Code of Ethics

F. BEHAVIOR

Actions or conduct which would constitute a crime will be reported to the Warwick Police. Actions which interfere with or threaten the orderly conduct of school functions, or violate the written policy of the Warwick Public Schools are grounds for suspension. This applies to ALL school associated activities, including classroom, extra curricular, and athletic.

In accordance with Section 16-2-16 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, the public schools of the City of Warwick in the process of accommodating the government and discipline of the schools has established the following instances in which student suspension or expulsion from school may result.

1. Grounds for Suspension

Actions which if committed by an adult would be a crime, or actions or conduct which interfere with or threaten the orderly conduct of school functions including classroom, extra curricular, athletic and other school related functions or violate written policy of the Warwick School Committee, school department rules and regulations or school rules* shall constitute grounds for suspension of a student from enrollment in the Warwick Public Schools.

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*School rules outlining punishable offenses and penalties are posted in all schools in accordance with Section 16-2-16 of the Rhode Island General Laws.

2. Criminal Actions which Result in Suspension and Other Disciplinary Measures

a. Arson

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b. Assault and/or battery

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c. Burglary, theft or robbery

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d. Extortion

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e. False alarms

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f. Forgery

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g. Sale, distribution, use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal or non-prescribed drugs in a school building or at school events.*

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h. Possession of fireworks

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i. Possession of weapons including, without limitation, firearms, knives, bombs, rockets and grenades. The Warwick School Department follows all applicable state and federal laws including the Gun Free School Act, which includes a definition of weapons and penalties for weapon possession.

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j. Tampering with a school computer or computer program.

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k. Bomb Threats - Verbal or written.

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* Refer to Substance Abuse Policy (JFCH/JFCI) for further direction.

3. Actions which Result in Suspension and/or Other Disciplinary Measures

a. Cutting Class

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b. Failure to report to detention

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c. Fighting

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d. Harassment - verbal, physical or sexual.

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e. Leaving school grounds without permission.
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f.

(i). Use of tobacco - School Committee Policy (JFCG)
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.....Smoking and the use of all tobacco products is forbidden on school property. The penalty for infraction of this policy shall be suspension. Appropriate notices regarding this matter shall be sent home to the parents at the beginning of the school year.

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(ii). Possession of tobacco or tobacco products on school grounds will result in the confiscation of such items.

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g. Truancy

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h. Profanity

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i. Disrespect, disobedience - failure to comply with directions of teachers administrators and other appropriate staff members on school grounds or at school related activities.

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j. Lack of needed materials

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k. Cheating

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l. Overt displays of affection

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m. Property damage, including vandalism.

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n. Simple Assault

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o. Computer misuse

Also included is any other infraction not specifically listed in A or B which is, of its very nature, disruptive of the educational process and would create a hazard to the safety of students or school staff.

4. Hazing policy

The term "Hazing" as defined by law means any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Anyone who knows that another person is the victim of hazing and is at the scene of such action shall report such action to appropriate school personnel as soon as is reasonable and practicable. Anyone who fails to report such action shall be subject to suspension not only from school, but also from the team for the remainder of the season

5. DUE PROCESS

a. Suspension: Five Days or Less

When a school administrator imposes a suspension of a student for a period of up to and including five (5) days, the following procedure shall apply:

1. Whenever an incident occurs that may lead to the suspension of a student, the principal or assistant principal shall investigate the nature of the alleged incident.

2. Normally, before a student is removed from the school, an informal hearing will be afforded him/her before the Principal or Assistant Principal. At the hearing, the administrator conducting it will inform the student of the charges against him/her and will represent a fair summary of the evidence upon which the charge is based.

3. The student shall be given an opportunity to be heard with respect to the alleged incident. However, no school employee shall harass, coerce, intimidate or in any way compel students to incriminate themselves or interrogate them against their will.

4. In cases in which, in the opinion of the Principal or Assistant Principal, the nature of the act or occurrence is such that persons or property are endangered or disruption of school operation is occurring or threatened, the student will be removed from school immediately and the informal hearing will take place as soon thereafter as practicable.

