As a school we play a multi-faceted role in the lives of children. Our school Mission is to offer educational programs that successfully capitalize on the unique characteristics and needs of middle level students, typically ten to fourteen years old. To accomplish this, we will make a cooperative effort to prepare our students intellectually, creatively, socially, emotionally and physically to become caring and contributing members of a global society. The task of educating youngsters to live within the rules and limits of society and develop good habits of self-discipline is included in this mission.

As a societal organization, the school must establish rules and limits in order to create an environment where learning can occur. These rules must be fair, understood by students, modeled by adults and consistently enforced without emotionalism, sarcasm or humiliation. It is important for each youngster to know we care; that we are aware of his/her needs; that we are enthusiastic and appreciative of good behavior. He/she must understand that we will not condone or accept poor behavior. Poor behavior will result in a consistent course of action.

Therefore, we expect the following of our students.

1.    Students will be respectful towards school faculty, staff and other students. Examples of violations – swearing or name calling, pushing, tripping or fighting.

2.    Students will help to create a healthy and safe school environment.

• Students will not run in the school.
• Hats will not be worn in school.
• Smoking is prohibited in the building.
• Drugs are prohibited unless taken for medical reasons.
• No gum chewing.
• Radios, walkmans, laser lights, trading cards, skateboards, rollerblades, and other personal recreational items are prohibited in school.
• All food and drinks should be kept in the cafeteria.
• To cooperate and be on good behavior in the cafeteria.
• Dress and appearance: Students have the right to determine their patterns of dress and grooming as they deem proper, provided that such dress and grooming does not interfere with the health and safety of themselves or others, and does not interfere with the educational process of the school. School is not the place for immodest or bizarre attire. Should the principal determine that student attire fails to meet the standards of acceptable dress, parents will be notified and students will be required to return home to change into more suitable clothing. Some examples of unsuitable clothing are: Jeans or pants which are unbelted, or which are worn with the belt area below the waist; shorts worn outside of the gym area which are shorter than three inches above the knee; halter tops; and clothing supported by "spaghetti straps."
• Students are discouraged from bringing to school, or wearing, objects which have above average value, or sentimental value. The school district will not be responsible for the loss of these items. Some examples are expensive jewelry or watches; elaborate calculators.
• Students will not sell or trade items in school unless the sale is related to an approved school fund-raising program.

3.    Students will cooperate with Maple Avenue teachers, staff, and bus drivers at all times.

4.    Students will arrive on time to school and class.

5.    Only authorized fundraisers will occur.

Each teacher and team will have their own classroom rules and expectations. These rules will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Students will stay seated unless otherwise directed for the full period.
2. Students will raise their hand to talk.
3. Students will show respect to others and their property.
4. Students will pay attention.

A pass system will be used when a student is out of the team area (Example: to office, library, special areas, nurse, etc.). Students will be given a pass when they are held up by a teacher and will be late for their next class. Each team will determine the use of passes within the team.

Buses – conduct expected:

1. Follow the directions of the driver.
2. Stay in your seat.
3. Keep all parts of your body and objects to yourself and inside the bus.
4. No foul language or rude behavior.
5. No eating or drinking.
6. No tobacco products, illegal substances, or hazardous items.

Conduct expected of students in school is expected when students are riding a school bus. When Bus Rules are not adhered to, disciplinary options per the Maple Avenue Discipline Code will be utilized.

When the school behavior code is not adhered to, the following disciplinary options will be put into effect:

1. Lunch Detention: Student will be placed in lunch detention for their lunch period. (Teachers assign lunch detention for 1^st time minor offenses; administration will assign lunch detention for lunch and lunch flex for cafeteria infractions and other areas of persistent non-cooperation.)
2. After School Detention (ASD): Students will be assigned to stay after school for one hour. During this time a specific written assignment will be provided. This is not an opportunity to catch up on homework. Failure to stay will result in a double penalty. Failure to comply with this will result in an in school suspension.
3. Removal from classroom by teacher to appropriate administrator.
4. In School Suspension (ISS): Students will be placed in the ISS room for duration of time. All classwork will be provided and completed under supervision. Parents will be notified by phone and in writing.
5. Out of School Suspension (OSS): Students will be removed from the school for a period of time based on the frequency and severity of the rules violation. Work will be provided. Parents will be notified via phone call and letter. A meeting with the parents is a requirement for returning to school.
6. Bus Suspension: Student will lose Bus Riding Privileges, which will be necessary upon frequency and/or severity of the violation.
7. Superintendent’s Hearing.
8. Contact made with local authorities.

