FILE:  JCDA

Cf:  JCD, JCDAE

 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

 

 

Every student is entitled to an education which shall be offered in an orderly, healthy atmosphere, both physical and emotional, and to firm, fair treatment in all matters pertaining to school life.  Education is too important to be the sole responsibility of the schools. The success of school discipline depends upon a collaborative effort among home, school, and community.  By working together, the school Board can achieve the goals it desires - safe, yet orderly schools and a quality education for all children.

 

The Sabine Parish School Board Code of Conduct outlines specific expectations of administrators, teachers, students, and parents.  This Code of Conduct shall include progressive levels of minor through major infractions and identify corresponding minor through major interventions and consequences. Before an initial referral for a student's expulsion, the Code of Conduct shall require the prior administration of interventions in accordance with the minor tiers in this Code of Conduct, except in instances when the expulsion referral is the result of accumulated minor infractions in accordance with the Code of Conduct, or the underlying incident threatens the safety and health of students or staff.  Expulsions shall be reserved for the major tier of behavioral infractions involving weapons or drugs, or when the safety of students and staff have been put in jeopardy.  The School Board is dedicated to making sure that all students are in school and engaged in learning.  The discipline code as described in this regulation is not intended to be an exclusive list of acts of misconduct and consequences.  Students may be disciplined, including suspension and alternative placement following due process, for misconduct that is not specifically identified in this regulation.  In addition, the disciplinary consequences listed for each offense may be increased or decreased by the administration or the Sabine Parish School Board due to mitigating or aggravating circumstances.  The decision to increase or decrease the consequences for a particular offense rests within the professional judgment and discretion of School Board administrators and/or the School Board.

 

This code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, acts of students on School Board property, including buildings, playgrounds, parking lots, sidewalks and School Board transportation, or at a school activity, whether on or off School Board property.  This includes acts of students while the student is in route to or from School Board property.  The Sabine Parish School Board may also discipline students for off-campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment or members of the school community, to the extent allowed by law.  The content of this code shall be presented to each student at the beginning of each school year.  Copies of these documents will also be available for public inspection during normal business hours in the office of Student Services, at each school site, and posted on the Sabine Parish School Board’s website.

 

ORIENTATION

 

Students shall be informed by school authorities that violations of School Board policy and school rules or regulations may result in a range of disciplinary actions.  Each school shall plan and conduct an orientation and other meetings within the first five (5) days of school each year to fully inform all employees and students of:

 

The Student Code of Conduct shall be reviewed quarterly with all students and staff.  A copy of the Student Code of Conduct will be posted online.  A parent may request a copy of the policy from any school building or the district office.

 

COMPLIANCE

 

Each student in grades 4-12 and each parent or guardian of a student in grades 4-12, by virtue of attending school in the Sabine Parish School Board agree to Compliance.  For students, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the student agrees to attend school regularly, arrive at school on time, demonstrate significant effort toward completion of homework assignments, and follow school and classroom rules.  For parents, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the parent or legal guardian agrees to ensure his/her child completes all assigned homework, and attend all required parent/teacher/principal conferences.

 

New students entering the Sabine Parish School Board or students returning to in-person learning will be given orientation on the Student Code of Conduct.  Orientation will be provided by school level administrators or designee.  The principal shall ensure that all students have completed the orientation process prior to beginning classes.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT PURPOSE

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

 

DEFINITION OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SUPPORT

 

Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) gives people a new way to think about behavior.  PBIS is based on understanding why problem behaviors occur - the behavior's function.  This approach to behavior can occur on a school-wide level, in a specific setting, classroom, or with an individual student.  PBIS is the application of evidence-based strategies and systems to assist schools to increase academic performance, increase safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish positive school cultures.  The PBIS process results in the creation of effective intervention plans that shall impede problem behaviors, teach new skills, and create support systems for the student.

 

On a school-wide level, PBIS relies on accurate and reliable discipline referral data to understand the behaviors occurring across campus.  An analysis of the data allows a school team to identify the problem areas, brainstorm interventions such as where and what to teach, reward students exhibiting the expected behavior, and communicate findings to the staff, students, and families.

 

PBIS provides a positive and effective alternative to the traditional methods of discipline.  PBIS methods are research-based and proven to significantly reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors in the school, resulting in a more positive school climate and increased academic performance.  PBIS is consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which advocates the use of positive behavior interventions and school-based disciplinary strategies that reduce or eliminate the need to use suspension and alternative placement as disciplinary options.

 

DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINE

 

Discipline is defined as actions that teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents employ to teach students the essential skills necessary for academic and social success.
 

DEFINITION OF CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES

 

Academic success is directly correlated with instructional time received by the student.  In the effort to fully implement Positive Behavior Intervention Support and reduce the loss of instructional time due to out-of-school suspensions, the Sabine Parish Public School Board expects that each school shall utilize a wide variety of restorative practices that do not remove children from valuable instructional time.

 

Restorative Practices, also known as alternatives to suspension or alternative placement, may include but are not limited to:

 

 

Behavior Intervention

SPSB Definition and Examples

Administrative Conference

A formal conference is held between the student and appropriate administrator in an effort to reach an agreement regarding how the student should behave.

Alternate Area Assignment

(hallways, cafeteria, etc.)

