Student responsibilities involving students themselves, fellow students, the staff and the school are set forth in detail in the regulations of the State Board of Education and of this school district. They are included in the Policy Manual adopted by the Governor Mifflin Board of School Directors and made available to students. In summary, the student is expected to:
1. Attend scheduled school and class sessions except when properly excused.
2. Share with the staff an effort to develop a climate within the school that encourages wholesome learning and living.
3. Respect the rights of others to pursue their school programs without distraction or harassment.
4. Make a conscientious effort in classroom work.
5. Refrain from littering, defacing or otherwise vandalizing school property.
6. Use instructional and other materials efficiently and without waste.
7. Avoid loud talking, running, horseplay or other misconduct in the halls, locker rooms, cafeteria, auditorium and other areas of the school.
8. Refrain from personal disrespect, including challenging staff members, obscene actions or language.
9. Remain away from locker rooms, back stage or any other area of the building unless scheduled to be there or given specific written permission by the teacher in charge of the area at that time.
10. Refrain from public displays of affection such as hugging, kissing or caressing.
11. Please be diligent in securing personal belongings if you choose to bring them to school. Students are encouraged to report situations of theft to the administration. School investigation procedures may include notifying local law enforcement. However, the high school is not ultimately responsible for the loss/theft of a student’s personal belongings.
Discipline Guidelines
1. Violations of laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the rules and regulations of the Governor Mifflin School District will result in disciplinary action. Parents are contacted in appropriate situations.
2. Serious offenses or repeated offenses against the school, staff or fellow students may be considered grounds for exclusion from school through suspension or expulsion.
3. If at any time a teacher finds it necessary to send a student from the room because of poor conduct, the student must immediately report to the associate principals’ office.
4. Students having in their possession cigarettes or other tobacco products, drugs and/or drug paraphernalia (including look-alike products), alcoholic beverages, offensive materials or other potentially dangerous substances will have these items confiscated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be administered.
5. Every student will be held responsible and subject to disciplinary action for his/her acts of misconduct including vandalism, disrespect and/or other damage to the person or property of any staff member.
6. Particular reference to the student behavioral expectations may be found in the School District’s Policy Manual.
Disciplinary Actions
Detention System
Placement in an administrative issued detention may be made by the principal or associate principals. Prior notification of the detention action is required and transportation is the responsibility of the parent.
• Teacher-Issued Detention
A teacher is encouraged to issue a detention to any student who commits a minor infraction in the classroom. Students will serve the detention in the assigning teacher’s classroom. A student who is late or cuts detention will be reported to the assistant principal for further disciplinary action.
• Administrative-Issued Detention
Administrative issued detentions will occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Administrative issued detentions will be issued by the building principals, or their designees, to students who commit various infractions. Students are to be engaged in school work activities during the detention. Students arriving late will not be admitted. A student who cuts the detention will be referred to the Associate Principal. If a student cannot attend his/her assigned detention, a signed parent note is required to reschedule the detention the first day after the detention. If an activity bus is running the day a detention is to be served, the student may take the activity bus home. If an activity bus is not running the day a detention is to be served, families must make transportation arrangements to get a student home from detention.
In School Suspension
As available, students can be placed in in school suspension. During time in ISS, students will be required to remain in the ISS room for the allotted amount of time, complete work provided by teachers, and follow all expectations of the ISS team leader.
Out of School Suspension
During a disciplinary conference, a student will be notified of the reason for and duration of the suspension. Prior notice of the intended suspension need not be given when it is clear that the health, safety, or welfare of the school community is threatened. Students shall have the responsibility to make up exams and work missed while being disciplined by suspension. Students should make every effort to keep up with their class assignments while on suspension.
Students are not permitted to participate or attend after-school co-curricular or athletic activities during the out-of-school suspension assignment. Students are not permitted on school property during the OSS assignment. A parent conference is required for re-admittance to school for all out-of-school suspensions lasting longer than three days.
Alternative Education Program (AEP)
In accordance with the provisions of the Policy Manual and/or the recommendations of the AEP Placement Review Committee, the administration has the authority to place a student in the Alternative Education Program. The minimum duration of the placement is 45 school days.
On a regular basis, the superintendent shall notify the members of the Board of School Directors of all Governor Mifflin AEP placements.
