Standards andExpectations ofBehavior forStudents

2020/2021 A Handbook for Students, Staff, and Parents

Office of Student Services

Reviewed and Approved by:

Signature:

Christopher N. Lopez

Title: Director of Student Services

Date Revised: July 2020

School District of Lancaster

Standards and Expectationsof Behavior for Students

TABLE OF CONTENTSStatement of Purpose ......................4Standards of Conduct ......................6

Section 1 Student Rights and Responsibilities ...7Right to a Free Public Education ..............8

Right to Enroll in a Public School.............8

Responsibility to Attend School ...............9

Responsibility for Maintaining HighStandards of Behavior ..........................9

Right to a Safe School Environment.........9

Right to Non-Discriminatory Practices ...10

Right to Due Process .............................10

Right to Freedom of Expression .............11

Rights Regarding Flag Salute and thePledge of Allegiance ...........................12

Rights Regarding ConfidentialCommunications ................................12

Rights Regarding Searches.....................12

Section 2Student Dress Code ........................14Clothing Diagram..................................15

Kindergarten through 8th Grade ...........15

Dress Code Requirements......................16

Dress and Grooming: 9th through 12th Grades ...................16

Section 3Attendance at School .......................18

Unlawful Absence .................................19

Habitually Truant ..................................19

School Attendance ImprovementConference.........................................19

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Section 4Standards and Expectationsof Behavior .....................................21

Standard 1. Pursue Excellence as aStudent and Community Member .....22

Standard 2. Model Responsibility andIntegrity .............................................23

Standard 3. Respect Self, Others andProperty .............................................25

Section 5General Intervention/DisciplineSequence ........................................28

Tier 1 – Proactive Supports ....................30

Tier 2 and 3 – Interventions/Consequences ...30

Tier 2 – Targeted Interventions/ Consequences......................................30

Tier 3 – Intensive Interventions/ Consequences......................................30

Section 6 Guidelines for Students ReceivingSpecial Services ..............................35

For Students with Intellectual Disability ...36

For Students with Disabilities OtherThan Intellectual Disability..................36

For Gifted Students................................38

For Students with 504 Service Agreements........................................38

Glossary of Terms ..............................39

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

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The School District of Lancaster’s Board ofSchool Directors, as well as the administrators,teachers, and support staff, believe that ourvalues guide us in our daily actions as individ-uals and as members of the community. Ourcore values include respect for self and others,compassion, fairness, integrity, honesty, andthe right to a safe and positive learning environment.

Classroom teachers have the initial responsi-bility of handling most behavioral problems.Parents/Guardians also need to play a role intheir child’s behavior modification and shouldbe involved from the early stages when interventions are needed. The motto of ourDistrict is “Together We Can” and it symbolizesthe need for the school staff, students, parents,and community members to work together toactively create solutions.

This handbook was created as a guide for allindividuals who are connected with or visit our schools. This includes the Standards ofConduct, which are applicable to all stake-holders while on school property or duringschool sponsored events. The information inthis guide outlines behaviors that are respectfulof people’s rights and directs students toaccept responsibility for their actions. It will bereviewed with all students twice each year.Board policies (as posted on the Internet athttps://sdlancaster.org/) as well as thePennsylvania School Code should be reviewedfor additional guidance.

Education is the ability to listen toalmost anything without losing yourtemper or your self-confidence.

— Robert Frost

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Philosophy Statement: Pursuing excellence as a student and community member isachieved by creating and maintaining a responsible, respectful, and safe environment in all settings.

Model Responsibility and Integrity

• Be honest at all times.

• Be responsible for your own work and behavior.

• Develop positive relationships.

• Accept responsibility for your own actions.

• Attend school regularly and on time.

• Believe that you can and will learn; produce quality work that meets the highest classroom standards.

• Commit to remain in school with the objective of graduating on time.

Respect Self, Others and Property

• Value diversity and respect the views and opinions of others.

• Treat all persons fairly and with dignity; seek peaceful resolutions to disagreements.• Choose appropriate, non-offensive language to express one’s thoughts, opinions, and

feelings.

• Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other District staff andvolunteers.

Create a Positive, Safe, and Drug Free Learning Environment

• Conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner that focuses on academic success while in the school environment or on school property.

• Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

• Obey laws and School Board Policies against possessing or concealing any substance orobjects which are prohibited or which may disrupt the educational process and/or schoolsponsored activities.

• Conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner to and from school with other students, with members of the community and within the community.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improvethe world.

— Anne Frank

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SECTION 1STUDENT RIGHTS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES

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Chapter 12 of 22 Pa. Code provides rights andresponsibilities for students and gives the authorityfor school boards to make reasonable and necessaryrules governing the conduct of students in school.

Right to a Free Public EducationAll persons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,between the ages of six and 21 years, are entitledto a free and full education in the public SchoolDistrict where they reside. Parents or guardians ofall children between the ages of six and 18 arerequired by the compulsory attendance law toensure that their children attend an approved educational institution, unless legally excused.Students who have not graduated may not beasked to leave school merely because they havereached 18 years of age if they are fulfilling theirresponsibilities as students. A student may not beexcluded from the public schools or from extracur-ricular activities because:

n The student is married.

n The student is pregnant.

n The student has a disability as identified by Chapter 15 (relating to protected handicapped students).

n The student is an eligible student identifiedunder Chapter 14 (relating to special education services and programs).

Right to Enroll in a Public School(Based on Board Policies #201 and #203)Students have a right to enroll in the public SchoolDistrict in which they reside. The School District ofLancaster will require the following:

n Proof of the child's date of birth: (acceptabledocumentation includes birth certificate,baptismal certificate or transcript of therecord of baptism—duly certified and showingthe date of birth, notarized statement fromthe parents indicating the date of birth, dulyattested transcript of the birth certificate, orduly certified transcript of birth);

n An immunization record or assurance fromthe former School District or a medical officethat the required immunizations have beendone (or a required series began) with arecord to be sent;

n Completion of a Parent RegistrationStatement attesting to whether the studenthas been or is suspended or expelled foroffenses involving drugs or alcohol, weaponsor violence per 24 P.S. §13-1304-A and;

n Proof of residency (copy of lease or a bill).

McKinney-Vento Act(Based on Board Policy #251)The McKinney-Vento Homeless EducationAssistance Act guarantees a free and appropriatepublic education for all children and youth experi-encing homelessness from either the School Districtin which their person or the shelter is located orthe School District of origin. They are not requiredto submit proof of residency or certain contactinformation.

Basic Education Circulars (BEC) outlines proceduresfor deciding school placement, enrolling students,and determining responsibility. With the increasednumber of children experiencing homelessness currently attending The School District of Lancaster,the District must provide proper educational support and services.

The School District of Lancaster’s Families inTransition (FIT) program supports our students andfamilies that experience homelessness. “Homeless”is defined by McKinney-Vento as “anyone lacking afixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”

Qualifying Situations for FIT Program:

n Staying in the home of other people due tounavailable housing, financial hardship, eviction or similar circumstances

n Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (insome instances-examples: leaking roof, no8

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

heat), public places, or campgrounds due tounavailable suitable housing options

n Living in an emergency shelter or transitionalhousing

n Unaccompanied (not living in direct care oflegal parent or guardian) or runaway youth

n Refugee and migrant youth

n Act of Nature/Fire

n Domestic Violence

n Death/Incarceration of Guardian

n Children in Foster Care

For more information visit: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Homeless%

20Education/Pages/default.aspx

Responsibility to Attend School(Based on Board Policy #204)Parents or guardians of all children between theages of six until 18 are required by the compulsoryattendance law to ensure that their children attendan approved educational institution, unless legallyexcused (i.e., doctor’s excuse, bereavement, etc.)Students who have not graduated may not beasked to leave school merely because they havereached 18 years of age if they are fulfilling theirresponsibilities as students. A student may not beexcluded from the public school or from extracur-ricular activities because they are married, pregnant, or have a disability.

Responsibility for Maintaining HighStandards of Behavior Students must comply with all state and local laws.Students have the responsibility to be aware of allrules and regulations for student behavior and toconduct themselves in accordance with them.Students should assume that, until a rule iswaived, altered or repealed in writing, it is ineffect.

n Students should express their ideas andopinions in a respectful manner.

n Students must exercise proper care whenusing public facilities and equipment.

n Students should be on time to all classes andother school functions.

n Students should complete all assignmentson time and to the best of their ability.

n Students should make-up work after anabsence from school.

n Students should attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribedby local school authorities.

n Students should use proper language, without obscenities, while on school premises and attending school functions.

Right to a Safe School EnvironmentStudents are encouraged to share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

Students are encouraged to volunteer informationto school authorities in matters relating to thehealth, safety and welfare of the school communityand the protection of school property.

Students should dress and groom to meet standards of safety and health, and not to causesubstantial disruption to the educational processes.Uniform policies must be followed.

No student has the right to interfere with the education of fellow students. It is the responsibilityof each student to respect the rights of teachers,students, administrators and all others who areinvolved in the educational process. Bullying/Cyber bullying, hazing, or other harmful treatmentof others will be subject to disciplinary action.

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Right to Non-Discriminatory PracticesConsistent with the Pennsylvania Human RelationsAct (43 P. S. § § 951—963), a student may neitherbe denied access to a free and full public education,nor subjected to disciplinary action based on race,sex, gender color, ethnicity, age, creed, religion,anestory, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or handicap/disability.

A student who is eligible to attend District schoolsand is married and/or pregnant/parenting shallnot be denied an educational program solelybecause of marriage, pregnancy, pregnancy-relateddisabilities, or potential or actual parenthood.

