Although schools continually face new challenges, one challenge has remained constant: addressing challenging
behavior, or “discipline” problems. In recent history we have seen several approaches to school discipline
ranging from a hands-off model in which the goal is to let children “develop” into responsible citizens, to the
recent “get tough” and “zero tolerance” approaches that primarily rely on excluding from the school
environment children and youth who engage in challenging behavior. What both of these extremes have in
common is that there is a lack of compelling evidence that they change student behavior; that is, no evidence
shows that either approach results in significantly improved student outcomes. In fact, the exclusionary
approaches associated with zero tolerance have documented negative collateral effects, including school
dropout, increased rates of disruption, and the fact that minorities are likely to be disproportionately affected by
such policies.
We also know that effective discipline practices will benefit all children and youth. Therefore, Hope believes
that “discipline” should be viewed as a problem solving process that leads to student social and academic
success. Further, the process should be developed to reflect school needs, but must a) limit the amount of time
students are removed from learning environments; b) emphasize an instructional approach; c) focus on
increasing appropriate behavior, as opposed to simply decreasing or punishing problem behavior; and, d) build
policies and procedures within the school to support appropriate behavior in all students.
Hope Schools of Excellence believes that discipline in the school setting provides each student with the most
favorable atmosphere for learning. It recognizes that the incorporation of limits and controls by individual
students is an important part of the learning process. It believes that limits on the individual are necessary for
the orderly function of any society. It is considered a fundamental understanding by each student and his/her
parent(s) or guardian(s) that any teacher or school official has not only the right, but the duty, to insist
on good behavior. The right of discipline extends to all areas of the school program, on or off school property,
while a student is attending or participating in school events. It is a fundamental requirement of an orderly
school that students respect the faculty and administration; this respect will be accompanied by an equal respect
for the students by the faculty and administration. The greater this mutual respect, the less the need for rules
and disciplinary procedures. This policy will be administered with the greatest sense of equity.
The principal is charged with the proper enforcement of discipline in the total school setting. The administrator
has the discretionary authority to use or to authorize other specified personnel to use the following disciplinary
measures to correct pupil behavior.
Search and Seizure
Any administrator has the right and duty to conduct a reasonable search of a person and/or personal property,
when the administrator has received information or evidence that the student may have on his/her person any of
the following:
1. A substance dangerous to persons or property
2. An object considered to be a weapon
3. An explosive and/or detonative device
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4. An item believed to be stolen
Other reasonable and justifiable causes may also warrant a search. The reasonableness of a search or the extent
of intrusion on a student’s person will be determined by the age and maturity of the student and the nature of the
offense involved. In all cases, the administrator must have the search witnessed by another staff member.
Cubby Searches
School officials have the right and duty to inspect book bags or cubbies under their control to prevent the use of
book bag or cubby in illicit ways or for illegal purposes. Cubbies and desks remain the property of the school,
and the school reserves the right to search as necessary for the maintenance of the educational process or to
protect the health, safety and welfare of other students. A second staff member must be present during the
search.
Search of the Student or the Student’s Property
If a school official believes that an individual has on his/her person a weapon or substance dangerous to persons
or property, the official has the right and duty to conduct an immediate search. When a principal or other school
official receives what is believed to be reliable information that evidence of a crime is located on the student’s
person or property, the official may conduct a search. Articles found on the person or in the person’s book bag,
cubby or other location shall be listed on an inventory. All parties to the search shall sign the inventory. A
search in the absence of student notification may be made in cases in which a suspected item(s) poses a clear
and present danger to health and safety and the time required to notify would be crucial to the health and safety
of people. Items which may be used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process shall be removed from
student possession, and appropriate disciplinary measures shall be administered.
Appropriate Dress
For details regarding appropriate dress of students, see Hope Dress Code Uniform Policy.
Student Interviews
School officials have the right and duty to interview students concerning misconduct or misdemeanors which
may have occurred during school hours or on school property.
