Center Avenue
Elementary School
Parent Handbook
2013—2014
Includes the following Butler Area School District attachments:
Elementary Discipline Handbook
School Board Policy #815: Acceptable Use of Computer Networks
School Board Policy #815.1: Computers/Computer Software/Other Digital
Technology
102 Lincoln Avenue, Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-214-3960
FAX: 724-287-0263
Center Avenue
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Barbara Frantz, Principal
August, 2013
Dear Center Avenue Families:
Welcome to a new year at Center Avenue Elementary School!
The enclosed Parent Handbook and Elementary Discipline Handbook will give you practical
and useful information about our school. We recommend that you keep this book available
for reference during the school year. It is our expectation that you will reinforce the
student code of conduct contained in the Discipline Handbook.
If you have not used the School District’s online emergency data update system this year,
you will need to complete the two enclosed forms: one to acknowledge that you have
received the Parent Handbook, and the other to provide updated phone numbers for the
District’s “Alert Now” emergency message system. Please send the forms back to school
with your child by Friday, September 6.
Teaching young children is an awesome responsibility, and we need your help every step of
the way! You know your children best, and your communication with your children’s
teachers is essential. I encourage you to keep in touch with us at school, and to share any
concerns – big or small - that you may have.
Sincerely,
Barbara Frantz
Mrs. Barbara Frantz
Principal
102 Lincoln Avenue • Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-214-3960 • Fax: 724-287-0263
email: barbara_frantz@butler.k12.pa.us
Butler Area School District: An Equal Opportunity Educational Institution
CENTER AVENUE SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK
A. Board of School Directors
5
B. School Procedures
Arrival of Students
Attendance
Bicycles
Bus Regulations
Cafeteria
Dismissal
Elementary Guidance Program
Emergency Drills
Emergency Data Sheets
English as a Second Language Program
Field Trips
Group Testing
Health Services
Homebound Instruction
Homework
Instructional Materials & Textbooks
Internet Use Policy
Lost & Found
Modified Kindergarten Schedule
Non-Discrimination Policy
Parent Organization
Parent’s Right to Review Teacher Qualifications
Parties
Personal Belongings of Students
Pets
Playground
Report Cards
School Closing Information
School Hours
School Delay Schedule
School Security
Student Photographs
Student Support Team
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C. Supplement: “Just for Center Avenue”
Breakfast
Lunch Schedule
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Getting Students To & From School Safely:
Crossing Guards
Arrival of Students
For Parents Who Bring Students to/from School
Dismissal
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Title I Parent Involvement
23
D. Emergency Response Procedures
24
ATTACHMENTS:
BASD Elementary Discipline Handbook
BASD School Board Policy #815: Acceptable Use of Computer Networks/Digital
Technology/Internet and Internet Safety
BASD School Board Policy #815.1: Computers, Computer Software/Other Digital
Technology
BUTLER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
President.................................................Donald Pringle (term expires 12/15)
Vice-President......................................... Helen Abramowitz (term expires 12/13)
Director...................................……………...Carmen Bianco (term expires 12/15)
Director....................................................Karen Callihan (term expires 12/15)
Director.................................................. .John Conrad (term expires 12/13)
Director................................................... William Halle (term expires 12/15)
Director....................................................James Keffalas (term expires 12/15)
Director....................................................Paula Opalka (term expires 12/13)
Director....................................................Linda Patten (term expires 12/13)
NON-VOTING MEMBERS
Secretary of the Board............................Catherine Rodgers
Solicitor.............................................…..Dillon, McCandless, King, Coulter & Graham
Correspondence for members of the Board of School Directors may
be forwarded to the Educational Services Center, 110 Campus Lane, Butler, PA 16001
ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS
Students should arrive no earlier than 8:45 AM. All students must enter the building through the
main entrance(s). Students in grades 4-6 must pass through the metal detector every day before
entering the building. Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade are screened periodically. After
entering the building, students should proceed directly to their homerooms or the location of a
scheduled activity. Staff members will supervise the arrival of students between 8:45 a.m. and
9:15 a.m. (the time at which school starts).
ATTENDANCE
Since studies have shown that absences have a direct relationship to student achievement, regular
and punctual attendance at all school sessions is expected of our students. Parents are urged to
understand the important role they play in this situation and to foster good attendance habits in
their children.
Attendance policies have been updated recently. For example, students may not miss more than
15 days in a semester or 20 days in a school year without prompting administrative action. A
written excuse must be provided for each absence from school, within 5 days of the absence. For
additional information, please refer to the attached Elementary Discipline Handbook.
If a child is to be picked up during the school day, parents are asked to send a note to school
stating when and why the child is to be excused. Parents must report to the office to pick up their
children. Students must be signed out at the office.
Students not in their classroom by 9:15 a.m. are considered tardy. They must report to the office
and sign in, giving their reason for being late. Students with repeated unexcused tardies shall be
subject to disciplinary action.
BICYCLES
Students are not permitted to ride bikes to school.
BUS REGULATIONS
Student Behavior: Students who ride a bus to school are expected to follow the bus driver’s
directions, obey all safety rules, and treat others with courtesy while
riding the school bus. Students who misbehave and violate safety
regulations may lose the privilege of riding the school bus. If this
occurs, parents are legally responsible for transportation to and from
school even if it causes major inconvenience. Parents should stress
to their children that they expect proper behavior on the bus. The
attached Elementary Discipline Handbook details school bus
procedures.
Permanent Bus Changes: Any requests to change a student’s bus or bus stop must be for a
full five (5) days a week and have the approval of the Supervisor of Transportation. Forms are
available in the office for this purpose. Please allow two weeks for your request to be processed by
the Transportation Office.
Temporary Bus Passes: Temporary student bus passes can be issued from the school office
when a written request is received from the parent. The following information must be included on
the bus pass request:
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The
The
The
The
The
The
The
full name and room number of the child needing the pass;
date that the pass is needed for;
reason for the pass;
number of the bus that student will ride;
location of the bus stop;
phone number where the parent can be reached that day;
parent’s signature.
Following the above procedure should ensure that your child arrives safely.
Bus Safety Patrols: When students are transported to school by bus, a bus patrol program is
used to assist the driver with bus safety. Bus Safety Patrols, in most cases, are fifth and sixth
grade students who have been recommended by their classroom teachers and bus drivers. The
patrols assist in the loading and unloading of each student, assist the driver in emergency
situations, and identify and report to the driver possible problems, discipline or otherwise. Patrols
are stationed in the front, middle, and back of each bus. Each school that utilizes a bus patrol
program also has a bus patrol supervisor who coordinates the program and works with the patrols
on a regular basis.
CAFETERIA
Student Behavior:
1. Each student must sit at his/her assigned table and is responsible for keeping his or her
table clean and properly disposing of trash.
2. Students are expected to get all needed condiments before sitting down.
3. Once seated, students must stay in their seats, except for purchasing snacks.
4. No food throwing or trading.
5. Unless a child is ill or has a note from a parent, each child is expected to eat lunch, either
one carried from home or purchased in school.
6. Students should talk quietly. Yelling and noisemaking are not permitted. No games,
gadgets, etc., are to be brought to the cafeteria.
7. Cafeteria monitors will maintain orderly control of the students. Students creating problems
will be reported to the classroom teachers. Repeated violators and violations of a more
severe nature will be handled directly by the principal.
8. Students who are required to brush their teeth after lunch are to make arrangements with
their classroom teachers to do so at the conclusion of the lunch period. Students are to be
certain this practice does not detract from the appearance of the restroom facilities.
9. Students are to remain in the cafeteria for their scheduled lunch period unless engaged in a
supervised activity with the classroom teacher.
10. All opened food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria.
For additional information, please refer to the attached Elementary Discipline Handbook.
Cafeteria Price List:
New price
Elementary Student Breakfast
Reduced-Price Breakfast
Elementary Student Lunches
Reduced-Price Lunches
Milk & other Beverages
Snacks, ice cream, & bottled water
Adult Lunches
Adult Beverages
$1.00
$ .30
$1.85
.40
.40
.50
$3.25
.40
If you pay ahead for your child’s lunches, please send in a brief note in with your payment to let
the lunch staff know if you want the full amount credited, or if you expect part of it back as
change. If you do not send in a note, the lunch staff will assume that you want the full amount of
the payment credited to your child’s account.
Cafeteria Policy On Charging Lunches
1. If a student forgets his lunch money, he will be given the opportunity to call home for a
lunch or for money to buy the school lunch.
2. If the student cannot get through to his or her parents, he or she will be given a one day
grace period and receive the school lunch for that day. The student still owes the cost of
the lunch.
3. If the situation recurs, the same procedure as above will be followed, except that the
student will receive an alternate lunch for that day and subsequent days until all back
charges are paid in full. The alternate lunch is a bag lunch containing all of the required
meal components. The student owes the cost of these lunches. Also, the name of the
student will be forwarded to the Food Service Office and a letter will be sent to the families.
Lunch for late arrivals: We will be happy to order a lunch for your child if you let us know
before 9:30 of that day. If you forget to call us, you will need to send a packed lunch with your
child. We cannot place orders for lunch after 9:30 am. Even if your child receives a free or
reduced-price lunch, you still need to order a lunch for him if arriving late.
DISMISSAL
Dismissal time for all elementary schools is 3:30 PM.
Authorization to Pick Up: Students will not be released to anyone other than the parents or
persons designated on the student data sheet unless the school has a signed note from the parent
authorizing this action. If there is a court order indicating custody, a copy must be provided to the
school.
For the safety of your child, anyone who comes to the school to pick up a student may be asked to
show photo identification. If you send someone to pick your child up who is unfamiliar to the office
staff, please let him/her know that he may be asked to verify his identity. We will not release a
student if we are unsure that it is appropriate to do so.
ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE PROGRAM
Elementary guidance is an integral part of the total educational experience. Academic growth
cannot be separated from the social-emotional growth of a child. All students, parents, and
teachers have access to counseling services at school. The guidance counselor works with
individual students and classroom groups. All students are invited to talk over school related
problems with the counselor. Students may visit the counselor by appointment or upon request of
a teacher. Parents should also feel free to consult with the counselor. Please call the school
secretary to schedule an appointment. The program is a collaborative effort among students,
parents, teachers, administration, and community. Except in emergency situations, no counseling
is provided unless parental permission is obtained.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
The safety of your child is one of our greatest concerns. The school holds regular drills to help
each child to respond calmly in the event of an emergency. Fire drills, weather drills, and other
emergency situation drills are conducted once a month. Evacuation routes are posted inside the
door of each classroom.
EMERGENCY DATA SHEETS
At the beginning of each school year, parent or guardians are to complete a Student Data Sheet
for each child. These must be complete with local names and telephone numbers. It is necessary
that the persons listed are persons available during the school day. Since the Student Data Sheet
contains very important information which can be used for students’ illnesses and/or emergencies,
it is important that all information be supplied in all three sections – Emergency Data, Persons to
Contact in Case of Illness, and Student Pick-Up Authorization Data. It is necessary that the Data
Sheets be returned to school immediately. It is very important that Data sheets be current.
Updates should be provided as soon as changes occur throughout the year.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM
In accordance with the Board’s philosophy to provide a quality educational program to all students,
the District provides an appropriate planned instructional program for identified students whose
dominant language is not English. The purpose of the program is to increase the English language
proficiency of eligible students so that they can attain the acaedmic standards adopted by the
Board and achieve academic success. Students who have limited English proficiency (LEP) will be
identified, assessed, and provided appropriate services. Students participating in LEP programs
shall be required, with accommodations, to meet established academic standards and graduation
requirements adopted by the Board.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by classroom teachers
throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the
classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of the community. Parents will
receive notices of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign
field trip permission forms. Depending on the available seating on the bus, a small number of
parent chaperones may be selected by the teacher.
Sometimes a fee may be requested from each student to help defray admission
of transportation costs. If the cost of a field trip poses a financial burden for
your family, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.
Any student who violates Butler Area School District discipline policies may be
excluded from participating in any field trip.
Please note that field trips are enjoyable educational experiences that are an extension of a regular
school day. Since we want to be proud of our students as they represent the Butler Area School
District on these trips, parents are asked to see that their children are dressed appropriately for
the occasion according to the District’s dress code policy.
GROUP TESTING
Certain group tests will be administered to your child by grade level during the school year.
Parents are urged to ensure that their child is in school when these tests are administered. The
results constitute important data to the student’s education. When a group test is going to be
administered, the parents will be given sufficient notice before the actual date of the test.
HEALTH SERVICES
The following health services are required for students by Pennsylvania Law. Any parent or
guardian who for religious beliefs does not wish his or her child to receive the services and
examinations in school by the school nurse, school physician, or school dentist must notify the
school nurse in writing.
Height, Weight, and Vision Screening – all students
Hearing Screening – grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, special education
Physical Examinations – grades K, 6, 11
Dental Examinations – grades K, 3, 7
Visual Scoliosis Screening – grades 6 and 7
If you elect not to have the school provide the above services, you must provide the school with
the results of examinations by your own family physician or dentist, prior to the date of the school
exams.
Illness: If your child complains of headache, stomachache, sore throat, etc. before coming to
school, please check his/her temperature. If your child has a fever or is vomiting, please do not
send him/her to school. If your child becomes ill in school, the nurse will decide if he/she should
be sent home. You will be contacted so that the proper arrangements can be made. If parents are
unavailable, persons you have listed on the Student Data Sheet will be contacted.
If your child has been absent from school with a more serious communicable disease, such as
scarlet fever, strep throat, chickenpox, conjunctivitis, impetigo, ringworm, meningitis, scabies,
head lice, or MRSA, please provide that information either in your written excuse or in a phone call
to the school nurse.
Immunization Requirements from the PA Department of Health for all students
in Grades K – 12:
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4 doses of Tetanus * (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
4 doses of Diphtheria * (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
3 doses of Polio
2 doses of Measles **+
2 doses of Mumps **+
1 dose of rubella (German measles) **+
3 doses of Hepatitis B
2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of disease +
*
**
+
usually given as DTP or DtaP or DT or Td
usually given as MMR
1st dose given at 12 months or older
Bold/underlined requirements are changes
These requirements allow for exemptions for medical reasons & religious beliefs. If your child is
exempt from immunizations, he may be removed from school during an outbreak. Pennsylvania’s
school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA Code Ch. 23 ( School Immunization).
Contact the school nurse, your health care provider, or 1-877-PA HEALTH for more information.
Medication: The Butler Area School District does not supply any prescription or non-prescription
medication, but will cooperate with parents and their medical practitioners when
medications must be given during school hours. Due to the demands made upon
our health room personnel, requests for administration of medication during school
hours should only be made when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the
health of the student or the student’s participation in the educational program. It is the parent’s
responsibility to supply all medications to be taken at school.
The following procedures should be followed when making a request for administration of either
prescribed or over-the-counter medications:
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Before any medicine is administered to a student, the parent or guardian must complete
the Medication Form. This includes the doctor’s orders for all medicines. Under no
circumstances will any medication be dispensed without permission from both the doctor
and parent. Forms are available in the school office, and can be faxed to a doctor at a
parent’s request. A parent should bring the completed form and medication to the school
and give it to the school nurse, secretary, or principal. Please do not send medication with
children.
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The container for the medication must be the container from the pharmacy and must have
the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name of the student;
Name of the physician;
Name of the medication;
Dosage amount;
Time to be given.
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Parents should send only enough medication be taken at school for the duration of the
need. Your pharmacist, upon request, will divide the prescription medication into two
separately labeled containers: one for use at home, the second for use at school.
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Parents are responsible for informing the school of any change in the child’s health or
change in medication. New completed Medication Authorization Form(s) will be required
with each change in medication or at the beginning of each school year.
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The medication will be kept in a secure place and dispensed in the office by appropriate
personnel. At the end of the school year, parents need to pick up any unused medication.
Food Allergies - If your child has a severe food allergy such as peanuts, please inform the
principal and nurse immediately.
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Students who experience extended illnesses or injuries that result in long term absences from
school may apply for homebound instruction. Information concerning homebound instruction may
be obtained from the school office.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments are given at the discretion of classroom teachers to provide students with
extra practice with new skills, to prepare for new topics, or to extend the learning in material
already introduced. We offer the following guidelines for parents to help decrease the tension that
sometimes arises around homework issues, and to increase your child’s learning.
For your child to be successful with homework, he or she needs:
 A place to do homework: a quiet, uncluttered space to work in (no TV or music).
 A schedule for completing homework: Set a schedule that fits in with each week’s
particular activities, or set aside a certain time of each day for homework.
 Encouragement, motivation & prompting – but not direct help or constant supervision!
Your child needs to practice what he has learned in school independently. If he cannot do
the homework independently, please contact your child’s teacher.
 Reasonable time expectations: If your child seems to be spending too much time each
night on homework – more than ½ hour in grades 1 – 3, and more than an hour in grades
4 – 6, please contact your child’s teacher.
 A consistent bedtime: When it is time to go to bed, please stop your child, even if she
has not finished her homework. Please send a note to your child’s teacher that he was
unable to complete the assignment, but did attempt to do so.
o
from Classroom Instruction That Works
All classroom teachers post their homework assignments, as well as grades for grades 2-6, on the
District’s web site. Parents will receive their “Edline” access codes at the beginning of each school
year.
For more information about homework, please refer to the attached Elementary Discipline
Handbook.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND TEXTBOOKS
All textbooks and other instructional materials deemed necessary to carry the educational program
approved by the District are loaned to students free of charge. Individual students are held
responsible for the materials they receive and will be expected to pay for lost or damaged
textbooks and/or other instructional materials.
INTERNET USE POLICY
The safe use of the internet requires close observance of several rules. Students are
permitted to use the internet only with their parents’ written permission and
their agreement to follow the District guidelines for its use. Permission forms
are sent home at the beginning of each school year. The rules for internet use
are described in detail on the form. A condensed list is as follows:
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Students may not use the internet for any reason other than to learn
more about the subjects they are studying in school, unless they have
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permission from a teacher.
Students may not represent words or pictures copied from the internet as their own
work, and must give credit to the author or web site whose work they use.
Students will not look for inappropriate web sites. If they come across inappropriate
web sites accidentally, they must immediately cover the screen and tell their teacher.
Students must never enter personal information about themselves or their families on
internet web sites, including name, address, or phone number.
Students may not share their passwords with others.
Students will be polite to others when writing to them on the internet.
Students may not install, download, copy or delete software, change computer settings,
or copy or delete files created by another person.
Students who violate these guidelines may have their computer usage restricted or terminated,
and may be subject to disciplinary consequences.
LOST AND FOUND
A lost and found area is maintained at the school for lost items. Children and parents are
encouraged to inquire at the school office if any articles are lost. Items are periodically discarded
or donated to a local organization.
MODIFIED KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE
When you hear a school delay for the Butler Area School District with “modified kindergarten
schedule,” it means that the kindergarten program times are changed according to the following
schedule. The bus times will automatically be adjusted for these changes.
One-Hour Delay:
Morning Kindergarten
Afternoon Kindergarten
Starts 10:15 A.M.- 11:53 A.M.
No Changes
Two Hour Delay:
Morning Kindergarten
Afternoon Kindergarten
11:15 A.M. to 12:55 P.M.
1:50 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
There is no extended day kindergarten on days with a modified kindergarten schedule.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Butler Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap/disability in its activities or
programs as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. For information regarding civil rights
or grievance procedures, contact Dr. Michael Strutt, Title IX Coordinator, or Mr. Aaron Royhab,
Section 504 Coordinator, at 110 Campus Lane, Butler, PA 16001, (724) 287-8721. For more
information regarding services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by
handicapped persons, contact Mr. Aaron Royhab, Supervisor of Special Education, at (724) 2878721.
PARENT ORGANIZATION
Each elementary school has a parent-teacher organization that is
highly involved in improving our school. Each year this
organization sponsors fund-raising projects. With the proceeds
from these projects, the organization sponsors and funds school
parties, assembly programs, field trips, and many other important activities. All parents are urged
to become a member of their school’s parent organization and actively participate.
PARENT’S RIGHT TO REVIEW TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
As a parent of a student in the Butler Area School District, you have the right to know the
professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows
you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires us to give
you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for
the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

