Discipline Guidelines

Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001

MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL SAFETY ACT OF 2001

The Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001 is cumulative and in addition to the school district’s existing authority regarding the discipline of students. The Act recognizes the teacher as the authority in classroom matters regarding the school district’s code of conduct.

Pursuant to the Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001, a teacher may remove a student who, in the professional judgment of the teacher, is disrupting the learning environment. If the removal is approved by the principal or assistant principal, the student may not be returned to the classroom until a conference has been held with the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian. During the conference, the disruptive behavior will be discussed and an agreement will be reached that no further disruption will be tolerated. The conference may be in person, by telephone, by email, or other written communication. See OSSD BOT Policies JCA - Student Conduct, and JCB - Code of Conduct.

The term “disruptive behavior” means conduct of a student that is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with a teacher’s or administrator’s ability to communicate with the students in a classroom, with a student’s ability to learn, or with the operation of a school or school-related activity, and which is not covered by other laws related to violence or possession of weapons or controlled substances on school property, school vehicles or at school-related activities. MS Code § 37-11-18.1 defines such behaviors to include, but are not limited to foul, profane, obscene, threatening, defiant, or abusive language or action toward teachers or other school employees; defiance, ridicule, or verbal attack of a teacher; and willful, deliberate and overt acts of disobedience of the directions of the teacher.

The term “habitually disruptive” in the law refers to actions by a student that cause disruption in a classroom, on school property or vehicles, or at a school-related activity on more than two occasions during a school year, and the disruptive behavior that was initiated, willful, and overt on the part of the student and which required the attention of school personnel to deal with the disruption.

Upon the first incident, should the principal or his/her designee determine that the student's conduct does rise to the level of “disruptive behavior" as required in the act or in accordance with existing procedures addressing the removal of the students from class, the parent/guardian will be contacted and a conference held with the parent/guardian by the most effective and/or efficient means available, including but not limited to, telephone, e-mail, written notice via mail or delivery. After the conference and application of the appropriate discipline under the school discipline plan, the student may return to class.

After the second incident of disruptive behavior as determined by the principal or his/her designee, the principal or his/her designee, the student's parent or guardian, and the reporting teacher or teachers shall develop a behavior modification plan. The conference to develop the plan may be held in person or via telephone. If the parent/guardian does not respond or refuses to participate, the teacher(s) and the principal or his/her designee shall prepare the plan and mail a copy to the parent/guardian.

Behavior modification plans written to address habitually disruptive behavior will be developed by utilizing evidence-based practices and positive behavioral intervention supports. The plan will be implemented no later than two (2) weeks after the occurrence of the disruptive behavior.

Once the determination has been made by the principal or his/her designee that the student has not complied with the behavior modification plan, the principal or his/her designee shall follow the procedure for disciplining the student according to the student code of conduct and discipline plan, which may include expulsion to the alternative school for applicable offenses. The Act limits the expulsion remedy to students age 13 and above. However, under OSSD BOT policy and other discipline procedures, expulsion may also apply to students under age 13.

Any discipline, including expulsion, for "habitually disruptive" behavior under the Act, must follow existing procedures to ensure that the student is afforded his / her due process protections. MS Code § 37-11-55 (b)

The Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001 authorizes the district to use audio/visual monitoring equipment in classrooms, hallways, buildings, grounds, and buses for the purpose of monitoring disciplinary problems. Requirements imposed by federal law such as IDEA, Section 504, or the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PRPA) supersede any state statutory provisions.

Philosophy of Discipline

PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE

Helping children to develop self-discipline and to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner is a major behavioral objective of the school as well as of the home. Parents may assume that a student's behavior is satisfactory or better unless they are notified. In most cases, it is believed that a call will suffice -- if not, the parents may be asked to come to the school for a conference in order to affect an acceptable solution to the problem.

The school will expect and demand nothing less than good conduct on the part of students. It is believed that the above-described procedure will be effective in achieving a desirable learning atmosphere and in guiding students toward assuming a greater degree of responsibility for their behavior. It should be fully understood that any student whose conduct interferes with the learning process of others will be removed from the classroom and dealt with accordingly.

