-96)
I — Incomplete
B+— (87-89)
P — Pass
B — (80-86)
M — Medical Excuse
C+— (77-79)
N — No Grade
C — (70-76)
WP — Withdrew Passing
D — (65-69)
WF — Withdrew Failing
Grade 9
Ninth grade students should be aware of the fact that (1) the credits they earn are part of a four-year
sequence toward meeting the requirements for graduation and, (2) the grades they receive are
recorded on their high school transcripts when applying for college admission. The following letters are
used for reporting:
A+— (97-100)
P — Pass
A — (90-96)
M — Medical Excuse
B+— (87-89)
N — No Grade
B — (80-86)
WP — Withdrew Passing
C+— (77-79)
WF — Withdrew Failing
C — (70-76)
FINAL GRADE: E — 50-64
D — (65-69)
(Remediation possible)
F — Failure (Below 65) FINAL GRADE: F — Below 50
I — Incomplete
(Cannot be remediated)
All numeric averages would be rounded to the nearest whole number.
Interim Reports: Interim reports will be issued at the midpoint of each marking period to report progress
to date.
Promotional Requirements:
Grades 7 & 8
Promotion to the next grade level is assured for students who successfully pass all required major
subjects (with the exception of foreign language, business and reading support). Students who fail one
or two subjects must remediate the subject either in the North Penn Summer Education program
(Summer School) or through an approved private tutoring program before moving to the next grade.
The tutoring program consists of securing thirty hours in each failed subject (maximum of two) by a
tutor who holds state certification in the tutored subject. Following the tutoring, the student must pass
the Goal One final examination in the failed subject(s). Students who fail two or more courses and do
not remediate the subjects either in the North Penn Summer Education program or through an
approved private tutoring program might not be permitted to repeat these courses during the regular
school year and may repeat the grade.
Promotional Requirements:
Grade 9:
Ninth grade students must earn a minimum of 4.0 credits for promotion to tenth grade. Students who
have less than 4.0 credits may be retained at the ninth grade level or assigned with ninth grade status
at the high school. This determination will be made by the secondary principals after summer school
remediation is completed and grades are posted.
Promotion to
Required Credits
Grade 10 ............Minimum of 4.0
Grade 11 ............Minimum of 11.0
Grade 12 ............Minimum of 16.5
A NPHS graduate must have successfully earned 23 credits.
Promotional Requirements: Grade 9 cont.:
For the class of 2013 and beyond, GPA will be calculated at the end of each academic year. All
students are included and GPA will be cumulative from grades nine through twelve. Please refer to
page 7 of the Program of Studies for more specific information on GPA calculation procedures.
Summer School Remediation: Students who fail classes in English, social studies, mathematics, science,
reading, health or physical education may (in most cases) remediate the failure by attending a fiveweek summer education program. Additional information will be available in the Summer Education
Brochure which may be obtained from your guidance counselor in June.
Honor Roll: Students who maintain an average of 3.0 will be named to the honor roll at the North Penn
Middle Schools. Students who maintain an average of 3.8 will be named to the distinguished honor roll.
Final Exams: Final exams will be given in June to all students in the subjects of English, mathematics,
science, social studies, foreign language, business, reading and health. The value of the
comprehensive final will be worth 16% of the student’s final grade. A special schedule will be
developed regarding specific times for each exam and for transportation.
Obligations for Students in Grades 7 through 11: All obligations should be resolved by the end of the
school or at designated times during the school year for students to participate in selected school
activities. Unresolved obligations may result in future schedule assignments being withheld.
VI. Eligibility
Athletics, music, drama, student government and other activities are available for middle school
students. Academic eligibility guidelines are: Athletes and students who are members of groups or
clubs that meet on a daily or regular basis will be ineligible to participate if they are (1) failing two onecredit subjects or (2) failing a one credit subject and two partial credit subjects. If a student has an
incomplete grade for two consecutive weeks in a subject, that incomplete grade will be considered a
failure for that subject.
A student will be placed on probation for ten school days if the student is failing a one-credit subject
and a partial credit subject, OR two partial credit subjects. If, at the end of the probationary period,
the student is still failing a one-credit subject and a partial credit subject, OR two partial credit subjects,
the student will become ineligible. Eligibility shall be cumulative from the beginning of a grading period
and shall be reported on a weekly basis. In cases where a student’s cumulative work from the
beginning of the grading period does not meet the standards each week, the student shall be
ineligible for the following Sunday through Saturday (PIAA Regulations). In cases where a student’s work
in the preceding grading period does not meet the standards of the eligibility guidelines for student
athletes, the student shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for 20 school days of the
next grading period beginning on the first day report cards are issued.
