■ BUS CONDUCT REFERRAL PROCEDURES When rule violations occur: 1. Bus driver will notify the building administrator using the appropriate bus conduct referral form. 2. The administrator will counsel the student regarding appropriate behavior, notify parent or guardian and take appropriate steps to improve student behavior. 3. Continued inappropriate/unsafe behavior may result in loss of bus riding privileges. ■ ANTI-BIAS COMMITMENT North Clackamas School District is committed to the concept that ethnic/cultural diversity strengthens the school community and that all students should feel included in that community. Because it is the district’s responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all students, North Clackamas School District will not tolerate acts of racial or any other form of discrimination or harassment. The goal of this policy is to create a climate that enhances the dignity, importance, and academic achievement of each individual. North Clackamas School District Guidelines for Student Behavior North Clackamas Schools – Districtwide Athletic Code of Conduct The Athletic Code of Conduct applies to all students participating in a North Clackamas School District high school activity program. This code applies 24 hours each day, seven days a week. It applies to in-school and out-of-school conduct. It applies to all students once they have registered in school and extends for the duration of enrollment in the district. Drugs are defined as any illegal drug, including narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, anabolic steroids, and other substances made illegal by federal law, as well as the misuse or unauthorized use or possession of paraphernalia or prescription drugs. Tobacco is defined as the use or possession of any tobacco product, including chewing tobacco. ● DRUGS/ALCOHOL (USE OR POSSESSION): First Consequence (during current year or next sport season in which the athlete participates within one calendar year) Exclusion from athletic participation for a period of time to include 20 percent of contests/activities or playing dates and assessment for chemical dependency; (students having difficulty scheduling an assessment will be allowed to participate after missing 20 percent of the contests, if assessment appointment is verified by an administrator); or dismissal from activity participation for one calendar year if assessment is refused. Twenty percent is to be calculated from the total scheduled contests for the regular season. If the calculation computes into a fraction of an additional contest, then the exclusion shall continue through that full contest, and not some portion thereof. Second Consequence (for second violation during grades 9-12) Exclusion from athletic participation for nine (9) school weeks,* completion of a current assessment for chemical dependency, and compliance with the recommendation of the assessment, or dismissal from athletic participation for one calendar year if assessment is refused. (*During current or next sport season in which the athlete participates within one calendar year.These guidelines are in addition to District Guidelines for Student Behavior). Third Consequence (for third violation during grades 9-12) Exclusion from athletic participation for one calendar year. ● TOBACCO PRODUCTS (USE OR POSSESSION): First Consequence Exclusion from athletic participation for a period of time to include one contest or playing date. Second Consequence (for second violation during grades 9-12) Exclusion from athletic participation for nine (9) weeks during current or next sport season in which the athlete participates within one calendar year (these guidelines are in addition to District Guidelines for Student Behavior). Third Consequence (for third violation during grades 9-12) Exclusion from athletic participation for one calendar year. ● SELF-REFERRAL: There may be no disciplinary consequences under this code, if prior to investigation or apprehension of an offense involving the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, an athlete voluntarily requests assistance from school officials. The intent is to assist the athlete who has a long-term addiction or abuse problem. Any student who self-refers will be required to undergo and follow the recommendations of an assessment. Should a student athlete, at a later time, be found in violation of this code, he/she would face the consequences as a second violation. ● ILLEGAL ACTIVITY: Any illegal activity which brings discredit to the school or its athletic program may result in disciplinary action ranging from a reprimand to suspension for the remainder of the season, subject to administrative review. ● OTHER TYPES OF MISCONDUCT DURING ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION: Any of the following actions that occur while participating in an athletic program will result in discipline as determined by the coach, subject to administrative review: • Showing disrespect to officials, participants, coaches, or team members • Vulgar or profane language • Unsportsmanlike or otherwise inappropriate behavior • Fighting • Attendance at parties where drugs/alcohol are present Any student athlete who has been suspended from school is not eligible to participate in athletics from the time of suspension until reinstatement. An Athletic Code of Conduct form must be signed by students and parents on an annual basis. Their signatures verify that they have read and understand all aspects of the code. Failure to sign this document or involvement in a violation of code prior to signing does not excuse a student athlete from the imposition of consequences outlined herein. Notification will be provided for all students on an annual basis at the beginning of each school year. Signatures are required at the time a student begins participation in an individual sport. 