School Policies

Any student on school premises or at school functions found under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics, or with alcohol, drugs, or narcotics in his/her possession, shall be subjected to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago as well as immediate suspension and possible dismissal from ISPS. Mandatory counselling may also be required of students who violate this policy. ISPS will always respect the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

There is no smoking/vaping on the school grounds, in the vicinity of the school, or at school functions off campus. Initial violation of this policy will result in one day of suspension. Continued violations will result in progressive consequences.

Defacing or destroying the property of others or of the school will result in both payment for damage and detention and/or suspension. Tampering with fire doors, fire extinguishers, fire exit signs, and fire alarms are serious offenses. Infractions of this nature may lead to suspension from school.

A student may not miss a class unless he/she has been excused by a parent and member of school administration. Students may not leave campus at any time during the day without specific permission. An unexcused absence from class will result in detention. Continued offenses will result in suspension.

Students should be familiar with and abide by the ISPS Acceptable Use Policy

Students may not use cell phones during class time unless they have teacher permission. Unauthorized use of cell phones will result in confiscation of the phone. Cell phones are not accepted as a device for the Bring Your Own Device policy.

ISPS believes that it has a moral responsibility to parents and students towards maintaining an environment where everyone feels comfortable. Incidents relating to public displays of affection (kissing, fondling, etc.) are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The purpose of this policy is:

1)    To ensure that all community members – students, parents, guardians, teachers, and support staff – are educated about the dangers of the use-of tobacco, alcohol, controlled and illegal drugs.

2)    To establish such preventative measures, including urine testing of students perceived to be at risk, as will ensure that the school is seen not to tolerate the misuse of controlled and/or illegal drugs or any form of substance abuse.

3)      To ensure that firm and consistent disciplinary measures will be taken against students who possess, use or sell any of the following:  tobacco, alcohol, controlled drugs or illegal drugs.

 

Definitions

Substances not tolerated for student use or possessions are as follows:

1.     All tobacco products;

2.     All alcoholic beverages;

3.    All illegal and controlled drugs

(This is not applicable to students who are taking medicines as legitimately prescribed by a physician. In this case, a letter is required from a doctor and medication taken at the school needs to be regulated by the school nurse.)

 

Prevention

The school’s curriculum will each year provide age-appropriate education, including counseling services, for all students about the nature of tobacco, alcohol, controlled and illegal drugs and the dangers of their use/misuse.

Students found possessing, using or selling these substances within the school will receive mandatory education and counseling by the counselor in addition to disciplinary action.

The school will provide opportunities for teachers, parents, and support staff to learn about these substances and the dangers of their use.

Areas of the School’s Jurisdiction

The area of the school’s jurisdiction includes school property and its surroundings, school sponsored functions held off campus, and all other school-related events including field trips. The school’s jurisdiction extends beyond the above if a student’s misuse of alcohol, controlled or illegal drugs places him or others at risk or brings the school’s name into disrepute.

Procedures

1. A student suspected of substance misuse has the right to privacy, yet in all cases, the student’s  parents or guardians will be informed unless the student is 18 years of age or older.
    
2. Given reasonable cause for suspicion, a student’s clothing, possessions, and locker may be searched by two persons, one of whom will be of the same gender as the student and one of whom will be an Administrator. Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and controlled or illegal drugs found in the possession of a student will be confiscated.
    
3. Given reasonable cause for suspicion, a student may be required to undergo a urine test for illegal drugs. If the student has not previously violated this policy, a positive urine test will be considered by the school to be a first offence and appropriate disciplinary consequences will ensue. Refusal to submit a urine sample for testing will be considered as a positive test result.
    
4. A student who has violated school policy on controlled or illegal drugs will be subject to random urine testing for a period of not less than six months.
    
5. If a positive urine test is recorded and this constitutes a “second offence” the school will re- administer the test within 24 hours of the first test. If the re-test is a “confirmed positive” this will result in an expulsion.
    
6. Any evidence of tampering with the sample (dilution of sample, abnormal temperature of sample, etc.) will be considered a positive test.
    
7. Tuition refunds will not be granted to families or companies following disciplinary consequences from a violation of this policy.

