School Policies – Seacoast Learning Collaborative

Seacoast Learning Collaborative and Seacoast Academy reserves the right to handle in an appropriate manner: any student action not specifically listed in the following section, which may be disruptive to the educational process. According to RSA 1.93-D, Safe School Zone, Seacoast Learning Collaborative/Seacoast Academy will report all incidents involving assaultive, threatening and violent behaviors to the Brentwood Police Department.

Tobacco Use by Students

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to prohibit smoking or the use of smokeless tobacco by students in the school buildings, on campus, on the school bus or at any school sponsored activity at any time.

Statement of Policy:

Effective January 1, 1998, no person shall use any tobacco product in any of the Seacoast Learning programs, on its school grounds, or on its contracted school buses per RSA 126-I. In addition, RSA 78:12-C prohibits the possession of tobacco products by persons under the age of eighteen. Based on these laws, students found smoking or using any tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, on the school bus or at any school sponsored activity at any time shall be subject to the penalties listed below. SLC reserves the right to search a student of suspected of being in possession of tobacco products.

First Offense:

Fine: $5.00, Payments will need to be paid within 30 days of the offense. Failure to do so will result in an immediate team meeting with the special education director to determine the next course of action.
Level bust to a level I until fine is paid in full.
Automatic level bust.
Removal from the community during breakfast, break and lunch until payment arrangements are made (minimum of a dollar a day).

Second Offense:

Fine: $5.00, Payments will need to be made within 30 days of the offense. Failure to do so will result in an immediate team meeting with the special education director to determine the next course of action.
Level bust to a level I until fine is paid in full.
Removal from the community during breakfast, break and lunch until payment arrangements are made (minimum of a dollar a day).
Automatic level bust.
1 period of ISS.

Third Offense:

Fine: $5.00, Payments will need to be made within 30 days of the offense. Failure to do so will result in an immediate team meeting with the special education director to determine the next course of action.
Level bust to a level I until fine is paid in full.
Removal from the community during breakfast, break and lunch until payment arrangements are made (minimum of a dollar a day).
4 periods of ISS.
Meeting with parent and special education director.
Automatic level bust.

**All money will be donated to the American Lung Association.

**Regardless of age, tobacco products and paraphernalia will be confiscated from students and returned only to parents after a discussion with the student’s counselor.

Student Substance Use and Abuse

Statement of Purpose:

Seacoast Learning Collaborative and Seacoast Academy have a zero tolerance policy for the use/abuse of illegal substances.

The purpose of this policy is to clearly state SLC/SA’s position on the use and/or abuse of illegal substances by students.

Seacoast Learning Collaborative recognizes that the use and/or abuse of illegal substances by students and young people has become a major problem in our country, our state and our schools. Seacoast Learning Collaborative also recognizes that the use and availability of illegal substances on school campus interferes with the educational process and interferes with its duty to provide a safe and healthy educational environment. Finally, Seacoast Learning Collaborative deems it necessary to take steps to (1) improve its educational program so that Seacoast students are made aware of the dangers and penalties incurred through the use of illegal substances, and (2) to establish appropriate rules and regulations to discourage its use in any school buildings, on any school property, on any school bus or at any school sponsored event.

This policy is designed to help eradicate the influence of drugs, alcohol and other chemicals from within the school environment. It is designed to protect students and to act as a deterrent to the student’s use of illegal substances. It is also designed to provide appropriate punishment for the students that violate this policy.

Definition:

“Illegal substance” as used in this policy shall be defined as any controlled drug or narcotic; any common street drug such as marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, heroin and LSD or any other hallucinogenic drug; any counterfeit drug or substance represented to be any of the above listed substances; any unsupervised use of a prescribed drug; or any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor.

Statement of Policy:

No student shall procure, possess, use, transmit, sell, supply or give to any person any illegal substance, or be under the influence of any illegal substance while in any school building, on any school property, on any school bus or at any school sponsored activity.

This policy shall apply to all students before, during and after school hours at any school, in any school building and on any school premises; on any school owned vehicle or in any school approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities or trips; off school property at any school sponsored or school approved activity, event or function; or during any period of time when students are subject to the authority of school personnel.