1. Tardiness: Arriving late to class without a pass.

Consequences:

1^st time – warning/counseling from teacher
2^nd time – teacher assigns lunch detention with teacher
3^rd time – Teacher removal of student from class to appropriate administrator
4^th time – after school detention – referral to appropriate administrator

2. Verbal Abuse: Unacceptable spoken behavior.

Consequences: 1^st time – warning from teacher and further problems would be a rule violation of III.

3. Classroom disruptions: Any unacceptable behavior which is disruptive to the orderly educational procedure of the school.

Consequences:

Teachers would give two warnings – third warning would result in student removal from class by teacher and a referral to appropriate administrator.

Category I offenses would be dealt with at the team level and repeated offenses would be referred to an administrator.

1. Roaming or in unauthorized areas on campus.

Consequences: Referral to appropriate administrator. (Inform other team members).

1^st time – warning from office.
2^nd time – double After School Detention
3^rd time – ISS/OSS
Repeated Offenses – parent conference

2. Unexcused absence, truancy and cutting of classes: Attendance clerk would investigate and confirm. Parent contacted.

Consequences: Parent contacted, one ISS for each full day or day on which any class(es) are cut, and After School Detention (ASD) as needed to complete missed work.

Repeated truancies – parent conference requested.

3. Bus Offenses: Note the bus rules stated in the positive behavior code.

Consequences: Bus referrals will go to the office. Students will be assigned After School Detention, ISS/OSS. Repeated offenses or serious violations will result in suspension from bus transportation. A parent conference will be requested. (Ex: standing or moving when bus is in motion, body parts out the window, etc.).

4. Running in the hallway: Due to the potential safety hazards to all, running in the hallways is not permitted. Students are informed and reminded of this rule during orientation and daily announcements early in the school year.

One warning will be given to students in September. From October 1 through the remainder of the year, warnings are no longer given. The penalty for running in the hallway will be no less than After School Detention. In School Suspension will be administered when the Administrator believes it is appropriate.

5. Use of the pay phone by students during school hours is strictly prohibited. Students may use the office telephone, as needed, if approval is given.

Consequences:
1^st time – warning from appropriate administrator
2^nd time – double After School Detention
3^rd time – In School Suspension

1. Disorderly Conduct: Any unacceptable behavior which is hazardous to the safety of any one on school property including all campus areas and school buses (i.e.: throwing of food/objects in cafeteria and on buses, pushing or shoving in hallways).
2. Theft: Taking or being in possession of property that does not belong to you.
3. Smoking: The possession of tobacco of any kind on school property.
4. Destruction of property: Destroying or mutilating objects or materials belonging to the school, personnel or other persons.
5. Blatant defiance of authority: Obnoxious insubordination.
6. Verbal threat: Forewarning of physical/mental harm, harassment.
7. Fighting: Engaging in or threatening physical contact for purpose of inflicting harm on another person.
8. Extortion: The solicitation of money or something of value from another person in return for protection or in connection with a threat to inflict harm.
9. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Any violation of Category III will result in a referral to the appropriate administrator, student assignment to ISS/OSS, parents will immediately be contacted by phone and letter. If warranted, Superintendent’s Hearing and notification to appropriate local authorities.

1. Physical assault: Physical attack by one person, or a group of people, upon another person, who does not wish to engage in the conflict and who has not provoked the attack.
2. False (fire) alarm: Pulling alarm without cause.
3. Weapons: The possession of a dangerous weapon, or the use of any object to inflict injury to another person.
4. Arson: Intentional burning of property.
5. Explosives: The use, possession, or sale of explosive devices.
6. Drugs (including alcohol): The use, possession or sale of drugs (including alcohol).
7. Leaving campus: Unauthorized leaving of school property when school is in session.

Any violation within 1 through 7 of Category IV, the school will be required to contact appropriate authorities.

Consequences:

1. Referral to appropriate administrator
2. Immediate contact of parents
3. Out-of-school suspension
4. Parent conference required before student could re-enter school.
5. If warranted, Superintendent’s Hearing and notification to appropriate local authorities.

Copies of referrals and disciplinary action administered to Special Education Students will be forwarded to the Committee on Special Education.