5500 - STUDENT CODE OF CLASSROOM CONDUCT
Introduction
The District is committed to maintaining an orderly and safe academic atmosphere. Teachers are expected to create a positive learning environment and to maintain proper order in the classroom. Students are expected to behave in the classroom in such a manner that allows teachers to effectively carry out their lessons and allows students to participate in classroom learning activities. Students are also expected to abide by all rules of behavior established by the Board, the administration, and their classroom teachers.
To ensure adherence to these expectations and principles, the Board has adopted this Student Code of Classroom Conduct, which applies to all students. The Code of Classroom Conduct was developed in consultation with a committee of School District residents consisting of parents, students, members of the Board, school administrators, teachers, pupil services professionals, and other residents of the District appointed to the committee by the Board.
The Code of Classroom Conduct will be reviewed periodically.
Grounds for Removal of a Student From Class
Generally, standards for student conduct throughout the schools of the District should be the same. However, each school is expected to specify particular rules and procedures suited to the specific needs of the school.
Disturbances that interrupt the learning process cannot be permitted by any teacher. A rule of reason, restraint and understanding applied to any difficult situation will go furthest is resolving such matters. However, there may be circumstances that are most effectively addressed by removing a student from class. Removal may serve many purposes. Removing a student from class may eliminate disruption and give the student time to consider the wisdom of the student's actions. Addressing inappropriate behavior by removing a student from class may also avoid imposing more substantial disciplinary measures such as suspension or expulsion.
A teacher may temporarily remove a student from the teacher’s class if the student violates the Code of Classroom Conduct. Additionally, the student may be removed from the class for a longer period of time within the discretion of the Principal. A student removed from class may also be placed in an alternative education setting.
Removal of a student from class for violating the Code of Classroom Conduct or placement of the student in an alternative educational setting does not prohibit the District from further disciplining the student for the conduct that caused removal or placement including, but not limited to, suspending or expelling the student.
It is neither possible nor necessary to specify every type of improper or inappropriate behavior for which a teacher may remove a student from class. Provided below, however, are examples of reasons a student may be removed from class. A teacher may remove a student from class for conduct or behavior that:
would result in suspension or expulsion under the Board’s policies and administrative guidelines;
violates the behavioral rules and expectations in the Student Handbook;
is dangerous, disruptive, or unruly;
interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively;
shows disrespect or defiance of the teacher, exhibited in words, gestures or other behavior;
is inconsistent with class decorum and the ability of others to learn.
- possession or use of a weapon or look-alike or other item that might cause bodily harm to persons in the classroom;
- being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance(s) or otherwise violating the District alcohol and drug policy;
- behavior that interferes with a person's work or school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, harassing, or offensive classroom environment;
- arguing, taunting, baiting, inciting or encouraging an argument or disruption or group posturing to provoke altercations or confrontations;
- disruption or intimidation caused by gang or group symbols or gestures, or gang or group posturing to provoke altercations or confrontations;
- pushing, striking, or other inappropriate physical contact with a student or staff member;
- interfering with the orderly operation of the classroom by using, threatening to use, or counseling others to use violence, force, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, or disruptive means;
- dressing or appearing in a manner that presents a danger to health or safety, causes interference with work, intimidates students or staff, or creates classroom disorder;
- restricting another person's freedom to properly utilize classroom facilities or equipment;
- repeated classroom interruptions, confronting staff, making loud noises, or refusing to follow directions;
- throwing objects in the classroom;
- repeated disruptions or violations of classroom rules, including disruptive talking;
- behavior that causes the teacher or other students fear of physical or psychological harm;
- willful damage to or theft of school property or the property of others;
- repeated use of profanity;
- possession of personal property prohibited by school rules or otherwise disruptive to the teaching and learning of others.
Procedure For Student Removal From Class
When a student is removed from class, the teacher shall send or escort the student to the Principal (or his/her designee) and inform the Principal of the reason for the student's removal from class. The teacher shall provide the Principal with a written explanation of the reasons for removal of the student within twenty-four (24) hours of the student's removal from class.
The Principal should give the student an opportunity to briefly explain the situation. The Principal shall then determine the appropriate educational placement for the student.
Student Placement
The Principal shall place the student, who has been removed from a class by a teacher, in one (1) of the following alternative educational settings:
an alternative education program approved by the Board under State law;
another instructional setting, time-out, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension; or
the class from which the student was removed if, after weighing the interests of the student, the other students in the class, and the teacher, the Principal determines that readmission to the class is the best or only alternative.
When making the placement decision, the Principal should consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the following:
the reason the student was removed from class;
the severity of the offense;
the type of placement options available;
the estimated length of the placement;
the student's individual needs and interests;
the student's previous behavior in class (repeat offenders); and
the relationship of the placement to other disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion.
The Principal may consult with other school personnel and the student's parents as deemed necessary when making or evaluating the placement decision. All placement decisions shall be made consistent with Board policies and procedures.
Parent Notification Procedures
The Principal shall provide the parent of a student removed from class with written notice of the removal and the reason(s) for the removal. The notification shall be made as soon as practicable, but no later than two (2) school days after the student’s removal from class. The notice shall also include the reasons for the student's removal and the placement made by the Principal. If the removal from class and change of educational placement involves a student with a disability, the parent notification shall be made consistent with State and Federal laws and regulations applicable to disabled students.
If the student removed from a class is subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion, for the particular classroom conduct and/or other disciplinary incidents, the parent shall also be notified of the disciplinary action in accordance with legal and policy requirements.
Recordkeeping
A record of a student's misconduct as well as disciplinary actions and suspensions and expulsions are to be made a part of the student's permanent record until the student leaves the school and such record(s) are to be released in accordance with AG 8330 - Student Records.
Students With Disabilities
A student with a disability under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 115.758, Wis. Stats. may be removed from class and placed in an alternative educational setting only to the extent authorized under law. Where this Administrative Guideline conflicts with State or Federal law, the law shall govern.
Definitions
"Student" means any student enrolled in the District, an exchange student, or a student visitor to the District’s schools.
"Teacher" means a person holding a license or permit issued by the State Superintendent whose employment by a school district requires that s/he hold that license or permit.
"Class" or "classroom" means any class, meeting or activity which students attend, or in which they participate while in school under the control or direction of the District. This definition of "class" includes, without limitation, regular classes, special classes, resource room sessions, labs, library time, counseling groups, assemblies, study halls, lunch, or recess. "Class" also includes regularly scheduled District-sponsored extra-curricular activities, either during or outside of school hours. Such activities include, by example and without limitation, District-sponsored field trips, after-school clubs, and sporting activities.
Non-Discrimination
The District will not discriminate in standards and rules of behavior, or disciplinary measures, including suspension and expulsion, on the basis of sex (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights law (hereinafter referred to as "Protected Characteristics").
Parental and Student Notification
The District shall provide students and parents with access to the Student Handbook, that includes the Student Code of Classroom Conduct, at the beginning of each school year.
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