Student Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

Listed below are student discipline guidelines. Regardless of any provision in the policy, a student may be subject to a suspension of up to fifteen (15) days, expulsion, exclusion, or alternative placement for violation of any provision in these policies. School administration will have the discretion of a lesser or greater consequence. Below are the guidelines for behaviors.

Grounds for Dismissal

A student may be suspended from school for any of the following reasons:

• A willful violation of any reasonable school board regulation or policy
• Willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to an education, or the ability of school personnel to perform their duties, or school sponsored extracurricular activities; or
• Willful conduct that endangers the student or other students, or surrounding persons, including school district employees, or property of the school.

Arson, Explosives, Fireworks (Use/Possession) and Terroristic/BombThreats

Violations may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• 10 to 15-day suspension
• Restitution
• Court Referral
• Parent Conference
• Expulsion

Bullying/Cyber Bullying

“Bullying” may also include the misuse of technology in any form including, but not limited to, teasing, intimidating, humiliating, defaming, threatening, harassing, stalking, or terrorizing another student, teacher, administrator, other employee of the school district, volunteer, contractor, or bus driver by sending or posting e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings, including blogs, regardless of whether such acts are committed on or off school district property and/or with or without the use of school district resources.

Violations may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Parent/guardian notification and/or principal conference and/or a student contract
• One to fifteen-day suspension
• Conference with principal, which may also include Human Rights Officer, juvenile justice authorities, counselor or other appropriate individuals
• Expulsion

Cheating

Both in Independent Study and Seat-Based classes students are expected to complete assignments themselves. If an instructor believes it is not the sole work of the student by either handwriting, observation, reports or work comparison, then it will be deemed as cheating.

Cheating will result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Automatic zero on the assignment and parents/guardians contacted by teacher
• Regulation of all future independent study work or possible elimination of independent study schedule

Drug Free Schools and Chemical Use and Abuse Minnesota schools are drug-free zones. Policies 417 and 418

Recent laws are tough on anyone caught selling or possessing illegal drugs within one city block or 300 feet of any Minnesota school or school bus carrying students. Possession or use of any drug related paraphernalia on school property or buses or at any school activity is not permitted. Possession/use will result in the same consequences as chemical use violations.

Additionally, any student who sells, buys, gives, receives or who possesses with the intent to sell distribute; alcohol, narcotics, inhalers or any mood altering substance (including look alike substances) on school property, on the school bus, at a school bus stops or at a school sponsored activity will face the following consequences. The consuming or possessing on school property or during a school activity (or having consumed before arrival at school or activity) of any beverage containing alcohol, any simulated controlled substances (such as any non-alcoholic look-alike or smell-alike substances), any over the counter medications used in excess of their recommended dosage or any other mood-altering substances during the school year will result in the following consequences:

• First offense: Up to a five-day suspension from school, referral to a chemical dependency counselor, notification of parent/guardian with a conference that day and pick up of student, notification of police, and filing of a juvenile contact report
• Second offense: Up to a five-day suspension from school, referral to a chemical dependency counselor, notification of parent/guardian with a conference that day and pick up of student, notification of police, and filing of a juvenile contact report
• Third offense: Suspension pending expulsion

A student may be subject to a suspension of up to fifteen (15) days, expulsion, exclusion, or alternative placement pursuant to the Student Discipline Policy 506

• Due process procedures apply as well as Minnesota State High School League rules. A complete copy of District Policy 418 (Drug-Free School) is available in each building principal’s office and the district office.
• It is a yearly practice at Riverside Academy to work with law enforcement and bring drug dogs to conduct locker/car searches.
• Use of controlled substances and alcohol is prohibited in the school settings pursuant to state law and District Policy 417. In the event that a school district employee knows or suspects that a student is abusing, possessing, transferring, distributing, or selling chemicals in a school location it will be immediately reported to administration. The administrator will make every attempt to notify the student’s parents in addition to law enforcement officials and the student’s counselor if applicable. If school personnel have reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence of alcohol, the school district reserves the right to utilize a breathalyzer test. Failure to comply with the test may result in disciplinary action. *Please note that students involved in extracurricular activities and athletics may be required to submit to random alcohol and drug testing.

