PCSSD Elementary and Secondary Parent/Student Handbook for Student Conduct and Discipline “What’s New”

“What’s New”  One Handbook for both Organizational Levels  To align Handbook with eSchoolPLUS database: Level I Rules begin with number 101 Level I Rules begin with number 101 Level II Rules begin with number 201 Level II Rules begin with number 201 Level III Rules begin with number 301 Level III Rules begin with number 301 Level IV Rules begin with number 401 Level IV Rules begin with number 401 Transportation Rules begin with number 501 Transportation Rules begin with number 501 Local School Handbook Rules begin with 601 Local School Handbook Rules begin with 601

Levels of Infractions Level I Violation of General Classroom and Bus Rules Level I consists of minor offenses that generally occur in the classroom or on the bus and can be corrected by teacher or driver Level II Conduct Requiring Administrative Intervention Level II consists of offenses that are more serious in nature or persistent or serious Level I infractions. Level III Suspension and/or Removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program Level III consists of offenses that significantly disrupt the educational process, school environment, and/or school-related activities, including bus transportation, or are persistent or serious Level I or II infractions Level IV Expulsion and/or Removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program Level IV consists of serious offenses which include willfully or malicious acts that have the effect of materially and substantially disrupting the educational environment in the school, on the school bus, or at school activities; or Level I, II, or III infractions depending on the severity or persistence of the act.

I. Standards of Conduct PARENT/STUDENT PROCESS FOR COMPLAINTS/APPEALS The process for appealing an administrative decision is as follows: Contact the building principal Contact the Assistant Superintendent for Equity and Pupil Services in writing (see page 37). A text box has been added and contains the following:

Level I Rules Level I consists of minor infractions that occur and can be corrected by any school personnel Rule 101. Refusal to Follow School and/or Classroom Rules Rule 102. Defiant Behavior Rule 103. Academic Dishonesty Rule 104. Profanity and Obscene Gestures Rule 105. Sexually Explicit Materials Rule 106. Public Display of Affection Rule 107. Leaving Campus or Designated Area Rule 108. Harassment See Parent/Student/Teacher/Administration Behavior Contract in the Appendix

Level I Rule Consequences a. Parent/Administrator Conference b. D-Hall/SAC – 1 day c. SAC – 2 days d. Suspension – 2 days (Develop Behavior Plan) e. Suspension – 4 days and probation f. Recommendation for Expulsion Rules 202 and 203 under Level II Infractions have Level I Consequences for Elementary Students Only

Level II … Level II consists of offenses that are more serious in nature or persistent or serious Level I misconduct Rule 201. Gambling Rule 202. Forgery or Falsification of Information or Failure to Provide Identification Identification Rule 203. Smoking or Smokeless Tobacco Rule 204. Fighting Rule 205. Misdemeanor Theft Rule 206. Criminal Mischief/Vandalism - Relatively Minor Damage Rule 207. Possession of Fireworks

Level II Consequences a. a. Suspension – 2 days b. b. Suspension – 4 days and probation c. c. Recommendation for Expulsion Rules 202 and 203 under Level II Infractions have Level I Consequences for Elementary Students Only

Rule 208. Possession/Use of Paging Devices (Beepers), cell phones, or other electronic communication devices Rule 208 Consequences a. a. Parent/Administrator Conference and device confiscated for two (2) weeks b. b. Suspension – 2 days and device confiscated for remainder of semester c. c. Suspension – 4 days and probation and device confiscated for remainder of school year d. d. Recommendation for Expulsion

Level III Level III consists of offenses that significantly disrupt the educational process, school environment, and/or school-related activities, including bus transportation, or are persistent or serious Level I or II misconduct Rule 301. Loitering by Suspended or Expelled Student Rule 302. Possessing or Using Drug Paraphernalia Rule 303. False Emergency Alarm/Tampering with Safety Devices Rule 304. Assault (Second Degree) Rule 305. Terroristic Threat (Second Degree) Rule 306. Bullying Rule 307. Disorderly Conduct Rule 308. Misdemeanor Battery Rule 309. Unlawful Sexual Contact