Procedure for Exclusion From School
Board Policy 233 SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
Purpose
The Board recognizes that exclusion from the educational program of the schools, whether by suspension or expulsion, is the most severe sanction that can be imposed on a student and one that cannot be imposed without due process. The Board shall define and publish the types of offenses that would lead to exclusion from school. Exclusions affecting students with disabilities shall also be governed by applicable state and federal law and regulations. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)
Authority
The Board may, after a proper hearing, suspend or expel a student for such time as it deems necessary or may permanently expel a student. (1)(6)(7)
Guidelines
Exclusion From School – Suspension
The principal or person in charge of the school may suspend any student for disobedience or misconduct for a period of one (1) to ten (10) consecutive school days and shall immediately notify the parent/guardian and the Superintendent in writing when the student is suspended. (1)(7)
No student may be suspended without notice of the reasons for which s/he is suspended and an opportunity to be heard on his/her own behalf before the school official who holds the authority to reinstate the student. Prior notice is not required where it is clear that the health, safety or welfare of the school population is threatened. Suspensions may not be made to run consecutively beyond the ten-school day period. (1)
When the suspension exceeds three (3) school days, the student and parent/guardian will be given the opportunity for an informal hearing with the designated school official. Such hearing shall take place as soon as possible after the suspension, and the district shall offer to hold it within the first five (5) days of the suspension. (1)(6)
Informal hearings under this provision shall be conducted by the building principal.
Of Informal Hearing
The purpose of the informal hearing is to permit the student to explain the circumstances surrounding the event leading to the suspension, to show why the student should not be suspended, and to discuss ways to avoid future offenses. (6)
Due Process Requirements for Informal Hearing (6)
- The student and parent/guardian shall be given written notice of the reasons for the suspension.
- The student and parent/guardian shall receive sufficient notice of the time and place of the informal hearing.
- The student may question any witnesses present at the informal hearing.
- The student may speak and produce witnesses who may speak at the informal hearing.
- The district shall offer to hold the informal hearing within five (5) days of the suspension.
Exclusion From Class – In-School Suspension
No student may receive an in-school suspension without notice of the reasons for which s/he is suspended and an opportunity to be heard prior to the time the suspension becomes effective. The parent/guardian shall be informed of the suspension action taken by the school. (2)
Should the in-school suspension exceed ten (10) consecutive school days, the student and parent/guardian shall be offered an informal hearing with the building principal. Such hearing shall take place prior to the eleventh day of the in-school suspension. The procedure shall be the same as the procedure for informal hearings held in connection with out-of-school suspensions. (2)(6)
The District shall provide for the student’s education during the period of in-school suspension. (2)
Expulsion
Expulsion is exclusion from school by the Board for a period exceeding ten (10) consecutive school days. The Board may permanently expel, from the district rolls, any student whose misconduct and disobedience warrants this sanction.
No student shall be expelled without an opportunity for a formal hearing before the Board, and upon action taken by the Board after the hearing. (1)(6)(7)
Expulsion Hearings
- A formal hearing shall be required in all expulsion actions.(1)(6)(7)(8)
- The formal hearing shall observe the due process requirements of: (6)
- Notification of the charges in writing by certified mail to the student’s parent/guardian.
- At least three (3) days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing, which shall include a copy of this policy, hearing procedures, and notice of the right to representation by legal counsel. A student may request the rescheduling of the hearing when s/he demonstrates good cause for an extension.
- The hearing shall be private unless the student or parent/guardian requests a public hearing.
- Representation by counsel at the parent’s/guardian’s expense and parent/guardian may attend the hearing.
- Disclosure of the names of witnesses against the student and copies of their written statements or affidavits.
- The right to request that witnesses against the student appear in person and answer questions or be cross-examined.
- The right to testify and present witnesses on the student’s behalf.
- A written or audio record shall be kept of the hearing and a copy made available to the student at the student’s expense, or at no charge if the student is indigent.
- The hearing shall be held within fifteen (15) school days of the notice of charges, unless a delay is mutually agreed to by both parties or is delayed by:
- The need for laboratory reports from law enforcement agencies.
- Evaluations or other court or administrative proceedings are pending due to a student’s invoking his/her rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Delay is necessary due to the condition or best interests of the victim in cases of juvenile or criminal court involving sexual assault or serious bodily injury.
