Student Handbook Introduction

Academy Student Handbook

2014 - 2015 STUDENT HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Student Handbook is to give school district students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education in our schools.

In a case of conflict between a board policy and the provisions of this handbook, the board policy most recently adopted by the board will prevail.

Students and parents/guardians should be aware that the document is reviewed annually, because policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process. These changes generally will supersede the provisions found in the handbook, which will become obsolete by the newly adopted policy. The handbook is not a contract between the school and parents/guardians or students. It can be amended at any time at the discretion of the Woodland Hills School District. If policy changes are enacted during the school year, the administration will communicate those changes to students, staff and parents/guardians.

2 WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT Elementary Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STUDENT HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION 2 Elementary Building Phone Extensions 4 Administrative Office Directory 5 Sign-Off Sheet 6 Title I Home/School Compact 2014 - 2015 7 School Board of Directors 8 School Board Meetings 8 Curriculum 8 Parent Alert System 8 Emergency School Delay or Closings 9 School Bus Regulations 9 Registration 9 Grading Periods For Academy 9 Open House 10 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference Dates 10 School Hours 10 Reporting Absences 10 Where do you go for help? 10 Academy Dress Code 11 Public Notice 12 Use of Student Photos 12 Technology 12 Foreign Language 13 Physical Education 13 The 5 Wells 13 Parent Volunteers 13 2014 - 2015 School Calendar 14 2014 - 2015 Important Dates 15 2014 - 2015 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 16

3 2014 - 2015 Elementary Building Principal’s/Phone Extensions

Woodland Hills Academy (412.824.2450) Principal: Mrs. Kelly Berthold (x 4120) 126 Monroeville Avenue Turtle Creek, PA 15145 Assistant Principal (x 4122) RTI Specialist (x4130) Main Office/Attendance (x 4110) Social Worker (x4131) Nurse (x 4150) ______Edgewood Elementary (412.731.2238) Principal: Ms. Janet Carter (x 2120) 241 Maple Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Assistant Principal (x2122) Social Worker (x 2130) Main Office (x 2110) Nurse (x 2150) ______Dickson Elementary (412.731.5816) Principal: Ms. Allison Kline (x3120) 7301 Schoyer Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Assistant Principal (x 3122) Social Worker (x 3130) Main Office (x 3110) Nurse (x 3150) ______Fairless Elementary (412.271.1317) Principal: Ms. Jean Livingston (x 3220) 531 Jones Avenue North Braddock, PA 15104 Assistant Principal (x3222) Community Liaison (x3230) Main Office (x 3210) Nurse (x3250) ______Shaffer Elementary (412.371.4535) Principal: Dr. Deborah Vereen (x2220) 37 Garden Terrace Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Assistant Principal (x 2222) Social Worker (x2230) Main Office (x 2210) Nurse (x2250) ______Wilkins Elementary (412.824.3231) Principal: Mrs. Karen Bloch (x2320) 362 Churchill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Assistant Principal (x 2322) Social Worker (x2330) Main Office (x2310) Nurse (x2350) ______

4 Woodland Hills School District Administrative Office Directory 2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Phone 412.731.1300 Fax 412.731.2974

Administration Extension

Mr. Alan N. Johnson, Superintendent 0183 Ms. Ali Nespoli, Executive Assistant

Mr. Gerald Chessman, Assistant to the Superintendent 0181

Business Manager 0121

Director of Curriculum and Instruction 0155

Director of Special Education 0134

Supervisor of Facilities 0192

Transportation Coordinator 0185

Technology Department 0103/0107

5 Sign-Off Sheet

Please remove this sheet and return to your child’s Homeroom teacher by Friday, August 29, 2014

I have received a copy of the student handbook for the 2014 - 2015 school year. The policies and procedures contained within this booklet have been discussed with my child. We have also discussed the Woodland Hills School District Title I Home/School Compact 2014 - 2015 (see following page).

Child’s Name Child’s School

Child’s Grade Child’s Homeroom

Custodial Parent/Guardian Printed Name

Custodial Parent/Guardian Signature

Street

City Zip Telephone Number

6 Woodland Hills School District Title I Home/School Compact 2014 - 2015

Education is a joint responsibility of the school and the home. To insure that the interests of each are served, it is important that we develop and maintain a program of communication and cooperation between the home and the school. This agreement is a first step in that program. ______SCHOOL The administration and teaching staff will: 1. Strive to be aware of the individual needs of each child. 2. Reinforce/strengthen each child’s reading/math concepts and skills. 3. Regularly communicate with parents/caregivers regarding their child’s progress. 4. Organize and notify parents/caregivers of opportunities to discuss the program and contribute suggestions for improvement. ______HOME My child’s school years are very important. I agree that his/her achievement and attitude will be enhanced by my participation. Therefore, to the best of my ability, I will: 1. Make sure my child gets enough sleep each night. 2. Make sure my child is at school on time. 3. Give my child a quiet place to study and/or do homework. 4. Review my child’s assignments/work with him/her daily. 5. Check that my child’s homework is completed. 6. Spend at least 15 minutes a day reading to/with my child. I plan to attend open house (September 23, 2013)

(Please check) ______YES ______NO ______STUDENT

Education is important to me. It will help me become a better person. I know my parents/caregivers will help me, but I have to do the work. I agree to: 1. Be at school on time unless I am sick. 2. Take responsibility for my behavior. 3. Pay attention in class and do my work. 4. Complete my class work on time. 5. Return corrected work to my parent/caregiver.

7 Woodland Hills School District

Administration

Superintendent Mr. Alan N. Johnson Assistant to the Superintendent Mr. Gerald chessman Business Manager TBA

School Board of Directors

Mr. Regis Driscoll, President Ms. Marilyn Messina, Vice- President

Mr. Robert Clanagan Mr. Fred Kuhn Mr. Brian K. Estocin Ms. Tara Reis Ms. Colleen Filiak Mr. Robert J. Tomasic Mr. Jeffrey Hanchett

School Board Meetings

The Woodland Hills Board of School Directors holds two regularly scheduled meetings each month; both are open to the public. The first Wednesday of each month is an Agenda Setting Meeting. The second Wednesday of each month is the Legislative Meeting. All meetings are scheduled at the Woodland Hills Administration Building at 7:30 p.m. unless advertised otherwise.

Curriculum

Students at the Academy will receive instruction in the following core subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. All students will have 90 minutes of reading and mathematics instruction daily. In addition to core subjects all students will participate in Music, Art, Physical Education, and Technology. Eighth graders will receive instruction in Spanish..

The elementary curriculum in Woodland Hills is consistent with the guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Please refer any curriculum questions to the Curriculum Department at: 412-731.1300, ext. 0155 or ext. 0158.

Parent Alert System

Woodland Hills School District has acquired an up-to-date Parent Alert System to quickly communicate important information to parents. TeleParent through EdLine is an elite, industry-leading rapid communication service, designed specifically for the K-12 community, which addresses all of these needs. With this system you will be notified of any time-sensitive information in the event of a lockdown, relocation, evacuation or other emergency situation as well as changes in meeting times, and other communication materials that parents need to know. Please keep the district updated with your current phone numbers so that you will not miss receiving any of our TeleParent Broadcasts.

8 Emergency School Delay or Closings

If the School Superintendent and Director of Transportation determine it necessary to close schools or delay openings, the announcement will be made as early as possible, most likely by 6:00 a.m. A quick way to check is to call the NEWSLINE at 412.256.3324 or tune into:

 WPXI-TV  KDKA Radio 1020 AM and TV  WTAE Radio 1250 AM and TV  KQV Radio 1410 AM  FROGGY Radio98 FM

School Bus Regulations

Student bus transportation is a privilege and convenience that is provided by the District to eligible students. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct concerning discipline procedures.

When a change of address or telephone numbers occurs, you are required to complete the necessary registration information at your child’s school.

Registration

The central registration office at the administration building is closed. Please contact your local neighborhood school for registration hours and information. To register your child for transportation only, please contact ext 0187. All other building phone numbers are listed on page 4.

Important Dates (also see page 15)

Grading Periods For Academy

Marking Periods Marking Period Ends Report Card Distribution

1st October 29 November 6 2nd January 21 January 23 3rd March 30 April 1 4th June 5 June 5

9 Open House Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 for students attending the Woodland Hills Academy. The time for Open House is 6:30 0 8:30 p.m. Please make every effort to attend this important event. Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference Dates All Levels (K-12) Thursday, November 6, 2014 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm All Levels (K-12) Thursday March 19, 2015 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Parent Meetings (Required) Parent meetings will be conducted during the 2014 - 2015 school year: August 19, 2014 (mandatory)--2:00 pm and 7:00 pm October 21, 2014-- 7:00 pm January 20, 2015—7:00 pm March 24, 2015—7:00 pm May 19, 2015—7:00 pm

School Hours

School starts at 7:40 a.m. Students are dismissed at 2:50 p.m. Reporting Absences

It is important that you report your child’s absence. A written excuse is required for all absences as required by the compulsory attendance laws of Pennsylvania.

Please call your child’s school by 8:15 am to report an absence. Students arriving after 12:00 Noon will be considered absent for the day.

Telephone calls to the school requesting messages from parents to be delivered to students should be restricted to emergencies only.

Where do you go for help?

If you are having a school related problem or need assistance, the District wants to help. Please follow these guidelines:

 If your problem or question concerns your child or your child’s teacher, first contact the teacher.

 If the situation is unresolved, then contact your child’s Assistant Principal or Principal.

 If your question deals with a specific function of the District, then call 412.731.1300 and ask for the specific department (Transportation, Title 1, etc.). Extensions are listed on page 5 of this handbook.  When all contacts fail to give you the satisfactory answer, contact the Deputy Superintendent at 412.731.1300, ext. 0183.

 Addressing the Board of School Directors with a concern may be considered as a last resort.

 Today some people tend to call the news media first when they have a problem or complaint. This inevitably results in negative press for their child’s school. Please consider going through the listed “chain of command” when a problem arises.

10 Woodland Hills Academy Dress Code

Grades K-2 BOYS: Shirts: 3 Button Polo (short or long sleeve), White or Light Blue Bottoms: Navy or Khaki Pants or Shorts

GIRLS: Shirts: 3 Button Polo (short or long sleeve), White or Light Blue Round Collar Peter Pan (short or long sleeve), white or light blue Bottoms: Navy or Khaki Pants or Shorts Navy or Khaki Skort with Knit short Liner (knee length) Navy or Khaki Drop Waist Jumper

Grades 3-8 BOYS: Shirts: 3 Button Polo (short or long sleeve), White or Light Blue Oxford (short or long sleeve), white or light blue Bottoms: Navy or Khaki Pants Blazer: Navy or sweater (vest or cardigan)

GIRLS: Shirts: 3 Button Polo (short or long sleeve), White or Light Blue Oxford (short or long sleeve), white or light blue Bottoms: Navy or Khaki Low Waist Skirt (knee length) Navy or Khaki Pants Blazer: Navy or sweater (vest or cardigan)

No hats or hoodies are permitted to be worn in school. A sweater should be used if needed for warmth. Also, no vests should be worn over uniform shirts unless it is an Academy uniform vest. Seventh and eighth graders are not permitted to carry bookbags during the school day.

Progressive Consequences for uniform infractions: 1. Verbal warning from the teacher 2. 2nd verbal warning from the teacher 3. Phone call home from the teacher 4. Teacher issued consequence, i.e., no recess, morning detention, lunch detention, etc. 5. Student sent the Principal or Assistant Principal for conference. 6. Letter sent home to parents from the Principal. 7. Office referral where the Principal or Assistant Principal can provide a progressive series of consequences.

