Maintaining a Productive Learning Environment
School Spirit
School spirit - the positive attitude that we want to display to all - should be displayed in the classrooms, the halls, the cafeteria, the buses. We expect our students to treat others with respect. They should demonstrate care with the use of school books, materials and equipment. They should keep bathrooms, classrooms, halls, cafeteria and furniture clean and free of all markings. Pride in self and in school is reflected in the way that we carry ourselves and treat everyone and everything around us.
Personal Conduct and Appearance
We expect our students to conduct themselves properly at all times. When in school, students should walk to class, not block hallways and not linger between classes.
Gum chewing is not permitted in the school.
Electronics
Items such as iPods, DVD players, MP3 players, radios, tape recorders, walkmans, and other electronic devices, etc. should remain at home.
Students shall be solely responsible for the safekeeping of any electronic device brought to school and each student who brings an electronic device to school or to a school function or activity shall assume the risk of loss, theft, damage or other injury to the electronic device.
Cell phones must be turned off and kept out of sight during the school day.
Teachers may give permission to use cell phone for instructional purposes in their classroom.
Dress Code
We expect students to dress appropriately in school. A well-groomed student reflects his/her maturity by the manner in which he/she dresses. Each student, by dressing respectfully, makes a personal statement that reflects an understanding of the serious purposes for which s/he attends school. While the school accommodates a wide variety of individual tastes, inappropriate dress is not acceptable.
Guidelines for attire
The following types of clothing are not considered acceptable. This is not considered to be an all-inclusive list. The administration reserves the right to make decisions concerning the appropriateness of one's attire.
Student may not wear
|
flip flops/sports sandals |
hoods (of jackets/shirts) on heads |
|---|
In addition students may not wear articles displaying and/or promoting alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, other contraband material, sex or offensive or indecent writing, pictures, slogans or advertisements, choker type leather bracelets and necklaces with spikes or studs, any article that that could be deemed dangerous to adults or property.
Fragrance
A number of our students are highly sensitive to scented products. We ask that you help your child to be cognizant of this sensitivity and reduce or eliminate the use of such scented products. Also, aerosol cans, of any kind, may not be brought into the school building.
If a student is disciplined because of his or her attire and no appropriate substitute clothing is available, the child will be directed to contact his/her parents.
Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol
The Principal will immediately suspend a pupil who on school grounds sells, uses, possesses or aids in the procurement of narcotics or restricted drugs, including marijuana or any material purported to be such, during a time school is in session or any time during a school activity. "Narcotics" includes opiates, hallucinogenic substances, marijuana, barbiturates, heroin, morphine, alcohol, tranquilizers, amphetamines, glue and other solvent-containing substances and those substances listed by schedules in the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. The punishment will be in accordance with School Board Policy. The Principal may then proceed with the necessary steps provided in the School Laws of Pennsylvania.
Students are not permitted to smoke or carry a lighted object or substance in the school building or on school property. This policy will also be in effect while students are traveling on school buses. Students found smoking outside of the school building on the school grounds will also be suspended from school.
TOBACCO IN ANY FORM IS PROHIBITED ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.
Students are not permitted to possess or use tobacco or related products such as snuff or chewing tobacco in or on school property or at school activities. They are not permitted to bring these to school under any circumstances.
Please refer to the Drug-Free Schools Policy - Appendix I.
Weapons
Pennsylvania Act 26 stipulates that any student found in possession of a weapon is subject to suspension from school and possible expulsion. All weapon offenses must be reported to the Haverford Township Police and to the superintendent of Schools. According to Pa. Law, (Public School Code 24, PSC 23-1317.2) "Weapons include but are not limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchucks, firearm, shotgun, rifle, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily harm. Please refer to Weapons Policy - Appendix II.
Discipline Policy
Introduction
It is the responsibility of the total school community to create and maintain an atmosphere that is conductive to teaching, learning and living. Everyone in the educational process has the right to expect that the environment shall be safe, pleasant and well organized. The climate should produce security and consistency through the establishment of reasonable rules and guidelines that require interactions based upon mutual respect and cooperation. The emphasis should be on courtesy, consideration and the fulfillment of all necessary obligations at all times.