Level III continued… Level III consists of offenses that significantly disrupt the educational process, school environment, and/or school-related activities, including bus transportation, or are persistent or serious Level I or II misconduct Rule 310. Sexual Harassment Rule 311. Indecent Exposure Rule 312. Extortion/Bribery Rule 313. Membership or Participation in Fraternities, Sororities, Secret Clubs, Gang Activities or Associations. Activities or Associations. Rule 314. Unauthorized Accessing or Attempting to Access Computer Files Rule 315. Possession or Use of Prohibited Weapon or Laser Rule 316. Felony Theft – Student Property Rule 317. Felony Theft – School Property Rule 318. Criminal Mischief/Vandalism – Major Damage

Level III Consequences a. a. Suspension – 2 days b. b. Suspension – 4 days and probation c. c. Recommendation for Expulsion

Rule 319. Possessing, Using, or Being Under the Influence of Alcohol or Illegal Drugs Rule 319 Consequences a. a. Parent/Administrator Conference and suspension – 10 days and probation b. b. Recommendation for Expulsion

Level IV Level IV consists of serious offenses which include willful or malicious acts that have the effect of materially and substantially disrupting the educational environment in the school, on the school bus, or at school activities Rule 401. Terroristic Threatening – Threats of Serious Physical Injury or Property Damage/Threats to Teachers/Staff Property Damage/Threats to Teachers/Staff Rule 402. Bomb/False Bomb, Fire Alarm/Threat Rule 403. Assault/Battery with Substantial Risk of Death or Serious Physical Injury (First Degree) Injury (First Degree) Rule 404. Assault/Battery on Staff Rule 405. Sexual Abuse or Rape

Level IV continued… Rule 406. Robbery Rule 407. Selling, Attempting to Sell/Distribute or Purchase Drugs/Alcohol Purchase Drugs/Alcohol Rule 408. Arson Rule 409. Possession or Use of Firearm, Weapon, or Facsimile Weapon Facsimile Weapon Rule 410. Behavior Not Covered

F. Refer to Local School Handbook Rules Rule 601. Repeated School and/or Class Tardiness Rule 602. Student Dress and Grooming/School Uniforms Rule 603. Violation of Parking and Driving Regulations Rule 604. Truancy (Skipping School or Class)

Transportation Consequences Transportation rules have been aligned categorically by levels. Recommendations for termination of bus privileges must go through the hearing process. Level I a. Student/Parent/Administrator Conference b. Bus Suspension – 2 days c. Bus Suspension – 4 days and probation d. Bus Suspension – 10 days and probation e. Recommendation for expulsion of bus riding privileges for remainder of school year Level II a. Suspension – 2 days from bus b. Suspension – 4 days from bus c. Suspension – 10 days from bus and probation d. Recommendation for expulsion of bus riding privileges for remainder of school year Level III Consequences for Rules 23 through 24 appear in the handbook after each rule.

Definitions Definitions are located in the back of the handbook before the Appendix. The revised definition in the Handbook is:  Alpha Academy changed to Learning Academy Academy

What’s New Continued … III. Procedures to Implement Disciplinary Measures (page 22) A. A. Alternative Programs – Secondary Only B. B. PCSSD Learning Academy – Secondary Only C. C. Student Assistance Centers (SAC) – Secondary Only D. D. Saturday School – Elementary Only

What’s New Continued… Per State Department directive the entire Board Policy for the following sections have been included in the handbook to ensure alignment:  E. Entrance Age Requirements (page 27) For the school year, students may enter For the school year, students may enter kindergarten in the public school of Arkansas if the student will kindergarten in the public school of Arkansas if the student will attain the age of five (5) years on or before August 15, attain the age of five (5) years on or before August 15,  A. K-12 Immunization Requirements (page 38)  A. Grading Assessment System (page 42)  C. Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment, and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) (page 44) Program (ACTAAP) (page 44)

What’s New Continued…  E. Promotion and Retention of Students (page 45)  G. Arkansas Smart Core and Core Curriculum (page 46)  H Graduation Requirements (page 50)  K. The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program (ACS) (page 55) (ACS) (page 55)

The Division of Equity and Pupil Services July 2010