VII. Counseling Services
Counseling services are aimed at helping each student have the most successful school experience
possible. Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge by building upon previous experiences,
developing a deeper understanding of their strengths and needs and gaining an understanding of
themselves and their relationship to the changing world in which they live. The guidance curriculum
consists of structured experiences presented systematically through classroom and group activities. The
purpose of the curriculum is to provide all students with information to plan and manage their own
personal and career development, as well as their ongoing learning. Counselors work with students in
large and small groups as well as individually. With parental permission, students who wish to work with
others on finding solutions to concerns that prevent them from doing their best in school will have
group counseling opportunities. Counselors are responsible for interpreting standardized test(s), such as
the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) and the Otis Lennon Scholastic Aptitude Test, and reviewing these
results with students. Students may arrange for a conference by completing an appointment form in
the counseling center. If the need for a conference is urgent, students are asked to alert the guidance
secretary who will see that a counselor contacts the student as soon as possible. Each middle school
guidance office and the district’s Family Welcome Center, located at the Educational Services Center,
have a number of excellent books and pamphlets to help parents work with adolescents. These books
are available to parents who wish to borrow them.
Change of Address: Please notify the home office and guidance office of your child’s school if you
change your address or telephone number.
Student Schedule Changes: Students are expected to accept responsibility for decisions they make in
selecting courses. After June 30, no change requests will be approved except those involving an error
on the part of the school.
Transfer and Withdrawal Procedures: The procedure for transfer and withdrawal is as follows: (1) Transfer
to another school district-Prior to the date of the move, parents or guardians should come to the
guidance office to complete a transfer form, stating the probable date of the move, the new address
and, if known, the school district into which you will move. (2) Withdrawal from school-The Pennsylvania
state law requires a student to attend school regularly. The only legal excuses for prolonged absence
or withdrawal prior to age 17 basically fall into two categories.
Homebound Instruction: See the guidance counselor to obtain an appropriate form which must be
completed by a physician.
Working Papers: Pennsylvania state law requires that all students under 18 obtain working papers
before beginning work. Available in the main office, part-time working papers (yellow) must be
completed by all students planning to work on any part-time basis. Preliminary, full-time (white) working
papers must be completed before any student less than 17 years of age may withdraw from school.
These forms are also available in the main office. The completed form must be returned to NPHS by the
student and parent or guardian. A birth certificate or other proof of age must be presented upon
submission of the completed papers.
Parent Conferences: Parents may make appointments for conferences with teachers, counselors or
administrators by telephoning the school office.
VIII. Discipline
One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear as a
subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the training that develops self-control,
character, orderliness and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other
people.
With an understanding of the purpose of discipline in a school, students may form a correct attitude
towards it, and not only do their part in making school an effective place of learning, but develop the
habit of self-restraint. Early in the year, students will meet with their assistant principal to review and
discuss the discipline code of the North Penn School District.
Detention: Detention may be assigned by any teacher or administrator for those students who have
difficulty in conducting themselves properly. Students may be assigned detention for lateness to class
or school, disruptive/ inappropriate behavior, or any other misbehavior. One day’s notice will be given
to students who are assigned after school detention. The students will be responsible for transportation
home on days when detention is mandated.
Detention is scheduled after school from approximately 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and in the morning from 7:30
to 8:00 a.m. Students will be given at least one day’s notice that they will be serving detention. This is to
allow the student to make arrangements for transportation. Detention requires quiet study. Failure to
serve detention is subject to further disciplinary action.
Saturday School: Assignment to a Saturday School will be made in accordance with guidelines
established in the NPSD Code of Student Discipline and Attendance Responsibilities. Students are to
report to North Penn High School from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. Specific dates for Saturday School will be
scheduled throughout the year. Students will be informed of these dates by their school administration.
Each student is responsible for bringing work (books, homework and other educational materials) to be
completed during that period of time. Failure to serve Saturday School is subject to further disciplinary
action.
