The School District Discipline Code, K-12 is based on adopted Board Policy and is subject to change, based on adopted, revised or amended policies. All policies of the Board of Education are available on this web site and in each school building office.

Purpose

The purpose of the Pine-Richland School District Discipline Code is to present standard behavioral expectations based on school board policy for all students in the district. Pine-Richland School District also recognizes that behavioral expectations may vary according to the developmental needs of growing young people. Therefore, each school building in the district has its own Student Code of Conduct as well. Individual building codes of conduct are in keeping with this district Discipline Code but present details specific to the needs of particular student populations. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the district Discipline Code as well as that of each building and to review these documents with your children.

Goals

* To ensure the rights and personal dignity of students and staff.

* To emphasize the need to accept personal responsibility for self-discipline.

* To assure a fair, consistent, reasonable approach to the administration of the Discipline Code.

* To maintain an effective and safe learning environment.

* To protect and maintain school property.

* To identify and assist students who demonstrate inappropriate behavior.

The Discipline Code is outlined in four levels. Level I, II, III and IV represent a continuum of misbehaviors based on the seriousness of the act and the frequency of the occurrence. Students should avoid the behaviors listed and instead demonstrate good conduct.

The examples provided in this Discipline Code should not be considered as limiting the behaviors which may require disciplinary action by school personnel.

Any student found in violation of Board Policy, district rules and regulations, local, state or federal laws will receive appropriate disciplinary action.

Student Expectations and Behavioral Guidelines

Conduct is closely related to learning. An effective instructional program requires a wholesome and orderly school environment. While self-discipline is the district’s primary goal, from time to time, the school district may take disciplinary actions to accomplish the following objectives:

1. To assist young people in developing acceptable behavior patterns in school and in the community.

2. To assist young people in developing respect for themselves, other students, faculty and advisors, school property and safety in general.

3. To assist young people to become responsible young adults.

4. To provide young people a firm yet responsible framework upon which they may develop to their fullest capacity, compatible with the goals of home and community, and whose end result is good citizenship and responsible character development.

Students are expected to know and respect the rules and regulations of the district and its schools and, further, to behave in a manner appropriate to good citizenship. These expectations and guidelines apply to students during their travel to and from school, during school and at all school activities.

Common sense, good faith and a shared desire for a safe, healthy learning environment are the key ingredients of this discipline code. The levels and consequences have been reviewed by teams of students, parents and staff members. Each section is supported by School Board Policy.

It is important that everyone clearly understands the Discipline Code. Expectations for student behavior in Pine-Richland can be summarized in several simple, yet important terms. Students are expected to:Be Prompt, Be Prepared, Be Polite, Participate, Progress

Most students easily meet these expectations. They are successful in school because these behaviors have been learned at home and practiced in school. Students who do not meet these expectations will be assigned consequences of various levels to encourage them to change their behavior.

School Board Policies are available in each school office, the Northern Tier Regional Library, the Pine Center Library, and on this web site.

Attendance

Students are expected to report to school on time each day and to report to all classes and study halls on time. A written excuse, signed by a student’s parent or guardian, is required for each absence or incidence of tardiness. This excuse is required within 5 days after the absence or tardy to school. Any tardies or absences which are unexcused after the 5 days are recorded as permanently unexcused. Note: A parent or guardian signature on the excuse is necessary, even if the student is 18 years or older.

Participation in special events (activities/athletics)

Student attendance in school on the day of any extracurricular activity (athletic event, club activity, musical, concert, Homecoming, Prom, field trip) is expected. At minimum, students must attend one-half of the school day, with a valid excuse for late arrival/early dismissal, to be eligible to participate in the extracurricular activity.

Excused Absences

Five reasons are defined as excused absences from school, by Board Policy and the State Board of Education: 1) observance of religious holidays; 2) health care; 3) illness or other urgent reasons; 4) educational trips, with prior approval (Note: A completed District Trip Request Form must be submitted to the principal two weeks prior to the trip.); 5) other approved absences, such as tutoring, homebound instruction, work study, graduation preparation.

Students who miss classwork and exams due to an excused absence may make up all work within a time period equal to the absence, plus one additional day, unless alternate arrangements are agreed to between the student and the student’s teachers.

Unexcused Absences or Tardiness

For each day of absence or tardiness from class judged as unexcused or illegal by the school administration, the student receives a failing (F) grade for the day in that class. Students who are not granted an excused absence/tardy will not be permitted to make up any written work, or to take any tests or examinations missed during the absence.