 

Reporting of Use of Prohibited Substances

It is expected that students, parents, teachers and support staff will report suspected cases of violation of this policy to a school counselor and a member of the school’s Administration.

•        We believe that students learn best in an atmosphere in which appropriate behavior is expected of everyone and is based upon mutual respect and trust.

•        We believe that all students have the potential for behaving positively, that they choose and are responsible for their behaviors and students can be guided and taught to make appropriate choices.

•        We believe that an environment, in which appropriate behavior is consistently expected and recognized, creates a sense of security, increasing student attention to learning and to self- responsibility.

•        We believe that discipline procedures should be based upon what is ultimately best for the student directly involved as well as the most positive impact upon others. Therefore, discipline procedures reflect options that permit a range of consequences.

•         We believe students benefit directly from the education process best when parents support and reinforce school regulations by demonstrating follow up with students at home when misbehavior occurs at school.

•         We believe in rewarding appropriate behavior.
 

IBO Principles and Statements Regarding Academic Misconduct*

* The Information below has been adopted from the IBO document, MYP: From Principles into Practice.

The IB defines academic misconduct as “behavior that results in, or may result in, the student or any other student gaining an unfair advantage in one or more assessment component.”  Academic Misconduct of any kind constitutes a violation of the Honor Code.

A.        Academic misconduct includes:

• plagiarism—the representation, intentionally or unwittingly, of the ideas, words or work of  another person without proper, clear and explicit acknowledgment
• collusion—supporting academic misconduct by another student, as in allowing one’s work to  be copied or submitted for assessment by another
• duplication of work—the presentation of the same work for different assessment  components
• any other behavior that gives an unfair advantage to a student or that affects the results of  another student
• (falsifying data, misconduct during an examination, creating spurious reflections).”
   

B.           Academic misconduct, intellectual property and authentic authorship:

An authentic piece of work is one that is based on the student’s individual and original ideas, with the ideas and work of others fully acknowledged. Therefore, all assignments for assessment, regardless of their format, must wholly and authentically use that student’s own  language, expression and ideas. Where the ideas or work of another person are represented  within a student’s work, whether in the form of direct quotation or paraphrase,the source(s)  of those ideas or the work must be fully and appropriately acknowledged.

There are many different forms of intellectual property rights, such as patents, registered designs, trademarks, moral rights and copyright. Forms of intellectual and creative expression (for example, works of literature, art or music) must be respected and are  normally protected by law. By implementing measures to prevent plagiarism, schools are helping to combat illegal out-of-school activities (for example, illegal music downloads, peer- to-peer/P2P file sharing) for which students could face legal proceedings.

When using the words of another person, it must become habitual practice for a student to  use quotation marks,indentation or some other accepted means of indicating that the  wording is not their own. Furthermore, the source of the quotation (or paraphrased text) must be clearly identified along with the quotation and not reside in the bibliography alone.
 

C.           Conventions for citing and acknowledging original authorship:

The minimum information required for identifying sources includes the name of the author,  date of publication, title of source, and page numbers, as applicable.

The need to acknowledge the source of data, works of art, computer programs, photographs, diagrams,illustrations, maps, and so on, are articulated to students by their  subject teachers.

(Note: The methods used for citing and acknowledging original authorship vary across the  elementary, middle,and high school at ISPS. Classroom and subject teachers are responsible  for setting expectations and outlining conventions to be used within their courses.)
 

D.           The distinction between legitimate collaboration and unacceptable collusion:

Collaboration may be loosely defined as working together on a common aim with shared information, which is an open and cooperative behavior that does not result in allowing one’s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another. Collusion occurs when a student uses fellow learners as an unattributed source.

The following table, although not exhaustive, lists actions that are considered violations of the ISPS Honor Code as well as the consequences for such violations. The teacher’s professional judgment will determine if a violation has occurred and consequences that will be determined by the teacher and Principal.

 

PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING

Acts of academic dishonesty are infrequent at ISPS. However, when plagiarism (which is taking and using as one’s own the thoughts and/or writing of another), stealing/sharing tests, copying themes or tests from others or using unauthorized examination aids occurs, a sequence of  consequences will result. 