Student may be assigned to a different area in order to prevent the problem behavior.  For example, if the student is having difficulty following the school-wide expectations for morning assembly, he/she may be assigned to sit in an area near a duty teacher instead of with his/her class.

Assigned Seating Change

Student is reassigned to a different seat in the classroom or on the bus to prevent problem behavior from reoccurring.

Before or After School Detention or Saturday Detention

Student shall come before school, after school, or on a Saturday for a set period of time.  Transportation shall be provided by the family.  A staff member shall supervise students assigned to this intervention.  During the time of detention, the student may be assigned:  re-teaching of expectations, remedial work, reflection sheets pertaining to the misbehavior, community service, counseling, or other restorative options.

Community Service Project

Student may be assigned to conduct community service at the school site.  He/She shall be supervised by a staff member during this time. Community service could be cafeteria duty, grounds duty, assist school custodians, etc.

Confiscation

Items not allowed in school or items that are being used inappropriately shall be taken.  Such items may be returned to the students or parent in accordance with SPSB timelines and guidelines as well as applicable state law.

Conference with Student Services

A meeting with the student, the parent/guardian, the school administration, and a Student Services representative from Central Office to discuss problem behavior and attempt to prevent further behavior concerns.

Consider SBLC Referral

Consider referring student to the School Building Level Committee (SBLC) to assess behavior concerns, make suggestions for intervention, or consider formal evaluation.

Cool Down/Time-Out

Positive time out is designed to encourage children and to teach them self-control and self-discipline.  Positive time out teaches children to understand that their brains don't function well when they are upset. They learn the value of taking time out to calm down until their brains are functioning in a way that is advantageous to them, rather than detrimental. Positive time out teaches the valuable life skill of learning to take time to feel what you feel, and to calm down until you can behave in more constructive ways.

Counseling

SPSB provides school counseling in every school building at various intervals.  School counseling is designed to be short term and solution focused.  Behavioral concerns that require more extensive intervention shall be assessed by the school counselor and referred to more appropriate agencies/individuals.

Establish Check In/Check Out

Check In/Check Out is an evidence based behavior strategy used with students to address ongoing behavior concerns.  It relies on key concepts such as building relationships, mentoring, and teaching replacement skills. The program consists of students daily checking in with an adult at the start of school to retrieve a goal sheet and encouragement.  Teachers provide feedback on the sheet throughout the day and students check out at the end of the day with an adult to discuss if the daily goals were met.  The student takes the sheet home to be signed, returning it the following morning at check in.

FINS Referral

A referral to the Families in Need of Services Office of Sabine Parish or the 11th Judicial District Court.  This agency is designed to intervene with families early to prevent juvenile court involvement.

In School Detention

Detention held during the school day (lunch, intervention time, recess).  A staff member shall supervise students assigned to this intervention.  During the time of detention, the student may be assigned:  re-teaching of expectations, remedial work, reflection sheets pertaining to the misbehavior, community service, counseling, or other restorative options.

Learning Activity in reference to the offense

Student may be assigned an activity that shall assist them in understanding the desired behavior and how to prevent future misbehavior.

Loss of Privilege

(recess, PE, pull outs)

Student may be removed from a favorable activity as a consequence. 

Mediation/Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution attempts to install problem solving skills among the students in a dispute.  It involves allowing both parties to express their points of view, interests, and provide ways to find acceptable solutions.  Conflict resolution teaches students how to resolve conflict in non-violent ways.

Outside Agency Referral

Student is referred to a community agency with the goal of getting additional assistance for the behavior of concern.

PAC/ISS/SAC

Positive Action Class or In School Suspension or Student Assignment Center is when a student spends all or part of a day in a supervised alternative learning environment.  Students shall be required to work on their assigned classwork and are responsible for all regular class assignments while assigned to PAC/ISS/SAC.  Restroom and lunch shall be monitored.  Bathroom breaks shall be scheduled.

Parent Contact

School administrator or staff member calls, emails or sends a letter to the phone number(s), email addresses and mailing addresses in the student’s file in order to communicate a concern.  The administrator should make note in the discipline file who they contacted, when, and what method was used.

Reflection Activity/Sheet

A Reflection Sheet is a very effective tool to use when a student is displaying unacceptable behavior.  The student would be required to complete and submit a pre-prepared form pertaining to the problem behavior.  The process of reading and writing about one’s behavior allows time for cool down, re-teaching, and reflection.

Restitution

Student is responsible for payment and/or restoration of SPSB or personal property of others, which have been vandalized, damaged, lost, or stolen.

Restorative Practices

Provide an opportunity to improve and repair relationships between students, teachers, and school communities.  The purpose is to build healthy schools, increase positive behavior, decrease inappropriate and antisocial behavior, repair harm, and restore relationships.

Reteaching School-wide/ Classroom Expectations

Providing repeated teaching of the school-wide expectations and rules by setting.

Ripple Effects/Social Skills Instruction

Assigning behavior specific social skills instruction using an evidence based program (Ripple Effects, Character Counts, Skill Streaming, Life Skills, Second Step, Leader In Me, etc.)

Role Play Appropriate Behavior and/or Responses

Role playing is a learning structure that allows students to immediately apply content as they are put in the role of a decision maker who shall make a decision regarding a behavior or some other outcome.  This technique is an excellent tool for engaging students and allowing them to interact with their peers as they try to complete the task assigned to them in their specific role.

