Thompson Discipline Code

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Discipline Code

Edition 15

Updated August, 2011

Thompson School District R2-J800 South Taft Avenue

Loveland, CO 80537970-613-5000


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Table of Contents

Background Information ............................................................................ 1Student Responsibilities ............................................................................. 2

I. Protect Student Rights & the Rights of Others to LearnII. Attend School Daily Unless Sick or Legally Excused

III. Be on Time for ClassesIV. Obey School RulesV. Meet Deadlines & Complete Assignments

VI. Respect & Maintain All Public School Buildings & MaterialsVII. Communication is a Key Responsibility

Student Rights ........................................................................................... 2I. Free & Equal Educational Opportunity

II. CampusIII. SearchesIV. Automobile Use (High School Only)V. Motor Scooters & Motorized BikesVI. Rights to Due Process

VII. Freedom of Expression & AssemblyVIII. Assignment of Students to Schools

IX. Student RecordsX. Special Education Records

XI. Reporting of AbuseXII. Student Support Services

XIII. Victims of Unlawful ActsXIV. Special EducationEqual Educational Opportunities/Non-Discrimination (JB/JBB) ................. 5Sexual Harassment of a Student by Students or School Personnel (JBBA).. 6

I. Districts CommitmentII. Reporting Sexual Harassment

III. Interim District ActionIV. District Action Following Investigation

Investigating Sexual Harassment Reports (JBBA-R) .................................. 8Student Absences & Excuses (JH/JHA/JHBA) ............................................. 9

I. Special ConsiderationsII. Absences

III. Responsibilities for School AttendanceIV. TardinessV. Truancy/Habitual Truancy

VI. DropoutStudent Conduct (JIC) .............................................................................. 12Student Dress Code (JICA) ...................................................................... 13

I. Unacceptable ItemsStudent Conduct on School Buses (JICC/EEAEC) ..................................... 14School Bus Conduct Code (JICC-R/EEAEC-R) ........................................... 14

I. Procedures & Rules for Bus StopsViolent and Aggressive Behavior (JICDD) ................................................. 16Secret Societies/Gang Activity (JICF) ...................................................... 17

I. Gang SymbolsII. Prevention Education


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Secret Societies/Gangs (JICF-R) ............................................................. 17Tobacco Use by Students (JICG) .............................................................. 18Drug, Alcohol & Controlled Substance Use by Students (JICH/JICH-R) ... 18Weapons in the Schools (JICI) ................................................................. 19Code of Conduct (JICDA) ......................................................................... 20Bullying Prevention & Education (JICDE) ................................................. 21Bullying Prevention & Education (JICDE-R) .............................................. 22

I. Definition of BullyingII. Publication to Students and parents

III. Informing StaffIV. Investigation of Complaints or Reports of BullyingV. Reporting and Notification Obligations

VI. Post Investigation Intervention and ActionsStudent Discipline (JK) ............................................................................ 24

I. Immunity for Enforcement of Discipline CodeII. Disciplinary Information to School Personnel

Use of Physical Intervention by Employees (JKA) .................................... 25

Detention of Students (JKB) .................................................................... 25Discipline of Disruptive Students (JKC) .................................................... 26

I. Students with DisabilitiesDiscipline of Disruptive Students (JKC-R) ................................................ 26

III. DefinitionsIV. Reporting RequirementsV. Remedial Discipline Plans

VI. Discipline of Habitually Disruptive StudentsVII. Students with Disabilities

Classroom Removal/Suspension/Expulsions/Denial of Admission (JKD/JKE).... 27I. Definitions

II.

Delegation of AuthorityIII. Expulsion for Unlawful Sexual Behavior or Crime of ViolenceIV. Re-Enrollment of Expelled StudentsV. Annual Reports

VI. Information to ParentsClassroom Removal/Suspension/Expulsions/Denial of Admission (JKD/JKE-R) 29

I. Procedure for Suspension of Ten Days or LessII. Procedure for Suspension of Ten Days or More

III. Procedure for Expulsion or Denial of AdmissionIV. Conduct of HearingV. Appeal

VI. Re-AdmittanceVII. Procedure for Crimes of Violence

VIII. Contents of NoticeIX. Procedure for Classroom RemovalX. Reporting Suspensions Longer than 10 Days & Expulsions Requiring

Superintendents ActionGrounds for Suspension/Expulsion (JKD/JKE-E) ..................................... 35Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities (JK-2) ...................... 36

I. Suspension or RemovalII. Dangerous Students

III. ExpulsionIV. Unidentified Disabled Students


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Suspensions/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities (JK-2-R) ................ 37I. Change of Placement

II. Manifestation DeterminationIII. Disciplinary Action for Behavior that is not a ManifestationIV. Disciplinary Action and/or Alternative Placement for Behavior

that is a ManifestationV. Expedited Hearings

VI. Students not Identified as DisabledEducational Alternatives for Expelled Students (JKF) .............................. 39Educational Alternatives for Expelled Students (JKF-R) ........................... 40Alternatives to Suspension (JKDA) .......................................................... 40

I. Parental Co-AttendanceExpulsion Prevention for At-Risk Students (JKG) ..................................... 40Student Records (JRA/JRC) ..................................................................... 41

I. Content & Custody of RecordsII. Parental Access to Records

III. Requesting Records from Other School DistrictsIV. Transferring Records to Other School DistrictsV. Requesting & Receiving Information & Records from State Agencies

VI. Requests to Amend Education RecordsVII. Disclosure with Written Consent

VIII. Disclosure without Written ConsentIX. Disclosure to Other PartiesX. Disclosure of Directory Information

XI. Annual Notification of RightsXII. Waivers

Student Records/Release of Information about Students (JRA/JRC-E) .... 44I. Notification to Parents & Students of Rights Concerning

Student School RecordsStudent Acceptable Internet, Network and Email Use Agreement (JS) ..... 46Internet, Network/ Email Terms and Conditions of Use (JS-E) .............. 46Public Complaints about School Personnel (KEB) ..................................... 48Public Complaints about School Personnel (KEB-R) ................................. 49

I. Initial CommunicationII. Review

III. AppealIV. Appeal to the Board of Education

School Information .............................................................................. 50-52Discipline Code Review VerificationForm ................................................ 53

THE LETTERS INDICATED AFTER TITLES IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE CODEFOR EACH ADOPTED BOARD POLICY

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Background Information

In order for the district to be in compliance with legislation passed in the spring of1993, a committee was appointed to review our current discipline policies andrevise them so they would comply with state law. The committee was made up of

principals, teachers, parents, a board member, and representatives from CentralAdministration. After meeting on September 9, 1993, the committee distributeddraft policies for input from the board of education, principals, staff and students.Input from these groups was received and revisions in the draft policies were madeat a meeting on September 23, 1993. The revised policies were sent to legalcounsel for review. The board of education adopted these policies known as the"Discipline Code" on October 6, 1993. Since the original adoption of policies onOctober 6, 1993, subsequent changes have been adopted by the board of educationand are included in this new version of the code. (Any changes or revisions ofthese policies require a reprinting and redistribution of the code.)

The goal of the Thompson School District is to help each student grow and succeed

in schools which are safe and orderly. Effective schools have rules which arereasonable and understood by all (parents, students, teachers, administration, etc.)Students play an important role in making sure they conduct themselves as goodcitizens and encourage their fellow students to do likewise. The purpose of thispublication is to outline student rights and responsibilities and provide theguidelines/rules which make up the "Discipline Code" for the Thompson SchoolDistrict.

Questions concerning this document may be directed to the individual buildingprincipals or the district deputy superintendent at 613-5000.

A copy of this document and all school district policies including those referenced inthis book are available on-line atwww.thompsonschools.org.

Copies of specific policies are available upon request within three business days.
http://www.thompsonschools.org./http://www.thompsonschools.org./http://www.thompsonschools.org./http://www.thompsonschools.org./


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StudentResponsibilities

I.Protect Student Rights & the Rights ofOthers to Learn

a. No one has the right to interfere withthe education of others. Students have

the right to learn!

II.Attend School Daily Unless Sick orLegally Excused

a. Students are required by Colorado lawto attend school until they attain theage of 17. Students who attend classeslearn more, get better grades, and ingeneral, are more successful.

III.Be on Time for Classesa. Students should be in the classroom,

ready to work, when the class begins.

