**JIC-R-2/JK-R-1 - STUDENT CONDUCT/STUDENT DISCIPLINE** **Last Updated Date:** 05/27/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 #### Regulations for Assessing the Adequacy of a School Discipline Code In assessing a discipline code, each school should use the following list of offenses and behaviors as a means of verifying the adequacy of the discipline code. The discipline code must be written so as to be sufficiently broad to address the offenses and behavioral issues which follow. At the same time it must be sufficiently specific so as to allow a student and his or her parent/guardian the ability to reasonably predict the consequences or range of consequences for a particular misbehavior. Assault and/or Battery: the use of force against another or the threat of force against another and may include, but is not limited to: - Fighting - Harsh verbal attack on another - Throwing objects - Hazing - Harassment as an individual or as a member of a group - Threats of bodily harm/extortion - Intimidation - Biting - Spitting (if directed at another) Libel: spoken or written defamation and may include but is not limited to: - Written statements in books, on walls, on chalkboards, in mail or other public areas. - Slander Negligence:  any conduct, usually causing injury to another’s person or property, that falls below that standard of care which a reasonably prudent individual of similar age and ability would exercise in a similar situation. It includes but is not limited to: - Failure to use or maintain safety equipment - Failure to follow safety procedures Nuisance:  any continuous, recurrent, or unsolicited interference with the free use and enjoyment of another’s property or rights, especially when such interference is potentially or otherwise annoying, disturbing, offensive or dangerous, including but not limited to: - Chewing of gum - Loud/disruptive noises - Obscene gestures/statements  - Pornography - Comments intended to humiliate or embarrass - Interruption, disruption and confrontation - Spitting     - Lying (which meets the criteria of the definition) Possession and/or Use of Controlled Substances: the use or possession of any substance as defined in M.G.L. Ch. 94C, including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or any substance illegally sold or procured and represented as a controlled substance. Possession and/or Use of Dangerous Weapons: the use or possession of a loaded or unloaded gun, knife, slingshot, metallic knuckles, clubs, blackjack, billy clubs, explosives, chemicals, instruments of arson, etc., including weapons listed in M.G.L. Ch. 269, s.10. In addition, an object or body part which could inflict harm, if used in a threatening or intimidating way, shall be considered to be a dangerous weapon. Such dangerous weapons may include, but are not limited to shod foot, spikes, studs, razors, chain, pen/pocket knife, etc. In addition, where individuals may have training in martial arts or similar skills, the use or threatened use of said skills may be considered a dangerous weapon. Theft: unauthorized taking of another’s property or possessions, including but not limited to the taking of: - Personal property - School property Trespass: the intentional presence of a student in a place or location for which the student has no authorization. Violation of Another Individual’s Civil Rights: includes but is not limited to: - Racism - Sexism - Harassment of groups or individuals Vandalism/Destruction of Other People’s Property:  including but not limited to: - Defacing the building, grounds or its several parts including supplies, materials and equipment. Non-Attendance: the failure to attend school or classes as required, including but not limited to: - Tardiness - Unexcused absence - Unexcused cuts Lack of Preparation: the failure to submit homework, maintain and bring necessary supplies provided or required by the school department, including but not limited to: - Failure to do homework - Failure to be properly dressed for gym or shop - Failure to have necessary materials/supplies Forgery: the intentional misrepresentation in writing of another individual. Plagiarism:  the use of another's work without credit. Cheating:  to influence or lead by deceit, trick, or artifice. Lying:  the assertion of something known or believed by the individual to be untrue with the intent to deceive. Gambling/Gaming:  the taking or making of bets and wagers. Failure to Fulfill the Terms of a Penalty: the intentional failure to fully and completely meet the terms of a penalty imposed under this discipline code. In addition the school may add such other offenses as it deems appropriate to the proper maintenance of order. Individual school codes should have a range of disciplinary measures and procedures as befits the individual school and the age level of the students. The range of disciplinary consequences may include but are not limited to warnings, time outs, detentions, loss of recess, suspensions, loss of bus privileges, in-house suspensions, external suspensions, expulsion, etc. The school code must specify who is responsible for imposing any discipline which results in detention or loss of classroom time, including exclusion.