DISCIPLINE CODE

It is the responsibility of the total school community to create and maintain an environment that is safe, orderly and conducive to teaching and learning. Board policy states that teachers may use all appropriate and reasonable means to establish, maintain, or restore order. This shall include reasonable force as necessary to physically restrain the individual.

Students at the Palmer Academy are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner to facilitate the orderly process of education. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any student who deviates from acceptable school behavior.

Palmer Academy discipline code has four objectives.
1. Preserve the optimum educational environment in which to deliver instructional services.
2. Respond to disruptive influences with corrective measures in a firm and consistent manner.
3. Remove, as a last resort, those who are being disruptive so that the majority may pursue their educational goals.
4. Maintain a safe environment..

Every member of the Palmer Academy community is responsible for learning the rules of the program. An agreement to follow the program rules is expected. Palmer Academy administration will make every effort to administer punishment for various acts of misbehavior in a fair and consistent manner. The behavior intervention component of the program states we are attempting to change a behavior in a learning environment. The principal, with assistance from the staff, will interpret problems as they arise and deal with them individually. Community service may be given for infractions against school policy. The principal or designee may suspend or recommend expulsion or transfer of student, if while on school grounds or during a school activity off school grounds he/she violates a standard of conduct.

Zero Tolerance Policy.
These acts are clearly criminal and are so serious that they always require administrative action, which result in the immediate removal of the student from school (up to 10 days), the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and, when appropriate, an expulsion hearing.

1. Possession of weapons: including, but not limited to, firearms, knives, clubs, explosives, as well as facsimiles.
2. Possession or sale of alcohol and/or drugs: consumption or being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
3. Major vandalism.
4. Theft
5. Arson, false fire alarm report, bomb threat, tampering with any safety system.
6. Physical assault to a staff member or another student.

In ANY instance the detention and suspension policy is left to the discretion of the principal or his/her designee.
Notes:
1. During periods of suspension, students are not eligible to participate in, or attend any school activities.
2. Students disciplined for possession, consumption, influence, or sale of alcohol and/or drugs will be referred to the appropriate staff.

Due Process
All students have the right to a hearing with their assigned administrator where reasons for suspensions will be presented and where the student may explain his/her actions.
The school administration will comply with the requirements of due process under state law. These requirements vary depending on the discipline imposed. However, school administrators may immediately remove the student from school when, in their judgment, the student’s behavior presents a real and present danger to the health and safety of the students, others, or the fundamental good order of the school.

Consequences for Negative Behaviors

Violation of Program rules and behavioral expectations may result in the following consequences: time-out, isolation, in-school suspension, alternative to suspension, out of school suspension, police intervention, or discharge from the program.

TIME-OUT POLICY
Mandatory time-out (MTO): Are given by staff for violation of school policy. Students must report to the time-out room and sit quietly for specified time. MTO’s are typically for a 5 minute period, but time may be extended if behavior intervention staff determines that the student is uncooperative. Voluntary time-out (VTO): Students may request a VTO if they feel the need to remove themselves from a situation. Permission from staff must be obtained before taking a VTO. Once permission is received, students report to the time-out room, discuss with staff on duty a reason for the VTO, and sit quietly for a 5-minute period. If a student receives 3 MTO’s or takes 3 VTO’s in one day, the remainder of the day will be in Time Out.

IN-SCHOOL ISOLATION: May be necessary if student behavior is judged by staff to be either severe in nature or a repeated offense of policy. Examples of such behaviors include: leaving school grounds, physical aggression, extreme or continued non-compliance with behavior, property damage possession of dangerous objects, sleeping in class, repeated refusal to participate in academics, etc.

Repeated Behaviors
Administrative Discretion: While exceptions to the policy are rare, the administration reserves the right after consultation with appropriate staff, to make judgments that are in the best interest of all individuals involved. The discretion of the administration shall supersede all penalties listed in the Code. It is understood that discretion means that when, in the opinion of the administration, the circumstances surrounding a violation are of such a nature as to be considered gross misconduct or extremely serious or dangerous actions the administration reserves the right to determine a consequence more serious than stated in the Code. It should also be understood that circumstances may not be considered serious enough to warrant a penalty stated in the Code.

ISS- The student will continue to receive his/her education program during the regular school day in the Time Out Room or in a classroom which will be monitored by a PA staff member.
ATS-On grounds- The student will continue to receive his/her education program during the After school hours of 2:00-4:00. Instruction will be provided by a PA staff member. Transportation will be provided to and from home-school. Parents/guardian will be notified of the ATS status.
OSS-Off grounds – During those times when the action of the student warrants, the student will receive an OSS which excludes the student from school. Parent/guardian will be notified regarding the OSS status, assignments may be requested for the student and a PPT or parent conference may be scheduled.