IV.Obey School Rulesa. Students, like other citizens in our

community, must know and obey therules which guide the conduct of thecommunity. The school is the student'scommunity for much of the day.Keeping it safe and orderly is acooperative effort between school staff,students, and parents.

V.Meet Deadlines & CompleteAssignments

a. The development of a sound work ethicis important and has direct transfer to

the world of work.

VI.Respect & Maintain All Public SchoolBuildings & Materials

a. Schools are a gift from the community.As members of the community, studentsshould work hard to maintain theappearance of our schools so that futurestudents may have the sameopportunities.

VII.Communication is a Key Responsibilitya. Education requires a partnership

between the home and the school. Forthis partnership to work, complete and

open communication is necessary.Honesty and integrity are important inthis process. Students play a role bymaking sure that all schoolcorrespondence is shared with thefamily and that all correspondence fromhome is received by the school.

Student

Rights

I.Free & Equal Educational Opportunitya. Students have the right to attend

school until age 21 or graduation fromhigh school.

b. Every student in this district will haveequal educational opportunitiesregardless of race, ethnic origin,

religion, gender or disabling condition.Students also have the right to alearning environment free from fear of

insult, harassment or injury fromothers.

II.Campusa. Students are expected to remain on

school premises throughout theirschool day. However, the principalmay make individual exceptions. Suchexceptions require a written parentalrequest explaining the purpose for therequest.

b. High school principals have theprerogative of approving open lunch by

grade level or for individual students.They also have the discretion ofsuspending or terminating this

privilege.

III.Searchesa. Lockers are the property of the

Thompson School District and areavailable for the convenience of thestudents. Student use of lockers,desks or storage areas is subject to the


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right of school authorities to open orenter these areas and inspect their

contents for any reason at any timewithout notice or student consent.

b. A student's person and/or personaleffects, such as a purse, book, bag,backpack, etc., may be searched when-

ever a school authority has reasonablegrounds for suspecting that the searchwill produce evidence that the student

has violated or is violating either the lawor the rules of the school.

IV.Automobile Use (High School Only)a. Students must park their cars in

designated parking areas in the morningwhen arriving at school. Cars shallremain there until after school hours

except as authorized by the principal.Violation of this policy shall result in

disciplinary penalties in the same wayas any other violations of policies andregulations.

b. The privilege of bringing a student-operated motor vehicle on to schoolpremises is conditioned on consent bythe student driver to allow search of thevehicle when there is reasonablesuspicion that the search will yieldevidence of contraband.

c. Refusal by a student, parent or guardianor owner of the vehicle to allow accessto a motor vehicle on school premises at

the time of a request to search thevehicle shall be cause for terminationwithout further hearing of the privilege

of bringing the vehicle on to schoolpremises.

d. Routine patrolling of student parkinglots and inspection of the outside ofstudent automobiles shall be permittedat all times.

V.Motor Scooters & Motorized Bikesa. Students must park motor scooters and

motorized bikes in designated areas

when arriving at school. Scooters shallremain there until dismissal time.

b. Motor scooters and motorized bikesshall not be driven on school grounds.

c. Principals shall cooperate with thePolice Department in enforcing

regulations concerning motor scootersafety.

VI.Rights to Due Processa. Any student facing disciplinary action is

entitled to fair procedures to determineif he/she is at fault. Simply stated,those procedures include the right to

be told what the rules are; to be toldwhat rule(s) has been violated; and tobe given the opportunity to present his

or her version of the facts. Efforts willbe made to notify parents ofdisciplinary action taken.

VII.Freedom of Expression & Assemblya. Students have the right to assemble

and express themselves. Students'

rights to express personal opinions arerecognized in school, as long as themanner of expression does not infringe

upon the rights and privilegesguaranteed to others or disrupt thelearning process. The principal may

regulate expression provided that it willcause or is causing substantialdisruption.

b. Students who write articles or editorialsfor school publications have the right toexpress their opinions. However, theprincipal, or designee, may denyapproval of publication or requirerevision prior to publication ifstatements, articles or editorials are inviolation of established standards, as

set out in the district's policy regardingstudent publication.

VIII.Assignment of Students to Schoolsa. Although the district attempts to

establish school attendance boundariesthat will best support educationallysound school programs, maintain

community identity and provideindividual safety and convenience,there may be cases when the district or


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parents and students feel that a schooloutside their designated attendance

area better fulfills their particular needs.Reasons may include, but need not belimited to, special circumstances of

health, emotional problems, learningproblems or other circumstancesaffecting the welfare of the student.

b. Students shall attend school in theenrollment area determined by their

residence unless a transfer request toattend another school is approved.Students who submit a transfer requestin accordance with JFBA/JFBB-R may bepermitted to enroll in a particularprogram or school outside their normalenrollment area.

IX.Student Recordsa. Student educational records are those

records maintained by the school districtthat are directly related to a student.Natural or adoptive parents, legalguardian(s) or eligible students(students 18 and over) have the right toreview and authorize the release ofeducational records. Information andrecords shall be made available to theparent or eligible student upon requestas outlined in Board Policy JRA/JRC(Student Records).

b. Parents or eligible students who believethat information contained in theeducational records of a student is

inaccurate or misleading or violates theprivacy or other rights of the studentmay request that the district amend the

records as outlined in Board PolicyJRA/JRC (Student Records).

c. The school district will disclosepersonally identifiable information fromstudent records without written consentof the parent or eligible student only to:

1.Other school officials within the schoolsystem who have legitimateeducational interest in it.

2.Officials of other primary andsecondary schools outside the school

district in which the student seeks orintends to enroll.

3.Authorities specifically named in theFamily educational Rights and Privacy

Act and accompanying federal andstate regulations.

4.State and local officials who arerequired to get specific informationpursuant to state law enacted prior toNovember 19, 1974.

5.Sponsors of financial aid for whichthe student has applied or which thestudent has received, provided theinformation is for purposes of

determining eligibility for the aid,determining the amount of the aid,determining the conditions for aid or

in enforcing the terms and conditionsof the aid.

6.Accrediting institutions.7.Testing and research organizations as

long as confidentiality is maintainedand such organizations are required

to destroy records after they nolonger are needed.

8.Other parties such as Social Servicesand the Police Department where theinformation contained in the record is

necessary to protect the health orsafety of the student or otherindividuals.

9.Anyone requesting directoryinformation as specified in BoardPolicy JRA/JRC (StudentRecords/Release of Information).

NOTE: The parent or eligible student has theright to refuse to permit the release of any orall of the categories of directory information,provided such refusal is received in writing inthe office of the principal of the school wherethe student is in attendance no later thanSeptember 7 of the school year for which therefusal is to be in effect (or the followingMonday if September 7 is a Saturday or

Sunday) or at least 20 days in advance of adisclosure.


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SEE: Board Policy JRA/JRC and ExhibitJRA/JRC-E for more information and a listing of

records maintained by the school district.

X.Special Education Recordsa. Special education records will be

retained up to five years following

discontinuance of all special educationand related services, unless the parentof a student with disabilities requests

that the personally identifiable recordsbe destroyed. When records aredestroyed pursuant to such a request, a

permanent record may nevertheless bemaintained consisting of the student'sname, address, phone number, grades,attendance record, grade levelcompleted and year completed.

XI.Reporting of Abusea. It is state law in Colorado and a policy

of the Thompson School District tocomply with the Child Protection Act.

Any school employee who hasreasonable cause to know or suspectthat a child has been subject to abuseor neglect shall immediately report it tothe Larimer County Department ofSocial Service. School officials are notallowed, by law, to contact the child'sfamily or other persons to determine thecause of the suspected abuse or

neglect. Once a report has been madeto the Larimer County Department ofSocial Services, the responsibility for

investigation and follow-up lies with thatagency.

XII.Student Support Servicesa. Psychiatric and psychological

examination and treatment of anyemotional, behavioral, or mentaldisorder or disability of a student willnot be performed by the school districtwithout parental consent unless thestudent is otherwise allowed by law togive his or her own consent. However,in the unusual case of crisis or traumaaffecting multiple students or in the

case of an emergency affecting anindividual student, certified or licensedpersons may offer immediate, short-

term psychological support serviceswithout prior written permission, unless

the parent or legal guardian hasexcluded the student from theseservices by giving prior written notice

to the principal of the school.

XIII.Victims of Unlawful Actsa. Victims of unlawful acts committed at

school should file a report with theprincipal and can file a report with thelocal police.