 

ACADEMIC PROBATION

The concept of Academic Probation is based on a student’s ability to accumulate enough credits to graduate in a four year time period.

A student in an MYP course is deemed to be on academic probation if he or she has scored a 3 or below on attainment grades, and are not meeting expectations (AE, BE) in two or more subjects at the end of the quarter. A student in a non-MYP course is considered to be on academic probation if they receive two or more grades of less than C- on a quarterly report.

Students whose ATL skills are EE in those subjects, or their effort grades are 4 or 5 in those subjects, may be exempt from Academic Probation after consultation with the Academic Review Committee.

If a student remains on academic probation for two successive quarters, the student must meet with the Academic Review Committee. If the student remains on Academic Probation for a third quarter, the suitability of ISPS being the correct school for the student will be re-assessed. Factors that include the student’s ATL skill attainment level and effort grades in academic work and/or circumstances related to learning difficulties will be considered in this re-assessment.

When students are placed on Academic Probation they may be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities and/or CAISSA teams at ISPS for the following quarter.

 

EXAMPLES OF VIOLATIONS OF THE HONOR CODE: ISPS DISCIPLINE MATRIX 

Problem	Consequence
Cheating This includes, but is not limited to the following: Talking with another student during a quiz or test. Using any type of notes not permitted by the teacher. Giving test information to other students. Fabricating or altering laboratory data. Turning in the same paper to more than one class without prior approval (duplication). Representing a project as one’s own when it involved collaboration, without prior teacher approval. Removing a test without teacher permission from the classroom in which it was given. Accessing and sharing information about tests and quizzes stored in computers.   Copying of homework/class assignments This includes, but is not limited to: Copying or offering answers on tests or quizzes either verbally, in written form, or by electronic means. Copying work that was assigned to be done independently (including homework) or allowing someone else to copy your work (collusion), either verbally, in written form, or by electronic means. Turning in work that was done by another person during this year or from prior years.    Plagiarism Copying phrases, sentences, passages without citation while writing a paper. Use of materials that do not respect copyright or intellectual property laws.	1st offence Memo & documentation sent to Assistant Principal/ Principal and parents Disqualification of test/exam results Possible withdrawal from course. 2nd offence Disqualification from all exams Academic probation Suspension Possible expulsion
Forging signatures.	1st offence Letter to parent/guardian documenting the incident 2nd offence Suspension, Probation

The following is the ISPS Discipline Matrix. The matrix outlines progressive disciplinary measures for different violations.