5. If the principal or assistant principal determines that grounds for suspension exist, he/she shall:

a). Immediately suspend from school and remove from the premises a student whose conduct disrupts the educational conduct of the school, endangers fellow students or damages property. Except in cases of disruption, where circumstances make it vital that one or several students be removed from the school property immediately, no student shall be released from school during the day without notifying the parent or guardian in person or by telephone. In instances of suspension where the student shall remain in school until regular closing time, the parent or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 will be notified of the suspension on the same date.

b). Within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension, written notice containing reason(s) therefore and length of suspension shall be given the student and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18. Such notice shall be in spoken language of the parent(s) or guardian.

c). Within seventy-two (72) hours of the suspension, the student, and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the school administrator who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The administrator is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference.

d). The maximum suspension which may be imposed by a school administrator is five (5) days.

b. Suspension - Six to Ten Days

When grounds for suspension are considered by the principal to be more serious, he/she may recommend a suspension of six to ten (6 - 10) days to the superintendent or his/her designee. In such instances, the procedures specified for a suspension of five days or less and the following procedure will be followed:

1. The principal or assistant principal shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 and the superintendent in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension on the same date and the recommendation to the superintendent for an extension of the suspension for more five days. Such notice shall describe the reason (s) for suspension and communication to the student, parent(s) or guardian will be written in their spoken language.
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2. A suspension of six to ten (6 - 10) days must be approved by the superintendent or his/her designee. Within seventy-two (72) hours of the extension of the suspension, the student and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the superintendent or his/her designee who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The superintendent is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference.
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3. The maximum suspension, which may be imposed by the superintendent is ten (10) days.

c. Suspension - More Than Ten Days

When the superintendent recommends the suspension of a student in excess of ten (10) days, the following procedure shall apply:

1. Whenever an incident occurs that may lead to the suspension of a student, the principal or assistant principal shall investigate the nature of the alleged incident.

2. Normally, before a student is removed from the school, an informal hearing will be afforded him/her before the Principal or Assistant Principal. At the hearing, the administrator conducting it will inform the student of the charges against him/her and will represent a fair summary of the evidence upon which the charge is based.

3. The student shall be given an opportunity to be heard with respect to the alleged incident. However, no school employee shall harass, coerce, intimidate or in any way compel students to incriminate themselves or interrogate them against their will.

4. In cases in which, in the opinion of the Principal or Assistant Principal, the nature of the act or occurrence is such that persons or property are endangered or disruption of school operation is occurring or threatened, the student will be removed from school immediately and the informal hearing will take place as soon thereafter as practicable.

5. The principal or assistant principal shall immediately suspend from school and remove from the premises a student whose conduct disrupts the educational conduct of the school, endangers fellow students or damages property. Except in cases of disruption where circumstance make it vital that one or several students be removed from the school property immediately, no student shall be released from school during the day without notifying the parent (s) or guardian in person or by telephone. In instances of suspension where the student shall remain in school until regular closing time, the parent or guardian will be notified of the suspension on the same date.

6. The principal or assistant principal may suspend the student for five days and make a recommendation to the superintendent that the suspension be extended for more than five days. He/she shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 and the superintendent in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension and/or recommendation on the same date. Such notice shall describe the reason(s) for suspension and communication to the student or parent(s) or guardian will be written in their spoken language.

7. A suspension for more than five (5) days must be approved in the first instance by the superintendent.

8. The superintendent may extend the suspension for an additional five (5) days for a maximum total of ten (10) days.

9. Within seventy-two (72) hours of the extension of the suspension, the student and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the superintendent or his/her designee who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The superintendent is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference.

10. If the superintendent believes that a suspension should be for more then ten (10) days, he/she will refer the matter to the School Committee. The School Committee shall conduct a hearing, public or private at the selection of the student, on or before the tenth school day after the initial suspension.

11. The superintendent shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 of the extension of the suspension. If the superintendent is recommending a suspension of more than ten (10) days, he/she shall include in the notice a clear, written statement of the reason for suspension, the date, time and place of the hearing before the School Committee and of their right to be represented by counsel. Such notice shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours before such hearing.