Whether the Pennsylvania Department of Education has licensed or qualified the teacher
for the grades and subjects he/she teachers;

Whether the Pennsylvania Department of Education has decided that the teacher can teach
in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of
special circumstances;
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The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees; and, if so,
the subject of the degrees;
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Whether any teacher’s aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services and, if they do,
their qualifications;
If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the Administration Office at
(724) 287-8721.
PARTIES
Parties in elementary grades are limited to three per year. Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s
Day have been selected as the holidays for which parties may occur. As a general practice, the
Parent-Teacher Organization, through room parents, plan the parties.
Treats may be brought to school for student birthdays after the date and time are cleared with the
classroom teacher.
Invitations to private parties cannot be distributed at school, unless the entire class is being
invited.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS OF STUDENTS
Certain personal items should not come to school. These items are:
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Character cards (Yugioh, Pokemon, baseball, etc.);
Sports equipment (balls, hockey sticks, etc.);
Personal tape or CD players;
iPods or other electronic gear;
Laser pointers;
Toys, unless permitted by the teacher for a special activity.
It is recommended that students leave all valuable items at home. The school administration and
staff are not responsible for valuables which students bring to school.
Students are permitted to have cell phones in school. However, the phones must be turned off and
stored out of sight in cubbies or bookbags during the day. Students who violate the cell phone
policy may be required to store their phones in the office during the day.
PETS
No pets are allowed at school without permission. Teachers, through arrangements with the
principal, may give special permission for parents to bring pets to school as part of a special
activity or display. Students are not permitted to touch visiting pets. Of course, under no
circumstances should a potentially dangerous pet to be brought to school.
PLAYGROUND
Weather permitting, classes may go outdoors for a brief playground period. Children should be
dressed for outdoor activities during cold weather. Parents desiring their children to be excused
from this recreation should send a written note to the teacher involved stating the reasons for the
request and the length of time likely to be involved.
Students are expected to avoid muddy areas of the playground at all times. Tackle football is not
permitted. Other dangerous activities such as skate boarding, piggyback riding, rock throwing, and
snowball throwing are not permitted. Misuse or destruction of playground equipment will not be
tolerated.
Indoor Recess: Students may have indoor recess on days when weather prevents outside recess.
Quiet games, talking with friends, playing music, etc. are some typical activities provided by the
teachers.
REPORT CARDS
The Butler Area School District has a strong commitment to keeping parents well informed about
their child’s progress in school. Report cards for students in grades 1-6 are issued four (4) times
each year. Grades for students in grades 2 - 6 are posted online on the “Edline” site.
The reporting of pupil progress is supplemented by parent-teacher conferences. Two early
dismissal days are established each year for this purpose. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 noon
to allow for parent conferences on the days as listed on the school calendar (typically in November
and in March).
Parents of kindergarten students will receive a Progress Report at the end of each nine-week
grading period, which will keep parents informed of their child’s progress.
Parents may request a conference at any time during the school year for students not making
desirable progress. It is important that open communication occur. This will help the achievement
and welfare of our students.
Butler Area School District Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
E
90– 100 %
80 – 89 %
70 – 79 %
60 – 69 %
Below 60%
The subjects to be graded are:
Grade One
Reading, English Mathematics
Spelling- 3rd and 4th nine weeks only
Grade Two
Reading, English, Mathematics, and Spelling
Grade Three - Six
Reading, English, Mathematics, Spelling, Social Studies, and
Science/Health
SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION
If conditions arise that cause school to be closed, announcements will be made over local radio or
TV stations. Local stations airing such announcements are: KDKA (1020 AM), WBUT (1050 AM),
WISR (680 AM), WLER (97.7 FM). We respectfully request that you do not call the school office so
that phone lines can be kept clear for emergency information from our central office.
Planning For Bad Weather: Meeting the needs of children is especially difficult and frustrating
for all of us during times of inclement weather, school delays, cancellations, or early dismissals.
Listed below are some strategies that parents have found effective when dealing with bad weather
and schedule changes:
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When inclement weather is in the forecast, stay tuned to the
local weather conditions.
If weather appears to be getting worse as the day
progresses, listen to local radio stations for early dismissal
announcements. If you have provided the school with an
up-to-date phone number, you will receive an automated phone