8 STD1441 7/10 Secondary School As a student in our school district, you want to take full advantage of your right to an education. You come to school with a positive attitude to learn and to take part in social activities. Most of you do not have problems with school rules. An important part of your education is the right to make decisions and the responsibility to accept the results of those choices. To protect your rights and the rights of others, student behavior guidelines have been established. You may be given guidance by a teacher, counselor, or administrator about your behavior. If this happens, accept their advice and understand that they want to help you. We are proud of you and hope that during your years in our schools you will make wise decisions and use your classes, programs, and activities to the fullest. In this booklet you will find the major problem areas the North Clackamas School District feels interfere with the education of students. Most of you will not, but if you choose to involve yourself in these problem areas, a disciplinary action may be the consequence for your behavior. You should be aware that this booklet is a guideline and does not describe all behaviors, nor does it describe the many positive activities used to help students change their behavior. Problem Areas Students are subject to discipline for conduct while traveling to and from school, at school sponsored events, while at other schools in the district, and while off campus whenever such conduct has a direct effect on the discipline or general welfare of the school. ALCOHOL OR DRUGS ✹ The use, possession, sale, distribution, or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, other intoxicants or any look-a-like substances. ARSON✹ Use of fire to destroy or attempt to destroy property. ASSAULT✹ Intentional, unauthorized physical contact with another person which causes physical injury or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury. BUS MISCONDUCT Not Following rules and regulations (see page 7-8). TECHNOLOGY MISUSE✹ Unauthorized use of technology and/or internal or external (Internet) networks including accessing, posting, e-mailing or instant messaging obscene or offensive material, copyright violations, deliberate attempts to disrupt system or network performance, and spreading computer viruses. DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY Refusal to follow the reasonable requests of school personnel. DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT✹ Discrimination and/or harassment are behaviors perceived by the receiver as unwelcome actions or words that threaten, violate, or intimidate a person’s well-being. It may include, but is not limited to, the use of verbal or practical jokes, unwelcome touching, offensive remarks or put downs, or displays of objects and materials which create an offensive environment, including the defamation of an individual by the initiation or perpetration of knowingly false and/or harmful statements (see page 7). DISORDERLY OR DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT Language or behavior which is disruptive to the orderly educational procedure of school (see page 7). DISRUPTIVE APPEARANCE Clothing, jewelry, or other forms of appearance which are likely to disrupt or interfere with the educational environment or process. Examples include gang-related clothing, symbols and paraphernalia, overly revealing clothing, and clothing decorated with illustrations or words which are lewd, vulgar, obscene, plainly offensive, or promotes illegal activity. DRUG PARAPHERNALIA ✹ Students found in possession of drug paraphernalia will result in disciplinary consequences ranging from suspension to expulsion depending on the situation. Drug paraphernalia may include but is not limited to commercial or home-made new or used pipes, baggies used for storing marijuana and any item used to smoke or ingest illegal substances. EXTORTION✹ Demanding money, or something of value (e.g., lunches) from another person in return for protection from violence or threat of violence. FIGHTING✹ Having physical conflict with another person. FORGERY, LYING, or PLAGIARISM✹ Writing or giving false or misleading information to school officials. GAMBLING✹ Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money. MISCHIEF✹ Tampering or interfering with the property of another with the intent to cause substantial inconvenience to the owner or another person. RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING✹ Reckless conduct which creates substantial risk or physical injury to another person. SEXUAL HARASSMENT✹ Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct that is directed toward a person because of that person’s gender/sexual orientation, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment (see page 7). TARDINESS Arriving late to school. THEFT✹ Taking, giving, or receiving property not belonging to you. THREATS/INTIMIDATION✹ Any action, by word or conduct, including use of electronic communication which constitutes harassment, intimidation or threat to a school employee or to another student, and/or is an attempt to place a school employee or another student in fear of physical injury is expressly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, those who perpetrate, or are involved in, behaviors which threaten the character, emotional well-being or physical safety of another human being. TOBACCO✹ The use and/or possession of tobacco in any form. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE Any absence which has not been excused by parent or legal guardian and/or appropriate school official. VANDALISM✹ Intentionally damaging, defacing, or destroying property belonging to the school, officials, or others. WEAPONS✹ The possession, use, or threat of use, of any instrument, article or substance specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death or serious physical injury; or any weapon,device, or look-a-like device, instrument, material or substance which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury. (see Section 921 of Title 18 of the US Code, Weapon Policy JFCJ, page 7 for more information.) ✹ Since these problems may also violate state law, school officials may need to notify the appropriate police authorities. 