Source: https://www.falmouth.k12.ma.us/Page/2946
Timestamp: 2019-08-25 19:01:08
Document Index: 755962269

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 37', '§37', '§37', '§ 37', '§37', '§37']

Student Handbook / Discipline and Code of Conduct
The school believes that the maintenance of discipline is necessary in order that an effective educational program may be conducted. The ultimate goal of discipline shall be the development of self-direction in individual students. A policy is established that recognizes the rights and dignity of others and is based on humanitarian and democratic principles.
Morse Pond School is unequivocally committed to the principle that disorderly and disruptive behavior shall not be permitted to interfere with the right of other students to pursue an education. While most discipline problems should be handled by the teacher, student and parent/guardian, the administration has the responsibility to support and maintain the enforcement of school discipline policies within the building.
To provide the student with a program that includes ample opportunity for a modification of their behavior.
The violations of the Code of Discipline enumerated below describe the school-related disciplinary offenses for which a student may be subject to suspension, long-term suspension or expulsion. Note that the school has the authority to impose such discipline when violations of the Code of Discipline occur:
while the student is on school grounds (with the exception of discipline based upon a felony charge pursuant to M.G.L. c 71 § 37H1/2 – see page 33)
during a school sponsored activity;
while on school-provided transportation en route to or from a school or school-sponsored activity (field trip); or
while walking to and from school or waiting for or riding on public transportation to and from school.
All Morse Pond School students are expected to represent the highest ideals of citizenship, academic performance, and sportsmanship. Any behavior, which reflects negatively on the school, the student’s club, team, school-sponsored activity, or their community, may result in suspension or removal from participation in school-sponsored events.
Exhibit respect for themselves, their family, school, teachers, community, opponents, and all persons connected with the activity.
Display upright conduct and the spirit of fair play at all times.
Develop self-control, self-direction, and sound judgment.
Refrain from and discourage abusive language and actions at all times.
Win with glory, and if necessary, lose without bitterness.
Play hard to win, but with respect for the rules of the game.
Convince others by example that athletics really promote the physical, mental, social and moral welfare of all concerned.
All students are required to conduct themselves in the classroom in a manner conducive to learning. Teachers will give classroom management plans to students during the first week of school. Students are expected to follow the classroom rules of each of their teachers. Students should pay special attention to each teacher’s rules regarding tardiness to class and classroom conduct. Any discipline infractions and consequences that apply to the classroom will be dealt with by administration after teachers have implemented disciplinary action of their own, contacted parents and documented with discipline referrals when student behavior shows no improvement. Students who are assigned a teacher or administrative detention are given 24-hour notice.
Students must use reasonable caution and common sense when passing from class to class. Running is not allowed in the building, since it could cause injury in the event of a collision with another student. In addition students should:
Use the most direct route in order to avoid being late to class.
Discard trash in the containers provided. Keep the school clean by picking up paper from the floors.
Leave the school building within 15 minutes after dismissal unless under the supervision of a teacher.
Immature behavior such as yelling, hooting, and whistling is not conducive to a sound learning environment and is not allowed.
While the teaching of socialization skills is one of the objectives of our school, students should also recognize that their behavior reflects upon themselves and their family. Students are required to conduct themselves properly. Public displays of affection constitute improper behavior for the teaching/learning environment and general school atmosphere, and will therefore not be tolerated.
Teacher Detention/Office Detention
When a teacher assigns a teacher detention, students are required to stay with the teacher until 4:00 p.m. The teacher will assign the date of the detention. The teacher will call the parent/guardian to notify them if the student fails to attend the teacher detention. The teacher will need to seek the assistance of guidance and/or the administration if they are having difficulty in communicating with the parent/guardian. The teacher will then write a referral to the administration indicating that the student has cut their detention. The administrator will discuss the issue with the student and if no legitimate reason is given, the student will receive an administrative detention on the next available Monday or Wednesday from 2:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If the student fails to attend this detention, they will receive an additional administrative detention.
Class cut - Teacher will assign teacher detention and call home.
Student use of cell phone, smart watch or other prohibited electronic devices in classroom:
1st time- detention, return phone end of day
2nd time- detention, phone must be picked up by parent/guardian
Misuse of pass
3 tardies to class yields a teacher detention for that class.