After ten (10) days of absence or tardiness in the school year, parents will be notified by school authorities concerning the student’s attendance pattern. After five (5) days of continuous absence or after the 15th day of cumulative absence or tardiness, the school may require the parent to verify the student’s illness by a written statement from a physician.

Illness at School

A student who becomes ill at school should ask for a pass to the Health Office. A student must report there rather than going to the restroom. Spending time in the restroom while ill constitutes an illegal unexcused absence from class.

Tardy to School

Students are expected to arrive at school on time each day. Being tardy to school means arriving at school any time after the tardy bell rings. After that time the student must report to the School Office or Attendance Office immediately upon entering the building. A valid, written excuse, signed by the parent/guardian, is required within five days after the tardiness. Any tardies remaining as unexcused after five days are permanently recorded as ‘unexcused’ and will result in consequences as outlined in the Discipline Code.

Note: Tardiness to school must be for valid reasons. "Sleeping in", "Missing the bus" and "Car problems" are not considered as valid reasons for being tardy to school. A late school bus is a valid excuse.

Early Dismissal

Appointments for students should be scheduled after school hours, except in cases of emergency. Should an appointment during school hours be imperative, parents should write a request for an early dismissal in pen on suitable stationery, which the student should present to the School Office or Attendance Office at the start of the school day. The note must state: student’s full name, date of dismissal, time of dismissal, reason for dismissal, signature of parent/guardian and phone number of parent/guardian for verification. All students must check out through the School Office/Attendance Office when leaving the building for an early dismissal.

Leaving the School Building or Property

Students are not permitted to go outside the school building (including the school parking lot or recess areas) or leave the school property without permission from the school office, or except when accompanied by a faculty member, coach or school administrator. Parents wishing to pick up a student during the school day (early dismissal) must meet the student at the School Office/Attendance Office. Identification may be requested.

Truancy

The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provide for a $300 per day fine and allow the court to impose parent education classes and community service sentences for parents of a truant child who do not show they took reasonable steps to ensure the child’s school attendance. It provides that the parent and child must appear at a hearing before the district magistrate. This law also provides that truant students can lose their driver’s license for 90 days for a first offense and 6 months for a second offense.

Care of School Property

Schools help students learn to respect property and develop feelings of pride in community institutions. Students are responsible for the proper care of school property and the school supplies and equipment entrusted to their use.

Students who willfully damage school property will receive consequences which include legal consequences. Parents may be held liable for any damage or destruction to school property caused by their children.

School District Lockers

Lockers are the property of the school district. Students shall have no expectation of privacy regarding their locker. No student may use a locker to store a substance or object which is prohibited by law or district regulations, or which threatens the health, safety or welfare of the building and its occupants.

School officials have the right to inspect a school district locker when there is a reasonable suspicion that the locker is being used improperly. It is desirable but not always necessary that the student be notified and allowed to be present before a locker search.

Weapons

The Board of School Directors takes a no tolerance attitude toward weapons in our schools. Students cannot bring on to the school premises any firearm, explosive weapon, club, knife, brass knuckles, any other dangerous or illegal instrument, or any look-alike instrument represented as such. Students cannot interfere with the normal activities, occupancy, or use of any building or portion of the school campus by exhibiting, using, or threatening to exhibit or use a dangerous weapon or its look-alike. Any student who brings or possesses a weapon on school property at any school-sponsored activity or on any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school-sponsored activity shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year. However, the Superintendent in his or her discretion may recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Such student will also be referred to local law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution.

School premises is defined as the school building, the school grounds, athletic fields, school buses and facilities/areas visited while on school field trips.

Should a student need to use a look-alike instrument for educational purposes, he/she must request permission from the building principal, prior to the class, and keep the look-alike in the office when not being used in class.

Safe Schools Act

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law requires a mandatory one year expulsion for the possession of weapons on school property, including school buses and school-sponsored events. It requires parents to provide a sworn statement upon registering their child in school as to whether the child had previously been suspended or expelled from another school. Act 26 also requires schools to maintain records on acts of violence and weapon possession and to forward student discipline records when a student transfers to another school.

Dress and Grooming

All students are expected to dress in a manner that promotes school pride and enhances the school’s image. Student dress and grooming must be clean, neat, modest, proper and consistent with the educational, safety and sanitary environment of the school. Dress should not be disruptive to the educational process. Repeated dress code violations may be dealt with as incidents of defiance of authority or insubordination.

