Discipline Guidelines
In this section:
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.
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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:
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.
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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.
See OSSD BOT Policy JCB - Code of Conduct.
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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.
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.
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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:
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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.
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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, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are to be put away in class.
- 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 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
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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.
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Class I
Any student suspended and/or expelled for violation of the district’s drug policy, 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. The standard of proof in all disciplinary proceedings shall be substantial evidence. Due to the seriousness of offense, the student shall remain suspended and/or expelled pursuant to the principal’s recommendation until such time as the hearing occurs.
The parent or guardian shall have the right to appeal the decision of suspension and/or expulsion by submitting a written notice of appeal and request for hearing. The parent or guardian shall provide the notice of appeal and request for hearing, in writing, to the superintendent’s office (2300 Government Street, Ocean Springs) within five (5) days of receiving the notice of the suspension and/or expulsion. Failure to request a hearing within five (5) days shall result in the decision being final without further hearing.
Class II
Any student suspended ten (10) days or more or expelled for any reason other than a violation of the district’s drug policy, weapons policy, or for committing a violent act on educational property shall have the right to appeal the suspension and/or expulsion to the District Discipline Review Committee. The standard of proof in all disciplinary proceedings shall be substantial evidence. The student may attend OCS (off-campus suspension) until such time as the hearing occurs. For suspensions of nine (9) days or less, the student or parent/legal guardian may appeal to the principal of the school. In the event the principal of the school is unavailable to hear the appeal a District Office level designee will be appointed to hear the appeal. The decision of the principal or designee is final.
The parent or guardian shall have the right to appeal the recommendation for suspension of ten (10) days or more or expulsion to the District Discipline Review Committee. The notice of appeal and request for hearing before the District Discipline Review Committee shall be submitted to the superintendent’s office, in writing, within five (5) days of receiving any notice of the suspension and/or expulsion. Failure to request a hearing within five (5) days shall result in the recommendation of the principal being final without further hearing.
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Disciplinary consequences are detention, In-School Isolation (ISI), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), Off-Campus Suspension (OCS), and Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). When a student is placed in ISI, OCS, or OSS, the student is not permitted to practice for, participate in, attend any school activities or athletics, attend any school dance, or field trip until after all the terms of the consequence have been met and the administrator has released the student to return to regular classes. If a fee has been paid, no refunds will be given.
Detention
Detention will be held daily Monday through Friday for one hour after school. Students are required to bring materials to study and shall be supervised. The only student activity permitted in detention is completing schoolwork. Talking, sleeping, writing notes, texting, tardiness, or wasting time will not be permitted. Detention will be issued for the next school day following the offense to enable the student to consult with his/her parents. If the student already has a detention issued by another teacher, the detention will be added consecutively to those already on record. The student is responsible for knowing how many detentions he/she has been assigned and knowing when they should be served. If a student has a doctor's appointment or an emergency that prevents him/her from serving the detention at the scheduled time, the student must report the problem to an administrator before the scheduled time of detention. Any teacher may keep his/her own detentions or may send students to the detention room.
Any student assigned to the detention room who fails to serve his/her assigned detention on the day assigned by the teacher/administrator will be expected to make up that day. Failure to serve the make-up detention day within the next two school days will result in additional consequences.
Any student who receives an amount in excess of five (5) detentions per quarter may be isolated/suspended in order to apply a more effective form of punishment.
In-School Isolation (ISI)
During the school day students in ISI are not to be in contact with any other students as long as they are in the program. When students in ISI arrive on campus, they are to go directly to the ISI room and remain under the ISI supervisor’s control until dismissed in the afternoon. No electronic devices are allowed in ISI. Students must surrender the devices at the beginning of each day.
The isolation, daily attendance, and work completion will be a part of an agreement signed by the student. If the ISI student violates the provisions of the ISI agreement, additional days in ISI may be assigned or the remainder of his/her punishment may become out-of-school suspension.
Off-Campus Suspension (OCS)
Off-campus suspension is held at the E.H. Keys Alternative Education Center located at 2401 School Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Students in OCS are to report directly to E.H. Keys each morning.
Off-Campus Suspension Rules:
- Parents / Guardians are responsible for transportation to and from the AEC.