ACADEMY STUDENTS MUST ALSO ABIDE BY THE WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT DRESS CODE.

11 PUBLIC NOTICE

Woodland Hills School District provides a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) to exceptional students consistent with the individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 (P.L. 108-446) and Reauthorization 2006. To qualify as an exceptional student, the child must be of school-age, in need of specially designed instruction, and meet eligibility criteria for one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities: autism, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment including deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, specific learning disability; speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment including blindness, and in the case of a child that is of pre-school age, developmental delay.

Identification procedures ensure eligible students receive an appropriate program consisting of individualized special education and related services. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law and planned to ensure meaningful educational benefit and student progress.

To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities may include: hearing, vision, physical and speech/language screening; a review of group-based data (cumulative academic records, ability and achievement test scores, enrollment records, report cards, and health records); and a review by the building-level team. When screening results suggest that a student may need special education services, Woodland Hills School District will with parent consent, conduct an evaluation. Parents who suspect their child may need special education services may also submit a written request for an evaluation to the school principal.

Services designed to meet the needs of exceptional students include: a timely evaluation and the annual development of an individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents are an integral part of the IEP process and should be present at IEP meetings. Woodland Hills School District will make every effort to ensure parent participation and satisfaction.

The extent of special education services and the location for the delivery of those services are determined by the IEP team and based on student’s identified needs and abilities. Consideration is also given to the student’s chronological age and level of intensity of the specified intervention. The district provides supplementary aids and services, such as transportation, physical therapy and occupational therapy, as necessary for the student to benefit from the special education program.

Parents may obtain additional information about special education services and programs and parental due process rights by contacting the child’s school principal or the Special Education Office at 412-731-1300 ext. 0141 or 0147.

Use of Student Photos

Use of Student Names/Photos: The District procedure regarding the use of student photographs for news releases, brochures, the website, the community magazine, “In Woodland Hills,” and on the Internet requires a WHSD signed permission form. A permission form will be sent home with each student in the first week of school and the form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the child's school. If this permission form is not on file, then your child's photograph, will not be used to promote the District or individual student achievements and your child will not be able to use the Internet at the school to create webpages, use skype in the classroom, or search the internet while at school. The District requires that this permission form be signed every year. Thank you for your cooperation. Technology

Our substantial investment in technology allows for our teachers to develop deep understandings for our students within their core subject areas of Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Teachers and students will use laptops, Ipods, Promethean boards, desktop computers, and other forms of technology. As a standalone program, the technology at the Academy will help to develop the necessary skills for students to be competitive in the digital age.

12 Foreign Language

Eighth Grade Academy students will learn and study Spanish. We believe that students must be fluent in a second language to be at their most competitive in this global economy and flat world of today. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that students enrolled in a foreign language program achieve at higher levels throughout their educational career.

Physical Education

The physical education program at the Academy takes a holistic approach to developing and maintaining wellness in our students. Physical education classes will also incorporate the latest in technology with student using Nintendo wiis to augment the curriculum.

The 5 Wells

Our commitment to parents, students, and the community is for students to master the 5 Wells: to be Well Read, Well Spoken, Well Traveled, Well Balanced, and Well Dressed. When our students master these areas they will be ready to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.

We at the Academy will strive to provide our students to become: 1. Well Read- Academy students will develop an appreciation for the written word. We will provide students with a wide range of literature to cultivate their abilities to read and comprehend at high levels. 2. Well Spoken- Academy students will develop the skills to speak in a variety of settings and to a variety of audiences. 3. Well Traveled- Academy students will become citizens of the world, either through knowledge or through travel to areas and events that enhance their awareness of the global community. 4. Well Balanced-Academy students will have a breadth and depth of knowledge about a variety of subjects. Academy students will be encouraged to develop their interests to their highest potential. 5. Well Dressed- Academy students will arrive to school in uniform daily. Academy students will be able to dress according to the occasion.

Parent Volunteers

The Woodland Hills School District approves and encourages the use of volunteers in our schools. Each school administration has the responsibility to direct and monitor individuals working with students. Parent and community volunteers work under the direct supervision of principals and teachers.

Individuals who would like to volunteer in our schools or with our students should contact the principals of the individual schools to offer their services. Many volunteers, especially those working in classrooms or directly with students, must have the following three clearances before they can volunteer: PA Acts 34 & 151 Clearances and an FBI Federal Criminal History Clearance. Potential volunteers should check with the school principal to determine if they will need to get these clearances. Information about these clearances, how to obtain them and the costs associated with them is on the District website: www.whsd.net, on the Personnel webpage. Interested individuals can also call the school principals or call the District Personnel Department at 412-731-1300, ext. 0114.

In addition to working with students in our schools, there are booster organizations that utilize volunteers such as the school PTO's, the Woodland Hills High School Band Parents Organization, the Wolverine Football Boosters Association and the booster groups for various varsity sports teams. Volunteers for these groups should also follow the District volunteer procedure.

Outside organizations such as OASIS that have volunteers that work in our schools under the direction of school principals must also have clearances. Parents and guardians that help out with annual activities such as school fun days or classroom parties are not at this time required to have the volunteer clearances. If you are interested in sharing your time and talents with our students, please contact the school principals to determine if you will need to obtain the proper clearances.

14 2014 - 2015 IMPORTANT DATES

REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION

Grades K through 12th (every nine weeks) Period Ends Day # Grades Due Distribution 1 Oct. 29 45 Nov. 4 Nov. 698 2 Jan. 21 90 Jan. 22 Jan. 23 3 Mar. 30 135 Mar. 31 April 1 4 Jun. 05 180 June 4 Jun. 5

OPEN HOUSE Level Day Date Time Junior High Tuesday Sept. 23 6:30 – 8:30 pm Elementary/Academy Wednesday Sept. 24 6:30 – 8:30 pm High School/Promise Thursday Sept. 25 6:30 – 8:30 pm

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES – ACT 80 Days Level Day Dates Time All Levels (PreK-12) Thursday Nov. 6 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm Thursday March 19 08:00 am – 3:30 pm

2014-2015 KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2014. This will be the first day of school for Kindergarten students. Kindergarten students do not report to school on Monday, August 25, 2014. Kindergarten classes will resume on Tuesday, August 26, 2014.

TEACHER INSERVICE AND CLERICAL DAYS Day Dates Monday-Tuesday August 18-19 Teacher In-service Days 8-1 Wednesday August 20 Teacher In-Service Days Thursday August 21 In-service - Opening Day Friday August 22 Teacher Clerical Day Friday Sept. 26 No School – Teacher Clerical Day Monday Oct. 13 Teacher In-service - No School for students Thursday Nov. 6 Parent Conference – Act 80 Day – No School for students Friday Nov 7 Teacher In-service Days 8-1 Friday February 13 In-Service Day – All day Thursday March 19 Parent Conference – Act 80 Day – No School for students Friday March 20 Teacher In-service – (8am 1 pm) - No School for students Monday June 8 Teacher – Clerical Day Tuesday June 9 Teacher In-Service Days 8-1

2014-2015 PSSA TESTING (Grades 3-8) 2014-2015 KEYSTONE EXAMS (Grades 9-12) Algebra, Biology, Literature April 13-17, 2015 Writing Wave 1: December 2-17, 2014 April 20-24, 2015 Math and Reading Wave 2: January 7-21, 2015 April 27-May 1, 2015 Science Spring – May 13-27, 2015 Summer – July 27-31, 2015

2015 GRADUATION Graduation is scheduled for June 5, 2015 at the High School.

2015-2016 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Spring 2015

2015-2016 Pre-K REGISTRATION Pre-K Registration date TBD. Please contact 412-731-2238, Ext. 2168 for times. Stay updated on District news and events at our website: www.whsd.net

15 WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 2014 - 2015 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2014 - 2015 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 16 Chapter I: Introduction 18 Chapter II Students’ Rights and Responsibilities 18 A. Attendance 18 B. Dress Code 22 C. Interscholastic Athletic Eligibility 23 D. Eligibility For Participation In Student Activities 24 E. Gang Policy 25 F. Identification Cards 25 G. Lockers 26 H. Health Services 26 I. Medications 27 J. Metal Detection System 28 K. Motor Vehicles 29 L. Transportation 29 M. Surveillance Cameras 30 Chapter III: Violations Of The Code Of Student Conduct 30 A. Preface 30 B. Specific Violations 30 1. Alcohol and Drug Policy Violation—Level 2 30 2. Arson And Related Acts—Level 2 31 3. Audio-Visual Equipment—Level 1 32 4. Cafeteria Violations—Level 1 32 5. Class Cutting—Level 1 32 6. Conspiracy—Level 1 or 2 32 7. Contraband—Level 2 32 8. Destruction/Defacing School Property—Level 2 33 9. Failure To Attend Detention—Level 1 33 10. Failure To Comply With A Request Of Staff Member—Level 1 33 11. Falsifying Information—Level 1 OR 2 33 12. Fighting—Level 1 or 2 33 14. Gambling/Card Games—Level 1 34 15. Gang Policy Violations—Level 2 34 16. Harassment, Assault And Battery or Extortion - Level 2 34 17. Identification Card Violations—Level 1 34 18. Improper Dress—Level 1 35 19. Indecent Assault—Level 2 35 20. Indecent Exposure—Level 2 35 21. Leaving Class Without Permission—Level 1 35 22. Leaving School Without Permission—Level 1 35 23. Loitering—Level 1 35 24. Metal Detector Violation—Level 1 35 25. Misconduct—Level 1 35 26. Motor Vehicle Violation (Grades 9-12) - Level 1 36 27. Pagers/Cellular Telephones—Level 1 36 28. Possession Of Obscene Material—Level 1 36 29. Smoking/Use Of Tobacco Products—Level 1 36 30. Tardiness—Level 1 37 31. Theft/Receiving Stolen Goods—Level 2 37 32. Throwing Snowballs Or Other Objects—Level 1 37 33. Transportation—Level 137 34. Truancy—Level 1 38 35. Unacceptable Language—Level 1 38 36. Unacceptable Use Of Network & Internet—Level 1 or 2 38 37. Weapons—Level 2 38

16 38. Hazing— Level 2 39 39. Terroristic Threats—Level 2 40 40. Lasers—Level 1 40 41. Bullying-Level 1 or 2 40 Chapter IV: Disciplinary Actions And Procedures41 A. Discipline Policies 41 B. Discipline Procedures 41 1. Time Out 41 2. Aside From Time Out 42 a. Administrative Detention...... 42 b. Community Service...... 42 c. Core Team, Referral to...... 42 d. Discipline Review Committee and District Review Panel...... 43 e. Exclusions from Classes (In-School Suspension)...... 43 f. Exclusions from school (Out-of-School Suspension)...... 43 g. Hearings...... 44 h. Mediation ...... 45 i. Multiple Violation/Repeat Offender...... 45 j. Saturday School...... 46 k. Teacher Detention...... 46 l. Transportation Violation Measures...... 46 m. Verbal Reprimand...... 46 C. Criminal Acts 46 D. The Safe School Act Of 1995 47 E. Summary Of Drug And Alcohol Policy 47 Equal Opportunity is Provided 49

17 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

The Woodland Hills School District is dedicated to the development of each student’s potential in a positive learning climate. To achieve this goal, schools must be free from disruptions that interfere with the teaching and learning processes. Teachers, parents and students must assume a role in promoting and enforcing behavior that encourages teamwork and creates a learning climate that allows each student to realize his or her individual potential.

The Woodland Hills Board of School Directors declares it to be the policy of the District to provide an equal educational opportunity for all children to achieve their potential through the programs offered in its schools regardless of race, sex, national origin or disability.

