Source: http://www.argylecsd.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=87468&pageId=3476405
Timestamp: 2018-01-16 09:40:57
Document Index: 402293278

Matched Legal Cases: ['§3214', '§3214', '§3214', '§3214', '§3214', '§3214', '§ 21', '§ 221']

Procedure for Discipline Referrals - Argyle Central School ...
Procedure for Discipline Referrals
Argyle Central School District » District » Handbook » Procedure for Discipline Referrals
Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students view as fair and impartial. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline.
The student’s age.
The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense.
The student’s prior disciplinary record.
The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.
Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate
As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations.
If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education and discipline, if warranted, shall be administered consistent with the separate requirements of this code of conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to have a disability. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability.
Oral warning – any member of the district staff
Written warning – bus drivers, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, superintendent
Written notification to parent – bus driver, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, superintendent
Detention – teachers, principal, superintendent
Suspension from transportation – principal, &/or superintendent.
Suspension from athletic participation – coaches, principal, superintendent
Suspension from social or extracurricular activities –principal, superintendent
Suspension of other privileges – principal, superintendent
In-school suspension – principal, superintendent
Removal from classroom by teacher – teachers, principal
Short-term (five days or less) suspension from school – principal, superintendent, board of education
Long-term (more than five days) suspension from school –superintendent, board of education
Permanent suspension from school – superintendent, board of education
Students who are to be given penalties other than an oral warning, written warning or written notification to their parents are entitled to additional rights before the penalty is imposed. These additional rights are explained below.
Teachers, principals and the superintendent may use after school detention as a penalty for student misconduct in situations where removal from the classroom or suspension would be inappropriate. Detention will be imposed as a penalty only after the student’s parent has been notified to confirm that there is no parental objection to the penalty and the student has appropriate transportation home following detention.
If a student does not conduct himself/herself properly on a bus, the bus driver is expected to bring such misconduct to the building principal’s attention. Students who become a serious disciplinary problem may have their riding privileges suspended by the building principals, or the superintendent, or their designees. In such cases, the student’s parent will become responsible for seeing that his or her child gets to and from school safely. Should the suspension from transportation amount to a suspension from attendance, the district will make appropriate arrangements to provide for the student’s education.
A student subjected to a suspension from transportation is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an in formal conference with the building principal or the principal’s designee to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.
3. Suspension from athletic participation, extra curricular activities and other privileges
A student subjected to a suspension from athletic participation, extra-curricular activities or other privileges is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved as outlined in the Argyle Student Guide for Athletics.
4. Alternative Learning Center
The board recognizes the school must balance the need of students to attend school and the need for order in the classroom to establish an environment conducive to learning. As such, the board authorizes the Elementary principal, High School Principal, and the Superintendent to place students who would otherwise be suspended from school as the result of a code of conduct violation in the “alternative learning center.” A student subjected to the alternative learning center is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the alternative learning center to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.
For purposes of this code of conduct, a disruptive student is a student who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom. A student’s behavior can affect a teacher’s ability to teach and can make it difficult for other students in the classroom to learn. In most instances the classroom teacher can control a student’s behavior and maintain or restore control over the classroom by using good classroom management techniques. Before removing a student for disruptive behavior, a teacher will administer classroom management techniques such as a short time out or alternative location in order to allow the student to regain his/her composure and return to class. These management techniques do not constitute disciplinary removals for purposes of this code.
A substantial disruption of the educational process or substantial interference with a teacher’s authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with the teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher’s classroom behavior rules.
If the disruptive student does not pose a danger or on-going threat of disruption to the academic process, the teacher must provide the student with an explanation for why he or she is being removed and an opportunity to explain his or her version of the relevant events before the student is removed. Only after the informal discussion may a teacher remove a student from class.
The teacher must complete a district-established disciplinary removal form and meet with a principal, or their designee as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day, to explain the circumstances of the removal and to present the removal form. If a principal or designee is not available by the end of the same school day, the teacher must leave the form with the secretary and meet with a principal prior to the beginning of classes on the next school day.
Within 24-hours after the student’s removal, the principal or another district administrator designated by the principal must notify the student’s parents, in writing, that the student has been removed from class and why. The notice must also inform the parent that he or she has the right, upon request, to meet informally with a principal to discuss the reasons for the removal.