Schedule Modification

Modify a student’s schedule in order to prevent future problem behavior (separate students in conflict; avoid student-teacher mismatch, etc.).

Small Group Intervention/Counseling

Group counseling, which involves a number of students working on shared tasks and developing supportive relationships in a group setting, is an efficient, effective, and positive way of providing direct service to students with social/emotional, relationship issues, and situational concerns.  By allowing individuals to develop insights into themselves and others, group counseling makes it possible for more students to achieve healthier personal adjustment, cope with the stress of a rapidly changing and complex environment, and learn to communicate and cooperate with others.

 

DEFINITION OF MINOR INFRACTIONS (Handled by the Classroom Teacher)

 

Each school shall establish a School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Team with representatives across all disciplines on campus.  This team meets to establish school-wide expectations, routines and procedures, and determines a plan to teach those to all students. In addition, this team shall establish which behaviors are considered minor on each campus and which ones are considered major (referred to the office).  All minor behavior infractions shall be documented and tracked by staff utilizing their Classroom Management Plan.  Repetitive minor behaviors can result in a major office referral.  Some behaviors that are typically treated as minor are:  dress code/ID violations, tardy to class, eating/chewing gum in class, talking in class, clowning in class, not completing assignments to name a few.  Parents should be notified when minor behaviors become repetitive.

 

DEFINITION OF MAJOR INFRACTIONS (Handled by a School Administrator)

Some infractions require students to be referred to an administrator for investigation and delivery of consequences.  Major behaviors are generally those that substantially disrupt the learning environment or impose a safety concern. Repetitive minor behaviors can also become a major infraction.

 

 

CODE

NAME OF INFRACTION

DEFINITION

01

Willful disobedience

Deliberate choice to break a rule or disobey a directive given by a person in authority.

02

Treats an authority with disrespect

The purposeful/non-purposeful, willful/reactionary or emotionally charged verbal or non-verbal response on the part of the student, where said student directs verbiage or gestures towards an employee of the Sabine Parish School Board and that employee interprets such language/verbiage/gestures as profane, obscene, humiliating, threatening or explicit in its nature.

03

Makes an unfounded charge against authority

Accusing a member of the school staff of an act that is unlawful and/or a violation of school rules or policy not supported by evidence.  False statements or representations about individuals or identifiable groups of individuals that harm the reputation of the individuals or the group by demeaning them or deterring others from associating or dealing with them.

04

Uses profane and/or obscene language

Intentional vulgar verbal messages, words or gestures that include swearing, or name calling that are directed at another individual (particularly an adult). 

05

Commits immoral or vicious practices

Isolated incident that is an unwelcome act or comment that is hurtful, degrading, humiliating, or offensive to another person with a sexual, physical, or racial component.  Act that is dangerous, aggressive, or would be perceived as disturbing and not conforming to approved standard of social behavior and/or local community norms.

06

Conduct or habits injurious to his/her associates

Any intentional but not malicious act that causes injury, damage, or pain to another (i.e. play fighting, horseplay).

07

Uses or possesses any controlled dangerous substances governed by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, in any form

The possession, use, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, intent to distribute, concealment, sale, or purchase of any drug, narcotic, controlled substance, or any paraphernalia linked to above on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, or on school transportation vehicles.

08

Uses or possesses tobacco or lighter/matches, including electronic cigarettes and ALL nicotine delivery systems including vaping and herbal delivery systems

The possession, use, purchase, intent to distribute, concealment, distribution or sale of tobacco products on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, or on school transportation vehicles.

09

Uses or possesses alcoholic beverages

The possession, use, purchase, intent to distribute, concealment, distribution or sale of alcohol products on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, or on school transportation vehicles.

10

Disturbs the school or habitually violates any rule

Behavior causing major disruption of instruction or any school activity and/or repeatedly violating any school rules in any area, includes but is not limited to sustained loud talking, yelling or screaming; noise with materials; and/or sustained out-of-seat behavior.  (Repeated Minor Infractions)

11

Cuts, defaces, or injures any part of public school buildings/vandalism

Damage, destruction, or defacement of property belonging to the school or others.

12

Writes profane and/or obscene language or draws obscene pictures

Writes or draws pictures, words, or images considered indecent or offensive (e.g., graffiti, letters, notes, posters, etc.).

13

Possesses weapon(s) as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code

Possessing weapon designed to expel a projectile by action of an explosive (e.g. Firearms-loaded or unloaded, parts of a firearm, explosives). 

14

Possesses firearms (not prohibited by federal law), knives, or other implements, which may be used as weapons, the careless use of which might inflict harm or injury  (Excludes pocket knives with a blade length ˂ 2 ½ ″- refer to code 31)

Possesses firearms, knives or blades ˃ 2 1/2 ″ which may be used to inflict bodily injury or damage to property (i.e., any instrument, look-alike weapon or object not prohibited by federal law that can place a person in reasonable fear or apprehension of serious harm that is on a student’s person or contained in the student’s belongings, locker and/or storage space).  This includes ANY item that could be deemed dangerous and does not belong at school-razor blades, mace, BB guns, pellet guns, look-alike weapons, sharp objects).

15

Throws missiles liable to injure others

Throws any object toward a person that is either heavy, sharp and/or otherwise perceived to be harmful or with such velocity and force that it would cause physical harm or precipitate a fight or campus disturbance.