Problem	1st Offence	2nd/Repeated Offences
Violating School Rules
Chewing gum	·         Throw it out	·         Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal
Incorrect Uniform	·         Sent to Assistant Principal/ Principal ·         Letter sent home to parent	·         Student sent home to change
Running or rough behavior on campus	·         Warned by observing teacher	·          Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal and conference with Assistant Principal/ Principal. ·         Loss of privileges
Inappropriate language	·         Warned by observing teacher	·                                      Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal and conference with Assistant Principal/ Principal. ·        Conference with parent
Littering	·         Asked to pick up what was dropped, plus anything else in the area ·         Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal	·         Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal ·         Special cleaning duty assigned by Assistant Principal/ Principal
Late for class	·         Recorded in database. ·         Reflected in transcript.	·         3 lates in one week result in detention. ·         Letter from Assistant Principal/ Principal ·         Daily report
Skipping class	·         Investigated by principal ·         Letter to parents ·         Detention/suspension	·         Parent conference ·         Daily report ·         Suspension
Use of cell phone during school hours (not authorized for use by teachers)	·         Confiscated until the end of the day- to be kept in a locked cabinet in the Assistant Principal’s/ Principal’s office	·         Assistant Principal/ Principal keeps cell phone until the end of the week ·         Student loses the privilege of having a cell phone at school for the remainder of the term.       ·         Parent Meeting
Anti-social behavior
Graffiti or vandalism	·         Response will depend on degree and intent ·         Detention assigned ·         Repair/payment for damage ·         Action plan requiring student to do clean up or maintenance work ·         Serious malicious damage will result in suspension/expulsion	·         2nd same as first. Student is also placed on probation   ·         3rd expulsion recommended
Being rude or disrespectful to another student	·        Warning and/or memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal ·        Detention assigned ·        Possible mediation (Assistant Principal/ Principal, counselor, homeroom teacher, peer counselor	·         logged in Discipline file ·         Detention assigned ·         Parent conference ·         Mediation ·         Suspension ·         Expulsion
Being rude or disrespectful to a member of the professional or support staff	·            Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal ·            Possible ·            Detention assigned ·            suspension and parent informed ·            Possible mediation ·            Appropriate restitution	·         2nd suspension; ·         parent/student/ Assistant Principal/ Principal ·         contract
Intimidation, bullying or abusive behavior (see bullying policy)	·            Memo to Assistant Principal/ Principal ·            Detention assigned ·            Parent conference ·            Possible suspension ·            Appropriate restitution	·         2nd probation and counseling recommended for 3rd or subsequent offenses.
Fighting	·            Immediate suspension ·            Parent conference	·         2nd probation and counseling ·         Suspension/expulsion
Dishonesty
Stealing	·            Documented and investigated ·            Suspension + probation ·            Parent/student/ Assistant Principal/ Principal conference ·            Appropriate restitution ·            Possible police involvement	·         2nd probation; counseling; ·         possible expulsion
Lying to a member of the professional or support staff	·               Documented and investigated ·               Conference with students, parent, staff member ·               Counseling	·         2nd probation ·         counseling ·         possible expulsion

Cheating on tests or exams	·               Memo and documentation sent to Assistant Principal/ Principal ·               Disqualification of test/exam results	·         2nd disqualification from all exams ·         suspension ·         Possible expulsion
Forging signatures	·               Letter to parent/ guardian documenting the incident	·         Suspension; probation
Copying homework/class assignments from other students	·                  Letter home to parents	·         2nd conference with teacher, parent, student, Assistant Principal/ Principal ·         3rd suspension; counseling
Borrowing/ copying from publications for research, but not acknowledging sources and plagiarism of documents in whole or in part	·                  Parent conference	·         2nd suspension ·         3rd probation
Substances
Tobacco, and E-cigarettes (Vapes) smoking or possession	·                  One day suspension ·                  Counseling/ education provided	·         Two day suspension and contract ·         3rd offense, ·         Three day suspension
Alcohol (possession or being under the influence)	·                  Three day suspension; ·                  Parent conference; ·                  Counseling required	·         One week suspension; probation and contract; school may require professional assessment (2nd offense) ·         Possible expulsion or extended suspension ·         (3rd offense)
Controlled and Illegal Drugs
Possession	·                  Two week suspension; ·                  Parent conference; ·                  Counseling/ education; ·                  Probation and contract, and /or possible expulsion at the discretion of the school’s administration	·         Expulsion
Being under the influence	·                  Two-week suspension; ·                  Parent conference ·                  Counseling/ education ·                  Probation and contract, and/or possible expulsion at the discretion of the school’s administration	·         Expulsion
Sale and/ or distribution	·                  Expulsion

 The Subject Teacher, Counselor, Homeroom Teacher, and/or Principal will confer with the student(s). The parents may be conferred with in person or by phone.  A meeting may include other appropriate people.  Several conferences may be required before further action is taken. As a result of the conferencing process, one or more of the following consequences may occur as a result of a student’s inappropriate behavior:

a)            Detention

Students may be required to serve one or more lunchtime detention periods for of 20 to 35 minutes.  If the entire period is taken, the student will be given lunch in the detention room that is supervised by a staff member. A behavior detention is assigned only through the Middle School or High School office.

b)            Behavior Contract

A formal written contract between the school, parents, and student may be required which specifies expectations and consequences of behavior.

c)             Counseling Referral

The school may require professional counseling or diagnostic evaluation as a requirement for continued enrollment. The results of any testing and/or professional recommendations for school action would also be required.

d)            Disqualification of grades due to cheating or plagiarizing

A student who chooses to cheat or plagiarize will have the assignment or assessment disqualified from the available body of assessment evidence considered. This disqualification represents a lost opportunity for the student to score within that quarter or term.

e)            Financial Reimbursement

A student and his/her parents may be required to reimburse individuals or ISPS for the loss, damage or destruction of property.

f)             Suspension

Suspension is the removal of a student from classes and activities for a short time.