With this broad goal in mind, the Woodland Hills Board of School Directors has implemented the following discipline policies. These policies will remain in effect until rescinded or waived by the Woodland Hills Board of School Directors.

The Code of Student Conduct is drawn from Board policies and other documents, including the Court- approved Discipline Plan, and describes prohibited student conduct and the disciplinary consequences which may follow such conduct. Building administrators are given discretion, within the parameters of this Code, to impose the forms of discipline which are appropriate to the student’s conduct.

The District maintains that reactive disciplinary approaches to behavior must be accompanied by proactive efforts such as academic and guidance counseling and extracurricular activities. Proactive components of a discipline plan attempt to address sources of student behavioral problems and thus minimize reoccurrence. Reactive components include the continuum of adverse consequences which can be experienced by students whose behavior is so disruptive or recalcitrant as to require separation from the school environment so as to preserve order. Taken together, both proactive and reactive strategies attempt to maintain a student’s direct participation in the instructional environment to the extent possible while preserving the integrity of that environment for the student body as a whole.

As a foundation for both proactive and reactive processes, a formal statement of uniform behavioral expectations—rules—is embodied in this written Code of Student Conduct, which is adopted by the Board of School Directors as required by State Law. The Code identifies and as necessary describes what behaviors are forbidden, the range of responses which may be invoked by the District, and the procedural entitlements of students in connection with the imposition of discipline. The Code is continuously reviewed and is formally revised and re-adopted by the Board on an annual basis.

The Code of Student Conduct provides the foundation within a larger context of processes and resources. The District maintains a preference for in-class management, counseling, and discipline techniques, supported by home contacts; limited removal from classrooms should be focused on supporting in-class efforts and facilitating return to that environment. More extended separations from classrooms are less preferred, should be occasioned only by continuing or serious behavioral problems, and should be associated with appropriate guidance or other referrals.

Within extended separations, in-school suspension is preferred over out-of-school, so as to maintain attendance and presence in the learning environment. Out-of-school separation should be imposed only for serious misconduct or events where continued presence in the school is itself disruptive. Permanent expulsions should be reserved for extremes of misconduct and protection of the school environment.

Regarding the Code’s layout, Chapter II describes certain rights and responsibilities of students and states the District’s policy regarding some specific matters. Chapter III defines violations of the Code and Chapter IV describes the disciplinary policies, procedures and resources of the District. Finally, Chapter V summarizes the District’s response to violations of its drug and alcohol policy.

CHAPTER II: STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. ATTENDANCE

(1) STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Students have the right: (i) To attend school. 18 (ii) To receive a clear definition of what constitutes an absence, an excused or unexcused absence, and tardiness. (iii) To seek credit recovery through the Attendance Appeal Process.

(b) Students have the responsibility:  To attend all classes daily and promptly.  To provide a Student Absence Report within three days after returning from an absence.  To request make-up assignments upon returning from absences and complete the work promptly.

(2) THE COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW

(a) The District has the responsibility to enforce the Pennsylvania state compulsory attendance laws as set forth in 24 Pa.C.S. §§ 13-1301 et seq. and the penalties of § 13-1333 and § 13- 1338. In brief, those sections state that a parent of a student who unlawfully fails to attend school may be brought before the magistrate and charged with a summary offense. Where the student is 13 or over and the parent took all reasonable steps to insure the student’s attendance, the student is liable for his or her non-attendance. A fine up to $300 may be imposed upon the responsible party, parent or student, and the student’s automobile operating privileges may be suspended by the Department of Transportation.

(b) The District will discharge its duties under the compulsory attendance law as follows:

(i) When a pupil has three days or equivalent of verified unlawful absence, a first offense notice will be served on the student’s parents.

(ii) If an additional unlawful absence occurs, a second offense notice will be served on the student’s parents and provided to the magistrate. This procedure will be followed for each additional unlawful absence.

(3) ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

(a) Excused Absences

(i) A student may be excused from school for the following reasons: the student’s illness or injury, a death or serious illness of a family member, religious holiday or other urgent reason (i.e., doctor, dentist or legal appointment, impassable roads).

(b) The Student Absence Report

(i) A parent or guardian shall furnish a written explanation, called a Student Absence Report, for every full or partial day or absence of a student, including instances where a student is tardy to school or dismissed from school early. The Student Absence Report must state the reason for the absence, must list dates of the absence, and must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. Students are not permitted to write their own Student Absence Reports and the Student Absence Report for an absence must be submitted to the attendance office within three (3) days after returning to school. A student who forgets his or her Student Absence Report must report to the attendance office or clerk for a temporary admittance pass. If a student reports to school after homeroom period, or first period, following a day of absence or tardiness, he or she must report to the attendance clerk for an “admission to class” pass.

(ii) Teachers will take attendance in all classes, with the official attendance for the school day taken during the homeroom period or first period. For high school students, if a student is classified as absent when he or she is present, he or she must notify the attendance clerk in the high school attendance office. The clerk will check the records and make the correction.

(iii) If a student will be legally absent from school a parent or guardian is requested to call the school before 9:00 a.m. each day of the student’s absence and thereby eliminate the need for the school to contact the home. The parent must still complete a Student Absence Report when the student returns to school.

(iv) A student who expects to represent the school or a school organization in a function at 19 night or after school hours, must be in attendance all day on the day of the scheduled activity. This policy applies to sports, plays, assemblies, field trips and other such activities. If the scheduled activity is on a Saturday, the student must be present in school all day on the preceding Friday. Students are not permitted to participate in school functions if they are not in school the day of the activity. Principals may use discretion in extenuating circumstances.

(v) Any unexcused absence for any pupil under the age of seventeen (17) is, by definition, an unlawful absence. A legal excuse is the parent’s or guardian’s only protection from a fine. Failure to pay the fine imposed will result in the parent or guardian’s arrest. In case of arrest, the burden of proof is upon the parent or guardian to show that the absence of the child was properly excused by an Administrator or the Board of School Directors. In case of chronic absence, school authorities may request a physician’s statement showing such absence to be justified. Any student not following the procedures listed below may be subject to disciplinary actions.

(c) Questionable Absences

(i) If the Principal or his/her designee finds a student absence report to be credible, the absence will be designated as excused. The District reserves the right to require medical certification for illness-related absences. Illness-related absences not explained by a doctor’s excuse may be called questionable. Further, cases of erratic or patterned absences may be called questionable. The student’s parent or guardian may be asked to supply additional supporting documentation to the building principal for review. If this is not done, the absence may be called unexcused or unlawful and the District may seek the penalties which are imposed for unlawful absences, namely fine and magisterial involvement.

(d) Loss of Academic Credit—The consequences of failing to meet acceptable attendance standards are as follows:

(i) Students will receive letter grades for all classes taken, but a student may not receive the credit necessary for grade advancement and graduation regardless of the grade earned in the course if the student exceeds ten (10) days of unexcused absence for semester courses or twenty (20) days of unexcused absence for a year-long course.

(ii) A mandatory warning letter will be sent by registered mail to parents or guardians prior to loss of credit. A five (5) day notice will be sent for semester courses and a eleven (11) day notice for a year-long course. The letter will clearly outline the necessary steps students, parents or guardians must take to avoid loss of credit.

(e) Attendance Appeal Process

Students who have lost academic credit because they exceeded the applicable absence limit may appeal by using the “Attendance Appeal Process”. The Appeal Process for credit recovery can only be used one time in a school year. All appeals for credit recovery must be submitted by the parent or guardian by the last school day of the current year.

The Appeal Committee consists of the principal, counselor, nurse and a member of the SAP/IST Team. At the appeal, the parent and/or student will be given the opportunity to explain to the Committee extenuating reasons for the student’s excessive absences. At its discretion, the Committee may waive the Credit Attendance requirement. The student will be notified of the decision following the appeal hearing.

If the appeal is not successful, students will be subject to detention and/or Saturday or summer school, and possible retention.

(f) Class Cutting and Truancy

Any absence related to class cutting or truancy is an illegal absence which will be counted toward the no credit attendance limit for grades K-12. For a specific definition of truancy and its disciplinary consequences, see Chapter III.

(g) School-Sponsored and Approved Trips or Activities

20 (i) Absences from school for trips or activities which were approved by a building administrator are excused absences. Students will be permitted to make up all work missed during school-sponsored or approved trips.

(ii) The sponsoring teacher must prepare a list of those students attending a trip or activity at least two (2) days in advance of the trip or activity. The principal shall decide whether the activity is approved and so notify the sponsoring teacher the faculty. Student rosters must be presented to the Transportation Department two days prior to any activity.

(h) Early Dismissal

(i) A student desiring to be excused early from school must take his or her written Student Absence Report to the attendance clerk prior to the school starting time or prior to homeroom on the day of the requested dismissal. Professional appointments, including dental, medical and legal appointments, should be scheduled after school, on Saturdays or other non-school days whenever possible. A student is expected to return to school after a professional appointment if school is still in session. Requests for dismissal for all dental and medical appointments must list the following:

1. The time of the appointment. 2. The time to be excused from school. 3. The name, address and phone number of the dentist, doctor or medical person to be visited. 4. The signature and phone number of a parent or guardian.

(ii) Students will be released only to their custodial parent(s), legal guardian(s) or an individual listed as emergency contact on the emergency card. If a custodial parent or guardian requests a student to be released to an adult who is not on the emergency care card, the building principal must verify the request by returning a call to the custodial parent or guardian making the request. The adult must then report to the school office to pick up the student, and show valid photo I.D. to office personnel.

(iii) All custodial parents, legal guardians or authorized agents of a custodial parent must sign a register in the main office of each attendance center indicating the date, time and reason why the student was released from school.

(iv) If a student becomes ill or is injured during the school day, the teacher will excuse the student to see the school nurse. Permission from the school nurse or a school building administrator is required before a student can leave the school building with proper escort to go home or to a hospital or doctor’s office.

(i) Student Vacations

All student vacations will be considered unexcused absences, and make-up work will not be issued. These missed days are not appealable for credit recovery. However, an educational trip may be considered an excused absence if the student shares the educational experiences with his or her class for the general benefit of all students. Typically, educational trips are those in which a significant portion of time is spent at educational places such as museums, monuments or planetariums or historical places. An educational trip must be approved by the course instructor and presented to the Appeal Committee.

(j) Student Tardiness—The expectations for students being on time are as follows:

(i) Late to school—(GRADES 7-12) - A student should be in his or her first period class before the tardy bell rings.

(ii) Late to class—(GRADES 7-12) - Students should be in the proper classroom before the tardy bell rings.

(iii) Late to school—(GRADES K-6) - A student should be in his or her classroom before the start of school. Parents of elementary students will be responsible for their child’s arrival to school on time.

21 (iv) For a description of the disciplinary procedures which may be used when a student is tardy, see Chapter III.

(k) Class Participation Grades—GRADES K-12

(i) A successful completion of a course is much more than merely passing exams. Exam grades verify a student has learned a measured amount of information during a grading period, but they do not measure the total amount of learning acquired during a grading period. Daily classroom interactions and experiences complete the learning process. The daily instructional activities and interactions between teachers and students are invaluable. They can never be exactly duplicated in any other manner. It is for these reasons that credit may be denied for excessive unexcused or illegal absences.

For these reasons, a daily classroom participation grade will be given in all courses. Students will earn course points for each day of attendance and participation. In total value, the class participation grade will be approximately equal to a major exam grade, or project grade in each grading period following procedures established by the classroom instructor.

B. DRESS CODE

(a) Students have the right to dress and groom as they choose as long as they do not disrupt the educational process or endanger the health and safety of themselves or others.

(b) Students have the responsibility to follow guidelines for dressing and grooming in a manner which shows cleanliness, promotes safety, and demonstrates respect for themselves and others.