12. At the hearing, the School Department may present evidence in support of the suspension and may present and cross-examine witnesses. The student, his/her attorney, parents or guardian may present evidence against the suspension or the length thereof and or present and cross-examine witnesses. It shall not be necessary for the School Committee to follow the strict rules of evidence, but the hearing shall be fair and afford the student the right to due process of law. There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic or electronic) record of the hearing, including all exhibits.

13. At the completion of the hearing, the School Committee may uphold the suspension as imposed, modify or amend it, or reduce it to a minimum of ten (10) days. The student shall be provided with a record of the hearing (without cost) and a written copy of the School Committee decision regarding the hearing. A copy of the decision and record will be promptly forwarded to the Commissioner of Education if there is an appeal to the Commissioner.

d. Suspension Appeal Process

1. The principal or assistant principal shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 in writing within twenty-four hours of the suspension. Such notice shall describe the reason(s) for suspension and communication to the parent(s) or guardian will be written in their spoken language.

2. Within seventy-two (72) hours of the suspension, the student, parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the school administrator who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The administrator is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference.

3. The student, parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 may appeal the principal's decision to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee by submitting a letter of appeal to the Superintendent.

4. The student or parent(s)or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 may appeal the Superintendent's decision to the School Committee, which shall conduct a hearing, public or private at the selection of the student.

5. The Superintendent shall notify the student or parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 of the date, time and place of such hearing and of their right to be represented by counsel. Such notice shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours before such hearing.

6. At the hearing, the School Department may present evidence in support of the suspension. The student may present evidence against suspension or the length thereof. It shall not be necessary for the School Committee to follow the strict rules of evidence, but the hearing shall be fair and afford the student the right to due process of law. There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic or electronic) record of the hearing, including all exhibits.

7. At the completion of the hearing, the School Committee may uphold the suspension as imposed or amend it. The student shall be provided with a record of the hearing (without cost) and a written copy of the School Committee decision regarding the hearing.

8. A student may appeal the action of the School Committee, or a school principal as designee, to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education who, after notice to the parties interested of the time and place of the hearing, shall examine and decide the appeal without cost to the parties involved.

9. Any decision of the Commissioner in these matters shall be subject to appeal by the student to the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education.

10. Any decision of the Board of Regents may be appealed by the student to Superior Court.

Revised: 6/24/2003






	Attendance
	Absence/Tardiness
	Transit to School
	Code of Behavior for Walkers
	Behavior on School Grounds Prior to the Opening of School
	Dress Code, K-12
	Electronic Devices
	Behavior
	Criminal Actions Resulting in Suspension, etc.
	Actions Resulting in Suspension, etc.
	Hazing Policy
	DUE PROCESS: Suspensions and the Suspension Appeals Process

Absence or Tardiness

	a. Daily attendance for all students in the school district is required. . b. Parents are required to submit a written excuse for each period of absence or late arrival to school. . c. The cooperation of parents in not scheduling personal appointments during the day is needed. . d. Repeated tardiness to school is unacceptable. Students shall be allowed two (2) latenesses per quarter. These latenesses must be accompanied by a note from the parent/guardian. . e. Chronic truancy or tardiness will be referred to the school Attendance Administrator which may result in a referral to the Warwick Truancy Hearing Board.
	1. Elementary
		a. Three (3) or more absences during any marking period will be brought to the attention of the school nurse for review. . b. Excessive absences and late arrivals which are not the result of a clearly defined medical reason will be brought to the attention of the school Attendance Administrator.
	2. Secondary
		a. A parent or guardian must call the school to notify the appropriate person of a student's absence. . b. Any student deemed truant will be assigned to an alternative in-house school setting after a parent conference is held. Chronic truancy will be referred to the school Attendance Administrator, which may result in a referral to the Warwick Truancy Hearing Board. c. Students who have been absent from school for more than fifteen (15) days per year may not attend summer school or be tutored. . d. Repeated tardiness - more than a cumulative total of four (4) per quarter - will result in a student's suspension until a parent conference is held. Chronic offenders will be brought to the attention of the school Attendance Administrator.