There are two types of suspension utilized depending on the nature of the misbehavior as well as the student’s behavior history.

 

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Students may receive one to two days of in-school suspension, which means they are isolated in a supervised area of the school. A student is expected to work on schoolwork during this time.

Lunch and breaks are monitored and held separately from grade level peers.

 

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In serious situations when it is deemed best to remove a student from school to emphasize the seriousness of the behavior or to remove the student from the premises while an investigation of the incident occurs, a suspension, supervised by the parents, may be given for a period ranging from one day to three weeks. In this situation, it is the responsibility of the student and/or parents to obtain the academic work missed during the student’s absence.

Prior to any suspension, the Director or his/her designee shall:

A             Advise the student in question of the particular misconduct and the basis for accusation;

B             Provide the student an opportunity to explain his/her version of the situation; and,

C              Any student whose continued presence in the school poses a danger to persons or property or  an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process may be immediately removed from the  school premises without benefit of the above procedures, The necessary procedure shall follow  as soon as practical.

In all cases parents will be notified of a suspension in writing and by telephone.

If the suspension is to be for 10 days or less, the above procedures are considered sufficient. If the suspension is to be for more than 10 days, the steps below shall be followed in addition to the above procedures.

A            A notice in writing of the suspension and the reasons thereof shall be given to the parents or guardians of the student suspended if the student is less than 18 years of age. This notice shall be provided in sufficient time (minimum of three days ahead) to give the student a chance to  prepare his/her defense.

B             The student (and parents or guardians if he/she is under 18) shall be provided with a copy of the board’s policy and administrative procedures of suspension and expulsion.

C              At the hearing, the student shall be provided with the names of individuals who have primary knowledge of the facts forming the basis for the suspension or expulsion.

D             Students shall be permitted to examine any document or record the school will use at the hearing or which will aid them in their defense.

E              The student shall be permitted to obtain legal counsel.

F              The student or his/her counsel shall be permitted to cross-examine those who have primary knowledge of the facts. For procedural purposes suspensions exceeding 10 days and expulsions shall be treated in a similar manner. Unless there is an emergency, hearings shall precede the imposition of any long-term suspension or expulsion.

If the parent wishes to appeal any suspension of more than 10 days, the student will continue in school until the appeal  process  has  been  completed  at  the  Director’s  discretion  with  consideration of the impact on safety and learning.

If, in the opinion of the Principal, the student is considered dangerous to the school, he will not be permitted to attend and will remain in home suspension until the appeal process has been completed.

 

g)            Expulsion

In extreme cases of misbehavior or recurring behavior problems, a student may be permanently dismissed from attendance at ISPS. Decisions made concerning the expulsion of a student will be made by the Director of the school in conjunction with the Board of Directors.

 

h)            Re-enrollment

Any student who has been asked to withdraw or who has been expelled from ISPS may apply for re-enrollment.

A period of one year must elapse before a student may re-apply. The procedure for re-enrollment will follow ISPS Policies and will include the formation of a Review Committee.

 

The Review Committee will be the Admission Director, the appropriate Principal and Counselor, and the Director of the School. The Review Committee will make a recommendation to the Board on re-admission to ISPS within two weeks of the receiving the complete application package from the  Admission Department. The Board, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, will make a final decision on the re-admission of the student.

SPECIFIC DISCIPLINARY CODE OFFENSES

In addition to the points made in Student Expectations, the following items are listed so that there is no misunderstanding about our expectations of High School students in these important areas.

The following are considered serious violations of our Discipline Code:

• Substance abuse, which includes tobacco in any form, including vaping, alcohol, or other drugs.
• Weapons of any description including knives or toys that simulate real objects.
• Stealing, regardless of how small the item may be.