Right to Due ProcessEducation is a statutory right and students shall beafforded due process if they are to be excludedfrom school. In a case involving a possible expulsion,the student is entitled to a formal hearing.

Formal Hearings. A formal hearing or an expul-sion waiver agreement is required in all expulsionactions. This hearing may be held before the governing board or an authorized committee of the board, or a qualified hearing examinerappointed by the board. The Hearing Officer willmake the decision of expulsion based on evidencepresented at the hearing. The following dueprocess requirements shall be observed withregard to the formal hearing:

n Notification of the charges shall be sent tothe student’s parents or guardians by certified mail.

n At least three days’ notice of the time andplace of the hearing shall be given. A copyof the expulsion policy, notice that legalcounsel may represent the student, andhearing procedures shall be included withthe hearing notice. A student may requestthe rescheduling of the hearing when the student demonstrates good cause for anextension.

n The hearing shall be held in private unlessthe student or parent requests a public hearing.

n The student may be represented by counsel,at the expense of the parents or guardians,and must have a parent or guardian attendthe hearing.

n The student has the right to be presentedwith the names of witnesses against the student and copies of the statements andaffidavits of those witnesses.

n The student has the right to request that the witnesses appear in person and answerquestions or be cross-examined.

n The student has the right to testify and present witnesses.

n A written or audio record shall be kept ofthe hearing. The student is entitled, at thestudent’s expense, to a copy. A copy shall be provided at no cost to a student who isimpoverished.

n The proceeding shall be held within 15school days of the notification of charges,unless mutually agreed to by both parties. A hearing may be delayed for any of the following reasons, in which case the hearingshall be held as soon as reasonably possible:

• Laboratory reports are needed fromlaw enforcement agencies.

• Evaluations or other court or adminis-trative proceedings are pending dueto a student invoking rights under theIndividuals With Disabilities EducationAct (20 U.S.C.A. §§ 1400-1482).

• In cases in juvenile or criminal courtinvolving sexual assault or serious bodily injury, delay is necessary due tothe condition or best interests of thevictim.

n Notice of a right to appeal the results of thehearing shall be provided to the student with the expulsion decision.10

Informal Hearings. The purpose of the informalhearing is to enable the student to meet with theappropriate school official to explain the circum-stances surrounding the event for which the studentis being suspended or to show why the studentshould not be suspended.

n The informal hearing is held to bring forthall relevant information regarding the eventfor which the student may be suspendedand for students, their parents or guardiansand school officials to discuss ways in whichfuture offenses might be avoided.

n The following due process requirementsshall be observed in regard to the informalhearing:

• Notification of the reasons for the shallbe given in writing to the parents orguardians and to the student.

• Sufficient notice of the time and place ofthe informal hearing shall be given.

• A student has the right to question anywitnesses present at the hearing.

• A student has the right to speak andproduce witnesses.

• The school entity shall offer to hold theinformal hearing within the first five daysof the suspension.

Right to Freedom of Expression(Based on Board Policy #220)The right of public school students to freedom ofspeech is guaranteed by the Constitution of theUnited States and the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania.

Students have the right to express themselvesunless such expression is likely to or does materiallyor substantially interfere with the educationalprocess, school activities, school work or disciplineand order on school property or at school functions;threatens serious harm to the welfare of the school

or community; encourages unlawful activity; or islikely to or does materially or substantially interferewith another individual’s rights.

Students may use publications, handbills,announcements, assemblies, group meetings, buttons, armbands, computers, technology, andany other means of common communication,provided that the use of public school communica-tions facilities shall be in accordance with the regulations of the authority in charge of thosefacilities.

Students have the responsibility to obey laws governing libel and obscenity and to be aware ofthe full meaning of their expression. Students havethe responsibility to be aware of the feelings andopinions of others and to give others a fair opportunity to express their views.

Identification of the individual student or at leastone responsible person in a student group may berequired on posted or distributed materials.

School officials may require students to submit forprior approval a copy of materials to be displayed,posted or, distributed on school property.Bulletin boards must conform to the following:

n School authorities may restrict the use ofcertain bulletin boards.

n Bulletin board space should be provided forthe use of students and student organizations

.n School officials may require that notices or

other communications be officially datedbefore posting, and that the materials beremoved after a prescribed reasonable timeto assure full access to the bulletin boards.

School newspapers and publications must conformto the following:

n Student newspaper editors have the right toreport the news and to editorialize withinthe provisions set forth below.

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n School officials shall supervise student newspapers published with school equipment,remove obscene or libelous material andedit other material that would cause a substantial disruption or interference withschool activities.

n School officials may not censor or restrictmaterial simply because it is critical of theschool or its administration.

n Prior approval procedures regarding copyfor school newspapers must identify the individual to whom the material is to besubmitted and establish a limitation on thetime required to make a decision. If the prescribed time for approval elapses withouta decision, the material shall be consideredas authorized for distribution.

n Students who are not members of the newspaper staff shall have access to itspages. Written criteria for submission ofmaterial by nonstaff members shall bedeveloped and distributed to all students.

School officials may set forth the time and place ofdistribution of materials so that distribution wouldnot materially or substantially interfere with therequirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school.

n A proper time and place set for distributionis one that would give the students theopportunity to reach fellow students.

n The place of the activity may be restricted topermit the normal flow of traffic within theschool and at exterior doors.

n The wearing of buttons, badges, or armbandsshall be permitted as another form ofexpression within the restrictions listedabove.

Rights Regarding Flag Salute and thePledge of AllegianceIt is the responsibility of every citizen to showproper respect for the country and its flag.

Students may decline to recite the Pledge ofAllegiance and may refrain from saluting the Flag onthe basis of personal belief or religious convictions. Students who choose to refrain from such partici-pation shall respect the rights and interests ofclassmates who do wish to participate and shall atall times maintain a respectful attitude through theexercise.

Rights Regarding ConfidentialCommunicationsUse of a student’s confidential communications byschool personnel in legal proceedings is governedby statutes and regulations appropriate to the proceeding. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5945 (relating toconfidential communications to school personnel).

Information received in confidence from a studentmay be revealed to the student’s parents orguardians, the principal, or other appropriateauthority when the health, welfare, or safety of the student or other persons is clearly in jeopardy.

Rights Regarding Searches(Based on Board Policy #226)Except as stated below or in Board Policy 226,searches of individual students shall occur only inthe event there is reasonable suspicion that anindividual may be in possession of a weapon,drugs or alcohol, or other item that violates schoolrules or poses a material risk to the safety of personor property.

Because lockers belong to the District, there is alimited expectation of privacy with regard to a student’s locker. When school authorities have areasonable suspicion that a locker contains materi-als which pose a threat to the health, welfare orsafety of the school population, student lockersmay be searched without prior warning; however,absent an emergency the student will first be notified and given the opportunity to be present.

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School officials are authorized to search a student'spersonal possessions or motor vehicle parked onschool property when there is reasonable suspicionthat the student is violating law, Board policy orschool rules, or poses a threat to the health, safetyor welfare of the school population.

The District authorizes all secondary schools toconduct weapons searches using hand-held metaldetectors without individualized reasonable suspi-cion. When a hand-held metal detector is beingused, all individuals will be expected to complywith the screening.

If a hand-held metal detector is activated, the individual will be asked to remove metal objectsfrom his/her person or personal belongings and bescanned again. If after the removal of the metalobjects, there is an activation of the hand-heldmetal detector, the individual will be taken to a

room out of view from other individuals and theperson will be subject to a “pat down” search. A“pat down” search conducted by school personnelshall be limited to feeling the outer clothing forthe purposes of discovering only items which mayhave activated the metal detector. If the schoolpersonnel conducting a “pat down” search feelsan object which may have activated the hand-heldmetal detector, the individual will be asked toremove the object. If the individual declines, theobject may be removed by the school personnel.Under all circumstances, the “pat down” searchwill be conducted by at least two school personnel of the same sex as that of the individualbeing searched.

Any illegal or prohibited items found through asearch may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings.

The greatest thing in this world isnot so much where you stand, as inwhat direction you are moving.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

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SECTION 2UNIFORM DRESS CODE

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DRESS CODE: KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE (Based on Board Policy #221)In the School District of Lancaster there is a required “uniformed” look for all kindergarten (K5) through8th grade students. This standard of dress provides a non-judgemental environment where studentslearn to express their creativity through means other than by the clothes they wear.

Tops Bottoms Outerwear

Tan, red and any othercolor not listed above

Logos, stripes, patterns, anddesigns

Tan and any color other than those listed above

Any collarless shirts or blouses, bib overalls,

sweatshirts, plain T-Shirts

Baggy or sagging, low cut pants, blue jeans,

sweat pants, warm-up pants

Fleece tops, jean or other jacket

Tops Bottoms Outerwear

White, Navy, Light Blue Navy, Tan (Khaki) White, Navy, Light Blue

Collared button front shirts, collared blouses, turtleneck shirts,

collared polo shirts (with school name is optional)

Slacks and cargo stylepants/shorts, joggers, skirts, skorts, shorts, Capri pants, jumpers (skirt bottoms),

solid colored leggings/tights onlywhen worn underneath and mustextend to at least the mid-thigh

Cardigan, v-neck, crew neck, turtleneck

sweater vest, sweatshirts and hoodies may be

worn over collared shirts and blouses

The K-8 dress code includes the following:

The following is NOT proper uniform dress:

1st Offense: Parents will be notified that their child did not report to school in the uniform dress. Theparent contact would confirm parents’ awareness of policy and understanding that all students are towear uniform dress. Parent support will be solicited. The parent contact must be documented.