 

Driving to School

Driving in personal vehicles to and from school is limited by school policy to special circumstances and is by permit only. Students are strongly encouraged to utilize the district-provided bus transportation to and from school. The school district assumes no responsibility for student safety or for personal property damages. Driving privileges are limited to high school students possessing a valid Pennsylvania drivers’ license (not a PA Learners’ Permit) and who agree ot the student driving regulations. Detailed information concerning student driving, student riders, and loss of driving/riding privileges is available at the high school.

Blood Alcohol Content of Minors

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania considers the intoxication of a minor to be a summary offense, carrying a fine of $100 for any person under the age of 21 who operates a motor vehicle with any alcohol in their bloodstream.

This summary offense is in addition to the loss of driving privileges and other sanctions allowable under current drunk driving laws.

Drugs and Alcohol

The School Board takes a no tolerance attitude toward the use or abuse of drugs and alcohol. District policy prohibits the possession and/or use, mimic of use, sale, and/or mimic of sale, distribution and/or intent of distribution of any illegal or controlled mood altering chemical medication, or abused chemical not approved by the health office on school property, at school sponsored curricular and extra-curricular activities or field trips, on school buses and enroute to and from school by any mode of travel.

Violation of this policy includes the possession, use, sale, distribution, or mimicking the possession, use, sale or distribution of chemicals or paraphernalia.

• Possession/Use The following consequences are in place for students possessing and/or using drugs and/or alcohol: a 3-10 day suspension; parent conference required before returning to classes; referral to the police; referral to drug and/or alcohol treatment. Consequences may also include a conference with the Superintendent, a behavior contract, longer term suspension, alternate educational placement or temporary/permanent expulsion.

• Distribution Holding to the no tolerance policy, the consequences for distributing, sharing or involving others in the use of drugs and/or alcohol in school are all of the above plus possible referral to the School Board for expulsion.

• Sale The sale of drugs and/or alcohol in the Pine-Richland School District will not be tolerated. Students will be adjudicated before both the Board of School Directors and the legal authorities. The school consequence is permanent expulsion from the school district. The police and district attorney determine the letal consequences.

Delinquent vs. Criminal Acts

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law provides that any person age 15 or older who commits a violent crime and either 1) committed the crime with a deadly weapon or, 2) has previously been adjudicated delinquent for a violent crime, will automatically be tried as an adult in the criminal justice system.

Electronic Devices

Radios, audio recorders/players, toys and electronic devices, such as games should not be brought to school. Board policy prohibits students from possessing or using pagers (beepers), scanners, cellular telephones and laser pointers and attachments during the school day, on school property or at school sponsored activities, both on and off school property, except as pre-approved by the principal. Violation of this rule is considered a Level II consequence.

Harassment

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: verbal harassment or abuse; pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implications; or unwanted touching. Sexual harassment is considered a Level III consequence.

Unlawful harassment in any form is prohibited. The term harassment includes but is not limited to slurs, jokes, or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, age or handicap/disability.

Ethnic and racial harassment includes the use of derogatory words, phrases or actions to characterize offensively a given racial or ethnic group. Further, the following behavior may constitute racial or ethnic intimidation:

• Pressure to engage in racial or ethnic intimidation.

• Repeated remarks of demeaning racial or ethnic implications.

• The demeaning display of depiction or any racial or ethnic group.

A substantiated charge of harassment will subject the student to disciplinary action and may include educational activities or counseling services related to harassment.

Possession and Use of Tobacco

Students are prohibited from both possessing and using tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and all other tobacco and smokeless tobacco products (chew and look-alike products) in school buildings, on school buses, on school property and at school-sponsored events. In addition to disciplinary consequences, students will be issued a citation for use or possession of smoke or smokeless tobacco.

Lighted objects It is a violation of the fire code to have a lighted object in the school or to interfere with fire protection equipment, systems, or procedures. A student who is found with a lighted object (cigarette, lighter, match, etc.) or who otherwise violates the fire code will be referred to the proper authorities, which could result in a fine.

Smoke Free Campus For the safety and well-being of our students, staff and visitors, all Pine-Richland school buildings, fields and stadium are designated as smoke-free areas. School Board Policy authorizes the 24 hour, year round smoke-free status. Smoking, or the use of smokeless tobacco, by any persons, at any time is prohibited. This policy applies to everyone using or renting school facilities at any time.