Drugs and Alcohol

Any student on school premises or at school functions found under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics, or with alcohol, drugs, or narcotics in his/her possession, shall be subjected to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, immediate suspension and possibly dismissal from ISPS. Mandatory counselling may also be required of students who violate this policy. ISPS will always respect the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

Smoking/Vaping

There is no smoking on the school grounds, in the vicinity of the school, or at school functions off campus. Initial violation of this policy will result in one day of suspension. Continued violations will result in progressive consequences.

Vandalism and Tampering with Emergency Equipment

Defacing or destroying the property of others or of the school will result in both payment for damage and detention and/or suspension. Tampering with fire doors, fire extinguishers, fire exit signs, and fire alarms are serious offenses. Infractions of this nature may lead to suspension from school.

Unexcused Absences and Leaving Campus without Permission

A student may not miss a class unless he/she has been excused by a parent and member of school administration. Students may not leave campus at any time during the day without specific permission. An unexcused absence from class will result in detention. Continued offenses will result in suspension.

Internet Access

Students should be familiar with and abide by the Acceptable Use Policy as outlined in the General Handbook.

Cell Phones

Students may not use cell phones during class time unless they have teacher permission. Unauthorized use of cell phones will result in confiscation of the phone. Cell phones are not accepted as a device for the Bring Your Own Device policy.

Academic Responsibility

The academic success of each student is a primary goal of ISPS. Students and teachers must be committed to this goal. Students are expected to keep up with daily homework assignments. Students are expected to make up work in classes missed due to illness or  field trips in a timely manner deemed appropriate by the individual teachers. Consistent failure to meet academic responsibilities (i.e. turning in homework) will be met with consequences, such as receiving a failing grade or an Incomplete.

Proper Decorum

ISPS believes that it has a moral responsibility to parents and students towards maintaining an environment where everyone feels comfortable. Incidents relating to public displays of affection (kissing, fondling, etc.) are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

ISPS believes that in order to deliver a high quality program, students, staff and parents should be held accountable to the highest levels of conduct.

Therefore, at ISPS, we expect that all students will:

• Uphold the fundamental rights of all ISPS community members by treating others and their property with respect and dignity.
   
• Practice tolerance and respect diversity.
   
• Behave in such a way that brings honor upon ISPS’ name.
   
• Be responsible for your own conduct both in and out of school and understand that improper conduct has consequences.
   
• Resolve conflicts in a peaceful, rational manner.
   
• Be honest, always tells the truth and don’t take what does not belong to you.
•  
• Care for others physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
   
• Give of yourself to your community.
   
• Do your best every day; strive for excellence in everything you do.
   
• When you see others violating the Honor Code, speak out.

Bullying is a form of aggression involving unwanted, negative and hurtful actions by one or more students against another who feels unable to prevent it or make it stop. It involves a real or perceived imbalance of power and is intentional and often repeated.

The ISPS has a policy in regard to bullying behavior and requires training for staff and students annually to help make the school a “bully free zone”. All reports of bullying will be taken seriously and will be investigated promptly. Students who make a complaint in good faith or who participate in an investigation will not be subject to victimization or acts of retaliation or intimidating conduct.

Such acts will be regarded as a serious breach of ISPS discipline and will be dealt with accordingly. Further, ISPS considers mischievous/malicious allegations of bullying or harassment to be an issue of utmost seriousness and will treat such actions as a breach of ISPS discipline.

The following matrix is meant to serve as a guide for consequences that will be implemented for different types of bullying and the frequency with which they take place.
 