2nd Offense: Parents will be contacted and student will be given the option to change into schoolissued uniform dress for that day or parents will have the option to bring an appropriate change ofclothing to school for their child. If a parent is bringing clothing, there is the expectation that the parentwill bring clothing within a reasonable time. The offense is documented and intervention strategies areexplored.

3rd Offense: Parents will be contacted and consequences for the third offense may result in an after school detention equivalent to the time lost to change into uniform dress, but no more than anhour. The offense is documented and additional intervention strategies are implemented.

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Based on Board Policy #221

n Clothing on the upper body must coverareas from one armpit across to the otherarmpit extending down to the waistline sothat skin and undergarments are covered.Tops must have shoulder straps. Clothingon the lower body must cover undergarmentsand should be of appropriate length. As ageneral rule, this can be measured whenarms are resting straight down alongsidethe body so that the end of the fingertipsreach the mid-thigh.

n Shoes must be worn at all times and shouldbe safe for the school environment (bed-room shoes or slippers shall not be worn,except for school activities approved by theprincipal).

n See-through or mesh garments must not beworn without appropriate coverage under-neath that meet the minimum requirementsof the dress code.

n Headgear including hats, hoodies, bandanas,durags, and caps are not allowed unlesspermitted for religious, medical, or otherreason(s) deemed appropriate by schooladministration.

n Outerwear must not be worn in school afterarrival and must be secured in an assignedlocker or classroom area.

n To ensure the health and safety of students,physical education classes, technical educationclasses, extracurricular activities, or other situations may require specialized attire,such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

DRESS AND GROOMING: 9TH THROUGH 12TH(Based on Board Policy #221)

DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS

Each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestationof personal style and individual preference. The District’sdress code supports equitable educational access that doesnot reinforce stereotypes or increase marginalization oroppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity,gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.The student dress code supports the goal of inspiring studentsto learn while leaving primary decisions around studentclothing and style to students and their parent(s)/guardian(s).The expectation is that parents and guardians are responsiblefor student compliance with the school’s dress code, andstudents are responsible for knowing the student dress codeand for complying during school hours and school activities.The School District is responsible for seeing that studentattire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student and that student attire does not create a disruptionto the learning environment during school hours and activities. Student attire should facilitate participation inlearning as well as the health and safety of students and theadults that supervise them. These guidelines are intended toprovide guidance for students, staff, and parents.

Must have shoulder straps

Length to mid-thigh

Entire area fromarmpit to armpitmust be covered

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n Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise,or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct,weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco,vaping products, marijuana, or other controlled substances.

n Clothing may not depict or imply pornography, nudity, or sexual acts.

n Clothing may not display or imply vulgar,discriminatory, or obscene language orimages.

n Clothing may not state, imply, or depicthate speech/imagery targeting groupsbased on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affilia-tion, or any other protected classification.

n Sunglasses may not be worn inside thebuilding unless for documented medicalreasons.Sunglasses may not be worn insidethe building unless for documented medicalreasons.

n Clothing and accessories that endanger student or staff safety may not be worn.

n Clothing and accessories that may damageschool property or the personal property ofother students or endanger student or staffsafety may not be worn.

n Apparel, jewelry, accessories, tattoos, ormanner of grooming that, by virtue of itscolor, arrangement, trademark or any otherattribute, denotes membership in a gang orhate group that advocates illegal or disrup-tive behavior is prohibited.

n Student expression under dress and groom-ing must comply with Policy 220 governing“Student Expression/Distribution andPosting of Materials.”

n Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be contacted ifappropriate clothing is not available or thestudent refuses dress-code appropriateclothing. Consequences may be applied fornon compliance. Any student who feelsaggrieved by the District’s action pursuantto Policy 221 may pursue relief under Policy219 governing “Student ComplaintProcess.”

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDSStudents in grades six–12 must display an Identification Card above the waist most preferably with theirlanyards. Identification Cards are not valid if defaced, altered or if the picture is covered.

Do your little bit of good where you are;it’s those little bits of good put togetherthat overwhelm the world.

— Desmond Tutu

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SECTION 3ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

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The School District of Lancaster recognizes thatattendance is an important factor in educationalsuccess. Attendance shall be required of all studentsenrolled during the days and hours that school isin session. School attendance matters.

Chronic Absenteeism: Chronic absenteeism isdefined as students who are absent 10% or moreand are enrolled in the District at least 90 schooldays. For example, two missed schools days out ofa month may be considered 10%. A student isconsidered absent if they are not physically partici-pating in instruction or instruction-related activities.This includes students who are absent regardless ofwhether absences are excused or unlawful; includ-ing out-of-school suspensions. A student missing50% or more of a school day (excused, unlawful,OSS) will result in a full day absence.

Excused: Parents/guardians are required to turn ina written excuse within three days of an absence. Amaximum of 10 days of cumulative lawful absencesverified by parental notification shall be permittedduring a school year. Excused absences include illness, quarantine, recovery from accident, obser-vance of a religious holiday, participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide,college visit (three day max), family emergency, non-school sponsored trips/family trips, court/legalappointments, and death in the family. All absencesbeyond 10 cumulative days shall require an excusefrom a licensed practitioner of the healing arts.

Unlawful: Absences shall be treated as unlawfuluntil the school receives a written excuse explainingan acceptable absence, to be submitted withinthree days of the absence. If an unacceptable absenceis received, the absence will remain as unlawful. Tardy to School and Early Dismissal: Students whoarrive late to school and/or leave early will becoded as unlawful unless the absence has a writtenexcuse from a licensed doctor. A student missing50% or more of a school day will result in a fullday absence.

Compulsory School Law: The attendance lawrequires children to attend a public or state-accredited private school. The period of a child’slife from the time the child’s parent/guardian electto have the child enter school, which shall be nolater than six years of age, until the child reaches18 years of age.

Truant: A child is truant when they have three ormore unlawful absences in one school year. Theperson in parental relation will receive a letterwithin 10 school days of the student’s third unlawful absence.

Habitually Truant: A child is habitually truantwhen they have six or more unlawful absences inone school year. The person in parental relationwill receive a letter with the scheduled attendanceimprovement conference to support and improveregular school attendance.

School Attendance Improvement Conference:The purpose of the School Attendance ImprovementConference is to examine the student’s absencesand reasons for the absences in an effort toimprove attendance with or without additionalservices. The following individuals shall be invitedto the conference: the student, the student’s parent/guardian, other individuals identified by theparent/guardian who may be a resource, appropri-ate school personnel, and recommended serviceproviders.

When a student under 15 years of age is habituallytruant, the District shall refer the student to aschool- based or community-based attendanceimprovement program or the local children andyouth agency. If attendance does not improve, acitation may be filed against the person in parentalrelation who resides in the same household as thestudent.

When a student 15 to17 years of age is habituallytruant, District staff shall refer the student to aschool or community based attendance

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL (Based on Board Policy 204)

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improvement program, the local children andyouth agency, or file a citation against the studentor the person in parental relation who resides inthe same household as the student.

If attendance does not improve or a student refusesto participate, a citation may be filed against thestudent or person in parental relation who residesin the same household as the student.

The outcome of the School AttendanceImprovement Conference shall be documented ina written School Attendance Improvement Plan.

The plan shall be retained in the student’s file. Acopy of the plan shall be provided to the parent/guardian, the student, and appropriate Districtpersonnel.

Special Education Services: If a truant or habit-ually truant student may qualify as a student witha disability, and require special education servicesor accommodations, the Coordinator of SpecialEducation or designee shall be notified and shalltake action to address the student’s needs inaccordance with the applicable law, regulations,and Board policy.

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.

— Stephen Covey“ ”

SECTION 4STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS

OF BEHAVIOR

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STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIORAll standards are expected to be followed. Anybehavior that disrupts the learning environmentand puts the student or others at risk is unaccept-able. All efforts will be made to ensure a positivelearning environment that is Responsible, Respectful,and Safe. Any violation of the standards will besubject to the General Interventions/DisciplineSequence outlined in Section 5.

Standard 1. Model ResponsibilityCheating/Plagiarism/Falsification Cheating, plagiarism, or falsifying documents(forgery or counterfeiting by verbal, written, orelectronic transmission; this act also includesschool forms, hall passes, notes from parents, etc.)is prohibited.

Illegal gambling Betting money or other things of value, whether itis online, with cards or dice, betting on sportingevents, or through other methods or forms, is prohibited.

StealingStealing, theft, extortion (attempting to obtainsomething of value by threat or force) is an unlaw-ful offense and can be prosecuted under state law.

Unauthorized use of technology and/or communication devicesStudents are prohibited from the unauthorized useof electronic devices during the school day in District buildings; on District property; on Districtbuses and vehicles; during the time students areunder the supervision of the District; while studentsare attending school-sponsored activities, and inlocker rooms, bathrooms, health suites, and otherchanging areas at any time.

Electronic devices shall include all devices that cantake photographs; record audio or video data;store, transmit or receive messages or images; orprovide wireless, unfiltered connections to theinternet. Examples of these electronic devicesinclude, but shall not be limited to: laser pointers,

radios, handheld games consoles, cellular telephones,mobile devices, iPads, and laptop computers, aswell as any new technology developed within similar capabilities.

Students are prohibited from taking, storing, disseminating, transferring, viewing, or sharing ofobscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegalimages or photographs, whether by electronicdata transfer or other means, including but notlimited to texting and emailing.

Destruction and/or vandalism of District issuedelectronic devices may result in cancellation ofaccess privileges or other consequences.

The District shall NOT be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any personal electronicdevice brought to school by a student.