16

Instigates or participates in fights while under school supervision

A hostile confrontation with physical contact (e.g. blows with fists, shoving, kicking, biting, pulling hair) involving two or more individuals.

17

Violates traffic and safety regulations

To break any law that pertains to the obstruction and flow of traffic and/or safety regulations.

18

Leaves school premises or classroom without permission

Leaving the school campus and/or assigned classroom or location without permission and/or failure to return to school/class.

19

Is habitually tardy and/or absent

Reporting late to school or class when the day/period begins without permission.  For K-8 students, five within a single semester is considered habitual.  For high school students, three within a single semester is considered habitual.

20

Takes another’s property or possessions without permission

Taking or obtaining the property of another without permission or knowledge of the owner without violence.

21

Commits any other serious offense

Any other serious offense not covered by specifically within the listed codes on the LDOE official discipline referral form.

30

Discharge or use of weapon(s) prohibited by federal law

Discharge or use of weapon prohibited by Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code.

31

Possesses pocket knife or blade cutter with a blade length < 2 ½″

Possesses pocket knife or blade cutter with a blade length < 2 ½ ″.

33

Use of OTC medication in a manner other than prescribed or authorized

The possession and/or distribution of any over-the-counter medicine whether prescribed or not without permission from school officials.  All over the counter or prescription medication shall be signed in through the school nurse and be held in the office.  No student may bring and/or take over the counter medication to/at school (even if the parent is aware and consents).

34

Possession of Body Armor

Possession, including the wearing of any type of gear that protects the person from attack by another.

35

Bullying/Harassment

Unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student.

36

Cyber Bullying/Cyber Harassment

Unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, through any use of technology.  Cyberbullying can occur on or off school property.  For a student to be disciplined at school for behavior that occurs off campus, the behavior shall be connected to the school environment in some way.  Parents may call law enforcement for community based behavior.

37

False Alarm / Bomb Threat

Initiating a warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, bomb threats, discharging a fire extinguisher, or communicating false threats to a school via electronic means (social media, texts, chat groups, etc.).

38

Forgery

To use, make, or reproduce another’s signature.

39

Gambling

Wagering money or property.

40

Public Indecency

Exposure of body parts such as genital / buttocks areas and female breasts in view of the public.

41

Obscene Behavior or Possession of Obscene/Pornographic Material

Engaging in behavior of a sexual nature including consensual sexual activity.  Possession of sexual images in any form (e.g., electronic, book, magazine, phone, drawing, etc.).

42

Unauthorized use of Technology

Use of pager/cellular telephone (texting, talking, accessing internet), smart watches, camera, or video device or other communication devices during the school day in violation of the individual school’s Acceptable Use Policy.

43

Improper Dress

Out of dress code or ID violation.

44

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating that occurs in relation to a formal academic exercise and may include plagiarism, fabrication, or deception.

45

Trespassing Violation

Unauthorized entering onto school property by an individual who has been given prior legal notice that entry onto or use of the property has been denied, or who remains on the property once notified of the request to leave.  This includes unauthorized presence of a student on school property while on a restrictive access, suspension, or alternate placement.

46

Failure to Serve Assigned Consequence

Failure to serve Detention, Time Out Room, Saturday School, Suspension or other assigned consequences.

47

Misusing Internet/Violates electronic/technology policy

Violating the SPSB Internet Safety and Technology policy.

48

Sexual Harassment

Intimidation, bullying, or coercion of a sexual nature.

49

False Report

It is determined through investigation that a student provided a false report to school administrators during the course of an incident.

50

Crime of Violence (per R.S. 14:2B)

Violent crime including murder, assault and battery, rape and sexual battery, kidnapping, arson, criminal damage to property, burglary, misappropriation w/violence to person, serious bodily injury.

 

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

 

Sabine Parish School Board schools shall provide environments for students that are conducive to student success.  Such environments are safe, preventive, predictable, and provide a continuum of positive behavior intervention support for all students.  The school’s primary goal is to educate, not to discipline; however, when the behavior of the individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary both for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole.

 

The Sabine Parish School Board recognizes the social and emotional development of children varies significantly from prekindergarten to twelfth grade and have thus created a dual consequence chart that accounts for such.  Some infractions committed by a ninth grader may be more significantly disciplined than a similar action committed by a first-grader.  The School Board understands that many of the formative years (PreK-3) focus on teaching young children the expectations, procedures, and norms of school life.  As a student progresses, the expectation is that they have been afforded the opportunity to learn and adjust and more significant consequences may occur for rule violations.

 

Disciplinary INFRACTIONS have been categorized into THREE Levels:

 

Disciplinary CONSEQUENCES have been designed to become progressively more involved as a student repeats the problem behavior.  Repeated LEVEL ONE behaviors can result in a student moving to LEVEL TWO consequences after the third occurrence. Administrators may select to issue one or more consequence based upon the investigation of the incident and its severity.

 

The following charts are divided by grade level, level of offense, and disciplinary considerations per occurrence.