(2) UNACCEPTABLE CLOTHING

(a) The following is a list of clothing, not intended to be exhaustive, that is unacceptable for school:

(i) Outdoor clothing/outerwear (ii) Hats, coats, gloves (while indoors), masks (while inside buildings and on buses) (iii) Headbands, bandanas or any head coverings (iv) See-through clothing and clothing that is excessively revealing, including, but not limited to, clothing with low-cut necklines. (v) Tube tops, halter tops or spaghetti-strap tops. (vi) Clothing featuring illegal products or behavior, profanity, or remarks that are obscene or offensive, or implying any unsafe behavior. (vii) Mini skirts (skirts must be no shorter than finger-tip length above the knee) (viii) Short shorts (ix) Jogging shorts or gym shorts (x) Spandex biking pants or shorts (xi) Gang clothing or clothing symbols (xii) Hooded garments not worn during school day (xiii) Sunglasses (xiv) Belts or bracelets with metal spikes, chains, dog collars (xv) Jewelry promoting or endorsing illegal or unsafe behavior. (xvi) Rolled-up pants (xvii) Exposure of underwear (xviii) Exposure of midriff (xix) Flip Flops, Slippers (xxi) Trousers not worn at the waist and without belt (xxii) Pajamas

(b) Walking shorts, defined as shorts which are no shorter than one finger tip’s length above the knee, may be worn year-round. Other acceptable shorts (namely those not described in B.(2) (a) may be worn between May 1 through the last day of school and from opening day of school through September 30.

22 (c) Shorts are not permitted to be worn in shop areas or any area in which the wearing of shorts could cause a health or safety problem.

(d) The decision as to whether a student’s clothing is unacceptable is made by the applicable building administrator, upon the administrator’s own initiative or the request of a classroom teacher. If a student’s clothing is determined to be unacceptable, the student will be required to change the clothing. If the student is unable or unwilling to change the clothing, further disciplinary measures will occur.

C. INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

(a) Students may participate in interscholastic athletics as they choose.

(b) Students have the responsibility to ensure that they are meeting their academic obligations in their classes and their behavioral obligations to the school environment if they wish to represent the District in athletics.

(2) In order to participate in the interscholastic athletic program, the following will govern:

(a) A student who is nineteen (19) years old or younger on or after July 1 shall be eligible to compete through the following school year.

(b) The student must have twenty (20) or fewer days of absence in the semester prior to the semester of participation.

(c) The student’s participation is limited to eight (8) semesters beyond eighth grade and a maximum of four (4) seasons of participation in any single sport beyond eighth grade.

(d) Any concerns regarding a student’s eligibility will be directed to the Athletic Director as required by PIAA/WPIAL Rules.

(e) The student must be present all day of the scheduled event, or present all day the preceding Friday if the event is scheduled for a Saturday. Principals may use discretion in extenuating circumstances.

(f) A student receiving two (2) or more failing grades in any subject in a grading period will be ineligible for participation during the next grading period.

(g) A student’s final spring grades will be used to determine eligibility for fall sports. Any student who fails two or more subjects will not be eligible unless the deficiency is removed in summer school.

(h) A semester course failed in the first semester will not be included when determining eligibility at the end of the school year.

(i) A student may become ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for disciplinary reasons within the District. Further, a student may have participation privileges suspended or forfeited by the building principal for involvement or participation in illegal acts or crimes within the community.

D. ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN STUDENT ACTIVITIES

(a) Students have the right to participate in activities sponsored by the School District as they choose.

(b) Students have the responsibility to ensure that they are meeting their obligations to their classes and the District by complying with the Code of Student Conduct if they are to enjoy the benefit of school activities.

23 (2) To participate in a student activity, the following conditions must be met:

(a) A student must be present all day of the scheduled event, or present all day on the preceding Friday if the event is scheduled for a Saturday. Principals shall use discretion in extenuating circumstances.

(b) A student receiving two (2) or more failing grades in any subject in a grading period will be ineligible for the next grading period.

(c) A student’s final spring grades will be used to determine eligibility for fall activities. Any student who fails two or more subjects will not be eligible unless the deficiency is removed in summer school.

(d) A semester course failed for the first semester will not be included when determining eligibility at the end of the school year.

(e) If a student is ineligible during a grading period because of failing grades, the building principal may reinstate a student to an athletic team/activity under the following conditions:

(i) If tutorial centers are being offered, the student must attend every tutorial session at the same time for a three-week period. Proof of attendance and satisfactory work approved by the teacher at the center must be presented in writing to the principal.

(ii) The student must obtain written documentation from all subject teachers he or she is now enrolled in indicating how the student is now passing the respective classes. The building principal may declare the student eligible to return to the athletic team or activity sixteen (16) days after distribution of the last report card.

(f) A student may become ineligible to participate in activities for disciplinary reasons. Also, a student may have activity participation privileges suspended or forfeited by the building principal for involvement or participation in illegal acts or crimes within the community.

(g) Student participation in one-time events occurring beyond the regular school day, including such events as concerts, art shows, and science fairs, which are extensions of accredited courses, are not subject to the grade eligibility requirements for participation. Any other one- time events not covered above will be reviewed for consideration by the principal of the building where the student attends.

E. GANG POLICY

(1) STUDENTS’S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Students have the right to a safe and respectful school environment, free from intimidation, fear and violence.

(2) Persons who initiate, advocate, or promote activities, openly or otherwise, which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property and which disrupt the school environment, are harmful to the educational process and will be dealt with severely. The use of hand signals, written or oral comments, stances, stares, graffiti or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a gang or groups, whether real or implied, presents a clear and present danger to the school environment, its staff and students, and the educational objectives of the community and Commonwealth and is strictly prohibited. For descriptions of specific prohibited conduct and likely disciplinary measures, see Chapter III.

F. IDENTIFICATION CARDS

(1) Student I.D. cards will be utilized by the Woodland Hills School District for security and identification purposes in all district buildings. Students will have their student photo identification cards taken on a time schedule to be determined by the district. The card will contain the student’s name, picture, student number, year of graduation, and escapable bar code.

24 (2) Elementary (K-6): The card will be kept by the teacher on the elementary level. The student’s picture identification card may be used as, but is not limited to, a “child find device”. In addition, it could be utilized in the cafeteria for lunch accounting purposes.

(3) Secondary (7-12): Students will be required to present the card:

(a) When requested by administrators, teachers, security officers and transportation personnel. (b) When purchasing a ticket for athletic/school activities. (c) For use in media centers (d) For cafeteria accounting purposes

(4) Refusal on the part of a student to show his or her identification card when requested will be considered a violation of Code Chapter III (24), Misconduct, Fraudulent use of the identification cards is also covered under Chapter III (12), Falsifying Information.

(5) All students in the district will be issued an initial photo I.D. Card at the expense of the District. At the secondary level, the student will be held accountable and responsible for the maintenance and use of his or her card. In the event the student loses the card, the student will be charged as follows:

$2.00 - first replacement $4.00 - second replacement $5.00 - every time thereafter

(6) Student I.D. Cards are the property of the Woodland Hills School District. Therefore, when a student leaves the District, the card must be returned to the designated area as required by the specific building administrator.

G. LOCKERS

(a) Students have the right only to keep their lawful personal property and effects in lockers. Students have no right or expectation of privacy or other security from search or other inspection by school officials.

(b) Students have the responsibility to keep lockers clean, orderly and locked at all times.

(2) Student lockers are for books, school supplies and coats.

(3) Student locker combinations are confidential and are not to be shared with students who are not assigned to the locker.

(4) Lockers are non-transferable. Students are only permitted to use the locker for which they are assigned. Students may not grant permission to any other student(s) to use their lockers.

(5) Students are not permitted to maintain a locker in the athletic locker room. Athletic locker room lockers are to be used for athletic equipment and physical education classes only.

(6) A student who is assigned to a locker is the only one permitted to use the locker.

(7) School authorities may search or inspect a student’s locker and seize any illegal materials. Seized materials may be used as evidence against a student in disciplinary proceedings. Prior to a locker search the students shall be notified and given an opportunity to be present. However, where school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the locker contains materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare, and safety of students and staff in the school, student lockers may be searched without prior warning.

H. HEALTH SERVICES

(a) Pursuant to the School Code, 24 P.S. § 14-1401 et seq. The District has the responsibility to 25 administer certain health services to students. Correspondingly, students have the responsibility to see that such tests or services are received, either from a school nurse or in the case of medical or dental examinations, from the student’s own family physician.

(b) The District shall require the following tests of the students of the following grades:

Height and Weight measurement, Vision test Grades K-12 Hearing test Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11 Physical examination Entry into school and Grades 6, 11 Dental examination Grades K, 3, 7 Scoliosis screening Grades 6, 7

I. MEDICATIONS

The Board has adopted a revised Medication Policy effective as of the 2005-06 school year. Please review this policy closely.

A summary of the policy follows:

“Medication" includes all prescribed medication and any non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications. Before any medication may be administered to any student during school hours, a written order from a licensed prescriber must be on file with the school nurse. A licensed prescriber includes a licensed physician, dentist, nurse practitioner or other health care provider who is legally authorized to prescribe either prescription or non-prescription medications. This written order will include:1. Name of Child. 2. Date of Prescription. 3. Name of medication. 4. Dosage and route of administration. 5. Specific time, or special circumstances, in which the medication shall be administered. 6. Specific length, period, or amount of medication prescribed. 7. Signature of the prescriber. A written request from the parent/guardian is also required.

Medication will not be administered unless the prescription is properly labeled and the required permissions are obtained. Written orders and parent/guardian permission may be faxed to district locations. No emails may be accepted as permission.

Emergency prescribed medications and specified over-the-counter medications may be administered according to the current standing orders of the school physician. Over-the-counter medications may be taken by the student in the health office whose custodial parent/guardian has given permission.

Parent/guardians may come to the school to administer a medication dose to their child. Verbal orders from a licensed prescriber for administration of medications will be accepted by the registered nurse and must be followed with a written order within 24 hours.

All medication orders will expire at the end of the each school year. For those medications that extend from one school year to the next, a new order and parent/guardian permission must be provided for each new school year.

All medications shall be administered by a registered nurse or by the parent/guardian or Building Administrator. The only exception to this would be an Epi-Pen, which may be administered by a non- licensed individual in the event of an emergency.

Delivery of Medication To/From School

If a responsible adult cannot deliver the medication to school, the parent/guardian must accept responsibility of student transporting medication to/from school. Prescribed medication must be provided in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or health provider. The label must include the student's name, medication name, dosage, time, and route of administration. Over-the-counter medication must be in the original manufactures packaging with a readable label. Medications not picked up within one day of the end of the school year will be discarded. Special Medication Administration Situations

26 Missed Morning Dose 1. If an order exists for a morning dose, the nurse may administer the medication after verifying with the parent/guardian that the child did not take the prescribed medication before coming to school.

2. Parent/guardians may come to school to administer a medication dose for which the school nurse does not have an order.

Field Trips 1. Standing order and prescription medications may be administered by an approved license nurse after an appropriate assessment has determined the need and after confirmation of the licensed prescriber's order. Administration shall occur at such a time and place as well as will not interfere with the regularly scheduled duties of the nurse.

2. Parent/guardian may accompany their child on a field trip to administer medication.

Inhaler Use

With written licensed prescriber and parent/guardian permission, students may carry and self-administer asthma inhalers. Parent/guardian permission must include a statement relieving the school district and its employees of any responsibility for the benefits or the consequences of the medication for ensuring that medication is taken.