Use of Electronic Resources(Based on Policies #237 and #815)The use of the District’s technology resources,including the District assigned iPads for all stu-dents is for appropriate school-related educationaland operational purposes consistent with the edu-cational mission of the District. Use for educationalpurposes is defined as use that is consistent withthe curriculum adopted by the District as well asthe varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of students. Alluse must comply with District policy and all otherapplicable codes of conduct, procedures, andrules. All students are responsible for the appropri-ate, legitimate and lawful use of the District’s technology resources. Any use of the District’scomputing resources for illegal, inappropriate, orobscene purposes, or in support of such activities,is prohibited.

Students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with District policy, accepted rules of network etiquette,and federal and state laws.

General rules for behavior and communicationsapply when using the Internet. Loss of access and

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other disciplinary actions (including possible suspension or expulsion of students) shall be consequences for inappropriate use and violationsof the components of the District’s Acceptable Useof Electronic Resources Policy.

The building administrator or designee may grantapproval for possession and use of an electronicdevice by a student for the following reasons:

1. Health, safety, or emergency reasons withprior approval of the building principal ordesignee.

2. Use is provided for in a student’s individual-ized educational program (IEP).

3. Classroom or instructional-related activities.

4. Other reasons determined appropriate bythe building principal.

Standard 2. Respect Self, Others,and Property

Transportation Rules and Regulations Students will act in a respectful manner to thedriver and to fellow students while waiting for andriding on school buses, vans, or other modes oftransportation supplied by the District. The follow-ing behaviors and/or violations may result in theloss of a student using District transportation:

1. Swearing

2. Fighting, pushing, tripping or wrestling

3. Shouting or loud singing

4. Playing of music without headsets

5. Disobeying directions of the bus driver

6. Littering or throwing objects

7. Use or possession of matches, lighters, ortobacco

8. Possessing weapons

9. Having pets

10. Not having all parts of the body inside thebus at all times

11. Actions which cause a disturbance or distraction to the bus driver or other students or could impair the safe operation of the bus

12. Eating or drinking on the bus or van(unless permitted by staff)

13. Defacing or destruction of bus property

14. Tampering with the bus or its equipment

Video and Audio Recording on Buses(Based on Board Policy #810.2) Video and audio recording equipment may beused on school buses transporting students to andfrom school, field trips, extracurricular activities,and athletic trips at the discretion of the SchoolDistrict. Review or use of the audiotape/videotapefrom a school bus or a school vehicle shall be consistent with the School District’s student disci-plinary procedures and shall comply with all privacy rights of student education records. Anyissues related to Transportation, please contact 717-945-1440.

Physical Aggression/Altercation/Fighting A student shall not engage in any form of physicalaggression or threatening behaviors towards ateacher, fellow student, District employee, or otherperson. Physical aggression includes physical confrontation that may result in: no injury, minorinjury, or serious injury that includes, but may notbe limited to kicking, shoving, pushing, hitting,biting, and fighting. Intentionally hitting, shoving,scratching, biting, kicking, blocking the passage ofanother, or throwing objects at another person isconsidered physical aggression and is prohibited.Depending on the situation, School ResourceOfficers and/or local police may be involved,resulting in a citation. At police discretion, a moreserious charge may be issued.

Bullying/Cyber Bullying(Based on Board Policy #249)Bullying means an intentional electronic, written,

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verbal or physical act or series of acts directed atanother student or students, which occurs in aschool setting and/or outside a school setting, thatis severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effectof doing any of the following: substantially inter-fering with a student’s education, creating athreaten- ing environment and substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Students who believe they or others have beenbullied, are encouraged to promptly report suchincidents to any School District employee.

Gang Activity Any group behavior whose purpose it is to intimi-date, harass, disrupt, create chaos, damage ordestroy property, engage in criminal or other illegal activity is prohibited. No symbols, mode orcolor of dress, or turf recognitions will be allowed.Any gang activity or intimidation activities onschool grounds or at any school affiliated activity isprohibited. Local law authorities will be contacted.

Inappropriate/Profane Language Any inappropriate, sexual, harassing, or profanelanguage will not be tolerated on school propertyor at any school affiliated activities. The use of suchlanguage, either verbal or written is prohibited.

Hazing (Based on Board Policy #247)Hazing occurs when a person intentionally, know-ingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating,admitting or affiliating a student with an organiza-tion, or for the purpose of continuing or enhanc-ing membership or status in an organization, causes, coerces or forces a student to do any ofthe following:

1. Violate federal or state criminal law.

2. Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid,drug or other substance which subjects thestudent to a risk of emotional or physicalharm.

3. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements.

4. Endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting themental health or dignity of the individual,sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result inextreme embarrassment.

5. Endure brutality of a sexual nature.

6. Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to thestudent.

Any activity, as described above, shall be deemed a violation of this policy regardless of whether theconsent of the student was sought or obtained, orthe conduct was sanctioned or approved by theschool or organization. Students who believe they,or others, have been subject to hazing shouldpromptly report the incident to any District employee.

Nondiscrimination Against Students(Based on Policy #103)The District shall provide an equal opportunity forall students to achieve their maximum potentialthrough the programs offered in the schools with-out discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexualorientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or handicap/disability.

The District strives to maintain a safe, positivelearning environment for all students that is freefrom discrimination. Discrimination is inconsistentwith the educational and programmatic goals ofthe District and is prohibited on school grounds, atschool-sponsored activities and on any conveyanceproviding transportation to or from a school entityor school-sponsored activity.

The District prohibits retaliation against any personfor making a report of discrimination or participat-ing in a related investigation or hearing, or opposingpractices the person reasonably believes to be discriminatory.

Harassment is sufficiently severe, persistent or

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pervasive conduct that a reasonable person in thecomplainant’s position would find that it unrea-sonably interferes with the complainant’s perform-ance in school or school-related programs, or otherwise creates an intimidating, hostile, or offen-sive school or school-related environment suchthat it unreasonably interferes with the complainant’saccess to or participation in school or school-relatedprograms.

Harassment shall consist of unwelcome conductthrough graphic, written, electronic, verbal or non-verbal acts including offensive jokes, slurs, epithetsand name-calling, ridicule or mockery, insults orput-downs, offensive objects or pictures, physicalassaults or threats, intimidation, or other conductthat may be harmful or humiliating or interferewith a person’s school or school-related performance.

Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexualadvances; requests for sexual favors; and otherinappropriate verbal, nonverbal, written, graphicor physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. Submission to conduct is made explicitlyterm or condition or a student’s status inany educational or other programs offeredby the school; or

2. Submission to or rejection of such conductis used as the basis for educational or otherprogram decisions affecting student; or

3. Such conduct deprives a student or groupof individuals or educational aid, benefits,services or treatment.

Anyone who believes that a student or studentshave been subject to discrimination in regard toDistrict’s programs is encouraged to promptlyreport such incidents to designated employees,even if some elements of the related incident tookplace or originated away from school grounds,school activities or school conveyances.

A student who believes they have been subject toconduct by any student, employee, or third partyis encouraged to immediately report the incidentto the building principal. If the building principal is

the subject of a complaint, the student shouldreport the incident directly to the Director ofStudent Services.

The District shall conduct an adequate, reliableand impartial investigation. If the investigationresults in a finding that some or all of the allega-tions of the complaint are established, the Districtshall take prompt, corrective action designed tocease such conduct and prevent retaliation. Anydisciplinary actions shall be consistent with theCode of Student Conduct, Board policies andadministrative regulations, District procedures,applicable collective bargaining agreements, andstate and federal laws.

Vandalism/Destruction and/or PropertyDamage Under no circumstances will these acts be toleratedand will be dealt with accordingly.

Standard 3. Create a Positive, Safe,and Drug Free Learning Environment

Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia(Based on Board Policy #227)Students are not permitted to possess, use, sell orbuy alcohol, any controlled substances includingillegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic bever-ages in any form, look-alike drugs, drugs, anabolicsteroids, volatile solvents or inhalants, prescriptionor patent drugs, except those for which permissionhas been granted for use, on school property, on aschool bus, and when attending school-sponsoredfunctions. If a student is suspected of being underthe influence, the student should be taken to thehealth room for a substance abuse assessment.

Possession and/or under the influence –First Offense: In an instance where a student was determined tohave possessed, used or been under the influenceof a controlled substance for the first time, while inschool or at any school-sponsored function, thefollowing procedures will apply:

n The staff member who discovers the controlled substance will confiscate all drugs

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in plain sight. The student(s) involved willbe referred to the Principal and/or otherauthorities for further investigation.

n Consequences will consist of a one-day out-of-school suspension, a mandatory parent conference and a five-day in-schoolsuspension. At the discretion of the Principal/designee, such students may be assigned togroup counseling sessions in lieu of all orpart of the in-school suspension. At the elementary school level, a referral to a professional staff member of a communityagency will be required in lieu of the in-school suspension.

n The student involved will be referred for amandatory Administrative Review Hearing,or Student Services’ Review.

n Parents will be notified and completelyinformed of the circumstances.

n Law enforcement authorities will be notifiedand the student will be identified.Appropriate community agency personnelcould also be notified.

n Help will be provided through referral to theStudent Assistance Team. Parent involve-ment will be requested.

n The counselor will be expected to monitorthese cases on a regular and continual basis.

Possession and/or under the influence –Second Offense: Procedure for second offenses will consist of amandatory formal hearing before the School BoardJudiciary Hearing Committee with a recommendationfor expulsion. The Student Assistance Team shallmake recommendations to the school administration.A second offense in the School District of Lancasterdoes not need to be in the same school year.