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
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
call notifying you of an early dismissal.
Arrange contingency plans with babysitters or day care providers ahead of time.
Review all plans for weather emergencies with your children ahead of time and often.
Review probable emergency weather plans for that day with each of your children as
they leave for school.
Dress the children according to the predicted weather.
Notify your child’s teacher in writing of any changes in the normal routine of the child.
SCHOOL HOURS
Students (Grades 1- 6)
Kindergarten - Morning Session
Kindergarten - Afternoon Session
Office
Teachers
* Best time to call teachers:
9:15 AM to 3:30 PM
9:15 AM to 11:53 PM
12:53 PM to 3:30 PM
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
8:15 AM to 3:30 PM *
8:15 – 8:45 AM
SCHOOL DELAY SCHEDULE
One-Hour Delay:
Grades 1 – 6
Morning Kindergarten
Afternoon Kindergarten
School starts 10:15 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
School starts 10:15 A.M.-11:53 A.M.
No Changes
Two-Hour Delay:
Grades 1 – 6
Morning Kindergarten
Afternoon Kindergarten
School starts 11:15- 3:30 PM.
11:15 A.M. to 12:55 PM.
1:50 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
SCHOOL SECURITY
Visitors to the schools are always welcome. In an effort to provide for the
safety of our students, we will be adhering to the following security
regulations.
1. To gain entry into the building during school hours:




Use the buzzer near the front door to obtain the attention of the secretary.
You may be asked to show photo ID and state your purpose for being in the
building.
You will be required to pass through a metal detector
Once the inside door is opened with the buzzer system, individuals must proceed
directly into the office. Parents are asked not to go directly to the classrooms or
other areas within the building.
2. All parents who must pick up children for doctor/dental appointments, etc., during the
school day must report to the school office, identify themselves, & sign their children out.
All students must be picked up in the office. Students are not permitted to meet adults in
parked vehicles.
3. If, for whatever the reason, it is necessary for a student to arrive at school after 9:15 A.M.,
a parent should check in the student at the office. Often, a student enters alone assuming
a lunch can be purchased. Depending upon the time, it might be too late to order one. If
the parent drives off without knowledge of this, the student might not receive a lunch. We
want to prevent this from happening. If you know your child will be late, you should phone
the office before 9:30 or notify the classroom teacher the previous day to order a lunch.
4. Children may not be dismissed early without a signed note from the parent, and this
includes medical appointments, etc. The child must be picked up at the office, and adults
picking up students must complete the “Student Pick-Up Log Book.”
5. Unusual circumstances that may affect the safety of the child should be reported to the
school by parents. For example, pending divorce and/or custody conflicts that indicate that
there may be a question about who has authority to pickup the child should be reported to
the principal and/or teacher so that we are aware of the problem. This information will be
kept in the strictest of confidence.
6. Authorization to Pick Up: Students will not be released to anyone other than the parents or
persons designated on the student data sheet unless the school has a signed note from the
parent authorizing this action. If there is a court order indicating custody, a copy must be
provided to the school. If you send someone to pick your child up who is unfamiliar to the
office staff, please let him/her know that he may be asked to verify his identity. We will not
release a student if we are unsure that it is appropriate to do so.
7. Students have been, and will continue to be, encouraged to report unusual behavior on the
way to and from school.
8. Students will be encouraged to, if possible, walk to school with a friend or a group of other
students. Parents are also encouraged to, when possible, walk with their children to the
bus stop.
9. Walkers and bus students are to go directly home after school. Playing or visiting with
friends, playing ball, etc., should occur after they have reported home.
10. Students assigned to buses are not permitted to walk home or walk to a friend’s home
without written parent permission.
11. Students will not be kept after school unless parents are notified and in agreement.
12. Students must ride their regularly assigned buses and get on and off the buses at regularly
assigned stops.
STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS
School pictures will be taken early in the school year. Information regarding packets and prices will
be sent home with each child. If parents are dissatisfied with the pictures, they may be returned
for a full refund or retaken during the picture make-up.
Use of Student Photos or Videos: As part of the educational process, there is occasion to film
students involved in a vast array of classroom and building projects and activities and to put the
photographs on display. Parents who do not want their child’s image used in a District publication,
display, or broadcast must provide written request to that effect to the building principal at the
beginning of each school year.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM (S.S.T.)
Students who experience academic difficulties and/or social and emotional concerns
may be referred to our Student Support Team. The team consists of several school
staff members, including the student’s teacher, and parents. The team
members discuss and plan intervention strategies that will assist in providing
an effective educational program, as well as other school services that may
be needed to meet the student’s learning needs. Parents, teachers,
administration, or students may initiate requests for assistance. Please contact
the principal if you feel that your child may need extra help in order to be successful
in the classroom.
PARENT HANDBOOK SUPPLEMENT
“JUST FOR CENTER AVENUE”
BREAKFAST
Center Avenue students are offered a breakfast daily, starting at 8:45. Breakfast cost $1 for
students paying the regular rate, and $.30 for the reduced rate. Breakfast ends at 9:10, so that
students can be in their homerooms by 9:15.
LUNCH SCHEDULE
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
11:50
11:55
12:00
12:25
12:30
12:35
–
–
–
–
–
–
12:20
12:25
12:30
12:55
1:00
1:05
GETTING STUDENTS TO & FROM SCHOOL SAFELY
Crossing Guards
Crossing guards are located at two intersections:


Zeigler Avenue and Center Avenue
Center Avenue & Lincoln/Monroe Street
Students who need to cross Center Avenue must do so at the traffic light at the intersection of
Center Avenue & Monroe St.
There are no crossing guards on duty during the mid-day kindergarten dismissal and arrival times.
Arrival Of Students
Students should arrive no earlier than 8:45 AM. There is no staff supervision of students before
8:45 AM, other than scheduled activities and practices.
All students (bus students and walkers) must enter the building through one of the main entrances
(the Lincoln Avenue door or the door by the office) and pass through the metal detector every day
before going to their classrooms.
After entering the building, students should proceed directly to their homerooms, cafeteria, or the
location of a scheduled activity. Staff members will supervise the arrival of students between 8:45
a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (the time at which school starts).
Kindergarten:

Morning kindergarten students may enter through either main entrance (Lincoln Avenue or
the door by the office). They will be dismissed from the Lincoln Avenue door.

Afternoon kindergarten students will enter by the Lincoln Avenue door, and will be
dismissed with the rest of the school from the Short Street door.
For Parents Who Bring Students To School:

Parents who are driving should not park in the bus lane on Lincoln Avenue between 8:45 –
9:15 A.M, and 3:15 – 3:45 PM.

If a student arrives after 9:15 A.M., the parent should escort the child to the office, explain
why the child is late for school, and make the necessary arrangements for the child to
receive a lunch for that day.
Dismissal of Students

All walkers are dismissed from the Short Street side of the building at 3:30 PM.

Bus students are dismissed from the Lincoln Avenue door at 3:30 PM.

If your child is getting picked up instead of riding the bus, please send a note with your
child in the morning or call the office by 1:00 P.M. This will ensure that we will not have
to keep interrupting classrooms to inform the teachers of dismissal changes. We must
have a note or call from a parent to change a child’s usual transportation; we cannot take
a child’s word, as they often are incorrect!

Parents who pick up need to sign their children out in the office. Students will not be sent
outside of the building to meet parents, other than at the 3:30 dismissal time.

Students should be picked up by 3:30 P.M. Since proper supervision of the students is not
available beyond this time, it is necessary that parents be punctual.

Due to the degree of bus and car traffic at dismissal time, caution should be used when
driving & walking near the school.

Short Street between Lincoln Avenue and the school’s driveway is closed to traffic at
dismissal time (3:20 – 3:35).

The parking lot at the Arbors is private property. Parents who drive should not use the
Arbors parking lot as a place to meet their children. Parking for parents is available in the
Center Avenue School parking lot on Short Street, just above the Arbors lot.
TITLE I PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
“Title I” refers to a federal initiative to support student achievement in reading and math. Different
schools across the district qualify for Title I services depending on the needs of the school.
Working closely with classroom teachers, the Title I teachers identify students who need extra help
in reading and/or math in order to remain on grade level. They work with the students daily, either
individually or in small groups.
Center Avenue School has a school-wide Title I program, staffed by three reading specialists. The
reading specialists are responsible for diagnosing & remediating reading problems with individual
or small groups of students, as well as for collecting & disseminating progress-monitoring data. A
block schedule with staggered times for reading & math instruction ensures that each of the
primary grades can receive assistance from a reading specialist & learning support teacher or
paraprofessional for small group instruction. Parent volunteers are welcomed into classrooms to
listen to individual students practice their oral reading.
At Center Avenue School, there is a Parent Involvement Coordinator who is responsible for
organizing activities and events to bring parents into the school, and to help keep parents
informed of school activities. The Parent Involvement Coordinator is a member of the ParentTeacher Organization, and serves as a liaison among PTO, staff & parents. The Coordinator writes
a monthly newsletter for parents, which often includes tips for helping students become more
successful in school. She also maintains a Parent Information Center, located in the hallway by the
office, which includes a rotating collection of brochures about various parenting topics.
Activities aimed at involving parents have included:
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

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Monthly PTO meetings;
Open House;
“Coffee klatches”;
“Lunch with a Loved One” week;
Classroom parties;
Santa’s Workshop;
Book Fairs;
Dr. Seuss Celebration;
Kindergarten Registration & Orientation Activities;
PTO Fun Day.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES
All schools in the Butler Area School District have safety and security plans to respond to critical
incidents. The ability to be flexible and follow directions from public safety officials are key
components of these plans. Actions taken will depend a great deal on the magnitude and proximity
of each incident in relation to school locations. School personnel will receive detailed instructions
on the implementation of such plans and will be provided the necessary materials to carry them
out.
It is important that parents understand the procedures that the schools will follow and cooperate
fully with the components of each school’s emergency response plans. These plans and procedures
have been developed in cooperation with Butler County Emergency Management Services, Butler
Township Fire Marshall, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Butler County Radio Network.
CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL INCIDENTS
In the event of a chemical or biological incident, the District’s In-Sheltering Plan will be
implemented. Generally, incidents that require in-sheltering procedures have a probable duration
of hours, not days. In-sheltering procedures involve:
 Bringing all students and adults into the building and reporting to homerooms;
 Shutting off the ventilation systems;
 Closing and locking all doors and windows;
 Utilizing materials from classroom in-sheltering kits to seal doors and uni-vents, and
providing students with dampened disposable washcloths to assist with breathing if
necessary;
 Sealing exterior doors with plastic and duct tape;
 Awaiting instructions from Butler County Emergency management Service.
Opening and closing of doors would allow the entry or airborne substances into the building.
Therefore, it is unlikely that parents will be permitted to come to the school to pick up students
during in-sheltering procedures. During an in-sheltering situation, Emergency Management Service
Personnel, law enforcement officials, and School District personnel will determine when students
and staff members are safe to exit the building.
PARENTAL ASSISTANCE
Parents are asked to cooperate in the following ways during school emergencies:


Listen to the local radio stations for information regarding school emergencies.
Do not attempt to come to the school to pick up your child if in-sheltering or evacuation
procedures are in place, unless instructed to do so. This may create a dangerous traffic
situation that could prevent the schools from enacting emergency evacuation plans (if
the situation warrants an evacuation), compromise the safety of students and staff
members, or interfere with the District’s ability to accurately account for all students in
an emergency response situation. In addition, you may jeopardize your own personal
welfare by attempting to gain access to the school if a dangerous substance or situation
is present.



