VI. CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

INTRODUCTION

Department of Defense Education Activity Regulation 2051.1, Disciplinary Rules and Procedures, states that “management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by parents, the school and the community…” The Tri-Base community commander and school administrators have collaborated closely on the Tri-Base Community/DoDDS Discipline Policy (attached at the end of this handbook). The Table of Consequences outlined in this policy helps guide decisions when disciplinary procedures are necessary. Please review the following guidance closely and contact the principal if you have any questions.

ARSON

Any student setting an unauthorized fire will be expelled from school.

BEHAVIOR

In order to establish and maintain an environment in which students may grow, appropriate policies on behavior and discipline are essential. Students are expected to follow these policies, parents are expected to support them and school personnel are expected to implement them.

Conduct: Students have the responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner that does not violate the rights of other people. They share with the administrators and teachers the responsibility of developing a climate within the school that is conductive to productive learning.

School Policies for Student Behavior: Students will

· Remain on school grounds unless permission to leave is granted by school administration.

· Walk quietly in the halls.

· Use the playground and its equipment in a safe manner.

· Obey the rules of proper conduct while using the school buses or walking to or from school.

· Respect school property and other people’s private possessions.

· Bring to school only necessary school materials and leave unsafe or expensive items at home.

· Treat people the same way he/she likes to be treated.

· Conduct themselves in a quiet orderly manner while in the cafeteria and lunch line.

· Help to keep the school and campus free of litter.

Discipline Procedures: It must be noted that no hard and fast rule could ever be developed that applies in all situations. Aspects that must taken into consideration include the child involved; the offense; events which previously occurred involving the child, teacher, and/or parents; and the specific circumstances involved in the immediate situation. As such, the following directives and guidelines apply:

Directives: - School personnel will not administer corporal punishment.

- Suspension from school will be accomplished only by an administrator

and only in extreme cases as defined by the principal.

Guidelines: The entire staff is responsible for insuring students follow appropriate standards of conduct on the school campus, within the classrooms, during school sponsored activities (e.g., special programs, assemblies), and during non instructional break time during the school day (recess and lunch break).

Except in those rare instances when the child behaves in such a manner as to possibly injure himself or another individual or when the child continually disturbs or interferes with the class or activity, the classroom teacher is expected to take the following actions:

· Confer with the student

· Contact the parents to inform them of the behavior

· Contact the principal and help decide if a conference between the teacher, parents and others (i.e. administration, counselors, etc.) needs to be held.

Suspension: A student who persistently violates school rules and regulations or is considered to have committed a serious breach of conduct may be suspended from classes by the principal. In such cases, parents will be notified or conferred with and conditions set down for a student’s return to class. The Tri-base/DoDDS discipline policy states that all suspensions will be in-school with the sponsor or a parent accompanying the child on the days of suspension.

On all offenses involving a suspension, a letter will be sent to inform the sponsor of the incident and details of the suspension. A copy will also be sent to the sponsor’s Commander/First Sergeant, the Base Commander and District Superintendent.

PLAYGROUND BEHAVIOR

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that encourages a sense of responsibility, safety, and well being for all children on the playground. Students will respect the requests and directions of the adults on duty at all times. The following behaviors are not allowed:

· Spitting on the playground

· Jumping off any playground equipment or jumping up and down on bridge

· Slam dunking and hanging from the basketball rims

· Pushing, fighting, arguing, obscene gestures, or bad language. These constitute severe behavioral infractions and may result in suspension from school

· Bullying of any sort

· Chicken fighting

· Leaving the playground for any purpose without permission from a teacher or monitor

· Running to or from the playground

· Eating on the playground (except for special activities such as popcorn day or carnival).

Recess is over when the bell rings. Playing stops and students line up at their designated areas or return to their classrooms in an orderly manner.

BICYCLES

Children may ride their bikes to school; however, riding on the campus is prohibited. Students must dismount and push their bikes to the bike rack. Riding bikes in or around the buses is prohibited.

BOMB THREATS

Bomb threats are serious crimes and will be dealt with severely. The Security Police will routinely assume authority over a bomb threat suspect. If it is determined a student has initiated a bomb threat to a school, the school will immediately begin expulsion proceedings. The student will be suspended until the expulsion process is complete.

BULLYING (SEE SAFE SCHOOLS, PAGE 28)

DRESS AND GROOMING

Student dress and grooming will be the responsibility of the individual and his or her parents within the following guidelines:

· Dress and grooming will be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary, and safety requirements. There will be no tank tops, mesh shirts, muscle shirts, spaghetti strap tops, revealing clothing, crop tops, bare midriffs, severely sagging pants, short shorts or other inappropriate clothing.

· There will be no t-shirts picturing or advocating drug use or displaying obscene language.