Students expelled for certain drug offenses aresubject to a mandatory one year expulsion (calendar year).

Selling/Distributing Controlled Substances When a student has been caught with controlledsubstances and/or “look-alike” drugs and it is suspected that the student is selling or dispensinga controlled substance or assisting in the selling ordispensing of a controlled substance, the situationwill be investigated and the following procedureswill apply.

n Law enforcement authorities will be notifiedin such instances and the student will beidentified.

n When it is determined a student has sold ordistributed a controlled substance or assist-ing in the sale or distribution of a controlledsubstance while in school or at any school-sponsored function discipline will consist ofimmediate suspension and a mandatory formal hearing before the School BoardJudiciary Hearing Committee, with a recom-mendation for expulsion from school.

n Help will be provided through a referral tothe Student Assistance Team or referral toan appropriate drug and alcohol program.

Weapons/Dangerous Objects/Firearms/Explosives (Based on Board Policy #218.1)An offense of carrying or possessing a weapon inschool or at any school-sponsored event may resultin a referral to the Judiciary Hearing Committeewith recommendation for expulsion. A weapon isdefined as follows:

n A “weapon” or “dangerous instrument/material,” consists of any object, instrument,or material which is commonly consideredto be a weapon or dangerous instrument/material, and any object, instrument ormaterial which is in fact used to effectthreats, intimidation, harassment, extortion,or injury to a person or property. The defini-tion of a weapon or dangerous instrument/material includes, but is not limited to, anyknife, dagger, cutting instrument, cuttingtool, nunchaku, blackjack, explosive orincendiary device, noxious substance,firearm, shotgun, rifle, or any other tool,

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instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or used under circumstances not manifestly appropriate tolawful possession and use.

n The term “firearm” includes any weapon,loaded or unloaded, from which a shot canbe discharged by gunpowder, compressedair, or by other means of force, and includesunassembled components of such device.

n The term “weapon” and “dangerous instru-ment/material” includes any look-a-likedevice or material that may be used toinjure, intimidate, or threaten another person. All offenses involving the possessionor use of a weapon or dangerous instrument/material, including those involving look-a-like devices, in school or during any schoolfunction shall result in referral to the JudiciaryCommittee and possible recommendationof expulsion.

Tobacco and Vaping Products(Based on Board Policy #222)The Board prohibits possession, use, purchase orsale of tobacco and vaping products, including theproduct marketed as Juul and other e-cigarettes,regardless of whether such products containtobacco or nicotine, by or to students at any timein a school building; on school buses or othervehicles that are owned, leased or controlled bythe School District; on property owned, leased orcontrolled by the School District; or at school-sponsored activities that are held off school property.

The term tobacco product encompasses not onlytobacco, but also vaping products including Juulsand other electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).Tobacco products shall be defined to include thefollowing:

1. Any product containing, made or derivedfrom tobacco or nicotine that is intendedfor human consumption, whether smoked,heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved,inhaled, snorted, sniffed or ingested by anyother means, including, but not limited to,

a cigarette, cigar, little cigar, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff and snus.

2. Any electronic device that delivers nicotineor another substance to a person inhalingfrom the device, including, but not limitedto, electronic nicotine delivery systems, anelectronic cigarette, a cigar, a pipe and ahookah.

3. Any product containing, made or derivedfrom either:

a. Tobacco, whether in its natural or synthetic form; or

b. Nicotine, whether in its natural or synthetic form, which is regulated bythe United States Food and DrugAdministration as a deemed tobaccoproduct.

c. Any component, part or accessory ofthe product or electronic device listedin this definition, whether or not soldseparately.

A student who violates this policy shall be subjectto prosecution initiated by the District and, ifconvicted, shall be required to pay a fine for thebenefit of the District, plus court costs. In lieu ofthe imposition of a fine, the court may admit thestudent to an adjudication alternative.

Safe2Say Something ProgramStudents are expected to follow District proce-dures on reporting school related safety and secu-rity concerns under the Safe2Say SomethingProgram. The Safe2Say Something Program con-tains a framework within which District administra-tion and staff will respond to program reports,coordinate with the county emergency dispatchcenter(s) and local law enforcement, and provideappropriate assessment and response for the safetyand security of students, staff and school facilities.Submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY(723-2729), online at www.safe2saypa.org or inthe Safe2Say Something App.

The noblest pleasure is thejoy of understanding.

— Leonardo de Vinci“ ”

SECTION 5GENERAL INTERVENTION/

DISCIPLINE SEQUENCE

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MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT (MTSS)

MinorBehavior

(Classroom Managed)

Re-teach expectedbehaviors

Classroominterventionsand supportsrecorded as per building

practice in SIS

Offensesrecorded

in SIS

Interventions &

Consequences(See options below)

Interventions & Progressive

Discipline(See options below)

Conferencewith

principal

MajorBehavior

(Office Managed)

FLOW A FLOW B

*Interventions should be progress monitored for six-eightweeks

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is the practice of providing instruction and interventionsthat match student need. Based on this problem-solving model, the MTSS approach considers various factors as they apply to a student’s difficultyand provides interventions as soon as the studentdemonstrates a need.

The School District of Lancaster will implementstrategies and interventions with a student at theonset of any disruptive behavior. Exceptions mayapply to specific drug violations, or firearm posses-sion, which mandate a one-year expulsion. Basedon the student’s response to the intervention orlack of progress, a more in-depth problem-solvingprocess may be needed which may include addi-tional school or District personnel to develop amore detailed and individualized support plan.

Teachers, support staff, and administrators mustmaintain written documentation at every level ofintervention and discipline. A student’s IEP team, ifspecial education services are required, will also beinvolved with the interventions and discipline of astudent. The District strongly believes that schoolstaff and parents working together is the best wayto build trusting relationships and improve studentbehavior.

The School District of Lancaster’s goal is to improvestudent behavior, while providing appropriateinterventions and consequences when behaviorexpectations are not met. Progressive discipline(the process of using increased measures when astudent fails to correct a problem after being givena reasonable opportunity to do so) will be used.

1. First observe the problem behavior

2. Decide if the behavior is Minor or Major

Minor Behavior (Flow A)n A behavior that does not put the safety of

another student or adult at risk and is man-aged “on the spot” by a classroom teacher or staff member. The classroom teacher willmanage student minor behaviors which arecommunicated to the parent/guardian.

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Interventions and strategies used to addressand correct minor offenses are documentedin SIS.

Major Behavior (Flow B)

n A behavior which puts the student and/orothers at risk and/or impedes the safety ofthe school and/or creates a major disruptionto the learning environment and requiresthe attention of administrative staff. Theinterventions used to address and correctmajor offenses are documented in SIS

Classroom Managed Interventions andConsequences for Minor Problem Behaviors

Tier 1 – Proactive Supports

• Classroom management system

• Teach expected behaviors

• Reinforce expected behaviors

• Build community with class meetings,restorative circles, advisory meetings, etc.

• Redirection, Ignore, Proximity• Verbal warning• Walk break, drink break • In-class, time-out• Parent/Guardian contact

Tier 2 and 3 – Interventions/Consequences

• Advanced support resource: www.pbisworld.com

• Parent/Guardian contact• Student behavior contract• Buddy teacher• Logical consequences• Structured breaks• Check-In, Check-Out• Peer mediation• Reflective essay• Restorative practices circle, impromptu

conference• Referral for support from counselor, SFRS• Lunch/recess detention• Office Discipline Referral

Office Managed Interventions/Consequencesfor Major Problem Behaviors

Tier 2 – Targeted Interventions/Consequences

• Advanced support resource: www.pbisworld.com

• Referral for support from student supportteams/MTSS school process

• Social skills group/Group counseling• Mentoring program• Check-In, Check-Out• Structured breaks• Reflective essay• Parent shadowing• In-school work detail• Logical consequence/loss of privilege• Lunch/recess/after school detention• In-school suspension• Restitution through Restorative practices

circle, impromptu or formal conference• Saturday school

Tier 3 – Intensive Interventions/Consequences

• Advanced support resource: www.pbisworld.com

• Referral for support from student supportteam/MTSS school process

• Referral to School Based Therapy or community mental health services

• Referral to Student Assistance Program (SAP)• Interagency Team Meeting with school,

parent, behavioral health providers, and/orChild and Youth Agency

• Community service or in-school service(assisting custodial staff)

• Parent supervision• Loss of privileges• Mini-course on topics such as conflict

resolution, anger management, appropriatebehavior

• Modified/adjusted schedule• In-school suspension

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• Out-of-school suspensions should be used asa last resort and only when in-school interventions and consequences do not sufficiently address a student’s inappropriatebehavior. A return from suspension meetingmust occur following the suspension.

• Saturday School

Building Discipline Committee

Function & CompositionThe primary function of the Building DisciplineCommittee (BDC) will be to review persistent disci-pline cases within the building and make anattempt to coordinate the resources of the schoolcommunity and parent/guardian(s) in the resolu-tion of the problem and restore harm. This committee may consist of a building administrator,Student and Family Resource Specialist, counselor,teachers, the student’s parent/guardian(s), andother appropriate representatives. BDC meetingsmust precede an Administrative Review request.

ProcedureThe building administrator convenes the meeting.The administrator/designee will contact the parent/guardian(s) and appropriate committeemembers regarding the purpose, time, and placeof the meeting. If the parents choose not to attendthe meeting after proper notification, the commit-tee should convene and take appropriate action. Insituations where a committee consensus cannot beachieved, the principal will make the final decision.Parent/guardian(s) will be notified by letter of theaction taken by the committee.

