Student Code of Conduct

No set of rules can completely cover all situations that occur at any school. However, students have a right to an education in a safe environment. At High Point, students are expected to govern their behavior with consideration of the rights and feelings of others, with respect for oneself and with common sense applied to all areas. Positive behavior will be recognized and reinforced. Behavior considered inappropriate by the reasonable person’s standard will be addressed regardless of the intent of the offender. It is the victim’s perception as to whether an offense has been committed. Misconduct such as inappropriate language, cheating and/or plagiarism, inappropriate display of affection, fighting, smoking, harassing/intimidation/bullying of others, cutting class, leaving school grounds without permission, disruptive behavior or insubordination will not be tolerated. The Administration will use broad discretionary authority to maintain safety, order and discipline. As a school system, we believe that, while working with parents, we can set the example of behavior that we expect from our students.

Weapons
Any student in possession of a weapon or firearm will be disciplined in accordance with the Safe Schools Initiative and the Zero Tolerance for Guns Act.

Searches
High Point Regional High School reserves the right to conduct student searches based on “reasonable suspicion.” Searches of a student’s property or person will be conducted in the presence of at least one administrator and a second staff member. Students who refuse to cooperate will be considered in possession of property or substances that are being searched for and will be dealt with in a disciplinary fashion. Upon completion of the search, parent/guardian will be notified.

Assemblies
Assemblies are scheduled periodically for the benefit of the student body. At assembly programs, inappropriate noise or rudeness to those on stage is totally unacceptable. Students who are unable or unwilling to conform to acceptable standards of behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

Hallways
Public displays of affection should be appropriate and considerate of the peers and staff members within the high school community. Students are not permitted to loiter in the hallways and/or bathrooms.

Electronic Devices
Electronic devices when used in a responsible and educational manner can be used in the educational setting with specific approval from a staff member. High Point Regional High School is not responsible for any loss or stolen items. Headsets and earbuds are not permitted during school hours unless requested by a teacher in charge.

Cell Phones
HPRHS believes that technology plays an important role in enhancing the learning experience for our students. “Mobile Learning Devices” (i.e., cell phones) may be used by students during non-instructional time only; at lunch, senior corridor/ courtyard, and passing time. The only other time phones may be used is for learning purposes at the discretion of the teacher. Students leaving an assigned classroom to go to the bathroom will leave their cell phones in the classroom in a location designated by the teacher. HPRHS students and parents/guardians fully acknowledge that use of a personal device on the premises of High Point Regional High School is subject to all guidelines, rules and regulations governing responsible use as established by the High Point Regional Board of Education. It is further understood that use of a personal device during instructional time is restricted to those activities as required or related to the student's program of study and any use otherwise may be subject to disciplinary action including loss of device use privileges. At no time should students transmit, post, or otherwise publicly share photographs or videos that they have taken of any person on school grounds or in a school vehicle without administrator approval. Students WILL NOT access websites with inappropriate content using a 3G or 4G connection. Students and parents understand/agree that High Point Regional High School is NOT responsible for any damage or theft that may occur to the device while on school property. *The building principal, assistant principals or staff members may confiscate cell phones with batteries attached that are in violation of the responsible use policy and the student will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

Classroom Behavior
The classroom teacher is the final authority on conduct in his or her classroom. Conduct unacceptable to the teacher is not to be condoned. Our expectations are that our students will be respectful, understanding, tolerant and considerate of others. They are expected to demonstrate a level of personal responsibility and behavior that a reasonable person would be expected to demonstrate. Prompt arrival for class is also expected and emphasized. Any behavior, when it disrupts the opportunity of others to learn, requires the teacher to address the situation by notifying the Main Office, the parent, and the Guidance Office. Students are not permitted to loiter in the hallways between classes since it disrupts the flow of traffic. Students are expected to be on time for all classes. Students are required to keep the hallways clean and free of litter.

Dress
A student’s manner of dress is a reflection of individual taste, a matter to be determined in large measure by the student and his or her family. At High Point, students are expected to be neat and clean in appearance and to dress in good taste. Students in violation of our dress code will be politely asked to change or required to wear a school issued T-Shirt in place of their inappropriate clothing. At the end of the day, students may pick up their inappropriate clothing and return the school issued shirt.

Guidelines
• Footwear must be worn at all times.
• No clothing designed to be sleepwear is permitted.
• Garments designed to be worn as undergarments may not be worn as outerwear, nor should they be visible.
• Garments that expose the belly are not permitted. All tops must have straps.
• T shirts that contain obscene, insulting or derogatory slogans or that advertise or promote alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or sexual content are unacceptable. Shirts that are cut to expose the mid section are not allowed. Students wearing such shirts will be asked to change or required to change and wear a school T shirt.
• All pants should be worn appropriately so that undergarments are not visible. Pants that are extremely oversized in length and width are a safety hazard and should not be worn. Pants may not be worn below the hips.
• Shorts and skirts should be an appropriate length for school.
• No hoods or hats are to be worn in the school building during normal school hours.
• Spiked collars and spiked wristbands as well as chains or chain like jewelry are not to be worn in school.
• Sunglasses and designer/non-prescription contact lenses that obstruct view of the normal eye or are deemed a distraction are not permitted.
• No costumes are to be worn during the school day.
• Students who come to school wearing clothes that are determined to be offensive and/or in conflict with the guidelines set forth will be given an opportunity to change or to call home for replacement clothing.
• The Board of Education, in conjunction with the school administration, has the final authority on the dress code policies in the building.

Policy on Tardiness to Class/School
As a general rule, students are not to exceed 4 lates during the school year. After a student has been tardy to school or class a total of four times, he/she is assigned a warning. If the student continues to be late, he/she may be assigned a mandatory tutoring session, a community service hour, or a unit lunch detention. Should further disciplinary action be necessary, the student may be assigned to after school or Saturday Detention. Juniors and seniors with a pattern of lateness to class or school may lose their driving privileges. Lates and/or tardies are cumulative for the school year.

