School Policies
The whole ISPS community has high expectations in terms of student, parents and faculty behavior. We value the calm and respectful atmosphere in which we are able to study and work and look to all members of our community to help uphold these values.
Student Standards of Conduct
All School & Honor Code
The Honor Code of the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) is based on the community’s belief that personal conduct and academic integrity are as important as academic achievement.The Honor Code creates a community of trust among students and faculty by establishing principles for everyone to follow.
ISPS’ Leadership Team, faculty and staff are dedicated to teaching and supporting the development of academic skills, as well as fostering integrity among students and our community. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and students must be encouraged to recognize, understand, and practice ethical behavior. In an effort to accomplish this goal, the honor code provides guidelines to help students avoid what is considered unethical behavior.
ISPS Honor Code
On my honor, I pledge my academic integrity, honesty, tolerance, and respect to the ISPS community, and I will encourage others to do the same. As a member of this community, I will not lie, cheat, steal, or treat others in a manner that I would not wish to be treated.
Academic honesty serves to promote personal integrity and engender respect for others and the integrity of their work. Upholding academic honesty also helps to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they acquire during their studies. ISPS’ students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty at all times.
Beginning on the first day of school and continuing throughout the year all students and teachers will discuss what it means to live in a community with honor and integrity. Through dialogue and examples, we will seek to explore and explain what it means to display appropriate behavior in both academic and personal situations.
Each student will sign the pledge on the first day of school as well as when they are enrolled during the year:
As a member of the ISPS community, I pledge my academic integrity, honesty and respect. I will prepare for global citizenship by being open-minded to ideas, perspectives, and cultures; being curious and courageous both inside and outside of the classroom; thus expressing my individuality as an independent, free-thinker. I will also be open to self-reflection, recognizing my faults, and striving for improvement and excellence in all that I do.
Our behavior at school, in class, or participating in teams and clubs, and representing ISPS in the wider community, will be demonstrated by understanding the ISPS Honor Code.
We understand that not every single behavior can be listed, however, these are the general standards of conduct that apply to all students at the International School of Port of Spain.
In addition to the above code, these standards of behaviour are also to be adhered to:
Elementary School
Students are to be courteous and respectful to teachers, parents, members of our community, and fellow students alike. Foul, offensive or inappropriate language is never acceptable. Students are expected to respect the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. Student behavior on campus and in public must always reflect high standards that complement the school.
- There is to be no running, shouting, or roughhousing at school.
- Students are to adhere to the uniform dress code(see guidelines). Ostentatious accessories, jewellery, and nail polish are not allowed. Hair accessories are limited to blue, black, or white.
- There is to be no chewing of gum on campus.
- Food and drinks are to be consumed in the cafeteria where students are supervised by the faculty, such as break, or lunch areas. There is to be no food (this includes candy, sweets, soft drinks, etc.) during class time. Soft drinks are not allowed in Elementary. Students who are in after-school programs are allowed to go to the Cafeteria.
- Cell phones and electronic gaming devices are not allowed during the school day.
- Elementary School students may only stay after school if involved in an authorized sport, activity, or music lesson. Permission to stay after school for any other reason must be arranged through the classroom teacher or the Principal of the Elementary School.
- All students who are not involved in any activities must be picked up immediately after being dismissed at 2:15 p.m. School personnel do not supervise the playground before (7:15 a.m.) or after school hours(2:15 p.m.).
- Students may not at any time leave campus during the school day without specific permission. Parents must sign students out at the front office before they leave. Students who are absent from school should provide an excuse from parents. Please do not ask for work to be prepared by the teacher for extended vacations or family trips during school time as make-up work is not a substitute for classroom time.
- Classrooms are to be kept clean and in an orderly fashion. students are responsible for cleaning their work spaces and storage areas( cubbies in class and outside the library).Students must always respect personal property and personal space. There is to be no leaning back on chairs.
Middle School & High School
As an ISPS Middle or High School learner, students are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior that will:
- Recognize that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand
- Develop and exhibit growth in the areas of personal responsibility for their learning, social relationships, character development, work habits, health, and safety
- Contribute to the positive learning environment of our international community
- Develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and moral values, interpretive abilities and creativity to the best of their ability
Students have the right to:
- A safe, clean and orderly environment.
- Be respected as an individual.
- Learn in an environment free of harassment, intimidation, and bullying from peers or adults
- Expand their experiences and opportunities through a challenging program of academic and extracurricular activities
- Have caring and qualified teachers
- Participate in making decisions
- Express their opinions in a responsible manner and to take part in their education as appropriate for their age and maturity
- Know the rules and expectations for their behavior
- Be trusted
- Be educated in an environment that recognizes and supports their cognitive learning styles
MS/HS School students are expected to:
- Use appropriate language and not use hurtful words that might offend others
- Refrain from fighting, pushing, shoving or any form of rough housing
- Show respect for themselves, all people, their native countries and cultures
- Respect the property of others, including another person’s locker and computer
- Refrain from making racial or sexual insults, either verbal or written
- Be honest and admit mistakes
- Encourage respect for the culture and people of our host country
- Demonstrate positive school spirit
- Be punctual and prepared for class and expect the same from others
- Dress in a neat and appropriate manner (See Uniform Guidelines)
- Refrain from using iPods or mp3 players during the academic schedule
- Keep classrooms, walkways, and locker areas clean and free of litter
- Students shall be responsible for respecting school property, ensuring that safe
- conditions continue in the schools
- Be responsible for working to their potential in and outside of the classroom
- Be responsible to accept the challenges of their classroom work and give their best efforts to complete assignments in a timely and meaningful manner.