2 PROCESS AND RIGHTS Examples of behavior that may be sexual harassment include with limitation: to have: 1. Brought a weapon to a school, to school property under the jurisdiction of the district, or to an activity under the jurisdiction of the school district. • Making sexually suggestive remarks, gestures, jokes, or remarks of a sexual nature about someone’s appearance • Using derogatory sexual terms for people • Deliberate and unwelcome touching, pinching, brushing, or patting • Displaying sexual illustrations • Describing or asking about personal sexual experiences • Hazing, pranks, or other intimidating behavior directed toward a person because of his/her gender • Sexual assault 2. Possessed, concealed, or used a weapon in a school or on school property or at an activity under the jurisdiction of the district. Weapons include, but are not limited to firearm (as defined in Sec. 921 of Title 18 of the US Code), starter gun, paintball gun, or pellet gun. Any destructive device including an explosive, incendiary, or poisonous gas. Any instrument, article, or substance specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death or serious physical injury (“Deadly Weapon” as defined in ORS 161.015). Any weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serius physical injury (“Dangerous Weapon” as defined in ORS 161.015). ■ DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT It is the practice of the North Clackamas School District not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. Violators shall also be referred to the proper legal authorities. Discrimination and/or harassment are behaviors perceived by the receiver as unwelcome actions or words that threaten, violate, or intimidate a person’s well-being. It may include, but is not limited to, the use of verbal or practical jokes, unwelcome touching, offensive remarks or put downs, or displays of objects and materials which create an offensive environment, including the defamation of an individual by the initiation or perpetration of knowingly false and/or harmful statements. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion recommendation to the Board of Directors for a student on a case-by-case basis. ■ BUS RULES The following rules and regulations apply to all students riding district operated school buses. These rules and regulations were established to assist the drivers in assuring that you are afforded the safest possible ride to and from school. The school bus driver is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations. Harassment or discriminatory conduct of any kind, whether physical or verbal, committed by school personnel or other students is prohibited. • Students being transported are under authority of the bus driver. • Students shall stay in their seats and keep hands and feet to themselves. • Students must have permission from parents and/ or the school to leave the bus other than at the regular stop. • Students shall converse in normal tones--profane language is prohibited. • No animals can be transported on the bus. • Students who refuse to obey may forfeit their privilege to ride the bus. Automatic suspension of bus privileges may result for the following infractions: • Use of tobacco creating a fire hazard • Fighting • Possession of alcohol or drugs • Throwing hazardous objects in or from the bus • Interference with the safe operation of the bus • Flagrant insubordination/defiance • Vandalism • Weapons Students who believe they have been the victims of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation in any form should first discuss the matter with their counselor or an administrator with whom the student is comfortable discussing the matter. If the problem is not due to a simple misunderstanding that can be resolved by the counselor or administrator the student is comfortable speaking with, the student should file a complaint (Policy JBB). ■ GANGS/SECRET SOCIETIES Oregon law prohibits the existence of any secret society in public schools (ORS 336.6101 (1)). A secret society is an organization composed of students which has an element of purpose which is concealed from the public and shared only confidentially among members of the organization. Students who participate in gang-like activities at school or school functions--such as possession or display of gang-related clothing, symbols, or paraphernalia; distribution of gang literature or materials; display of gang-related posters or graffiti, signs or signals; harassment or intimidation of others; or recruitment for gang membership--will be subject to strict disciplinary measures, including possible expulsion. ■ WEAPONS Any student shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year who is determined 7 Continued from page 3 PROCESS AND RIGHTS istrative designate. Unless an emergency situation exists relating to health or safety, the student shall receive prior notice of the suspension, specification of charges, and an opportunity to present his view of the alleged misconduct. The suspending administrator may postpone these procedures if there is a risk that harm will occur if the suspension does not take place immediately. In all cases, an administrator will notify the legal guardian by letter and, when possible, by telephone. The Board of Directors will have the right of final review of the suspension action. or on school property or at an activity under the jurisdiction of the district. Violators shall also be referred to the proper legal authorities. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion recommendation to the Board of Directors for a student on a case-by-case basis. The student and legal guardian are notified of charges by telephone and certified letter. The procedure of expulsion follows in accord with the rights of the student within due process. These rights may be reviewed by the legal guardian upon request of the school administrator. A Short Suspension will consist of an exclusion of a student from school and all school/district related activities in the school for a period of up to three (3) school days. In these cases, a conference between the administrator, student, and other appropriate persons will be conducted. ■ SEARCH & SEIZURE Search of the student’s person or possessions will be limited to the situation where there is reasonable suspicion that a student is hiding evidence of an illegal act or a school violation. A Long Suspension will consist of an exclusion of a student from school and all school/district related activities in the school for a period of up to ten (10) school days. A conference between the administrator, student, and other appropriate persons will be conducted. The legal guardian has the opportunity to respond to the charges and may request a conference with appropriate school authorities. When practical, the student shall be present when a search of his/her possessions (including automobiles) is conducted. Items confiscated during an inspection, investigation, or search will be held by the school administration pending further investigation or disciplinary action. In special cases, as determined to be necessary by the administrator ordering the suspension, a long