XIV.Special Educationa. Special education services are available

for students with identified disabilitiesin accordance with the Individuals withDisabilities education Act (IDEA) and

Section 504 of the Individuals withDisabilities Act. Placement of a child inSpecial education occurs only after anassessment of the child by a team ofprofessionals and conferences with theparent and teacher. Written consent ofthe parent is required before a childmay be evaluated and placed in any of

the Special education programs.

b. The process to refer children for Speciaeducation services begins with aStudent Intervention Team (SIT)review conference which can be

requested by students, parents,teachers or other school personnel. Formore information about SIT, Specialeducation services, student and parentrights or the process to access Specialeducation services, please contact yourschool's learning center teacher, schoolpsychologist or the Special EducationDepartment at 613-5020.

Equal Educational Opportunities/Non-Discrimination

JB/JBB

a.No student of this school district shall beexcluded from participating in, be deniedthe benefits of or be subject todiscrimination in any district program oractivity on the basis of race, color, religion,gender, marital status, national origin ordisability. More specifically, the school


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district will treat its students withoutdiscrimination on the basis of any of these

categories as prescribed by law.

b.Further, the board of education affirms theright of all students, regardless of race,color, religion, gender, national origin ordisability, to be treated with respect and to

be protected from intimidation,discrimination, physical harm orharassment, whether by staff members or

by students.

c.Harassment/discriminatory behavior thatdenies civil rights or access of equaleducational opportunities includescomments, name-calling, physical conductor other expressive behavior directed at anindividual or group that intentionallydemeans the race, color, religion, national

origin, gender or disability of the individualor individuals or creates an intimidating,

hostile or demeaning environment foreducation.

d.Director of Human Resources has beenappointed to serve as compliance officer forthis policy and should be consulted onquestions related to its application.

Sexual Harassment of a Student by

Students or School Personnel (JBBA)

a.The board of education recognizes thatsexual harassment can interfere with astudent's academic performance and his/heremotional/physical well-being. Preventing

and remedying sexual harassment inschools is essential to insure anondiscriminatory, safe environment inwhich students can learn. In addition,sexual harassment is a form of sexdiscrimination and thus a violation of thelaws which prohibit sex discrimination.

I.District's Commitmenta. The district is committed to maintaining

a learning environment that is free from

sexual harassment. It is a violation ofpolicy for any staff member to harassstudents or for students to harass other

students through conduct orcommunications of a sexual nature or toretaliate against anyone who reports

sexual harassment or participates in aharassment investigation.

b. All indications, informal reports orformal grievances of sexual harassmentbrought by students, staff or thirdparties shall be investigated by thedistrict and appropriate correctiveaction shall be taken. Correctiveactions may include taking necessarysteps to end the harassment, to make

the harassed student whole byrestoring lost educational opportunities,to prevent harassment from recurring

and to prevent retaliation againstanyone who reports sexual harassmentor participates in a harassment

investigation.

c. Notice of this policy shall be circulatedto all district schools and departmentsand incorporated in all student

handbooks.

d. All students and district employeesshall receive age-appropriate trainingrelated to recognizing and preventingharassment. District employees shall

receive additional training related tohandling reports of sexual harassment.

e. Definition of Sexual Harassment:Unwelcome sexual advances, requestsfor sexual favors or other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexualnature may constitute sexualharassment, even if the harasser andthe student being harassed are of thesame sex and regardless of whetherthe student resists or submits to the

harasser. Conduct is considered sexualharassment when:

1.Submission to such conduct is madeeither explicitly or implicitly a term orcondition of a student's participation

in an education program or activity.

2.Submission to or rejection of suchconduct by a student is used as thebasis for education decisionsaffecting the student.

3.Such conduct is sufficiently severe,persistent or pervasive that it limits a


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student's ability to participate in orbenefit from an education program or

activity or it creates a hostile orabusive educational environment.

f. For a single incident to be consideredharassment, it must be severe(interferes with a student's academic

performance or emotional well-being).Acts of verbal or physical aggression,intimidation or hostility based on sex,

but not involving conduct of a sexualnature, may also constitute sexualharassment.

g. Sexual harassment as defined abovemay include, but is not limited to:

1.Sexually oriented verbal "kidding,"abuse or harassment.

2.Pressure for sexual activity.3.Repeated remarks to a person with

sexual or demeaning implications.

4.Unwelcome touching, such as patting,pinching or constant brushing againstthe body of another.

5.Suggesting or demanding sexualinvolvement, accompanied by impliedor explicit threats concerning onessafety, grades or similar personal

concerns.

II.Reporting Sexual Harassmenta. Sexual harassment cannot be

investigated or corrected unless the

district is made aware of it. Therefore,students who cannot resolve incidentsthat they believe to be sexualharassment through informalcommunication with the other person(s)involved should inform a teacher,counselor or principal in their schoolbuilding. If this person is unable toresolve the matter, the student should

file a written complaint. All suchstudent reports or indications of studentsexual harassment reported by district

employees or third parties, shall beforwarded to the districts GrievanceOfficer (Director of Human Resources)

and dealt with according to RegulationJBBA-R.

1.The Grievance Officer should beconsulted on questions related to its

application. If he/she is the allegedharasser, an alternative GrievanceOfficer will be appointed by thesuperintendent to investigate thematter.

2.Upon receiving a report, theGrievance Officer shall proceed asset forth in Regulation JBBA-R,

investigating Sexual HarassmentReports.

3.All matters involving sexualharassment reports shall remainconfidential to the extent possible as

long as doing so does not precludethe district from respondingeffectively to the harassment or frompreventing future harassment. Filingof a grievance or otherwise reporting

sexual harassment shall not reflectupon the student's status or affecthis/her grades.

III.Interim District Actiona. When appropriate, the district shall

take measures during the investigationof a harassment report to protect the

alleged subject of the harassment fromfurther harassment or retaliation.

1.In cases involving potential criminalconduct, the Grievance Officer shalldetermine whether appropriate lawenforcement officials should benotified.

IV.District Action Following Investigationa. If the conduct is determined to be

sexual harassment, the district shalltake all reasonable action to end thesexual harassment, to prevent its

recurrence, to prevent retaliationagainst the student making the reportand anyone participating in the

investigation, and to restore losteducation opportunities to the harassedstudent. In addition, the harasser shall


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be disciplined according to anyapplicable discipline policy.

1.If inappropriate conduct does not riseto the level of sexual harassment

prohibited by law, the matter shall behandled according to any applicablediscipline policy.

Investigating Sexual Harassment Reports(JBBA-R)

a.The complaint procedure prescribed inJB/JBB-R for allegations of discrimination

against students shall also be used forallegations of sexual harassment of astudent by other students or by school

personnel, with the specific additionalconsiderations described below.

1.Receiving and Recording SexualHarassment Reports: All sexualharassment reports, whether fromstudents or from student mediators, shallbe forwarded to the Grievance Officer who

shall keep a confidential log, separatefrom other school records, in which theyshall be recorded. The purpose of this log

is to aid the Grievance Officer in theinvestigation of sexual harassmentallegations and in discovering,

investigating and resolving recurrentsexual harassment problems. Contents ofthe log are to remain confidential to the

greatest extent possible without impairingeffective investigation of and response toallegations.

2.Investigating Sexual Harassment Reports:The first task of the Grievance Officer

when investigating reports of sexualharassment should be to determinewhether the alleged conduct actuallyoccurred and whether or not it constitutessexual harassment.

3.The following types of information may beconsidered in determining whether sexualharassment occurred:

i.Statements by any witness to thealleged incident(s);

ii.Evidence about the relative credibilityof the parties involved;

iii.Evidence regarding whether thealleged harasser has been found tohave harassed others;

iv.Evidence of the complainant's reactionto or change in behavior following thealleged harassment;

v.Evidence about any action(s) thecomplainant took to protest thealleged conduct;

vi.Evidence and witness statements ortestimony presented by the partiesinvolved;

vii.Other contemporaneous evidence;viii.Any other evidence deemed relevant

by the Grievance Officer.

4.In deciding whether conduct issufficiently severe, persistent orpervasive, all relevant circumstancesshall be considered by the GrievanceOfficer, including:

i.The degree to which the conductaffected one or more students'education;

ii.The type, frequency and duration ofthe conduct;

iii.The identity of and relationshipbetween the alleged harasser and the

allegedly harassed student;

iv.The number of individuals involved asalleged harassers and as objects ofthe harassment;

v.The age and sex of the allegedharasser and the object of theharassment;

vi.The location of the incident andcontext in which it occurred; and

vii.Other incidents at the school.