Suspension: Assignment to in-school or out-of-school suspension will be made in accordance with
guidelines established in the North Penn School District Code of Student Discipline and Attendance
Responsibilities.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES 2014-2015
North Penn School District administrators hope that parents and students will discuss this code and the
serious implications it has for those who violate basic school rules. Whenever students, parents, and
school personnel understand the role and responsibilities of others, good working relationships are
developed. Mutual confidence and respect will always help to provide a secure place for all North
Penn students.
Philosophy: We, the students, parents, and staff of the North Penn School District, believe that order
and discipline are essential to an effective educational environment. Everyone in the school
community must play a role in contributing to an orderly environment. An orderly school environment
requires a code of discipline that clearly defines individual responsibilities, categorizes unacceptable
behaviors, and provides for appropriate disciplinary options and responses. To be effective, such a
code must:
· Be preventative in nature.
· Promote self-discipline.
· Concern itself with the welfare of the individual as well as that of the school community as a whole.
· Promote a close working relationship between parents and the school staff.
· Stress the importance of daily school attendance.
· Discriminate between minor and serious offenses as well as between first time and repeated offenses.
· Provide disciplinary responses that are appropriate to the misbehavior.
· Be administered by all in a way that is fair, firm, reasonable, and consistent.
· Encourage a high regard for every person’s right to reasonable hearing procedures and due process
when accused of misconduct.
· Comply with the provisions of federal, state, and local law as well as with the guidelines and directives
of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Student Responsibilities: Students attend school so that they may develop to their fullest potential. With
this in mind, each student is expected to:
1. Accept responsibility for his/her own actions.
2. Respect the rights of others, including his/her right to secure an education in an environment that is
orderly and disciplined.
3. Attend school daily. When absent, bring in a signed excuse and complete missed school work as
required.
4. Be punctual at all times.
5. Maintain personal cleanliness and wear appropriate clothing.
6. Respect school property and help to keep it free from damage.
7. Recognize that teachers and administrators assume the role of “parent” in matters of behavior and
discipline during any school sponsored activities.
8. Make an earnest effort to do his/her best work.
9. Contribute toward establishing and maintaining an atmosphere that generates mutual respect and
dignity for all.
10. Obey school regulations and rules made by school authorities and by the student governing body.
11. Read this code and seek interpretation of parts not understood.
Parent Responsibilities: A cooperative relationship between home and school is essential to each
student’s successful development and achievement. To achieve this wholesome relationship, parents
are urged to:
1. Exemplify an enthusiastic and supportive attitude toward school and education.
2. Build a good working relationship between themselves and their child, his or her teachers, and the
school.
3. Teach their child self respect, respect for the law, and respect for others and public property.
4. Insist on prompt and regular attendance.
5. Listen to views and observations of all parties concerned before making a decision.
6. Recognize that teachers deserve the same consideration and respect that parents expect from their
children.
7. Encourage their child to take pride in his/her appearance.
8. Insist that their child promptly bring home all communications from school.
9. Cooperate with the school in jointly resolving any school-related problems.
10. Set realistic standards of behavior for their children and be firm, fair, and consistent in applying
them.
11. Help their child learn to deal effectively with negative peer pressure.
12. Provide a place conducive for study and completion of homework assignments.
Parents should be aware that they are responsible for any financial obligations incurred by their child in
school. This includes lost books, damage to property, etc.
Teacher Responsibilities: Every teacher knows that he or she works every day with this nation’s most
precious commodity — the future generation. In view of this responsibility, the teacher must:
1. Promote a climate of mutual respect and dignity which will strengthen the student’s positive selfimage.
2. Plan and conduct a program of instruction that will make learning attractive and interesting.
3. Recognize that some disciplinary problems are caused by student academic frustrations,
inadequate teaching, and/or insensitive relationships.
4. Utilize classroom routines which contribute to the total instructional program and to the student’s
development of civic responsibility.
5. Seek to develop close cooperative relationships with parents for the educational benefit of the
student.
6. Distinguish between minor student misconduct best handled by the teacher and major problems
requiring the assistance of the principal.
7. Teach the common courtesies by precept and example.
8. Handle individual infractions privately and avoid punishing the group for the misbehavior of one or
two.
9. Help students cope with negative peer pressure.
10. Be sensitive to changing behavior patterns.
11. Enable students to discuss their problems with them.
12. Send communications home promptly.
13. Report to the principal any student who jeopardizes his/her own safety, the safety of other students
or of the teacher, or who seriously interferes with the instructional program of the classroom.