Bus Rules (Field Trip)
1. No General misconduct
2. No Smoking
3. No Profanity
4. No Fighting
5. No Harassment
6. No Violation of any school rules outlined in this policy
7. No Bus damage
8. No Other disorderly conduct or actions that jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of the driver and
students
School Code of Conduct
When these rules are violated by a student, there are many factors which must be considered to determine the
appropriate disciplinary action. When violations are the result of factors beyond the student’s control, such will
be considered by all concerned. Disciplinary action may include but not be limited to the following:
1. Verbal or Written Warning
2. Removal of Privilege
3. Detention
4. Emergency Removal
5. Conference with Parent(s) or Guardian and Student
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6. In-school Suspension (student allowed to make up work but not allowed to participate in extra-curricular
activities)
7. Out-of-School Suspension
8. Expulsion
Students enrolled in Hope Schools of Excellence have a responsibility to act in such a way as
not to interfere with the educational rights of other students. By accepting the responsibility to participate in
school programs on or off school property, the students also accept the responsibility to conduct themselves
according to the rules and regulations governing the operations of these programs.
Classifications of Violations
Violations of Hope Schools of Excellence’s Discipline Policy may warrant anything from a conference to
expulsion from school. Acceptable behavior is part of the expected learning environment. Individuals whose
behavior infringe upon the learning environment of others may be punished. Before any punishment is
administered, the building principal, teachers and other building level personnel shall consult with the student(s)
and school personnel. Once the classification of the violation is determined, the principal or the principal’s
designee will implement the approved disciplinary procedure. Each classroom teacher will deal with classroom
disruption by taking in-class disciplinary action, by making a personal call to the parent(s) or guardian(s) when
feasible, and/or by scheduling conferences with the parent(s) or guardian(s) and other school staff. Only when
the action taken by the teacher is ineffective, or the disruptions are severe, should the student be referred to the
principal or his/her designee.
CLASS I OFFENSES
Class I offenses may be assessed by the teacher and/or administrator.
1.90 Failure to follow directions of a teacher or administrator
1.91 Excessive distraction of other students (any conduct and/or behavior which is disruptive to the orderly
educational process in the classroom or any similar grouping for instruction, including but not limited to
talking excessively, making noises, provoking or harassing other students, interrupting class functions,
etc.)
1.92 Offensive touching of another student (not including acts of a sexual nature)
1.93 Tardiness to class
1.94 Cheating (intentionally giving, receiving or taking unauthorized assistance on a test or other assigned
work) – Credit for such work may be denied at the discretion of the teacher.
1.95 Failure to be prepared for class (which includes, but is not limited to, not having a required textbook, a
proper writing instrument or completed homework.)
1.96 Failure to follow parking lot directions
1.97 Failure to follow bus-riding directions
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS I OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12
First offense
-Teacher conference with student.
Second offense
-Parent(s) or guardian(s) contacted by teacher.
Subsequent offenses
-In-school disciplinary action such as detention, work assignments before or after school,
or suspension at the discretion of the principal or his/her designee.
NOTE:
Class I offenses and actions apply to all K-12 students. Class I offenses will be cumulative for one
semester. All other offenses will be cumulative for the entire school year.
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CLASS II OFFENSES
Class II offenses will be assessed by the teacher with the administrator after referral.
2.10 Disobedience (It may be upgraded to a 3.09 depending on the judgment of the principal.)
2.11 Disorderly conduct.
2.16 Unauthorized possession of an electronic pager or communication device.
2.19 Gambling.
2.20 Harassment (Harassment by word or action to do harm to another. It may be upgraded to a 3.31 depending
on the judgment of the principal.)
2.24 Larceny, theft, robbery and/or possession of stolen property, excluding a motorized vehicle.
2.25 Theft or unauthorized use of a motorized vehicle.
2.26 Use of profane or obscene language or gestures. (It may be upgraded to 3.26 depending on the judgment of
the principal.)
2.29 Sexual harassment (Offensive touching of another student of a sexual nature, or written or verbal
propositions to engage in sexual acts. It may be upgraded to 4.28 or 4.30 depending on the judgment of the
principal.)
2.31 Threats/Intimidation (Intentional threat by word or action to do harm to another coupled with the apparent
ability to carry out the threat. It may be upgraded to a 3.31 depending on the judgment of the principal.)