Truancy results in an office detention for each class missed
Minor infractions of the Code of Discipline are usually addressed initially with detention(s). Some examples are:
Electronic devices used during school time
Failure to report to teacher and/or administrator
Failure to sign into school
Forged note or phone call
Inappropriate or distracting clothing and/or footwear
Taking food out of the cafeteria
A major infraction of the Code of Discipline disrupts the school environment and create an unsafe atmosphere for the school community. Major infractions of the Code of Discipline will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. The following behaviors are considered major infractions of the Code of Discipline:
Alcohol/drugs policy violations
Bomb scares, fake fire alarms
Failure to identify oneself, defiance
Felony, felony delinquency
Inappropriate use of school technology
Present in an unauthorized area
Profane, vulgar, obscene behavior
Repeated violations of the Code of Discipline
Theft of school and student property
Throwing objects to endanger people
Violation of Civil Rights and safety
Assault and Battery/Bodily Harm
Assaults/fights: causes or attempts to cause physical injury or harm to another person, or intentionally acts in a manner that could reasonably place another person in danger of physical damage or harm.
Food fight: throws food or other objects in the school cafeteria and/or creates a disruptive environment.
Throwing objects (including snowballs): throws an object out of school windows or on school grounds, throws inappropriate objects on the school grounds.
Possession of Firearms, Dangerous Weapons, Dangerous Objects
Weapons: possesses, uses, handles, sells, or transmits any firearms or other weapons on school property or at any school activities. “Other weapons” includes knives, razor blades, blackjacks, nun chucks, kung fu fighting sticks, and/or other inherently dangerous weapons, including but not limited to mock and toy guns.
Firearms: Firearms of any sort are not allowed on school grounds. The definition of firearms includes any pistol, revolver, rifle, or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet, or pellet can be discharged by whatever means. Firearms Statute General Law Chapter 70, Section 10: “Whoever not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provision of chapter one hundred and forth, carries on their person a firearm as herein defined, loaded or unloaded in any building or on the grounds of any secondary school, college or university, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both. For the purpose of this paragraph “firearms” shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle, or smoothbore arm from which a hot, bullet, or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.
Fireworks: possesses, uses, or causes to explore any fireworks or chemical. According to the General Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “No person shall set or have in their possession, or under their control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode, any combustible or explosive composition or substance or any other article, which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, defloration, or detonation. Whoever shall sell or keep for sale any fireworks in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.” These excerpts are taken directly from the Laws of Massachusetts. The public law on fireworks will be strictly enforced within the buildings and on the grounds of the school. Students in violation of the above laws will be suspended immediately and/or referred to the authorities for court action.
Controlled Substances, Alcohol, Tobacco/Nicotine
a. Alcohol or Drugs: Knowingly possesses, uses, sells, transports or attends school under the influence of drugs or other related controlled substances. Included as a prohibited practice in this policy is possession of drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to pipes, roach clips, rolling papers, etc.
Use by a student of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician in accordance with the instruction for use as prescribed shall not be considered a violation. Being in the “knowing presence” where alcohol or drugs are being consumed, under the influence of alcohol, transporting, distribution, and/or selling is punishable as a major offense. It is required that student remove themselves from areas or situations where drugs or alcohol are present or in use. The student’s condition will be assessed by the school administrative personnel at the time of the incident and is contestable only at that point in time.
Students suspended for drug or alcohol offenses must submit written proof of negative results from a drug and alcohol-screening test prior to being re-admitted to school. The test will be required for any nature of alcohol or drug offense whether it be possession, use, selling, transferring, under the influence of or in the presence of (example: school vehicles). Costs for tests are borne by the student and/or parent/guardian, and are not reimbursable.
Students suspended for alcohol or drug offenses will not be permitted to attend any school functions for the remainder of the year. Students may appeal this portion of the suspension consequence to the school’s Principal no later than 14 days prior to the event. The determination of the Principal is final.
b. Smoking/Tobacco/Nicotine Use: Possession and/or use of any of the following is prohibited on school grounds and/or at school-sponsored events:
Controlled substances, illegal drugs, tobacco/nicotine, alcohol, and any and all related products and/or paraphernalia, including but not limited to alcohol in any form including alcohol in food and/or candy products, any controlled substance or drug not prescribed by a physician for a student, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bongs, lighters, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape pens, Juuls, Suorins, vaporizers, hookah pens, drip tips, dabs, dab pens, wax pens, vape pods, vape chargers, vape batteries, vape extractors, vape cartridges, vape atomizers, vape cartomizers, vape clearomizers, vape tank systems, marijuana, rolling papers, pipes, clips, marijuana/cannabis oil, hash oil, hemp oil, THC oil, CBD oil, edibles, chemicals, drips, e-juice, e-oils, e-juice and e-oil containers, vials and bottles, and anything with trace controlled substance, illegal drug, tobacco/nicotine, and/or alcohol residue
Felony or Felony Delinquency Charges
Student has been charged with a felony (or with a felony delinquency for a student under 18); and the Principal, determines and states in writing that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. This offense may result in a suspension pending adjudication of charges. The student may appeal such a decision to the Superintendent.