14. Be conscious of ethics in relationship with students, teachers, and administrators.
15. Guide students to attain their full potential.
16. Serve as a surrogate parent in matters of behavior and discipline in accordance with Pennsylvania
School Law, Section 1317 (see School Laws below).
17. Interpret the discipline code to students in their classes.
18. Enforce the code in all areas of the school.
Principal Responsibilities: As the educational leader of the school, the principal sets the disciplinary
climate for the school not only for students but for staff as well. He/she must, therefore 1. Seek to develop a sound and healthful atmosphere of mutual respect within the school.
2. Evaluate the program of instruction in his/her school to achieve a meaningful education program.
3. Help his/her staff self-evaluate their own procedures and attitudes in relation to the infractions within
their classrooms.
4. Develop procedures which reduce the likelihood of student misconduct.
Principal Responsibilities cont.:
5 Provide the opportunity for students and staff to approach the principal directly for redress of
grievances.
6. Work with students and staff to formulate school regulations acceptable to all.
7. Assist staff members to resolve problems which may occur.
8. Work closely with parents to establish a wholesome relationship between home and school.
9. Utilize all appropriate auxiliary staff and community agencies to help parents and students identify
problems and seek solutions.
10. Establish necessary building security.
11. Assume responsibility for the dissemination and enforcement of the Code of Discipline and
Responsibilities and insure that all discipline cases referred are resolved promptly.
12. Insure fairness, reasonableness, and consistency.
13. Comply with pertinent state laws governing hearings, suspensions, and students’ rights.
14. Develop behavior guidelines and an appeals procedure specific to his/her assigned school in
harmony with this Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities.
15. Exercise discretion in dealing with offenses involving primary students (K-3) following consultation
with the director of elementary education.
16. Insure that attendance personnel maintain accurate records and communicate attendance
concerns to parents.
District Administration Responsibilities: As the educational leaders of the school system, the
superintendent, assistant superintendent, and respective directors must:
1. Reinforce and extend indicated Principal Responsibilities and make them applicable to the school
system from grades K-12.
2. Recommend to the Board of School Directors appropriate policies and actions to achieve optimum
conditions for positive learning.
3. Develop and implement an effective Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities supportable by
students, parents, staff, and community.
School Laws: (School Laws of Pennsylvania - Public School Code of 1949)
Section 1317: Authority of Teachers, Vice Principals, and Principals Over Pupils: Every teacher, vice
principal, and principal in the public schools shall have the right to exercise the same authority as to
conduct and behavior over the pupils attending his/her school during the time they are in attendance,
including the time required in going to and from their homes, as the parents, guardians, or persons in
parental relation to such pupils may exercise over them.
Section 1318: Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils: Every principal or teacher in charge of a public
school may temporarily suspend any pupil on account of disobedience or misconduct, and any
principal or teacher suspending any pupil shall promptly notify the district superintendent or secretary
of the Board of School Directors. The board may, after a proper hearing, suspend such child for such
time as it may determine, or may permanently expel him/her. Such hearings, suspension, or expulsion
may be delegated to a duly authorized committee of the board.
Section 1214: Searches.
North Penn Search and Seizure Procedures: North Penn School District officials have the right to search
students, their possessions, lockers, desks, and student-operated motor vehicles subject to the
conditions listed: Lockers, student desks, and other school-owned property provided for storage of
students’ belongings shall remain under the care and control of the school. Students shall not have any
expectation of privacy in the lockers, desks, and storage spaces provided to them. Prior to a locker
search, students shall be notified and given an opportunity to be present. However, where school
authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the locker contains materials which pose a threat to the
health, welfare, and safety of students in the school, student lockers may be searched without prior
warning. All lockers, student desks, and other storage space provided for student use on school
premises remain the property of the school and are subject to inspection, access for maintenance,
and searches at the discretion of the principal or the principal’s designee.
No locker, student desk, or other school-owned storage spaces may be used to store any object
whose possession violates the law or the standards stated in the North Penn School District Student
Discipline and Attendance Responsibilities Code. No student shall lock or impede access to any locker
or school-owned storage spaces except with a lock provided by the school. School district officials
may search a student’s locker, desk, or other storage spaces at any time and seize any illegal materials
or any other materials which violate the North Penn School District Student Discipline and Attendance
Responsibilities Code or rules stated in building handbooks. These confiscated materials may be used
as evidence against the student in disciplinary and/or legal proceedings.