2.32 Possession of any tobacco product (including tobacco, a tobacco lighter, matches or rolling papers.)
2.33 Sale of any tobacco product (including tobacco, a tobacco lighter, matches, or rolling papers.)
2.34 Use of any tobacco product (including tobacco, a tobacco lighter, matches or rolling papers.)
2.35 Trespassing/Loitering/Unlawful assembly (Being present in an unauthorized place in the school or on
school property or refusing to leave the premises when ordered to do so by school personnel; presence on
school property at unauthorized times.)
2.36 Truancy, unauthorized absence from class or school- cutting or skipping class (Leaving class or school
grounds without permission of teacher or administrator.)
2.52 Possession of a knife (May be upgraded to a 4.52 depending on the judgment of the principal.)
2.80 Verbal or physical conflict between two or more individuals. (It may be upgraded to a 3.17 or a 4.05
depending on the judgment of the principal.)
2.81 Property damage (Intentionally defacing or damaging the public or private property of another up to $50.
The student or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to repair or pay for repairs of school system
property. Refusal by the student or his/her parent(s) to repair or pay for repairs of school system property
will be settled through legal means. It may be upgraded to a 4.08 depending on the judgment of the
principal.)
2.82 Disrespect to a school employee (Any verbal or nonverbal conduct or behavior that is rude or discourteous
directed toward a school employee.)
2.83 Intentionally providing false information to school personnel. (Includes but is not limited to forgery of
parent’s or guardian’s signature; providing false information to parent(s) or guardian(s) such as changing
grades; forging notes, passes or forms.)
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS II OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6
First Offense
-Parental contact and disciplinary action.
Subsequent Offenses
-In-school disciplinary action such as detention, work assignments before or after school
or suspension at the discretion of the principal or his/her designee.
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DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS II OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-12
First Offense
-Parental contact and in-school disciplinary action or 1-10 days suspension (depending upon
seriousness of the offense);
Second Offense
‐In‐school disciplinary action or 3‐10 days suspension or expulsion.
Subsequent Offenses
-In-school disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-12
GRADES 5-6:
First violation
: Warning by an administrator to the individual student and parental contacted/notified.
Second violation
: Detention (before or after school, 1-3 days)
Third violation
: In-school suspension (ISS, 1-3 days)
Fourth violation
: Class II Offense/Disobedience (see Policy Above)
GRADES 7-8:
First violation
: Warning by an administrator to the individual student and parental contact
Second violation
: In-school suspension (ISS, 50 points)
Third Violation
: In-school suspension (ISS, 200 points)
Fourth violation
: Class II Offense/Disobedience (See Policy)
GRADE 9:
First violation
: Warning by an administrator to the individual student and parental contact
Second violation
: In-school suspension (ISS,50 points) or Loss of Privileges (LOP, 3 days)
Third violation
: Off-campus suspension (1-3 days)
GRADES 10-12:
First violation
: Warning by an administrator to the individual student and parental contact
Second violation
: Loss of Privileges (LOP, 10 days)
Third violation
: In-school suspension (ISS, 3-5 days)
Fourth violation
: Off-campus suspension (OSS 1-3 days)
CLASS III OFFENSES
Class III offenses may be assessed by an administrator after a hearing.
3.01 Possession of alcoholic beverages.
3.02 Sale of alcoholic beverages.
3.03 Use of alcoholic beverages.
3.09 Defiance of authority (Any verbal or nonverbal refusal to comply with a reasonable direction or order of a
School employee, including refusal to identify self.)
3.12 Disruptive demonstrations (Participating in major disruptions which seriously disrupt the educational
process and/or result in destruction or damage of private or public property or in personal injury to
participants or others.)
3.17 Fighting (Any physical conflict between two or more individuals. If there is evidence that one party
physically attacked the other, the victim’s punishment would be reduced or eliminated. It may be upgraded
to a 4.05 depending on the judgment of the principal.)
3.22 Inciting a major student disorder. (Leading, encouraging or assisting in major disruptions which seriously
disrupt the educational process and/or result in destruction or damage of private or public property or in
personal injury to participants or others.)
3.26 Directing obscene or profane language or gestures to a school system employee.
3.31 Extortion, threats, intimidation. (Verbally or by a written or printed communication, threatening injury to
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the person, property or reputation of another, with the intent to extort money or other property from
another, or with the intent to compel the person so threatened or any other person to do any act or refrain
from doing any act against his/her will.)