 

 

Level One Offenses-Elementary (K – Grade 5):

Inappropriate Activities that Interfere with the Learning Environment

Academic dishonesty

Cuts, defaces or injures any part of public school buildings/vandalism (value less than $20)

Disturbs the school or habitually violates any rule

Failure to serve assigned consequence

False Report

Forgery

Gambling

Improper Dress

Is habitually tardy or absent

Leaves classroom without permission (see Level 2 for leaves school premises)

Misusing Internet/Violates electronic/technology policy (see also JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunications Devices Policy)

Takes another’s property or possessions without permission (value less than $20)

Treats an Authority with disrespect

Unauthorized use of Technology (per the individual school’s acceptable use policy)

Uses profane and/or obscene language

Violates traffic and safety regulations

Willful disobedience

Write profane and/or obscene language or draws obscene pictures (not in reference to anyone/doesn’t show anyone)

 

 

Level One Offense Discipline Considerations

Elementary (K – Grade 5):

1st Occurrence

2nd Occurrence

1st Occurrence Options in Addition to:

3+  Occurrences

2nd Occurrence Options in Addition to:

Parent Contact

Before/After School Detention

PAC/ISS/SAC for UP TO 2 days per referral

Administrative Conference

Loss of Privilege – recess, lunch detention

OSS for UP TO 1 day per referral

Reteaching Schoolwide/Classroom Expectations

Alternate Area Assignment (hallways, cafeteria)

Consider SBLC Referral

Role Play Appropriate Behavior and/or Responses

Establish Check In/Check Out

FINS Referral

Mediation/Conflict Resolution

PAC/ISS/SAC for UP TO 1 day per referral

Small Group Intervention/Counseling

Ripple Effects/Social Skills Instruction

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

Referral to outside agency

Reflection Activity/Sheet

 

 Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

PAC/ISS/SAC for the period/time the offense occurred

 

 

Restitution/Restorative Practices

 

 

Community Service Project

 

 

Counseling

 

 

Learning Activity in reference to the offense

 

 

Cool Down/Time-Out

 

 

Schedule Modification

 

 

Assigned Seating Change

 

 

In-School Detention

 

 

Confiscation

 

 

 

Level Two Offenses-Elementary (K – Grade 5):

Activities that Disrupt the Learning Environment or that May Lead to Level Three Infractions

Bullying/Harassment (bullying forms shall be completed)

Conduct or habits injurious to his/her associates

Cuts, defaces or injures any part of public school buildings/vandalism (value greater than $20)

Cyber Bullying (bullying forms shall be completed)

False Alarm/Bomb Threat

FOUR OR MORE LEVEL ONE OFFENSES

Instigates or participates in fights while under school supervision

Leaves school premises without permission (see Level 1 for classroom)

Makes an Unfounded Charge Against Authority

Possesses pocket knife or blade cutter with a blade length of <2.5 inches (no known threat)

Takes another’s property or possessions without permission (value greater than $20)

Throws missiles liable to injure others

Trespassing Violation

Use of OTC medication in a manner other than prescribed or authorized (single dose, no indication of giving/selling to others)

Uses or possesses tobacco, lighter or matches (cigarettes, lighter, electronic vaping devices/part)

Writes profane and/or obscene language or draws obscene pictures (about another student/shows others)

 

Level Two Offense Discipline Considerations

Elementary (K – Grade 5)

1st Occurrence

Level 1 Options in addition to:

2nd Occurrence

1st Occurrence Options in Addition to:

3rd Occurrence

2nd Occurrence Options in Addition to:

PAC/ISS/SAC for 1+ days

FINS Referral

OSS for UP TO 3 days

Small Group Intervention/Counseling

Consider SBLC Referral

Possible Due Process Hearing

Establish Check In/Check Out

OSS for UP TO 3 days

 

Outside Agency Referral

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

 

OSS for UP TO 3 days

 

 

Conference with Student Services

 

 

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

 

 

 

Level Three Offenses-Elementary (K – Grade 5):

Illegal Activities or Activities that Endanger Individuals or the School Community

Commits any other serious offense

Commits immoral or vicious practices

Crime of Violence (per R.S. 14:2B)

Discharge or use of weapon(s) prohibited by federal law

FOUR OR MORE LEVEL TWO OFFENSES

Obscene Behavior or Possession of Obscene/Pornographic Material

Possesses firearms (not prohibited by federal law), knives or other implements, which may be used as weapons, the careless use of which might inflict harm or injury (Knives Greater than 2.5 inches)

Possesses pocket knife or blade cutter with a blade length of <2.5 inches (with the presence of a threat)

Possesses weapon(s) as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code

Possession of Body Armor

Public Indecency

Sexual Harassment

Use of OTC medication in a manner other than prescribed or authorized (multiple doses or indication of giving/selling to others)

Uses or possesses alcoholic beverages

Uses or possesses any controlled dangerous substances governed by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, in any form

 

Level Three Offense Discipline Considerations

Elementary (K – Grade 5)

1st Occurrence

Level 1&2 Options in addition to:

2nd Occurrence

1st Occurrence Options in Addition to:

3rd Occurrence

 

Mandatory Conference with Student Services

Mandatory Conference with Student Services

N/A

Possible Due Process Hearing

Due Process Hearing

 

Referral to Law Enforcement, when applicable

Referral to Law Enforcement, when applicable

 

 

 Level One Offenses-Middle/High (Grades 6-12):

Inappropriate Activities that Interfere with the Learning Environment

Academic dishonesty (except on State Assessments)

Disturbs the school or habitually violates any rule

Failure to serve assigned consequence (depending upon severity, this offense may be handled as a level 2)

False Report (depending upon severity, this offense may be handled as a level 2)

Forgery (depending upon severity, this offense may be handled as a level 2)