Disruptive Classroom Behavior

Disruptive classroom behavior are acts which cause substantial disruption and/or conduct which reflects negatively on the school and are not permitted during the Riverside Academy Programs.

Violations may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Removal from class to process behavior
• 4 removals per term (4 week period) will result in further consequences.
• More than 5 removals per term (4 week period) will result in 1 full day of possible OSS.

Electronic Devices

Our school encourages students to bring their own electronic devices to school for academic use: such as Chromebooks, cell phones, iPad, personal computers. Electronics may only be used in the classroom with permission from staff. Students must turn off all electronic devices if they are disruptive or a distraction. Any photo or movie taken during the instructional day without the express consent of the Director, or his/her designee, may incur consequences. Riverside Academy Programs are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices.

Consequences for noncompliance could result in the following:

• Removal from class to process
• Loss of electronic device privileges
• With reasonable suspicion, school authorities reserve the right to review the picture and video content of any electronic device brought onto school property

Falsification of Any Records, Documents, Notes or Signatures

• Possible inability to complete independent study outside of school
• Loss of credit
• Parent/guardian notification

Fighting and Violence Prevention Policies 506 and 525

(See also “Intimidation” and “Religious, Racial and Sexual Harassment and Violence Policy”)

The physical and emotional safety of everyone in the school is essential. Therefore, fighting, including threats and intimidation, are not tolerated. A student may be subject to a suspension of up to fifteen (15) days, expulsion, exclusion, or alternative placement pursuant to the Student Discipline Policy 506.

Students who are involved in fights will be subject to the following consequences:

• First offense: Up to a 5-day suspension, parent/guardian notification, juvenile contact referral sent to county attorney’s office
• Second offense: Up to a 10-day suspension, parent/guardian notification, juvenile contact referral sent to county attorney’s office
• Third offense: Suspension pending expulsion, juvenile contact referral sent to county attorney’s office

Harassment Policy 413

Violation of the district policy concerning religious, racial and sexual harassment and violence will result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Enforcement of Minnesota State High School League rules as applicable
• Parent/guardian notification and/or administration conference
• One to fifteen-day suspension
• Conference with administration, which may also include Human Rights Officer, juvenile justice authorities, or other appropriate individuals
• Event documentation forward to juvenile justice authorities
• Expulsion

Hazing Policy 526

"Hazing" means committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose. For further information please refer to Hazing Policy 526.

Violation of the district policy concerning hazing will result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Parent/guardian notification and/or principal conference
• One to 15-day suspension
• Conference with principal, which may also include Human Rights Officer, juvenile justice authorities, or other appropriate individuals

Inappropriate Signs of Affection

Students are asked to refrain from kissing, embracing, and other intimate behavior in school.

• First offense: Referral to administration
• Second offense: Referral to administration and notify parent/guardian
• Third offense: Referral to administration, parent/guardian conference, one day suspension

Insubordination Towards Staff Members

Examples: displaying incorrigible conduct, profanity, walking away from staff, refusing to give correct name to staff when requested and refusing to comply with reasonable directives given while enforcing policies set forth in this handbook.

• Removal from class to process
• 4 removals per term (4 week period) will result in a ½ day In-School Suspension
• More than 5 removals per term (4 week period) will result in 1 full day of In-School Suspension or possible OSS.

Leaving School Grounds/Out of Staff Sight

All students must have permission from authorized personnel/parent/guardian and sign-out in the office. If at any time a student is out of a staff members’ sight, it would be considered leaving the property. Included is leaving school grounds during lunch without staff/parent/guardian permission.

• Student’s failure to follow procedures: subject to search by school officials and/or law enforcement officials and in-school-suspension the remainder of the school day.

Speeding/Erratic Driving on or Near School Grounds

Consequences:

• First Offense: Parent/guardian notification and juvenile justice authority contact
• Second Offense: 1 week loss of parking privilege, parent/guardian notified and juvenile justice authority contact.

Student Dress and Appearance Policy 504

Generally, most clothing is acceptable for school as long as it does not jeopardize anyone's health, safety, disrupt the teaching/learning process, or does not create school disorder. Students are to dress appropriately in a manner that meets health and safety requirements and does not detract from the learning environment. The following are examples of attire considered to be unacceptable for students during the school day.