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Student Absences & ExcusesJH/JHA/JHBA

a.The board of education believes that regularand punctual attendance contributes

strongly to student academic success andbuilds habits that are required in the worldof work. Frequent tardiness or absence

disrupts the continuity of learning; often thework missed cannot be made up adequately.No other single factor is as closely linked

with failing grades and dropping out ofschool. Students with good attendancegenerally achieve higher grades, enjoyschool more and are more employable afterleaving school.

b.State law makes parents/guardiansresponsible for seeing that their childrenattend school regularly or receive equivalent

instruction. The board of education isrequired to designate an attendance officer

to enforce the provisions of the compulsoryattendance law, counsel students andparents, investigate the causes of non-

attendance and report findings to the boardof education. This report will be madeduring the fourth quarter of the year.

c.Each school in the Thompson District shalldevelop a policy/procedure regardingabsences and tardies in accordance with theprovisions of Policy JH/JHA/JHBA and theaccompanying Regulation JA/JHA/JHBA-R,

procedures adopted by the board ofeducation on December 6, 2000, andcommunicate the policy/procedure to its

school community. Any changes in schoolpolicies and procedures shall be ratified bythe board of education by June of each year

for the following school year.

d.The school attendance policy will bedetermined by students, staff and parents ofthe school under the leadership of theprincipal. It must include procedures forrecording and monitoring attendance andnotifying parents of nonattendance, limitson number of excused absences and tardies,incentives for regular attendance,consequences for unexcused absences orexcessive excused absences.

e.The school attendance policy should bedesigned as a teaching tool. Students

should develop positive attitudes aboutattendance and punctuality and learn that

getting to school regularly and on timebuilds important skills for later life.Students should accept responsibility for

their actions and understand the negativeconsequences of poor attendance. Eachschool policy shall clarify the intent,systems and procedures for all concerned;be perceived as fair and just; be as efficientas possible while accomplishing itspurposes; and include options for keepingstudents in school, such as behaviormodification strategies for repeat or

frequent offenders. Excessive absences arenormally a symptom of other problems andattempts should be made to deal with

whatever the other problems might be.

I.Special Considerationsa. Because of the close ties between

elementary children and their families,elementary schools should respond tounexcused absences with a family focusand the goal of finding and dealing withthe underlying causes for the absences.The school should provide helpful, non-

threatening assistance if needed.Elementary students and their parentsneed to think of the school as a friendly

place and that learning is useful anddesirable. As much as possible, theattendance procedure should reinforce

these attitudes and not be punitive orauthoritarian.

b. Middle school policies should attempt tobe corrective with an emphasis onindividual responsibility and needs.The consequences of repeatedtruancies or unexcused absencesshould be made clear. Consequences

should be progressive, beginning byemphasizing the seriousness of thebehavior and moving to loss of credit

and referral to outside authority.

II.Absencesa. Excused Absences: Excused absences

are exceptions to compulsoryattendance. They include the following(asterisked items are specified inColorado law):


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1.A student who is temporarily ill orinjured or whose absence is approvedby the administrator of the school ofattendance.*

2.A student who is absent for anextended period due to physical,

mental or emotional disability.*

3.A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervisionof a public school.*

4.A student who is participating in anyschool-sponsored activity or a studentwho has advance approval by theadministration to attend an activity ofan educational nature.

5.A student whose presence in school,on a doctor's written advice, may

constitute a danger to his/her healthor will seriously expose other studentsto a health hazard (such as a studentunder quarantine).

6.A student who has a death in his orher immediate family.

7.A student whose presence is requiredin court.

8.A student who, with advanceapproval, attends for a minimum ofone hundred seventy-two days anindependent or parochial school which

provides a basic academic educationas defined in state law.

9.A student who is in the custody of acourt or law enforcement authorities.*

10.A student who is being instructed athome by a certified teacher or under asystem of home study pursuant tostate law and State board ofeducation rules.*

11.A student who has the writtenapproval of the building principalbased on special family

circumstances.

12.A student to whom a current age andschool certificate or work permit has

been issued pursuant to state law.*

13.A student who is participating in anobservance of his or her religion.

14.Suspensionb. Unexcused Absences: Any absence

that is not covered by one of the

situations described above is anunexcused absence. These include thefollowing:

1.Expulsion2.Leaving school or a class without

permission of the teacher oradministrator in charge.

3.Not reporting to school or a classunless the absence is excused inaccordance with the school's policy.

4.Any absence that is not excusedwithin 48 hours.

c. Medical Absences: The school, in itsdiscretion, may require a student whois absent for medical reasons to

provide a note from his or her doctor.In such cases, a student who does notprovide the required note shall be

considered absent without excuse.

I I I .Respons ib i l i t i es f o r Schoo l A t t endancea. Student Responsibility for School

Attendance:

1.To attend school on all days of theestablished school calendar.

2.To appear in class on time, preparedto learn.

3.To contact teachers immediatelyupon return from absences and

arrange for completion of make-upwork.

4.To complete work as assigned by theteacher when a preauthorizedabsence has been requested.


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5.To check the absence list regularlyand take steps to correct errors inattendance recording.

b. Parent/Guardian Responsibility forSchool Attendance:

1.To encourage the student to developgood attendance habits andcommunicate that any absence or

tardy, regardless of cause, may havea detrimental effect on achievement.

2.To be familiar with the school'sattendance policies and proceduresand follow them.

3.To contact the school regardingabsences and to provide the schoolwith written documentation within 48hours.

4.To contact the school regardingabsences, in accordance with the

school's policies.

5.To contact the school and request aconference with the appropriateadministrator or teacher uponnotification from the school thatattendance is a concern.

6.To furnish the school with a telephonenumber or other means of contactingthem during the school day.

c. Teacher Responsibility for SchoolAttendance:

1.To inform parents/guardians andstudents at the beginning of eachyear, semester or term aboutclassroom attendance expectationsand any penalties that may beimposed for tardies or absences.

2.To take attendance daily and maintainaccurate attendance records according

to school policy and regulations.

3.To apply the attendance policyconsistently to all students.

4.To notify students of tardies,absences, and academic penalties

through procedures specified by theschool.

5.To notify parents of attendanceconcerns.

6.To provide quality learningexperiences that encourage regularattendance.

d. Principal Responsibility for SchoolAttendance:

1.To facilitate the development ofschool-wide attendance regulations in

conformance with Policy JED. Theseregulations shall be forwarded to theboard of education for ratification byJune for the following school year.

2.To supervise the implementation ofattendance policy and procedures.

3.To provide parents/guardians withinformation about the school'sattendance procedures and their

child's attendance records.

4.To inform parents of absences.5.To facilitate the use of available

resources for students who exhibitattendance problems.

e. The school shall establish a system ofmonitoring individual absences, bothexcused and unexcused. When astudent fails to report on a regularly

scheduled school day and schoolpersonnel have received no indicationthat his or her parent/guardian is

aware of the absence, school personnelor volunteers under the direction ofschool personnel shall make a

reasonable effort to notify theparent/guardian by telephone.


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IV.Tardinessa. A tardy student is a student without a

valid excuse who is not in the classroomat the time the teacher expects. A

student detained by another teacher orstaff member shall not be consideredtardy provided that the staff member

gives the student a pass to enter thenext class.

b. Elementary students will be consideredtardy if they arrive more than fiveminutes after class has started;secondary schools will determine theirdefinitions and consequences fortardiness. Penalties for tardiness will beequated with penalties for unexcusedabsences. An unexcused tardyexceeding 30 minutes will be counted as

a half day unexcused absence inelementary and middle schools.

c. The classroom teacher, counselorsand/or administrators will work withtardy students to discuss theundesirable consequences of tardiness,explore the reasons for the tardies,work mutually with the student toidentify how to avoid future tardies andpoint out the consequences of furthertardies. Tardiness may be excused if aparent, guardian, legal custodian orschool staff member communicates with

the teacher about the tardiness within24 hours. In elementary and middleschool, after 30 minutes an unexcused

tardy will be counted as a half dayunexcused absence.