- Speak up for themselves and be their own advocate in the classroom.
- Offer their opinions and participate in their education.
High School ONLY
Senior & Junior Privileges
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.
- Attendance - No attendance credit warnings given (five absences in one class). No tardy detentions assigned.
- Behavior - No infractions
- 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.
Student Expectation for Middle & High School
In addition to the points made in Student Standards of Conduct, the following items are listed so that there is no misunderstanding about our expectations of our Middle and High School students in these important areas. They are considered serious violations and the consequences can be found in our Discipline Code:
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.
LOCKER RESPONSIBILITY
The Middle and High School provides each student with a locker. For students’ own protection, combinations should not be shared with anyone other than school administration. Students should use their lockers daily to ensure the safety of their property. For students’ own protection, combinations should not be shared with anyone other than school administration. ISPS is not liable for lost or stolen property that is not properly secured. Lockers are the property of ISPS and therefore, are subject to inspection and search at any time for any reason. It is the student’s obligation to keep them neat and orderly at all times. No locker is to be altered in any manner. No stickers, posters, or ornaments of any type may be placed on the outside of any locker without the prior approval of the principal. Students will be responsible and charged for any damage to their assigned locker.
BREAK AND LUNCH TIME PROCEDURES
Students may not leave campus for lunch unless a parent/guardian or a teacher/administrator accompanies them. Students are not allowed to order food to be delivered to the school. All students must go to the cafeteria at break and lunch. In order to control litter, food may only be eaten in the cafeteria. During break, students have the option of being in the cafeteria or covered basketball court area. During lunch, students must stay in the cafeteria for the first 20 minutes. Students may then go to the following places, where there will be a teacher on duty: the library, south field or covered basketball area. Students may only be in classrooms, the multipurpose room/locker area, or Green Room/patio area if under the direct supervision of a teacher. If it is raining, students will stay in the cafeteria or use the covered basketball courts.
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. Please see the Discipline Matrix.
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 is 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.
SPECIFIC CONCERNS & OFFENSES
*** See also the Discipline Matrix and Philosophy
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 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.
Smoking/Vaping
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.
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 ISPS Acceptable Use Policy
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.
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.
Locker Responsibility
The Middle and High School provides each student with a locker. For students’ own protection, combinations should not be shared with anyone other than school administration. Students should use their lockers daily to ensure the safety of their property. For students’ own protection, combinations should not be shared with anyone other than school administration. ISPS is not liable for lost or stolen property that is not properly secured. Lockers are the property of ISPS and therefore, are subject to inspection and search at any time for any reason. It is the student’s obligation to keep them neat and orderly at all times. No locker is to be altered in any manner. No stickers, posters, or ornaments of any type may be placed on the outside of any locker without the prior approval of the principal. Students will be responsible and charged for any damage to their assigned locker.
Plagiarism & 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. Please see the Discipline Matrix
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 is 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.
Specific Concerns & Offenses
*** See also the Discipline Matrix and Philosophy
- Drugs & Condolences
- Smoking & Vaping
- Vandalism and Tampering with Emergency Equipment
- Unexcused Absences and Leaving Campus without Permission
- Internet Access
- Cell Phones
- Proper Decorum
Drugs & Condolences
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.
Smoking & Vaping
Vandalism and Tampering with Emergency Equipment
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
Cell Phones
Proper Decorum
Drugs & Alcohol Policy
The aim of the Drug and Alcohol Policy is to acknowledge and clarify the school’s role in drug prevention. This policy provides information about procedures to respond to any drug-related incident. The school policy aims to ensure that the approach taken on the issue of drugs is a whole-school one and is part of our commitment to, and concern for, the health and well-being of the whole school community.
Purpose of Policy
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.
Procedures & Juristiction
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Any evidence of tampering with the sample (dilution of sample, abnormal temperature of sample, etc.) will be considered a positive test.
- 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.
Discipline Policy
The International School of Port of Spain recognizes that developing passionate learners who strive for excellence will thrive in a school climate that is caring, orderly and safe. Standards of behaviour supporting the total education process and consequences of failure to adhere those standards shall be set in place and clearly communicated within the ISPS community.
- Discipline Philosophy
- Academic Misconduct
- ISPS Discipline Matrix
- General Disciplinary Procedures
- General Disciplinary Code - and offences
- ISPS Code of Conduct
- Bullying
- Senior & Junior Privileges
Discipline Philosophy
• 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.
Academic Misconduct
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:
Copying of homework/class assignments This includes, but is not limited to:
Plagiarism
|
1st offence
2nd offence
|
Forging signatures. |
1st offence
2nd offence
|
ISPS Discipline Matrix
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 |
General Disciplinary Procedures
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.
General Disciplinary Code - and offences
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 Code of Conduct
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
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 |
Senior & Junior Privileges
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.
Weapons Policy
Students or non-students may not possess a weapon or other dangerous object in the school building or on school property, school provided transportation or at school functions. Dangerous objects include (without implied limitation) fire arms, explosive devices, pellet guns, and knives. Any student found to be in possession of a weapon, or facsimile of a weapon, is subject to a disciplinary response up to and including referral for dismissal.
Definitions
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.
Procedures & Consequences
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.