The student must demonstrate the capability for self-administration and for responsible behavior in the use of the medication. In addition, the student would be required to notify the school nurse within 24 hours after using the inhaler. If the child abuses or ignores the district policies, the school can confiscate the inhaler and remove the privilege of being able to carry the medication. Medications, other than stated above, shall not be in the child's possession. Violators will be addressed by the school district's drug and alcohol policy.

The nurse will evaluate each request for exceptions to this policy based upon medical need, receipt of supporting written orders and documentation of student's correct procedure/techniques by the licensed prescriber, and receipt of written parent/guardian request. Examples could include inhaler/discus, emergency anaphylactic kits, and diabetic insulin pump. Specific plans may be developed considering individual health needs and school integration and implementation.

J. METAL DETECTION SYSTEM

(a) Students have the right to receive an education in a safe and orderly environment.

(b) Students have the responsibility to submit to searches by metal detector in order to further the creation of a safe and orderly environment.

(2) Because it is a criminal (18 Pa.S. § 902) and School Code (24 P.S. § 13-1317.2) offense to possess a weapon on school property, 24 P.S. § 5-510, and because the Board of School Directors has the authority to create reasonable rules and regulations, 24 P.S. § 5-510 the Board has balanced the limited intrusion of metal detection systems or devices upon individual freedom against the vital public interest in preserving an appropriate learning environment and hereby authorizes the Superintendent to do the following:

(a) Purchase appropriate metal detection scanning systems or devices to discourage the presence of weapons in schools.

(b) Create administrative procedures to utilize metal detection scanning devices for entry searches of students and visitors by school personnel or security personnel.

(c) Utilize such equipment for comprehensive and random entry searches of students and visitors to the schools in the Woodland Hills School District.

(d) Utilize such equipment for comprehensive and random entry searches at school programs, 27 school activities, athletic events, and other activities conducted in Woodland Hills Schools.

(3) All students and visitors entering a school building during school hours will be required to pass through the metal detectors. Anyone refusing to comply shall be denied entry to the school or school-sponsored event.

(4) Any students refusing to go through the metal detector may be subject to search and/or suspension for up to ten (10) days.

(5) This policy is applicable during both school and after-school hours.

K. MOTOR VEHICLES

(a) Students do not have the right to drive to school. Driving to school is a privilege which is granted to students primarily based on need.

(b) Students who are given permission to drive have the responsibility to register their car and display a parking decal on their rear view mirror. They also have the responsibility to drive carefully and observe traffic laws while driving on School District property.

(2) At the discretion of the principal, temporary parking permits may be issued to students with specific short-term parking needs.

(3) Students who are cited for moving violations of traffic laws may have their parking privileges suspended or revoked.

(4) For a description of the school’s motor vehicle regulations and possible disciplinary action for violation of the regulations, see Chapter III. l. TRANSPORTATION

(a) Transportation to and from school is a privilege. Students do not have an absolute right to free transportation to and from school.

(b) Students have the responsibility to act in a polite and orderly manner while riding District- operated vehicles.

(2) Students shall be taken on and discharged from the school bus only at the designated stops.

(3) Each student shall be assigned to a bus. Persons other than a school student, employee or official shall not ride in a school bus on a regular route.

(4) No student is permitted to ride any bus other than the one for which the student is regularly scheduled. Students are required to get on and off the bus at the assigned stop unless the driver has a signed note from a principal or his or her designee which permits another pick-up or drop- off point. The principal must have a signed note from the custodial parent or guardian and verify the request by a telephone call to authorize the student’s use of a non-assigned stop.

M. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

(a) Students have the right to receive an education in a safe, orderly and respectful environment.

(2) To further the rights of all students and staff to a safe, orderly and respectful environment, the Board authorizes the Superintendent to purchase and implement video surveillance on School District grounds and vehicles.

(3) Video surveillance shall only be used to promote the order, safety and security of students, staff 28 and property.

(4) Videotapes capturing misbehavior may be used at conferences with parents and as evidence for disciplinary action.

CHAPTER III: VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

A. PREFACE The following is a list of conduct which violates the Code of Student Conduct. Violations of the Code of Conduct are divided into Level 1 infractions and Level 2 infractions. Generally, Level 2 infractions are those which are more severe, posing a greater risk to the health and safety of the student populace and carrying greater penalties. A description of the disciplinary alternatives for violations is provided in Chapter IV. For some violations of the Code, the Board has shown a preference by stating clearly which disciplinary outcome will accompany certain conduct. In those instances, the penalty is made a part of the violation’s definition. In other instances, the appropriate building administrator has discretion regarding which penalties to impose.

Unless the Code specifies otherwise, Level 1 infractions will be dealt with initially through Time-Out or Saturday School. For repeated Level 1 infractions, the other disciplinary alternatives set forth in Chapter IV may be imposed.

B. SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS

(1) ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY VIOLATION—LEVEL 2

(a) Possession, sale or use of alcohol or illegal drugs, including look-alike substances, is strictly prohibited on school property or at any school-sponsored event.

(b) “Drugs” are defined as all substances prohibited or regulated by the Controlled Substances, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, as amended, 35 P.S. § 780-101 et seq., and any other applicable state or federal statutes or regulations. Again, the policy also applies to look-alike substances.

(c) The District has adopted mandatory penalties for students who possess, use or sell alcohol or drugs:

(i) The student’s parent or guardian must be notified.

(ii) The student’s counselor must be notified.

(iii) Appropriate law enforcement agencies may be notified.

(iv) The student may be referred to an outside agency for assessment.

(v) The student may be referred to the assessment and counseling program.

(vi) The student may be suspended.

(vii) The student may also be suspended pending referral to the School Board for further disciplinary action.

(viii) The appropriate information will be provided to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

(d) The District’s Drug and Alcohol Policy becomes effective when a student demonstrates symptoms of, use of, possession of or distribution of drugs, look-alike drugs, unauthorized chemicals, steroids, or alcohol.

(e) When an outside referral is appropriate, the student and family will be informed that the recommendations of the District and the outside agency must be followed for the student to be re-admitted to school.

(f) Pursuant to 35 P.S. § 807.1, the Board of School Directors prohibits the use of steroids and 29 performance-enhancing substances by student engaged in athletics and the following penalties shall accompany violations of this policy:

(i) For a first violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season.

(ii) For a second violation, suspension for school athletics for the remainder of the season and for the following season.

(iii) For a third violation, permanent suspension for school athletics.

(iv) No student shall be eligible to resume participating in school athletics unless there has been a medical determination that no residual evidence of steroids exists. The Board may require participation in any drug counseling, rehabilitation, testing or other program as a condition of reinstatement into a school athletic program.

(g) For a summary of the District’s Alcohol and Drug Policy, see Chapter V.

(2) ARSON AND RELATED ACTS—LEVEL 2

(a) Setting fires on school property is prohibited. Any student who sets an unauthorized fire on school property may be suspended, legal charges may be filed, and all financial and legal obligations arising from the fire or damage to property will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian and the student.

(b) Setting off false fire alarms is prohibited; any student who is found to have set off a false fire alarm, reported or telephoned a false fire or panic alarm may be suspended, the relevant law enforcement agency may be notified, and the student and his or her parents or guardians will be responsible for all financial liability incurred.

(c) Tampering with fire extinguishers is prohibited. Any student found to have tampered with a fire extinguisher may be suspended and will be required to pay for any cost of refilling, repairing or replacing the tampered fire extinguisher.

(d) The making of bomb threats is prohibited by criminal statute and District policy and any student initiating a bomb threat or assisting in a bomb threat may be suspended, the relevant law enforcement agency may be notified, and the offending student and his or her parent or guardian will be responsible for all costs.

(e) Possession of explosive devices is prohibited and any student possessing smoke bombs, firecrackers, incinerating devices, or related materials may be suspended. Student may also receive other disciplinary sanctions as are set forth in Chapter IV.

(f) Possession of any item or device used to start a fire is prohibited. Students may be suspended, or receive other disciplinary sanctions as are set forth in Chapter IV.

(g) Violation of the arson and related acts rule may lead to referral to the School Board for further action.

(3) AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT—LEVEL 1

Unauthorized audio-visual equipment is not permitted on school grounds. A student who violates this rule will have their audio-visual equipment confiscated. “Audio-visual equipment” includes, but is not limited to, cameras, camcorders, walkmans, radios, televisions, video games and other audio-visual monitoring devices.

(4) CAFETERIA VIOLATIONS—LEVEL 1

A student who misbehaves during the lunch period may lose his or her cafeteria privileges and may be subject to other disciplinary actions. Cafeteria misbehavior includes, but is not limited to throwing food, making a mess and failing to clean up after oneself.

(5) CLASS CUTTING—LEVEL 1

30 Cutting class or lunch period is prohibited and a student found to have cut class may receive up to four (4) hours of detention or other appropriate penalties for Level 1 offenses. Illness is an acceptable excuse for not reporting to class, but if a student becomes ill, he or she must report to the school nurse with a properly signed pass. Continual class cuts may result in suspension.

(6) CONSPIRACY—LEVEL 1 OR 2

(a) It is prohibited for students to engage in a conspiracy to violate the Code of Student Conduct; a “conspiracy” is an agreement to violate the Code of Conduct and an overt act taken to further the violation.

(b) A student who encourages, assists, plans or aids another student in violating the Code is punishable just as is the student who actually commits the violation.

(c) Depending on whether the underlying violation is a Level 1 or Level 2 violation, conspiracy may be either a Level 1 or 2 violation.

(7) CONTRABAND—LEVEL 2 (a) Possession of contraband is prohibited. Contraband includes, but is not limited to, drugs and alcohol, weapons, steroids, all forms of tobacco, drug paraphernalia, telephone pagers and obscene materials.

(b) To avoid accidental violation of these rules, the following procedure must be followed by any student who discovers or finds contraband or suspected contraband on school property, including school buses, or at any school function:

(i) Under no circumstance should a student pick up the contraband. (ii) The student should immediately proceed to and advise an adult employee of the location of the contraband. (iii) A student should never accept any contraband from another person, even for the purpose of delivering it to a proper school authority.

(c) Students must remember that mere possession of contraband is itself a basis for disciplinary action.

(8) DESTRUCTION/DEFACING SCHOOL PROPERTY—LEVEL 2 (a) A student who destroys or defaces school property, including but not limited to graffiti, will be required to pay for or correct any and all damages. The student may be suspended from school, charges may be filed with the proper law enforcement agency, and the student may be referred to the School Board for expulsion.

(b) Under 24 P.S. § 7-777, defacing or destroying school property is a crime punishable by fine or prison, and the School Board is authorized to offer rewards for information leading to the conviction of persons who deface or destroy school property.

(9) FAILURE TO ATTEND DETENTION—LEVEL 1

Students are expected to fulfill detention obligations immediately. A student who fails to attend detention may receive additional hours of detention. Subsequent failure to fulfill detention obligations may result in Saturday School and eventually in-school suspension.

(10) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A REQUEST OF STAFF MEMBER—LEVEL 1

A student who fails to obey a reasonable and understood request by a teacher or administrator is subject to disciplinary action. Typically, this will involve student classroom behavior; i.e., student talks during class and fails to stop; student is bothering other students during class and fails to stop; student is asked to clean up a mess and fails to comply. Failure to comply with a request of a staff member is met with Time-Out, if practicable.

(11) FALSIFYING INFORMATION—LEVEL 1 OR 2

Falsifying information is strictly prohibited. This type of behavior includes, but is not limited to, altering or forging parental excuses, making or conspiring to make false phone calls to school 31 officials, altering or forging hall and library passes, plagiarism, and failure on the part of the student to properly identify him or herself. A student who commits this type of behavior will be assigned any of the disciplinary action delineated in Chapter IV.