Cooperate with school, law enforcement and emergency management personnel who
are dealing with the situation.
The individual school (s) will not be able to handle all incoming calls from concerned
parents. Information will be provided through the local radio stations, television
channels, and the District Administrative Offices. Call 724-287-8721 if you need
additional information during a school emergency. Please be patient; your call will be
answered as soon as possible.
Know the evacuation relocation sites for your child’s school. They are included in this
information sheet. If your child’s school is evacuated, report to the relocation site to
pick up your child. Do not attempt to pick up your child at the school prior to students
and staff being evacuated.
At the direction of Butler County Emergency Management Services, law enforcement, and/or
School District officials, evacuation relocation sites may be changed based on the nature and
magnitude of the incident. Any changes from the designated evacuation sites would immediately
be announced via the emergency communications.
EVACUATION RELOCATION SITES
In the event of an emergency that requires the evacuation and relocation of any school (s), the
following are the relocation sites where parents would be directed to pick up their children:
Evacuation Plan A:
Evacuation Plan B:
Evacuation Plan C:
This involves the evacuation of Butler City Elementary Schools, McQuistion,
plus secondary schools within the District.
This involves the evacuation of individual of all Elementary schools to District
Secondary schools.
This involves the evacuation of Butler Area School District students to
neighboring school districts.
The evacuation plan for Center Avenue is:



Plan A: Students will be transported to and sheltered at the Clearfield Elementary School;
Plan B: Students will be transported to and sheltered at the Butler Senior High School;
Plan C: Students will be transported to and sheltered at Knoch High School.
If Center Avenue School needs to be evacuated during inclement weather, and circumstances
prevent the staff and students from staying inside of the school, the students and staff will use the
Arbors Apartments common area on the first floor as a temporary site. The Arbors Apartments are
located on Lincoln Avenue, across Short Street from the school. This site will only be used until
transportation to one of the sites above arrives.
All staff present in the building at the time of the evacuation will accompany the children on the
buses to the evacuation site. Parents will be kept informed of the location of the children through
local radio and television announcements.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
In the event of a school emergency, all information will be released to the Butler County Radio
network. Parents are asked to tune in to one of the following stations for information and updates:
Local Stations
WBUT – 1050 AM
WISR – 680 AM
WLER – 97.7 FM
Local and Regional Stations
In the event of a power outage affecting the local radio stations, tune
into the following local and regional media:
KDKA radio (1020 AM)
KDKA TV (Channel 2)
WTAE TV (Channel 4)
WPXI TN (Channel 11)
Armstrong Cable Services
It is unlikely that your child’s school will be able to handle a large volume of incoming calls.
Parents are asked to call 724-287-8721 for essential communications with the School District
related to an emergency situation. Please be patient; your call will be answered as soon as
possible.
In the event that the School District’s internal telephone system becomes inoperative due to a
power outage, each school has an outside line that will be used until the system is restored. The
emergency phone number is the school’s fax line: 724-287-0263. This number is only functional
during an emergency situation. Please do not call this number unless the call is extremely urgent.
LOCKDOWNS
The school periodically conducts lockdown drills to prepare the students and staff to react properly
to an intruder in the building. Teachers discuss the procedures with the students before and after
the drill.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
The Butler Area School District is subject to a variety of natural hazards (winter storms, hurricanes,
tornadoes, etc. Once the office receives word of an imminent danger (for example, a tornado
warning), an announcement is made over the public address system for the teachers to take
appropriate action. A school-wide tornado drill is practiced once a year. Teachers discuss the
procedures with the students before and after the drill.
Butler Area School District
ELEMENTARY
DISCIPLINE
HANDBOOK
August 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction ..........................................................................................................
1
Guidelines for Student Behavior ...........................................................................
--Detention
--Suspension
--Expulsion
--Student Hearings
2
Attendance ...........................................................................................................
5
Bullying and Harassment ....................................................................................
8
Bus – Progressive Disciplinary Action ..................................................................
9
Bus -- Regulations ................................................................................................
10
Cafeteria Behavior................................................................................................
12
Cheating ...............................................................................................................
12
Disobedience .......................................................................................................
12
Disrespect ............................................................................................................
12
Dress Code .........................................................................................................
12
Drugs and Alcohol ................................................................................................
15
Electronic Devices ................................................................................................
21
Field Trips ............................................................................................................
22
Fighting ................................................................................................................
22
Gum .....................................................................................................................
23
Homework/ Make-up Work ..................................................................................
23
Inappropriate Language/Swearing .......................................................................
24
Leaving School Without Permission ....................................................................
24
Off-Campus Activities ..........................................................................................
25
Racial and Ethnic Intimidation ..............................................................................
25
Sexual Harassment ..............................................................................................
25
Student Expression ..............................................................................................
26
Student Searches / Metal Detection Systems ......................................................
26
Terroristic Threats/Acts ........................................................................................
29
Theft .....................................................................................................................
30
Tobacco ...............................................................................................................
30
Vandalism ............................................................................................................
30
Weapons and Assault ..........................................................................................
30
Websites/Internet .................................................................................................
31
(Sample) Elementary Discipline Referral .............................................................
32
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Butler Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in its
activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section
504.
For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Dr. Michael Strutt,
Title IX Coordinator, or Mr. Aaron Royhab, Section 504 Coordinator, at 110 Campus Lane,
Butler, PA 16001, (724) 287-8721. For more information regarding services, activities and
facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact Mr. Aaron
Royhab at (724) 287-8721.
INTRODUCTION
Excellent behavior of students is essential in creating a positive learning
environment within our schools. Therefore, the following discipline handbook
has been created as a guide for elementary students, parents, teachers, and
administrators to help create and foster such an environment for all students.
This booklet is intended to give those concerned an overview of some
of the District’s policies and a reference for discipline questions that may
arise. Communication between home and school is crucial in developing an
understanding of situations. Involving a parent/guardian at the beginning of
the problem is the goal of Butler Area School District. Working together, we
can help the student develop into a responsible citizen and learner.
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
Page 30.
Elementary
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Proper student behavior is represented by each student developing the desire and ability to live as
a responsible citizen in a free society. It is the by-product of teaching and growth which results in
an individual’s feeling that s/he does right because it is his/her habit to do right. The most effective
procedure to develop positive behavior is through the development of self-discipline in each
student. Therefore, discipline will always seek to foster self-discipline.
When a consequence is necessary for a student’s misbehavior it shall:
1) Relate in kind and degree to the misbehavior.
2) Help the student learn to accept responsibility for his/her actions.
3) Be directed, where possible, to make better any harm which may have been caused
by the student’s misconduct.
4) Hold parents or guardians accountable for the actions of their sons, daughters, or
wards.
Each student must adhere to the Board policies and the Code of Student Conduct governing
student discipline.
Definitions
Detention:
Detention is assigned by the principal. Detention is held in an assigned area
on designated days. Every student who is assigned detention should report to
the assigned area on the day determined by the administrator. The
requirements for detention are promptness, silence, constructive writing,
studying, or reading. Transportation home from detention is the responsibility
of the student and parent. (Policy No. 218)
Suspension:
In-school Suspension shall mean a student will be removed from the
classroom and assigned to a special study area under the direct supervision of
a staff member. (Policy No. 233)
Out-of-School Suspension:
a) Temporary Suspension shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for
a period of up to three days by the administrator, without a hearing. (Policy
No. 233)
b) Full Suspension shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for a
period of up to ten school days, after an informal hearing before the
principal is offered to the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
Page 31.
Elementary
Suspension Procedures (In-school Suspension):
No student will receive an in-school suspension without notice of the reasons for which s/he is
suspended and an opportunity to be heard prior to the time the suspension becomes effective. The
parent(s)/ guardian(s) shall be informed of the suspension.
Suspension Procedures (Out-of-School Suspension):
The principal or teacher in charge of a public school may suspend any student for disobedience or
misconduct for a period of one (1) to ten (10) consecutive school days. No student may be
suspended without notice of the reasons for which s/he is suspended and an opportunity to be
heard in his/her behalf before the building principal. When the suspension exceeds three (3) days,
the student and parent(s)/ guardian(s) will be given the opportunity for an informal hearing with the
building principal. The hearing will take place as soon as possible after the suspension. The
suspension, in most cases, will officially start the next school day after issuing the suspension. An
informal hearing is the contact of the school administrator with the parent/ guardian to discuss the
student’s infraction and the appropriateness of the discipline rendered to change this behavior. The
student will assume the responsibility of making up work missed because of time lost due to the
suspension. Suspension is considered a planned absence; therefore, the suspended student shall
have only that number of make-up days equal to the number of days missed up to a maximum of
five (5) days total.
Definition
Expulsion:
Expulsion shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for a period
exceeding ten (10) school days and may be a permanent expulsion from the
school rolls, by action of the Board of School Directors. (Policy 233)
Expulsion Procedures:
No student will be expelled without an opportunity for a formal hearing before the Board of School
Directors, or a qualified hearing examiner appointed by the Board. The adjudication or decision of
the committee or hearing examiner must be approved by the Board of School Directors.
Students who are less than seventeen (17) years of age are still subject to the compulsory school
attendance law even though expelled and must attend school. The responsibility for placing the
student in school rests initially with the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). If, however, the expelled
student is unable to attend another public or private school, or if the expelled student is not eligible
to do so, the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall immediately notify in writing the Assistant Superintendent’s
Office of said fact.
Options and guidance will be provided by the Assistant Superintendent at that time.
Hearings:
The formal hearing shall be preceded by an informal hearing. If an informal hearing indicates that a
student’s presence in school would constitute a threat to the health, safety, morals, or welfare of
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
Page 32.
Elementary
himself/herself or of others, and it is not possible to hold a formal hearing within the period of a full
suspension, the student may be excluded from school for more than ten (10) school days by the
principal and with the concurrence of the superintendent, provided the hearing is not unreasonably
delayed. Any student so excluded shall be provided with alternative instruction in accordance with
administrative regulations.
At the formal hearing for expulsion, due process shall be assured the student through the
following provisions:
1) The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), unless the student is emancipated, must be
notified of the charges and of the time and place of the hearing by certified mail.
2) The hearing shall be private, unless the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or the
student himself/herself in the event that he or she is emancipated requests it be held
in public.
3) The student shall have the right to an impartial tribunal, to be represented by
counsel, and to testify and produce witnesses on his/her behalf.
4) The student has a right to the names of witnesses against him/her, to copies of
affidavits of those witnesses, and to demand that any such witnesses appear in
person and answer questions or be cross-examined.
5) If the student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) are dissatisfied with the findings of
the hearing, recourse can be had to the appropriate court.
6) A record shall be kept of the hearing, either by a stenographer or by tape recorder.
The student is entitled, at the student’s expense, to a copy of the transcript.
7) Expelled students who are eligible to return to school must attend a readmission
hearing with a parent/guardian and must sign a Behavior Stipulation Agreement as a
condition of readmission. Failure to comply with any of the requirements in the
Behavior Stipulation Agreement may result in future and immediate disciplinary
action.
Re-admission to School: Expelled students who are eligible to return to school must attend a
readmission hearing with a parent/guardian and must sign a Behavior Stipulation Agreement as
a condition of readmission. Failure to comply with any of the requirements in the Behavior
Stipulation Agreement may result in future and immediate disciplinary action.
While suspended from school, students lose the privilege to practice or compete on athletic
teams or participate in any after-school activity, rehearsal, practice or meeting. Students are not
permitted on any school district property during a suspension without prior approval from a
building administrator.
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
Page 33.
Elementary
ATTENDANCE POLICY (Policy No. 204)
School Attendance is Important
Regular and punctual attendance to all school sessions is important to each student for the
following reasons:
1. The student who attends school regularly derives the maximum benefit from the instructional
program.
2. Students with good attendance records generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more,
and are more employable after leaving high school.
Regulations: Compulsory School Attendance
The Board of Education requires that school-age pupils enrolled in the schools of the District
attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the state. The educational program
offered by this District is predicated upon the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of
instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and
consistent educational progress.
Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the schools during the days and hours
that school is in session, except that a principal or teacher may excuse a student for temporary
absence when s/he receives satisfactory evidence of such mental, physical, or other urgent
reasons which may reasonably cause the student’s absence. Urgent reasons shall be strictly
construed and do not permit irregular attendance.
Excused, Unexcused, and Unlawful Absences
Absences from school will be classified as excused, unexcused, and unlawful.
The
Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Child Accounting categorized excused,
unexcused, and unlawful absences as follows:
Excused Absence
Excused absence includes the absence of a pupil for any one of the following reasons:
…Illness or recovery from an accident
…Quarantine
…Required court attendance
…Death in family
…Family emergency (Unavoidable)
…Inclement weather/impassable roads
…Other urgent reasons approved by the building principal
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 34.
Unexcused and Unlawful Absence
Unlawful absence is the unexcused absence of a pupil of compulsory school age (all pupils
under seventeen years of age). Unlawful absence is always an unexcused absence. An
unlawful absence may include but is not limited to the following:
…Absence through parental neglect
…Illegally employed
…Truancy
An unexcused absence may occur when a parent does not provide a written excuse for an
absence within five (5) school days. At the end of the fifth school day, all absences for which
excuses have not been recorded will be marked as an unexcused absence. Chronic unexcused
absences warrant parent notification and possible disciplinary and/or legal consequences if the
problem is not resolved. These unexcused absences may be used to serve First Notice. If the
First Notice is issued, a fine will result. All unexcused absences will become unlawful if they are
chronic and/or unresolved.
If a student misses a test or an important lesson because of an unlawful absence, the loss is
his/her own. Teachers are under no obligation to permit the student to complete assignments or
make up tests missed during the unlawful absence.
TRUANCY
Truancy is the act of a student who stays away from school without permission.
1. First Offense: Seven (7) hours of detention for the first day and progressive disciplinary
action for each successive day of truancy.
TARDINESS
Every student should be in his/her classroom before the beginning of the school day. The
school day begins at 9:15 a.m. Failure to do so is considered tardy. When a student has
accumulated a total of five (5) tardies to school, a parent conference will be held.
School time missed due to chronic tardiness to school without an excused absence may be
accumulated and converted to an equivalent number of days of unexcused absence. A citation
may be issued to those parents/ guardians who fail to comply with the statutory requirements of
compulsory attendance through their children’s chronic, unexcused tardiness to school.
Parental Responsibility: Written Excuses
The parent/guardian of a school-age child is responsible to provide an explanation in writing for
the pupil’s absence from school.
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The mere fact that a parent/guardian has sent a written explanation to the teacher does not
necessarily mean that the absence is “excused.” An unexcused/ unlawful absence is one for
which such reasons as these are given: away from home, visiting, had to go to the store,
working, hunting, or oversleeping, or other reasons clearly attributable to parental neglect.
If a student is excessively absent from school (fifteen (15) days per semester or twenty (20)
days per year), the parent/guardian may be required to verify each additional illness/injury with a
written excuse from a doctor. In the event this is necessary, the parent or guardian will be
notified by mail. Days excused by a certified doctor will not count toward the 15-day/20-day
limit. The administration has the right to excuse other absences as urgent conditions arise.
Every parent/guardian of any child of compulsory school age is subject to penalties if
compulsory school-age attendance requirements are not met. The District will give three (3)
days’ written notice of violation of compulsory attendance prior to filing a citation with the District
Justice’s Office and will attempt to develop a Truancy Elimination Plan (TEP) in cooperation with
the parent/guardian.
Nonattendance: First Offense and Second Offense
If compulsory attendance violations continue, the District will proceed with the filing of a citation
with the local magisterial district judge. Possible sentences for parents /guardians found to be in
violation of compulsory attendance law include the following: 1) paying a fine of up to $300.00
for each offense and court costs, 2) completing a parenting education program, 3) in cases
where the party convicted fails to pay the fine or complete the parenting education program, a
subsequent sentencing to the county jail for no more than five (5) days, 4) completing in lieu of,
or in addition to the previous penalties, community service within the School District for a period
of no more than six (6) months.
Student Responsibility: Attendance Procedures
What to Do:
1.