Weapons on School Property: It is the intent of the North Penn School District to protect the safety of the
students and staff by prohibiting the possession/use/transfer of any weapons (real or perceived) on
North Penn School District property.
Weapons are defined in Section 1317.2 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, and shall
include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun,
rifle and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.
Any student who is determined to have brought a weapon onto any school property, any schoolsponsored activity or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or a schoolsponsored activity will be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) year. (Section 1317.2)
The school superintendent shall report to the Department of Education all incidents relating to
expulsions for possession of a weapon on school grounds, school-sponsored activities or public
conveyances providing transportation to a school or school-sponsored activity. Reports shall include all
information as required by the School Code.
Harassment: It is the intent of the North Penn School District to prohibit harassment of a sexual, cultural
or ethnic nature when made by any member of the school staff to a student or staff member and/or
when made by any student to another student or staff member. All complaints should be directed to
an administrator, guidance counselor or other adult in the school. All complaints will be investigated
promptly and appropriate action will be taken.
Acceptable Use of Computer Network: The North Penn School District Board of Directors has adopted
Acceptable Use Policy #6166(d) stating the appropriate and acceptable use of the school district
computer network, including the district’s connection to the Internet. Violations of this policy are
subject to the provisions of the North Penn School District Discipline Code.
Student Bus Regulations
(Students Riding School Buses)
The bus driver is in charge of each bus and represents the principal. Since students are under the full
authority of the school while on the bus, all school regulations are in force during all bus trips.
Students who vandalize or damage a bus may be subject to immediate removal of riding privileges
and will be required to pay for all repairs. No skateboards allowed on the bus at any time. No bus
passes will be issued on Early Dismissal Days. Infractions involving school bus regulations and the Code
of Student Discipline and Responsibilities may lead to removal of bus transportation privileges and/or
disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Structure: If a school discipline code is to be effective in reducing discipline problems,
student misbehaviors must be put into categories from minor to major and must be related to
appropriate disciplinary responses. Through knowledge of such information, students, parents, and
school staff learn which student behaviors are unacceptable and which responses will be utilized as a
consequence. By pairing these misbehaviors with sound disciplinary responses, the school insures that
its disciplinary practices and procedures are consistent, reasonable, fair, and equitable.
In accordance with the above, disciplinary infractions are categorized into four levels. In each level, a
sample group of misbehaviors is listed along with a range of possible disciplinary responses. However,
because of the nature of certain infractions, particularly in the most serious categories, a specific
disciplinary response has been made mandatory.
All examples, procedures, and disciplinary responses are applicable in school, on school buses, during
school-sponsored field trips, including school activities on weekends and/or evenings. Any student
misconduct committed on school district property or at school-related activities at any time including
weekends, evenings, or vacations is subject to disciplinary action.
Student Attendance Regulations - Permissible Reasons for Absence:
Every student enrolled in the North Penn School District shall be in daily attendance except for the
following reasons:
Student Attendance Regulations - Permissible Reasons for Absence cont.:
1. Personal illness
2. Quarantine of the individual or home
3. Death in the immediate family
4. Impassable roads
5. Educational trip with parent or guardian and with prior written request and approval of the
administration
6. Religious holiday
7. Suspension from school
8. Required court appearance
9. Exceptional urgent reasons - must pertain to the student as determined by the principal
Attendance Procedures:
1. Parents are required to call the school office or send in a signed excuse for all absences.
2. Written requests are required at least a week prior to educational/family trips.
3. Contact will be made with the student whose attendance is infrequent or irregular.
4. After 10 cumulative days of absence, the student’s attendance record will be reviewed and a letter
of concern sent to the parent along with a copy of the attendance regulations.
5. Medical excuses may be required in cases of questionable absences and for absences exceeding
20 days per school year. Absences without a medical excuse will be regarded as unexcused and may
be subject to fines.
6. In cases of unexcused absences and tardies, students may not be permitted to make up missed
work.
7. If written or verified verbal excuses are not provided within 3 school days of the date of absence, the
days of absence will be considered unexcused. For students under the age of 17, unexcused absences
will become unlawful and may result in a summary conviction for a violation of compulsory school
attendance laws. Unlawful absences for all students may result in school disciplinary action in
accordance with the “Student Discipline and Attendance Responsibilities.” Excuses must be for one of
the permissible reasons for absence.