General guidelines for student behavior
As citizens of Haverford Middle School, students should conduct themselves in a positive manner and refrain from activity on or off campus that disrupts the school environment or operation. Inappropriate behavior will require disciplinary action in accordance with the Haverford Township School District
CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Consistent with state law and the school district's Code of Student Behavior and without limitation, the following practices will not be permitted in the Middle School:
a. Bullying, including cyberbullying. Bullying and cyberbullying include, without limitation, an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts:
1) directed at another student or students;
2) which occurs in a school setting;
3) that is severe, persistent or pervasive; and
4) that has the effect of doing any of the following:
(i) substantially interfering with a student's education;
(ii) creating a threatening environment; or
(iii) substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
All forms of bullying are prohibited. It is each student's responsibility to respect the rights of others and the educational and social environment of the school.
b. Defacing or destruction of school or personal property
c. Possession of dangerous items such as matches, lighters, fireworks, mace, pepper spray, laser lights or other similar chemical substances or substances that could be used to cause harm
d. Possessing or using any medication without the nurse's knowledge
e. Possession of any tobacco products
f. Using profane, offensive or derogatory language
g. Littering
h. Use of pagers, beepers or cell phones in the building. (Pagers and beepers are not permitted in the building. Cell phones must be turned off and stored in the student's locker.)
i. Selling any items without the prior approval of the principal
j. Playing of audio equipment (including iPods, DVD players, MP3 players, radios, tape recorders, walkmans, electronic devices, etc.) on school grounds.
k. Eating or drinking in hallways or classrooms without permission
l. Gum chewing
m. Carrying book bags/backpacks to classes. (Book bags/backpacks and outdoor clothing must be placed in students' lockers before classes begin.)
n. Gambling
o. Any administrative detention and/or suspension may result in a student's privileges being revoked. Parents and students will be notified when participation in school activities is in jeopardy.
Discipline Procedures
It is understood that repeat offenders will receive beyond the minimum disciplinary consequence.
Students who fail to observe these guidelines will receive consequences. These consequences may include, but are not limited to detention, suspension, loss of school privileges or participation in school related activities. Before the levying of any consequences, parents will be contacted by a teacher and/or administrator to discuss the situation of concern. If a teacher assigns a detention, the teacher will notify the student's home. If a school or lunch detention is assigned, then the appropriate administrator will notify the home.
| INFRACTION | MINIMUM | MAXIMUM |
|---|---|---|
| Accessing and/or tampering with a student's or teacher's computer files | Loss of computer privileges/Parents notified by administrator | Loss of all computer privileges/ Suspension |
| Breaking into another student's locker | Written Apology/Detention/Restitution | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Bullying | Warning/Counselor referral | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Bus Misconduct | Detention | Loss of bus privileges |
| Cheating | No credit for assignment | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Class Cutting | Detention/No credit for work missed | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Destruction/Defacing of property (Vandalism/Graffiti on school property) | Detention/Work Detail/ Restitution/Written Apology | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Disrespect | Warning/Written Apology/ Detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| False 911 Calls | Contact Police/Suspension | Suspension and Police Report |
| Fighting | Suspension | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Forgery | Detention/Counselor referral | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Gum chewing | Written warning first time/ Detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Harassing/Intimidating other students | Detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Harassment/Threatening/Intimidating an adult | 3-Day Suspension/Restricted from extra-curricular activities | Extended Suspension/ Referral to Police |