- Notice of a right to appeal the results of the hearing shall be provided to the student with the expulsion decision.
Adjudication
A written adjudication shall be issued after the Board has acted to expel a student. The adjudication may include additional conditions or sanctions. (9)
Attendance/School Work During Suspension and Prior to Expulsion
Students serving an out-of-school suspension must make up missed exams and work, and shall be permitted to complete assignments pursuant to established guidelines.
(1)(10)
Students who are facing an expulsion hearing must be placed in their normal classes if the formal hearing is not held within the ten-school day suspension.
If it is not possible to hold the formal hearing within the first ten (10) school days, the School District may exclude such a student from class for up to five (5) additional – fifteen (15) total – school days if, after an informal hearing, it is determined that the student’s presence in his/her normal class would constitute a threat to the health, safety or welfare of others.
Any further exclusion prior to a formal hearing may be only by mutual agreement. Such students shall be given alternative education, which may include home study.
Attendance/School Work After Expulsion
Students who are under seventeen (17) years of age are still subject to compulsory school attendance even though expelled and shall be provided an education. Beginning with the academic year 2020-2021, compulsory school age shall mean no later than age six (6) until age eighteen (18); at that time, students under eighteen (18) years of age shall be subject to compulsory school attendance, and even though expelled, shall be provided an education. (1)(10)(11)
The parent/guardian has the initial responsibility of providing the required education and shall, within thirty (30) days, submit written evidence to the school that the required education is being provided or that they are unable to do so. If the parent/guardian is unable to provide for the required education, the School District shall, within ten (10) days of receipt of the parent’s/guardian’s notification, make provision for the student’s education.
Students With Disabilities
A student with a disability shall be provided educational services as required by state and federal laws and regulations and Board policies. 912)(13)
Student Searches Procedure
Governor Mifflin School Board POLICY 226:
The primary purpose and justification for any search is the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the students, school property and the educational process.
The administration may search a student, student’s lockers or student’s vehicle and seize any illegal and prohibited materials found. Such materials may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings. Prior to a locker or vehicle search, the student will be notified and given an opportunity to be present. However, when the administration and staff have a REASONABLE SUSPICION that the locker or vehicle contains materials which create a threat to the health, welfare, safety and/or order of the school, a search may be conducted without prior notice. All searches will be conducted by an administrator with a staff member present as a witness.
The Board establishes that students should keep their assigned lockers closed and locked against incursion by other students. No student may use a locker as a depository for a substance or object which is prohibited by law or district rules, or which constitutes a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of the school building or the building itself.
The Board reserves the right to authorize its employees to inspect a student’s locker at any time, based on reasonable suspicion, for the purpose of determining whether the locker is being used improperly for the storage of contraband, a substance or object, the possession of which is illegal, or any material that poses a hazard to the safety and good order of the schools. The Board authorizes the administration to conduct random searches of lockers at any time.
Delegation of Responsibility
Students shall be notified at least annually, or more often if deemed appropriate by administration, concerning the contents of this policy and district procedures.
All students are responsible for the contents of assigned lockers and therefore subject to disciplinary procedures which address possession of drugs, alcohol, weapons or incendiary articles.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy which shall require:
The principal or designee shall be present whenever a student locker is Inspected.
The principal shall open a student’s locker for inspection on the request of a law enforcement officer only on presentation of a duly authorized search warrant or on the intelligently and voluntarily given consent of the student.
The principal shall be responsible for the safekeeping and proper disposal of any substance, object or material found to be stored in a student’s locker in violation of Board policy or school rules.
The principal shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each locker inspection; such record shall include the reason(s) for the search, persons present, objects found and their disposition.
School officials are authorized to search a student’s personal possessions or motor vehicle parked on school property when there is reasonable suspicion that the student is violating law, Board policy or school rules, or poses a threat to themselves or the school population.
Guidelines –Personal Searches
- A student’s person or personal property (purse, book bag, jacket, trousers) will be searched whenever the administration has REASONABLE SUSPICION to believe that s/he is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.
- A pat down search of a student will be conducted in private by an administrator and a staff member of the same sex. No strip searches will be conducted.
Locker and Desk Searches
- Student lockers and desks are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time without notice and without consent. Students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers.