Student has been convicted of a felony (or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt for a felony or felony delinquency) and the Principal determines and states in writing that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. This offense may result in expulsion. The student may appeal such a decision to the Superintendent.
Morse Pond School cooperates fully with law enforcement agencies regarding felony or other criminal investigations.
Harassment and/or Violation of Civil Rights
Intimidation: Presents any form of behavior that interferes with another person’s sense of safety, dignity, comfort, or productivity in the school environment, such as:
name calling (verbal/written), teasing, mimicking, slurs, or other derogatory remarks;
offensive graffiti, symbols, posters, pictures, cartoons/caricature notes, book covers, or designs on clothing;
phone calls, emails, text messaging, and/or instant messages;
touching of a person or a person’s clothing;
words, pranks, or actions which provoke feelings of embarrassment, hurt, or humiliation;
Threats: suggests verbally and or physically an intent to harm another person
Harassment- engages in behavior, unwelcome by the recipient, which threatens a person and impairs the learning process, impinging upon the safe climate of the school. Harassing behaviors include, but are not limited to, behaviors that relate to a person’s: gender, race, color, ethnicity/national origin, religion, age, handicap/disability, sexual orientation, physical appearance, physical/mental capacity. (Please see more specific information on the Morse Pond School policy on harassment and discrimination in this handbook.)
Hate Crime - commits any criminal act coupled with overt actions motivated by bigotry and bias including, but not limited to, a threatened, attempted, or completed overt act motivated at least in part, by racial, religious, ethnic, handicap or sexual orientation prejudice, or which otherwise deprives another person of their constitutional rights by threats, intimidation or coercion, or which seeks to interfere with or disrupt a person’s exercise of constitutional rights through harassment or intimidation.
Hazing - willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.
Hazing carries possible penalties as described below. The following sections from the Massachusetts General Laws concern the crime of hazing:
Section 17: “Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forcing calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substances, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.”
Section 18: “Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. A fine of not more than one thousand dollars shall punish whoever fails to report such crime.”
Penalties will range in nature from parent/guardian conferences up to, and including, exclusion. All hazing allegations will be reported to the police.
Dishonesty, Stealing, and Vandalism
Theft of school/student property — Takes school property or the property of another person, with or without force, coercion, intimidation, or threat of violence.
Vandalism — Cuts, defaces, marks up, or otherwise injures in any way, any part of the school property, books or equipment.
Inappropriate use of technology — misuses computers or software programs; installs, downloads, and/or prints inappropriate or obscene materials, intentionally misuses another student or staff person’s identification number or password. (See Acceptable Use Policy, Page 47).
Cheating/Plagiarism — copies prepared material and present it as one’s own, copies another student’s work during a test, plagiarizes in term papers or gives false information to teachers. (See Academic Integrity in the Handbook.)
Forging Notes or False Phone Calls — Forges or falsifies notes, corridor passes, or other authorizing documents. Impersonates a parent/guardian in writing or by any electronic method for the purposes of circumventing school rules.
Disruption to the School Environment
Inappropriate Use of Technology — Students may not photograph or record teachers, students, administrators, or other school staff without their written permission, post images of staff or classroom activities on the Internet or any other form of electronic communication, including social networking postings such as Instagram, SnapChat, Facebook, etc., without written permission. Any student who engages in such inappropriate communication causing a member of the school community to feel harassed, intimidated or threatened, or who substantially disrupts the educational mission of the Falmouth Public Schools shall be subject to the following disciplinary consequences depending upon the severity of the misconduct:
Removal from class or classes
Long-term suspension (beyond 10 days)
Bomb Scares — Calls in a false bomb report. This action is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for up to twenty years and by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars (MGL Ch. 169 Sect. 14A). Persons making such report will be suspended and referred to police.
Failure to Identify, Defiance of Authority, Insubordination — Refuses to comply with lawful orders of administrators, teachers or other authorized school personnel while properly under their authority or supervision; refuses to identify oneself or gives a false name or identity when asked by any faculty/staff member.
Fire Alarms — pulls a fire alarm when no fire or other emergency exists. Massachusetts Law provides for imprisonment in a jail or House of Correction for up to one year, or for a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for anyone who causes to be made a false alarm of fire (MGL. Ch. 269 Sect. 13). Anyone apprehended making a false alarm on school property will be suspended and referred to the authorities for court action.