Any student engaging in any prohibited activity listed above with respect to illegal substances shall be subject to, and disciplined in accordance with the penalties set forth in this policy.

Any student suspected of violating this policy shall be removed from the premises and a report shall be written in accordance with RSA 193-D: 1-4, which defines Safe School Zones and the procedures which must be followed when violations occur with them. When warranted, administrators shall request the assistance of law enforcement agencies in order to deal appropriately with such students. All administrators and school employees are directed to cooperate fully with law enforcement personnel, and are directed to report to them any and a; information that would be considered beneficial in their efforts to stem and discourage illegal substance use.

Superintendent/administrators and direct employees are directed to take every reasonable measure to prevent and discourage any person from coming into any school building, onto any school property, onto any school bus or attending any school sponsored event while in possession of, or under the influence of any illegal substance. Superintendent/administrators and employees are instructed to be especially vigilant of any persons attempting to sell, give, supply or use any illegal substance in any school building, or any school property, on any school bus or at any school sponsored event.

Student Substance Use and Abuse – Rules

Statement of Purpose:

Seacoast Learning Collaborative and Seacoast Academy have zero tolerance for the use/abuse of illegal substances as defined in the policy.

Seacoast Learning Collaborative/Seacoast Academy approves the following rules for dealing with the use and abuse of illegal substances by students.

Statement of Rules:

As stated in the policy, the procuring, possessing, using, transmitting, selling, supplying or giving to any person any illegal substance and/or being under the influence of any illegal substance while in any school building, on any school property, on any school bus, or at any school sponsored event is strictly forbidden. Any such activity shall constitute gross misconduct as referred in RSA 193:13 and RSA 189; 1-a.

The following penalties shall apply for dealing with the use or abuse of illegal substances by students as prohibited by the policy and restated above. A determination will be made based upon staff judgment of student’s mental status.

First Offense:

The student will receive an automatic level bust.
All privileges will be suspended for one week.
The police department will be notified.
1 day out of school suspension.

Second Offense:

The student will receive an automatic level bust.
All privileges will be suspended for one week following the suspension.
The police department will be notified.
The student will be suspended for three days out of school.

Third Offense:

The student will receive an automatic level bust.
All privileges will be suspended for one week following suspension.
The police department will be notified.
The student will be suspended for five days out of school.
A meeting will be held with all team members to review the appropriateness of the student’s placement.

**Note: Depending upon the severity of the offense SLC reserves the right to modify OSS time including and up to discharge from the program.

Weapons in the School

Statement of Purpose:

Seacoast Learning Collaborative/Seacoast Academy have a zero tolerance for bringing weapons into school.

This policy complies with the requirements of the GUN-Free Schools Act of 1994 and establishes procedures for enforcing RSA 189, 193, and 193-D and provisions of Department of Education Administrative Rule 317, et seq., relative to disciplinary action for gross misconduct by a pupil in a safe school zone, including possessing a firearm and/or other dangerous weapon.

Statement of Policy:

Dangerous weapons are not permitted on school property at any time. Visitors, faculty, staff and pupils are prohibited from bringing any weapon, whether visible or concealed, into any school building, onto school property or a school bus, or to any school sponsored event. Swift and speedy disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with the mandates of this policy and its procedures to enhance the safety of all pupils within the school.

Any pupil who is determined to have brought a weapon to school in violation of this policy shall be deemed to have committed an act of gross misconduct. Such an act of gross misconduct shall result in both notification of the local police and disciplinary action in accordance with the severity of the incident as outlined in RSA 193:13, II and III (statues dealing with the expulsion for gross misconduct, weapons violations, etc.).

Seacoast Learning Collaborative shall consider the age and maturity, the intent of the action, and the student’s prior disciplinary record in determining the appropriate disciplinary action. Students who come forward voluntarily in such cases may receive consideration of the fact.

Any student who sells, has in his/her possession with intent to sell any stiletto, switch blade knife, blackjack, dirk-knife, slug shot or metallic knuckles (as defined by RSA 159:16), or containers containing chemicals such as pepper gas or mace on school property, on school buses or at a school sponsored function, shall be subject to disciplinary procedures possibly resulting in an expulsion of a period not less than twelve months.