Social Media/Internet Issues
Internet activity inside or outside of school that affects student safety or school climate will be addressed as a disciplinary matter. Situations occurring outside of school that have an impact on a student’s behavior in school will be addressed and dealt with as needed. Students who violate the Responsible Use Policy, signed by both the student and parent, may have their computer privileges revoked. Information posted on personal websites, forms, blogs, etc. that affects the health or security of another student will be dealt with in a disciplinary manner.

Fighting
Schools are places of public assembly; consequently, no violent act will be tolerated. Any persons participating in such an act, whatever the reason, may be suspended from attendance at school. NJ State Police may also be notified. Students who are suspended from school for fighting may be referred to the Child Study Team or outside agencies for an evaluation. As High Point citizens, students have an obligation to report the possibility of a fight to an administrator as soon as they are aware of it. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Detention
Detention is a period of time accomplished during unit lunch, before or after school hours for violation of a school rule or failure to observe established standards of conduct. In virtually all cases, a minimum of 24 hours notice will be given prior to the date on which a detention is to be completed. Parents and students are responsible for providing transportation following a detention if the student chooses not to take the late busses that are provided. Students must leave the building immediately following their detention. Absence from school does not remove a detention assignment. When an absence occurs on a day a student is assigned to detention, that detention will be automatically moved and is to be completed on the first day the student has returned to school. If the student does not attend the assigned 7:00 a.m. and/or 3:35 detention, he/she will be assigned a 5:30 detention. If the student does not serve the 5:30 detention, he/she will either receive a Saturday Detention or be suspended immediately and may return at 2:30 on the next assigned detention day to serve the missed detention. Detentions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students given a 7:00 a.m. detention must provide their own transportation.
Requests to complete a detention assignment other than on the originally designated day must communicated by a parent to the Assistant Principal’s office. Detentions will be completed in a room designated by the administration. Offenders will serve until 3:35 p.m. or 5:25 p.m. depending on the offense. Further offenses will result in Saturday Detentions. No food, drinks, cell phones , or electronic devices are permitted in detention. The supervising teacher shall have complete authority to enforce all rules and is empowered to assign additional detentions.

Class Cuts
Students who cut class have chosen to withdraw themselves from the educational environment and will be subject to disciplinary action. The action may include Saturday Detention and after school detentions but is not limited to such. Administrative disciplinary discretion may be used.

SATURDAY DETENTION
Rules and Regulations
1. Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Place: Room 409 or 204 (or other approved location)
2. Rest Room breaks: 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM Food and beverages are not permitted.
3. Report to Saturday Detention between 7:45AM - 8:00AM. The front door will be locked at 8:00 AM sharp! No one will be admitted after that time.
4. Students will wait at the High School Main Entrance. A proctor will escort the student to the Saturday Detention room.
5. Requirements for Admission: Students must have enough school (classroom-subject assignments) work to remain on task for the entire three (3) hour period. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers on Saturday morning to obtain their materials. Students must arrive with:
a. Students will be assigned an assignment based on the behavior that occurred.
b. School related books and/or novels. Magazines and newspapers are unacceptable unless part of a school related project.
c. Work materials, such as pencils, pens, and paper. Students without school related work may be sent home. No credit will be given for attendance and an additional Saturday Detention will be assigned. Second offenses of any kind will result in out of school suspension. (see #7)
6. Personal electronic devices such as cell phones, iPads, headphones and other related items must be turned off and stored away before entering detention. At 10:30 AM, all students will be allowed to use their cell phones in order to obtain a ride home. This procedure will be conducted in an orderly and supervised manner. Students will be allowed to utilize the school phones if necessary. Failure to comply with this rule will result in removal from Saturday Detention. (see #7)
7. Failure to attend Saturday Detention for any unexcused reason, or failure to comply with the rules and regulations of Saturday Detention will result in the assigning of an additional Saturday Detention. If a student does not attend Saturday Detention for a second time, the student will be assigned three (3) days of Out of School Suspension and still be required to make up the previous six (6) hour obligation. Once this occurs, these students are ineligible to participate in or attend any extra-curricular school related activity or function until the obligation has been met. Obligations not fulfilled during the present school year will carry over to the next school year or school years.
8. Doctor’s visit and/or legal appointment: If a student has an appointment, the student must submit a note to the Main Office with the appropriate name, address, and phone number prior to the assigned Saturday Detention.
9. Please call 973-875-3101 ext. 1222 or ext 1212 should any unforeseen emergency or circumstance occur that results in a student not being able to attend Saturday Detention.
The above is in accordance with School and Board of Education policy.

Suspension
Suspension from school will result in a student not being allowed to participate in school activities for the duration of the suspension. A parental conference is required with the administration prior to reinstatement in school. Outside services (such as Law Enforcement, DYFS) could be contacted for parents/guardians who refuse to pick their student up from school after being suspended or who refuse to attend a re-entry meeting. Students may not attend any after school activity including dances, athletics, club meetings or events, play practice, etc. on the day of their assigned detention, Saturday detention or suspension from school as either a participant or spectator. Students suspended from school at any time during the year are not permitted to attend/participate in the Prom, Senior Formal or school trips pending an appeal with the Building Principal. Class work provided to the student by a teacher during a Saturday detention or out of school suspension that is not completed will receive a failing grade and will not be permitted to be made up when he or she return to school unless a parent notifies the teacher that assistance was needed to complete it. Juniors or seniors who are suspended from school will have their driving privileges revoked for a minimum of 2 weeks.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Pupils are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. This means that they will not engage in any of the following acts:
• Cheating on examinations or other school assignments, including but not limited to, the non-authorized use of books or notes, the use of crib sheets, copying from other students’ papers, exchanging information with other students orally, in writing, or by signals, obtaining copies of the examination illegally and other similar activities. Cheating through the use of technology to exchange information on any school assignment, examination, etc. is prohibited. Technology is defined as, but not limited to, computers, telephones, text messaging, palm pilots, calculators, cameras or any other hand held device.
• Plagiarism is not permitted in term papers, themes, essays, reports, images, take-home examinations, and other academic work. Plagiarism is defined as stealing or use without acknowledgment of the ideas, words, formulas, textual materials, on-line services, computer programs, etc. of another person, or in any way presenting the work of another person as one’s own.
• Falsifications, including forging signatures, altering answers after they have been graded, inserting answers after the fact, erasing of grader’s markings, and other acts that allow for falsely taking credit.
A pupil found guilty of academic dishonesty may be subjected to a full range of penalties including, but not limited to reprimand and loss of credit for all of the work that is plagiarized. Disciplinary action may also be a consequence of such behavior. Additional consequences may apply as defined in specific department policies and guidelines.
• A teacher who believes that a pupil has been academically dishonest in his/her class should resolve the matter in the following manner:
  - Reprimand the student orally and/or in writing. The teacher is also authorized to withhold credit in the work due to academic dishonesty.
  - If warranted, the teacher shall file a written complaint against the student with the Administration, requesting a more stringent form of discipline. The complaint must describe in detail the academic dishonesty that is alleged to have taken place, and must request that the matter be reviewed by the Administration.
  - The Administration will determine if further discipline of the pupil is appropriate, and will determine the nature of the discipline on a case-by-case basis.
• If the pupil is not in agreement with the disciplinary action of the Administration, he/she may appeal the action first to the Principal and secondly to the Superintendent. If the pupil is dissatisfied with the Superintendent’s disposition of the case, he/she may grieve the action in accordance with Policy No. 5710, Pupil Grievance.

STUDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES
High Point Regional High School provides transportation to all students, in excess of State minimums. It is therefore a distinct privilege for any student, whatever the reason, to be allowed to drive to school. Individual requests for parking permits and driving privileges will be honored through the following procedures:
1. Student and parent must co-sign the student parking application form (application will include: copy of D.L., Copy of NJ Registration, valid insurance card).
2. Student must attend and successfully complete the “Drive Right” program offered by the High Point Regional High School Staff and/or School Resource Trooper. Course dates will be announced throughout the school year.
3. Permits obtained fraudulently will be revoked, and privileges suspended indefinitely.
4. Failure to abide by the following regulations will result in permit being revoked and privileges suspended.
DRIVING REGULATIONS
1. Speed limit on school grounds is 15 miles per hour. Driving deemed reckless or hazardous will not be tolerated.
2. Student cars will be parked in the student parking areas only. Cars parked elsewhere will be removed at owner’s expense.
3. Student drivers will lock vehicles upon arrival. Vehicles will remain locked until departure.
4. No student will be allowed in student vehicles while school is in session unless permission is obtained from an Administrator.
5. Proof of ownership, NJ registration, NJ driver’s license, and insurance will be recorded before permit is issued.
6. Registration and insurance must be in the student or student’s family’s name.
7. Permission is given only to student named on the application to transport himself/herself to school. Students may not drive other student’s vehicles at any time.
8. High Point Regional High School assumes no responsibilities in allowing these privileges, and reserves the right to revoke them at any time for any reason. The Administration has the final decision in the loss of privileges.
9. Students who develop a pattern of arriving to school or class late (4 or more times) will lose the privilege of driving to school for a period of time (usually starts with two weeks). Please be aware that after the 5th unexcused late/tardy, driving privileges will be revoked for 2 weeks. Every late after that will result in loss of privileges for one month.
10. High Point reserves the right to search vehicles on campus when deemed necessary. Information, illegal items or CDS will be turned over to the NJSP
11. Students with a GDL (Probationary License) must follow all provisional guidelines. The first violation will result in loss of privilege for 2 weeks, the second will result in loss of privileges permanently.
12. Unsafe driving incidents reported to the administration by faculty, staff, community members, etc. will result in suspension of driving privileges, usually for a period of two weeks, but the final decision is decided by the administration or designee.
13. Students who become involved in an inappropriate situation after school as a result of having been granted driving privileges may face disciplinary action and/or loss of driving privileges.
14. Inappropriate behavior by passengers of student drivers will become the responsibility of the student operator, who may face disciplinary actions and/or loss of driving privileges.
15. Students' grades are reviewed by the Administration at the end of each marking period. Students failing one or more courses will lose their driving privileges until progress reports for the next marking period indicate that the student is passing all classes.
16. Students who attain a No Credit status due to excessive absences, will have their driving privileges revoked. Should they produce documentation that removes them from the No Credit list, driving privileges will be reinstated. If there is no valid documentation, driving privileges will remain suspended.
17. Any student who is suspended from school for any infraction will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of two (2) weeks. Subsequent suspensions will also result in a loss of driving privileges for an extended period of time.
18. By signing the driving contract, you are giving permission for any and all Law Enforcement Agencies to share any and all information about incidents that pertain to your driving (I.E. tickets, arrests, charges, investigations.)
19. Any car that is illegally parked on school grounds or does not display the High Point parking permit may be towed at owner’s expense. This includes students who have had their privileges revoked and their vehicle is on campus. High Point is not responsible for illegally displayed tags while driving.
20. If driving privileges are revoked, the permit or “hang tag” must be turned over to the Security Office and will be returned when privileges are reinstated. If you do not have a tag, you do not have driving privileges.
21. Students will automatically lose their privileges indefinitely if charged with the following or involved in the following situations:
a. Driving While Intoxicated
b. Reckless Driving
c. Open Container in a Motor Vehicle
d. Possession of CDS at any time
e. Positive drug test results
f. Passing a school bus violation
g. Speeding in excess of 30 MPH
h. Being placed on house arrest
i. Receive a summons totaling 6 points or more
22. Any student that assists another in truancy from school will lose their driving for 2 weeks on the first offense and indefinitely for the second offense.
23. Student may only park in designated student spots (Lower East Parking Lot).
24. Students must hold a Junior/Senior status based on credits at the start of the year of which they are eligible for. Those not qualifying will not be granted driving privileges prior to the end of the first semester. At that time, the student must be passing all classes, have completed the “Drive Right” program, and be in accordance with the attendance policy before driving privileges will be granted.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING
The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a pupil. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe and disciplined environment. Since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
For the purposes of this Policy, the term “parent,” pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3, means the natural parent(s) or adoptive parent(s), legal guardian(s), foster parent(s), or parent surrogate(s) of a pupil. Where parents are separated or divorced, “parent” means the person or agency which has legal custody of the pupil, as well as the natural or adoptive parent(s) of the pupil, provided such parental rights have not been terminated by a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that:
1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either 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
2. By any other distinguishing characteristic; and that
3. Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and that
4. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or
5. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils; or
6. Creates a hostile educational environment for the pupil by interfering with a pupil’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the pupil.
“Electronic communication” means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular phone, computer, or pager.