Reason for ReferralStudents are referred for violations of the law andof the Standards and Expectations of Behavior.

Consequences of MisconductThe Building Discipline Committee may make several recommendations following the review ofeach student’s case. The recommendations mayinclude, but are not limited to, the followingactions:

1. A change in the student’s class schedule orplacement;

2. School Based Therapy;

3. Exclusion from interscholastic or extra-curricular activities;

4. Referral to Student Services Team;

5. Referral to community agency;

6. Referral to the Student Services ReviewCommittee or the Administrative ReviewCommittee;

7. Referral to the Judiciary Committee (All students receiving special education servicesmust be referred to an AdministrativeReview Committee Hearing prior to aJudiciary Committee Hearing and aManifestation Determination must occurbefore an Administrative Review/JudiciaryHearing) and/or;

8. Other recommendations at the discretion ofthe Building Discipline Committee.

Student Services Review Hearing (for 4th & 5th Graders ONLY)It is important that students who are assigned toBuehrle/Futures programs, receive a continuum ofservices.

Function & CompositionThe primary function of the Student ServicesReview Committee is to review cases ofREGULAR EDUCATION STUDENTS IN GRADES 4 & 5, who have violated the Standards andExpectations of Behavior for Students.

The committee meets at the request of the buildingadministrator, to make sure all building and community resources have been explored, onbehalf of the student, prior to consideration ofplacement in the Futures Academy.

This committee, appointed by the Superintendent,will consist of the Hearing Coordinator (chairperson),a District level Special Education representativeand a District level Student Assistant ProgramFacilitator.

ProcedureThe principal requesting the Student Services

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Review will submit in writing to the HearingCoordinator, a request for a Student ServicesReview meeting, stating the specific reasons and adetailed report from the Building DisciplineCommittee Meeting. The Hearing Coordinator willinform the requesting principal of the scheduleddate and time of the review and contact theStudent Services’ Committee members. TheHearing Coordinator will send the scheduled timeand place of the meeting. Case studies (threecopies) shall be prepared and delivered to theHearing Coordinator’s secretary.

Consequences of Misconduct

1. Return to school on probation with conditions.

2. Return to school with modified program.

3. Referral to community service agencies.

4. Referral to community legal agencies.

5. Assignment to an Alternative EducationProgram for Restorative Justice.

District level hearing requests must meet the following criteria:

Disruptive StudentA student who poses a clear threat to the safetyand welfare of other students or the school staff,who creates an unsafe school environment orwhose behavior materially interferes with the learning of other students or disrupts the overalleducational process. By law, Districts mayrefer students in grades 6–12 to AEDY pro-grams only if, at the time of the recom-mended transfer, they demonstrate, to amarked degree, any of the following condi-tions:

Reason for Referral Students enrolled in this program must be consid-ered disruptive as Defined by Act 30 of 1997, § 19-1901-C (5). Identify and provide documenta-tion (such as suspension documents) that applies toeach behavior resulting in the referral.

1. Disregard for school authority, includingpersistent violation of school policy andrules.

2. Display of or use of controlled substanceson school property or during school-affiliatedactivities.

3. Violent or threatening behavior on schoolproperty or during school-affiliated activities.

4. Possession of a weapon on school property,as defined under 18 Pa. C.S. § 912 (relatingto possession of weapon on school property).

5. Commission of a criminal act on schoolproperty or during school-affiliated activities.

6. Misconduct that would merit suspension orexpulsion under school policy.

Administrative Review Committee

Function & CompositionThe primary function of the Administrative ReviewCommittee is to review cases prior to referral tothe Judiciary Hearing Committee. This committeemeets at the request of the building administratorto review student cases and to make sure all Districtand community resources have been explored onbehalf of the student prior to consideration ofexpulsion. This committee, appointed by theSuperintendent or designee, will consist of theHearing Coordinator (chairperson), a principal,assistant principal or dean, and impartial professionalrepresentatives from the District.

Copies of the letter explaining the consequencesmust be sent to the parents, building principal, theDirector of Student Services, and the chairpersonof the Judicial Committee.

An Administrative Review shall not be conductedfor special education students unless there hasbeen a prior determination that the student’salleged misconduct was not a manifestation of thestudent’s exceptionality.

ProcedureThe principal requesting the Administrative Reviewwill submit, in writing to the Hearing Coordinator,a request for an Administrative Review CommitteeMeeting, stating the specific reasons for the reviewand a brief, but specific, summary of the rehabilitativeattempts which were made. The Hearing Coordinator

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will inform the requesting principal of the scheduleddate and time of the review and contact theAdministrative Review Committee members. TheHearing Coordinator will send a letter to the parent/guardian(s) of the student, indicating the reasonsfor the hearing, and the scheduled time and placeof the meeting. Copies of this letter should be forwarded to the Hearing Coordinator and staffmembers and/or agency personnel who are expectedto attend. Case studies (seven copies) shall be prepared, at the direction of the principal, and forwarded to the Hearing Officer, prior to thereview date. The case studies and all relevant special education paperwork must be delivered inadvance.

Reason for ReferralStudents are referred for violations of the law andthe Standards and Expectations of Behavior.

Consequences of MisconductThe Administrative Review Committee may makeseveral recommendations following the review ofeach student’s case. The recommendations mayinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of thefollowing consequences:

1. Return to school on probation with conditions (no further fighting,report toschool early each day, etc.);

2. Return to school with a modified program;

3. Referral to Psychologist or Social Services;

4. Referral to community service agencies.(Lancaster County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services, Family andChildren’s Services, Boys and Girls Club, etc.);

5. Referral to community legal agencies(Children and Youth Agency, Probation andParole, etc.);

6. Assignment to another school with designated conditions (two days illegalabsence will result in referral to JudiciaryCommittee, etc.);

7. Assignment to an alternative education program;

8. Combinations of the above;

9. Other recommendations at the discretionof the committee and/or;

10. Referral to the Judiciary Committee forexpulsion.

Judiciary Committee of the Board of Education

Function & CompositionThe function of the Judiciary Hearing Committee isto conduct a hearing to determine whether a student should be expelled from school. Duringthe hearing, the Judiciary Hearing Committeereviews the charges and the background informa-tion which the building administrator presents tosubstantiate the recommendations for expulsionand also reviews information presented by the student, parent/guardian(s), and/or counsel. TheChairperson (Hearing Officer) of the JudiciaryHearing Committee is appointed by the BoardPresident.

The Judiciary Hearing Committee is composed ofthe Hearing Coordinator and Hearing Officer,appointed by the school board. The HearingCoordinator serves as a resource staff member tothe Hearing Officer. When possible and appropri-ate, the Director of Student Services or designeewill attend Judiciary Hearings.

ProceduresThe building administrator will submit, in writingto the Judiciary Hearing Coordinator, a request fora Judiciary Committee hearing, stating the specificcharges made against the student, a brief summaryof rehabilitative attempts, and the recommendationfor expulsion. If the case is accepted for hearing,the Coordinator’s office will notify, in writing, theparent/guardian(s), the Committee Members, thebuilding administrator, and agency personnel ofthe scheduled time and place of the hearing. Theparent/guardian(s) will be informed of the specificreasons for the hearing and the recommendationwhich has been made by the school administration.They will also be informed that they may be repre-sented by counsel at the hearing. The building

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administrator, committee members, or parent/guardian(s) may request the attendance of anystaff member (or persons) at the hearing that canprovide significant information which would assistin making a decision. Persons, other than thoseinvolved with the case, may be present, only withpermission of the parent/guardian(s), and theHearing Officer.

The Hearing Officer is responsible for making arecommendation to the Superintendent as to thedisposition of the Judiciary Hearing Committee.The Superintendent will make a final recommenda-tion to the Board. School personnel and the parent/guardian(s) will receive, in writing from the JudiciaryHearing Coordinator, the decision of the HearingOfficer.

WaiverAfter a determination that a student has committedan expellable offense, and with full knowledge oftheir rights, the student and the student’s parentsmay waive their right to a formal School Boardhearing, and accept the consequences describedon a waiver agreement. The student and the student’s parents further waive their right to contest the consequences and this agreement byappeal or legal proceeding in any court.

Reasons for ReferralA building administrator may recommend theexpulsion of a student whose action(s) or behavior(s)were so disruptive or so serious that the Coordinator,in consultation with the Director of Student Servicesor designee agreed that a Judiciary CommitteeHearing is necessary.

Reasons for expulsion may include, but are notlimited to, the following behaviors:

1. Carrying or using weapons or dangerousinstruments while on school premises or onthe way to or from school or while attend-ing school sponsored activities;

2. Possessing or igniting explosives or incendiaries of any type on school premisesor in any area where school activities arebeing held;

3. Dispensing, furnishing, or selling anynarcotic, hallucinogenic, or dangerous drugs(including alcohol);

4. Tampering with firefighting equipment oremergency alarm system or starting a fireon school premises;

5. Participating in a bomb threat;

6. Extorting money or other property and/or;

7. Intimidating or assaulting a teacher, fellowstudent, or District employee. Only themost severe cases warranting expulsion willbe referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Possible RecommendationFollowing a Judiciary Committee Hearing, theHearing Officer may expel the student from schoolfor a semester, for the remainder of the school year,or longer, at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.

Expelled StudentsExpulsion is an exclusion from school by the Boardof Education for a period exceeding 10 schooldays and may be permanent expulsion from theschool rolls. All expulsions require a prior formalhearing under State Board Regulation 12.8 (relating to hearings).

Students who are less than 18 years of age are stillsubject to the compulsory school attendance laweven though expelled and they must be provided“some provision” of education.