| Horseplay/Running/Pushing | Warning/Detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Inappropriate Attire | Change clothes to remain in school /Detention | Suspension |
| Inappropriate displays of affection | Warning/Detention | Suspension |
| Inappropriate language/gestures to students | Detention/Written Apology | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Inappropriate Language/gestures to adults | Suspension/Possible removal from class/Written apology | Extended suspension/ Restriction from activities |
| Inappropriate phone messages/ voice mail | Suspension | Extended suspension/ Restriction from activities |
| Inappropriate use of the internet | Loss of internet privileges/ Parents notified by administrator | Loss of all computer privileges/Suspension |
| Inciting others | Detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Intentionally causing the disruption of or interfering with the function of a classroom, assembly, field trip or group gathering | 1st offense - Removal from class, Parent contact and Detention/ Additional offenses - In-School Suspension/ Restriction from activities | Suspension/Schedule change |
| Intentionally causing the disruption of or interfering with the function of the school | 3-Day Suspension | Referral to Superintendent |
| Lateness to Class (unexcused) | Warning/Teacher detention | Referral to office |
| Lateness to School (unexcused) |
1st time-Warning / 2nd time-parents notified by administrator / 3rd time-detention and parents notified by administrator |
In-School Suspension |
| Matches, Lighters, Combustibles, Fireworks | Confiscation/Detention/Suspension/ Contact Police | Restriction from extra-curricular activities/ Contact Police |
| Missed Teacher Detention | One school detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Missed School Detention | Double number of detentions | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Outstanding Obligations | Warning/Detention | Loss of privileges |
| Plagiarism | No credit for work | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
|
Use or possession of beepers, cell phones, walkmans, radio or other electronic devices during school hours |
Confiscation/Detention | Detention/Confiscation and return to parents |
| Possession/Distribution of Controlled Substances or Alcohol | Contact Police/Suspension | Contact Police/Extended Suspension/Referral to Superintendent |
| Presence in Unauthorized Areas of School Grounds | Warning/Detention | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Tamper with Emergency-related Equipment | Contact Police/Suspension | Contact Police/Extended Suspension/Referral to Superintendent |
| Terroristic Threats in words and/or actions | Contact Police/Suspension | Contact Police/ExtendedSuspension/Referral to Superintendent |
| Theft | Restitution/Suspension/Contact police | Extended Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Throwing food, snowballs, shooting Rubber bands or other objects | Detention/Work detail | Suspension/Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Truancy | Make up time in detention/ No credit for work missed/ Referral to Counselor | Contact police/ In-School Suspension/ Restriction from extra-curricular activities |
| Use/Possession/Tobacco | Contact Police/ Suspension | Contact Police/ Extended Suspension/ Referral to Superintendent |
| Weapons (as defined by District Policy 218.1) and all other look alike weapons) | Contact Police/Suspension | Contact Police/ Extended Suspension/ Referral to Superintendent |
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Program
The HMS SAP program assists students with academic, social and/or emotional challenges that may interfere with their school success.
Goals of the HMS SAP program:
- Identify at risk students.
- Connect students with in-school or community services
- Increase SAP program awareness
- Monitor progress of referred student.
- Develop programs the support HMS SAP mission statement. (Mentoring program, SAP based groups)
- Maintain prompt and on-going feedback between professionals.
- Follow the Drug and Alcohol Policy and Administrative Guidelines of the School District of Haverford Township
S.A.P. Team Student Referral Team Feedback Form
Drug & Alcohol Policy and Administrative Guidelines
At discretion of building principal.
