Hopewell Elementary Schools

Code of Conduct

The Hopewell Area School District recognizes the importance of establishing clear and consistent disciplinary consequences for violations of district rules.  Students are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility, consideration, as well as treating each other with dignity and respect.

Pursuant to School Board Policy (#218, 9/27/13), the Board finds that student conduct is closely related to learning and an effective educational program requires a safe and orderly school environment.  The Board adopted a Code of Student Conduct to govern student discipline, and students shall not be subject to disciplinary action because of race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap/disability.

Each student must adhere to Board policies and the Code of Student Conduct governing student discipline, with the ultimate goal of providing students with a positive learning climate.  Our school wide rules are:

1. We are safe

2. We are caring

3. We are respectful

4. We are responsible

The elementary student Code of Conduct is designed with enough flexibility so that teachers can exercise judgment which is within the scope of the Code, their classroom behavior management system, the student’s personal behavior monitoring system, or any behaviors in relation to off-campus activities.

The following pages define the level system used in the elementary disciplinary program.

*Depending on the severity of the incident, a “level one” referral is not always the first used.*

Level One Infractions

Defined: Refer to minor misbehavior on the part of the student that impedes or disrupts orderly classroom procedures or school operations.  These infractions will be addressed by the appropriate school personnel as well as contacting parents/guardians.  Administrative action will typically not occur with these misbehaviors.

Examples But Not Limited To:

• Disruptive Classroom/School Behavior

• Unauthorized presence in the building

• Failure to complete or carry out directions

• Possession of non-instructional items such as but not limited to: cell phones, iPod’s, laser pointers, gaming devices, cameras, video cameras

• Failure to return required forms, books, and other school materials

• Verbal harassment or bullying of others

• Running or shouting in the halls

• Dishonesty

• Inappropriate language

Disciplinary Options:

• Verbal or written reprimand

• Parental notification (email or phone call)

• Confiscation of non-instructional item

• Special Assignment (Reflective in nature)

• Loss of recess  

Level Two Infractions

Defined: Misbehavior that is frequent or serious enough that it disrupts the learning climate of the school and/or endangers the health or safety of others.  These infractions, which usually result from the continuation of Level One incidents require the intervention of administrative personnel because the prior consequences have failed to modify the behavior.  Also included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others, but whose educational consequences once again require a corrective action on the part of administrative personnel.

Examples But Not Limited To:

• Continuation of Level One misconduct

• Abusive, obscene, or disrespectful language, writings, drawings, or gestures

• Forgery of any kind

• Bullying/Cyber Bullying

• Harassment

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Plagiarism/Cheating

• Hands-off violation

• Defiance of authority, disrespectful behavior to staff

• Inappropriate use of technology

• Throwing food/objects

• Field Trip/Assembly Misbehavior

• Bus misconduct

Disciplinary Options:

• Loss of recess

• Lunch Detention

• Failure of assignment

• Denial of other privileges 

• Before school/After school detention

Level Three Infractions

Defined: Acts that are frequent or serious in nature that disrupts the learning environment of the school or acts that pose a threat or danger to the health, safety, or welfare of others in the school.  These acts will require administrative actions which could result in the immediate removal of the student from the school and possible intervention of law enforcement authorities.

Examples But Not Limited To:

• Continuation of or extreme Level II misconduct

• Assault

• Fighting

• Verbal or Physical Threats

• Ethnic or racial slurs

• Sexual harassment

• Leaving school without permission

• Vandalism

• Indecent exposure

• Destruction of property

• Possession of a weapon

• Possession of drugs or alcohol

• Other violation of federal, state, or local laws

Disciplinary Options:

• Out of School Suspension

• Restitution

• Referral to outside agency

• Referral to police or district magistrate