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS III OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6
First Offense
-Possible suspension, parent(s) or guardian(s) contact and conference; court referral.
Subsequent Offenses
-Possible suspension or expulsion; court referral.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS III OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-12
First Offense
-Five (5) days’ suspension to expulsion; court referral.
Subsequent Offense
-Ten (10) days’ suspension to expulsion; court referral.
CLASS IV OFFENSES
Class IV offenses may be reported to police authorities for possible action.
4.04 Arson.
4.05 Assault (The actual striking or touching of another person against his/her will or causing bodily harm,
including pushing, tripping or striking another person against his/her will.)
4.06 Bomb threat.
4.07 Burglary and/or breaking and entering school system facilities, vehicles or property.
4.08 Criminal Mischief/Vandalism (Intentionally defacing or damaging school system property, public property
or private property of another – above $50. The student or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required
to repair or pay for repairs of school system property. Refusal by the student or his/her parent(s) to repair
or pay for repairs of school property will be settled through legal means.)
4.13 Possession of illegal drugs or possession of prescription drugs without a license or a prescription.
4.14 Sale of illegal drugs or sale of prescription without a license.
4.15 Use of illegal drugs or use of prescription drugs without a prescription in the user’s name.
4.18 Tampering with or unjustified activation of a fire alarm system.
4.27 Robbery.
4.28 Sexual Battery (Offense 2.29 may be upgraded to a 4.28 depending on the judgment of the principal.)
4.30 Sexual acts or other sexual offenses. (Acts of a sexual nature including but not limited to intercourse,
attempted intercourse or deliberate indecent exposure. Offense 2.29 may be upgraded to 4.30 depending on
the judgment of the principal.)
4.46 Possession of an explosive, incendiary device and/or poison gas.
4.47 Sale of an explosive, incendiary device and/or poison gas.
4.48 Use of an explosive, incendiary device and/or poison gas.
4.49 Possession of a weapon-excluding firearm or knife-on school property or at a school sponsored event or
function, including the threat of use of a weapon.(A weapon is defined as a club, facsimile of a gun, chain
or any other object of a similar nature deemed to be dangerous by school officials.)
4.50 Sale of a weapon-excluding firearm or knife-on school property or at a school-sponsored event or function,
including the threat of the use of a weapon.(A weapon is defined as a club, facsimile of a gun, chain or any
other object of a similar nature deemed to be dangerous by school officials.)
4.51 Use of a weapon-excluding firearms or knife-on school property, at a school sponsored event or function,
or at another location at which the use of such weapon has the potential for disrupting discipline and good
order at the school, including the threat of use of a weapon (A weapon is defined as a club, facsimile of a
gun, chain or any other object of similar nature deemed to be dangerous by school official.)
4.52 Possession of a knife (with indication that the knife was intentionally brought to school-a judgment made
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by the principal).
4.53 Sale of a knife.
4.54 Use of a knife.
4.55 Possession of other unknown weapon (a weapon not described in 4.46, 4.49, 4.52, 5.37, 5.40 or 5.43).
4.56 Sale of other unknown weapon (a weapon not described in 4.47, 4.50, 4.53, 5.38, 5.41 or 5.44).
4.57 Use of other unknown weapon (a weapon not described in 4.48, 4.51, 4.54, 5.39, 5.42 or 5.45).
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS IV OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6
First Offense
-Contact with parent(s) or guardian(s) and suspension from school; court referral.
Subsequent Offenses
-Suspension up to ten (10) days or expulsion; court referral.
NOTE
: All class IV offenses may be reported to the police authorities for possible action.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION-CLASS IV OFFENSES
STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-12
First Offense
-Notification of parent(s) or guardian(s), police notification, ten (10) days suspension or
expulsion; court referral.
Subsequent Offenses
-Expulsion, court referral.
NOTE:
All class IV offenses may be reported to police authorities for possible action.
CLASS V OFFENSES
5.21 Homicide.
5.23 Kidnapping.
5.37-39 Possession Sale or Use of a handgun (firearm that can be used with one hand).
5.40-42 Possession, Sale or Use of a rifle or shotgun.