(12) FIGHTING—LEVEL 1 OR 2

(a) Fighting is a confrontation by two or more students provoked by verbal, physical, or other factors. A fight occurs where two or more students are involved in pushing, punching, kicking or other aggressive actions. A fight does not occur where one student is pushing, punching, kicking or committing other aggressive actions upon another student who is not responding in kind other than in self-defense. In such a case, the offending student will be disciplined for assault. This type of behavior will not be tolerated by the Woodland Hills School District.

Charges with the magistrate may be filed by the building administrator if necessary. Relevant law enforcement agencies may also be contacted.

(c) The severity of the fight will determine whether the fight is a Level 1 or Level 2 offense, and which disciplinary procedures will be applicable. Also, whether the students involved have fought previously, with each other or others, will determine the severity of the sanctions.

(13) FUND RAISING—LEVEL 1

All fund raising activities must be approved by the Superintendent. Students are prohibited from engaging in any fund raising that is not approved by the Superintendent. Tickets or articles of any type other than those associated with school-sponsored activities are not permitted to be sold on school property or at school-sponsored events.

(14) GAMBLING/CARD GAMES—LEVEL 1

Any form of gambling or card games is prohibited and a student who violates this rule may receive disciplinary action.

(15) GANG POLICY VIOLATIONS—LEVEL 2

(a) Any incident involving initiations, intimidation or related activity of such gangs or affiliates will hereby be considered actions which may cause bodily danger to students or staff. Such incidents will be addressed as the appropriate building administrator deems fitting.

(b) Any persons wearing, carrying, displaying gang or group paraphernalia, exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang or group membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or permanent expulsion.

(16) HARASSMENT, ASSAULT AND BATTERY OR EXTORTION OF STUDENTS OR STAFF MEMBERS – LEVEL 2

All forms of unlawful harassment of students are prohibited in the Woodland Hills School District.

(a) Concerted or severe harassment or intimidation of students or staff members for the purpose of obtaining money, property or other advantages is prohibited and a student committing such harassment will receive a penalty including any of the disciplinary actions delineated in Chapter IV.

(b) Striking a teacher, staff member, student, security officer, or outside-contracted employees will result in any of the disciplinary actions delineated in Chapter IV. The applicable law enforcement agency may be notified, appropriate charges may be filed, and at the conclusion of the informal hearing, the student may be referred to the Woodland Hills School Board for further disciplinary action.

(c) Terroristic threats directed against a student, staff member, security officer or any contracted employee may result in a suspension not to exceed ten (10) days and/or any of the disciplinary action delineated in Chapter IV. Further, referral to the Woodland Hills School Board for additional disciplinary action may result. 32 (d) It is prohibited for students to engage in any conduct or language which harasses others. This includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, age or handicap/disability.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcomed sexual advances, request for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct of communications of sexual nature.

Violations of this policy shall be reported to the appropriate building administrator immediately. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures set forth in Chapter IV.

(17) IDENTIFICATION CARD VIOLATIONS—LEVEL 1

Any student who steals or uses another student’s identification card is subject to disciplinary action. If the violation includes falsifying information, the student may be subject to additional punishment.

(18) IMPROPER DRESS—LEVEL 1

If a student is not dressed in accordance with the boundaries set forth in Chapter II, the student may be required to change clothes, and disciplinary action may result.

(19) INDECENT ASSAULT—LEVEL 2

Inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature and/or improper touching of a sexual nature directed to students, employees or guests of the Woodland Hills School District are prohibited. A student engaging in either may be subject to a suspension of up to ten (10) days depending upon the case. Also, an offending student may receive any of the disciplinary action delineated in Chapter IV, and charges may be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency.

(20) INDECENT EXPOSURE—LEVEL 2

A student who commits an act of indecent exposure may be suspended, charges may be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency, and the student may be referred to the School Board for further disciplinary action.

(21) LEAVING CLASS WITHOUT PERMISSION—LEVEL 1

Leaving class without permission is prohibited and a student who violates this rule will receive disciplinary action.

(22) LEAVING SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION—LEVEL 1

(a) Leaving school without permission is prohibited and a student who leaves school without permission will receive disciplinary action. Also, any and all student activities or privileges may be restricted for students who leave school without permission.

(b) Depending upon the frequency of the violation, the student may be referred to the Woodland Hills School Board for further disciplinary action.

(23) LOITERING—LEVEL 1

(a) Students are prohibited from entering or remaining on school property without authorization. Further, during instances where students are authorized to be on school property, they are prohibited from entering unauthorized areas of school property.

(b) Students who violate this provision may be referred to the School Board and are subject to disciplinary action. Law enforcement authorities may also be informed.

(24) METAL DETECTOR VIOLATION—LEVEL 1 33 Any student who refuses to go through a metal detector or attempts to enter a District building without going through a metal detector will receive disciplinary action, which may include the imposition of a suspension of up to ten (10) days.

(25) MISCONDUCT—LEVEL 1

Misconduct is behavior which produces distractions, frictions, or disturbances which seriously or repeatedly interfere with the effective functioning of the teacher, student, class or school. Examples of misconduct are speaking out in class out of turn, physical horseplay (pushing, tripping) or yelling.

(26) MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATION (GRADES 9-12) - LEVEL 1

(a) A student’s violation of a state driving statute on school grounds may result in the loss of driving privileges, towing of the violator’s car at his or her expense, citations by the police department, or detention or suspension assigned by an administrator. Loss of driving privileges may be for any period of time, including the remainder of the school year.

(b) Students must park only in those areas reserved for student parking. Students parking in areas prohibited to them, i.e., faculty areas, visitor areas, fire lanes, etc., will be issued a citation and have their car towed away at their expense. Student appearing on the scene during the towing away process will be charged the full service to compensate the independent towing service.

(27) PAGERS/CELLULAR TELEPHONES—LEVEL 1

(a) The possession by students of telephone paging devices, commonly referred to as beepers, shall be prohibited on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, and on buses or other motor vehicles provided by the school district, pursuant to 24 P.S. § 13-1317.1.

(b) Possession of unauthorized pagers or cellular telephones will result in disciplinary action. Such pagers and cellular telephones will be confiscated.

(c) A student who has a medical need for a beeper must have written pre-approval from the Superintendent. Before approval is given to a student, documentation and verification from proper sources will be necessary.

(28) POSSESSION OF OBSCENE MATERIAL—LEVEL 1

(a) Possession of obscene materials (i.e., books, pictures, films, internet materials such as digital files, and computer files, etc.) is prohibited.

(b) Violation will be punished by disciplinary action. If the violation is severe or frequent, the measure of punishment will increase accordingly.

(29) SMOKING/USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS—LEVEL 1

(a) The use or possession of tobacco products by students on school property (which shall include school buses) is prohibited. A student in possession of tobacco products will have such items confiscated.

(b) Students who violate this rule may be required to do any combination of the following:

(i) Volunteer services at a local hospital for a minimum of six (6) hours.

(ii) Attend an educational program related to the dangers of tobacco use.

(iii) May receive up to three (3) days of suspension. If the violations persist, a student is subject to any of the disciplinary measures set forth in Chapter IV.

(c) It is a summary offense 18 P.S.—6306.1 for students to use or possess tobacco on school property or in a school bus or school building, a fine of up to $50.00 may be imposed on 34 students who violate the statute.

(30) TARDINESS—LEVEL 1

(a) Tardiness, or arriving at homeroom or first period class after the morning bell has rung, is prohibited.

(b) When a student has accumulated a total of three (3) tardies to school in a semester, the student will be warned. The student may receive up to two (2) hours detention on the fourth tardy and for each tardy thereafter during the semester. If the detention fails to change the student’s behavior and the student is repeatedly tardy, he or she may be suspended in-school for up to three (3) days, and receive further sanctions for additional violations.

(c) With regard to tardiness to class, if a student’s tardiness to class becomes chronic, the student may be referred to an administrator for disciplinary action.

(d) If an elementary student has accumulated more than four (4) tardies per semester without legal Student Absence Reports, the parent will be required to report to the school for a conference with the principal. Failure to report for this conference may result in a visit from the home/school visitor.

(31) THEFT/RECEIVING STOLEN GOODS—LEVEL 2

(a) Theft and receiving stolen goods are prohibited by Pennsylvania law and School Board policy and, depending upon the severity, the penalty may be as follows: parent notification, proper law enforcement agency notification, magistrate involvement, and any of the disciplinary actions delineated in Chapter IV.

(b) Restitution for theft must be made by the offending individual or his or her parents or guardians.

(32) THROWING SNOWBALLS OR OTHER OBJECTS—LEVEL 1

(a) A student throwing snowballs or other objects may receive up to three (3) hours of detention. A more severe penalty may be invoked depending on the severity of the incident.

(b) A student throwing snowballs or other objects at a moving vehicle may be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

(c) Students who violate this provision may also receive other disciplinary action.

(33) TRANSPORTATION—LEVEL 1

(a) When riding District-operated transportation, students must conduct themselves in an acceptable manner at all times. Vulgarity, profanity, fighting or other improper conduct is not permitted. Students may not block the aisles or emergency door with musical instruments, lunch boxes, books or other possessions. Students may not operate the bus door or tamper with the emergency door. Students may not eat, drink, smoke, or play radios on the bus. Every student who rides a bus must get on and off at the assigned bus stop.

(b) The following penalties apply to a student who is found to have engaged in prohibited or inappropriate conduct on a bus:

(i) First Offense—Conference with student and warning letter to parents. A principal may suspend a student from the bus on the first offense if the first offense is serious in nature.

(ii) Second Offense—Suspension of riding privileges of one (1) day.

(iii) Third Offense—Suspension of riding privileges of three (3) days.

(iv) Subsequent Offenses—Permanent suspension may occur from school bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year. 35 The authority for suspension is vested solely in the building principals.

(34) TRUANCY—LEVEL 1

(a) Truancy is unexcused nonattendance of school.

(b) Truancy is prohibited and a student who is truant may receive disciplinary sanctions and referral to the local magistrate.

(c) A student’s ability to make up work missed due to truancy must be done within the schedule of the student’s teachers.

(35) UNACCEPTABLE LANGUAGE—LEVEL 1

Students are prohibited from using, in speaking or writing, profanity, or other vulgar and obscene language.

(36) UNACCEPTABLE USE OF NETWORK & INTERNET—LEVEL 1 or 2

Students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in accordance with District policy when using the network and internet. Students will receive a complete review of the policy from the teaching staff. A written copy will be distributed to all students with a provision for sign-off (parent/guardian for elementary students) prior to using computers.

The severity of the offence will determine whether the incident is a Level 1 or Level 2 offence, and which disciplinary procedures will be applicable. Also, whether the student(s) involved have previous AUP violations, will determine the severity of the sanctions.

Failure to comply with the policy will result in loss of computer privileges and further discipline action as delineated in Chapter IV.

(37) WEAPONS—LEVEL 2

(a) Possession of a firearm will result in a mandatory expulsion for a period of not less than one year, subject to the discretion afforded to the Superintendent and Board of School Directors pursuant to federal and state legislation. 24P.S. § 13-1317.2, 20 U.S.C. § 8921.

(b) Further, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree for any person to possess a weapon in the buildings or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school. 18 P.S. § 902.

(c) A student is in violation of this policy if he or she is in possession of a weapon:

(i) In any Woodland Hills School District building;

(ii) On any grounds of the Woodland Hills School District;

(iii) In any vehicle, public or private, providing transportation to or from Woodland Hills Schools, or school activity sites;

(iv) At any school function, activity or event whether or not held on Woodland Hills School District grounds and whether or not held during school hours; or

(v) While the student is on his or her way to or from school.