Pupil Expectations
The Board expects pupils to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other pupils and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities and the care of school facilities and equipment consistent with the Code of Pupil Conduct.
The Board believes that standards for pupil behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the pupils, parents, school employees, school administrators, school volunteers, and community representatives, producing an atmosphere that encourages pupils to grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for school district and community property on the part of pupils, staff, and community members.
Pupils are expected to behave in a way that creates a supportive learning environment. The Board believes the best discipline is self-imposed, and it is the responsibility of staff to use instances of violations of the Code of Pupil Conduct as opportunities to help pupils learn to assume and accept responsibility for their behavior and the consequences of their behavior. Staff members who interact with pupils shall apply best practices designed to prevent pupil conduct problems and foster pupils’ abilities to grow in self-discipline.
The Board expects that pupils will act in accordance with the pupil behavioral expectations and standards regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including:
1. Pupil responsibilities (e.g., requirements for pupils to conform to reasonable standards of socially accepted behavior; respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to those who hold that authority);
2. Appropriate recognition for positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, and good citizenship;
3. Pupil rights; and
4. Sanctions and due process for violations of the Code of Pupil Conduct.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(a) and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)1, the district has involved a broad-base of school and community members, including parents, pupils, instructional staff, pupil support services staff, school administrators, and school volunteers, as well as community organizations, such as faith-based, health and human service, business and law enforcement, in the development of this Policy. Based on locally determined and accepted core ethical values adopted by the Board, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)2, the Board must develop guidelines for pupil conduct pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. These guidelines for pupil conduct will take into consideration the developmental ages of pupils, the severity of the offenses and pupils’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, and the mission and physical facilities of the individual school(s) in the district. This Policy requires all pupils in the district to adhere to the rules established by the school district and to submit to the remedial and consequential measures that are appropriately assigned for infractions of these rules.
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1, the Superintendent must annually provide to pupils and their parents or guardians the rules of the district regarding pupil conduct. Provisions shall be made for informing parents or guardians whose primary language is other than English.
The district prohibits active or passive support for acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Pupils are encouraged to support other pupils who:
1. Walk away from acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying when they see them;
2. Constructively attempt to stop acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
3. Provide support to pupils who have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and
4. Report acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying to the designated school staff member.

Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions
The Board of Education requires its school administrators to implement procedures that ensure both the appropriate consequences and remedial responses for pupils who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, consistent with the Code of Pupil Conduct, and the consequences and remedial responses for staff members who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The following factors, at a minimum, shall be given full consideration by school administrators in the implementation of appropriate consequences and remedial measures for each act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying by pupils. Appropriate consequences and remedial actions are those that are graded according to the severity of the offense(s), consider the developmental ages of the pupil offenders and pupils’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, per the Code of Pupil Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.
Factors for Determining Consequences
1. Age, developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved and their relationship to the school district;
2. Degrees of harm;
3. Surrounding circumstances;
4. Nature and severity of the behavior(s);
5. Incidences of past or continuing patterns of behavior;
6. Relationships between the parties involved; and
7. Context in which the alleged incidents occurred.
Factors for Determining Remedial Measures
Personal
1. Life skill deficiencies;
2. Social relationships;
3. Strengths;
4. Talents;
5. Traits;
6. Interests;
7. Hobbies;
8. Extra-curricular activities;
9. Classroom participation;
10. Academic performance; and
11. Relationship to pupils and the school district.
Environmental
1. School culture;
2. School climate;
3. Pupil-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the pupil;
4. General staff management of classrooms or other educational environments;
5. Staff ability to prevent and manage difficult or inflammatory situations;
6. Social-emotional and behavioral supports;
7. Social relationships;
8. Community activities;
9. Neighborhood situation; and
10. Family situation.
Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil or staff member who commits one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion of pupils, as set forth in the Board’s approved Code of Pupil Conduct pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. Consequences for a pupil who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be varied and graded according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the pupil and the pupil’s history of problem behaviors and performance, and must be consistent with the Board’s approved Code of Pupil Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Student Conduct. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another occurrence of the problem, protect and provide support for the victim of the act, and take corrective action for documented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The consequences and remedial measures may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below:
Examples of Consequences
1. Admonishment;
2. Temporary removal from the classroom;
3. Deprivation of privileges;
4. Classroom or administrative detention;
5. Referral to disciplinarian;
6. In-school suspension during the school week or the weekend;
7. After-school programs;
8. Out-of-school suspension (short-term or long-term);
9. Reports to law enforcement or other legal action;
10. Expulsion; and
11. Bans from providing services, participating in school-district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds.
Examples of Remedial Measures - Personal
1. Restitution and restoration;
2. Peer support group;
3. Recommendations of a pupil behavior or ethics council;
4. Corrective instruction or other relevant learning or service experience;
5. Supportive pupil interventions, including participation of the Intervention and Referral Services Team, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8;
6. Behavioral assessment or evaluation, including, but not limited to, a referral to the Child Study Team, as appropriate;
7. Behavioral management plan, with benchmarks that are closely monitored;
8. Assignment of leadership responsibilities (e.g., hallway or bus monitor);
9. Involvement of school disciplinarian;
10. Pupil counseling;
11. Parent conferences;
12. Alternative placements (e.g., alternative education programs);
13. Pupil treatment; or
14. Pupil therapy.
Examples of Remedial Measures – Environmental (Classroom, School Building or School District)
1. School and community surveys or other strategies for determining the conditions contributing to harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
2. School culture change;
3. School climate improvement;
4. Adoption of research-based, systemic bullying prevention programs;
5. School policy and procedures revisions;
6. Modifications of schedules;
7. Adjustments in hallway traffic;
8. Modifications in pupil routes or patterns traveling to and from school;
9. Supervision of pupil before and after school, including school transportation;
10. Targeted use of monitors (e.g., hallway, cafeteria, locker room, playground, school perimeter, bus);
11. Teacher aides;
12. Small or large group presentations for fully addressing the behaviors and the responses to the behaviors;
13. General professional development programs for certificated and non-certificated staff;
14. Professional development plans for involved staff;
15. Disciplinary action for school staff who contributed to the problem;
16. Supportive institutional interventions, including participation of the Intervention and Referral Services Team, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8;
17. Parent conferences;
18. Family counseling;
19. Involvement of parent-teacher organizations;
20. Involvement of community-based organizations;
21. Development of a general bullying response plan;
22. Recommendations of a pupil behavior or ethics council;
23. Peer support groups;
24. Alternative placements (e.g., alternative education programs);
25. School transfers; and
26. Law enforcement (e.g., safe schools resource officer, juvenile officer) involvement or other legal action. N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.9(a)2.vi requires appropriate consequences and remedial actions for any staff member who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a pupil. The consequences may include, but not be limited to, verbal or written reprimand, increment withholding, legal action, disciplinary action, and/or termination. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to, in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work environment modifications.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Off School Grounds
This Policy and the Code of Pupil Conduct shall apply to instances when a school employee is made aware of alleged harassment, intimidation, or bullying occurring off school grounds when:
1. The alleged harassment, intimidation, or bullying has substantially disrupted or interfered with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and either
2. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the alleged behavior will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or
3. The alleged behavior has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils; or
4. The alleged behavior creates a hostile educational environment for the pupil by interfering with a pupil’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the pupil.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure
The Board of Education requires the Principal at each school to be responsible for receiving complaints alleging violations of this Policy. All Board members, school employees, and volunteers and contracted service providers who have contact with pupils are required to verbally report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal or the Principal’s designee on the same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident. All Board members, school employees, and volunteers and contracted service providers who have contact with pupils, also shall submit a report in writing to the Principal within two school days of the verbal report. The Principal will inform the parents of all pupils involved in alleged incidents, and, as appropriate, may discuss the availability of counseling and other intervention services. The Principal, upon receiving a verbal or written report, may take interim measures to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all parties pending the findings of the investigation.
Pupils, parents, and visitors are encouraged to report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal on the same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident. Pupils, parents, and visitors may report an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying anonymously. Formal action for violations of the Code of Pupil Conduct may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
A Board member or school employee who promptly reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Policy, is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from any failure to remedy the reported incident.
In accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-18, the harassment, intimidation, and bullying law does not prevent a victim from seeking redress under any other available law, either civil or criminal, nor does it create or alter any tort liability.
The district may consider every mechanism available to simplify reporting, including standard reporting forms and/or web-based reporting mechanisms. For anonymous reporting, the district may consider locked boxes located in areas of a school where reports can be submitted without fear of being observed.
A school administrator who receives a report of harassment, intimidation, and bullying from a district employee, and fails to initiate or conduct an investigation, or who should have known of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and fails to take sufficient action to minimize or eliminate the harassment, intimidation, or bullying, may be subject to disciplinary action.

To make an anonymous report, please use this QR code or visit this site: http://goo.gl/d7lCpr
QR Code
Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist and School Safety Team(s)
1. The Superintendent shall appoint a district Anti-Bullying Coordinator. The Superintendent shall make every effort to appoint an employee of the school district to this position.
The district Anti-Bullying Coordinator shall:
a. Be responsible for coordinating and strengthening the school district’s policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;
b. Collaborate with school Anti-Bullying Specialists in the district, the Board of Education, and the Superintendent to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils in the district;
c. Provide data, in collaboration with the Superintendent, to the Department of Education regarding harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;
d. Execute such other duties related to school harassment, intimidation, or bullying as requested by the Superintendent; and
e. Meet at least twice a school year with the school Anti-Bullying Specialist(s) to discuss and strengthen procedures and policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the district.
2. The Principal in each school shall appoint a school Anti-Bullying Specialist. When a school guidance counselor, school psychologist, or another individual similarly trained is currently employed in the school, the Principal shall appoint that individual to be the school Anti-Bullying Specialist. If no individual meeting this criteria is currently employed in the school, the Principal shall appoint a school Anti-Bullying Specialist from currently employed school personnel.
The school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall:
a. Chair the School Safety Team as provided in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21;
b. Lead the investigation of incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school; and
c. Act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school.
3. A School Safety Team shall be formed in each school in the district to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going, systemic process and practices in the school, and to address school climate issues such as harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Each School Safety Team shall meet at least two times per school year. The School Safety Team shall consist of the Principal or the Principal’s designee who, if possible, shall be a senior administrator in the school and the following appointees of the Principal: a teacher in the school; a school Anti-Bullying Specialist; a parent of a pupil in the school; and other members to be determined by the Principal. The school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall serve as the chair of the School Safety Team.
The School Safety Team shall:
a. Receive any complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils that have been reported to the Principal;
b. Receive copies of any report prepared after an investigation of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
c. Identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils in the school;
d. Review and strengthen school climate and the policies of the school in order to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;
e. Educate the community, including pupils, teachers, administrative staff, and parents, to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;
f. Participate in the training required pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 et seq. and other training which the Principal or the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator may request;
g. Collaborate with the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator in the collection of district-wide data and in the development of district policies to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils; and
h. Execute such other duties related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying as requested by the Principal or district Anti-Bullying Coordinator.
The members of a School Safety Team shall be provided professional development opportunities that address effective practices of successful school climate programs or approaches. Notwithstanding any provision of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21 to the contrary, a parent who is a member of the School Safety Team shall not participate in the activities of the team set forth in 3. a., b., or c. above or any other activities of the team which may compromise the confidentiality of a pupil.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation
The Board requires a thorough and complete investigation to be conducted for each report of an alleged incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The investigation shall be initiated by the Principal or the Principal’s designee within one school day of the verbal report of the incident. The investigation shall be conducted by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist. The Principal may appoint additional personnel who are not school Anti-Bullying Specialists to assist the school Anti-Bullying Specialist in the investigation.
The investigation shall be completed and the written findings submitted to the Principal as soon as possible, but not later than ten school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Should information regarding the reported incident and the investigation be received after the end of the ten-day period, the school Anti-Bullying Specialist or the Principal shall amend the original report of the results of the investigation to ensure there is an accurate and current record of the facts and activities concerning the reported incident.
The Principal shall proceed in accordance with the Code of Pupil Conduct, as appropriate, based on the investigation findings. The Principal shall submit the report to the Superintendent within two school days of the completion of the investigation and in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.). As appropriate to the findings from the investigation, the Superintendent shall ensure the Code of Pupil Conduct has been implemented and provide intervention services, order counseling, establish training programs to reduce harassment, intimidation, or bullying and enhance school climate, or take or recommend other appropriate action, as necessary.
The Superintendent shall report the results of each investigation to the Board of Education no later than the date of the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following the completion of the investigation. The Superintendent’s report also shall include information on any consequences imposed under the Code of Pupil Conduct, intervention services provided, counseling ordered, training established or other action taken or recommended by the Superintendent.
Parents of the pupils who are parties to the investigation shall be provided with information about the investigation, in accordance with Federal and State law and regulation. The information to be provided to parents or guardians shall include the nature of the investigation, whether the district found evidence of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or whether consequences were imposed or services provided to address the incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. This information shall be provided in writing within five school days after the results of the investigation are reported to the Board of Education.
A parent or guardian may request a hearing before the Board of Education after receiving the information. When a request for a hearing is granted, the hearing shall be held within ten school days of the request. The Board of Education shall conduct the hearing in executive session, pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq.), to protect the confidentiality of the pupils. At the hearing, the Board may hear testimony from and consider information provided by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist and others, as appropriate, regarding the alleged incident, the findings from the investigation of the alleged incident, recommendations for consequences or services, and any programs instituted to reduce such incidents, prior to rendering a determination.
At the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following its receipt of the report or following a hearing in executive session, the Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the Superintendent’s decision. The Board’s decision may be appealed to the Commissioner of Education, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:3, Controversies and Disputes, no later than ninety days after issuance of the Board of Education’s decision.
A parent, pupil, legal guardian, or organization may file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights within one hundred eighty days of the occurrence of any incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on membership in a protected group as enumerated in the “Law Against Discrimination,” P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.).