5.43-45 Possession, Sale or Use of a firearm (other than handgun, rifle or shotgun) or firearm component.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS V OFFENSES
STUDENTS GRADES K-12
First Offense
-Expulsion; court referral.
Procedures for the Administration of Out-of-School Suspension and Expulsion
A student recommended for out-of-school suspension or expulsion shall be made aware of the charges and
given an opportunity to respond. The administrator shall make a reasonable effort to contact either the parent(s)
or guardian(s) by telephone. In addition, the administrator shall send a written notice to the parent(s) or
guardian(s) regarding the action that is being considered. The student is also expected to notify his/her parent(s)
or guardian(s) of all attempts at communication by the school. Failure to do so may result in further disciplinary
action.
Procedure for Out-of-School Suspension of Students
Authority
The school principal or his designee has the authority to suspend students from school.
Notification
Prior to suspension the student will be made aware of the charges and given an opportunity to respond to them.
Written notice will be sent to the parent(s) or guardian(s) stating the reason(s) such action was taken.
Immediate suspension of a student is justified when the student’s presence would threaten himself/herself,
endanger school property, or seriously disrupt the orderly educational process. Principals are given the authority
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to have the law enforcement agency remove uncooperative students. If immediate removal is necessary, the
parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified by the principal. The necessary explanation and conference shall
follow within twenty-four hours of the action.
Length of Out-of-School Suspension
The out-of-school suspension of a student is not to exceed ten (10) days except as follows:
1. A suspension of more than ten (10) days is warranted if extenuating circumstances exist and an alteration is
agreed upon by the Principal and his/her designee.
2. If an incident or violation causes the principal or his/her designee to recommend the expulsion of a student,
the suspension shall remain in effect until such time that action upon the recommended expulsion is taken as
outlined in the “Procedure for Expulsion of Students” section of this policy. If a student is suspended from
school, he/she must comply with the full length of the suspension unless the principal approves an alternative.
Terms of Out of School Suspension
1. During the suspension period, suspended students may not visit or otherwise be in attendance at any school
campus, any school-related function or any extracurricular activities.
2. When a student is suspended, his/her teacher(s) must be notified concerning the date of suspension and the
number of days suspended. All such work must be made up within twice the number of school days that were
included in the suspension, with the makeup time beginning on the student’s first day back in school
following the suspension. Makeup work will not be permitted after the first suspension during a given school
year. (Makeup work is permitted upon the first suspension only if that suspension results from an offense
below Level 3)
Readmission from Out-of-School Suspension
When a student returns to school after the suspension, reassignment or readmission shall be preceded by a
conference with the principal or the principal’s designee. The conference shall include the parent(s) or
guardian(s) unless otherwise approved by the principal. The student is readmitted by the principal or his/her
designee and is given a readmission slip to return to class.
Procedure for Expulsion of Students
The school principal is initially responsible for determining that an offense for which expulsion may be
warranted has been committed. The procedures listed must be followed:
Notification
1. Immediately following any incident or violation of school regulations which may result in a recommendation
by the principal to expel a student, the principal is authorized to suspend the student for as many as ten (10)
school days pending a hearing for expulsion .The hearing shall be held within 3-5 school days from the date that
the suspension begins. The principal will notify the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) of the suspension and
will at the same time notify the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) that the information or data obtained by the
principal’s investigation of the incident will be made available. This notice shall be given to the parent(s) or
guardian(s) prior to the expulsion recommendation.
2. After the completion of the full investigation of a violation which may result in a recommendation for
expulsion, the principal will, based on the facts, specify whether to recommend student expulsion. The principal
will immediately notify the student and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the findings and the reason for the
recommendation. The principal will attempt to give this notice to the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) in a
personal conference and will also confirm this notice in a letter to the parent(s) or guardian(s). The principal’s
conclusions should be based on the documentation of the facts pertaining to the incident. Said documentation
will include all information available including but not limited to, the following categories:
A. an operational definition of the offense(s);
B. a detailed description of the offense(s); and
C. the time, date and location of the alleged offense(s).
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Terms
1. During the expulsion period, expelled students may not visit or otherwise be in attendance at any school
campus, any school related function or any extracurricular activities.
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