- Periodic locker inspections will be conducted by the administration at any time during the school year. The search of a particular locker will only be made upon REASONABLE SUSPICION that the student has illegal materials or when there has been a violation of a school rule or regulation.
Search Dogs
- A drug/explosive detection dog may be used to search student lockers, classrooms and school property at the discretion of the building administrator. The dog must be accompanied by a qualified and authorized handler who will be responsible for the dog’s actions. Dogs shall not be used to search students.
Vehicle Searches
- Students are granted a permit to park on school grounds as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains the authority to conduct routine checks of student vehicles. A drug/explosive detection dog may be used to conduct routine checks of student vehicles parked on school property. Interior inspections will be conducted when the administration has a REASONABLE SUSPICION that there are illegal or unauthorized materials contained inside the vehicle, or a school rule has been violated.
Metal Detectors
- School security screening metal detectors shall be used in the district on an as needed basis, when requested by the administrators.
General Provisions
- Any student refusing a search will be suspended and recommended for expulsion from the district. The student will remain in the custody of school officials until released to a parent/guardian or police officials.
Searches conducted by the administration may include but not be limited to utilization of certified drug dogs, metal detection units, or any device used to protect the health, safety and welfare of the school population.
Bullying/Cyberbullying
The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by district students.
Definitions
Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:
- Substantially interfering with a student’s education.
- Creating a threatening environment.
- Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
- Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying.
- School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.
Authority
The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by district students.
The Board encourages students who believe they or others have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to the building principal or designee.
Students are encouraged to use the district’s report form, available from the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing; however, oral complaints shall be accepted and documented. The person accepting the complaint shall handle the report objectively, neutrally and professionally, setting aside personal biases that might favor or disfavor the student filing the complaint or those accused of a violation of this policy.
The Board directs that verbal and written complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and appropriate corrective or preventative action be taken when allegations are substantiated. The Board directs that any complaint of bullying brought pursuant to this policy shall also be reviewed for conduct which may not be proven to be bullying under this policy but merits review and possible action under other Board policies.
Discrimination/Discriminatory Harassment
Every report of alleged bullying that can be interpreted at the outset to fall within the provisions of policies addressing potential violations of laws against discrimination and discriminatory harassment shall be handled as a joint, concurrent investigation into all allegations and coordinated with the full participation of the Compliance Officer. If, in the course of a bullying investigation, potential issues of discrimination or discriminatory harassment are identified, the Compliance Officer shall be promptly notified, and the investigation shall be conducted jointly and concurrently to address the issues of alleged discrimination as well as the incidents of alleged bullying. [2][3]
Confidentiality
Confidentiality of all parties, witnesses, the allegations, the filing of a complaint and the investigation shall be handled in accordance with this policy and the district’s legal and investigative obligations.
Retaliation
Reprisal or retaliation relating to reports of bullying or participation in an investigation of allegations of bullying is prohibited and shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Delegation of Responsibility
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this policy and administrative regulations are reviewed annually with students. [1]
The Superintendent or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators, shall review this policy every three (3) years and recommend necessary revisions to the Board.
District administration shall annually provide the following information with the Safe Schools Report.
Harassment (Crimes Code of PA, Section 2709)
1. The Governor Mifflin School District is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students and other individuals at school or at school-sponsored events is unlawful and is strictly prohibited. The Governor Mifflin School District requires all employees and students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect for their fellow employees, students and all members of the school community.
2. Definition of Harassment-In General – Harassment includes communications such as jokes, comments, innuendoes, notes, display of pictures or symbols, gestures or other conduct which offends or shows disrespect to others based upon race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
3. By law, what constitutes harassment is determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with the characteristic on which the harassment is based. What one person may consider acceptable behavior, may reasonably be viewed as harassment by another person. Therefore, individuals should consider how their words and actions might reasonably be viewed by other individuals. It is also important for individuals to make it clear to others when a particular behavior or communication is unwelcome, intimidating, hostile or offensive.
4. Sexual Harassment – While all types of harassment are prohibited, sexual harassment requires particular attention. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
A. Acceptance of or submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or education.
B. The individual’s response to such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting an employee or as a basis for educational, disciplinary or other decisions affecting a student.
C. Such conduct interferes with an individual’s job duties, education or participation in extra-curricular activities.
D.The conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or school environment.