(d) Definitions

(i) “Weapons” shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nonchuk stick, brass or metal knuckles, firearm, shotgun, rifle, pistol, chemical agent (such as mace), explosive devices (including but not limited to pipe bombs), and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. A weapon possessed and used in conjunction with a lawful, supervised school activity or course shall be permitted (e.g., rifles for rifle team, starting pistol for track team) for its intended uses only. 36 (ii) The term “firearm” means: “(a) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (b) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (c) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (d) any destructive device.” 18 U.S.C. § 921.

(iii) “Firearm” includes actual firearms of any type whatsoever, pellet guns, BB guns, and look-alike firearms, whether they be capable of operation and whether they be loaded or unloaded.

(iv) Possession shall include but not be limited to being on the person of the student, in the student’s locker, or otherwise directly or indirectly under his or her control.

(e) Every school employee or student who has knowledge of a weapon being impermissibly on school property must immediately inform the principal, who will immediately conduct an investigation. A student who has knowledge or suspicion of a weapon being on school property shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings if the student does not report his or her knowledge or suspicion to an administrator or employee in a timely manner.

(f) Upon reasonable suspicion that a student possesses a weapon, the principal will request that the student voluntarily empty his or her pockets and remove any coat, book bag or purse so that the same may be searched by a school official. Such a search shall take place in the presence of another adult. (g) If a weapon is found and confiscated, the principal shall immediately notify and summon the local police, the Superintendent, (or, in the absence of the Superintendent, another administrator) and the parents or guardians of the student involved.

(h) If a student is found in violation of this policy, the incident will be immediately reported to the local police. The student shall receive an informal hearing, receive up to a ten (10) day out- of-school suspension following the informal hearing, and be subject to formal due process proceedings before the School Board. Expulsion hearings will be scheduled, pursuant to the Pennsylvania School Code and applicable Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Education.

(38) HAZING— LEVEL 2

Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization recognized by the Board. Students who have been subjected to hazing should report it to the building principal immediately.

Administrators shall investigate promptly all complaints of hazing and administer appropriate discipline to any individual who violated this policy.

(39) TERRORISTIC THREATS—LEVEL 2

(a) Students are prohibited from communicating terrorist threats directed at any student, employee, board member or community member.

(b) The building principal will:

(i) Notify parents immediately and have any staff member involved write a statement of the incident.

(ii) Inform local police of the incident.

(iii) Request local police to file appropriate charges against the student.

(iv) Student will receive a three (3) day out of school suspension followed by an informal hearing. The student may receive an additional seven (7) days of suspension. Board action may also be taken if appropriate.

(40) LASERS—LEVEL 1 37 Students are not permitted to be in possession of any type of Laser illuminator or sound device; including but not limited to laser pointer, laser pen, laser illuminator, etc., during any time in school, school activities, or on school buses. Students in possession of such devices will face disciplinary action. All laser devices will be confiscated.

(41) Bullying Level 1 or 2

Bullying is defined as any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts – i.e., Internet, cell phones) that is perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race; color; religion; ancestry; national origin; gender; sexual orientation; gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristic.

(a) Bully is prohibited on school sponsored events and activities, on school buses and other school-sponsored transportation and at school bus stops. (b) Take place in several forms, including but not limited to: i) Written, verbal or non-verbal threats. ii) Intimidating or threatening gestures. iii) Unwanted physical contact, violence or assault. iv) An intentional display of force that would give the victim cause to expect or fear physical contact or injury. v) Jeering, taunting, or mocking. vi) Degrading or insulting teasing, or derogatory comments. vii) Hazing. viii) Harassment. ix) Extortion. x) Theft of money or possessions. xi) Vandalism of a student’s personal property. xii) Unauthorized exercise of control over a student’s personal property.

(c) The disciplinary action imposed on the offender will match the severity of the offense.

(d) Depending on the severity of the offense, the disciplinary action for bullying may include loss of privileges, removal from class, suspensions, and a Board expulsion hearing. If the investigation has determined that the conduct rises to the level of a crime, disciplinary action may also include referral to law enforcement officials.

The penalties and prohibitions in this policy are in addition to, and do not replace or supercede, any related provisions in district policy prohibiting conduct such as harassment, violence, assault, and hazing.

CHAPTER IV: DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES

A. DISCIPLINE POLICIES

(1) As Chapter III of the Code sets forth those student behaviors which will bring about disciplinary consequences, Chapter IV describes the District’s approach to discipline and the disciplinary alternatives available to administrators when a student violates the Code.

In general, the District maintains a preference for in-class management of behavior, counseling, and discipline techniques, supported by home contacts; limited removal of students from classrooms should be focused on supporting in-class efforts and facilitating return of the student to the classroom environment. More extended separations from classrooms are less preferred, should be occasioned only by continuing or serious behavioral problems, and should be associated with appropriate guidance or other referrals.

For extended separations, in-school suspension is preferred over out-of-school, so as to maintain attendance and presence in the learning environment. To minimize the amount of instructional time lost, Saturday school will be imposed wherever possible in lieu of in-school suspension. 38 Out-of-school suspension should be imposed only for serious misconduct or events where continued presence in the school is itself disruptive. Permanent expulsions should be reserved for extremes of misconduct and protection of the school environment.

(2) To facilitate the District’s preference for in-class management of student behavior, the District has adopted the Responsibility Training and Time-Out model for dealing with behavior that is disruptive of the educational process but which does not threaten the health or safety of the school community. Specifically, Time-Out is the disciplinary approach which will be used to address many Level 1 violations. Because of their severity, Level 2 violations are referred directly to a District administrator, who has discretion to impose any of the disciplinary remedies, including Time-Out.

B. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES (1) Time-Out is a four-level process, and its working is described as follows: (i) Time-Out Level I. The Teacher resolves discipline problems on a one-to-one basis with the student without removing the student from the classroom. A conversation should involve the teacher asking the student the following type of questions: What are you doing? What is the rule? What should you be doing? What can you do to change your behavior? (or suggest an appropriate behavior) Usually a single line of questions is sufficient to end the misbehavior, according to the responsibility program literature. If a student suggests an effective behavioral plan (or agrees to the teacher’s suggestions), the responsibility training is completed. If the student does not propose an effective plan, does not accept the teacher’s suggestion, or does not act in an appropriate manner, Time-Out II is implemented.

(ii) Time-Out Level II. The classroom teacher isolates the misbehaving student by moving the student to a separate area of the classroom. This separation provides the student an opportunity to reflect on his or her behavior and to plan alternative behaviors by drafting a written plan of action. This action plan must be accepted by the teacher before the student is allowed to return to class. If the student does not develop an acceptable plan by the end of the class period, or the student has already been in Time-Out II twice, the student may be referred to Time-Out III. (iii) Time-Out Level III. After the teacher has exhausted reasonable effort in helping the student change inappropriate behaviors, the student may be referred to the time-out room. This room provides the student with an opportunity to reflect on his or her behavior in a quiet environment away from the distractions of the classroom. The teacher must complete a Time-Out III referral form, which describes the transgression for which the student is assigned to the time-out room. The student in turn must complete a Time-Out III form, whereby the student writes a plan of action for changing his or her behavior. This plan must be approved by the classroom teacher before the student is permitted to return to class. With the assistance of the responsibility training room monitor, the student develops an acceptable plan of action and remains in time-out until this task is completed. If writing an action plan requires more than one class period, the student’s parents are then contacted and informed of the reason why the student is in the time-out room. The responsibility training monitor also documents all referrals into and from the room and prepares a monthly summary report. (iv) Time-Out Level IV. When the responsibility training room monitor perceives that a student is misusing Time-Out Level III, or when it becomes apparent that Level III has not been effective in changing inappropriate behaviors, Time-Out IV may be initiated. Time-Out IV may involve time-out at home. The student may be dismissed and sent home (with appropriate parent contact) to remain until a written plan of behavior is developed and agreed to by the classroom teacher and principal. The written plan must include the parent’s signature, and the parent must accompany the student when he or she returns to school. If a plan is not forthcoming, the District may involve Saturday school, in-school suspension as

39 warranted, subject to typical protocols. (2) Aside from Time-Out, the following disciplinary remedies and procedures will also be used to address violative student behavior: (a) Administrative Detention Administrative detention is held in an assigned room each day. A student who is assigned detention shall report to the detention room on the days designated by the administrator. The requirements for detention are promptness, no talking, and constructive writing or studying. Students assigned to detention will be given twenty-four (24) hours notice to provide time for transportation arrangements. (b) Community Service Community service is an alternative choice for discipline that assigns students to perform a service in their community in lieu of fines or additional discipline. (c) Core Team, Referral to The Core Team is a team of trained professionals that is available to assist students that are having problems. The primary goal is to help students succeed academically, emotionally, physically, and personally. These programs work with the support and full knowledge of the families. Referral to the Core Team may be made by an administrator. (d) Discipline Review Committee and District Review Panel (i) The Discipline Review Committee is designed to address students with chronic behavior problems. A Discipline Review Committee will be formed in all buildings. This committee will consist of the building principal, a guidance counselor, a teacher, a student, a parent or guardian and any additional personnel as necessary. The committee will discuss and determine procedures to bring about a significant change in behavior. If after recommendation has been made no significant change has been noted, the student may be referred to the District Discipline Review Panel. (ii) The Building Review Panel will review discipline incidents of any student receiving more than five (5) infractions of the discipline code in any school year. The panel will also review the discipline record of students with fewer than five infractions where the infractions are serious ones. The panel will review the past discipline history in addition to the present incident reports in the current school year. The panel will consist of the following members:

For Regular Education Students For Special Education Students Director of Pupil Personnel Director of Special Education Principal School Psychologist Counselor Principal One or more classroom teachers Special Education Teacher Student/Parent/Guardian Student/Parent/Guardian

If the student does not follow the course of action set forth by the review committee, the student will be brought to the board for a discipline hearing. (e) Exclusions from Classes (In-School Suspension) (i) A student may receive in-school suspension if he or she engages in any Level 2 infraction or is a repeated Level 1 offender. In those instances, the student will be required to report to the in-school suspension room and work on assignments in a structured, supervised learning atmosphere. Students must not sleep during in-school suspension.

(ii) Students receiving in-school suspension will be informed of the reasons for the suspension and will be given an opportunity to respond to them. The student’s parents or guardian will be contacted when in-school suspension is imposed, and with any in-school suspensions exceeding ten (10) consecutive school days, the student and his or her parents or guardians shall have the right to an informal hearing before the eleventh (11th) day.

(iii) In-school suspension shall not be employed as a disciplinary action for primary and intermediate students.

(f) Exclusions from school (Out-of-School Suspension)

40 (i) The state law provides that the Board of School Directors define and publish the types of offenses that could lead to exclusion from school.

(aa) Exclusion from school may be imposed for any Level 2 offense and the following Level 1 offenses, in severe circumstances: Cafeteria Violations, Class Cutting, Failure to Attend Detention, Fighting, Leaving Class or School Without Permission, Misconduct, Possession of Obscene Material, Smoking, Tardiness and Truancy.

(ii) Exclusion from school may be:

(aa) Temporary Suspension: Exclusion from school for an offense for a period of up to three (3) school days, by an administrator, without an informal hearing, in accordance with the policies of the Board of School Directors.

(bb) Full Suspension: Exclusion from school for an offense for a period of between four (4) and ten (10) school days, and after an informal hearing before the principal. The hearing must be offered to the student and the student’s parent or guardian, in accordance with policies established by the Board of School Directors.

(cc) Expulsion: Expulsion is exclusion from school by the Board of School Directors after a formal hearing for an offense for a period exceeding ten (10) school days. Expulsion may involve permanent removal from the school rolls.

