DISCIPLINE

 

DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES:

The student disciplinary guidelines at Robein School are intended to teach and reinforce students’ appropriate behavior. The disciplinary guidelines set forth in this handbook supplement the provisions of the Board Policy Manual.  The Policy Manual is available for review in the office of the Superintendent. School representatives attempt to make discipline at school consistent and effective. This program requires parent support. The Principal is the person in charge of discipline. If parents have a question about a discipline problem they should first call and talk with the teacher involved. If the parent is still unsatisfied, then they should call the Principal.

 

SCHOOL-WIDE RULES

1.         The student will follow all oral and written directions, guidelines and rules.

2.         The student will not physically, visually or verbally distract others.

3.         The student will show respect for other students and adults and their property.

4.         The student will raise their hand before speaking.

5.         The student will be prepared, ready and on time for class.

 

PLAYGROUND RULES

1.         No rocks are to be thrown and during winter, no snowball throwing.

2.         Body contact sports are prohibited.

3.         Keep entranceways and doorways clear.

4.         Only school equipment may be used on the playground.

5.         No child is allowed to re-enter the building without permission during recess unless injured.

 

DISCIPLINE FOR MISCONDUCT

 

I.          Grade I Disobedience and Misconduct: Acts of misbehavior that interfere with normal classroom operation and school operation.

 

Examples, but not limited to:

 

•           Classroom disturbance

•           Failure to carry out directions

•           Violation of classroom rules

•           Violation of dress code

•           Dishonesty and cheating

•           Tardiness

•           Littering

•           Inappropriate language

•           Name calling, verbal harassment

•           Other acts of disobedience or misconduct which the Board determines are similar in magnitude.

 

Consequences:  Any one or more of the following may be imposed for any given Grade I offense.

 

•           Verbal reprimand

•           Withdrawal of privileges

•           Consequences as stipulated in the posted classroom rules

•           Temporary removal from class

•           Conference with student

•           Conference with parents (by phone or in person)

•           Behavioral contract

•           Counseling

•           Written slip - notification to parents of unacceptable behavior

•           Detention

•           In-school separation

•           Out-of-school suspension

•           Expulsion

 

II.                 Grade II Disobedience and Misconduct:  Frequent or serious acts that disrupt the learning climate of the classroom and/or school.

 

Examples, but not limited to:

 

•           Continuation of unmodified Grade I disobedience or misconduct

•           Verbal sexual harassment

•           Multiple verbal harassment, bullying

•           Disrespect or insubordination

•           Minor acts of vandalism

•           Truancy (skipping class/school)

•           Forgery or the use of forged notes or excuses

•           Stealing

•           Rough horseplay – hitting, pushing, shoving, kicking

•           Misrepresentation

•           Failure to abide by corrective measures for misconduct

•           Other serious act or omission that disrupts learning environment

•           Other acts of disobedience or misconduct which the Board determines are similar in magnitude.

 

Consequences: Any one or more of the following may be imposed for any given Grade II offense.

 

•           Any one or more of the possible consequences outlined for Grade I disobedience or misconduct.

•           Referral to Principal

•           Expulsion

 

III.               Grade III Disobedience and Misconduct:  Acts directed against person or property that may endanger the health and safety of others in the school and which may be in violation of the law.

 

Examples but not limited to:

 

•           Continuation of unmodified Grade II disobedience or misconduct

•           Verbal and physical sexual harassment

•           Repeated bullying

•           Possession of tobacco

•           Possession, use, or under influence of alcohol

•           Possession or use of controlled substances (drugs) and/or drug paraphernalia

•           Bullying or harassment

•           Fighting

•           Threats to others

•           Major acts of vandalism

•           Extortion or coercion of other students

•           Trespassing

•           Acts of gross insubordination

•           Using or possessing pager or cell phone

•           Engaging in gang or gang-related activity

•           Soliciting, encouraging, or engaging in hazing

•           Furnishing or selling controlled substances (drugs)

•           Possession or use of weapons

•           Bomb threats

•           Setting fires

•           Physical violence toward school personnel or property

•           Possession and/or sale of stolen property

•           Other acts of misconduct which are so seriously disruptive and/or create a safety hazard to students, staff, or school property

•           Other acts or omissions, which in the determination of the school board, constitutes gross disobedience or misconduct

 

Consequences:

 

•           Any one or more of the possible consequences outlined for Grade I or Grade II disobedience or misconduct

•           Financial restitution

•           Referral to outside agency

•           Contact proper authority

 

 

CONDUCT AND APPROPRIATE CONSEQUENCES

The Board of Education and the Administration reserve the right to review a particular incident of disobedience and misconduct and to impose other disciplinary measures which, although not specifically set forth herein, are consistent with provisions of this discipline policy.

