STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The Hopewell Area School District recognizes the importance of establishing clear and consistent disciplinary consequences for violations of district rules. Students are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility, consideration, as well as treating each other with dignity and respect.
Pursuant to School Board Policy (#218, 9/27/13), the Board finds that student conduct is closely related to learning and an effective educational program requires a safe and orderly school environment. The Board adopted a Code of Student Conduct to govern student discipline, and students shall not be subject to disciplinary action because of race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap/disability.
Each student must adhere to Board policies and the Code of Student Conduct governing student discipline, with the ultimate goal of providing students with a positive learning climate. The Board has authority to establish fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory rules and regulations regarding the conduct and deportment of all students in the school district during the time they are subject to the supervision and direction of school authorities. The Board has adopted a Code of Student Conduct to govern student behavior. The Code of Student Conduct consists of this policy and the following other policies:
The elementary student code of conduct is designed with enough flexibility so that teachers can exercise judgment which is within the scope of the Code, their classroom behavior management system, the student’s personal behavioral monitoring system, or any behaviors in relation to off-campus activities.
DISCIPLINE
The following define the leveled system used in the elementary discipline program:
Level One Infractions
Defined: Refer to minor misbehavior on the part of the student that impedes or disrupts orderly classroom procedures or school operations. These infractions will be addressed by the appropriate school personnel as well as contacting parents/guardians. Administrative action will typically not occur with these misbehaviors.
Examples But Not Limited To:
Disruptive Classroom/School Behavior
Unauthorized presence in the building
Failure to complete or carry out directions
Possession of non-instructional items such as but not
limited to: Cellphones, Laser pointers, Gaming Devices, Cameras,
Video cameras, and Smart Watches
Failure to return required forms, books, and other school materials
Verbal harassment or bullying of others
Running or shouting in the halls
Dishonesty
Inappropriate language
Disciplinary Options:
Verbal or written reprimand
Parental notification (email or phone call)
Confiscation of non-instructional item
Special Assignment (Reflective in nature)
Loss of recess
Level Two Infractions
Defined: Misbehavior that is frequent or serious enough that it disrupts the learning climate of the school and/or endangers the health or safety of others. These infractions, which usually result from the continuation of Level One incidents, require the intervention of administrative personnel because the prior consequences have failed to modify the behavior. Also included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others, but whose educational consequences once again require a corrective action on the part of administrative personnel.
Examples But Not Limited To:
Continuation of Level One misconduct
Abusive, obscene, or disrespectful language, writings,
drawings, or gestures
Disciplinary Options:
Level Three Infractions
Defined: Acts that are frequent or serious in nature that disrupts the learning environment of the school or acts that pose a threat or danger to the health, safety, or welfare of others in the school. These acts will require administrative actions which could result in the immediate removal of the student from the school and possible intervention of law enforcement authorities.
Examples But Not Limited To:
Continuation of or extreme Level II misconduct
Defiance of authority, disrespectful behavior to staff
Assault
Fighting
Verbal or Physical Threats
Ethnic or racial slurs
Sexual harassment
Leaving school without permission
Vandalism
Indecent exposure
Destruction of property
Possession of a weapon
Possession of drugs or alcohol
Other violation of federal, state, or local laws
Disciplinary Options:
Please note: Depending on the nature of the incident, Level One is not always the first level used.
INCIDENTS NOT COVERED BY GUIDELINES
It is imperative to realize when dealing with students in the various situations that may occur that it is not possible to foresee all types of incidents that may occur. The list of aggravating and mitigating circumstances and infractions may not be complete. If a situation, which is not listed, should occur; the school official will use best judgment in addressing the infraction and following through with the appropriate consequence.
CARE OF THE SCHOOL PROPERTY
Respect of school and other people’s property by students must be considered during all school activities, both during and after school. Every year students are supplied with textbooks for use in the learning process. It is their responsibility to take the best care of these materials and return them at the end of the school year undamaged. Restitution will be implemented for any damage that occurs to school property, in the building, on school grounds, or on the school bus.
CAFETERIA RULES
Follow directions the first time given.
Stay in your assigned seat during lunch.
Use “quiet” talking voices.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself at all times.
Eat only your own food.
Place all trash in the provided cans.
Line up quietly when being dismissed from the cafeteria.
Use good manners and appropriate language at all times.
Eat all of your lunch before buying a snack.
FIVE SCHOOL-WIDE BUS RULES
Listen to the bus driver/ bus monitor at all times.
Use quiet voices and kind words at all times.
No eating or drinking on the school bus at any time.
Hands, feet, and objects shall be kept to yourself at all times.
Sit on your bottom – in your seat and face forward at all times.
CONSEQUENCES FOR BUS VIOLATIONS
Verbal warnings by the bus driver
Written warnings by the bus driver
Change of seat on the bus
Suspension from riding the bus for a period from 1 day to 1 year depending on the nature of the violation and its severity
Termination of bus riding privileges
SCHOOL DRESS
School attire should be such that it does not present health or safety problems or disturb the educational process. Students are expected to dress neatly, clean, and fully clothed at all times. The decision on proper dress is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
The following items will serve as a minimum guide to acceptable dress for district students.
No obscene language may be printed on shirts or pants.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Shorts and shirts should be worn at a reasonable length and tightness.
At no point should undergarments be visible.
No apparel should promote use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
No apparel should promote the use of weapons of any kind.