Statement of Response to Violation of this Policy:

SLC/Seacoast Academy recognizes the seriousness of weapons within the school system. In accordance with the Safe Schools Act, disciplinary measures will occur when a student is in violation of this policy. SLC reserves the right to make a determination of consequences based upon the followings things: the weapon involved, the intent of use, and the damage caused.

Depending upon the severity, at a minimum, the weapon will be confiscated and a report will be filed with the police. Violation of this policy may result in immediate discharge from the program and warrant immediate police involvement.

Reporting Procedures:

Pursuant to RSA 193-D:4, I and II, a written report is required and will be made for all violations of this policy. This report is to be completed by the school staff and filed with the local law enforcement authority and the Commissioner’s office at the Department of Education within 48 hours of receipt of information in accordance with RSA 193-D:4, unless the waiver in RSA 193-D:5 applies.

Ed 317.06 Student with an educational disability:

Any suspension or expulsion of a pupil with an educational disability as defined in Ed 1102.31 shall be in accordance with Ed 1119.11.
If, under the provisions of Ed 1119.11 (c), the special education placement team determines that the behavior leading to the suspension or expulsion is not a direct result of the pupil’s education disability, sections Ed317.01 through Ed 317.05 shall apply.
In the case of a pupil with an educational disability who is determined to have brought a firearm or other dangerous weapon into a safe school zone, the federal requirement of section 615 (e) od Public Law 101-476 shall apply, and the student may be placed in an interim alternative setting for the time periods determined by the Public Law.

Definitions:

Collateral Agencies: LEA Representative

Critical Incident Report: The purpose of this form is to document major offences, which would result in immediate attention by the team and/or the local authorities. Such offences may include: aggression towards self or others, destruction of property, harassment, violation of smoking policy, violation of the drug or alcohol policy, safety issue’s, bullying, runaway, etc.

Expulsion means the permanent denial of the pupil’s attendance at school for any of the reasons listed in RSA 193:13, II and III.

Firearm means any firearm or weapons as defined in section 921 of Title 18 of the US code.

Weapons may include, but are not limited to firearms, explosives, incendiaries, BB guns or BB rifles, martial arts weapons (as defined by RSA 159:24), electronic defense weapons (as defined by RSA 159:20), stiletto, switch knife, blackjack, dagger, dirk-knife, slug shot, metallic knuckles, billies, or other dangerous weapons (as defined by RSA 159: 15 and 16), pistol cane or sword cane (as defined by RSA 159:15a), or5 containers containing chemicals such as pepper gas or mace.

Gross Misconduct means an act which:

Results in violence to another’s person or property;
Poses a direct threat to the safety of others in a safe school zone, or
Is identified in RSA 193-D:1,I.

Neglect in the context of RSA 193:13, I and II, means the failure of a pupil to pay attention to an announced , posted or printed school rule.

Pupil means a child through the age of 21 in attendance at a school during the school day.

Refusal in the context of RSA 193-13, I and II means the willful defiance of a pupil to comply with an announced, posted or printed school rule.

Safe School Zone means “Safe school zone” as defined in RSA 193-D I and II.

School Day means:

For a pupil who takes the school bus, the period beginning when the pupil boards the bus in the morning to the time when a pupil disembarks from the bus in the afternoon, and
For a pupil who walks to school or arrives by private car, the time period beginning when the pupil arrives on the school grounds to the time when the pupil leaves the school grounds.

Suspension means the temporary denial of a student’s attendance at school for a specific period of time for gross misconduct or for neglect to conform to announced, posted or printed school rules.

Superintendent’s Authority

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in accordance with RSA 193:13, IV the superintendent shall have the authority to modify the expulsion requirements of RSA 193:13 on a case by case basis.

PUPIL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION – BULLYING

General Statement of Policy:

Seacoast Learning Collaborative is committed to providing all students a safe school environment in which all members are treated with respect. This policy is intended to comply with RSA-193F, which specifically identifies bullying as a form of pupil harassment. Conduct constituting bullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by this policy in accordance with RSA-193F.