The initial responsibility for providing the requirededucation rests with the student’s parents orguardian, through placement in another school,through tutorial or correspondence study orthrough another educational program approvedby the Superintendent or designee. If the parentsor guardians are unable to provide for the requirededucation, they must submit a written statementwithin 30 days, stating that they cannot providefor the required education. The District then hasthe responsibility to make some provision for thestudent’s education.

If the approved educational program is not complied with, the School District may take actionin accordance with Chapter 63 of the Juvenile Act(42 pa. C.S. §6301-6308), to ensure that the childwill receive a proper education.

“ ”Believe you can and you're halfway there.

—Theodore Roosevelt

SECTION 6GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL SERVICES

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Prior to considering suspensions as a consequence,the building level Student Services Team should beproviding a variety of interventions, supports,accommodations, and strategies as reflected in IEPrevisions. Prior to assigning a suspension to a student receiving special education services,administrators and/or Deans must collaborate withthe Special Education Coordinators.

For Students with an Intellectual DisabilityIf and when considering a suspension for a studentwith an Intellectual Disability, a Special EducationCoordinator must be contacted to facilitate theprocess. Special procedures apply for suspendingstudents who are identified as students with anintellectual disability.

A student with an intellectual disability cannot besuspended unless all of these steps have been followed:

1. Under State and Federal Special Educationregulations, any in-school, out-of school, ortransportation suspension (or expulsion) ofstudents with an intellectual disability constitutes a change in placement whichrequires:

a. a completion of a manifestation determination;

b. a copy of procedural safeguard noticebooklet issued to parent, and;

c. a Notice of Recommended EducationalPlacement (NOREP) issued toparent/guardian prior to suspension.The NOREP must state the date(s) andreason for the suspension.

2. If the parent/guardian approves of the suspension and signs the NOREP, proceedwith the suspension. If the parent/guardianrefuses to sign the NOREP or checks the disapproval box on the NOREP, the Principal

will contact the Supervisor of SpecialEducation and Gifted Services, who willrequest approval for suspension from theOffice for Dispute Resolution (ODR). Ifapproval is obtained from a hearing officerat ODR, the suspension may be implemented.

For Students with Disabilities Other than anIntellectual DisabilityIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)affords school officials the following options in thediscipline and/or change of placement of studentswith disabilities. A change of placement is definedas (a) The removal of a student for more than 10consecutive school days; or (b) A series ofremovals that constitute a pattern or accumulationof up to more than 15 school days in a schoolyear, as a result of factors such as the length ofeach removal, the total amount of time the child isremoved, and the proximity of the removals toone another.

If discipline occurs and there is no change inplacement, then the District will:

1. No later than the day on which the decisionto take disciplinary action is made, theschool notifies the parents of the action andof their procedural safeguards under IDEA.

2. If circumstances warrant, the IEP Team maymeet to determine if a functional behavioralassessment would be appropriate.

If the child has committed a violation of schoolrules that would result in a suspension fromschool, and if all regular disciplinary proceduresare followed, the student may be suspended fornot more than ten consecutive school days. If itis anticipated that the suspension will be for morethan 10 consecutive days, or if it would result inthe student being suspended for a total of atleast 15 school days, or if the removal exhibitsa pattern of such removals, then the following must occur:

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL SERVICES

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1. Within 10 school days of taking the discipli-nary action, if circumstances warrant, theIEP Team may meet to determine if a func-tional behavioral assessment would beappropriate.

2. The IEP Team shall meet to develop abehavior intervention plan within 10 schooldays, if such plan does not exist; or the IEPTeam reviews existing behavior interventionplan for appropriateness; if at least onemember of the team believes that modifica-tions are needed; the IEP Team shall meet todetermine if said modifications are appropriate.

a. After six-eight weeks of progress monitoring the implementation of thenew intervention(s), the IEP team(including the parent/guardian) willmeet to review the student’s progress.

3. Within 10 school days of the date on whichthe decision to impose discipline is made,the team conducts a “manifestation deter-mination,” which is a review of the relation-ship between the child’s disability and thebehavior subject to the disciplinary action.

Manifestation Determination

A manifestation determination is required by IDEAwhen considering the exclusion of a student with adisability from school that constitutes a change ofplacement. The IEP team must decide if the behaviorthat is subject to disciplinary action is related to thestudent’s disability (i.e., a manifestation of the student’sdisability) or if the behavior is a direct result of LEA’sfailure to implement the IEP. The IEP team mustanswer yes or no to the following statements:

Question One: The conduct in question was causedby the student’s disability or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s disability.

Question Two: The conduct in question was thedirect result of LEA’s failure to implement the IEP.

n If the team answered “Yes” to either of thequestions, the behavior must be considered amanifestation of the student’s disability.

n LEA must conduct a functional behaviorassessment plan, or review and modify theplan if one has already been developed.

n Punishment for a manifestation of a student’sdisability is an aversive technique. Therefore,the team must immediately take steps to remedy any and all deficiencies found in thestudent’s IEP or its implementation.

n Suspensions should not accumulate morethan fifteen school days. A disciplinary exclusionof a student with a disability for more than fifteen cumulative school days in a school yearwill be considered a pattern so as to bedeemed a change in educational placementrequiring a manifestation determination.

The law formalizes the long-held position of the U.S.Department of Education, Office of SpecialEducation, Office of Special Education Programs(“OSEP”) that schools remain obligated to providespecial education to students who are “suspended orexpelled.”

If the violation for which suspension or expulsion issought consists of the possession of a “dangerousweapon” in a school-sponsored function or theknowing possession, sale, or solicitation of a “controlled substance,” the child may be placed unilaterally in an interim alternative placement forthe same period that a non-disabled student wouldbe excluded from school for the same offense or for45 school days, whichever is less, provided that:

1. All of the requirements described above forsuspensions that result in a change of place-ment are met.

2. The IEP team develops an IEP for the alternative placement that:

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• enables the child to participate in thegeneral curriculum, although inanother setting; and

• enables the child to continue toreceive the services described in thecurrent IEP; and

• after 45 school days, the child isreturned to the last placement priorto the interim alternative placement,pending the resolution of any disputes concerning the results of themanifestation determination or thepermanent program and placementrecommendation of the school.

A special education student can be transferred toan alternative education program for up to 45days if the student brings a gun, a pocket knifewith a blade longer than 2½ inches, or anotherweapon to school; uses, buys, or sells illegal drugsat school; or does serious bodily harm to anotherstudent or staff member. Any decision to transfer astudent must be made by the IndividualizedEducation Program (IEP) Team. However, while thedecision is being made, the placement can occur.

For Gifted StudentsStudents ONLY identified as gifted are not includedunder IDEA regulations. According to PA Chapter16 regulations, discipline for gifted students is thesame as discipline for students in regular education,unless the child is dually identified with a disabilitycategory under Chapter 14 regulations.

For Students with 504 Service Agreements(Based on Board Policy 103.1)A manifestation determination must be conductedwhen considering an exclusion from school thatconstitutes a change of placement for a studentwith a disability. The 504 team should decide if thebehavior that is subject to disciplinary action isrelated to the student’s disability (i.e., a manifesta-tion of the student’s disability).

The 504 team should address the followingstatements:

n The conduct in question was caused by thestudent’s disability or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s disability.

n The conduct in question was the directresult of the LEA’s failure to implement the504 Service Agreement.

If the determination of the 504 team is “Yes” toeither one of the statements listed above, thebehavior must be considered a manifestation ofthe student’s disability and the 504 team musttake steps to review and/or revise the 504 plan toaddress the needs of the child.

If the determination of the 504 team is “No” toboth of the statements listed above, the behavioralincident is not a manifestation of the student’s disability and the student may be disciplined similarly to their nondisabled (typical) peers.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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Alternative Education (AEDY):Camelot of Buehrle is a full-day program thatserves students in grades 6 through 12, who haveexperienced behavioral issues at their homeschool. Camelot of Buehrle combines an academicprogram based on the School District ofLancaster’s curriculum with a restorative practicesprogram to successfully transition students back totheir (original, home, sending) school. Buehrle utilizes individualized behavior plans which focuson the reasons for each students’ referral to AEDY.Each student is reviewed every 45 days to monitortheir progress and ability to return to their homeschool. Once behavioral goals are met, a transitionmeeting is held to coordinate a return to theappropriate school. Students who have beenexpelled by the School District, will have a transi-tion meeting at the end of the expulsion period.Parents and students are required to attend orientation before starting the program.

Bullying/Cyber Bullying:Bullying means an intentional electronic, written,verbal or physical act or series of acts directed atanother student or students, which occurs in aschool setting and/or outside a school setting, thatis severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effectof doing any of the following: substantially interferingwith a student’s education, creating a threateningenvironment and substantially disrupting the orderlyoperation of the school.

Students who believe they or others have been bullied are encouraged to promptly report suchincidents to any School District employee.

Cheating:To misrepresent academic performance as one’sown by taking answers or work from another individual.

Community Service:Work provided in a building, on grounds, or otherservices provided by the student to the school orto the community at large (Parent permissionrequired).

Compulsory School Age:The period of a child's life from the time the child’sparents/guardians elect to have the child enterschool, and which shall be no later than six yearsof age until the child reaches eighteen years of ageor holds a certificate of graduation from a regularlyaccredited, licensed, registered or approved highschool.

Controlled Substance:Substances intended to affect the structure of anyfunction of the human body which includes controlled substance prohibited by federal andstate law, look-alike drugs, alcoholic beverages,including alcohol in any form, anabolic steroids,drug paraphernalia, any volatile solvents orinhalants, such as but not limited to glue andaerosol products, prescriptions or patent drugs,except those for which permission for use inschool has been granted pursuant to Board policy.designer drugs, counterfeit substances, and drugparaphernalia. This does not include a legally prescribed drug.