V.Truancy/Habitual Truancya. If a student is absent without a signed

parental excuse or if the student leavesschool or a class without permission ofthe teacher or administrator in charge,the student shall be considered truant.A "habitual truant student "shall bedefined as a student of compulsory

attendance age who has four unexcusedabsences from school or from class inany one month or ten unexcused

absences during any year. Absencesdue to suspension or expulsion shall not

be counted in determining whether astudent is a habitual truant.

b. When a student is declared habituallytruant, the school shall, in cooperation

with the student and parent or legalcustodian, develop a plan to assist thechild to remain in school.

c. In order to reduce the incidence oftruancy, parents of all students shall benotified in writing at the beginning ofeach school year of their obligation toinsure that all children of compulsory

attendance age attend school.

VI.Dropouta. Any student who has been absent from

class for six consecutive weeks or more

in any one school year, except forreasons of expulsion, excused long-term illness or death, is considered tobe a "dropout" and shall be reported assuch to the Department of Education.

However, if the student is inattendance at the end of the schoolyear or enrolled in another school,

home study course or on-line program,he or she is not considered a dropoutand shall not be reported as such.

Student Conduct(JIC)

a.It is the intention of the Board of Educationthat district schools help students achieve

maximum development of individualknowledge, skills and competence and thatstudents become responsible, contributingmembers of society. Every student in apublic school in this district has the right tolearn in an environment that is safe,conducive to the learning process, and freefrom unnecessary disruption.

b.In accordance with state law, the Boardshall adopt a written student conduct anddiscipline code based upon the principle

that every student is expected to followaccepted rules of conduct and to showrespect for and to obey persons in

authority. The code also shall emphasizethat certain behavior, especially behaviorthat disrupts the classroom, is


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unacceptable and may result in disciplinaryaction. At each site, the code shall be

enforced uniformly, fairly and consistentlyfor all students.

c.All Board policies and regulations containingthe letters "JIC" in the file name shall beconsidered as constituting the conduct

section of the legally required code.

d.The Board shall consult with parents,students, teachers, administrators, andother community members in thedevelopment of the conduct and disciplinecode.

e.The rules shall not infringe uponconstitutionally protected rights, shall beclearly and specifically described, shall beprinted in a handbook or some other

publication made available to students andparents, and shall have an effective date

subsequent to the dissemination of thepublished handbooks.

f.The district shall arrange to have theconduct and discipline code distributedannually to each student in elementary,middle, and high school and once to eachnew student in the district. Copies shall beposted, kept online, or kept on file in eachschool of the district. In addition, anysignificant change in the code shall bedistributed to each student and posted in

each school.

g.In all instances, students shall be expectedto conduct themselves in keeping with theirlevel of maturity, acting with due regard forthe supervisory authority vested by the

Board in all district employees, theeducational purpose underlying all schoolactivities, the widely shared use of schoolproperty, and the rights and welfare of otherstudents. All employees of the district shallbe expected to share the responsibility forsupervising the behavior of students and forseeing that they abide by the establishedrules of conduct.

Student Dress Code(JICA)

a.A safe and disciplined learning environmentis essential to a quality education program.

District-wide standards on student attireare intended to help students concentrate

on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems,and improve school order and safety. TheBoard of Education recognizes that

students have a right to expressthemselves through dress and personalappearance; however, students shall not

wear apparel that is deemed disruptive orpotentially disruptive to the classroomenvironment or to the maintenance of a

safe and orderly school.

b.Any student deemed in violation of thedress code shall be required to change intoappropriate clothing or make arrangementsto have appropriate clothing brought toschool immediately. In this case, thereshall be no further penalty.

I.Unacceptable Itemsa. The following items are deemed

disruptive to the classroomenvironment or to the maintenance of asafe and orderly school and are notacceptable in school buildings, onschool grounds, or at school activities:

1.Shorts, dresses, skirts, or othersimilar clothing that is inappropriately

sheer, short, tight or low-cut (e.g.midriffs, halter tops, backlessclothing, tube tops, garments made

of fishnet, mesh or similar material,muscle tops, etc.) that bare orexpose traditionally private parts of

the body including, but not limited to,the stomach, buttocks, back andbreasts.

2.Tank tops or other similar clothingwith narrow straps.

3.Sunglasses, bandanas and/or hatsworn inside the building.

4.Any clothing, paraphernalia,grooming, jewelry, hair coloring,

accessories, or body adornments thatare or contain any advertisement,symbols, words, slogans, patches, or

pictures that:


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i.Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol,or weapons

ii.Are of a sexual natureiii.By virtue of color, arrangement,

trademark, or other attributedenote membership in gangs

which advocate drug use,violence, or disruptive behavior

iv.Are obscene, profane, vulgar,lewd, or legally libelous

v.Threaten the safety or welfare ofany person

vi.Promote any activity prohibited bythe student code of conduct

vii.Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process

viii.Are racist in nature or includederogatory comments or slursagainst groups of people

Exceptions

a. Appropriate athletic clothing may beworn in physical education classes.

Clothing normally worn whenparticipating in school-sponsored extra-curricular or sports activities (such as

cheerleading uniforms and the like) maybe worn to school when approved by thesponsor or coach.

b. Building principals, in conjunction withthe school accountability committee,may develop and adopt school-specificdress codes that are consistent with thispolicy.

Student Conduct on School Buses(JICC/EEAEC)

a.Students are under the authority andsupervision of the bus driver while on theschool bus and shall adhere to the driver'sdirections and district rules. A driver mayrefuse transportation to a student upon

direct authorization of the director oftransportation.

b.Principals shall be responsible for studentconduct while students are waiting for the

buses at school and shall use theirprofessional judgment in cooperation withthe transportation department regarding

any behavior problem of students.

c.Any conduct on a school bus whichdistracts the driver, endangers or threatensstudents or violates any other rules of theStudent Code of Conduct is prohibited.Misbehavior or violation of school districtrules while riding or waiting for a bus mayresult in one or more of the followingdisciplinary actions:

1.Student notification of misconduct (verbawarning).

2.Parent notification.3.Two day suspension from bus riding

privileges.

4.Two week suspension from bus ridingprivileges.

5.Suspension from bus riding privileges upto one year.

d.Students responsible for damage to seatsor any other parts of the bus may bedenied transportation until reimbursementis made to the district.

e.Conduct which is willful and overt on thepart of the student and causes a disruption

which requires the attention of the busdriver or other school personnel to dealwith the disturbance shall be reported tothe school principal or his/her designee inaccordance with Board Policy JK, StudentDiscipline, and the correspondingRegulation.

School Bus Conduct Code(JICC-R/EEAEC-R)

a.Students at a bus stop must wait a safedistance from the actual pick-up point untilthe bus driver opens the doors forboarding.


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b.Passengers shall go to their assigned seatswithout crowding or pushing and remain

seated while the bus is in motion.

c.Passengers shall not extend arms, legs orhead out of the bus windows.

d.Passengers shall not talk with the driverwhile the bus is in motion except in anemergency.

e.Passengers shall not tamper with theemergency doors or windows or any part ofthe bus equipment.

f.Passengers shall not mar or deface the busand its equipment.

g.Passengers shall not open the bus windowsexcept by the direction of the driver.

h.Passengers shall not fight or scuffle on thebus or throw objects from the bus windows.

i.Passengers shall keep books, lunch boxesand similar objects out of the aisle of thebus.

j.Passengers shall not bring knives, matches,lighters, firearms, dangerous weapons,animals of any kind, glass containers or anyother objects that may cause a hazard on aschool bus.

k.Loud talk and foul language is strictlyprohibited.

l.Smoking or chewing tobacco on the bus isstrictly prohibited.

m.Passengers are to report promptly to thebus driver any damage to the seats or anyother parts of the bus near where they aresitting in order that they might not becharged with responsibility for the damage.

n.Students shall have a signed statementfrom parents and signed by the schoolprincipal before a bus driver will let them

on/off at any stop other than their own.

o.Passengers must remain seated until thebus has come to a complete stop.

p.Passengers will leave the bus in an orderlymanner. Any passenger crossing the street

must cross at least ten feet in front of thebus.