Range of Responses to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying
The Board authorizes the Principal of each school, in conjunction with the Anti-Bullying Specialist, to define the range of ways in which school staff will respond once an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying is confirmed, and the Superintendent shall respond to confirmed harassment, intimidation, and bullying, according to the parameters described in this Policy. The Board recognizes that some acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school officials respond appropriately to the individual(s) committing the acts. Other acts may be so serious or parts of a larger pattern of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that they require a response either at the classroom, school building or school district level or by law enforcement officials.
Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a pupil who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils and as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2, Short-term Suspensions, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.3, Long-term Suspensions and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5, Expulsions.
In considering whether a response beyond the individual level is appropriate, school officials shall consider the nature and circumstances of the act, the degree of harm, the nature and severity of the behavior, past incidences or past or continuing patterns of behavior, and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred. Institutional (i.e., classroom, school building, school district) responses can range from school and community surveys, to mailings, to focus groups, to adoption of research-based harassment, intimidation or bullying prevention program models, to training for certificated and non-certificated staff, to participation of parents and other community members and organizations, to small or large group presentations for fully addressing the actions and the school’s response to the actions, in the context of the acceptable pupil and staff member behavior and the consequences of such actions, and to the involvement of law enforcement officers, including safe schools resource officers.
For every incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, the school officials must respond appropriately to the individual who committed the act. The Board is encouraged to set the parameters for the range of responses to be established by the Principal and for the Superintendent to follow. The range of responses to confirmed harassment, intimidation, or bullying acts should include individual, classroom, school, or district responses, as appropriate to the findings from each incident. Examples of responses that apply to each of these categories are provided below:
1. Individual responses can include positive behavioral interventions (e.g., peer mentoring, short-term counseling, life skills groups) and punitive actions (e.g., detention, in-school or out-of-school suspension, expulsion, law enforcement report, or other legal action).
2. Classroom responses can include class discussions about an incident of harassment, intimidation or bullying, role plays, research projects, observing and discussing audio-visual materials on these subjects, and skill-building lessons in courtesy, tolerance, assertiveness, and conflict management.
3. School responses can include theme days, learning station programs, parent programs, and information disseminated to pupils and parents or guardians, such as fact sheets or newsletters explaining acceptable uses of electronic and wireless communication devices or strategies for fostering expected pupil behavior.
4. District-wide responses can include community involvement in policy review and development, professional development programs, adoption of curricula and school-wide programs, coordination with community-based organizations (e.g., mental health, health services, health facilities, law enforcement officials, faith-based organizations), and disseminating information on the core ethical values adopted by the district Board of Education’s Code of Pupil Conduct, per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)2.
The district will identify a range of strategies and resources, which could include, but not be limited to, the following actions for individual victims: counseling; teacher aides; hallway and playground monitors; schedule changes; before and after school supervision; school transportation supervision; school transfers; and therapy.

Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited
The Board prohibits a Board member, school employee, contracted service provider who has contact with pupils, school volunteer, or pupil from engaging in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, one with reliable information, or any other person who has reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or who reports an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act, in accordance with case law, Federal and State statutes and regulations and district policies and procedures.
All suspected acts of reprisal or retaliation will be taken seriously and appropriate responses will be made in accordance with the totality of the circumstances. Examples of consequences and remedial measures are listed in the Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions section of this policy.

Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Action for False Accusation
The Board prohibits any person from falsely accusing another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
1. Pupils - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1 et seq., Discipline of Pupils and as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2, Short-term Suspensions, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Long-term Suspensions and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5, Expulsions.
2. School Employees - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee or contracted service provider who has contact with pupils found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation could entail discipline in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements which may include, but not be limited to, reprimand, suspension, increment withholding, or termination.
3. Visitors or Volunteers - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation could be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act, including law enforcement reports or other legal actions, removal of buildings or grounds privileges, or prohibiting contact with pupils or the provision of pupil services.
Any person who is found to falsely accuse another of an action that would be punishable by the law will be reported to the building principal. Further disciplinary action may apply.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Publication and Dissemination
This Policy will be disseminated annually by the Superintendent to all school employees, contracted service providers who have contact with pupils, school volunteers, pupils, and parents who have children enrolled in a school in the district, along with a statement explaining the Policy applies to all acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or on a school bus and, as appropriate, acts that occur off school grounds.
The Superintendent shall ensure that notice of this Policy appears in the pupil handbook and all other publications of the school district that set forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards for schools within the school district.
The Superintendent shall post a link to the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy that is prominently displayed on the homepage of the school district’s website. The district will notify pupils and parents this Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy is available on the school district’s website.
The Superintendent shall post the name, school phone number, school address, and school email address of the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the home page of the school district’s website. Each Principal shall post the name, school phone number, address, and school email address of both the Anti-Bullying Specialist and the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the home page of each school’s website.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Training and Prevention Programs
The Superintendent and Principal(s) shall provide training on the school district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy to school employees, contracted service providers, and volunteers who have significant contact with pupils. The training shall include instruction on preventing bullying on the basis of the protected categories enumerated in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 and other distinguishing characteristics that may incite incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The school district’s employee training program shall include information regarding the school district’s Policy against harassment, intimidation, or bullying, which shall be provided to full-time and part-time staff members, contracted service providers, and school volunteers who have significant contact with pupils.
Each public school teacher shall be required to complete at least two hours of instruction in harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention in each professional development period as part of the professional development requirement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18:37-22.d.
The required two hours of suicide prevention instruction for teaching staff members shall include information on the relationship between the risk of suicide and incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-112.
Board members shall be required to complete a training program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:12-33.
The school district shall annually observe a “Week of Respect” beginning with the first Monday in October. In order to recognize the importance of character education, the school district will observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14. Throughout the school year the district will provide ongoing age-appropriate instruction on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying, in accordance with the Core Curriculum Content Standards, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-29.
The school district will annually establish, implement, document, and assess harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs or approaches, and other initiatives in consultation with school staff, pupils, administrators, volunteers, parents or guardians, law enforcement, and community members in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17 et seq.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Reevaluation, Reassessment and Review
The Superintendent shall develop and implement a process for annually discussing the school district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy with pupils.
The Superintendent and the Principal(s) shall annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, and review of the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy, with input from the schools’ Anti-Bullying Specialists, and recommend revisions and additions to the Policy as well as to harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs and approaches based on the findings from the evaluation, reassessment and review.

Reports to Board of Education and New Jersey Department of Education
The Superintendent shall report two times each school year at a public hearing all acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The information shall also be reported to the New Jersey Department of Education in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The information reported shall be used to grade each school and each district in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The grade received by a school and the district shall be posted on the homepage of the school’s website and the district’s website in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. A link to the report that was submitted by the Superintendent to the Department of Education shall also be available on the school district’s website. This information shall be posted on the websites within ten days of receipt of the grade for each school and the district.

Reports to Law Enforcement
Some acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying may be bias-related acts and potentially bias crimes and school officials must report to law enforcement officials either serious acts or those which may be part of a larger pattern in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials.

Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts
Nothing in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may be construed as affecting the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act’s effective date (January 5, 2011). N.J.S.A. 18A:37-30.

Pupils with Disabilities
Nothing contained in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may alter or reduce the rights of a pupil with a disability with regard to disciplinary actions or to general or special education services and supports. N.J.S.A. 18A:37-32.
The school district shall submit all subsequent amended Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policies to the appropriate Executive County Superintendent of Schools within thirty days of Board adoption.
N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-32
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 et seq.; 6A:16-7.9 et seq.
Model Policy and Guidance for Prohibiting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying on School Property, at School-Sponsored Functions and on School Buses – April 2011
Policy contingent on anticipated Board approval: June 20, 2011
The following guidelines may be used to discipline students who violate the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy.

BEHAVIOR

Disciplinary Guidelines

Verbal

1. Detention / Parent Notification

-threats,  harassment

2. Suspension / Parent Notification / NJ State Police


3. Suspension / Parent Notification / Signed Complaint

Physical

1. Suspension / Parent Notification / NJSP


2. Suspension / Parent Notification / Signed Complaint

Teasing

1. Warning / Parent Notification


2. Detention / Parent Notification


3. Suspension / Parent Notification / NJSP

Internet – (in school)