B. Transit to School
	[Warwick School Committee Policy EEACC(also JFCC), as follows, governs student conduct on school buses.]
	1. Code of Behavior - School Buses* . Students shall conduct themselves in an orderly and respectful manner. The school bus is a classroom on wheels. Students should act on a school bus as they would in the classroom. The driver is in charge of the school bus in the same manner as a teacher is in charge of a schoolroom.
		Examples of Unacceptable Behavior Which Will Result in the Suspension of Bus Privileges Are:
			1. Fighting or assault on the bus. . 2. Possessing or use of illicit drugs or alcohol. . 3. Smoking or the lighting of flammable objects. . 4. Insulting, insolent or otherwise unseemly behavior to the driver, the adult bus monitor, or student(s). . 5. Causing a disturbance by teasing or threatening the driver or student(s) . 6. Damaging school bus property and/or personal property, it will be the responsibility of the parent(s) of those students involved for proper re-imbursement to the school district. . 7. Tampering with or using the Emergency Door without permission of the driver. . 8. Throwing an object or objects at the bus or from the bus.
		Examples of Unacceptable Behavior That May Result in Disciplinary Action Possibly Leading to the Suspension of Bus Privileges Are:
			9. Shouting or otherwise making continuing noise on the bus thus creating a distraction to the driver. . 10. Moving about within the bus while the bus is in motion. . 11. Standing or moving at the bus stop in such a manner as to create a danger to self or others. . 12. Opening the windows of the bus without the driver's permission. . 13. Blocking of aisles so as to endanger passengers. . 14. Spitting on the bus. . 15. Eating or drinking on the bus.
	NOTE: REPETITION OF ANY VIOLATION OR ANY INFRACTION WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF BUS PRIVILEGES.
	Violations of this Code or any other actions not specifically listed which interfere with or threaten the safe operation of the school bus and create a hazard to the safety of the students and/or the driver shall constitute grounds for the temporary suspension of bus privileges or temporary suspension from school. . Procedures to be followed in a disciplinary action resulting in a temporary loss of bus transportation or suspension are outlined in Student Suspension Regulation. Students shall be entitled to due process as outlined in Student Suspension Policy.
*See also School Committee Policy-EEACC (also JFCC).

C. Student Behavior on School Grounds Prior to the Opening of School.
	1. Elementary
		a. Students will arrive at school no earlier than ten (10) minutes before the opening of school. . b. Upon arrival, students will report directly to a designated area and must conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Clear Weather - Children will report to the school yard. Inclement Weather - Children will report to an area designated by the Principal.
	B. Secondary
		Students arriving at school earlier than fifteen (15) minutes before the beginning of the homeroom period will be restricted to certain areas of the building designated by the Principal. . Within the fifteen (15) minute period prior to homeroom, students will be in the corridors solely for the purpose of getting materials from their lockers. They are then to report directly to homeroom. . Students are to remain in homeroom during the homeroom period unless given written permission to leave by a teacher or administrator.

D. Dress Code, K-12
	In order to enhance the educational environment and promote proper personal growth habits, a dress code has been established for the Warwick Public Schools. The purpose of this code is to remove distractive, disruptive, and dangerous apparel from the educational environment. The code has been written not to infringe upon the individuality of the students but rather to create a feeling and awareness of community pride within the student body.
	In adopting this code, the Warwick School Department hopes to create a clean, healthy, and safe environment which shall be conducive to good education and beneficial to all students. It is the School Committee's intent that students wear appropriate, clean non-disruptive clothing, and in keeping with that intent, students are required to comply with the following:
		1. Articles of clothing must cover the torso, to be appropriate to the school environment and/or non-disruptive in the classroom. . 2. Sunglasses may not be worn in classrooms unless medical reasons exists . 3. No hats may be worn within the building. . 4. No clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, violence, profanity, or is obscene as that word is construed by the United States Supreme Court decisions shall be worn in a school building. . 5. Coats worn as outerwear may not be worn within the building during school hours.
	The School Committee recognizes that a student may be exempted from the provisions of the dress code due to health or handicapping conditions. Exceptions to the dress code will be granted by the building Principal upon presentation of substantive evidence from the child's physician. Such evidence shall include the specific condition and how the child's health will be affected by the dress code, information regarding any previous instances of problems, and the length of time the exception is to be in place. All exceptions will be reviewed monthly by the school building Principal.






STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY .....A firm belief in the need for discipline in our schools and a desire to make enforcement of discipline more uniform across our school system are the motivational factors behind the creation of this code. This disciplinary code for Warwick's public schools is rooted in two philosophical beliefs. First, because no learning can take place in an atmosphere of chaos or fear, a safe and orderly environment must be guaranteed to all students. Second, discipline in our schools should reinforce the following values: responsibility, dependability, truthfulness, promptness, respect for authority and property, honesty, and willingness to accept the consequences for one's actions. . .....This code will benefit both the Warwick Public Schools and the young people it serves. With schools operating in an atmosphere of high disciplinary expectations, the energies of all parties will be properly focused upon academics and academic achievement.





Warwick Public Schools Do Not Discriminate On The Basis of Age, Sexual Orientation, Race, Religion, National Origin, Color, or Disability in Accordance With Applicable Laws and Regulations.

Attendance

Attendance at school is mandated by Rhode Island General Law 16-19-1 and School Committee Policies JEA and JEDA for those students who have not reached their sixteenth birthday. After that date, students are in school on a voluntary basis and submit to the state mandate and School Committee policy as a condition of enrollment. It is clear to all connected with schools, that attendance at school is, in addition to the legal considerations, absolutely necessary for academic success. Regular attendance results in a sense of responsibility which is necessary for survival in the workplace.

2. Code of Behavior for Walkers
	a. Students must proceed directly to and from school in an orderly fashion using designated routes . b. Elementary students must cross streets only at crosswalks where designated adult crossing guards are posted. . c. Students who damage public or private property will be reported to the Warwick Police Department.

E. Electronic Devices:
	Beepers, cellular phones and other electronic communications devices are, by law, not allowed in school. Students are also prohibited from using lasers and wearing or using "walkman" type electronic gear within the building during school hours.

F. BEHAVIOR
	Actions or conduct which would constitute a crime will be reported to the Warwick Police. Actions which interfere with or threaten the orderly conduct of school functions, or violate the written policy of the Warwick Public Schools are grounds for suspension. This applies to ALL school associated activities, including classroom, extra curricular, and athletic.
	In accordance with Section 16-2-16 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, the public schools of the City of Warwick in the process of accommodating the government and discipline of the schools has established the following instances in which student suspension or expulsion from school may result.
1. Grounds for Suspension
	Actions which if committed by an adult would be a crime, or actions or conduct which interfere with or threaten the orderly conduct of school functions including classroom, extra curricular, athletic and other school related functions or violate written policy of the Warwick School Committee, school department rules and regulations or school rules* shall constitute grounds for suspension of a student from enrollment in the Warwick Public Schools. __________________________
	*School rules outlining punishable offenses and penalties are posted in all schools in accordance with Section 16-2-16 of the Rhode Island General Laws.

2. Criminal Actions which Result in Suspension and Other Disciplinary Measures
	a. Arson . b. Assault and/or battery . c. Burglary, theft or robbery . d. Extortion . e. False alarms . f. Forgery . g. Sale, distribution, use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal or non-prescribed drugs in a school building or at school events.* . h. Possession of fireworks . i. Possession of weapons including, without limitation, firearms, knives, bombs, rockets and grenades. The Warwick School Department follows all applicable state and federal laws including the Gun Free School Act, which includes a definition of weapons and penalties for weapon possession. . j. Tampering with a school computer or computer program. . k. Bomb Threats - Verbal or written. _____________________________ . * Refer to Substance Abuse Policy (JFCH/JFCI) for further direction.

3. Actions which Result in Suspension and/or Other Disciplinary Measures
	a. Cutting Class . b. Failure to report to detention . c. Fighting . d. Harassment - verbal, physical or sexual. . e. Leaving school grounds without permission. . f. (i). Use of tobacco - School Committee Policy (JFCG) . .....Smoking and the use of all tobacco products is forbidden on school property. The penalty for infraction of this policy shall be suspension. Appropriate notices regarding this matter shall be sent home to the parents at the beginning of the school year. . (ii). Possession of tobacco or tobacco products on school grounds will result in the confiscation of such items. . g. Truancy . h. Profanity . i. Disrespect, disobedience - failure to comply with directions of teachers administrators and other appropriate staff members on school grounds or at school related activities. . j. Lack of needed materials . k. Cheating . l. Overt displays of affection . m. Property damage, including vandalism. . n. Simple Assault . o. Computer misuse
Also included is any other infraction not specifically listed in A or B which is, of its very nature, disruptive of the educational process and would create a hazard to the safety of students or school staff.