The OSSD Discipline Program includes:

Rules for students who ride school buses, rules for the classroom, and rules for overall school behaviors that are developed collaboratively for each age group.
Student behavior objectives which are consistent throughout the district.
Disciplinary rules that are published via teacher newsletters, school bulletins, school assemblies, parent groups, and community organizations.
Special arrangements to advise new students and their parents of disciplinary rules.
Special awards and/or recognition for good citizenship.
Consistent enforcement of rules with all due process provisions being implemented.
Records of disciplinary actions that affect individual students.
A procedure of notifying parents when their child is involved in serious or recurring disciplinary problems. Grievances are handled according to the regular chain of command within the school and the school district according to OSSD BOT Policy JCAA - Due Process.

Code of Student Conduct

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

OSSD BOT Policy JCB - Code of Conduct

In compliance with MS Code §37-11-55, the OSSD BOT has adopted the following code of student conduct. The code of conduct will be made available to all teachers, school personnel, students, and parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year. The code of conduct includes specific grounds for disciplinary action; procedures to be followed for acts requiring discipline; and an explanation of the responsibilities and rights of students with regard to attendance, respect for persons and property, knowledge and observation of rules of conduct, the right to learn, free speech and student publications, assembly, privacy and participation in school programs and activities.

Students and parents are encouraged to read and develop a thorough understanding of the details presented in this document. In order to deter and minimize violations of this code of conduct, a need for a cooperative relationship exists between students, parents, and school officials. The responsibilities of each are listed below:

Parents/Guardians

Keep in regular communication with the school concerning their child's conduct and progress.
Make efforts to ensure that their child is in daily attendance; report and explain any absence.
Provide their child with the resources needed to complete class work.
Assist their child in being well groomed and in compliance with personal appearance regulations.
Bring to the attention of school authorities any problem or condition which affects their child in the school community.
Discuss report cards and work assignments with their child.
Care for their child's physical well-being.

Students

Attend all classes daily and on time.
Be prepared for class with proper materials.
Be respectful to all individuals and property.
Conduct himself /herself in a safe and responsible manner.
Be well-groomed and in compliance with personal appearance regulations.
Be responsible for his/her own work.
Abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the school and individual classroom teachers.

Schools

Maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.
Exhibit an attitude of respect for students and parents.
Plan inclusive instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Keep an open line of communication between themselves, students, and parents.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Statements of rights and responsibilities of students are summaries of broad principles. More specific details of the application of these principles in the practices and procedures of OSSD schools can be found throughout the handbook. These principles are meant to guide students toward finding more and greater opportunities to serve themselves and society. Notice that for every right that is listed, a corresponding responsibility is also listed. Rights cannot exist for all without responsible behavior by every student.

Attendance

The student has the right to information on rules and individual school policies that define excused, documented, and unexcused absences and tardiness as outlined in OSSD BOT Policy JBD - Attendance, Tardiness, and Excuse. The student has the responsibility to attend all scheduled classes and to report to class on time.

The student has the right to make up class work in any excused or approved absence. The student has the responsibility to request the make-up assignment from their teachers in advance or upon return to school.

Respect for Persons and Property

The student has the right to be respected by his/her peers and school personnel. The student must show respect to his/her peers and school personnel.

The student has the right to personal property, within school rules, that does not interfere with the educational process. The student has the responsibility of knowing school rules and of gaining school approval for possession of other properties.

The student has the right to the protection of property, as set forth in the laws of the State of Mississippi. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the parent or proper authority of the damage.

The student has the right of access to the appropriate use of public school properties to develop educational skills and knowledge. The student has an obligation to respect and protect public property and individual property. See OSSD BOT Policy JCBD - Vandalism/Destruction of Property.

Knowledge and Observation of Rules and Conduct

The student has the right to be made aware of rules of conduct relating to school and school activities. The student has the responsibility to abide by rules of conduct as prescribed by OSSD BOT Policy JCA - Student Conduct and school procedures.

The student has the right to know that corrective disciplinary action will be administered when rules are broken. The student has the responsibility to accept corrective disciplinary action as a means of helping him/her improve behavioral patterns.

The Right to Learn

The student has the right to a school atmosphere conducive to learning. The student has the responsibility to help maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Free Speech and Student Publications

The student has the right to refrain from any activity which violates the precepts of their religion. The student has the responsibility to respect the rights of the religious beliefs of others. See OSSD BOT Policy IGAA - Student Religious Liberties.

The student has the right to form and express their own opinion on issues without jeopardizing their relations with their teacher or school. The student has the responsibility to make efforts to become informed and knowledgeable about issues and express their opinion in a manner that is suitable for the forum in which the discussion is taking place.