suspension may be continued beyond ten school days pending the occurrence of some specific action (e.g., a physical or psychological examination, incarceration by court action, or action by the Board of Directors regarding expulsion). Items held or confiscated by the school will be evaluated for return to the proper owner upon completion of an investigation or disciplinary action. Contraband or unlawful items, the possession of which violate the Guidelines for Student Behavior, North Clackamas School District policy, state laws, and/or federal laws shall not be returned to the student or to any representative of the student--such items shall either be turned over to law enforcement officials or destroyed by the school. Other items left unclaimed after an investigation of disciplinary action will be disposed of by the school. ■ EXPULSION PROCESS The principal or administrative designate, through the Superintendent, may recommend that a student be expelled. The student is suspended pending a hearing and/or action by the Board of Directors. Through this action of the Board of Directors, the student is excluded from school attendance and from all non-public activities in the District. Each school may set aside a time period with reasonable advance notice to students, when all lockers will be inspected for overdue library books and prohibited items. The length of expulsion will be for the remaining days in the current semester or up to one calendar year and may result in the loss of current semester credits. Under special circumstances, exceptions in the length of the expulsion may be recommended to the Board of Directors by school staff. The Board of Directors will make the final decision in all expulsion cases. ■ POLICE INVOLVEMENT School officials have the option to notify police authorities, and in cases of major violations, may press charges. If police authorities are notified, legal guardians will be contacted. Any action taken by police authorities will be in addition to action by the school. The expulsion will be enacted during the semester in which the offense occurred and may extend to the next semester if the expulsion occurs late in the current semester. School officials, guided by district procedures, will cooperate with police authorities during investigations. ■ SEXUAL HARASSMENT It is the practice of the North Clackamas School District not to discriminate against any student on the basis of sex. In keeping with that practice, the district will not tolerate sexual harassment of any of its students. Sexual harassment is considered to be a major offense which can result in disciplinary action against the offender. In cases of severe physical assault upon school officials, the expulsion may result in exclusion from school to include the remaining days of the current Semester and the entire length of the following semester. Any student shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year who is determined to have: Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct that is directed toward a person because of that person’s gender, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. 1. Brought a weapon to a school, to school property under the jurisdiction of the district, or to an activity under the jurisdiction of the school district. 2. Possessed, concealed, or used a weapon in a school 6 Disciplinary Actions Disciplinary actions are taken with the aim of correcting behavior patterns. Most behavior problems can be handled routinely with properly organized school and classroom programs. Nearly all students respond satisfactorily to friendly encouragement, firm direction, and understanding guidance. For those students who do not, and to protect the rights of all our students, it is important that parents and students understand the consequences of misbehavior. There are certain responsibilities we all share in helping overcome behavior problems. If a student’s misbehavior is directly related to an identified disability, the school staff will take such conditions into account. A student who becomes involved in areas of problem behavior will be subjected to certain disciplinary actions. Depending upon the seriousness of the behavioral problem, one or more of the following actions will be taken by the school staff. In the case of severe violation of rules, the disciplinary action taken may extend beyond these guidelines. INFORMAL TALK A member of the school staff will talk with the student to reach agreement regarding the student’s behavior. CONFERENCE A conference will be held with the student, the teacher, the administrator, and other appropriate staff members to develop a plan for improving behavior. The parent may be contacted and attend the conference. PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT The parent will be informed of the problem area. A conference with the student, the parent, and appropriate staff members may be scheduled. If a plan is developed to help improve the student’s behavior, copies will be given to the student and the parent. LOSS OF PRIVILEGES The school administration may notify the parent of privilege suspension These privileges may include removing the student from the playground, cafeteria, media center, and/or class participation. DISCIPLINARY REASSIGNMENT/DETENTION A misbehaving student will be reassigned to a separate, supervised environment away from usual school activities. This may include a referral to counseling, a schedule change, a supervised detention before or after school and/ or an optional work assignment around the school (recorded in student’s behavioral file). SHORT SUSPENSION The student is excluded from school and school/district related activities for a period of up to three (3) school days. In these cases, parents will be notified. A conference between the administrator, student, parents, and other appropriate school staff will be conducted and recorded in the student’s behavioral file. LONG SUSPENSION ▲ / ▲▲ / ▲▲▲ The student is excluded from school and school/district related activities for a period of up to ten (10) school days. Parents will be notified. A conference between the administrator, student, parents, and other appropriate school staff will be conducted and recorded in the student’s behavioral file. EXPULSION ▲ / ▲▲ / ▲▲▲ The principal, through the Superintendent, may recommend that a student be expelled. The student is suspended pending a hearing and/or action by the