8. After 3 days of unlawful absence, a warning notice will be mailed, and a copy will be given to the
home and school visitor.
9. After the parent has received the warning notification, additional unlawful absences may be
referred to the home and school visitor. These unlawful absences may then be referred to the district
magistrate for possible fines or to Montgomery County Juvenile Court.
10. Once a student arrives on school property, the student may not leave school property until dismissal
time without administrative permission.
11. Truancy, tardiness, unlawful absences, unexcused absences, cutting class, and leaving school
without permission are behaviors which are subject to a disciplinary response under the “Student
Discipline and Attendance Responsibilities.” Unmodified behaviors of this type may be interpreted as
Level IV misconduct and, therefore, disciplinary responses including expulsion and alternative school
placement may result.
DISCIPLINARY STRUCTURE STUDENT MISCONDUCT/RESPONSE
All examples, procedures, and disciplinary responses are applicable in school, on school buses, during
school-sponsored field trips, including school activities on weekends and/or evenings. Any student
misconduct committed on school district property or at school-related activities at any time including
weekends, evenings, or vacations is subject to disciplinary action.
Level Description of Behavior
Level I
Level I misconduct involves
behavior on the part of the
student which impedes
orderly classroom procedures
or interferes with the orderly
operation of the school.
These misbehaviors can
usually be handled by an
individual staff member but
sometimes require the
intervention of other school
support personnel. They
should be dealt with swiftly,
fairly, and unemotionally.
Examples
(List is not all inclusive)
Procedures
Cutting class (1st offense)
Inappropriate attire
Intermediate
Inappropriate display of
intervention is required
affection
by the staff member
Removal of food from
who is supervising the
cafeteria
student or who observes
Classroom disturbance
the misbehavior.
Classroom and/or school
Repeated misbehavior
tardiness
may require a
Use of electronic devices
parent/teacher
Cheating or lying
conference; conference
Disrespectful language or
with the counselor
gestures
and/or administrator.
Bus disturbance
A record of the offenses
Failure to return absence
and disciplinary action
excuse form
is maintained by the staff
*Parking violation
member.
Unauthorized use of
copyright
Entry into unauthorized
areas
*Asterisks in the “examples” column refer to asterisks in the “disciplinary responses” column.
Disciplinary
Responses
Verbal reprimand
Special assignment
Behavioral contract
Parent conference
(person or phone)
Counseling
Withdrawal of
privileges
Time-out room
Strict supervised
study
Detention
Saturday School
*Monetary fine
Citation referral to
District Justice
Level Description of Behavior
Examples
(List is not all inclusive)
Level II
Level II misconduct involves
behavior whose frequency or
seriousness tends to disrupt
the learning climate of the
school.
These infractions, which
usually result from the
continuation of LEVEL I
misbehaviors, require the
intervention of personnel on
the administrative level
because the execution of
LEVEL I disciplinary
response(s) has failed to
correct the situation. Also
included in this level are
misbehaviors which do not
represent a direct threat to
the health and safety of
others but whose
educational consequences
are serious enough to require
corrective action on the part
of administrative personnel.
Continuation of unmodified
LEVEL I behavior
Repeated school tardiness
Repeated use of electronic
devices
Using forged notes/excuses
impersonation of parent
Disruptive classroom
behavior
Throwing food in cafeteria
**Unlawful absence
Cutting classes (2nd
offense)
Failure to give correct name
Insubordination
Abusive language
Gambling
Failure to serve detention
assignments
Repeated failure to provide
absence excuse form
**Parking violation (3rd
offense)
Possession of tobacco
products
Bullying/Harassment
Procedures
Disciplinary
Responses
The student is referred to
the administrator for
appropriate disciplinary
action.
The administrator meets
with the student and/or
teacher and decides
the most appropriate
response.
The teacher is informed
of the administrator’s
action.
A record of the offense
and the disciplinary
action is maintained by
the administrator.
Parent contact is made.
Parent/Staff
conference
Teacher/schedule
change
Modified school day
Behavioral contract
Detention
Saturday School
Withdrawal of
privileges
Counseling/referral
for psychological
evaluation
Referral to outside
agency
In-School suspension
Transfer
Withdraw bus
privileges
**Mandatory
suspension
Expulsion may be a
result
Monetary fine
Citation referral to
District Justice
*Asterisks in the “examples” column refer to asterisks in the “disciplinary responses” column.