When returning to school after being absent, a written excuse must be provided, signed
by a parent or guardian, stating the exact reason why the student was absent, and the dates
of the absence. (“Illness” is not an exact reason, so state specifically what kind of “Illness.”)
2. The student must give the excuse to his/her teacher.
3. When the student reports to school after an absence without a written excuse, he/she will be
asked to bring one the next time he/she comes to school.
4. Absences will be recorded as unexcused if the absence note is not received within five (5)
school days from the day the child returns to school. All unexcused absences will become
unlawful if they are chronic and/or unresolved.
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Elementary Discipline Policy
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Student Responsibility: Early Dismissals
What to do if you wish to get out of school early for some important reason:
1. Present an excuse written by the student’s parent or guardian to the teacher before the time
the student wishes to be excused.
2. If the excuse is approved by the building principal, the student will be permitted to leave
school early. The early dismissal request may be verified by phone.
The practice of the school is to cooperate with the medical and dental professions as much as
possible. However, the student may not be excused from school to keep routine medical and
dental appointments which can be made for out-of-school hours, Saturdays, or other school
holidays. Early dismissals will be granted in cases of emergency if the student brings a request
from his/her doctor or dentist and is signed by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).
Dismissal from school to attend church activities on religious holidays which do not coincide with
vacation days on the school calendar may be permited.
Waiver of Compulsory Attendance
Parents may apply for a waiver of the compulsory attendance regulations when they want their
children to accompany them on a family trip, which the Superintendent or his/her designee
deems to have educational value. The approval must follow Pennsylvania Department of
Education regulations. Parents are required to notify the building principal in advance by
submitting an application requesting the waiver. Application forms are available in each
principal’s office. Approval by the principal is required. Final approval rests with the
Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.
Homebound Instruction (Policy No. 117)
Pupils unable to attend school and who anticipate confinement to their homes because of an
extended illness or injury may apply for homebound instruction through the office of their
respective building principal.
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT (Policy 218)
The Board prohibits all forms of bullying and harassment of students by all District students.
Bullying or Harassment is defined as conduct where a student strikes, shoves, kicks, or
otherwise subjects another student to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same,
or when a student commits acts or engages in a course of conduct which demonstrates:
A) an attempt to place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury
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B)
C)
D)
E)
an intent to cause substantial emotional distress to the person
hostile, offensive or derogatory remarks
physical interference with another student’s movements
offensive or abusive behavior having the purpose or effect of interfering
with an individual’s academic pursuits or going to and from school
The term “harassment” or “bullying” includes but is not limited to slurs, jokes, hazing, or other
verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, religion, ancestry,
genre, national origin, age, handicap/disability, or sexual preference.
The Board directs that complaints of bullying or harassment be investigated promptly, and
corrective action be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties shall be
maintained, consistent with the District’s legal and investigative obligations. Neither reprisals
nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of harassment or bullying.
Consequences for bullying or harassment may range from a warning or loss of privilege(s) to
out-of-school suspension and/or referral to the Board of School Directors for an expulsion
hearing.
BUS -- PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTION (Policy No. 810)
Poor conduct and discipline on a school bus can endanger the safety of every student riding it.
Misbehavior of any type, therefore, cannot be permitted.
Any violation of the bus regulations approved by the School Board will result in the following:
Infraction Type A
Pushing, tripping, hitting, scratching, standing, grabbing, spitting, shouting, yelling, screaming,
profane language, littering, eating or drinking, opening windows against drivers orders,
disobeying driver, rude annoying conduct, obscene gestures/material/remarks, failure to remain
seated, failure to sit in assigned seat, jumping over seats, moving from seat to seat, improper
boarding/departing procedures, refusing to identify himself to the bus driver, or other similar
offenses deemed by the principal and transportation supervisor to merit the following penalties.
1. First Offense:
A verbal reprimand or seat assignment change and parents will
be notified.
2. Second Offense:
A warning and parents will be notified.
3. Third Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for one day.
4. Fourth Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for three days.
5. Fifth Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for five days.
6. Sixth Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for fifteen days.
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Elementary Discipline Policy
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7. Seventh Offense: Suspension of riding privileges for thirty days.
8. Eighth Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for remainder of year.
Infraction Type B
Insulting the driver, fighting, verbal/abusive language, obscene material, intimidation or bullying
of others, tampering with bus equipment or damaging the bus (restitution required), destroying
property of others, arms or head out of the windows, throwing potentially dangerous items in or
out of the bus, opening exit doors, or other similar offenses deemed by the principal and
transportation supervisor to merit the following penalties.
1. First Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for three days.
2. Second Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for fifteen days.
3. Third Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for thirty days.
4. Fourth Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for remainder of year.
Infraction Type C
Lighting of any ignitable items, smoking, chewing tobacco, visible possession of tobacco
products, possession of weapons or mace, hitting or pushing the bus driver, throwing objects at
the bus driver when he/she is on or off the bus, or other similar offenses deemed by the
principal and transportation supervisor to merit the following penalty.
1. First Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for fifteen days.
2. Second Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for thirty days.
3. Third Offense:
Suspension of riding privileges for remainder of year.
DISCIPLINE MAY BE CHANGED AND ASSIGNED AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE
BUILDING PRINCIPAL AND TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR
A disciplinary letter will be used to notify individuals concerned with the action taken as a result
of information furnished by the building principal, contractor or the school bus driver.
The Transportation Office will mail the original letter to the parent, the second copy to the bus
company and the driver, and the third copy to the building principal. A fourth copy will remain on
file in the Transportation Office.
BUS REGULATIONS
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Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 39.
Copies of these regulations are mailed to every parent at the beginning of each school year:
1.
Students will occupy assigned seats when instructed.
2.
If another stop, other than the one assigned, is closer to your home, notify the
Transportation Office. Any requests for bus schedule changes must be made through
this office.
Tampering with or destroying bus equipment is a very serious infraction and must be
treated as such. This infraction will mean the revocation of the student’s bus privileges.
3.
4.
Windows should be opened only with the permission of the driver. With windows open,
the students must refrain from placing arm or head or any part of the body out of the
window.
5.
The use of tobacco in any form is forbidden and will be considered a major infraction.
Revocation of bus privileges will result if a student smokes on the bus.
6.
Students must remain seated while the bus is in motion.
7.
Eating or drinking is prohibited while the bus is in motion.
8.
Boisterous or profane language will not be tolerated on the bus or at the bus stop.
9.
Rowdiness, shoving, tripping, fighting, etc., while waiting for the bus, or while a
passenger on the bus are strictly prohibited and will be considered a major infraction.
10.
The throwing or shooting of any object (rubber bands, pea shooter, straws, water guns,
etc.) means immediate suspension of bus privileges.
11.
The emergency door at the rear of the bus is to be opened only on the orders of the bus
driver.
12.
Students must be at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled time.
Waiting for one tardy student could mean that a bus load of students will be late for
school. Drivers are not to wait for students who make a habit of arriving late at the stop.
13.
Students are not permitted to leave any trash on the bus. The bus is to be as clean at
the end of the run as the beginning of the run.
14.
Bus students are required to ride the bus when such transportation is assigned unless
transportation is provided by the parents.
15.
The school bus driver shall not allow any live animals, firearms, explosives, or anything
of a dangerous or objectionable nature on his/her bus while transporting pupils.
16.
Gym bags, band instruments, or any school project shall not be placed in the aisles or
areas near the entrance door. Items of this nature must not be allowed on the bus
unless they can be held on the pupil’s lap without endangering the safety of other pupils.
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Video Monitors On School Buses (Policy No. 810.1)
The Board of School Directors and school officials recognize that serious misconduct on a
school bus may jeopardize the safety of all passengers. Therefore, video monitoring cameras
shall be used to discourage student misconduct. The use of video cameras on school buses as
an aide to monitor student behavior does not replace the discipline policy as enumerated in
Policy 810, or the authority of the bus driver, or the responsibility of school officials to act on bus
misconduct. The Bus Conduct Report shall remain the primary tool for use by the driver in
reporting misconduct that cannot be corrected by less formal means. Video cameras will be
assigned to buses on a rotating or an “as needed” basis. Additional guidelines are listed in
policy 810.1.
CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR (Policy No. 218)
The 30-minute lunch period is that part of the school day during which time students have an
opportunity to eat their lunch in the school lunchroom. During this period, students will be
supervised by cafeteria monitors. Students are expected to cooperate with the monitors, to
demonstrate etiquette and socially acceptable behaviors, and to adhere to established
lunchroom rules and regulations specific to the setting. Depending upon the infraction,
disciplinary action can range from a simple verbal warning to a suspension from school.
CHEATING (Policy No. 218)
Cheating is a very serious offense. Students who are caught cheating on tests or other
assignments may receive a zero or have points deducted for that particular work. The teacher
should inform the parent or guardian of the offense. The second offense will result in the
student receiving a zero for the assignment. A phone conference between teacher and parent,
or a conference between teacher, parent, and student will occur. The teacher will inform the
principal of the second offense.
DISOBEDIENCE (Policy No. 218)
Disobedience is defined as the refusal or failure to obey any professional and support staff. The
consequence for this violation could range from a parental conference, to loss of a privilege, to
detention, to suspension, depending upon the severity of the case.
DISRESPECT (Policy No. 218)
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Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 41.
Disrespect is defined as the lack of respect, rudeness, or offensive behavior in word or action to
any professional and support staff. The consequence for this violation could range from a
warning or loss of a privilege to detention or suspension, depending upon the severity of the
case.
DRESS CODE -- STUDENTS (Policy No. 221)
1. An individual’s dress, personal appearance, and cleanliness, like his/her behavior, should
reflect a sensitivity to and a respect for others. The fact that the school will permit a wide
variety in school clothes does not mean that all styles are equally appropriate. This is a
decision that the student must make in conjunction with his/her parents or guardian, always
keeping in mind that his/her appearance must not present a clear and present danger to the
student’s health and safety, cause an interference with work, or create classroom or school
disorder.
Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical
education classes, shops, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire
may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.
a. Guidelines for Acceptable Dress: Although this is no attempt to include all items, the
following types of clothing will be excluded from what is considered acceptable dress by
District students:
1)
Articles which are soiled with grease, oil, paint and dirt.
2)
Articles that could cause damage to other students or property.
3)
Torn or ragged clothing.
4)
Apparel that reveals or exposes the midriff, lower back, chest, sides of the upper
body, and/or undergarments.
5)
Gang-related attire, articles of clothing which are inappropriately designed, contain
offensive and/or inappropriate logos, iron-ons, emblems, decorations, and words.
6)
Clothing, pins, patches, tattoos, or any other items that encourage violence.
b. Footwear: Shoes must be worn throughout the building at all times, except in the
locker room and pool areas. Students are expected to follow all school rules related to
safety that may require proper foot protection; for example, in science labs, shops,
physical education classes, etc. Steel-toed shoes are not permitted.
c. Clothing: Clothing should be worn in the manner for which it has been designed. For
example:
1)
Shirts and blouses must be properly buttoned.
2)
Outerwear (coats) must be placed in lockers or on coat hooks during the school day.
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Elementary Discipline Policy
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3)
Camouflage clothing, unless required for a class activity, and tear-away pants are
not permitted.
4)
Loose-fitting clothing such as baggy pants must be secured with a belt and must be
worn above the hips. The midriff, lower back, chest, sides of the upper body, and/or
undergarments may not be exposed.
5)
To avoid accidental tripping or falls, pant legs are not permitted to be worn below
the student’s footwear.
Students representing the school at extracurricular activities should wear clothes
appropriate for the occasion.
d. Shorts: Shorts are permitted to be worn by students provided that they meet the
following guidelines. Shorts must:
1)
Reach below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one’s sides. If a
student wears a combination of layers of clothing, the length of the outer garment
must reach below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one’s sides.
2)
Be designed and sold as walking shorts such as Bermuda shorts, or culottes; swim
suits, cutoff, gym shorts, and shorts with frayed or slit bottoms are not acceptable.
e. Skirt/Dress Length Guidelines: Skirts and dresses should be long enough to reach
below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one’s sides. If a student wears
a combination of layers of clothing, the length of the outer garment must reach below the
fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one’s sides.
f.
Hats/Caps: Students are expected to remove caps or other “headgear” while in the
building.
g. Body Piercing: Body piercing shall be restricted as follows:
1)
Ears, eyebrows, nose, and tongue piercing items shall be removed for safety
reasons in the following curricular and extracurricular activities:
a)
Physical education classes
b)
Science lab classes in which protective eye glasses must fit securely around
the eyes
c)
Industrial arts classes where equipment is used and protective eye glasses
must be worn
d)
Extracurricular activities involving physical contact
Body piercing that has become infected and presents a health hazard to the student
and/or others is prohibited and must be removed.
h. Accessories:
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Page 43.
1)
Chains that are attached to wallets or other items are not permitted.
2)
Sunglasses are not permitted to be worn during the school day unless medically
prescribed.
2. Penalties:
First Offense:
Penalties for violation of the student dress code are as follows:
Student will be sent home or retained in the office or the in-school
suspension room until a parent or guardian provides a proper change of
clothing.
Second Offense: Student will be assigned to detention.
Third Offense:
Student will be assigned in-school suspension.
Fourth Offense: Principal will determine appropriate consequence, ranging
suspension to a hearing before the Board of School Directors.
from
5. In view of the fact that fashions are continually changing, the building principals have the
discretion to be the final authority in all issues regarding the dress code.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY (Policy No. 227)
The Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs and alcohol is a serious problem with legal,
physical, and social implications for the whole school community. As an educational institution
the District strives to prevent such abuse.
For the purpose of this policy, controlled substance shall include all but are not limited to the
following:
1) controlled substances prohibited by federal and state law, 2) look-alike drugs, 3) alcoholic
beverages, 4) anabolic steroids, 5) drug paraphernalia, 6) any volatile solvents or inhalants,
such as but not limited to glue and aerosol products, 7) prescription or patent drugs, except
those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy.
Any student attending any District school is not permitted to possess controlled substances
while on school property or off school property during a school-sponsored activity, function , or
event.
Alcohol:
1. A student involved in the possession or use of an alcoholic beverage on school property or
off school property during a school-sponsored activity, function, or event will receive a ten
day out-of-school suspension from school, be reported to law enforcement officials, and will
be assigned either Option One or Option Two as indicated below.
2. A student, while on school property or off school property during a school-sponsored activity,
function, or event, or in a school bus to or from school, or a school-sponsored activity,
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Elementary Discipline Policy
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function or event who is or appears to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or who
has or appears to have consumed alcoholic beverages will receive a ten-day, out-of-school
suspension from school, be reported to law enforcement officials, and will be assigned either
Option One or Option Two as indicated below.
Option One:
Parent and student will sign a form at the time of the suspension stipulating that they will
adhere to the following terms and conditions:
a. The student, within the ten-day suspension, will voluntarily participate in a drug and/or
alcohol assessment at the expense of the family. The family has the right to select the
agency of their choice to conduct the assessment from a list provided by the building
principal at the time of the suspension.
b. Upon receipt of written notification that the results of the assessment were negative, the
student, at the conclusion of the ten-day out-of-school suspension, will be permitted to
return to the regular education program.
c. If the written notification of the assessment is not received prior to the end of the tenth
day of the suspension, the student will temporarily be permitted to continue his or her
education program.
d. In order to continue temporarily in the regular education program, the student must
continue to successfully complete each phase of the prescribed treatment program.
e. Upon receipt of written verification of successful completion of the recommended
treatment program, the student will return to the regular education program and
participate in the appropriate student assistance program.
Option Two:
Should the parent and student not agree to the terms and conditions of Option One, one of
the following will occur:
a. Withdrawal from school in accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code.
b. Fulfill an At-Home Instruction Program.
c. Hearing before the Board of School Directors for possible expulsion from school.