 

BULLYING and HARASSMENT

Bullying is defined as student behavior that hurts, frightens, threatens, or tyrannizes others. Examples of bullying may include, but are not limited to

•           Physical bullying – may include unwanted touching punching, shoving, poking, hair pulling, or other similar behaviors.

•           Verbal bullying - may include name-calling, teasing, gossip, humiliation, intimidation, or other similar behaviors.

Bullying and harassing behavior will not be tolerated. Possible consequences are outlined under Grade III disobedience and misconduct above.

 

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

The Superintendent or Assistant Principal has the authority to suspend students who are found to be guilty of acts of gross disobedience or misconduct. Acts which have been committed on school property or adjacent thereto, acts committed while attending a school-related activity, acts committed while on a school bus or other school-authorized transportation, and acts which have a nexus to school may be considered as violations in which suspension may be utilized. Students will be given oral or written notice of the charges and an explanation of the evidence. The student will be given an opportunity to give his/her version of the incidents and to admit, deny, or refute the charges. If an informal hearing is not appropriate because the Student's presence poses a continuing danger or disruption, then an informal hearing will be held as soon as possible.  Suspensions will be immediately reported to the student's parents or guardians and shall include a written notice containing the reason(s) for the suspension and the right of appeal. Upon request of the parents or guardians, a hearing will be conducted by the School District.

 

 

EXPULSION PROCEDURES

The student and parents/guardians will be provided written notice of an expulsion hearing, The expulsion notice will be sent certified mail, return receipt requested. The expulsion notice shall contain the following information:

A.        A statement of reason(s) for the proposed expulsion,

B.         The potential maximum duration of the expulsion

C.        Time and place of expulsion hearing

D.        A statement of the parents’ and/or guardians' right to be represented at the expulsion hearing by an attorney or other representative at the parents’ expense.

 

The hearing shall be conducted by the Board of Education or by a hearing officer appointed by the Board.  In the event a hearing officer is appointed, the hearing officer shall make a written report to the Board which will form the basis of the Board’s decision.  All evidence to be considered by the Board must be presented during the hearing.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

•           The District will comply with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"), as well as federal and state regulations, and other laws, when disciplining students

•           No special education student will be expelled if the student's particular act of gross disobedience/misconduct is a manifestation of his disability. Any special education student whose gross disobedience/misconduct is not a manifestation of his disability may be expelled pursuant to Expulsion Procedures, except that such disabled student shall receive alternative educational services as provided in the IDEA.

•           A special education student who has carried a weapon to school or to a school function or who knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or a school function may be removed from his current placement and placed in an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days in accordance with the IDEA.

 

BEHAVIOR AND FIELD TRIPS/CLASS PARTIES

Teachers determine criteria for eligibility to good behavior parties on a quarterly basis. Information will be shared with parents at the beginning of the school year. Any student receiving more than 2 parent notification slips or referred to assistant principal 2 times in 20 school days preceding any field trips, class parties, or assemblies will be denied the privilege of participation. This requirement excludes graduation and the 7th-8th grade dinner-dance. Any student receiving a suspension in the above specified time frames will result in loss of activities.

 

BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY REQUIRE CONTACTING THE LAW

1 .        Arson

2.         Possession, use, or sale of weapons or items that can be used as a weapon.

3          Possession or use of materials that could be used or purported to be used as an explosive device.

4.         Theft or possession of stolen property.

5.         Possession; use, or transfer of tobacco products or smokeless tobacco products or possession of matches and/or a lighter.

6.         Possession; use, sale, or delivery of drugs or alcohol or substances purported to be such.

7.         False report of fire or explosive devices.

8.         Destruction, defacing, or vandalizing of property

9.         Fighting, assault, or battery.

10.       Repeated minor instances of misbehavior or failure to adjust to the school environment.

11.       Participation in gang-related activities including wearing gang-related clothing, jewelry, or any other item which is worn in a manner that is so closely related with gang membership as to present a possible danger to the student or school

12.       Membership in any "secret society" or solicitation of members as defined in the Illinois School Code. (105 ILCS 5/31-1)

13.       Obstruction of an investigation by a school official by withholding information from a direct question, or by giving false information which presents a danger or delay in the prompt resolution of school-related problems.

14.       Any other activity determined by school personnel to warrant referral to local law enforcement officials.

 

NOTE: Parents or legal guardians may be held financially responsible for personal injury and property damages caused by acts of the student. District 85, when deemed necessary, will seek damages under the Illinois Parental Responsibility Law, (740 ILCS 115/1, et seq). Students responsible for damaging or defacing property will be held accountable for repair and clean up in addition to being subject to other disciplinary actions.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The School Board of District 85 believes that all students have the right to be free from sexual harassment while attending school or at school related activities.