· Headcovers (hats, headbands and bandanas, etc) are not allowed in the school. They are to be removed upon entering the school.

The administration and staff of Alconbury Elementary School believe that every student will get the best education possible if:

· Students come to school prepared to participate in the learning activities.

· Students respect the teachers.

· Teachers respect students.

· Teachers communicate often with parents.

· Parents communicate with the teachers and principal.

· Parents see that students get adequate rest and nutrition.

· The principal facilitates the educational program and supports the teachers.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

DoDDS enforces a no weapons policy. Students and parents are hereby notified that possession of weapons (see ‘Weapons’ section below) or replicas of weapons can result in expulsion from school.

In addition to weapons, students are not allowed to bring knives, matches, lighters or other dangerous objects to school. Toys, radios and cassette players, chains, (even on wallets or keys) CD’s, cell phones, and water guns should not be brought, as they tend to distract children from their learning tasks. Possession of tobacco in any form and alcohol will not be tolerated. Gum is not allowed in school. Slam books are not allowed. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have any doubt about bringing an article to school, consult the school office. Nuisance items, which are dangerous to the safety of others or have the potential to cause damage to personal or school property such as fireworks, smoke & stink bombs, eggs and shaving cream will be confiscated and not returned. When appropriate these items will be given to the Security Police. Prohibited items will be confiscated and released only to the sponsor.

It should be noted that possession or use of a weapon or prohibited items on DoD property is a crime and will be reported to security officials. Disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion. DoDDS supports a no tolerance policy for weapon possession.

SKATEBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES AND SCOOTERS

Skateboards, roller blades and scooters are not allowed on campus during the school day. They pose a safety problem due to possible tripping hazards and lack of appropriate space to store.

TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

AES does not condone the use of tobacco or tobacco products by students either on or off campus while under our supervision.

Students are prohibited from possessing or using tobacco products during the school day on or off school property, on school-owned and operated buses or on chartered buses, or when participating in school-sponsored or school-supervised activities on or off campus.

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action/consequence to be determined by the principal which may include referral to counseling or appropriate authority for any student found to be smoking or in possession of tobacco products during the school day whether on or off campus.

There will be not designated smoking areas defined or condoned by DoDDS-E schools.

WEAPONS

Possession of knives, sharp or pointed objects, guns, clubs, explosive devices or ammunition or any other dangerous item will result in immediate disciplinary action and reporting to the Base Commander, Security Police, DoDDS District Superintendent, DoDDS Area Superintendent, and the sponsor’s major unit commander. Disposition of weapons and prohibited items is at the discretion of the administration and the security police. Incidents involving weapons are very serious. Any item when carried in a concealed manner, or if displayed openly, brandished or used in a threatening manner, or carried in the presence of other persons in a manner likely to make reasonable persons fear for their safety, can be considered a weapon. Realistic look-alike items will be included in this category. DoDDS-Europe has a ZERO TOLERANCE weapons policy. Violations will result in suspension and the commencement of expulsion proceedings.

The following lists of weapons are provided as examples of prohibited items by USAREUR Reg. 190-6 and USAFE Reg. 125-17. This is not a complete listing; in the case of situations not specifically addressed, please contact your local security police.

· Guns of any type

· Switchblade knives, any length locking blade knives, other knives with blades 3 inches or longer

· Club-type hand weapons (for example, blackjacks, brass knuckles, kunchaku)

· Ammunition

· Sling shots

· Any of the following, if carried in a concealed manner, or if displayed openly, brandished or carried in the presence of other persons in a manner likely to make reasonable person fear for their safety:

ú Straight razor, razor blades, or weapons made from razor blades

ú Authentic appearing replica of a firearm (for example, toy guns, bb guns)

ú Blank cartridge pistols

ú Any other object that might be used readily to inflict bodily harm (for example, those designed to injure through strangulation, barbed wire flails, chains on wallets or keys of any type including those in wallets or keys, bicycle chains, canes with sharp points, broken bottles or glasses, small knives with retractable blades

ú Tanto, kama, tonfu, yawara or other like martial art weapons or practice devices

To ensure the safety of DoDDS students and staff, any incident that occurs in a DoDDS–Europe school, on school grounds or during a DoDDS sponsored activity that involves a weapon or prohibited item will be immediately reported to the local security police and the students’ sponsor. Within 24 hours, the Community commander, the District Office, the Area Office and DoDEA will also be notified through the completion of a serious incident report.