I.Procedures & Rules for Bus Stopsa. Students are expected to board the bus

without crowding and pushing.

b. Students shall not fight, scuffle, useprofane language or engage in anyother form of horseplay.

c. The bus and the bus stop areconsidered an extension of theclassroom and misbehavior will subject

the student to disciplinaryconsequences.

d. Students are under the authority of theschool bus driver while on the bus andat the bus stop and are expected toadhere to the district rules andregulations.

e. Any student behavior that jeopardizesthe safety, health and welfare of

students, staff or the community couldresult in the suspension oftransportation privileges as deemed

appropriate by the director oftransportation.

f. Students are expected to respect therights of residents, property and fellowstudents at the bus stop.

g. Students need to be at the bus stopfive minutes prior to pick-up time andmisbehavior will not be tolerated.

h. When a driver observes misconduct ata bus stop, it is appropriate for thedriver to implement disciplinary actionas outlined in the driver's handbook.

i. Drivers have a duty and responsibilityto report any problems at bus stops to

the transportation department forinvestigation and disposition.

j. AUDIO/VIDEO CAMERAS MAY BEUSED ON SCHOOL VEHICLESTRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO AND


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FROM SCHOOL OR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR THE

SAFETY AND SECURITY OFSTUDENTS AND STAFF.

Violent and Aggressive Behavior(JICDD)

a.The Board recognizes there are certainbehaviors that, if tolerated, would quicklydestroy the type of learning environment to

which the students and staff of the districtare entitled. These behaviors, categorizedas violent or aggressive, will not be

tolerated and shall result in immediateaction being taken by the district.

b.Students exhibiting violent or aggressivebehavior or warning signs of future violentor aggressive behavior shall be subject toappropriate disciplinary action includingsuspension, expulsion and/or referral to law

enforcement authorities. At the district'sdiscretion and when appropriate, thestudent shall receive appropriate

intervention designed to address theproblem behavior. The Board of Educationshall be informed of all intervention efforts

by district schools.

c.Students shall be taught to recognize thewarning signs of violent and aggressivebehavior and shall report questionablebehavior or potentially violent situations toappropriate school officials. All reports shallbe taken seriously.

d.Acts of violence and aggression shall bedocumented and communicated by the staffto the building principal and the appropriate

district level administrator. The immediateinvolvement of the parents/guardians is alsoessential. Law enforcement officials shall be

involved if there is any violation of law.

e.An act of violence and aggression is anyexpression, direct or indirect, verbal orbehavioral, of intent to inflict harm, injury ordamage to persons or property. A threat ofviolence and aggression carries with itimplied notions of risk of violence and aprobability of harm or injury.

f.The following behaviors are defined asviolent and aggressive:

1.Possession, threat with or use of a

weapon as described in Board PolicyJICI.

2.Physical assault the act of striking ortouching a person or that personsproperty with a part of the body or with

any object with the intent of causing hurtor harm.

3.Verbal abuse includes, but is notlimited to, swearing, screaming, obscenegestures or threats directed, either orally(including by telephone) or in writing, atan individual, his or her family or a group.

4.Intimidation an act intended to frightenor coerce someone into submission orobedience.

5.Extortion the use of verbal or physicalcoercion in order to obtain financial ormaterial gain from others.

6.Bullying the use of coercion to obtaincontrol over another person or to behabitually cruel to another person which

can occur through written, verbal orelectronically transmitted expression or bymeans of a physical act or gesture.

7.Gang Activity as described in thedistricts secret societies/gang activity

policy.

8.Sexual Harassment as described in the

districts sexual harassment policy.

9.Stalking the persistent following,contacting, watching or any other suchthreatening actions that compromise thepeace of mind or the personal safety of anindividual.

10.Defiance a serious act or instance of

defying or opposing legitimate authority.

11.Discriminatory Slurs insulting,

disparaging or derogatory commentsmade directly or by innuendo regarding apersons race, sex, sexual orientation,

religion, national or ethnic background,disability, or gender identity orexpression.


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12.Vandalism damaging or defacing

property owned by or in the rightfulpossession of another.

13.Terrorism a threat to commit violencecommunicated with the intent to terrorizeor with reckless disregard for the risk of

creating such terror or to cause seriouspublic inconvenience, such as theevacuation of a building.

Secret Societies/GangActivity (JICF)

a.The Board of Education desires to keepdistrict schools and students free from

threat or harmful influence of any groups organgs which advocate drug use, violence, ordisruptive behavior. The principal ordesignee shall maintain continual, visiblesupervision of school premises, school

vehicles and school-related activities todeter gang intimidation of students andconfrontations between members of

different gangs.

b.The superintendent or designee shallestablish open lines of communication withlocal law enforcement authorities so as toshare information and provide mutual

support in this effort.

c.The superintendent or designee shallprovide inservice training to help staffmembers identify gangs and gang symbols,recognize early manifestations of disruptiveactivities and respond appropriately to gangbehavior. Staff members shall be informedabout conflict management techniques and

alerted to intervention measures andcommunity resources which may helpstudents.

I.Gang Symbolsa. The Board prohibits the presence on

school premises, in school vehicles andat school-related activities of anyapparel, jewelry, accessory, notebook ormanner of grooming which by virtue ofits color, arrangement, trademark orany other attribute denotes membershipin or affiliation with gangs whichadvocates drug use, violence or

disruptive behavior. This policy shall beapplied at the principal's discretion

after consultation with thesuperintendent or designee as the needfor it arises at individual school sites.

II.Prevention Educationa. The Board realizes that many students

become involved in gangs withoutunderstanding the consequences of

gang membership. Early intervention isa key component of efforts to break thecycle of gang membership. Thereforegang violence prevention education inthe schools may start with students inthird grade.

Secret Societies/Gangs(JICF-R)

a.At the principal's discretion, staff membersmay use the following techniques todiscourage the influence of gangs:

1.Any student wearing or carrying overtgang paraphernalia or making gesturesthat symbolize gang membership or

affiliation will be referred to the principalor his designee. The student'sparents/guardian will be contacted and

the student sent home to change clothesif necessary. Items may be confiscated ifdeemed necessary. Repeat offenses willbe considered willful disobedience orhabitually disruptive and may result insuspension or expulsion.

2.Any gang graffiti on school premises willbe quietly removed, washed down orpainted over as soon as possible.

i.Regular checks for graffiti will bemade throughout the campus,including restroom walls and doors.

ii.Graffiti will be photographed before itis removed. These photographs willbe shared with local law enforcement

authorities and used in futuredisciplinary or criminal action againstthe offenders.

3.Classroom and after-school activities andprograms at each school should enhance


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individual self-esteem, provide positivereinforcement for acceptable behavior and

foster interest in a variety of wholesomeactivities.

4.Staff members will actively promotemembership in authorized studentorganizations, which can provide students

companionship, safety, and a sense ofpurpose and belonging.

Tobacco Use by Students(JICG)

a.Use of any tobacco product, includingcigarettes and chewing tobacco, in or onschool property or during school activities

is prohibited. Such use shall be sufficientcause for suspension and other disciplinaryaction which may include school/parentconference, loss of privileges, detention, in-house suspension or expulsion. In

accordance with state law, no student shallbe expelled solely for using tobacco.

Drug, Alcohol & Controlled Substance Useby Students (JICH/JICH-R)

a.Thompson School District shall promote ahealthy environment for students byproviding education, support and decision

making skills in regard to alcohol, drugs andother controlled substances and their abuse.In order to accomplish this goal, a

cooperative effort must be made among theschools, parents, community and itsagencies.

b.It shall be a violation of board policy andconsidered to be behavior which isdetrimental to the welfare or safety of otherstudents or school personnel for any studentto possess, use, sell, distribute or procurealcohol, drugs or other controlledsubstances.

c.Student use, possession, distribution or saleof alcohol or controlled substances and theabuse of other drugs is prohibited in all

Thompson School District schools and onschool property, in school vehicles, and atschool activities or sanctioned events.

d.For purposes of this policy, controlledsubstances include, but are not limited to,

narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic or mind-altering drugs or substances,amphetamines, barbiturates, stimulants,depressants, marijuana, anabolic steroids,toxic vapors smelled or inhaled for thepurpose of causing a condition of euphoria,excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction, ordulled senses of the nervous system, or

any other controlled substances as definedby law, or any prescription or non-prescription drug, medicine, vitamin or

other chemical substances includinginhalants not taken in accordance with theboard policy and regulations on

administering medicines to students.

e.This policy also includes substances thatare represented by or to the student to beany such controlled substance or what thestudent believes to be any such substance.

f.This policy shall apply to any student whois on school property, in attendance atschool, in a school vehicle or taking part inany school sponsored or sanctioned activity

or whose conduct at any time or placeinterferes with the operations of the districtor the safety or welfare of students,

employees, or school visitors.

g.Students violating this policy shall besubject to disciplinary sanctions which mayinclude suspension and/or expulsion fromschool and referral for prosecution.Expulsion shall be mandatory for sale ordistribution of drugs or other controlledsubstances.

h.Situations in which a student seekscounseling or information from a

professional staff member for the purposeof overcoming substance abuse shall behandled on an individual basis depending

upon the nature and particulars of the caseWhen appropriate, parents shall beinvolved and every effort made to direct

the substance abuser to sources of help.

i.The board of education, in recognition thatdrug and alcohol abuse is a communityproblem, shall cooperate actively with lawenforcement, social services or otheragencies and organizations, parents andany other recognized community resourcescommitted to reducing the incidents of


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illegal use of drugs and alcohol by school-aged youths.

j.Whenever possible in dealing with studentsassociated with drug and alcohol abuse,

school personnel shall provide parents andstudents with information concerningeducation and rehabilitation programs which

are available. Information provided tostudents and/or parents about communitysubstance abuse treatment programs or

other resources shall be accompanied by adisclaimer to clarify that the school districtassumes no financial responsibility for theexpense of drug or alcohol assessment ortreatment provided by other agencies orgroups unless otherwise required.

k.The board of education or designee shallconduct a biennial review of its drug

prevention program to determine itseffectiveness to implement any required

changes and to insure that the disciplinarysanctions required are consistently enforced.

