Discipline at New Milford
|
CODE SUMMARY Overview The discipline code was developed by a committee of parents, teachers, school administrators, community organization representatives and other citizens. It is under continual review by this committee. The Primary purpose of the discipline code is to promote a safe and orderly learning environment so that students can lean. The code provides parents, students and school staff with rules to follow so that the district is as fair and consistent as possible in dealing with student discipline. The purpose of the interventions or consequences to student mis-behavior is to teach the student a more appropriate behavior. Expulsions for drug and weapons violations follow federal and state law. Contents The codebook provides for a range of interventions or responses to student violations of the rules. This is to allow the teacher or principle to consider the student's age and other factors when determining an intervention. For example, the school's response to two Kindergarten students fighting should be different from two high school students fighting. In this example, the potential for serious harm and the student's knowledge of school rules are different. Therefore, the consequences should be different. In each case though, the purpose is to teach students not to fight. It is the district's intent that parents always be involved in the process of teaching students more appropriate behaviors. For that reason, the district encourages teachers and principles to involve parents in the discipline process as soon as possible. The code book contains a separate section concerning student behavior while on a school bus. As the safety of everyone is at risk when students distract a driver from concentrating on driving, this section reflects fewer options and a higher level of consequences. Student misbehaviors are identified as falling into one of three "LEVELS."
LEVEL ONE is the least serious and covers the most common student misbehaviors. For the most part, the classroom teacher is expected to manage this type of student behavior with classroom management and individual management methods and parent involvement.
LEVEL TWO student behaviors relate to more serious violations of the rules. The school response will usually involve the building principal. School have a range of options which may be required to participate in conference with their parents and the principal or serve up to 5 days of suspension.
LEVEL THREE violations are considered very serious threats to student and staff safety. As such, these violations will yield serious consequences. These consequences range from 10 days or more of suspension to expulsion by the board of Education for a year or more. The codebook also contains information concerning how to appeal to a student discipline decision, should the parent disagree. If additional information about this process is needed, please contact the zone superintendents' office at 966-3730. The codebook provides for definitions of term used for further clarification. Ir provides information on terms such as "dress code" and "weapons." It is the hope of the district staff and the citizens on the discipline committee that the code assists students, parents, teachers and administrators in supporting a safe and caring school.
|
Rockford School Board Policy Index |
|
|
|