Any and all expenses associated with any of the provisions of Option Two are the
responsibility of the family. Further, no student involved in an alcohol-related incident will be
considered for readmission to school until written documentation of a drug/alcohol evaluation
is provided, and that the student has successfully completed a rehabilitation program if the
need for such a program is recommended through the evaluation.
3. Chemical Testing for use of alcoholic beverages (Alcotest).
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a. Any time an employee of the Butler Area School District has reasonable grounds to
believe that a student, while on school property or off school property during a schoolsponsored activity, function, or event, or on a school bus to or from school or a schoolsponsored activity, function, or event is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or has
consumed alcoholic beverages, that employee shall, during regular school, accompany
that student to the office of the principal of the building to which the student is assigned.
b. Upon arriving at the office of the principal, the principal or his/her designee may request
(except under the conditions listed in item 4) the student to submit to one or more
chemical tests of the student’s breath which have been approved by the Board of School
Directors of the Butler Area School District for the purpose of determining the alcoholic
content of the student’s blood. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of the
incident and will be encouraged to be present at the time the chemical test is
administered.
c. If the student agrees to one or more approved chemical tests of his/her breath for the
purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his/her blood, then one or more
approved chemical tests of the student’s breath for the purpose of determining the
alcoholic content of the student’s blood shall be conducted by the building principal or
his/her designee in the presence of a witness.
d. During regular school hours, any student accused of, and denying being under the
influence of alcoholic beverages or having consumed alcoholic beverages while on
school property or off school property during a school-sponsored activity, function, or
event, or on a bus to or from school or a school-sponsored activity, function, or event
shall, upon request, have a right to one or more approved chemical tests of his/her
breath for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his/her blood. Said test(s)
shall be conducted by the building principal or his/her designee in the presence of a
witness.
e. The result of any approved chemical tests of a student’s breath for the purpose of
determining the alcoholic content of the student’s blood shall be considered along with
other competent evidence in determining whether the student was or was not under the
influence of alcoholic beverages or had not consumed alcoholic beverages.
f.
The refusal of a student to submit to one or more approved chemical tests of his/her
breath for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his/her blood may be
introduced into evidence, along with any other testimony concerning the circumstances
of the refusal at the time of a hearing before the Board of School Directors. No
presumption shall, however, arise from the refusal of a student to submit to one or more
approved chemical tests of his/her breath for the purpose of determining the alcoholic
content of his/her blood, but may be considered along with other factors.
g. The Alcotest may be waived for students who are obviously under the influence of an
alcoholic beverage, i.e., breath smell, speech context, walk mannerisms, and the inability
to control normal body functions.
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4. Second offense situations will automatically be recommended to the Board of School
Directors for an expulsion hearing.
Drugs:
1. A student involved in the purchase, sale, or distribution of controlled substances and/or
alternatives on school property or off school property during a school-sponsored activity,
function, or event, or on a school bus, or during the time spent traveling independently to or
from school or a school-sponsored activity, function, or event will receive a ten (10) day, outof-school suspension and be recommended to the Board for expulsion from school and be
reported to law enforcement officials. A proven peddler of controlled substances and/or
alternatives within the school premises will receive a ten-day, out-of-school suspension from
school and be recommended to the Board of School Directors for expulsion from school.
2. A student possessing or using a controlled substance and/or its alternative on school
property or off school property during a school-sponsored activity, function, or event, or on a
school bus to or from school or a school-sponsored activity, function, or event, will receive a
ten-day, out-of-school suspension from school, be reported to law enforcement officials, and
will select either Option One or Option Two as indicated on pages 11, 12, and 13.
3. A student while on school property or off school property during a school-sponsored activity,
function, or event, or on a school bus to or from school or a school-sponsored activity,
function, or event who is or appears to be under the influence of a controlled substance
and/or its alternatives or has or appears to have used a controlled substance and/or its
alternatives will receive a ten-day out-of-school suspension from school, be reported to the
law enforcement officials, and will select Option One or Option Two as indicated below.
4. “Possession with intent to sell” -- Possession of controlled substance and/or its alternative ...
(relative to minimum quantity that would lead to an expulsion hearing).
5. A student possessing drug-related paraphernalia will receive a ten-day, out-of-school
suspension from school, be reported to law enforcement officials, and will select either
Option One or Option Two as indicated on pages 11, 12, and 13.
6. Drug paraphernalia is defined as: All equipment, products, and materials of any kind which
are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing,
harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing,
testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting,
ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.
Counterfeit Drugs:
1. A student possessing drug-related paraphernalia will receive a ten(10) day out-of-school
suspension, be reported to law enforcement officials, and following consultation with the
Superintendent or his/her designee will be informed that either Option One or Option Two is
applicable. No student(s) shall distribute or sell a non-controlled substance that has a
stimulant or depressant effect on humans which, or the label or the container of which,
substantially resembles a specific controlled substance. In determining whether there has
been a violation of this subsection, the following factors shall be considered:
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a) Whether the non-controlled substance in its overall finished dosage appearance is
substantially similar in size, shape, color, and markings or lack thereof to a specific
controlled substance.
b) Whether the non-controlled substance in its finished dosage form is packaged in a
container which, or the labeling of which bears markings or printed material substantially
similar to that accompanying or containing a specific controlled substance.
2. No student shall distribute or sell a non-controlled substance upon the expressed or implied
representation that the substance is a controlled substance. In determining whether there
has been a violation of this subsection, the following factors shall be considered:
a) Whether the non-controlled substance in its overall finished dosage appearance is
substantially similar in size, shape, color and markings or lack thereof to a specific
controlled substance.
b) Whether the non-controlled substance in its finished dosage form is packed in a
container which, or the labeling of which, bears markings or printed materials
substantially similar to that accompanying or containing a specific controlled substance.
c) Whether the non-controlled substance is packaged in a manner ordinarily used for the
illegal delivery of a controlled substance.
d) Whether the consideration tendered in exchange for the non-controlled substance
substantially exceeds the reasonable value of the substance and, where applicable, the
price at which the over-the-counter substances of like chemical composition sell.
e) Whether the consideration tendered in exchange for the non-controlled substance
approximates or exceeds the price at which the substance would sell upon illegal
delivery were it actually the specified controlled substance it physically resembles.
3. No student shall distribute or sell a non-controlled substance upon the expressed
representation that the recipient, in turn, will be able to distribute or sell the substance as a
controlled substance.
4. Any student violating any of the provisions of this “counterfeit drug” policy shall be subject to
a ten-day, out-of-school suspension from school, be reported to law enforcement officials ,
and will select either Option One or Option Two as indicated below.
Explanation: Counterfeit Drug Policies:
The following is an attempt to explain the above “Counterfeit Drug Policies” of the Butler Area
School District. This explanation shall, however, not be construed as limiting or expanding upon
the above mentioned “Counterfeit Drug Policies.”
No student shall distribute or sell any substances that are labeled or packaged in such a
manner as to resemble a controlled substance.
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 48.
No student shall distribute any substance upon the representation as to resemble a
controlled substance.
Penalties for Infraction of Drug/Counterfeit Drug Policies:
1. First offense situations may be reviewed, within five days of the incident, by the Assistant
Superintendent or his/her designee, prior to being recommended to the Board of School
Directors for an expulsion hearing.
Option One:
Parent(s)/guardian(s) and student will sign a form at the time of the suspension stipulating
that they will adhere to the following terms and conditions:
a) Student, within the ten-day suspension will voluntarily participate in a drug and/or alcohol
assessment at the expense of the family. The family has the right to select the agency of
their choice to conduct the assessment from a list provided by the building principal at
the time of the suspension.
b) Upon receipt of written notification that results of the assessment were negative, the
student, at the conclusion of the ten-day out-of-school suspension, will be permitted to
return to the regular education program.
c) If the written notification of the results of the assessment is not received prior to the end
of the tenth day of suspension, the student will be temporarily assigned to the regular
education program.
d) In order to continue temporarily in the regular education program, the student must
continue to successfully complete each phase of the prescribed program.
e) Upon receipt of written verification of successful completion of the recommended
treatment program, the student will return to the regular education program and
participate in the appropriate student assistance program.
Option Two:
Should the parent(s)/guardian(s) and student not agree to the terms and conditions of
Option One, one of the following will occur:
a) Withdraw from school in accordance with Pennsylvania School Code
b) Fulfill an At-Home Instruction Program
c) Hearing before the Board of School Directors for possible expulsion from school
Any and all expenses associated with any of the provisions of Option Two are the
responsibility of the family. Further, no student involved in a drug-related incident will be
considered for readmission to school until written documentation of a drug-alcohol
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 49.
evaluation is provided and that the student has successfully completed a rehabilitation
program if the need for such a program is recommended through the evaluation.
2. Second offense situations will automatically be recommended to the Board of School
Directors for an expulsion hearing.
Non-Alcoholic Beer and Wine:
The consumption or possession of products labeled and sold as non-alcoholic beer or wine,
which have a similar packaged appearance as an alcoholic beverage, and which contain a
percentage of alcohol is prohibited while on school property, off school property, or during a
school-sponsored activity, function or event.
Policy Justification:
1. Non-alcoholic beverages have a similar appearance to alcoholic beverages and may create
the perception that a student is engaged in the consumption or possession of a controlled
substance.
2. A non-alcoholic beverage container could be tampered with. The non-alcoholic beverage
could be replaced with an alternative, unknown, controlled substance.
3. Glass bottles could create a danger if thrown, or if discarded improperly.
Violation of this policy will result in the following:
1. First Offense:
Warning (Option of Suspension)
2. Second Offense: One (1) day of in-school suspension
3. Third Offense:
Three (3) days of in-school suspension
4. Fourth and any other Offenses: Three (3) days out-of-school suspension
ELECTRONIC DEVICES (Policy No. 237)
The Butler Area Board of School Directors has determined that the possession of most
electronic devices by students is not a vital part of the educational process. Such items under
most circumstances serve as a distraction to the educational process and some can be used in
the furtherance of inappropriate and unsafe activities.
Prohibited Items: Laser pens and other laser devices are particularly capable of causing harm
and disruption and are therefore prohibited from being in a student’s possession in school,
during a school-sponsored activity or on a District vehicle.
Conditional Items: Students are discouraged from possessing certain types of electronic
devices during school hours; however, their possession does not constitute a violation of this
policy unless the student fails to comply with the following provisions:
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 50.
Students are not to use audio listening devices (CD players, MP3 players, etc.), handheld
electronic games, digital cameras, audio or video recording devices, or other such devices
during the instructional school day unless they have permission from a staff member to do so as
part of a classroom activity. In addition, the distribution, e-mailing, or posting on an Internet site
of any unauthorized photograph, audio recording, or video recording taken in school buildings or
on school grounds, or on any school bus or commercial vehicle providing transportation to and
from school or any school-related activities is prohibited. Consequences for violation of this
policy may include warning, detention, suspension, or a hearing before the Board of School
Directors.
Students may possess cell phones for use before and after school, but their use during the
school day is strictly prohibited. “Use” is interpreted as using any cell phone function or feature,
not just sending or receiving telephone calls. Cell phones must be turned off upon entering the
school building and may not be turned on again until the student leaves the building at the end
of the school day. Cell phones must be kept out of sight, and the student bears total
responsibility for safeguarding this and any other device in his or her possession.
The Butler Area School District assumes no responsibility for the loss, theft, damage, or misuse
of any electronic device that is brought onto school grounds, to a school-sponsored activity or
any District vehicle.
Discipline: Violation of any part of this policy may result in consequences ranging from
confiscation and loss of privileges, to detention, suspension, and referral to the Board of School
Directors for possible expulsion.
FIELD TRIPS (Policy No. 121)
Field trips should be conducted for the purpose of extending, supplementing, and enriching the
educational activities of the classroom. Field trips should be viewed as an extension of the
school day and are, therefore, governed by established rules and regulations.
Since students are representing both their school and the District as a whole, their conduct and
appearance should be of exemplary nature and should depict an appropriate image of which
everyone would be proud.
It is hoped that every student would have an opportunity to participate in a field trip experience
with his/her class. However, due to inappropriate student conduct and lack of cooperation
which could jeopardize the safety and welfare of the student and/or the group while on the
field trip, individual students may be excluded from participation in the field trip.
FIGHTING (Policy No. 218)
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 51.
Students are not permitted to fight in school, on school property, on the bus, or during schoolsponsored activities. Fighting will be dealt with by the classroom teacher and/or the Principal.
Parents will be notified about the incident and actions taken.
Depending on the severity of the incident and/or the frequency, the student(s) will receive the
following punishment:
1. Loss of privilege or time-out with appropriate conflict resolution
interventions
2. After-school detention
3. One to ten days of in-school or out-of-school suspension
If proof can be obtained concerning the blame or cause of the fight, the student who provoked
the fight may receive a time-out, detention, or suspension of longer duration.
Students who instigate fights between others but do not actually participate may also receive a
time-out, detention, or suspension. This includes students who push one student into another or
who verbally incite other students into fighting.
The local police may be involved in certain types of fights and disorderly conduct charges may
be filed against all students involved in fighting. The local magistrate may levy a fine if
disorderly conduct charges are filed.
The student may also be referred to the Board of School Directors for a hearing and possible
expulsion from school.
GUM (Policy No. 218)
Gum chewing is not permitted. The student will be asked to deposit the gum in the trash can.
Repeat offenders will be assigned detention.
HOMEWORK (Policy No. 130) and Make-up Work (Policy No. 204.1)
Homework can be viewed as a student work task as directed by the teacher, to be completed by
the student for a set period of time as specified by the teacher.
The Butler Area School District recognizes the need for, and importance of, assigning and doing
homework as an integral part of an extension of the instructional school day. Completion of
assigned homework should aid in the development of knowledge, proper work habits, selfreliance and independence, and the responsibility in carrying through a work task to completion.
This, in turn, will directly aid classroom instruction and indirectly prepare students for socially
acceptable behaviors in an adult world. Homework should involve the combined efforts of the
teacher, student, and parents.
Teacher’s Role:
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 52.
1) Homework shall be used for positive purposes only. No homework shall be assigned as
disciplinary measures.
2) Homework assignments shall be evaluated and shared with students, providing feedback
and reinforcement of developed concepts.
3) Homework shall be incorporated in the compilation of students’ report card grades.
4) When a student habitually fails to do homework, the following steps shall be taken: a) a
conference with the student, b) conference with parents, c) referral to a counselor.
5) Incomplete assignments may result in a range of consequences, as agreed upon by teacher
and building administrator and reviewed with the student and parent.
Student’s Role:
1) Students are encouraged and expected to complete all homework assignments to the best
of their ability.
Parent’s Role:
1) The support by parents is of paramount importance for a homework policy to operate
effectively within our schools.
2) Parents should encourage their children to complete assignments, provide a home study
area conducive for learning, and offer assistance and guidance as need be with the
completion of tasks.
Administrator’s Role:
1) Monitor homework practices to insure proper implementation of the provisions of the
homework policy.
Make-up Work (Policy No. 204.1):
Unplanned Absence: Students who are legally absent from school and who provided a written
excuse within five (5) days of return to school shall have up to five (5) days to make up work
missed. The five (5) days begin the day that the student returns to school and is able to meet with
each of his or her teachers. Should the student be absent again within the five (5) days
designated to make up work, the student is entitled to an extension of the number of make-up
days remaining from the initial absence.
Example: Absence occurs on Friday (five allotted make-up days): Monday, first make up day
(arrange make up work with teacher), Tuesday, second make up day, Wednesday, third make up
day, Thursday, second absence, Friday, fourth make up day for initial absence and first make up
day for second absence, Monday, fifth make up day for initial absence and second make up day
for second absence, Tuesday, make up days for the initial absence have expired but make up
days for second absence continue.
If a student misses a class within the five (5) make up days as a result of participation in a schoolapproved activity, the student is entitled to an extension of make-up days for that class only. If the
teacher is absent the day the student returns, the five (5) school days the student has to make up