Student Expression

The rights of students to express themselves in word or symbol is limited by the need to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights of all members of the school community. Student expressions which violate the rights of others are prohibited. Such expressions are those which:

• Libel any specific person or persons.

• Seek to establish the supremacy of a particular religious denomination, sect, or point of view.

• Advocate the use or advertise the availability of any substance or material which may reasonably be believed to constitute a direct and substantial danger to the health of students.

• Are obscene or contain material otherwise deemed to be harmful to impressionable students who may receive them.

• Incite violence, advocate the use of force, or urge the violation of law or school regulations.

• Solicit funds for nonschool organizations or institutions when such solicitations have not been approved by the School Board.

 

Student Access to Technology

As the use of technology increases, so, too, does the concern for its appropriate use. Each student in grades 4 through 12, and their parents/guardians are expected to abide by the guidelines set forth in the "Student Access to Technology Resources Agreement."

This agreement includes

• Technology resources are to be used only for learning within the district’s approved curriculum.

• Accounts are to be used only by the authorized student owner. Passwords are not to be shared.

• Technical or security problems must be reported immediately to the teacher.

• Outside disks may not be used without prior teacher approval.

• Personal information (name, personal address, phone number, credit card number) is not to be shared over the Internet.

• Use of resources to access or process inappropriate material is prohibited.

• Downloading files which may be dangerous to the integrity of the network is not permitted.

• Transmission of material, information or software in violation of district policy or federal, state or local law or regulation is prohibited.

• Network users may download educationally appropriate materials for their own use. Copyrighted materials must be used in accordance with district policy and applicable law.

• No one is permitted to change the setup of a school district computer.

• Vandalism (a malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment, materials or systems) may result in the cancellation of a user’s privileges and assessment for damages.

• All information stored on district resources is the property of the Pine-Richland School District.

 

NOTE: Access to the Internet, via school equipment, is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate, unauthorized or illegal use will result in cancellation of that privilege and application of appropriate disciplinary action.

Terroristic Threats or Acts

Students are prohibited from communicating terroristic threats or committing terroristic acts directed at any student, employee, school director, community member or school building.

Students making a threat or committing such acts may be suspended immediately. The threat or act will be promptly reported to law enforcement officers. The School Board may recommend that the student be permanently expelled from the Pine-Richland School District.

School Bus Conduct

Safety, respect and courtesy are expected of all students who ride Pine-Richland school buses, to and from school, field trips, athletic events or student activities. The rules for safe bus behavior are listed below.

During the bus ride, students are expected to display courtesy and respect.

Level I Discipline Behaviors - subject to Level I Consequences

• Remain seated at all times.

• Do not stand until the bus comes to a complete stop.

• Walkman sized radios, CDs or tape players may be used with headphones only.

• Hand-held games (such as "Game Boy") may not be used on the bus.

• Do not bring animals onto the school bus.

• Scuffling, shoving, or "horseplay" is not permitted on the bus or at the bus stop.

• Shouting, or using obscene, vulgar, or unacceptable language either in or outside of the bus is not permitted.

• Do not extend your head, arm, hand or any part of you out the bus window.

• Speak respectfully to the school bus driver.

 

Level II Discipline Behaviors - subject to Level II Consequences

• Do not damage the bus in any way.

• Do not damage personal property of others on the bus.

• Do not litter in the bus. Spitting is prohibited.

• Do not throw anything inside the bus or out the bus windows.

• Do not throw objects or cause injury to others on the bus.

• Unwanted physical contact is prohibited.

• All bus riders are to follow any special instructions given by the school bus driver (this may include sitting in assigned seats).

 

Level III Discipline Behaviors - subject to Level III Consequences

• Fighting on the bus is prohibited.

• The use or possession of weapons, drugs, tobacco or alcohol, or look-alike is a serious violation of the Discipline Code, and will be dealt with accordingly.

 

Discipline Structure

Misbehaviors and their interventions are categorized by levels according to degree of seriousness and frequency of occurrence.

Level I offenses include minor misbehaviors on the part of the student which are disruptive to the normal teaching environment and which interfere with the orderly operation of the school. While these misbehaviors are usually handled by the individual staff member who observes the incident, they may require the intervention of other school personnel. Repeated instances of misbehavior at this level raise the offense to a higher level.