4. Hazing policy
	The term "Hazing" as defined by law means any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Anyone who knows that another person is the victim of hazing and is at the scene of such action shall report such action to appropriate school personnel as soon as is reasonable and practicable. Anyone who fails to report such action shall be subject to suspension not only from school, but also from the team for the remainder of the season



5. DUE PROCESS
	a. Suspension: Five Days or Less
	When a school administrator imposes a suspension of a student for a period of up to and including five (5) days, the following procedure shall apply:
		1. Whenever an incident occurs that may lead to the suspension of a student, the principal or assistant principal shall investigate the nature of the alleged incident. 2. Normally, before a student is removed from the school, an informal hearing will be afforded him/her before the Principal or Assistant Principal. At the hearing, the administrator conducting it will inform the student of the charges against him/her and will represent a fair summary of the evidence upon which the charge is based. 3. The student shall be given an opportunity to be heard with respect to the alleged incident. However, no school employee shall harass, coerce, intimidate or in any way compel students to incriminate themselves or interrogate them against their will. 4. In cases in which, in the opinion of the Principal or Assistant Principal, the nature of the act or occurrence is such that persons or property are endangered or disruption of school operation is occurring or threatened, the student will be removed from school immediately and the informal hearing will take place as soon thereafter as practicable. 5. If the principal or assistant principal determines that grounds for suspension exist, he/she shall: a). Immediately suspend from school and remove from the premises a student whose conduct disrupts the educational conduct of the school, endangers fellow students or damages property. Except in cases of disruption, where circumstances make it vital that one or several students be removed from the school property immediately, no student shall be released from school during the day without notifying the parent or guardian in person or by telephone. In instances of suspension where the student shall remain in school until regular closing time, the parent or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 will be notified of the suspension on the same date. b). Within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension, written notice containing reason(s) therefore and length of suspension shall be given the student and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18. Such notice shall be in spoken language of the parent(s) or guardian. c). Within seventy-two (72) hours of the suspension, the student, and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the school administrator who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The administrator is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference. d). The maximum suspension which may be imposed by a school administrator is five (5) days.



	b. Suspension - Six to Ten Days
	When grounds for suspension are considered by the principal to be more serious, he/she may recommend a suspension of six to ten (6 - 10) days to the superintendent or his/her designee. In such instances, the procedures specified for a suspension of five days or less and the following procedure will be followed:
		1. The principal or assistant principal shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 and the superintendent in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension on the same date and the recommendation to the superintendent for an extension of the suspension for more five days. Such notice shall describe the reason (s) for suspension and communication to the student, parent(s) or guardian will be written in their spoken language. . 2. A suspension of six to ten (6 - 10) days must be approved by the superintendent or his/her designee. Within seventy-two (72) hours of the extension of the suspension, the student and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the superintendent or his/her designee who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The superintendent is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference. . 3. The maximum suspension, which may be imposed by the superintendent is ten (10) days.