5. Harassment and Retaliation Prohibited – Harassment, in any form or for any reason, is absolutely forbidden. This includes harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, and other individuals in school or at school related events. In addition, retaliation against any individual who has brought harassment or other inappropriate behavior to the attention of the school or who has cooperated in an investigation of a complaint under this policy is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the Governor Mifflin School District.
6. Persons who engage in harassment or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension, termination/expulsion or other sanctions as determined by the school administration and/or Board of School Directors, subject to applicable procedural requirements.
7. Investigation – Any individual who believes he/she has been harassed or who has witnessed or learned about the harassment of another person in the School District, should inform the high school administration as soon as possible. If the individual does not wish to discuss the issue with him/her, or if he/she does not address the problem in an effective manner, the individual should inform the superintendent of schools who can be reached at 10 South Waverly Street, Shillington, PA, (610) 775-1461.
8. The Governor Mifflin School District will promptly investigate every complaint of harassment. If it determines that harassment has occurred, it will take appropriate action to end the harassment and to ensure that it is not repeated. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent consistent with the school’s obligations under law and under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
9. In certain cases, the harassment of a student may constitute child abuse under state law. The Governor Mifflin School District will comply with all legal requirements governing the reporting of suspected cases of child abuse and will report suspected criminal activity to the appropriate authorities.
10. Closure of a Complaint – When an investigation has been completed, school personnel will inform the complainant of the results and file a report with the assistant superintendent.
11. The Governor Mifflin School District urges all individuals in the school community to bring any concerns or complaints of harassment to the attention of appropriate school personnel so that they can resolve the issue.
Extreme Breaches of Discipline
1. Examples of offenses which warrant ten day out-of-school suspension by the principal, involvement of the superintendent and/or action by the Board of School Directors, but is not limited to:
a. WEAPONS: 18PACS912 — The possession, sale, use or threat of harmful explosives, weapons, incendiary or destructive devices on school property.
DEFINITION: Notwithstanding the definition of “weapon” in Section 907 (relating to possessing instruments of crime), “weapon” for the purpose of this section shall include, but not be limited to: any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, non-chunk stick, firearm, shotgun, rifle, replica of a weapon, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.
OFFENSE DEFINED: A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he possesses a weapon in the buildings of, on the grounds of or in any conveyance providing transportation to or from any elementary or secondary private school licensed by the Department of Education or any elementary or secondary parochial school. Per Title 18, Pennsylvania Crime Code, Chapter 9 (18 PACS 912).
b. Bodily assault upon another student or member of the staff (during all times).
c. Selling, using, being under the influence of, possessing or aiding in the procurement of alcoholic and/or malt beverages, narcotics or restricted drugs, including marijuana or other controlled substance, including, but not limited to the Drug Narcotic Identification Chart.
d. Reporting by telephone, in writing or in person a threat known to be false.
e. Extortion.
f. Committing immoral acts.
g. Vandalism.
h. Special cases of offenses under “a,” “b” and “c” above, as provided therein.
i. Any other inappropriate behavior deemed by the administration.
Extreme Breaches of Discipline Which Require Referral to the Board of School Directors
1. Any act requiring suspension beyond ten days or expulsion, including but not limited to the following:
a. Selling, being under the influence or possession of restricted drugs or other controlled substance.
b. Bodily assault on any member of the school staff, volunteer worker, agent or visitor.
c. Possession, sale or use of harmful explosives, weapons or incendiary devices
d. Any acts which lead to the student being cited as a “disruptive student.” (A “disruptive student” is one, who through his/her actions, detracts in a serious manner from the well-being of the general school population.)
Nicotine products, Drugs and Alcohol
Tobacco
• Students are prohibited from using and possessing tobacco.
• Use shall be defined as use and/or possession of a lighted or unlighted cigarette, vapes, cigar and pipe, other lighted smoking product or electronic cigarette and smokeless or look-alike tobacco product in any form.
• Tobacco is prohibited in the building, school property, busses and school-sponsored activities.
• The school may initiate prosecution of a student in possession or use of tobacco products.
Drug/Alcohol Use, Possession and Distribution
• Students are prohibited from any use and/or possession of a controlled substance. A controlled substance shall include any drug prohibited by federal and state law, look-alike drugs, alcoholic beverages, anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, volatile inhalants and prescription or patent drugs except those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Board Policy.