• bandanas, sweatbands or hoods covering face
• see-through clothing
• undergarments showing, i.e.: underwear, bra straps, boxer shorts
• skirts or shorts worn shorter than four inches ( roughly 4”) above the mid knee
• clothing with inappropriate slogans or artwork, or speech that is vulgar or profane
• sunglasses
• pants that are torn which expose the thigh or buttock
• items deemed to be disruptive to the educational process; i.e. items that promote disrespect, indecency, and/or hate
• clothing that include words or images or pictures that are obscene, vulgar, and sexually explicit, convey sexual innuendo, abuse or discrimination or which promotes or advertises alcohol, chemicals, and tobacco
• clothing which is related to or offensive in regards to a contemporary sensitive issue will not be tolerated

Violations may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Replacement of the student’s clothing, or remain in the office until a parent brings in more appropriate clothing. If students refuse to change their clothing, they will be considered insubordinate
• One day suspension or send home if it becomes chronic

Theft

Consequences:

• First offense: One to three days of suspension, juvenile contact report and sent to county attorney’s office, parent/guardian conference and full restitution
• Second offense: Three to five days of suspension, parent/guardian conference, and juvenile contact report and sent to county attorney’s office and full restitution
• Third offense: Administrative action

Tobacco Possession, Use or Tobacco Look-Alike Products on School Grounds, Facilities or at Activities Policy 419

All locations of the Riverside Academy Programs are tobacco free zones. Smoking, chewing, or the possession of tobacco products on school grounds, within sight of the school grounds, in the school buildings, in vehicles, or while on school activities is prohibited. School rules apply in all areas within 300 feet or one city block of school boundaries. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action. A complete copy of the Policy #419 (Tobacco-Free Schools) is available in each building principal’s office.

• Electronic cigarettes/Nicotine Delivery System: An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is an alternative to smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. E-cigarettes and accessory items are prohibited on school grounds. Consequence will be the following:
  • Confiscation of any/all tobacco, e-cigarettes and accessory items. Enforcement of Minnesota State High School League rules as applicable
  • Suspension of one to 5 days as determined by administration- ISS or OSS
  • Referral to juvenile justice authorities. Students will participate in an e-cigarette education class taught by our school resource officers. Failure to attend this class may result in further action and a report to the court.

Vandalism

Our schools are a source of pride for our communities and we expect many years of benefit from these facilities. Equipment, materials, and facilities have been provided to give students all the advantages of modern education systems. Should negligent student actions result in the damage of school property, the school district will hold the student and his/her parents or guardians responsible for repair or replacement of the damaged item.

Consequences:

• One to five days of suspension; possible police report being filed reporting damage and a request for restitution
• School computer vandalism could result in a non-use progression of 1 week; 2 weeks; and 12 weeks

Violent Behavior or Intimidation to Cause Physical Injury

Fighting in school, severe verbal aggression/threats or physical aggression/threats are never permitted. The following consequences will be followed:

• One to ten days suspension, parent/guardian notification, possible juvenile court referral

Weapons Use and Possession Policy #501

Minnesota schools are weapon-free zones. Recent laws allow severe penalties for anyone caught possessing or using a dangerous weapon within one city block or 300 feet of any Minnesota school or school bus carrying students. Firearms - students who are determined to have brought a firearm to school must be expelled for a period of at least one year, except the board may modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. Students are forbidden knowingly and voluntarily to possess, handle, transmit, or use any instrument in school or on school grounds (or during school activity) that is ordinarily or generally considered a weapon. An object which could be used to injure another person and which has no school related purpose for being in school or on school grounds will be considered a weapon for the purpose of this policy.

The following are examples of instruments ordinarily or generally considered weapons: knives, guns, lead pipes, chains, chuck sticks, throwing stars, darts, metal knuckles, blackjacks, unauthorized tools, explosives, or other chemicals and "look-alikes”.

Consequences:

• A student who brings a weapon to school may be expelled for a period of up to one calendar year. Violation of this policy shall be in accordance with local district policy and/or the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994. The principal or Riverside Academy Director, under appropriate circumstances, may recommend and the board may impose a lesser penalty. Police will be contacted when there is a suspected violation of criminal laws concerning weapons.
• Students who have been found guilty on a weapons charge that occurred outside the schools may also be subject to suspension and/or expulsion proceedings.