	c. Suspension - More Than Ten Days
		When the superintendent recommends the suspension of a student in excess of ten (10) days, the following procedure shall apply:
		1. Whenever an incident occurs that may lead to the suspension of a student, the principal or assistant principal shall investigate the nature of the alleged incident. 2. Normally, before a student is removed from the school, an informal hearing will be afforded him/her before the Principal or Assistant Principal. At the hearing, the administrator conducting it will inform the student of the charges against him/her and will represent a fair summary of the evidence upon which the charge is based. 3. The student shall be given an opportunity to be heard with respect to the alleged incident. However, no school employee shall harass, coerce, intimidate or in any way compel students to incriminate themselves or interrogate them against their will. 4. In cases in which, in the opinion of the Principal or Assistant Principal, the nature of the act or occurrence is such that persons or property are endangered or disruption of school operation is occurring or threatened, the student will be removed from school immediately and the informal hearing will take place as soon thereafter as practicable. 5. The principal or assistant principal shall immediately suspend from school and remove from the premises a student whose conduct disrupts the educational conduct of the school, endangers fellow students or damages property. Except in cases of disruption where circumstance make it vital that one or several students be removed from the school property immediately, no student shall be released from school during the day without notifying the parent (s) or guardian in person or by telephone. In instances of suspension where the student shall remain in school until regular closing time, the parent or guardian will be notified of the suspension on the same date. 6. The principal or assistant principal may suspend the student for five days and make a recommendation to the superintendent that the suspension be extended for more than five days. He/she shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 and the superintendent in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension and/or recommendation on the same date. Such notice shall describe the reason(s) for suspension and communication to the student or parent(s) or guardian will be written in their spoken language. 7. A suspension for more than five (5) days must be approved in the first instance by the superintendent. 8. The superintendent may extend the suspension for an additional five (5) days for a maximum total of ten (10) days. 9. Within seventy-two (72) hours of the extension of the suspension, the student and the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the superintendent or his/her designee who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The superintendent is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference. 10. If the superintendent believes that a suspension should be for more then ten (10) days, he/she will refer the matter to the School Committee. The School Committee shall conduct a hearing, public or private at the selection of the student, on or before the tenth school day after the initial suspension. 11. The superintendent shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 of the extension of the suspension. If the superintendent is recommending a suspension of more than ten (10) days, he/she shall include in the notice a clear, written statement of the reason for suspension, the date, time and place of the hearing before the School Committee and of their right to be represented by counsel. Such notice shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours before such hearing. 12. At the hearing, the School Department may present evidence in support of the suspension and may present and cross-examine witnesses. The student, his/her attorney, parents or guardian may present evidence against the suspension or the length thereof and or present and cross-examine witnesses. It shall not be necessary for the School Committee to follow the strict rules of evidence, but the hearing shall be fair and afford the student the right to due process of law. There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic or electronic) record of the hearing, including all exhibits. 13. At the completion of the hearing, the School Committee may uphold the suspension as imposed, modify or amend it, or reduce it to a minimum of ten (10) days. The student shall be provided with a record of the hearing (without cost) and a written copy of the School Committee decision regarding the hearing. A copy of the decision and record will be promptly forwarded to the Commissioner of Education if there is an appeal to the Commissioner.



	d. Suspension Appeal Process
		1. The principal or assistant principal shall notify the student or the parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 in writing within twenty-four hours of the suspension. Such notice shall describe the reason(s) for suspension and communication to the parent(s) or guardian will be written in their spoken language. 2. Within seventy-two (72) hours of the suspension, the student, parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 shall be given the opportunity to confer in person with the school administrator who imposed the suspension. The purpose of this conference shall be to discuss the student's school problem, to provide opportunity for the student and the parent(s) or guardian to be heard in opposition to the suspension and to provide conditions or means for the student's return to school. The administrator is not required to permit the presence of counsel or follow any prescribed judicial rules in conducting this conference. 3. The student, parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 may appeal the principal's decision to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee by submitting a letter of appeal to the Superintendent. 4. The student or parent(s)or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 may appeal the Superintendent's decision to the School Committee, which shall conduct a hearing, public or private at the selection of the student. 5. The Superintendent shall notify the student or parent(s) or guardian if the student is under the age of 18 of the date, time and place of such hearing and of their right to be represented by counsel. Such notice shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours before such hearing. 6. At the hearing, the School Department may present evidence in support of the suspension. The student may present evidence against suspension or the length thereof. It shall not be necessary for the School Committee to follow the strict rules of evidence, but the hearing shall be fair and afford the student the right to due process of law. There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic or electronic) record of the hearing, including all exhibits. 7. At the completion of the hearing, the School Committee may uphold the suspension as imposed or amend it. The student shall be provided with a record of the hearing (without cost) and a written copy of the School Committee decision regarding the hearing. 8. A student may appeal the action of the School Committee, or a school principal as designee, to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education who, after notice to the parties interested of the time and place of the hearing, shall examine and decide the appeal without cost to the parties involved. 9. Any decision of the Commissioner in these matters shall be subject to appeal by the student to the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education. 10. Any decision of the Board of Regents may be appealed by the student to Superior Court.
			Revised: 6/24/2003