Weapons in the Schools(JICI)

a.The board of education will not toleratestudent possession or use of weapons ondistrict grounds. Such behavior is

unacceptable, detrimental to the safety ofothers, and destructive to a positive learningenvironment.

b.Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing anydangerous weapon in any school building,

on school grounds, in any school vehicle orat any school-sponsored activity without theauthorization of the school or the schooldistrict is prohibited. Expulsion ismandatory for this conduct. Dangerousweapons include, but are not limited to:

1.Firearms, loaded or unloaded, or firearmfacsimile that could reasonably be

mistaken for an actual firearm.

2.Pellet or BB guns or other devices,whether operational or not, designed topropel projectiles by spring action orcompressed air.

3.Any device designed to be capable oftemporarily immobilizing a person by theinfliction of an electrical charge.

4.Knives include a fixed blade knife with ablade that measures longer than threeinches in length or a spring-loaded knifeor a pocket knife with a blade longer thanthree and one-half inches.

5.Any other weapon, device, instrument, orsubstance, whether animate orinanimate, used or intended to be usedto inflict death or serious bodily injury.

c.If a student discovers that he or she hascarried, brought or is in possession of a

dangerous weapon and notifies a teacher,administrator or other authorized person assoon as possible and delivers thedangerous weapon to that person,expulsion shall not be mandatory and such

action shall be considered whendetermining appropriate disciplinary action,if any.

d.School staff members shall confiscate anyarticles which violate this policy and submit

them, if needed, to the appropriate lawenforcement agency.

e.In accordance with federal and state law,expulsion shall be for one calendar year forany student who is determined to havebrought a firearm to school without theauthorization of the school or the district.The superintendent may reduce the lengthof this required expulsion period on a case-by-case basis.

f.Any student bringing a firearm to schoolshall be referred to appropriate lawenforcement officials. For purposes of this

paragraph, a firearm means:

1.Any weapon, including a starter gun,which will or is designed to or mayreadily be converted to expel a projectileby the action or an explosive.

2.The frame or receiver of any suchweapon.

3.Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.


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4.Any destructive device, which includes anyexplosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb

or grenade.

g.The district shall maintain records whichdescribe the circumstances involvingexpulsion of students who bring weapons toschool including the name of the school, the

number of students expelled, and the typesof weapons involved as required by law.

Code of Conduct(JICDA)

a.The principal may suspend and/orrecommend expulsion of a student whoengages in one or more of the following

specific activities while in school buildings,on school grounds, on district property, atdistrict sanctioned activities or events, whenbeing transported in any vehicle dispatchedby the district or one of its schools, or off

school property when such conduct has anexus to school or any district curricular ornon-curricular activities or events.

Suspension or expulsion shall be mandatoryfor serious violations in a school building oron school property.

1.Causing or attempting to cause damage toschool property or stealing or attemptingto steal school property of value.

2.Causing or attempting to cause damage toprivate property or stealing or attemptingto steal private property.

3.Causing or attempting to cause physicalinjury to another person except inself-defense.

4.Commission of any act which if committedby an adult would be robbery or first-or

second-degree assault as defined by statelaw. Expulsion shall be mandatory inaccordance with state law.

5.Violation of criminal law.

6.Violation of district or building regulations.

7.Violation of the district's policy ondangerous weapons in the schools.Expulsion shall be mandatory for carrying,bringing, using, or possessing a dangerous

weapon without the authorization of theschool or district, unless the student

accidentally brings such a weapon andreports its presence to a teacher,administrator or other authorized person

in the district as soon as it is discovered.This is in accordance with state law andBoard Policy JICI.

8.Violation of the district's alcohol use/drugabuse policy. Expulsion shall be

mandatory for the distribution, trade,exchange, or sale of drugs or controlledsubstances, in accordance with state law.

9.Violation of the district's smoking and useof tobacco policy.

10.Violation of the district's policy on sexualharassment.

11.Throwing objects, except as part of a

supervised school activity, which cancause bodily injury or damage property.

12.Directing profanity, vulgar language, orobscene gestures toward other students,school personnel or visitors to the school.

13.Engaging in verbal abuse, i.e., namecalling, gender, ethnic, racial, sexual

orientation, or gender identity ofexpression slurs, or derogatorystatements addressed publicly to others

that precipitate disruption of the schoolprogram or incite violence.

14.Committing extortion, coercion, orblackmail, i.e., obtaining money or otherobjects of value from an unwilling person

or forcing an individual to act through theuse of force or threat of force.

15.Lying or giving false information, eitherverbally or in writing, to a schoolemployee.

16.Scholastic dishonesty, which includes butis not limited to cheating on a test,

altering student records, plagiarism, orunauthorized collaboration with anotherperson in preparing written work.


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17.Continued willful disobedience or open andpersistent defiance of proper authority.

18.Behavior on or off school property that isdetrimental to the welfare, safety, or

morals of other students or schoolpersonnel.

19.Repeated interference with the school'sability to provide educational opportunitiesto other students.

20.Non-compliance with the school or districtstudent dress code.

21.Use and/or possession of fireworks orammunition.

22.Bringing or possessing items that aredisruptive to the educational process or a

positive school climate.

23.Engaging in "hazing activities such asforcing prolonged physical activity, forcingexcessive consumption of any substance,forcing prolonged deprivation of sleep,food or drink, or any other behavior, whichrecklessly endangers the health, or safetyof an individual for purposes of initiationinto any student group.

24.Engaging in bullying behavior.

25.Making a false accusation of criminal

activity against a district employee to lawenforcement or to the district.

b.Each principal shall post a copy of theserules in a prominent place in each schooland shall distribute a copy to each student.

Copies also shall be available to any patronof the district upon request.

Bullying Prevention & Education(JICDE)

a.The Board of Education believes that allstudents are entitled to a safe and secureschool environment, conducive to teachingand learning that is free from threat,harassment, and any type of bullyingbehavior. The purpose of this policy is to

promote consistency of approach and tocreate a climate in which all types ofbullying are regarded as unacceptable.

b.Bullying is defined as the use of coercion toobtain control over another person or to behabitually cruel to another person. Bullyingcan occur through written, verbal or

electronically transmitted (cyberbullying)expression or by means of a physical act orgesture. Bullying is prohibited on district

property, at district sanctioned activitiesand events, when students are beingtransported in any vehicle dispatched bythe district or one of its schools, off schoolproperty when such conduct has a nexus toschool or any district curricular or non-curricular activity or event.

c.A student who engages in any act ofbullying will be subject to appropriatedisciplinary action including but not limitedto suspension, expulsion and/or referral to

law enforcement authorities. The severityand pattern, if any, of the bullying behaviorshall be taken into consideration whendisciplinary decisions are made.

d.The district shall develop a comprehensiveprogram to address bullying at all schoollevels. The program shall be aimed toward

accomplishing the following goals:

1.To send a clear message to students,staff, parents and community membersthat bullying will not be tolerated.

2.To train staff and students in takingproactive steps to prevent bullying fromoccurring. This includes educating

students on acceptable behavior throughclassroom presentations, counseling andpositive support, and restorativepractices.

3.To implement procedures for immediateintervention, investigation andconfrontation of students engaged inbullying behavior.