- OCS hours are 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
- All assigned days must be served before students will be allowed to return to their Home School. Any absences must be documented and a medical or legal excuse must be brought in the next day for the absence to be excused. Unexcused absences will result in zeros for assignments. The OCS day must be made up.
- Students must be on time and must remain for the entire school day.
- Students may not check out during OCS.
- Bookbags, purses, jackets, coats, etc. are prohibited.
- Materials such as paper, pens, and pencils are provided.
- Students may bring their lunch from home or may purchase cafeteria lunch. No lunch deliveries will be accepted.
- Cell Phones / All Electronics are prohibited.
- Students must be in proper attire and in compliance with dress code.
- Students will complete their assignments sent from homeschool teachers and any work given to them to complete by the OCS teacher. Failure to complete assignments may result in additional days assigned and will be determined by the AEC Director.
- Students will comply with all OCS classroom rules. Failure to do so may result in additional OCS days assigned and will be determined by the AEC Director.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
For the most severe behaviors students are suspended out-of-school and remanded to the custody of their parents. The days a student is assigned OSS will not be counted against the student’s allowed absences. Students must complete assignments during OSS and submit them to the teacher immediately upon returning to the class.
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.
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When a student who is already on the discipline ladder is found to have violated another infraction on the discipline ladder, he/she automatically moves to the next step on the discipline ladder as described below. The purpose of the progression along the ladder is to discourage students from continuing a pattern of misbehavior.
Targeted Support Plan
Any student that is frequently referred to the office for disciplinary infractions will be placed on a Targeted Support Plan. Further disciplinary infractions and/or violations of the Targeted Support Plan shall result in referral to the Alternative Education Center.
Discipline Plan Definitions
- Open defiance of a teacher
- Step 1 or 2
- Profanity or vulgarity (to include acts, gestures, or symbols)
- Step 1 or 2
- Use or possession of any form of tobacco, tobacco paraphernalia on school property or at any school-sponsored activity
- Step 2, 3, or 4
- Use or possession of any form of vape or vape paraphernalia on school property or at any school-sponsored activity
- See OSSD BOT Policy JCDAH - Student Vaping Policy
- Selling any form of vape or vape paraphernalia on school property or at any school-sponsored activity
- See OSSD BOT Policy JCDAH - Student Vaping Policy
- Use, sale, or possession of drugs or alcohol on school grounds
- Step 4
- Defacing or otherwise injuring property that belongs to the school district (plus restitution for damages)
- Step 2
- Fighting at school or at school activities
- Step 3 or 4
- Unauthorized videoing, screenshots, and distribution in any manner
- Step 2, 3, or 4
- Use or possession of dangerous objects (including fireworks)
- Step 3 or 4
- Improper behavior anywhere on campus and/or at any school function
- Step 1, 2, 3 or 4
- Cutting class(es) and/or detention
- Step 2
- Truancy from school
- Step 2
- Leaving campus without authorization
- Step 2 or 3
- Harassment, intimidation, or threats
- Step 2, 3, or 4
- Stealing, theft, and/or possession of stolen property (must include restitution)
- Step 1, 2,or 3
- Refusal to surrender electronic device to staff member
- Step 1, 2, loss of privilege
- Refusal to surrender electronic device to an administrator
- Step 3 and loss of privilege
- Out of bounds
- Step 2
- Bus Misconduct
- See Bus Conduct Ladder
- Other behaviors as determined by the administration
- Step 1, 2, 3, or 4
OUT OF BOUNDS - Students who are not where they are supposed to be are considered “out of bounds.” During instructional times and all other organized times, all students are expected to be in the classroom. However, on occasion, the student must secure a hall pass from a teacher to travel to another area of the campus for school-related business. When moving under the authority of a hall pass, students are expected to go directly to and from the location listed on the hall pass, traveling by the most direct route. Students who are in any place on the campus without the permission of a faculty or staff member will be considered out of bounds. Students who are judged to be out of bounds may be assigned appropriate consequences listed on the discipline ladder.
Discipline Ladder Explanations
The range of disciplinary action indicated for each step is primarily intended to accommodate reoccurring referrals at the same step following probationary periods. However, the Administration, at its discretion, may impose any penalty at any level considered most appropriate.
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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.
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