 

Level I

The following list includes, but is not limited to behaviors that will result in Level I consequences:

* Swearing

* Cafeteria misbehavior

* Using walkmans or radios at school

* Field trip misbehavior

* Hygiene issues

* Classroom tardiness

* Not displaying parking permit

* Dress code violations

* Not following the school’s procedure for arriving tardy to school

* Unlawful harassment

* Engaging in horseplay

* Hall roaming

* Damaging school property

* Public display of affection

* Littering

* Off-task behaviors

* Excessive talking

* Eating/drinking in classrooms or hallways

* Misbehavior in assemblies

* Unprepared for class

* Not following the school’s procedure for early dismissal

* School bus misbehavior

 

Examples of Level I consequences are, but are not limited to:

* Helping dialogue

* Verbal warning

* Improvement plan

* Written record of offense

* Assignment to time out room

* Recess suspension

* Detention

* Phone call home

* Denial of privileges

* Confiscation

 

• Consequences of Level I School Bus misbehavior:

* Driver/student conference and warning

* Assigned seats

* Principal/student conference and warning

* Parent/Principal conference

* Bus suspension, one or more days

 

Level II

Level II offenses are misbehaviors whose frequency or seriousness disrupts the learning climate of the school or classroom. These infractions can result from the continuation of Level I misbehaviors or include new offenses. The educational consequences are serious enough to require disciplinary action taken by administrative personnel. Repeated, or more serious instances of misbehavior at this level raise the offense to a higher level.

The following list includes, but is not limited to behaviors that will result in Level II consequences:

* Persistent Level I behaviors

* Lying

* Cheating

* Misrepresentation of parent or guardian

* Disrespect

* Defiance of authority

* Insubordination

* Driving to school without a parking permit

* Use or possession of tobacco

* Unlawful harassment

* Not serving detention

* Unwanted physical contact

* Violation of technology agreement

* Forgery (ex: of permission slips)

* Cutting class

* Possession or use of laser pens or pointers

* Leaving school building without permission

* School bus misbehavior

Examples of Level II consequences are, but are not limited to:

* Helping dialogue

* Warning

* Recess suspension

* Phone call home

* Improvement plan

* Assignment to time-out room

* Letter sent home

* Written record of offense

* Denial of privileges

* Detention

* In school suspension

* Out of school suspension

* Referral to Police or District Magistrate

• Consequences of Level II School Bus misbehavior

* Principal and parent notified of first offense

* Restitution for property damage

* Bus suspension, one or more days

* Report filed with local Police

 

Level III

Level III offenses are acts whose frequency or seriousness disrupt the learning climate of the school and are directed against persons or properties. These misbehaviors could endanger the health or safety of those in the school. Repeated, or more serious instances of misbehavior at this level raise the offense to a higher level.

The following list includes, but is not limited to behaviors that will result in Level III consequences:

* Persistent Level II behavior

* Disrespect

* Defiance of authority or insubordination

* Theft

* Threats

* Extortion

* Bribery

* Fighting

* Vandalism

* Smoke bombs

* Unsafe driving in the parking lot

* Involvement with alcohol and/or drugs

* Sexual harassment

* Possession/use of gambling, paraphernalia

* Possession or use of electronic devices (pagers/beepers)

* Unapproved use/possession of cellular telephone

* Possession/use of drug paraphernalia

* Leaving school grounds without permission (ex: cutting school)

* School bus misbehavior

 

Examples of Level III consequences are, but are not limited to:

* Recess suspension

* Multiple days of in-school suspension

* Multiple days of out of school suspension

* Parent conference required prior to a return to classes

* Referral to the Superintendent

* Referral to police

* Possible referral by the Superintendent to the Board of School Directors for consideration of expulsion from school.

 

• Consequences of Level III School Bus misbehavior

* Principal and parent notified; bus suspension to run concurrently with other disciplinary penalties.

Level IV

Level IV misbehaviors disrupt the learning climate of the school by posing a threat to the health, safety and welfare of others in the school. These criminal acts always require administrative actions and may require the removal of the student from school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and possible action by the School Board.

The following list includes, but is not limited to behaviors that will result in Level IV consequences:

* Persistent Level III misbehavior

* Terroristic threats or acts

* Bomb threats

* Weapons or look-alikes

* Unlawful harassment

* Arson

* Assault

* Tampering with fire extinguishers or fire safety systems

* False fire alarms

 

Examples of Level IV consequences are, but are not limited to:

* Out of school suspension

* Possible referral by the Superintendent to the Board of School Directors for consideration of expulsion from school

* Referral to the Police or District Magistrate.