Definitions (RSA 193-F:3)

Bullying– Bullying is hereby defined as a single significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another pupil which:

(1) Physically harms a pupil or damages the pupil’s property;

(2) Could be reasonably calculated to cause emotional distress to a pupil;

(3) Interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities;

(4) Creates a hostile educational environment; or

(5) Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying shall also include actions involving the intentional taking advantage of a pupil by an imbalance of power based on a pupil’s actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the pupil’s association with another person and based on the other person’s characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs.

Cyberbullying – Cyberbullying is defined as any conduct defined as “bullying” in this policy that is undertaken through the use of electronic devices. For purposes of this policy, any references to the term bullying shall include cyberbullying.

Electronic devices – Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites.

School property – School property means all real property and all physical plant and equipment used for school purposes, including public or private school buses or vans.

Perpetrator – Perpetrator means a pupil who engages in bullying or cyberbullying.

Victim – Victim means a pupil against whom bullying or cyberbullying has been perpetrated.

*Any reference in this policy to “parent” shall include parents or legal guardians.

Statement Prohibiting Bullying or Cyberbullying of a Pupil (RSA 193-F:4, II(a))

Seacoast Learning Collaborative is committed to providing all pupils a safe and secure school environment. This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193-F. Conduct constituting bullying and/or cyberbullying will not be tolerated and is hereby prohibited.

Further, in accordance with RSA 193-F:4, the school reserves the right to address bullying and, if necessary, impose discipline for bullying that:

(1) Occurs on, or is delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or

(2) Occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event.

The Co-Directors are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented.

III. Statement prohibiting retaliation or false accusations (RSA 193-F:4, II(b))

False Reporting

A student found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of bullying may face discipline or other consequences, ranging from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or discharge.

A school employee found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused a student of bullying shall face discipline or other consequences, ranging from verbal warning up to and including dismissal. Any consequences will be in accordance with applicable law, SLC policies, procedures and employee contracts.

Reprisal or Retaliation

Seacoast Learning Collaborative will discipline and take appropriate action against any student, teacher, school administrator, school volunteer, or other school employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such bullying.

(1.) The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a student, teacher, school administrator, school volunteer, or other school employee who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the Executive Director or designee after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act, in accordance with law, SLC policies and any applicable employee contracts.

(2.) Any student found to have engaged in reprisal or retaliation in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and discharge.

(3.) Any teacher, school administrator, or other school employee found to have engaged in reprisal or retaliation in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline up to, and including, termination of employment.

(4.) Any school volunteer found to have engaged in reprisal or retaliation in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.

Process to Protect Pupils from Retaliation

If the alleged victim or any witness expresses to the Co- Directors or other staff member that he/she believes he/she may be retaliated against, the Executive Director or designee shall develop a process or plan to protect that student from possible retaliation.

Each process or plan may be developed on a case-by-case basis. Suggestions include, but are not limited to, re-arranging student class schedules to minimize their contact, stern warnings to alleged perpetrators, temporary removal of privileges, or other means necessary to protect against possible retaliation.

Protection of all Pupils (RSA 193-F:4, II(c))

This policy shall apply to all pupils and school-aged persons on Seacoast Learning Collaborative grounds and who are participating in Seacoast Learning Collaborative functions, regardless of whether or not such pupil or school aged person is a student within the school.

Disciplinary Consequences for Violations of This Policy (RSA 193-F: 4, II (d))

The district reserves the right to impose disciplinary measures against any student who commits an act of bullying, falsely accuses another student of bullying, or who retaliates against any student or witness who provides information about an act of bullying.

In addition to imposing discipline under such circumstances, the School encourages the administration and SLC staff to seek alternatives to traditional discipline, including but not limited to early intervention measures, alternative dispute resolution, conflict resolution and other similar measures.

Distribution and Notice of This Policy (RSA 193-F:4, II(e))

Staff and Volunteers

All staff will be provided with a copy of this policy annually. The co- Directors may determine the method of providing the policy (employee handbook, hard copy, etc.)

Students

All students will be provided with a copy of this policy annually. The Executive Director may determine the method of providing the policy (student handbook, mailing, hard copy, etc.)

Students may participate in an annual education program which sets out expectations for student behavior and emphasizes an understanding of harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students, the SLC’s prohibition of such conduct and the reasons why the conduct is destructive, unacceptable, and will lead to discipline. Students may also be informed of the consequences of bullying conduct toward their peers.