The written notice must be provided by personal delivery, express mail delivery, or some other means that is reasonably calculated to assure receipt of the notice within 24 hours of the student’s removal at the last known address for the parents. Where possible, notice should also be pro-vided by telephone if the school has been provided with a telephone number(s) for the purpose of contacting parents.
If at the informal meeting the student denies the charges, a principal, or the principal’s designee must explain why the student was removed and give the student and the student’s parents a chance to present the student’s version of the relevant events. The informal meeting must be held within 48 hours of the student’s removal. The timing of the informal meeting may be extended by mutual agreement of the parent and principal.
The charges against the student are not supported by substantial evidence.
The student’s removal is otherwise in violation of law, including the district’s code of conduct.
The conduct warrants suspension from school pursuant to Education Law §3214 and a suspension will be imposed.
The principal, or the principal’s designee may overturn a removal at any point between receiving the referral form issued by the teacher and the close of business on the day following the 48-hour period for the informal conference, if a conference is requested. No student removed from the classroom by the classroom teacher will be permitted to return to the classroom until the principal makes a final determination, or the period of removal expires, whichever is less.
Each teacher must keep a complete log (on a district provided form) for all cases of removal of students from his or her class. The principal must keep a log of all removals of students from class.
C. SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS
The Superintendent and/or the Principal may suspend the following students from
required attendance upon instruction:
a) A student who is insubordinate or disorderly; or
b) A student who is violent or disruptive; or
c) A student whose conduct otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others.
The Superintendent and/or the Principal of the school where the student attends shall have the power to suspend a student for a period not to exceed five (5) school days. In the absence of the Principal, the designated "Acting Principal" may then suspend a student for a period of five (5) school days or less.
When the Superintendent or the Principal (the "suspending authority") proposes to suspend a student for five (5) school days or less, the suspending authority shall provide the student with notice of the charged misconduct. If the student denies the misconduct, the suspending authority shall provide an explanation of the basis for the suspension.
When suspension of a student for a period of five (5) school days or less is proposed, administration shall also immediately notify the parent/person in parental relation in writing that the student may be suspended from school.
Written notice shall be provided by personal delivery, express mail delivery, or equivalent means reasonably calculated to assure receipt of such notice within twenty-four (24) hours of the decision to propose suspension at the last known address or addresses of the parents/persons in parental relation. Where possible, notification shall also be provided by telephone if the school has been provided with a telephone number(s) for the purpose of contacting parents/persons in parental relation.
The notice shall provide a description of the incident(s) for which suspension is proposed and shall inform the student and the parent/person in parental relation of their right to request an immediate informal conference with the Principal in accordance with the provisions of Education Law Section 3214(3)(b). Both the notice and the informal conference shall be in the dominant language or mode of communication used by the parents/persons in parental relation. At the informal conference, the student and/or parent/person in parental relation shall be authorized to present the student's version of the event and to ask questions of the complaining witnesses.
The notice and opportunity for informal conference shall take place prior to suspension of the student unless the student's presence in the school poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process, in which case the notice and opportunity for an informal conference shall take place as soon after the suspension as is reasonably practical.
Teachers shall immediately report or refer a violent student to the Principal or Superintendent for a violation of the District's Code of Conduct and a minimum suspension period.
More Than Five School Days
In situations where the Superintendent determines that a suspension in excess of five (5) school days may be warranted, the student and parent/person in parental relation, upon reasonable notice, shall have had an opportunity for a fair hearing. At the hearing, the student shall have the right of representation by counsel, with the right to question witnesses against him/her, and the right to present witnesses and other evidence on his/her behalf.
Where the basis for the suspension is, in whole or in part, the possession on school grounds or school property by the student of any firearm, rifle, shotgun, dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto or any of the weapons, instruments or appliances specified in Penal Law Section 265.01, the hearing officer or Superintendent shall not be barred from considering the admissibility of such weapon, instrument or appliance as evidence, notwithstanding a determination by a court in a criminal or juvenile delinquency proceeding that the recovery of such weapon, instrument or appliance was the result of an unlawful search or seizure.