Gambling

Improper Dress

Is habitually tardy or absent

Misusing Internet/Violates electronic/technology policy (depending upon severity, this offense may be handled as a level 2) (see also JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunications Devices Policy)

Unauthorized use of Technology (per the individual school’s acceptable use policy)

Uses profane and/or obscene language

Violates traffic and safety regulations (depending upon severity, this offense may be handled as a level 2)

Willful disobedience (depending upon severity, this offense may be handled as a level 2)

Write profane and/or obscene language or draws obscene pictures (not in reference to anyone/doesn’t show anyone)

 

 Level One Offense Discipline Considerations

Middle/High (Grades 6-12)

1st Occurrence

2nd Occurrence

1st Occurrence Options in Addition to:

3+  Occurrences

2nd Occurrence Options in Addition to:

Parent Contact

Before/After School Detention

PAC/ISS/SAC for UP TO 3 days per referral

Administrative Conference

Loss of Privilege – recess, lunch detention

OSS for 1-3 days per referral (depending upon severity of offense)

Reteaching Schoolwide/Classroom Expectations

Alternate Area Assignment (hallways, cafeteria)

Consider SBLC Referral

Role Play Appropriate Behavior and/or Responses

Establish Check In/Check Out

FINS Referral

Mediation/Conflict Resolution

PAC/ISS/SAC for 1-3 days

Small Group Intervention/Counseling

Ripple Effects/Social Skills Instruction

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

Referral to outside agency

Reflection Activity/Sheet

 

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

PAC/ISS/SAC for the period/time the offense occurred or UP TO 1 day (principal discretion)

 

 

Restitution/Restorative Practices

 

 

Community Service Project

 

 

Counseling

 

 

Learning Activity in reference to the offense

 

 

Cool Down/Time-Out

 

 

Schedule Modification

 

 

Assigned Seating Change

 

 

In-School Detention

 

 

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

 

 

Confiscation

 

 

 

 

Level Two Offenses-Middle/High (Grades 6-12):

Activities that Disrupt the Learning Environment or that May Lead to Level Three Infractions

Bullying/Harassment (bullying forms shall be completed)

Commits immoral or vicious practices

Conduct or habits injurious to his/her associates

Cuts, defaces or injures any part of public school buildings/vandalism

Cyber Bullying (bullying forms shall be completed)

FOUR OR MORE LEVEL ONE OFFENSES

Instigates or participates in fights while under school supervision (local law enforcement citation, at principal’s discretion)

Leaves classroom or school premises without permission

Makes an unfounded charge against authority

Takes another’s property or possessions without permission

Throws missiles liable to injure others

Treats an Authority with disrespect

Trespassing Violation

Use of OTC medication in a manner other than prescribed or authorized (single dose, no indication of giving/selling to others)

Uses or possesses tobacco, lighter or matches (cigarettes, lighter)

Uses or possesses electronic vaping devices/part (see vaping policy)

Writes profane and/or obscene language or draws obscene pictures (about another student/shows others)

 

 

Level Two Offense Discipline Considerations

Middle/High (Grades 6-12)

1st Occurrence

Level 1 Options in addition to:

2nd Occurrence

1st Occurrence Options in Addition to:

3rd + Occurrences

2nd Occurrence Options in Addition to:

PAC/ISS/SAC for 1+ days

FINS Referral

OSS for UP TO 5 days

Small Group Intervention/Counseling

Consider SBLC Referral

Possible Due Process Hearing

Establish Check In/Check Out

OSS for UP TO 5 days

 

Outside Agency Referral

Possible Due Process Hearing

 

OSS for UP TO 3 days (could be extended to 5 days for severe fights)

 

 

Confiscation

 

 

Conference with Student Services

 

 

Saturday Detention, at principal’s discretion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level Three Offenses-Middle/High (Grades 6-12):

Illegal Activities or Activities that Endanger Individuals or the School Community

Commits any other serious offense

Crime of Violence (per  R.S. 14:2B)

Discharge or use of weapon(s) prohibited by federal law

False Alarm/Bomb Threat

FOUR OR MORE LEVEL TWO OFFENSES

Obscene Behavior or Possession of Obscene/Pornographic Material

Possesses firearms (not prohibited by federal law), knives or other implements, which may be used as weapons, the careless use of which might inflict harm or injury (Knives greater than 2.5 inches)

Possesses pocket knife or blade cutter with a blade length of <2.5 inches (with the presence of a threat)

Possesses weapon(s) as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code

Possession of Body Armor

Public Indecency

Sexual Harassment

Use of OTC medication in a manner other than prescribed or authorized (multiple does of indication of giving/selling to others.)

Uses or possesses alcoholic beverages

Uses or possesses any controlled dangerous substances governed by the Uniform Controlled  Dangerous Substances Law, in any form

 

 

Level Three Offense Discipline Considerations

Middle/High (Grades 6-12)

1st Occurrence

Level 1&2 Options in addition to:

2nd Occurrence

1st Occurrence Options in Addition to:

3rd Occurrence

 

Mandatory Conference with Student Services

Mandatory Conference with Student Services

N/A

Due Process Hearing

Due Process Hearing

 

Referral to Law Enforcement, when applicable

Referral to Law Enforcement, when applicable

 

Confiscation

 

 

 

 

VAPING PROCEDURES

All students who use or possess tobacco, including electronic cigarettes and ALL nicotine delivery systems will be given a Discipline Consequence according to SPSB’s policy.  This is to include all school sponsored activities and events.  Students from ages 10 years through 12th Grade will be given a citation by local law enforcement, in addition to a discipline consequence.

