-
Policy 8.130
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
The School Committee believes that all students deserve every opportunity to achieve academic success in a safe, secure learning environment. Good citizenship in schools is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that the rights and privileges of others are not violated. Students are further expected to respect constituted authority and to conform to school rules and those provisions of law that apply to their conduct.
Student Handbooks
A copy of each school’s Student Handbooks will be made available to students and parents electronically. Original printed copies will be made available in each school principal´s office and the Superintendent´s office. Each Student Handbook shall include prohibited conduct and procedures to ensure due process when discipline is warranted. All such due process shall conform to the requirements of applicable federal and state laws and regulation laws and regulations relative to such proceedings.
Consequences
In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be considered, the principal building administrator shall consider ways to re-engage the student in learning and, when appropriate, avoid using short and long-term suspension from school as a consequence. Alternatives may include the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive behavioral interventions and supports.
The building administrator may, as a disciplinary measure, remove a student from privileges, such as internet privileges, extracurricular activities, and attendance at school-sponsored events, based on the student's misconduct. Such a removal shall not be subject to the due process procedures applicable to student suspensions or expulsions from school, unless explicitly provided for in Student Handbooks and/or rules of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA).
Academic Progress
Any student who is suspended or expelled shall have the opportunity to earn credits, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of his or her removal from the classroom or school.
Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to receive education services and make academic progress toward meeting state and local requirements, through a school-wide education service plan.
The District shall develop a school-wide Education Services Plan describing the education services that the school district will make available to students who are expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days. The Education Services Plan shall include the process for notifying such students and their parents of the services available to the student while suspended or expelled and for accessing such services. Education services shall be based on and provided in a manner consistent with the academic standards and curriculum frameworks established for all students under the law.
Reporting
The Superintendent shall collect and annually report data to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding in-school suspensions, short- and long-term suspensions, expulsions, emergency removals, access to education services, and such other information as may be required by DESE.
The building administrator of each school shall periodically review discipline data by selected student populations, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, disability, and English language learner status in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Students with Special Needs
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provide eligible students with certain procedural rights and protections in the context of student discipline. When disciplining eligible students, administrators shall adhere to the procedural rights and protections in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.
LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:37H ½; 71:37H3/4; 76:17; 603 CMR 53.00
Approved 11/9/21
Approved 8/29/22