Situational/ Category |
Immediate Action |
Investigation |
Notification
|
Notification of Police |
Disposition of Substance |
Discipline/ Rehabilitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The possible use of drugs, alcohol, mood altering substances by a student is suspected but there is no evidence of violation of the law or school regulation. |
The student is informed of available help and encouraged to seek assistance. |
S.A.P. |
Notification of behavior and/or performance indicators if warranted. |
NA |
NA |
An intervention conference will be held if S.A.P feels it is indicated by the data. |
|
A student contacts a staff member in regard to the drug or alcohol use of another student. |
The student who contacts a staff member is encouraged to get the student with a problem to personally report. |
S.A.P. |
NA |
NA |
NA |
None. Referral to S.A.P |
|
A student volunteers personal information about drug or alcohol use and asks for help. |
The student is informed of available services impending referral to the SSS and is encouraged to seek help voluntarily. |
S.A.P. |
With the consent of the student, unless there is clear and immediate danger, or at principal's discretion. |
NA |
NA |
None. Referral to S.A.P |
|
The student has a medical emergency related to drugs, alcohol or mood altering substances. |
The nurse will be summoned immediately. Standard health and first aid procedures will be followed. The student will be transported to a medical facility at parent expense. |
The principal will investigate the incident. This may include a search of the student, his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes |
Yes |
Analysis if warranted. |
Referral to S.A.P If there is evidence of other policy violations see appropriate situational category. Medical clearance required to reenter school. |
|
The student posses drug related paraphernalia. |
Principal summoned. Paraphernalia is confiscated. Staff member writes an anecdotal report of the incident. |
The principal will investigate the incident. This may include a search of his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes |
At discretion of building principal. |
Analysis if warranted. |
Required meeting with S.A.P member and principal. Mandated attendance in S.A.P. intervention group. Will result in 1-3 day out of school suspension. If there is evidence of other policy violation, see appropriate situational category. Further offenses result in informal hearing subject to 3-10 day out of school suspension. |
|
A student possesses, uses, or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or mood altering substances. First offense. Cooperative behavior. |
Principal is summoned. Staff member writes an anecdotal report of the incident. |
The principal will investigate the incident. This may include a search of his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes, immediate parent conference arranged. |
Yes |
Analysis if warranted |
Referral to S.A.P. Informal hearing. Verification of offense results will result in 1-3 day out of school suspension. Required attendance in S.A.P. intervention program. Assessment by a licensed drug and alcohol facility within 10 days and compliance with its recommendations. Exclusion from extracurricular activities for duration of suspension, reinstatement at the discretion of the building principal based on consultation with the S.A.P. sponsor and/or coach for extracurricular activities. |
|
A student possesses, uses, or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol,or mood altering substances. First offense. Uncooperative behavior. |
Principal is summoned. Staff member writes an anecdotal report of the incident. |
The principal will investigate the incident. This may include a search of his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes, immediate parent conference. |
Yes |
Analysis if warranted. |
Referral to S.A.P. Informal hearing. Verification of offense results will result in 10 day out of school suspension. Required attendance in S.A.P. intervention program. Assessment by a licensed drug and alcohol facility within 10 days and compliance with its recommendations. Noncompliance will result in formal board hearing to consider expulsion from school. Exclusion from extracurricular activities for at least 30 school days, reinstatement at the discretion of the building principal based on consultation with the S.A.P. sponsor and/or coach for extracurricular activities. |
|
A student is caught again in possession, use, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol,or mood altering substances. |
Principal is summoned. Staff member writes an anecdotal report of the incident. |
The principal will investigate the incident. This may include a search of his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes, requested to come to the principal's office immediately. |
Yes |
Analysis if warranted. |
Referral to S.A.P. Informal hearing. Verification of offense results will result in 10 day out of school suspension. Required attendance in S.A.P. intervention program. Assessment by a licensed drug and alcohol facility within 10 days and compliance with its recommendations. Will result in formal board hearing to consider expulsion from school. Exclusion from extracurricular activities for remainder of school year or duration of expulsion. |
|
A student possesses, uses, or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol,or mood altering substances at a school related activity on or off school property. |
Staff member or principal will be contacted. Staff member will write an anecdotal report of the incident. |
The staff member will investigate the incident. This may include a search of his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes |
Yes (If out of state, staff member calls principal or designee and notification of police will be at their discretion.) |
Analysis if warranted. |
Refer to appropriate category |
|
A student is distributing a drug, alcohol and/or mood altering substances. |
Principal is summoned. Staff member writes an anecdotal report of the incident. |
The principal will investigate the incident. This may include a search of his/her locker, desk, car, and other possessions. Confiscation of substance and/or paraphernalia. |
Yes, requested to come to the principal's office. |
Yes |
Analysis will be made |
Referral to S.A.P. Informal hearing. Verification of offense results will result in 10 day out of school suspension. Required attendance in S.A.P. intervention program. Assessment by a licensed drug and alcohol facility within 10 days and compliance with its recommendations. Will result in formal board hearing to consider expulsion from school.Exclusion from extracurricular activities for remainder of school year or duration of expulsion. |