Policy file: TBD

DISCIPLINE CODE

Chapter 71, Section 37H of the Massachusetts General Laws requires that the School Committee of every town or district shall publish its adopted rules or regulations pertaining to the conduct of students and teachers. The law also provides that copies of the rules and regulations be filed with the Department of Education, for informational purposes only. The following discipline code has been adopted by the Lincoln Public Schools.

INTRODUCTION

Self-discipline, the ability of a learner to control his/her behavior, is the desired outcome of Lincoln's discipline code. Cooperation between the parents and the school is an important step to achieving this outcome. The proper school and classroom atmosphere, in which considerate and caring behavior towards others is expected and modeled, supports in a positive way this discipline code. School personnel are committed to encourage compliance with this code in a fair, consistent and judicious manner.

Disciplinary action will be taken by the school when behavior becomes disruptive to the learning process, destructive to property, abusive of other persons, and/or injurious to oneself. When persuasive and supportive measures are unsuccessful, it may become necessary to use punishment as a disciplinary measure. In extreme cases, reasonable, force or restraint may be used by the teacher and/or administrator for the purpose of maintaining order and safety (See also Physical Restraint Policy - File Code: JG),

Whenever disciplinary action is warranted, all students will be dealt with equitably, including special treatment that has been specified in an Individual Education Plan under Chapter 766 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Implementation of the code will respect all students' statutory rights.

Any searches of individuals shall be conducted in a manner that is consistent with both federal and state law. All students and staff should be aware that all lockers, desks, computers and/or any other school equipment are the property of the Lincoln Public Schools and, as such, students should not have a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to any items or information placed in these areas.

RULES

The following rules are based on common sense and allow us to do four things:

1. be physically safe
2. work together in a common space
3. assure good health
4. obey local and state laws

These listed rules are not intended to be all inclusive and disciplinary consequences may result from other conduct which is inconsistent with the four goals stated above.

These rules apply to all the Lincoln Public Schools and the general enforcement of the rules is the responsibility of all school personnel.

Rule 1	Students are expected to behave in-an orderly fashion. Such activities as pushing, shoving, fighting, wrestling, running, loud noise or- any other disruptions which interfere with the educational process in the school are prohibited.
Rule 2	Students are expected to show respect for other people. There will be no physical or sexual abuse and no verbal harassment.
Rule 3	Students will not take anything, without permission, that belongs to someone else or to the school.
Rule 4	Students will not damage school and/or student property.
Rule 5	Students will not bring objects to school which are dangerous to other people and/or disruptive to the educational process.
Rule 6	Students will not leave the school grounds without permission.
Rule 7	Possession and/or use of illegal objects, i.e. weapons or fireworks, are against the law and not permitted in school or at any school sponsored event.
Rule 8	Possession and/or use of illegal substances, i.e. drugs, are against the law and not permitted in school or at any school sponsored event.
Rule 9	Students will not bring nor use cigarettes or alcohol in school or at any school sponsored event.

CONSEQUENCES

When any of these rules are abused, certain consequences will follow. The school department will make every effort to issue discipline in a manner that is both equitable and commensurate with the nature of the infraction. In the case of serious or repeated violations of this policy, the school department reserves its right to issue more stringent discipline.

1. a student will be warned against future infractions.
2. a parent will be notified of the behavior.
3. a student will be assigned a detention.
4. if damages are involved, the student will be responsible to perform repair work and/or pay for damages.
5. in extreme or repeated cases or cases that fall within the purview of Mass. Gen. L. ch. 71, § 37H 1/2, the student will be suspended upon notification of parents.
6. where appropriate, police will be contacted.

The assignment of consequences is the joint responsibility of the faculty and administration. This includes warnings, parent notification and detention.

Notification of law enforcement officials and assignment of restitution for damages is the sole responsibility of the Principal.

SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS WITH IEPs and 504 PLANS

Approved at School Committee Meeting of December 16, 1985
Revised at School Committee Meeting of March 2, 2006