The Co-Directors, in consultation with staff, may incorporate student anti-bullying training and education into the SLC’s curriculum, but shall not be required to do so.

Parents

All parents will be provided with a copy of this policy annually. The Co- Directors may determine the method of providing the policy (parent handbook, mailing, etc.).

VII. Procedure for Reporting Bullying (RSA 193-F:4, II(f))

At each school, the Co- Directors, Program Director or designee shall be responsible for receiving complaints of alleged violations of this policy.

Student Reporting:

Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of bullying should report the alleged acts immediately to their Counselor. If the student is more comfortable reporting the alleged act to a person other than their counselor, the student may tell any school district employee or volunteer about the alleged bullying.
Any SLC employee or volunteers who witnesses, receives a report of, or has knowledge or belief that bullying may have occurred shall inform the Program Director as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day.
Upon receipt of a report of bullying, the Program Director or designee shall commence an investigation consistent with the provisions of Section XI of this policy.

Staff Reporting:

An important duty of the staff is to report acts or behavior that they witness that appears to constitute bullying.
Any school employee or volunteers who witnesses, receives a report of, or has knowledge or belief that bullying may have occurred shall inform the Program Director or designee as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day.
Upon receipt of a report of bullying, the Executive Director or designee shall commence an investigation consistent with the provisions of Section XI of this policy.

VIII. Procedure for Internal Reporting Requirements (RSA 193-F:4, II(g))

In order to satisfy the reporting requirements of RSA 193-F:6, the Executive Director or designee shall be responsible for completing all New Hampshire Department of Education forms and reporting documents of substantiated incidents of bullying.

Notifying Parents of Alleged Bullying (RSA 193-F:4, II(h))

The Program Director or designee shall report to the parents of a student who has been reported as a victim of bullying and to the parents of a student who has been reported as a perpetrator of bullying within 48 hours of receiving the report. Such notification may be made by telephone, or personal conference. If neither is possible, providing a written report will be acceptable. All notifications shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

Waiver of Notification Requirement (RSA 193-F:4, II(i))

The Co- Directors or designee may, within a 48 hour time period, grant the Program Director or designee a waiver from the requirement that the parents of the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator be notified of the filing of a report. A waiver may only be granted if the Executive Director or designee deems such a waiver to be in the best interest of the victim or perpetrator. Any waiver granted shall be in writing.

Investigative Procedures (RSA 193-F:4, II(j))
Upon receipt of a report of bullying, the Program Director or designee shall, within 5 school days, initiate an investigation into the alleged act.
The Program Director or designee shall complete the investigation within 10 school days of receiving the initial report. If the Program Director or designee needs more than 10 school days to complete the investigation, the Executive Director or designee may grant an extension of up to 7 school days. In the event such extension is granted, the program Director or designee shall notify in writing all parties involved of the granting of the extension.
Students who are found to have violated this policy may face discipline in accordance with other applicable school policies, up to and including suspension. Students facing discipline will be afforded all due process required by law.

XII. Response to Remediate Substantiated Instances of Bullying (RSA 193-F:4, II(k))

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a student who commits one or more acts of bullying or retaliation may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Consequences for a student who commits an act of bullying or retaliation shall be varied and graded according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the student, and the student’s history of problem behaviors and performance. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another occurrence of the problem, protect and provide support for the victim, and take corrective action for documented systematic problems related to bullying.

XIII. Reporting of Substantiated Incidents to the Co- Directors(RSA 193-F:4, II(l)

The Program Director or designee shall forward all substantiated reports of bullying to the Executive Director or designee upon completion of the Program Director’s or designee’s investigation.

XIV. Communication with Parents Upon Completion of Investigation (RSA 193-F: 4, II (m)

Within ten school days of completing an investigation, the Program Director or designee will notify the parents of the students involved of his/her findings and the result of the investigation.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other law concerning student privacy, the School will not disclose educational records of students including the discipline and remedial action assigned to those students and the parents of other students involved in a bullying incident.

School Officials (RSA 193-F:4, II(n)

The Co- Directors of schools is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented. In order to facilitate the implementation of this policy, the Executive Director may establish further administrative rules or regulations.