 

Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which includes but is not limited to off-color jokes or sexual innuendo will not be tolerated. This policy pertains to harassment by students, teachers, administrators, or other agents of District 85 upon students in violation of the provisions of Title IX. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature by anyone, including students, imposed on the basis of sex, that has the purpose or effect of (a) substantially interfering with a student's educational environment; (b) creating a hostile environment; (c) depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or (d) making submission to or rejection of such unwelcome conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student. Any student may file a complaint, free from bias, collusion, intimidation, or reprisal, regarding sexual harassment. Such complaint should be filed with the Superintendent or President of the Board of Education.  All investigations of sexual harassment shall be handled by the Superintendent or his designee, unless complaint pertains to the Superintendent, then complaint should be made to the Board President. The district representative shall proceed immediately with an investigation and shall adhere to District policies. A student engaging in sexual harassment will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion.

 

DRESS CODE

Students will NOT wear anything DISTRACTING to others, DANGEROUS to themselves and/or others, or INAPPROPRIATE for the classroom as determined by the staff and administration. We feel that students should dress in a MODERATE, DECENT, SAFE, and CLEAN way. Clothing must cover shoulders to mid-thigh in length, or longer, while the student stands up straight with their arms at their sides. Midriff area must be covered.

 

In grades 4-8, the following are NOT allowed: form fitting clothing, tank tops, boxer shorts or pajamas (worn as outer clothing), track or spandex bicycle shorts; PE clothes, low-riding or sagging/baggy pants or shorts, or chains on clothing.

 

Clothing having vulgar language, sexually explicit or suggestive pictures, or similar material is NOT permitted at school. Pictures and/or words on clothing about: alcoholic beverages, drugs, sexual sayings or meanings, cigarettes and other inappropriate symbols (i.e. skulls, skeletons) are NOT permitted at school. Peoria Pirates shirts are an exception and will be allowed.

 

Hats, hoods, or bandanas are not to be worn in the building. Temporary hair color is not allowed. Exceptions will be made on costume days or when special permission is given. Footwear must be safe for the wearer, others, and not hazardous to others. Students wearing backless shoes (clogs, flip-flops) will not be allowed on playground equipment.

 

PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Students earning a parent notification slip will be required to bring the slip home to be signed and returned to the teacher the following school day. The purpose is to notify parents of unacceptable behavior. Parents of bus riders will be given a day's notice prior to students serving before or after school detentions to allow time to arrange for transportation, if necessary. Students may be kept on the same day a detention is given if the parent is in agreement.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Listed below are examples of infractions involving personal property. The following are not allowed:

•           Using other persons' property or equipment without their permission.

•           Use of radios, tape/CD players, electronic games, laser pointers, watches with sounds, cellular phones, and pagers in the building and/or on the bus during school hours and sponsored activities.

•           Selling of products in the school building unless the sale is sponsored by Robein School.

•           Use or possession of outside books, magazines, posters, and/or pictures deemed inappropriate for school use by the teacher. This would include student-created or procured pictures which are inappropriate for the school setting, such as crude, violent, suggestive, or gang related symbols.

 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - DRUG ABUSE

Non-medical use of drugs is hazardous to the health of students. The illicit use, possession or distribution of drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia is not permitted on school busses, in school buildings or on school grounds at any time. This policy extends to all school sponsored and related activities as well as field trips, athletic and music trips, whether held before or after school, evenings or weekends. Students shall not be permitted to attend school when they are under the influence of illicit drugs. For the purpose of this policy, students who are under such influence shall be treated in the same manner as though they had drugs in their possession.  Prescription and non-prescription medications can be considered illicit if prescribed for another person, not used in accordance with instructions, or taken without notice to the Administration.

 

Information concerning the effects and potential dangers involved in the illicit use of drugs shall be included in the curriculum in compliance with the law. If a student illicitly uses, possesses or distributes drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia in violation of this policy, the student shall be suspended and/or expelled. In addition, parents and juvenile authorities shall be notified promptly. In all cases; parent cooperation will be sought. When a substance is determined to be an illicit drug, the identity of the student shall be given to the proper authorities for prosecution.

 

Electronic signaling devices (such as pagers, cell phones, or beepers) found on District 85 facilities shall be confiscated by the Superintendent or his designee. The presence of such a device may he cause for further search for possession of drugs and appropriate discipline as established by the School Board. If there is a reason to believe that a student is using drugs illicitly at any time on or off school premises the health and counseling services shall he made available to the student and his parents.

 

Organizations sponsoring activities on the school's facilities outside of regular school hours shall be made aware of this policy and shall be expected to take appropriate disciplinary measures. Failure to do so could result in cancellation of that organization's privilege to use district facilities.

 

 

TRESPASSING

Individuals are not allowed on school property after dark. Anyone caught may be subject to trespassing charges. This does not apply if a person is going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity after dark.