BULLYING CONSEQUENCES MATRIX
 

Type of Behavior	First Offense	Second Offense	Repeated Offenses
Verbal/Written: Teasing, name calling, offensive remarks, spreading rumors	·         Teacher conference with student	·         Assistant Principal/ Principal conference with student ·         Student calls parents ·         In school detention/missed recess	·         Out of school suspension ·         Excluded from social settings ·         Graduated individual plan possibly leading to expulsion
Social/Emotional: Exclusion, rejection, preventing others from befriending	·         Teacher conference with student	·         Assistant Principal/ Principal conference with student ·         Student calls parents ·         In school detention/missed recess	·         Out of school suspension ·         Excluded from social settings ·         Graduated individual plan possibly leading to expulsion
Intimidation: Threatening, extortion, encouraging others to bully	·         Assistant Principal/ Principal conference with student ·         Student calls parents	·         Conference with parent, Assistant Principal/ Principal, and student ·         In-school suspension/missed recess	·         Out of school suspension ·         Excluded from social settings ·         Graduated individual plans possibly leading to expulsion
Damage to Property: Including theft	·         Assistant Principal/ Principal conference with student ·         Student calls parents ·         Restitution	·         Conference with parent, Assistant Principal/ Principal, and student ·         In-school suspension/missed ·         recess	·         Out of school suspension ·         Excluded from social settings ·         Graduated individual plan possibly leading to expulsion
Physical: Hitting, kicking, tripping, throwing objects, spitting etc.	·         Assistant Principal/ Principal conference with student ·         Student calls parents ·         Suspension (MS and HS, possibly ES)	·         Conference with parent, Assistant Principal/ Principal and student ·         Out of school suspension	·         Extended suspension (up to 10 days) ·         Graduated individual plan possibly leading to expulsion
Cyber bullying: Willful and repeated harm through electronic devices, identity theft	·            Assistant Principal/ Principal conference with student ·            Student calls parents	·         Conference with parent, Assistant Principal/ Principal and student ·         In-school suspension/missed recess Suspension from school network	·         Out of school suspension ·         Graduated individual plan possibly leading to expulsion

Each year the High School provides senior  and junior students with the opportunity to utilize special privileges based upon their academic and behavioral performance in the school. Parent permission is required. These privileges are expected to be used properly and may be revoked.

 Seniors begin  Quarter 1 with Privileges.  They are allowed to  leave the ISPS campus for lunch time and they are allowed to be off campus when they have study periods at the beginning or at the end of the school day.  Juniors are awarded privileges beginning Quarter 2 if they have followed criteria 1- 3 below  for Quarter 1.  Junior privileges allow them to leave the ISPS campus only for lunch time.  Students keep or earn privileges by complying with the criteria below for an entire quarter. 

1.    Attendance - No attendance credit warnings given (five absence in one class).   No tardy detentions assigned.

2.    Behavior - No infractions

3.    Academics - Nothing less than a C on the quarterly report card. A grade of C- will qualify if a student has an effort grade of 5 in the course.

 Immediate removal - Privileges are removed immediately for the remainder of the quarter if the following occurs:  not signing out or signing back in when leaving campus, returning to campus late from lunch, being more than 5 assignments behind in an on-line course. 

No student or non-student, including adults and visitors, shall possess, carry, keep, use or distribute any  weapon when in a school location, or while attending or participating in any school activity, including  transporting to or from any such activity.

DEFINITIONS

A weapon means any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or injury.

A “deadly weapon” is any weapon used in a violent or threatening manner.

A “firearm” is defined as any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant.

“School location” includes school buildings, school grounds, school activities or trips, school vehicles or vehicles hired for the purpose of transporting members of the school.

“Possession” means having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control in a school location.

Consequences for Students
 

Weapon

1st Offense: Minimum 5-day out of school suspension.

2nd Offense: Minimum 10-day out of school suspension with recommended expulsion.

Deadly Weapon 

Minimum 10-day out of school suspension with recommended expulsion.

Fire Arm

Expulsion

 

Consequences for Non-Students

Any member of the public who violates this policy shall be informed of the policy, and asked to leave the school location. Depending on the circumstances, the person may be barred from future entry to school locations.

An employee who violates the policy is subject to disciplinary action, including termination, suspension or non- renewal.

 

Exceptions

It shall not be a violation of this policy if:

• the non-student is a licensed police officer, or military personnel on official duty.
• students are using objects which are a natural component of any approved school program/activity.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DISCRETION

While the school will generally take a “zero tolerance” position on the possession, use or distribution of weapons by students, the Director may use discretion in determining whether a course of action other than the minimum consequences is warranted. If so, other appropriate action may be taken, including consideration of a recommendation for lesser discipline.