Legal References:

RSA 193-F:3, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act

RSA 570-A:2, Capture of Audio Recordings on School Buses Allowed

NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(8), Student Harassment

Proposed: 10/06/10

Adopted: 11/03/10

First Offense:

Both the student and the perpetrator will be separated and interviewed. The perpetrator will need to process with their counselor and if appropriate with the victim.
A critical incident report will be completed on the perpetrator and forwarded to all relevant collateral agencies involved with the student.
A copy of the critical incident report will be forwarded to the local police department for their review to determine whether the incident will be placed on file and pursued criminally.
The student will be removed from the community until they are able to process with staff.
Further interventions/consequences may be implemented.

Second Offense:

Both the student and the perpetrator will be separated and interviewed. The perpetrator will need to process with their counselor and if appropriate with the victim.
A critical incident report will be completed on the perpetrator and forwarded to all relevant collateral agencies involved with the student.
A copy of the critical incident report will be forwarded to the local police department for their review to determine whether the incident will be placed on file and pursued criminally.
The student will be removed from the community and placed in ISS for 1 hour.
Further interventions/consequences may be implemented.

Third Offense:

Both the student and the perpetrator will be separated and interviewed. The perpetrator will need to process with their counselor and if appropriate with the victim.
A critical incident report will be completed on the perpetrator and forwarded to all relevant collateral agencies involved with the student.
A copy of the critical incident report will be forwarded to the local police department for their review to determine whether the incident will be placed on file and pursued criminally.
The student will be removed from the community and placed in ISS for a half day.
Further interventions/consequences may be implemented.

Fourth Offense:

Both the student and the perpetrator will be separated and interviewed. The perpetrator will need to process with their counselor and if appropriate with the victim.
A critical incident report will be completed on the perpetrator and forwarded to all relevant collateral agencies involved with the student.
A copy of the critical incident report will be forwarded to the local police department for their review to determine whether the incident will be placed on file and pursued criminally.
The student will be placed on out of school suspension for one day.
Further interventions/consequences may be implemented.
A re-entry team meeting will be scheduled to review the incident, the student’s IEP and placement.

Destruction of Property

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to prohibit damage by the students to the building, or the property owned by Seacoast Learning Collaborative, or to property visited by the students while in program.

Statement of Policy:

Effective immediately, students found guilty of damaging school buildings and/or property will be financially responsible for the damages incurred. A minimum of $10.00 will be charged to the student. It is expected that the student will pay for the damages within thirty days of the offense, unless otherwise dictated by the court. Failure to do so will result in an immediate team meeting with the special education director to determine the next course of action. The school reserves the right to mandate community service which may occur after hours or on Saturdays. The family will be responsible for transportation.

Definition of Destruction of Property:

Destruction of property will include but is not limited to: computer abuse including slamming or using force on the monitor or any of its parts; writing on walls, furniture, books or any other school owned items not intended to be written upon; kicking or punching holes in the walls or kicking of the doors or walls, which could result in structural damage over time.

Consequences:

The student will be financially responsible for the cost of materials and labor.
The student’s privileges will be frozen until payment arrangements have been made. IN some instances the team reserves the right to order restitution after hours.
An incident report will be filed and sent to parents/guardians, LEA and police.
Students may be removed from the community depending upon the program and severity of the damage.

Horseplay

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to prohibit horseplay within the school environment so as to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.

Definition:

Horseplay is defined as any physical contact met in a joking/kidding manner which is non-threatening and non-sexual in nature.

Statement of Policy:

Effective immediately, students found guilty of participating in horseplay will be subject to the following penalties:

First Offense:

An incident report will be completed and will be filed, sent home and sent to collateral agencies including the LEA representative.
The student will serve 1 period of ISS ( high school).

Second Offense:

An incident report will be completed and filed, sent home and sent to collateral agencies including the LEA representative.
The student will serve 2 periods of ISS (high school).
The goal of horseplay will be added to the students’ individual plan.

Third Offense:

An incident report will be completed and filed, sent home and sent to collateral agencies including the LEA representative.
The student will serve 4 periods of ISS (high school).
The goal of horseplay will be added to the students’ individual plan.
A team meeting will be held to discuss behaviors and consequences.