Below are important details regarding student behavior:

TRI-BASE COMMUNITY/DoDDS DISCIPLINE POLICY

TABLE OF CONSEQUENCES

B

· Disruptive Behavior

· Inappropriate Lang./Behavior

· Insubordination

· Unsafe Behavior

· Cheating/Forgery/Theft

· Communicating a Threat

· Truancy

· Other

Administrative

Action

Administrative Action

Suspension

1 Day

Suspension

2 Days

C

· Fighting (any kind)

· Abusive Behavior to Peers

· Tobacco Use

· Alcohol Possession/Use

· Vandalism (under $100)

· Insubordination w/disrespect-profanity

· Other

Suspension

1-3 Days

Suspension

3-5 Days

Suspension

5-6 Days

Suspension

7-10 Days

D

· Dangerous Behavior-towards self or others

· Illegal Substance

· Possession/Use/Dist’n

· Larceny ($250+)

· Arson, Bomb Threats, Extortion

· Vandalism (over $100)

· False Fire/Bomb Alarms

· Weapon Possession/Use

· Other

SUSPENSION/EXPULSION PROCEEDINGS

INITIATED

**Administrative Action may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Warning, Counseling Session, Detention, Parent Notification, Community or School Work Detail

CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN ON THE DAY (S) OF SUSPENSION. This applies for all three suspension scenarios lasting more than one day:

Shadowing – Parent accompanies student to all classes and remains throughout the day, including lunch.

Out of School – Parent accompanies and remains with student at Community Work Detail.

In School – Parent accompanies and remains with student in designated room at the school. School assignments for the day are to be completed.

SCHOOL BUS - TABLE OF CONSEQUENCES
(Revised 23 June 2006)

Category	Examples of Infractions	First Referral	Second Referral	Third Referral	Fourth Referral	Fifth Referral

A Minor Misconduct	1- Boarding or exiting the bus unsafely, to include crossing in front of or behind the bus 2- No bus pass or improper bus pass 3- Standing while bus is in motion or not being properly seated 4- Obstructing an empty seat, door, stairs or aisle 5- Making excessive noise 6- Disturbing, insulting, or harassing other students 7- Public Display of Affection (PDA) 8- Eating, drinking, chewing gum 9- Using profane or obscene language or gestures 10- Littering	Verbal/Written Warning	1-5 day bus suspension	10 day bus suspension	20 day bus suspension	Suspension of Riding Privileges for the Remainder of SY
B Serious Infractions	1- Failure to comply (or disrespectful, talking-back, lying) with bus driver or other adult’s instructions 2- Exchanging or refusing to show bus pass 3- Horseplay and spitting 4- Throwing objects at, within, or out of the bus 5- Sticking objects or body parts out the window/door 6- Full or partial nudity 7- Damage, theft, or pilfering <$100	1-5 day bus suspension	10 day bus suspension	20 day bus suspension	Suspension of Riding Privileges for the Remainder of SY
C Severe Offenses	1- Tobacco or alcohol use 2- Sitting in driver’s seat/tampering with controls 3- Interfering with driver 4- Unauthorized operation of emergency exits 5- Fighting, hitting, biting, pushing 6- Vandalism, damage, or theft >$100 7- Any action that leads to a bus accident	10 day bus suspension	20 day bus suspension	Suspension of Riding Privileges for the Remainder of SY
D Criminal or Illegal Acts	1- Possession or use of weapons or other prohibited items 2- Possession of illegal substances 3- Lewd or indecent acts 4- Threatening or causing injury to another person 5- Bomb threat	SCHOOL SUSPENSION/EXPULSION PROCEEDINGS INITIATED Serious Incident Report to appropriate authorities Notification to installation Commander via Schools Liaison Office (SLO) if appropriate

Note:

1 - All rule infractions are cumulative in most cases for the SY. A series of minor infractions may result in serious consequences.

2 - All misconduct must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending upon severity, warnings, suspensions or expulsions may be deemed appropriate regardless of sequence or frequency of misconduct incidents.

3 - SLO to be informed when suspensions/expulsions from bus occur.

4 - Possession of weapons or prohibited items, controlled substances, alcohol or other serious incidents will be reported on DoDEA Form 4795 and may result in suspension or expulsion from school in addition to the loss of bus privileges.

5 - Discipline of students with disabilities must be consistent with the provisions of Encl. 5 to DoDEA Reg. 2051.1.

BOMB THREATS

TRI-BASE COMMUNITY/DoDDS DISCIPLINE POLICY

TABLE OF CONSEQUENCES

Category

B

C

D

SUSPENSION/EXPULSION PROCEEDINGS

INITIATED

SCHOOL BUS - TABLE OF CONSEQUENCES (Revised 23 June 2006)

A

B

C

D

SCHOOL SUSPENSION/EXPULSION PROCEEDINGS INITIATED

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION

SCHOOL BUS - TABLE OF CONSEQUENCES
(Revised 23 June 2006)