The student has the right to discuss issues related to the school environment. The student has the responsibility to respect the decision rendered after discussion.

The student has the right to express themselves through the use of school publications. The student has the responsibility to respect the rights of others. Also, they may seek consent and approval from teachers, advisors, and school administration and must observe the normal rules of responsible journalism.

The student has the right to conference with teachers, counselors and administrative staff concerning personal or school-related problems. The student has the responsibility to request a personal conference.

The Right to Privacy

The student has the right to private consultation with teachers, counselors, and school administrators concerning matters of a personal nature. The student has the responsibility to respect the discretion and judgment of the teacher, counselor, or administrators in a situation that may involve a violation of a federal, state, or local law. If a situation should occur regarding a violation of the law on school property, then the principal should be notified and parent involvement should be accomplished as soon as possible.

The Right to Participate in School Programs and Activities

The student has the right to participate as a spectator. The responsibility of the student is to participate in school activities, not only in attendance but to show good sportsmanship along with good behavior and respect for the rights of others as well as for personal and public property.

The student has the right to participate in school programs and activities. The student has the responsibility to develop to his/her fullest potential and to promote the activities of the school by participating in school activities at maximum performance levels and to abide by sponsor, school, and county regulations while participating in in-county or out-of-county activities.

The Right to a Safe Learning Environment

The student has a right to a safe learning environment. In order to make this a priority, OSSD has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety of the students and staff members while on campus. Recent years have seen the creation of a district police force, increased security checkpoints, secured lobbies, a visitor management system, student badges, additional training and drills, and a more significant emphasis on school safety. The student is responsible for wearing their ID badge (grades 7-12), not opening doors for individuals without a badge, not leaving doors propped open, driving safely on campuses, and reporting any suspicious behavior or bullying.

General Provisions -- District Discipline Plan

GENERAL PROVISIONS -- DISTRICT DISCIPLINE PLAN

OSSD BOT Policy JCD(2) - Student Conduct –Discipline Plan

The OSSD BOT recognizes that discipline is necessary for the orderly operation of the education process as referenced in OSSD BOT Policy JCD(2) - Student Conduct -- Discipline Plan. Actions that are disruptive or which interfere with the educational process must be dealt with in a fair, consistent, and positive manner.

A copy of the discipline plan shall be distributed to each student and the parent/guardian of the student shall sign a statement verifying that they have been given notice of the discipline policies (MS Code 37-11-53). The BOT shall have its official discipline plan legally audited on an annual basis to ensure that its policies and procedures are currently in compliance with applicable statutes, case law, and state and federal constitutional provisions.
All discipline plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. The parent/guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school shall be responsible financially for his or her minor child’s destructive acts against school property or persons;
2. The parent/guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school may be requested to appear at school by an appropriate school official for a conference regarding the acts of their child;
3. The parent/guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school who has been summoned by proper notification by an appropriate school official shall be required under this provision to attend such discipline conference;
4. The parent/guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against each student for unlawful activity as defined in MS Code § 37-11-29 occurring on school grounds;
Any parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child subject to the provisions of this section imposed upon him or her under the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be fined not to exceed three thousand five hundred dollars ($3500.00).
Any public school district shall be entitled to recover damages in an amount not to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00), plus necessary court costs, from the parents of any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years and over the age of six (6), who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys property belonging to the school district. However, this section shall not apply to parents whose parental control of such child has been removed by court order or decree. The action authorized in this section shall be added to all other actions which the school district is entitled to maintain and nothing in this section shall preclude recovery in a greater amount from the minor or from a person, including the parents, for damages to which such minor or other person would otherwise be liable.

General Expectations of Behavior

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR

It is not possible to list all behaviors which may be displayed during the school day by our students or the consequences which are judged appropriate. Consequently, at some point, experienced, trained, and fair-minded school administrators must make judgments about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of student behaviors and assign appropriate consequences. The following overall school rules serve as a general guide to student behavior, but not as an exhaustive list of behavior expectations.