Sexual Harassment

All students have the right to attend school in an environment free of sexual harassment. The school administration disapproves of and will not tolerate sexual harassment under any circumstances.

A definition of sexual harassment may include but is not limited to the following:

Unwelcome conduct, physical or verbal, that is derogatory to another person and is designed to demean or intimidate.
Conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment, thus interfering with a student’s performance.

Students who have complaints of sexual harassment by anyone in the school are urged to report such conduct to their counselor and program director. Every effort will be made to investigate all complaints as expeditiously as possible. Furthermore, the information provided in the complaint and the investigation process will be handled as confidentially as possible. There will be no retaliation to students for reporting or for assisting in the investigation of good faith sexual harassment complaints. Depending upon the situation, the local authorities will be involved. At the minimum a copy of the critical incident report will be placed on file.

Violations of this policy will result in the following consequences at a minimum:

The student/perpetrator will write a formal apology to the victim.
An incident report will be filed and mailed to all team members including local authorities.
The victim will be advised of their rights to contact the local police department.
Depending upon the relationship to the victim and the context in which the incident took place will determine the consequences. At a minimum the student will be placed in ISS and may result in an OSS including dismissal from the program.

Aggressive/Assaultive Behaviors

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose is to define acts of violence and to promote a safe and disciplined environment, which is conducive to learning.

Statement of Policy:

SLC’s goal of providing a safe learning environment requires the prohibition of assaultive or aggressive acts towards other individuals including: punching, hitting, scratching, spitting, and shoving, kicking, biting, pinching, head-butting, elbowing or other means of coming in contact with someone else with the purpose of causing bodily harm.

Effective immediately students found guilty of participating in such acts will be subject to the following penalties:

First Offense:

The local police department will be notified via a critical incident report.
At the team’s discretion and depending upon program, the student may be sent home for the day and will be suspended the following day.

Second Offense:

The local police department will be notified via a critical incident report.
At the team’s discretion and depending upon program, the student may be sent home for the day and will be suspended for three days out of school.
A re-entry meeting involving the student, parents, LEA and outside collateral agencies will be required to review the incident and determine whether any IEP changes need to be made.

Third Offense:

The local police department will be notified via a critical incident report.
At the team’s discretion and depending upon program, the student will be sent home for the day and will be suspended for five days pending a meeting to determine the appropriateness of the placement.
A re-entry meeting involving the student, parents, LEA and outside collateral agencies will be required to review the incident and determine whether IEP changes need to be made.

Staff Assaults

In order to maintain the safety of all students, it is imperative that staff be safe. Consequently, any student who jeopardizes the safety of staff will be automatically suspended for up to five days.

**Note: A re-entry meeting will be required with the student, family, LEA and outside collateral agencies to review the incident and current IEP needs.

Personal Safety Policy

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to define acts of self-injurious behaviors and to promote a safe emotional well being. Such behaviors may include statements of actual acts such as: cutting, burning, biting, huffing, hanging, strangulation, head banging, scratching, ingesting non-food items, hair pulling, promiscuity and any other behavior deemed unsafe by staff.

Statement of Policy:

The following protocol has been implemented to address the above behaviors:

The student will be removed from the community and will be placed in 1:1 supervision.
An incident report will be completed, filed, sent home, to special education director and to collateral agencies.
The family will be notified immediately and a plan and contract for safety will be developed. In collaboration with the counselor, this may result in an automatic transfer to the hospital for evaluation. This may also involve the local police.

Stealing

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to prohibit stealing of school or staff property within the school environment so as to maintain a safe environment conducive to learning.

Definition:

Stealing (also known as theft) is the wrongful taking of someone else’s property without the person’s willful consent.

Statement of Policy:

Effective immediately, students found guilty of stealing will be held financially responsible for the item(s) involved. The police may be notified and charges may be pressed. Payment by the student is expected within thirty days of the offense, unless otherwise agreed to by the team. The school reserves the right to mandate community service as restitution, which may occur after hours. The family will be responsible for transportation.

Incident Reports

In compliance with RSA 193-D, all incident reports documenting a violation of the safe schools act will be forwarded to the Brentwood Police Department. Additionally, copies of these reports will be mailed to the sending school district and home.