Elementary (Grades K-5)

1st Occurrence

  1. Mandatory Conference with Parent;

  2. 2-3 days OSS;

  3. RS 14:91.8 Citation with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement;

  4. Recommended Counseling;

  5. Possible referral to FINS

2nd Occurrence

  1. Mandatory Conference with Parent;

  2. 2-3 days OSS;

  3. RS 14:91.8 Citation with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement;

  4. Mandatory Counseling;

  5. Mandatory FINS Referral

3rd Occurrence

  1. Mandatory Meeting with Student Services

  2. Possible Due Process Hearing

 

Middle/High (Grades 6 -12)

1st Occurrence

  1. Mandatory Conference with Parent;

  2. 2-3 days OSS;

  3. RS 14:91.8 Citation with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement;

  4. Field test for a banned substance by School Resource Officer, if available;

  5. Recommended Counseling;

  6. Possible FINS Referral  

 2nd Occurrence

  1. Mandatory Conference with Parent;

  2. 3-5 days OSS;

  3. RS 14:91.8 Citation with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement;

  4. Field test for a banned substance by School Resource Officer, if available;

  5. Mandatory Counseling;

  6. Possible FINS Referral 

3rd Occurrence

  1. Recommendation for Alternate Placement (3 Week Placement)

  2. Recommendation for Due Process Hearing

 

SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE


The school bus is an extension of the school building; therefore, all school bus behavior incidents shall be reported to the principal within one (1) school day.  All incidents will be addressed according to the Sabine Parish Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

 

 

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES

 

Any time an administrator or disciplinarian receives a student behavior report completed by a school staff member, the student in question is to be afforded due process.  Due process, for purposes of this code, is defined as:

 

When a student has been written up and presents to the office the following shall occur:

 

  1. The student shall be told what he is accused of and by whom (school staff member).

     

  2. The student shall be given an opportunity to tell his version of the facts. 

     

  3. Student shall be allowed to provide any witnesses to the event.

     

  4. The student shall be informed of the administrator’s action on the infraction (consequence).

     

  5. The student should sign the discipline form to indicate receipt.

     

  6. Parents shall be notified by personal phone call at the numbers provided to the Registration Office or otherwise.  You may also send a copy of the discipline form home with the student.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

 

A student may be suspended out of school for a maximum of ten consecutive school days.  Any time a student is suspended out of school the following shall occur:

 

  1. The principal/designee shall contact the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to notify them of the reason for and length of the suspension.

     

  2. The principal/designee shall establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the pupil.

     

  3. Notice shall be given by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card as well as sending a letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card.

     

  4. The principal/designee shall notify the student and parent that the student may not be on any property of the Sabine Parish School or participate in any school activity or any school sponsored event during the time of the suspension.

     

  5. A student who is suspended for ten (10) days or fewer shall be assigned school work missed while he/she is suspended and shall receive full credit for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or his/her designee, upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher.

 

RECOMMENDATION FOR ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT HEARING FOR SEVERE/ MAJOR INFRACTIONS


An individual principal/designee may not alternately place any student or place any student directly into the SPSB Alternative Program, SPARK.  Principals/designees may recommend an alternative placement hearing for major infractions (i.e., drugs, weapons, group fighting, etc.).  A Due Process Hearing shall then be set with a representative hearing officer from the Sabine Parish School Board Student Services Office.  The following procedures shall occur:

 

  1. The principal/designee shall contact the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to notify them of the reason for the recommendation for alternative placement.

  2. The principal/designee shall contact the SPSB Student Services Office and establish a date and time for a Due Process Hearing with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the pupil.  The student shall be suspended out of school pending such hearing.

  3. Notice of the date and time of the hearing shall be given by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card and by sending a letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card.

  4. The principal/designee shall notify the student and parent that the student may not be on any property of the Sabine Parish School Board or participate in any school activity or any school sponsored event during the time of the suspension.

  5. The Student Services Office shall conduct a hearing to determine the facts of the case and make a finding of whether or not the student is guilty of conduct warranting a recommendation for alternative placement.  Following the hearing, the Student Services Office shall notify the parents via letter or email of the decision rendered.

  6. A student who is alternatively placed and receives educational services at an alternative site shall be assigned work by a certified teacher and shall receive credit for school work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the teacher.  Such work shall be aligned with the curriculum used at the school from which the student was alternatively placed.

 

OTHER DISCIPLINARY NOTES

 

Any student who has been recommended for alternative placement but withdraws from the school system prior to the due process hearing shall be considered alternatively placed.
 

A student shall be subject to disciplinary action for conduct or offenses that occur at extracurricular activities, sporting events (even where said student is merely a spectator), conventions, in the parking lot, or other areas of school property, and at any other school’s activities.  This includes school campuses other than where the student attends school.

 

Any graduating senior committing a serious offense warranting suspension or alternative placement may be prohibited from participation in graduation exercises upon recommendation of the principal and after a hearing by the Superintendent or his/her designee/hearing officer.  If prohibited from participation, the senior shall receive his/her diploma by mail.