Detention:Detention is designated time assigned to studentsby administration or teachers for various infractions.When the assignment is made, the reason for thedetention must be explained to the student, coop-eration from parents will be solicited, and parentswill be informed of the consequences if detentionis not served.

Disorderly Conduct:When an individual makes loud and rowdy noisein the vicinity of the school or at school functions,causing unreasonable disturbance or distress toothers; or when an individual without authority orjustification obstructs school premises; or anyaccess to the school with the intent to prevent orhinder its lawful use by others.

Destruction:The action or process of causing so much damageto something that it no longer exists and/or cannotbe repaired.

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Due Process Hearing:A Due Process Hearing is a procedure in which students are given due process rights. This processprovides students with an opportunity to presenttheir account of an incident prior to being suspended or given disciplinary consequences foran alleged misconduct.

1. For suspensions up to three days, a student must be informed of the reason forthe suspension, and given the opportunityto meet with the building administrator ordesignee to respond.

2. When the suspension exceeds three schooldays an informal hearing is provided andincludes the following requirements:

a. notification of the reasons for suspension are given in writing tothe parent/guardian and to the student;

b. the student has the right to questionwitnesses present and produce witnesses;

c. the District should offer to hold thehearing within the first five days ofsuspension.

3. In cases of expulsion, a formal hearing isrequired. The hearing is to be held beforethe Judiciary Committee of the SchoolBoard. The Due Process requirements forsuch hearings are detailed in Section 12.8of State Board Regulations.

Expulsion:Expulsions may be for more than 10 days or a fixedperiod such as a semester or a permanent expulsion.The school must hold a “formal hearing” before anyexpulsion takes place.

Students who are under the age of 18 years and areexpelled must continue to receive education. Theparents have 30 days to find another school or program. If they fail to find education for their sonor daughter within 30 days, they must contact theirSchool District of residence. The School District thenmust make “some provision” of education towardnormal academic progress. This may be in an

alternative education program, home school, oranother educational program.

Students who are 18 years or older (unless they arespecial education students) and who have beenofficially expelled, are not entitled to a free publiceducation.

Futures Academy:Futures Academy is designed for students whohave not been successful in their traditional 4th or5th grade classroom. The program utilizes theSchool District of Lancaster curriculum with arestorative practices program to successfully transi-tion students back to their sending school. FuturesAcademy has a smaller class size than traditionalelementary schools which allows for individualattention and maintaining academic rigor.Typically, students are assigned for 45 days or amarking period. Once behavioral goals are met, atransition meeting is held to coordinate a return tothe appropriate school.

Habitual Truancy:A child subject to compulsory school laws havingsix or more school days of unexcused absence during the current school year.

Hazing:Hazing occurs when a person intentionally, know-ingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating,admitting or affiliating a student with an organiza-tion, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancingmembership or status in an organization, causes,coerces or forces a student to do any of the following:

1. Violate federal or state criminal law.

2. Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid,drug or other substance which subjects thestudent to a risk of emotional or physicalharm.

3. Endure brutality of a physical nature,including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements.

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4. Endure brutality of a mental nature, includ-ing activity adversely affecting the mentalhealth or dignity of the individual, sleepdeprivation, exclusion from social contact orconduct that could result in extreme embar-rassment.

5. Endure brutality of a sexual nature.

6. Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to thestudent.

Any activity, as described above, shall be deemed aviolation of this policy regardless of whether theconsent of the student was sought or obtained, orthe conduct was sanctioned or approved by theschool or organization. Students who believe they,or others, have been subject to hazing shouldpromptly report the incident to any Districtemployee.

In-School Suspension:In-school suspension is a consequence someschools use based on school violations wherebystudents are supervised for a period of time in astructured setting. Students work on classroomassignments as specified by classroom teachers oras defined by their IEP (Individual EducationalProgram). Students must be informed of the reasons for the suspension and given an opportunityto respond. Assignments cannot exceed 10 consecutive days. Parents are to be notified of thereasons for suspension and the length of assignedtime.

Gang Activity:Any group who intimidates, harasses, causes disruption, damages, or destroys property, engagesin criminal or other illegal activity, and displays colors or dresses with symbols and patrols a specific “turf” area.

Judicial Referrals (Direct):Judicial referrals (direct) is a mode of action forreferring extremely serious offenses to the JudiciaryCommittee. These violations may include but arenot limited to: weapon violations, use of explosives,distribution or other serious substance abuseoffenses, tampering with fire extinguishers onschool premises, bomb threats, extortion of moneyor other property, intimidating or assaulting another,spraying mace, or other chemicals on school property or at a school sponsored activities.

Lawful Absence:Lawful absences are when a student is preventedfrom attendance in school for mental, physical, orother urgent reasons. Illness, family emergency,death of a family member, medical or dentalappointments, authorized school activities, educa-tional travel with prior approval, and attendance atlegal or court proceedings are considered lawfulabsences.

Look-a-like:Substances that resemble illegal drugs or itemsthat resemble real weapons.

Manifestation Determination:A mandated process to review whether or not astudent’s behavior was a result of a student’s disability and/or the District’s failure to implementthe IEP or 504 as written.

Multi-Tiered System of Support:A tiered approach to provide instruction and inter-ventions for students struggling behaviorally oracademically. Tier I addresses all students throughcore instruction and school-wide practices. Tier IIinterventions may include small group instructionwith specific focus on identified skill deficits. Tier IIIinterventions are individualized to meet the needsof each student and are the most time intensiveinterventions.

Out-of-School Suspension:Out-of-school suspension (OSS) is a process bywhich students are excluded from the learningenvironment for a specific period of time.Suspensions are legal excused absences, which

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permit students to make up missed school work.Suspensions should not exceed 10 consecutivedays without School Board approval. Students andparents are to be notified of the reason for the suspension.

Parent(s):The term parent in this publication refers to parents/guardians who have legal and educationalresponsibilities for the guidance and supervision ofchildren/students attending the School District ofLancaster.

Plagiarism:Plagiarism includes copying the language, structure,idea, and/or thought of another and representingit as one’s own original work.

School Grounds:Any property owned or utilized by the School District of Lancaster or by any contractor of theSchool District.

School Resource Officer (SRO):A police officer employed by a law enforcementagency who works within a school to support thestudents, faculty, and administration. Supportsprovided by the SRO include reducing criminalactivity by recommending physical changes to theschool. The SRO also provides training to studentsin conflict resolution and restorative justice,expands community justice initiatives for students,and addresses crime, gang, and violence issues.

Serious Bodily Injury:Injury that creates a substantial risk of death orwhich causes serious, permanent disfigurement, orloss or impairment of the function of any bodilymember or organ.

Sexual Harassment:Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexualadvances, requests for sexual favors, and otherinappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This behavior is from one student toanother, from one staff person to another, from astaff member to a student, and/or a student to astaff member or any person on school property.

Student Assistance Program:The Student Assistance Program (SAP) orElementary SAP (ESAP) is a systematic teamprocess used to mobilize school resources toremove barriers to learning. SAP/ESAP is designedto assist in identifying issues including alcohol,tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issueswhich pose a barrier to a student’s success. Theprimary goal of the Student Assistance Program isto help students overcome these barriers so thatthey may achieve, advance, and remain in school.SAP/ESAP team members (a minimum of fourteam members per building from any or all of thefollowing groups: administration, teacher, coun-selor, psychologist, social worker, or nurse) aretrained to identify problems, determine whetheror not the presenting problem lies within theresponsibility of the school and to make recom-mendations to assist the student and the parent.When the problem lies beyond the scope of theschool, the SAP/ESAP team will assist the parentand student so they may access services within thecommunity. The student assistance team membersdo not diagnose, treat or refer to treatment, butthey may refer for a screening or an assessmentfor treatment.

Theft:Theft (also known as stealing) is, in general, thewrongful taking of someone else’s property withoutthat person’s willful consent with the intent todeprive them of the property. In law, it is usuallythe broadest term for a crime against property. It isa general term that encompasses offences such asburglary, embezzlement, larceny, looting, robbery,and shoplifting.

Threat:Conveying by physical gestures, written notes onpaper or by electronic devices, or verbal commentswith the intent to cause bodily injury.

Trespass:Entering into or remaining upon property withoutpermission.

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Notes:

Truant:A child subject to compulsory school laws havingthree or more school days of unexcused absenceduring the current school year.

Vandalism: Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment,data, websites and/or other networks. This includesbut is not limited to physical damage.

Waiver:After a determination that a student has committedan expellable offense, and with full knowledge oftheir rights, the student and the student’s parentsmay waive their right to a formal School Boardhearing, and accept the consequences describedon the District’s waiver form. The student and thestudent’s parents further waive their right to contest the consequences and this agreement byappeal or legal proceeding in any court.

Weapon:May include, but is not limited to, any knife, dagger, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku,blackjack, explosive or incendiary device, noxioussubstance, firearm, shotgun, rifle, or any othertool, instrument, or implement capable of inflictingserious bodily injury or used under circumstancesnot manifestly appropriate to lawful possessionand use.

Dangerous Weapon (IDEA):Any item that is used for, or is readily capable of,causing death or serious bodily injury, but NOT aknife with a blade of less than 2 ½ inches. Note:This definition is both broader than the definitionused in Pennsylvania law governing the discipline ofnon-disabled students, and in its exclusion of smallknives, narrower than Federal law. Federal law governs to the extent that it affords more protectionto the child.