Overall School Rules

Listen and follow directions.
Take care of school property, and keep our school neat and clean.
Stay in assigned areas, and act in an orderly manner.
Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
Be in hallways or restrooms only with permission.
Walk quietly and in an orderly manner in the hallways and on walkways.
Chewing gum is not allowed.
Running is allowed only on the playground under supervision.
Trading items of any kind are not allowed at school.
Cell phones, radios, games, smart watches, and other electronic devices are to be left at home.
Toys are not to be brought to school without written permission from the teacher.
Proper behavior is expected in the cafeteria, on campus, and at all and other school activities.
A student is not permitted to use the school phone except in an emergency with principal approval.

Severe Disruptions

Believing that teachers have the right to teach and students have the right to learn, the following acts of misconduct are considered severe and will result in immediate referral to the principal or her designee for disciplinary action. It should be pointed out that this list is not all-inclusive and, as such, a student committing an act of misconduct not listed will nevertheless be subject to the discretionary authority of the principal or her designee. Some of these actions may require the involvement of law enforcement agencies.

Open defiance (bold refusal to obey or conform)
Profanity or vulgarity (to include acts, gestures, or symbols) directed at another person
Use or possession of any form of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia on school property or at any school-sponsored activity
Use, sale, or possession of drugs or alcohol on school property or at any school-sponsored activity
Defacing or otherwise injuring property that belongs to the school district (plus restitution for damages)
Fighting at school or at school-sponsored activities
Use or possession of dangerous objects (including fireworks)
Use or possession of weapons
Stealing or possession of stolen property (plus restitution)
Cutting classes or in-school truancy
Leaving campus without authorization
Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or threats toward other students or staff members
Action resulting in injury or endangerment of other students
Other behaviors as determined by the principal

Procedures to be Followed in Disciplinary Actions

PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

In the application of disciplinary actions, it is important to note that students have the right to:

know what the charges are against them,
give an explanation in their own defense,
be told what kind of consequences they can expect for violating the rule or regulation.
any student suspended and/or expelled for violation of the district’s drug policy or weapons policy, or for committing a violent act on educational property shall have the right to appeal the suspension and/or expulsion to the OSSD BOT. See OSSD BOT Policy JCAA - Due Process.

Informal Disciplinary Actions

INFORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Teachers and administrators strive to use a variety of informal disciplinary steps prior to formal disciplinary action. It must, of course, be understood that the type of disciplinary action taken depends greatly on the offense committed. Some informal disciplinary actions used include:

teacher-student conference,
teacher-parent contact and/or conference,
counselor-student conference,
counselor-parent contact and/or conference,
administrator-teacher conference,
administrator-student conference,
administrator-teacher-student conference,
administrator-teacher-student-parent conference,
student program adjustment
referral to MTSS

Formal Disciplinary Actions

FORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Withdrawing Privileges

A student’s privilege of participating in an extracurricular activity may be suspended for a certain period of time by the principal or his/her designee. The parent/guardian will be notified of this action.

Work Assignment

The principal or designee may elect to provide a student the opportunity to perform supervised activities related to the upkeep and maintenance of school facilities.

Detention

As a corrective instructional measure, students may be required to report to detention. Time, location, and professional supervision will be determined by the principal or her designee. Parents/guardians will be notified of this action and expected to provide transportation.

Time Out

A student may be excluded from class for a brief period of time while being placed under the supervision of a staff member to complete class assignments, discuss behavior concerns, and/or develop a plan for correcting the behavior.

In-School Isolation

A student may be placed in isolation under the supervision of a staff member to complete class assignments for a specified period of time. The parent/guardian will be notified of this action.

Out–of–School Suspension

Violation of OSSD BOT policy may result in suspension of a student by the principal or assistant principal. If an out-of-school suspension is effective immediately during the school day, the parent will be required to provide transportation home in a timely manner.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the removal of the right to attend public school. Any principal who feels that expulsion of a student is required shall recommend to the Superintendent in writing, stating the charge against the student in detail. Illegal use, possession, or sale of a controlled substance or weapon by any student on school property or at a school function is grounds for suspension or expulsion. See OSSD BOT Policy JDAA - Student Discipline: Isolation, Suspension, and Expulsion.

Conduct at Athletic & Extracurricular Events

CONDUCT AT ATHLETIC & EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS

OSSD students, participants, and spectators alike are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and proper behavior at both home and away games in all sports and at all levels of competition. All school rules apply to athletic events, regardless of the site. Conduct at athletic events sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) is subject to guidelines set forth by the association and an approved school security plan has been approved.

NOTE: All policies of OSSD and the Greyhound Handbook apply to all school-sponsored events, including those activities that take place off-campus.