Student Discipline
The Board believes that effective student discipline is a prerequisite for sound educational practice and productive learning. The objectives of disciplining any student must be to help the student develop a positive attitude toward self-discipline and socially acceptable behavior. All policies and procedures for handling student discipline problems shall be designed to achieve these broad objectives. The Board in accordance with applicable law has adopted a writtenstudent conduct and discipline code based upon the principle that every student is expected to follow accepted rules of conduct and to show respect for and to obey persons in authority. The code also emphasizes that certain behavior, especially behavior that disrupts the classroom, is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action. The code shall be enforced uniformly, fairly and consistently for all students. All Board-adopted policies and Board-approved regulations containing the letters “JK” in the file name constitute the discipline section of the legally required code. Remedial discipline plans The principal may develop a remedial discipline plan for any student who causes a material and substantial disruption in the classroom, on school grounds, in school vehicles or at school activities or events. The goal of the remedial discipline plan shall be to address the student’s disruptive behavior and educational needs while keeping the child in school. Discipline of habitually disruptive students Students who have caused a material and substantial disruption on school grounds, in a school vehicle or at a school activity or sanctioned event three or more times during the course of a school year may be declared habitually disruptive students. Any student enrolled in the district’s schools may be subject to being declared a habitually disruptive student. Declaration as a habitually disruptive student shall result in the student’s suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with Board policy concerning student suspensions, expulsions and other disciplinary interventions. For additional information regarding student discipline, please refer to Board policies JK and its subcodes, and JIC and its subcodes. Your school may have specific policies related to student discipline not covered in this handbook. Please contact your school’s administrator for more information.
Violent and Aggressive Behavior
Students exhibiting violent or aggressive behavior or warning signs of future violent or aggressive behavior will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action including suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with Board policy concerning student suspensions, expulsions, and other disciplinary interventions. As appropriate and in accordance with applicable law and Board policy, students may also be referred to law enforcement authorities. At the district's discretion and when appropriate, the student may receive appropriate intervention designed to address the problem behavior. The district may also conduct a threat assessment of the student. Students must immediately report questionable behavior or potentially violent situations to an administrator, counselor, or teacher. An act of violence and aggression includes but is not limited to the following behaviors:
- Possession, threat with, or use of a dangerous weapon - as described in the Board's weapons policy.
Weapons in School
Weapons in School Consistent with the district’s obligation to provide a safe and secure environment, Board policy JICI, Weapons in School, prohibits students being in possession of any dangerous weapon or dangerous item at school, during school activities, or on any district property. As used in this policy, “dangerous weapon” means:
- A firearm
- Any pellet, BB gun or other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by spring action or compressed air.
- A fixed blade knife with a blade that exceeds three inches in length.
- A spring-loaded kjnife or a pocket knife with a blade exceeding three and one-half inches in length.
- Any object, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, that is used or intended to be used to inflict death or serious bodily injury, including, but not limted to a slignshot, bludgeon, nunchucks, brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kinds.
Students who use, possess or threaten to use a dangerous weapon in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion, in accordance with Board policy concerning student suspensions, expulsions and other disciplinary interventions. For additional information, please refer to Board policy JICI or contact the Department of Safety and Security at 970-348-7777.
Physical Assault
The act of striking or touching a person or that person's property with a part of the body or with any object with the intent of cuasing hurt or harm.
Verbal Abuse
Includes, but is not limited to, swearing, screaming, obscene gestures, or threats directed, either orally (including by telephone) or in writing (including by text, social media, or other electronic means), at an individual, their family, or a group.
Intimidation
An act intended to frighten or coerce someone into submission or obedience.
Extortion
The use of verbal or physical coercion in order to obtain financial or material gain from others.
Bullying
As described in the Board's policy on bullying prevention and education.
Gang Activity
As described in the Board's secret societies and gang activity policy.
Sexual Harrassment or Other Forms of Harassment
As described in the Board's sexual harassment policy and nondiscrimination policy.
Stalking
The persistent following, contacting, watching, or any other such threatening actions that compromise the peace of mind or the personal safety of an individual.
Defiance
A serious act or instance of defying or opposing legitimate authority.
Discriminatory Slurs
Insulting, disparaging or derogatory comments made directly or by innuendo regarding a person’s disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services.
Vandalism
Damaging or defacing property owned by or in the rightful possession of another.
Terrorism
A threat to commit violence communicated with the intent to terrorize or with reckless disregard for the risk of creating such terror or to cause serious public inconvenience, such as the evacuation of a building.
Use of Physical Intervention and Restraint
To maintain a safe learning environment, district employees may, within the scope of their employment and consistent with state law, use physical intervention and restraint with students in accordance with this policy and accompanying regulation. Such actions shall not be considered child abuse or corporal punishment if performed in good faith and in compliance with this policy and accompanying regulation. Restraint or force may be applied as is reasonable and necessary to restrain or prevent a student from threatening physical injury to self or others; to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects; for the purpose of self-defense; for the protection of persons or student safety. Law enforcement will act according to their agency guidelines regarding restraint or force when safety is at issue. Please refer to Board policy JKA and its accompanying regulation, JKA-E, for more information regarding the purposes, procedures, and exceptions to the use of physical interventions or restraints.