VIOLENCE, POLICY ON

Purpose of Policy
To give students, parents, staff, and the community at large a clear statement concerning Palmer Academy’s position against violent behavior and the consequences that will follow violation of the policy.

Goal
To ensure the safety of students and staff, their property and the property of the school.

Objectives of Policy:
1. To reduce the severity and frequency of incidents of violence from the school setting.
2. To create and maintain a safe, supportive, nurturing, non-punitive atmosphere highly conducive to learning.

Definition of Violence:
Violence occurs whenever anyone harms or threatens to harm a person’s body, feelings, or property. Unintentional violence is included in the definition.

Policy Statement:
No one is entitled to be violent. No form of violence will be tolerated at school or any school related activities.

Possible Consequences for Violation:
• Structured time out
• Letter of apology
• Processing with counselor/behavior intervention specialist
• Loss of privileges
• Community Service
• Parent notification
• Suspension
• Notification of law enforcement
• Monetary fine (currently $88) for Creating a Public Disturbance
• Planning and placement team meeting (PPT)
• Referral to specific psycho-educational group for evaluation
• Referral to outside agencies
• Change of program (i.e. FOCUS)