(iii) No student may receive a temporary suspension unless he or she has been notified of the charges and given an opportunity to respond prior to the suspension becoming effective. All full suspensions require an informal hearing and all expulsions require a formal hearing, in accordance with established procedure and the Pennsylvania School Code.

(iv) The maximum period that a student may be suspended for an offense is ten (10) school days. A temporary suspension may be followed by a full suspension for the same offense, provided that the ten (10) school days limitation is not exceeded. Temporary or full suspension may not be cumulative or made to run consecutively beyond the ten (10) day limit.

(v) During the period prior to a temporary suspension or full suspension or a hearing and decision by the Board of School Directors in an expulsion case, the student shall remain in his or her assigned classes.

(vi) Students shall be permitted to make up exams and work missed while being disciplined by temporary or full suspension within guidelines established by the Board of School Directors.

(vii) If, when expulsion proceedings are initiated, it is determined after an informal hearing that the student’s presence in his or her normal classes would constitute a threat to the health, safety, morals or welfare of others, and it is not possible to hold a formal hearing within the period of full suspension, the student may be excluded from school for more than ten (10) school days, provided the formal hearing is not unreasonably delayed. Any student so excluded shall be provided with alternative instruction.

(viii) Expelled students who are less than 17 years of age are still subject to the compulsory school attendance law. The responsibility for placing the student in school rests initially with the student’s parents or guardians. However, if the student is unable to attend another public school, cannot afford to attend, or is unable to be accepted at a private school, the school district has the responsibility to make some provision for the child’s education. If the approved educational alternative program is not complied with, the school district may take action in accordance with the provision of Chapter 63 of the Juvenile Act to ensure that the child will receive a proper education.

(g) Hearings

Education is a fundamental right and students must be afforded all appropriate elements of due process if they are to be excluded from school. In a case involving a possible expulsion, 41 a student is entitled to a formal hearing.

(i) Procedure for an informal hearing:

(aa) Notification of the reasons for the suspension is given in writing to the parent or guardian and to the student.

(bb) Sufficient notice is given to the student of the time and place of the informal hearing.

(cc) A student has the right to question any witness present at the hearing.

(dd) The student has the right to speak and produce witnesses on his own behalf.

(ii) Procedure for formal hearing:

(aa) A formal hearing may be held before the Board of School Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board or a hearing officer. When less than a majority of the members of the Board is present they are empowered to act as a committee. A hearing examiner need not be a member of the Board, but his or her adjudication must be approved by the Board.

(bb) At a formal hearing, the following due process requirements are to be observed:

 Notification of the charges in writing, sent to the parents or guardian and to the student by certified mail.  Sufficient notice to the student of the time and place of the hearing.  The right of the student to be represented by counsel.  The School Board and the Administration shall be represented by counsel at all formal hearings.  The right of the student to be presented with the names of witnesses against the student and copies of the statements and affidavits of those witnesses.  The right of the student to request that any such witnesses appear in person and answer questions or be cross-examined.  The right of the student to testify and produce witnesses on his or her own behalf.  A record must be kept of the hearing, either by a stenographer or by a tape recorder. A student is entitled, at the student’s expense, to a copy of the transcript.  The proceedings must be held with all reasonable speed.  If requested by the student or the student’s parents/guardians, the hearing shall be held in private.

(iii) Legal Right: Where the student is dissatisfied with the results of the formal hearing, recourse is available with the appropriate state or federal court.

(h) Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process in which students are given an opportunity to talk out disciplinary problems with trained mediators, look for possible solutions, and secure an agreement that is fair to both parties.

Mediation has been used with some success in dealing with fights between students. This is because the process allows the students involved in the fight to talk about why the incident occurred, discuss whether it will happen again and offer apologies to each other. A successful mediation ending in admitting of fault and an apology is often able to change or reduce how long students receive suspensions for fighting. Mediation is used as a measure of intervention in fights which have occurred and as a measure to prevent future fights. Accordingly, because of its effectiveness, the District will strive to offer all students involved in fights the opportunity to mediate and will offer mediation in circumstances where such remedy is appropriate. Other discipline offenses by their nature are not capable of being mediated.

42 (i) Multiple Violation/Repeat Offender

In instances where a student’s conduct violates multiple provisions of the Code, or where a student repeatedly commits a certain type of violative behavior, a student will receive increased disciplinary sanctions.

(j) Saturday School Saturday school is an alternative choice of discipline that requires students to attend a form of detention on Saturdays (so they do not miss regular classes). This will be provided with the assistance of teachers to help with any work, and transportation may become the responsibility of the parent. (k) Teacher Detention In teacher detention, students may be kept after school by their classroom or homeroom teacher. The student is required to report to that teacher at the time and place established by the teacher. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice will be given to provide transportation arrangements. The teacher keeping a student after school will monitor the student. Students failing to report for the teacher may be reported to the principal for administrative disciplinary action. (l) Transportation Violation Measures (i) All discipline problems related to school buses will be handled between the school bus driver, the student, the principal, parents, and when necessary, the director of transportation of the District. (ii) Violation of the standards for bus conduct shall be subject to the following penalties: (aa) FIRST OFFENSE—Conference with student and warning letter to parents. A principal may suspend a student form the bus on the first offense if the first offense is serious in nature. (bb) SECOND OFFENSE—Suspension of bus riding privileges for one (1) day. (cc) THIRD OFFENSE—Suspension of bus riding privileges for three (3) days. (dd) FOURTH OFFENSE—Discipline Review Panel (ee) SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES—Permanent suspension may occur from school bus riding privileges for the balance of the school year. The authority for suspension is vested solely in the building principals.

(m) Verbal Reprimand

A verbal reprimand is a conference between a student and a teacher and/or administrator concerning an infraction of the student conduct code.

C. CRIMINAL ACTS

(1) Criminal acts occurring on school property will be dealt with in accordance with Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, as amended and all other statutes applicable to juvenile or other offenders and offenses.

(2) A student who is charged with committing a criminal act, depending upon the severity of the case, will be released in the custody of his or her parents and reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. He or she will also be referred to the School Board for further disciplinary action.

(3) If a student of Woodland Hills School District is charged with a crime occurring outside of school and away from school property but related to the student or staff population of the District and it is determined that the student poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare to the District’s students or staff, the District may impose appropriate disciplinary measures of its own against the student.

D. THE SAFE SCHOOL ACT OF 1995

Woodland Hills School District is committed to enforcing the Safe Schools Act, 24 P.S. §13-1301—A, 43 et seq. Under the Act, schools shall document and report all incidents of violence occurring on school property. Schools shall forward disciplinary records to the new schools of students transferring out of the District, and shall make disciplinary records available to state and local law enforcement officials.

E. SUMMARY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY (See Page 49)

44 WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT SUMMARY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

SITUATIONAL CATEGORY IMMEDIATE ACTION INVESTIGATION NOTIFICATION OF NOTIFICATION OF DISPOSITION OF DISPOSITION PARENTS POLICE SUBSTANCE 1. Student is suspected of possible drug, The student is informed of available help Limited to the staff member Limited to behavioral Not applicable Not applicable None unauthorized chemicals, steroids or alcohol and encouraged to seek assistance. contacting the C.A.C. problems Assistance available usage. There is no violation or physical evidence. 2. A student contacts a staff member in regard to The student who contacts a staff member Limited to the staff member Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable None the drug/alcohol or steroid use of another is encouraged to get the student with a and C.A.C./S.O.S. may be Assistance available student. problem to personally seek assistance. contacted for assistance. 3. A student volunteers information about The student is informed of services A staff member may request Only with the consent of Not applicable Not applicable None personal drug, alcohol, steroids or unauthorized available and encouraged to seek advice from the C.A.C. and the student unless there is a Assistance available chemicals usage and asks for help. assistance. S.O.S. clear and imminent danger. 4. A student has a drug, alcohol, unauthorized The nurse will be summoned immediately. The principal will investigate Yes, notification of the Yes, if chemical Analysis will be Referrals will be made to building chemicals or steroid related medical emergency. the incident. This may incident in the case of a substance is made. administrator include a search of the health problem or medical appropriated. student, locker and other emergency. possessions. 5. A student possesses drug, alcohol or steroid Principal is summoned. Paraphernalia is The student, his/her locker Yes At the discretion of Confiscated for Referrals will be made to building related paraphernalia. confiscated. Staff member writes an and other possessions will be principal. analysis if warranted. administrator anecdotal report of the incident. searched. 6. A student possesses, uses or is under the Principal is summoned. Staff member The student, his/her locker Yes, requested to come to Yes Analysis will be Initially the student will be suspended for a influence of drugs, alcohol, unauthorized writes an anecdotal report of the incident. and other possessions will be the school. made. minimum of 3 school days during which an chemicals or steroids. First Offense – searched. informal hearing will be held. An additional Cooperative 7 days of suspension may result. Recommendation may result in a school board hearing. 7. A student possesses, uses or is under the Principal is summoned. Staff member The student, his/her locker Yes, requested to come to Yes Analysis will be Initially the student will be suspended for a influence of drugs, alcohol, unauthorized writes an anecdotal report of the incident. and other possessions will be school immediately. made for possible use minimum of 3 school days during which an chemical or steroids. searched. in further informal hearing will be held. An additional First Offense – Uncooperative proceedings. 7 days of suspension may result. Recommendation may result in a school board hearing. 8. A student possesses, uses or is under the Chaperone will contact the group advisor The student and his/her Yes, come to escort. Yes Analysis will be The student will be sent home immediately. influence of drugs, alcohol, unauthorized or administrator. possessions will be searched. made for possible use Further discipline as provided by the chemicals, or steroids at a school related activity. in further appropriate situational category - * or + proceedings. 9. A student is caught again in possession, use or Principal is summoned. Staff member The student, his/her locker Yes, requested to come to Yes Analysis will be Initially the student will be suspended for a under the influence of unauthorized chemicals, writes an anecdotal report of the incident. and possessions are searched. the principal’s office made for possible use minimum of 3 school days during which an drugs, alcohol or steroids. immediately. in further informal hearing will be held. An additional proceedings. 7 days of suspension may result. Recommendation may result in a school board hearing. 10. A student is distributing drugs, alcohol, Principal is summoned. Staff member The student, his/her locker Yes, requested to come to Yes, in order that they Analysis for use in Initially the student will be suspended for a controlled substance, unauthorized chemicals or writes an anecdotal report of the incident. and possessions will be the principal’s office may take further action. further proceedings minimum of 3 school days during which an steroids. searched. The principal will immediately. will be requested. informal hearing will be held. An additional call the police and assist the 7 days of suspension may result. police in their investigation. Recommendation may result in a school board hearing. The confidentiality of the student will be guarded by all school personnel.

* In accordance with current guidelines for student conduct code. + When an outside referral is appropriate the student and family will be informed that recommendations by the district and outside agency must be followed to insure successful re-entry to school. (A Board Expulsion Hearing may be held if not followed.)

45 The Woodland Hills School District Mission Statement

Woodland Hills School District makes students its first priority. The District provides each student with an excellent educational experience that is driven by the highest expectations and prepares students for meaningful participation in all facets of society.

Woodland Hills School District achieves its mission by:

 Developing intellectual skills, interpersonal understanding, and respect for diversity;  Setting high standards of achievement for every student;  Fostering a challenging, creative, encouraging and safe environment;  Relying on shared responsibility among staff, students, families, and communities

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Equal Opportunity is Provided

Woodland Hills School District is an equal opportunity education employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, and handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

For information regarding Civil Rights or Grievance Procedures, contact the Assistant to the Superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator at 2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412.731.1300

For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and useable by handicapped persons, contact Mr. John Besseck, Director of Facilities 412.731.1300.