Board of Directors. Through this action, the student is excluded from school and all non-public activities for the length of the current semester. Under special cases, exceptions in the length of the expulsion may be recommended to the Board of Directors by the school staff. The student and parent are notified of charges by telephone and certified letter. The procedure of expulsion follows in accord with the rights of the student within due process and is recorded in student’s behavioral file. Law enforcement officials may be notified. Further information on suspension, expulsion, and due process can be found on page 6. For complete information on the due process procedure, contact your school administrator. ▲▲ In cases of alcohol or drug violations, substance abuse assessments and treatment will be available options at parent/guardian expense. ▲▲▲ In the event that a student’s misbehavior is directly related to an identified disability, legal guidelines will be followed in the implementation of disciplinary action. ▲ PROCESS AND RIGHTS ■ DUE PROCESS This booklet explains the major disciplinary problem areas and the action that may result for those students who do not follow these rules. All students are entitled to due process. This means that no action will be taken against a student until the facts have been presented by everyone involved and a judgement has been made. There are also procedures which students and parents must follow if they do not agree with the school’s actions. Hopefully, students will never be in a situation where they need the protection of due process. If, however, a student does become involved in a suspension or expulsion, both the student and his/her legal guardian, upon request to the principal, will be given a more detailed description of the due process procedure. 3 ■ SUSPENSION PROCESS Students may be suspended by the Board of Directors, the Superintendent, school principals, or their admin Continued on page 6 RANGE OF CONSEQUENCES The following chart shows the discipline actions which may be taken for each infraction. As you can see, a minimum range is listed as well as an action for first occurrences and for repeated occurrences (defined as a second or subsequent infraction). If a student has demonstrated excellent behavior and then becomes involved in an infraction, school officials may consider the student’s positive behavior record prior to taking any action. If a student’s negative behavior is directly related to an identified disability, officials will take such conditions into account. If a student has continually been involved in problem areas, then disciplinary action will probably be the maximum action listed. In the case of severe violation of rules, the disciplinary action may extend beyond these guidelines. Where student conduct results in damage to personal, private, or public property, restitution may be required. Alcohol or Drugs Arson Assault Automobile Misuse Bus Misconduct Technology Misuse Defiance of Authority Discrimination/Harassment Disorderly or Disruptive Conduct (includes gangs/secret societies) Disruptive Appearance Extortion First Long Suspension and Assessment................... Expulsion Repeated Expulsion and Assessment............................... Expulsion First Short Suspension............................................. Expulsion Repeated Expulsion.......................................................... Expulsion First Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion Repeated Short Suspension............................................. Expulsion First Informal Talk.........................................Long Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Conference..........................Loss of Bus Riding Privilege Repeated Suspension from Bus...........Loss of Bus Riding Privilege First Conference...........................................Long Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Conference.......................................... Short Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk.........................................Short suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk..................................................... Expulsion Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk........................................ Short Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion Repeated Long Suspension.............................................. Expulsion 4 Fighting Firearms Forgery or Lying Gambling Intimidation Mischief Recklessly Endangering Sexual Harassment Tardiness Theft Tobacco Possession/Use Unexcused Absence Vandalism Weapons other than Firearms First Parent Involvement.............................. Short Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion Any Expulsion.......................................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk........................................ Short Suspension Repeated Conference...........................................Long Suspension First Informal Talk........................................ Short Suspension Repeated Conference...........................................Long Suspension First Informal Talk........................................ Short Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk.........................................Long Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk..................................................... Expulsion Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk........................................ Short Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Informal Talk..........Disciplinary Reassignment/Detention Repeated Conference.......................................... Short Suspension First Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion Repeated Short Suspension............................................. Expulsion First Detention............................................. Short Suspension Repeated Short Suspension............................................. Expulsion First Informal Talk........................................ Short Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Conference...........................................Long Suspension Repeated Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion First Parent Involvement........................................... Expulsion Repeated Long Suspension.............................................. Expulsion 5