Level Description of
Behavior
Examples
(List is not all inclusive)
Procedures
Disciplinary Responses
Level III
Continuation of unmodified
Temporary removal from
Level III misconduct
LEVEL I and II behavior
The administrator
class
involves acts directed
*Use of chewing tobacco or initiates disciplinary
Homebound instruction
against persons or property smoking on school property
action by investigating
Alternative program
but whose consequences
**Fighting (simple)
the infraction and
Temporary or full out-ofdo not seriously endanger
**Vandalism (minor)
conferring with staff on
school
the health or safety of
**Minor theft
the extent of the
suspension
others in the school.
**Threats to other students
consequences.
Parent conference
Many of these acts can be
**Throwing rocks, snowballs,
The administrator meets and/or hearing
handled by the disciplinary
or other harmful objects
with the student and
Counseling/referral for
mechanism in the school.
**Leaving school without
confers with the parent
psychological
Corrective measures which authority
about the student’s
evaluation
the school should
**Obscene language or
misconduct and the
Charges under
undertake, however,
gestures
resulting disciplinary
Pennsylvania
depend on the extent of
***Possession of
action.
Civil/Criminal Code
the school’s resources for
paraphernalia (drug or
A record of offenses
Withdraw bus privileges
remediating the situation in alcohol related)
and disciplinary actions
*Mandatory suspension,
the best interest of all
**Careless driving
is maintained by the
citation, referral to
students.
**Bullying/Harassment
administrator.
District Justice
Those acts which are
(including, but not limited to
Restitution of property
**Mandatory suspension
criminal (or illegal) will
sexual/cultural/ethnic)
and damages is
***Mandatory suspension
automatically be referred
required through the
(5-day minimum)
to the appropriate law
student’s own work
Expulsion may be a result
enforcement office.
wherever possible.
*Asterisks in the “examples” column refer to asterisks in the “disciplinary responses” column.
Level Description of Behavior
Examples
(List is not all inclusive)
Procedures
Level IV
Unmodified LEVEL I, II, or III
The administrator verifies
Level IV misconduct involves
behaviors
the offense, confers with
acts which result in violence to
Deliberately
the staff involved, and
another’s person or property
threatening/striking
meets with student.
or which pose a direct threat
a district employee
The student is
to the safety of others in the
Extortion
immediately removed
school.
Bomb threat or false
from the school
Acts which are clearly criminal
alarm
environment. Parents are
and are so serious that they
Possession/use/transfer of
notified.
always require administrative
weapons or explosives
School officials contact
actions will result in the
(real or perceived) and
law enforcement
immediate removal of the
conspiracy to deliver
agency and assist in
student from school, and will
Assault/battery Vandalism prosecuting offender.
involve the intervention of law
(major)
A report is submitted to
enforcement authorities and
Major theft/
the superintendent for
action by the Board of School
possession/sale of stolen
board action.
Directors.
property
Any student who is
The school superintendent
Arson
determined to have
shall report to the Department
Possessing/furnishing/sellin brought a weapon onto
of Education all incidents
g/using/under the
any school property, any
relating to expulsions for
influence of unauthorized
school-sponsored
possession of a weapon on
substances
activity or any public
school grounds, school(drugs/alcohol, real or
conveyance providing
sponsored activities or public
perceived)
transportation to a
conveyances providing
Reckless driving on school
school or a schooltransportation to a school or
property
sponsored activity will be
school-sponsored activity.
Explicit threats/offensive
expelled for a period of
Reports shall include all
actions (sexual/
not less than one (1)
information as required by the
cultural/ethnic)
year, (Section 1317.2).
School Code.
Risking a catastrophe
*Asterisks in the “examples” column refer to asterisks in the “disciplinary responses” column.
Disciplinary Responses
Expulsion
Other board action
which results in
appropriate
placement
Alternative school
Parent hearing
Referral for
psychological
treatment
Charges under
Pennsylvania
Civil/Criminal Code;
referral to appropriate
law enforcement
agencies
All proven offenses in
LEVEL IV will have a
mandatory 10-day full
suspension with an
informal hearing
Withdraw bus
privileges