4.To make reasonable efforts to change thebehavior of students engaged in bullying

behaviors through re-education onacceptable behavior, discussions,counseling, and appropriate

consequences including disciplinaryactions if the bullying behavior persists.


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5.To foster a productive partnership withparents and community members in order

to help maintain a bully-free environment.

6.To support victims of bullying throughindividual and/or peer intervention as wellas education in prevention methods.

7.To develop peer support networks, socialskills, and confidence for all students.

8.To recognize and promote positive,supportive behaviors of students towardone another on a regular basis.

Bullying Prevention and Regulations(JICDE-R)

a.Board of Education policy prohibits bullyingas defined in Board Policy JICDE, Bullying

Prevention and Education.

I.Definition of Bullyinga. Bullying is defined as the use of

coercion to obtain control over anotherperson or to be habitually cruel toanother person. Bullying can occur

through a written, verbal orelectronically transmitted (cyberbullying) expression or by means of a

physical act or gesture. Bullying isprohibited on district property, atdistrict sanctioned activities and events,when students are being transported inany vehicle dispatched by the district orone of its schools, off school propertywhen such conduct has a nexus toschool, or any district curricular or non-curricular activity or event.

II.Publication to Students and Parentsa. To ensure notification to students and

parents, student handbooks will containa statement incorporating the definition

of bullying as set forth in Board PolicyJICDE and a statement of how andwhere parents and students can access

a copy of the policy. Handbooks will alsostate that any student found to haveengaged in bullying as defined in BoardPolicy JICDE will be subject todisciplinary action, up to and includingsuspension and expulsion, in accordance

with Board policy. In addition, eachstudent handbook will provideinformation to students andparents/guardians regardingprocedures a student who believes he

or she has been the victim of bullying(or any other person, includingparents/guardians) may use to report

the matter, orally or in writing, to anyteacher or member of the schooladministration. The procedures also

provide that the student mayanonymously report acts of bullying toteachers and administrators and thatparents/guardians may also fileanonymous reports of suspectedbullying.

III.Informing Staffa. Building principals shall be responsible

for informing teachers and other school

staff of their responsibility to report toadministrators any acts of bullyingwitnessed by them or any reports of

bullying received by them. Informationprovided to teachers and staff shallinclude a requirement that acts andreports of bullying be reported toadministrators as soon as possible, butin no event later than twenty-fourhours after the teacher or other staffmember witnessed any act of bullyingor received any report of bullying.

Teachers and other staff will be advisedthat they are required to beknowledgeable of Board Policy JICDE

regarding bullying and will be provideda copy of the policy and this regulation.

IV.Investigation of Complaints or Reportsof Bullying

a. Upon notification of a report orcomplaint of bullying, the buildingprincipal, or other appropriateadministrator, will promptly investigatethe complaint or report or cause suchan investigation to be conducted. Theinvestigation will include interviewswith the complainant or reporter, thealleged victim, the alleged perpetrator

or perpetrators, and any witnesses.The statements of the alleged victim,the alleged perpetrator, and witnesses,


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if any, will be recorded and the personinterviewed will be asked to read and

sign the statement unless the personsage makes such a request for asignature inappropriate. Where

anonymity is requested, the statementsof persons interviewed will be recordedwithout reference to the persons name.

Where the alleged victim of bullyingrequests anonymity he or she, and hisor her parent/guardian, will be advised

that such a request may hinder theability of the administration to takeappropriate disciplinary action if bullyingis substantiated.

V.Reporting and Notification Obligationsa. Each school shall notify the

parents/guardians of students who have

engaged in acts of bullying and theparents/guardians of students against

who such acts have been directed of theresults of the investigation. Buildingadministration will meet withparents/guardians upon request. Thenotification shall include a description ofthe response of school staff to such actsand any consequences that may resultfrom the commission of further acts ofbullying.

b. The notification will be made by amember of the school administration

designated by the superintendent toprovide such notification in a mannerthat is consistent with the confidentiality

of personally identifiable informationcontained in student records andstudent due process rights. This means

that the notice shall not disclose to theparent or guardian of the victim eitherthe name of the perpetrator or thespecific disciplinary consequencesimposed upon the perpetrator. Thenotification also shall not include anyreference to the specific consequencesthat a student may face for further actsof bullying since as a matter of due

process such consequences cannot bedetermined in advance. Rather, suchnotification will advise the parents that

further acts of bullying may lead toadditional discipline, such as suspensionor expulsion, in accordance with Board

policy and other relevant policies thatgovern student conduct.

VI.Post Investigation Intervention andActions

a. Bullying behavior can take many formsand therefore will vary in severity.Consequences for a student whocommits an act of harassment orbullying shall be unique to theindividual incident and will vary inmethod and severity according to thenature of the behavior, the

developmental age of the student, andthe students history of problembehaviors and performance and must

be consistent with the Board ofEducations approved code of conduct.As a result, the extent of discipline, if

any, to be imposed where bullying issubstantiated cannot be prescribed inadvance.

b. Substantiated acts of bullying will bemet with imposition of some form ofstudent discipline up to, and including,expulsion. In all cases where bullying is

substantiated the buildingadministration will determine theappropriate level of disciplinary action

in accordance with the ThompsonSchool District discipline matrix andother relevant policies that govern

student conduct.

c. School administration will takereasonable measures to prevent furtheracts of bullying by the student orstudents involved. Such measures mayinclude counseling, mediation, orrestorative practices may be affordedboth the victim and perpetrator(s) of

bullying. Other preventive measuresmay be employed on a school widebasis, such as, the use of a curriculum

that fosters respect for the personalintegrity of others, both physical andmental, along with other positive

character traits, and other instructionalstrategies intended to foster studentmutual respect, and modeling by

teachers of appropriate behavior on thepart of students.


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Student Discipline(JK)

a.The board believes that effective studentdiscipline is a prerequisite for sound

educational practice and productivelearning. The objectives of disciplining anystudent must be to help the student develop

self-discipline and socially acceptablebehavior and to allow other students tolearn in an atmosphere which is safe,

conducive to the learning process and freefrom unnecessary disruptions.

b.All policies and procedures for handlingdiscipline problems for all students of thedistrict shall be designed to achieve thesebroad objectives.

c.Disorderly students also shall be dealt within a manner which allows other students tolearn in an atmosphere which is safe,

conducive to the learning process and freefrom unnecessary disruptions.

d.In accordance with state law, the board ofeducation has adopted a written studentconduct and discipline code based upon theprinciple that every student is expected tofollow accepted rules of conduct and toshow respect for and to obey persons inauthority. The code also emphasizes thatcertain behavior, especially behavior thatdisrupts the classroom, is unacceptable and

may result in disciplinary action. Disciplineof disruptive students shall be carried out inaccordance with Board Policy JKC and its

accompanying regulation.

e.The district shall enforce provisions of thecode so that students demonstratingunacceptable behavior and their parents,guardians or legal custodians understandthat such behavior shall not be toleratedand shall be dealt with according to thecode.

f.All board-adopted policies and board-approved regulations containing the letters"JK" in the file name shall be considered asconstituting the discipline section of thelegally-required code.

g.The board of education has consulted withadministrators, teachers, parents, students

and other members of the community inthe development of the conduct and

discipline code.

I.Immunity for Enforcement ofDiscipline Code

a. An act of a teacher or other employeeshall not be considered child abuse ifthe act was performed in good faithand in compliance with board policyand procedures.

b. A teacher or any other person acting ingood faith and in compliance with thediscipline code adopted by the board ofeducation shall be immune from civil

liability unless the person is actingwillfully or wantonly. It is anaffirmative defense in any criminal

action that a person is acting in goodfaith and in compliance with thediscipline code.

II.Disciplinary Information to SchoolPersonnel

a. In accordance with state law, theprincipal or designee is required tocommunicate disciplinary informationconcerning any student enrolled in the

school to any teacher who has directcontact with the student in theclassroom and to any counselor who

has direct contact with the student.The purpose of this requirement is tokeep school personnel apprised ofsituations that could pose a risk to thesafety and welfare of others.

b. For purposes of this policy, "disciplinaryinformation" means confidential recordsmaintained by or in possession of the

principal or designee on an individualstudent which indicate the student hascommitted an overt and willful act

which constitutes a violation of thedistrict's code of student conductand/or there is reasonable cause to

believe, through information providedto the principal from another crediblesource, that the student could pose a

threat to the health and safety of otherstudents and school personnel basedon prior mis

Thompson Discipline Code

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Transcript of Thompson Discipline Code