Gambling — gambles and/or sells or distributes gaming cards, football cards, and other gambling materials. All gambling is prohibited on school grounds or at school functions.
Leaving School Building Without Permission — leaves the school grounds before the end of the school day without written permission from the Assistant Principal or Principal.
Present in an Unauthorized Area — is physically present in an area that is off limits to students.
Profanity, Vulgar Language, Obscene Behavior — uses profanity, vulgarity, obscene behavior or obscenities directed at another student or member of the staff upon school premises or at school related events.
Failure to Cooperate During a School Emergency — does not conform to established rules regarding leaving the school building or remaining in an assigned location during any emergency or drill for such emergency.
Repeat Violations — repeatedly commits one or more of the offenses described in Sections 1 through 7 above. Consequences for repeated and flagrant violations of the Code of Discipline may result in long-term suspension or expulsion, but not until all other consequences and remedial strategies have been attempted. These consequences and strategies may include, but are not limited to, verbal or written warnings, counseling, parent/guardian conferences, restitution, and restrictions from school activities, behavior contracts, weekly progress/ behavior reports, peer mediation, detention, late detention, and short-term suspension.
Procedures for Short Term Suspension by the Principal or Designee
The Principal or designee may suspend students for periods of ten days or less, to be served out of school. When a student is suspended, the following procedures will be followed:
Except where the student’s presence endangers persons or property or threatens disruption to the academic process, no student will be suspended prior to having a meeting before the Principal or designee. At this meeting, the student will be informed of the reason(s) for the proposed suspension, and will be given an opportunity to respond. In an emergency situation that requires the immediate removal of a student, the meeting will be held as soon after the suspension as possible.
The Principal or designee will make an effort to notify the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) about the suspension.
The Principal or designee will send a letter to the parent(s) or guardian(s) confirming the suspension. This notification shall contain:
the number of days of suspension;
the re-admittance date;
the reason(s) for suspension as provided in the Code of Discipline;
a request for the readmission conference, held prior to the student’s return to school, the nature of which will be at the administrator’s discretion (e.g., phone conference, in person meeting, etc.).
Procedures for Long Term Suspension or Expulsion
When considering expelling or suspending a student on a long-term basis, the Principal will follow the steps set forth below. An expulsion is defined as a permanent exclusion from the Public Schools and a long-term suspension as suspension exceeding ten school days. (See also, M.G.L. c.71, §37H, included in this Handbook)
Provide written notice of the following:
Charges and a statement of the evidence
Date, time and place of a hearing
be represented by legal counsel (at the student’s/parent’s/guardian’s own expense)
Provide a written decision setting forth the facts upon which the decision is based.
A parent/guardian/student may appeal any decision by the Principal to suspend a student on a long- term basis or to expel the student pursuant to M.G.L. c.71 §37H, by sending a written request to the Superintendent within 10 days of the notice of suspension/expulsion. The suspension/ expulsion will remain in effect pending completion of the appeal.
Notwithstanding the above, the Principal may suspend or expel a student from school, under the provisions of Chapter 71, Sections 37H and 37H 1/2 of Massachusetts General Laws for the following offenses when they occur on school premises, at a school sponsored or school-related event:
possession of a controlled substance as defined in Chapter 94C of General Laws
assaults upon a Principal, teacher, teacher’s aide, or other educational staff, and
circumstance in which a student has been charged with or convicted of a felony
charged/convicted of a felony using the standards and procedures set forth in M.G.L. c.7l, § 37H1/2.
Policies Relative to Conduct of Teachers or Students – Student Handbooks
Section 37H. The superintendent of every school district shall publish the district's policies pertaining to the conduct of teachers and students. Said policies shall prohibit the use of any tobacco products within the school buildings, the school facilities or on the school grounds or on school buses by any individual, including school personnel. Said policies shall further restrict operators of school buses and personal motor vehicles, including students, faculty, staff and visitors, from idling such vehicles on school grounds, consistent with section 16B of chapter 90 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto and by the department. The policies shall also prohibit bullying as defined in section 37O and shall include the student-related sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan required by said section 37O. Copies of these policies shall be provided to any person upon request and without cost by the principal of every school within the district.
Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, in their discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b).
Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of their appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
Felony Complaint or Conviction of Student; Suspension; Expulsion; Right to Appeal
Section 37H1⁄2. Notwithstanding the provisions of section eighty-four and sections sixteen and seventeen of chapter seventy-six:
Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may suspend such student for a period of time determined appropriate by said principal or headmaster if said principal or headmaster determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and the reasons for such suspension prior to such suspension taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of their right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, however, that such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent in writing of their request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date of the suspension. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student's parent or guardian within three calendar days of the student's request for an appeal. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on their behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the suspension.
Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to such a felony or felony delinquency, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may expel said student if such principal or headmaster determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of their right to appeal and the process for appealing such expulsion; provided, however, that the expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent, in writing, of their request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date of the expulsion. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student's parent or guardian within three calendar days of the expulsion. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on their behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the expulsion.
Details and Ramifications of Suspension
Before being re-admitted from a suspension, the student must report to the designated school official with a parent or guardian for a conference.
Students suspended from the high school are not to be in any school building, on any school grounds, or attend any school function without permission from the Principal or an Assistant Principal.
A student on suspension is excluded from participating in or attending any school- related functions or activities until the first day of classes after the completion of the suspension.
Suspensions prior to a weekend, holiday, or vacation period will render that student ineligible for all athletic participation during that weekend or holiday period. Under normal circumstances a suspension begins immediately on the day it is assigned and ends on the day the student formally is readmitted and in attendance at school. Suspension days do not include holidays, weekends, or snow days, i.e., a three-day suspension must be served on three school days.
If a suspension occurs during senior end-of-year activities, the suspension will be maintained up to and including the loss of participating in the senior banquet, senior trip, senior semi formal, senior awards, other senior activities, and graduation exercises. Any loss of money due to ticket purchases, etc. will not be refunded. The student will receive their diploma at a time established by the Principal.
Students suspended for violation of the school’s alcohol or drug policies will be re-admitted through the office of the Assistant Principal. The student and parent/guardian must attend the re-admittance meeting. Prior to formally returning to school the student must present a written lab report indicating their negative results for alcohol or drugs (including marijuana) within the body. The cost of this test is the total responsibility of the student/family.
A student who misses classes more than three days consecutively because of disciplinary reasons will be allowed to receive assignments and submit their completed work within three days of their return to school. Students should contact the Assistant Principals’ Office to secure their work.
Students who receive an out-of-school suspension of three days or less will be required to submit their completed work within one day of their return. It is the student’s responsibility to request the work.
Due process ensures that when disciplinary action is taken against a student, the student has the right to be treated fairly. The penalty that a student receives must be reasonably related to the regulation that the student has violated and the student is entitled to certain procedural rights when discipline is possible and in appealing disciplinary action once it is taken.
The Supreme Court has established the minimal procedural that must be followed before a student may be disciplined or suspended for less than ten days as follows:
The student must be informed of what rule the student has broken.
The student will be given an explanation of why it is believed that the student has broken the rule if the student denies it.
The student will be given a chance to tell their version of what happened.
Ordinarily these procedures are followed before a suspension takes place. However, if the student’s conduct is dangerous to other persons or threatens to disrupt school, the student may be suspended immediately. In such cases, the due process must be provided as soon as reasonable.
When a suspension for a period longer than ten consecutive days, or expulsion is being considered, the student is entitled to more formal due process protections as follows:
The student must be informed in writing of all the charges and the evidence.
The student has the right to an impartial hearing. (The person who conducts the hearing will not be the one who seeks to impose the suspension.) The student and their (legal representative/parent/guardian) will be given adequate time to prepare for this hearing.
The student has the right to be represented by a lawyer and/or advocate at the hearing. The student’s (legal representative/parent/guardian) has the right to confront and to cross-examine witnesses.
The student will have the right to present a defense of their position.
The student has the right to a written decision.
A (legal representative/parent/guardian) may appeal any decision by the Principal to suspend the student on a long-term basis, or to expel the student pursuant to M.G.L. c.71 §37H, by sending a written request to the Superintendent within 10 days of the notice of suspension/expulsion.
Notwithstanding the above, the Principal may suspend or expel a student charged/convicted of a felony using the standards and procedures set forth in M.G.L. c. 71 §37H1/2.
In all cases, the suspension/expulsion will remain in effect pending completion of the appeal.
Discipline Levels and Responsibility
Teacher - Disciplinary actions may consist of preventive counseling, and before or after school obligations/detentions. Such obligations may be designed to correct attitudes or counsel on the responsibilities of living in the school community. Student club, sport, organization, or work responsibilities do not excuse the student from a teacher’s discipline. A student’s disciplinary action may be delayed by 24 hours to allow for appropriate notification.