work will begin the day the teacher returns. Should the regular classroom teacher provide the
Butler Area School District
Elementary Discipline Policy
Page 53.
work to be made up to the substitute teacher, the time allotted for making up the work will begin
on that day.
Planned Absence: Students who are legally absent from school because of a planned absence
shall determine what work was missed on the day they return and shall have only those number of
additional make up days equal to the number of days missed up to a maximum of five (5) days
total. Prior to leaving, students should attempt to make arrangements to obtain assignments and
test/quiz schedules for the period of absence.
Example: Initial planned absence occur on Thursday and Friday (three allotted make up days),
i.e., Monday, first make up day (arrange make up work with teacher), Tuesday, second make up
day, Wednesday, third make up day.
At the elementary level additional time may be granted by the classroom teacher if circumstances
warrant such consideration.
INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE/SWEARING (Policy No. 218)
The use of profanity and inappropriate language, along with vulgar drawings or gestures will not
be permitted during the school day or during any school-sponsored activity, function, or event.
Depending upon the severity of the case, the penalty for this violation could range from a parent
conference or loss of a privilege, to one hour of detention, to a recommendation to the Board of
School Directors for expulsion from school.
LEAVING SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION (Policy No. 218)
The student may receive loss of privileges, temporary suspension, or detention.
OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES (Policy 218 and Policy 227)
Activities that occur off-campus may be in violation of Policy 218, Student Discipline and/or
Policy 227, Alcohol and Drugs if the following applies:
1. There is a nexus between the proximity or timing of the conduct in relation to the student’s
attendance at school or school-sponsored activities.
2. The student is a member of an extracurricular activity and has been notified that particular offcampus conduct could result in exclusion from such activities.
3. Student expression or conduct materially and substantially disrupts the operations of the
school, or the administration reasonably anticipates that the expression or conduct is likely to
materially and substantially disrupt the operations of the school.
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Page 54.
Elementary
4. The conduct has a direct nexus to attendance at school or a school-sponsored activity, such
as an agreement to complete a transaction outside of school that would violate the Student
Discipline Policy.
5. The conduct involves the theft or vandalism of school property.
RACIAL AND ETHNIC INTIMIDATION (Policy No. 249)
Butler Area School District promotes an appreciation and acceptance of racial and ethnic
diversity. District policy prohibits all forms of racial and ethnic intimidation in any areas under the
permanent or temporary control of the District. Any person who engages in racial or ethnic
intimidation while acting as a member of the school community will be in violation of this policy.
Racial or ethnic intimidation is defined as:
— comments or conduct which interfere with personal or academic performance
— create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive academic environment
— demeaning remarks
— demeaning display or depiction of any racial or ethnic group
Any student who feels that s/he has been a victim or racial or ethnic intimidation shall bring the
matter to the immediate attention of any teacher, principal, or counselor. If it is determined that
any student has engaged in racial or ethnic intimidation while under the control of Butler Area
School District, he/she shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
suspension or expulsion.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Policy No. 248)
The District is committed to maintaining an educational environment for all of its students that is
free from any type of sexual harassment. Any behavior which constitutes sexual harassment will
not be tolerated. Such conduct shall include, but is not limited to, verbal comments or conduct of
a sexual nature, threats or other acts that may intimidate others, verbal or physical sexual
advances and sexual innuendoes during the school day or during school-sponsored activities,
functions, or events. Harassment occurs when such conduct has the purpose or effect of
interfering with an individual’s academic environment, including any and all school-related
activities, by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Any person who believes he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment by another student or
adult shall report the incident to the Building Principal. The Building Principal will then follow the
procedures outlined in Section 248 of the District’s Policy Manual.
If it is determined that a student has engaged in sexual harassment, she/he shall be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action ranging from a loss of privilege to suspension or expulsion.
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
Page 55.
Elementary
STUDENT EXPRESSION (Policy No. 220)
While respecting the right of students to express themselves in words or symbols and distribute
materials as a part of that expression, the Board of School Directors recognize that the exercise of
that right must be limited by the need to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the
rights of all members of the school community. The Board reserves the right to designate and
prohibit manifestations of student expression that violates the rights of others. Students who wish
to distribute materials must submit them for prior approval to the principal. Any violation of the
Student Expression policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
STUDENT SEARCHES (Policy No. 226.1) and
Metal/Weapon Detection System/Devices (Policy No. 218.3)
The primary purpose and justification for a student search is the protection of the health, safety
and welfare of the students, faculty, school property and the educational process.
1. School officials shall be permitted to conduct a search of a student and/or of items in the
student's possession or within the student's control if the school official has reasonable
grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is
violating either the laws of the United States of America or the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or the rules and regulations of the School District or the school official has
reasonable cause to believe that the search is necessary to maintain school discipline or to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the students, faculty, and staff and to protect school
property or the educational process.
2. All searches of a student and/or of items in the student's possession or within the student's
control shall be conducted in the presence of the building principal and/or his/her designee(s)
and a witness. Based on the nature and severity of the incident, the student's
parents/guardian(s) are permitted to be present during the search of a student and/or of items
in the student's possession or within the student's control if it is possible to locate the student's
parent(s)/guardian(s) and they report to the building principal's office within a reasonable
period of time.
3. Prior to conducting a search of a student and/or of items in the student's possession or within
the student's control, the school official conducting the search may provide the student with an
opportunity to voluntarily produce any suspected evidence that the student has violated or is
violating either the laws of the United States of America or the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or the rules, policies, and regulations of the School District.
4. Illegal or prohibited material(s) seized during a student search may be used as evidence
against the student in a school disciplinary proceeding.
5. If the student refuses to voluntarily produce any suspected evidence that the student has
violated or is violating either the laws of the United States of America or the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or the rules, policies, and regulations of the School District, the school official
may ask the student to consent to a search prior to conducting an involuntary search of the
student and/or of items in the student's possession or within the student's control.
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Page 56.
Elementary
6. If the student refuses to voluntarily produce any suspected evidence that the student has
violated or is violating either the laws of the United States of America or the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or the rules, policies, and regulations of the School District and refuses to
consent to a search, the building principal and /or his/her designee(s) in the presence of a
witness and, if present, the student’s parent(s) / guardian(s), shall order the student to empty
his/her pockets, remove his/her outer jacket, coat and/or vest, remove his/her shoes and
socks, roll up his/her pant legs to the knee, and/or shirt sleeves to the elbows, remove his/her
belt, and turn over to the person conducting the search any and all items in the student's
possession or within the student's control.
7. The refusal of a student to submit to a search of himself/herself and/or of items in the student's
possession or within the student's control shall be immediately reported to the appropriate law
enforcement officers and/or juvenile probation officers for further investigation. The student
shall be detained by the principal until such time as a law enforcement officer or juvenile
probation officer arrives to interview the student.
8. If the search produces weapons, drugs, or any other dangerous or illegal items or contraband,
such items shall be turned over to the police as soon as possible. Such items shall be secured
by the building principal and/or his/her designee until they are able to be turned over to the
police.
Desk and Storage Space Inspections:
All desks and student storage spaces are and shall remain the property of the Butler Area School
District. As such, students shall have no expectation of privacy in them.
Desks and storage areas are provided to students for storing school-related items and clothing.
The school has an obligation to insure that desks and storage areas are properly used and that no
item or substance that is placed in the desk or storage area jeopardizes the protection of the
health, safety, and welfare of student, faculty, school property, and the educational process. To
fulfill this obligation, school officials have the right to conduct desk and/or storage space
inspections at any time.
Metal/Weapon Detection System/Devices (Policy No. 218.3)
Butler Area School District is committed to maintain safe, orderly schools; to promote health and
safety within the school setting; and to provide a school environment conducive to education.
Butler Area School District has the authority to create reasonable rules and regulations to
maintain a safe climate. Therefore, the Board of School Directors may authorize the use of
scanning devices when appropriate for the purpose of reducing and discouraging the presence of
weapons in our schools. For this reason walk-through metal detectors are used on a daily basis at
all of the schools within the District.
Students and adults entering the elementary schools may be asked to submit to a metal detector
search procedure to ensure that weapons, controlled substances, and other prohibited articles are
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
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Elementary
not brought into the building. Metal detector searches will be conducted on a daily basis at each
of the District’s school buildings.
Metal detector searches may be conducted at the District’s discretion during after-school events.
Metal Detector Search Procedure:
During a metal detector search, students will be directed to walk through the metal detector upon
entering school:
Should the metal detector alarm sound:
1) The student will be directed to move to one of the adjacent tables.
2) Butler Area School District personnel will then search the individual’s book bag, backpack,
gym bag or other parcel that the individual has in his or her possession.
3) The student will be directed to remove any metal objects from his/ her possession and will
walk through the metal detector for a second time.
Should the metal detector alarm sound a second time:
1) The student will be directed to move to an area as directed by District personnel.
2) The student will be scanned with a hand-held metal detector.
3) The student will be directed to remove any objects detected by the hand-held metal detector.
4) Following the removal of any items detected by the hand-held metal detector, the student will
be directed to walk through the metal detector for a third time.
Should the metal detector alarm sound a third time:
1) The student will be directed to move to an area as directed by District personnel.
2) Again the student will be asked to check for any metal objects and to remove such objects.
3) If no objects are produced, the student will be escorted to the principal’s office. At this point
the STUDENT SEARCHES (Policy No. 226.1) policy procedures will be followed, which are
listed above.
In all cases, the search process will cease when the metal detector scan is completed without
activating the alarm. The Butler Area School District will not be responsible for any items
damaged in the metal detecting or bag-checking process. It is the students’ responsibility to
remove any valuable items (cell phones, i-Pods, etc.) and place them in the container provided.
Butler Area School District
Discipline Policy
Page 58.
Elementary
Discovery of Contraband:
If the search produces weapons, drugs, or any other dangerous or illegal items or contraband, such
items shall be turned over to the police as soon as possible. Such items shall be secured by the
building principal and/or his/her designee until they are able to be turned over to the police.
TERRORISTIC THREATS/ACTS (Policy No. 218.2)
The Butler Area School District prohibits District students from communicating Terroristic threats or
committing Terroristic acts directed at any student, employee, Board member, community member,
or school building.
Terroristic Threat:
A threat to commit violence communicated with the intent to terrorize
another, to cause evacuation of a building, or to cause serious public
inconvenience.
Terroristic Act:
An offense against property or involving danger to another person.
When an administrator has evidence that a student has made a terroristic threat or committed a
terroristic act, the following guidelines shall be applied:
a. Suspension of the student
b. Reporting of the incident to the Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent
c. Possible reporting to law enforcement officials
d. Consultation with the Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent to determine if there is
cause for recommendation for an expulsion hearing
e. If expelled, the student will not be readmitted without documentation that the student does
not pose a risk of harm to others
f.
Following the period of expulsion, the readmitted student shall be subject to possible
searches under the provisions of Policy 226.1
THEFT (Policy No. 225)
Student or parent will be required to return, replace or pay for the missing item(s). The penalty for
this violation could range from a parental conference, to loss of a privilege, to detention, to
suspension, depending upon the severity of the case. The theft may be reported to the police for
further investigation.
TOBACCO (Policy No. 222)
Smoking or visible possession of tobacco products including smokeless tobacco, commonly called
chewing tobacco, or a look-alike product, by students on school property or during a schoolsponsored activity, function, or event or on a school bus to or from school or a school-sponsored
activity, function, or event is strictly prohibited. Violation of this regulation may result in a parent
conference or the loss of a privilege, detention, or in-school or out-of-school suspension. In
accordance with Act 145 of 1996, students will also be referred to the district magistrate for tobacco
violations.
VANDALISM (Policy No. 218)
Vandalism is the malicious destruction of school district or private property. Depending on the
seriousness of the offense, vandalism will be punishable by the loss of a privilege, and/or the
assignment to detention, and/or suspension. In some cases, the child will be expected to clean or
remove the vandalism from the damaged surfaces. If the property is destroyed, the student(s) or
parent(s) will be required to pay for the damage. The incident will be forwarded to the school
solicitor’s office should payment not be received.
WEAPONS (Act 26) (Policy No. 218.1) and Assault (Policy No. 218.4)
Act 26 of PA School Code provides for a one (1) year expulsion for possession of a weapon on
school property. No student is to possess any form of a weapon on school property, including
“look-a-like” or “toy” weapons. Special circumstances require administrative approval.
Definition: “Weapon,” for purpose of this section, shall include, but not be limited to, any knife,
cutting instrument, cutting tool, martial arts implement, firearm, explosive, fireworks,
and any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.
Policy:
Any student possessing a weapon in the building or on the grounds, or at any
school-sponsored activity, function, or event, or on any school bus providing
transportation to and from any school within Butler Area School District or any schoolsponsored activity, function, or event, depending on the facts of the case, may be
subject to one or more of the following penalties. Consequences may range from:
• Loss of a privilege
• Detention
• Parental conference
• One to ten days out-of-school suspension
• Referral to the Board of School Directors for possible expulsion from school
• Reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials
Additionally, prior to readmission, at the elementary level the student may be asked to provide
competent and credible evidence that s/he does not pose a risk of harm to others.
Assault:
The Board acknowledges the need to protect its teaching staff members, staff members, other
employees, students, and visitors from assault by others. The definitions of both simple and
60
aggravated assault are the same as the Pa. Statutes and are listed in the District’s Assault Policy.
The state provides for criminal penalties for assault. In general assault is when a person attempts
to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. If a student is
found guilty of either simple or aggravated assault he or she shall receive up to a ten (10) day outof-school suspension and may be recommended to the Board for expulsion from school. In
addition, said student may be reported to appropriate law enforcement officials.
WEBSITES/INTERNET - ACCEPTABLE USE (Policy No. 815)
The use of the computer network must be in support of education and research consistent with the
educational objectives of the Butler Area School District. The determination as to whether a use is
appropriate lies solely with the discretion of the School District. The use of the computer network
for illegal, inappropriate, or unethical purposes by students is prohibited.
Consequences for Inappropriate Use
1. The network user shall be responsible for damages to the equipment, systems and software
resulting from deliberate or willful acts.
2. Failure to follow procedures and prohibited uses previously mentioned may result in loss of
network access. Other appropriate disciplinary actions ranging from loss of privilege to
suspension or expulsion may also follow.Illegal use of the network, intentional deletion or
damage to files of data belonging to others, copyright violations or theft of services will be
reported to the appropriate legal authorities for possible prosecution.
Regardless of anything to the contrary contained in this document or any school policy,
the school administration and school board retain their inherent power to discipline,
suspend, or expel students for disobedience or misconduct and to institute
proceedings in juvenile court against students for incorrigibility, truancy,
insubordination, or other bad conduct or if the presence of any student attending
school is detrimental to the welfare of the school on account of the foregoing, as
contained in Article XII; Section 1318 and L338 of the Public School Code.
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BUTLER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
ELEMENTARY DISCIPLINE REFERRAL
Student Name:
School:
Referred by:
Describe Incident:
Date:
Period:
Grade:
Has this or similar behavior occurred before? Yes
No
If yes, how many times?
Previous incidents should be recorded on the back of this form
No Knowledge
INDICATE CORRECTIVE STEPS TAKEN TO DATE:
(
(
(
(
(
)
)
)
)
)
Warnings and Lectures (Approximate No.)
Parent Contact
Referred to Counselor
Other
None
Dates:
Dates:
Dates:
Dates:
Dates:
Student statement (if different from above)
Student’s Signature:
Action Taken: (For Office Use)
( ) Conference with student
( ) Detention
hours
( ) Apology required to:
( ) Parent phone contact
( ) Letter sent home
( ) Parent conference
( ) Referred to counselor
( ) In-school suspension:
( ) Out-of-school suspension:
( ) Isolation of
days
( ) Other
Remarks:
days
days
Principal’s Signature:
cc: (
(
)
)
Referral Teacher
File
( )
( )
Counselor
Other
(The back of this form should be used for Cumulative Record)
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