Generally, should a student with a disability infringe upon the established rules of the schools, disciplinary action shall be in accordance with procedures set forth in the District's Code of Conduct and in conjunction with applicable law and the determination of the Committee on Special Education (CSE).
For suspensions or removals up to 10 school days in a school year that do not constitute a disciplinary change in placement, students with disabilities must be provided with alternative instruction or services on the same basis as non-disabled students of the same age.
If suspension or removal from the current educational placement constitutes a disciplinary change in placement because it is for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or constitutes a pattern because the suspensions or removals cumulate to more than ten school days in a school year, a manifestation determination must be made.
Permanent suspension is reserved for extraordinary circumstances such as where a student’s conduct poses a life threatening danger to the safety and well-being of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.
Minimum Periods of Suspension
Pursuant to law, Commissioner's Regulations and the District's Code of Conduct, minimum periods of suspension shall be provided for the following prohibited conduct, subject to the requirements of federal and state law and regulations:
a) Consistent with the federal Gun-Free Schools Act, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school or possessed a weapon on school premises shall be suspended for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. However, the Superintendent has the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis.
b) A minimum suspension period for students who repeatedly are substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interfere with the teacher's authority over the classroom, provided that the suspending authority may reduce such period on a case-by-case basis to be consistent with any other state and federal law. The definition of "repeatedly is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher's authority" shall be determined in accordance with the Regulations of the Commissioner.
c) A minimum suspension period for acts that would qualify the student to be defined as a violent student pursuant to Education Law Section 3214(2-a)(a), provided that the suspending authority may reduce such period on a case-by-case basis to be consistent with any other state and federal law.
Any student, other than a student with a disability, found guilty of bringing a weapon onto school property will be subject to suspension from school for at least one calendar year. Before being suspended, the student will have an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. The superintendent has the authority to modify the one-year suspension on a case-by-case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty, the superintendent may consider the following:
The student’s grade in school.
The superintendent’s belief that other forms of discipline may be more effective.
Input from parents, teachers and/or others.
Students Who Commit an Act of Violence
A. Violent Pupil: For the purposes of this section, a violent pupil is an elementary or secondary student under twenty-one years of age who:
Commits an act of violence upon a teacher, administrator, or other school employee;
Commits, while on school district property, an act of violence upon another student or any other person lawfully upon said property;
Possesses, while on school district property, a gun, knife, explosive or incendiary bomb, or other dangerous instrument capable of causing physical injury or death;
Displays, while on school district property, what appears to be a gun, knife, explosive or incendiary bomb or other dangerous instrument capable of causing death or physical injury;
Threatens, while on school district property, to use any instrument that appears capable of causing physical injury or death;
Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other school district employee, or any person lawfully upon school district property; or
Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school district property.
B. Students who commit violent acts other than bringing a weapon to school
2. Students who are repeatedly substantially disruptive of the educational process or repeatedly substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the class-room Any student, other than a student with a disability, who repeatedly is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom will be suspended from school for at least five days. For purposes of this code of conduct, “repeatedly is substantially disruptive” means engaging in conduct that results in the student being removed from the classroom by teacher(s) pursuant to Education Law §3214(3-a) and this code on four or more occasions during a semester, or three or more occasions during a trimester. If the proposed penalty is the minimum five-day suspension, the student and the student’s parent will be given the same notice and opportunity for an informal conference given to all students subject to a short-term suspension. If the proposed penalty exceeds the minimum five-day suspension, the student and the student’s parent will be given the same notice and opportunity for a hearing given to all students subject to a long-term suspension. The superintendent has the authority to modify the minimum five-day suspension on a case-by-case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty, the superintendent may consider the same factors considered in modifying a one-year suspension for possessing a weapon.
b. Engaging in an ongoing or continual course of conduct which makes the student ungovernable, or habitually disobedient, and beyond the lawful control of the school.
c. Knowingly and unlawfully possesses marijuana in violation of Penal Law § 21.05. A single violation of § 221.05 will be a sufficient basis for filing a PINS petition.
a. Any student under the age of 16 whom is found to have brought a weapon to school, or
The superintendent is required to refer student’s age 16 and older or any student 14 or 15 years old who qualifies for juvenile offender status to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.