 

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS ENROLLING FROM OUT OF PARISH

The discipline record (including suspensions) of any student entering the Sabine Parish School Board (SPSB) from another school during the school year shall follow the student from the school last attended to the SPSB.  For instance, a student that transfers to a SPSB school and has three (3) suspensions in the former school shall start in the school  system with three (3) suspensions.  Any student who transfers to a Sabine Parish school during the school year who has four (4) or more out of school suspensions at the time of transfer shall start at the SPSB Alternative Program.

 

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

 

The Discipline Procedures for Children With Exceptionalities in Sabine Parish Schools are developed and implemented in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, the federal law governing the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for the discipline of students with disabilities; Louisiana Bulletin 1706, Subchapter B: Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities, §530, and the policy of the School Board of Sabine Parish.

 

School personnel may remove a student with a disability or suspected disability, who violates a code of student conduct, from his or her current placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days, to the extent that those alternatives are applied to students without disabilities.  Additional removals of not more than ten (10) consecutive school days in the same school year for separate incidents of misconduct are allowed, as long as the removal does not constitute a change of placement.  A change of placement occurs if a student with a disability is removed from his or her current educational placement for more than ten (10) consecutive school days; or a student with a disability is subjected to a series of removals, cumulating to ten or more days, that constitute a pattern because of factors such as the length of each removal, the total amount of time the student is removed, and the proximity of the removals to one another.

 

After a student with a disability has been removed from his or her current placement for ten (10) school days in the same school year, during any subsequent days of removal the Sabine Parish School Board shall provide services which enable the student to participate in the general education curriculum and progress toward meeting his or her IEP goals.  In addition, the student should receive a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention plan designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur.

 

Whenever an action involving a removal that constitutes a change of placement for a student is contemplated, a Manifestation Determination Review is required.

 

Within ten (10) school days of any decision to change the placement of a student with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct, the IEP team shall review evaluation and diagnostic results and other relevant information supplied by the parent or the student, consider observations of the student, and consider the student’s IEP and placement to determine if the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the student’s disability; or if the conduct in question was the direct result of the Sabine Parish School Board failure to implement the IEP.

 

On the date which the decision is made, school personnel shall notify the parents of that decision and provide the parents the procedural safeguards (Louisiana’s Educational Rights of Children with Exceptionalities in Public Schools).

 

For disciplinary changes in placement due to behavior that violates a code of student conduct that exceed ten (10) consecutive days:

 

If school personnel, the parent, and members of the student’s IEP team make the determination that the conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, school personnel may apply disciplinary procedures to students with disabilities in the same manner and for the same duration as the procedures would be applied to students without disabilities, except the student should continue to receive educational services. School personnel and at least one of the student’s teachers should determine the extent of services needed for the student to participate in the general education curriculum and progress toward meeting his or her IEP goals.  In addition, the student should receive a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention plan designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur.  If a behavioral intervention plan has already been developed, the current plan shall be reviewed and modified to address the current behavior.  Services may be provided in an interim alternative educational setting, as determined by the student’s IEP Team.

 

If school personnel, the parent, and members of the student’s IEP team make the determination that the conduct was a manifestation of the student’s disability, the IEP Team shall conduct a functional behavioral assessment and implement a behavioral intervention plan for the student.  If a behavioral intervention plan has already been developed, the current plan shall be reviewed and modified to address the current behavior.  If Sabine Parish School Board failed to implement the IEP, immediate steps should be taken to remedy the deficiencies.  The student is to return to the placement from which he or she was removed, except under Special Circumstances; or unless the parent and school personnel agree to a change of placement as part of the modification of the behavioral intervention plan.

 

School personnel may remove a student to an interim alternative educational setting, under Special Circumstances, for not more than forty-five (45) school days, without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability if:

 

  1. The student carries a weapon to or possesses a weapon at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function under the jurisdiction of the State or any School Board (under paragraph (2) of the first subsection (g) of 18 USC 930).

  2. The student knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of the State or any School Board (Identified under schedules I, II, III, IV, or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substance Act (21 USC 812(c)).

  3. The student has inflicted serious bodily injury on another person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of the State or any School Board (under paragraph (3) of subsection (h) 18 USC 1365).

In-school suspensions in which a student’s IEP is being implemented are not considered removals from a student’s current educational setting.  All other removals, whether to an alternative school or homebound, are considered changes in placement, regardless of whether the student’s IEP is being implemented in the alternative setting.

 

Any parent of a student with a disability who disagrees with any decision regarding placement or the manifestation determination; or Sabine Parish School Board believes that maintaining the current placement of the student is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or others, may appeal the decision by requesting a due process hearing under Bulletin 1706, §507 (Filing a Request for Impartial Due Process Hearing) and §508 A and B (Due Process Hearing Request).

 

Whenever an Expedited Due Process Hearing is requested, the parents or the school administrator or their designee involved in the dispute should have the opportunity for an impartial due process hearing which should occur within twenty (20) days of the date the request is filed.  A resolution meeting shall occur within seven (7) days of receiving notice of the Request for Due Process Hearing unless the parent and school administrator or their designee agree, in writing, to waive the meeting.  The due process hearing may proceed unless the matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the Request for Due Process Hearing.

 

New policy:  July 11, 2022

 

 

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:233, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.13

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Louisiana Regulations for Implementation of the Children with Exceptionalities Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education

Board minutes, 7-11-22

 

Sabine Parish School Board