1. Detention / Withdrawal of Privileges / Parent Notification


2. Suspension / Withdrawal of Privileges / Parent Notification / NJSP


3. Suspension / Parent Meeting / Signed Complaint

Intimidation

1. Suspension / Parent Notification / NJSP


2. Suspension / Parent Notification / NJSP / Signed Complaint



SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Board of Education explicitly forbids any conduct or expression that may be construed as the sexual harassment of a pupil, by an employee of the district or by another pupil. The sexual harassment of a pupil includes all unwelcome sexual advances or suggestions, requests of sexual favors, and verbal or physical contacts of a sexual nature whenever such conduct has the purpose or effect of intimidation or tends to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. The Superintendent shall direct the instruction of all pupils of their rights to be free of sexual harassment and innuendo and shall encourage pupils to report any incident of sexual harassment to any teaching staff member. Any employee who receives such a report or who has independent cause to suspect that a pupil has been subjected to sexual harassment shall promptly notify the building principal, who shall immediately instigate an investigation of the matter and report his or her finding to the Superintendent. All claims of sexual harassment will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate agencies will be notified as necessary. An act of sexual harassment that appears to constitute child abuse shall be immediately reported to the Division of Youth and Family Services for investigation by that agency. An employee who engages in the sexual harassment of a pupil will be subject to stringent discipline and may be terminated. A pupil who engages in the sexual harassment of another pupil will be subject to discipline in accordance with Board Policy No. 5600.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
High Point Regional Board of Education will not tolerate any form of discrimination against an individual on any basis protected by federal, state or local law, including but not limited to age, race, religion, national origin, sex or disability.
The Affirmative Action Officer and the Affirmative Action Team shall undertake a prompt and thorough investigation of all complaints of discrimination and/or harassment, and will discipline or take appropriate action against any individual found to have violated the Board’s anti discrimination or harassment policies.
Any student or school employee who believes he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment or harassment based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, age, marital status, social/economical status, affectional/sexual orientation, national origin, or disability by a student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the District or by any other person who is participating or observing or other wise engages in activities, including sporting events and other extra curricular activities under the auspices of the District is encouraged to immediately report the alleged act to the Affirmative Action Officer, the Principal or a member or the Affirmative Action Team.

High Point Regional High School
Affirmative Action Team

Affirmative Action Officer – Seamus Campbell
Team Members – Gib Carter and Lindsay LeDuc

STUDENT ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
A Student Assistance Coordinator is employed by the district and is available to all students. Prevention-oriented programs will be made available to students, parents, and members of the community, who are all urged to participate. In addition, intervention and support is available for those confronted with issues related to substance abuse. Confidential information and referral to community resources is available for students and families. Contact the Student Assistance Coordinator in Room 120.

STUDENT USE OR POSSESSION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS/ E-CIGARETTES/VAPES
The Board of Education recognizes that the use of tobacco presents a health hazard that can have serious implications both for the smoker and the nonsmoker and the smoking habits developed by the young may have life long deleterious consequences. The Board prohibits students from using, possessing, carrying, or distributing tobacco products, nicotine products, and E-Cigarettes on school premises, at events sponsored by this Board away from school, and on any transportation vehicle supplied by this Board. This includes all students under supervision of school officials.

Smoking/Vaping
Smoking/Vaping by students will not be permitted on school buses, school grounds or in school buildings. Penalties for students found smoking/vaping are the following (Actions based on Administrator discretion):
First Offense:
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal.
• 5:30 and Saturday Detention (but not limited to)
• Complaint filed with local Public Health Department.
• If determined guilty by municipal judge, fine and other costs* as imposed by judge.
• *Other costs may include, at the discretion of the municipal judge, court costs, school district costs or assignment of community service.
Second Offense:
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal.
Two Saturday Detentions (but not limited to)
• Complaint filed with local Public Health Department.
• If determined guilty by municipal judge, fine and other costs* as imposed by judge.
Third Offense:
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal.
• One day out of school suspension (but not limited to)
• Complaint filed with local Public Health Department.
• If determined guilty by municipal judge, fine and other costs* as imposed by judge.

Possession, Distribution, Carrying or Other Use of Tobacco Products and E-Cigarettes/Vapes
Students found to have been possessing, carrying, distributing, or using (other than smoking) tobacco products (including chewing tobacco/ E-Cigarettes) on school premises, at any school function, or on school buses will be subject to the following penalties (Actions based on Administrator discretion):
First Offense:
• EDGE program (time to be determined by Assistant Principal)
• 5:30 Detention (but not limited to)
• Parental conference may be required.
Second Offense:
• EDGE Program (time to be determined by Assistant Principal)
• Saturday Detention (but not limited to)
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal and SAC
Further Offense:
• Suspension (time to be determined by Assistant Principal)
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal and SAC.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE
High Point policy and regulation 5530 and NJ State Law 18A:
In the event that it is determined that a student is in possession of, using, or in the process of selling or transfer ring unlawful drugs or drug paraphernalia, the student will be suspended immediately by the administrator, and the student’s parents shall be notified. The administrator shall also notify the proper law enforcement authorities. Violations of this policy may lead to denial of any senior year activities and/or privileges including, but not limited to, participation in the graduation ceremony. Penalties are as follows:
First Offense:
• Up to five day out of school suspension.
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal.
Second Offense:
• Up to Seven-day out of school suspension.
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal.
Further Offense:
• Ten-day out of school suspension.
• Parental conference with Assistant Principal.
The High Point Regional High School Board of Education has policies that mandate a substance abuse evaluation on any student suspected of involvement with drugs of any kind, including Anabolic Steroids. Such evaluations will be required prior to the student’s return to school and will be at parent expense. Such evaluations should be scheduled within 5 calendar days of the mandate and the appointment must be completed within 15 calendar days of the mandate. Failure to follow these regulations may result in additional suspension and possible referral to D.Y.F.S. (Division of Youth and Family Services). Students will be required to comply with any recommendations for care determined in that evaluation, as a condition of attendance. Students will have one week to enter into recommended level of care.

Student Substance Abuse Procedure
• School staff member suspects a student may be under the influence and/or in possession of illegal drugs.
• An administrator will escort student to high school office or nurse's office.
• The nurse and administrator will assess the student's status to determine if immediate medical attention is necessary.
• If student needs immediate medical attention, the local rescue squad will be called to transport to Newton Hospital in Newton. A school representative will accompany the ambulance to the hospital. Parents, Administration and Superintendent are informed as soon as possible.
• A records release authorization form must be completed allowing the S.A.C. to receive results of all evaluations completed.
• If student is suspected to be under the influence, but not in medical crisis, parents are notified to come and take their child to either their own physician, the school's physician, or to Newton Urgent Care to determine medical clearance to return to school. Students must present completed medical form provided by the school to be reinstated to school. The results of the toxicology screen will be reviewed by the S.A.C. and the administration will be notified of a positive test which would result in a suspension.
• The administration will search the student's Physical Education and regular school locker. If a student has driven to school, that vehicle could possibly be searched.
• If a student is found in possession of illegal substances or paraphernalia, the parents will be notified along with the Administration and Superintendent. The State Police will be called to the school and if the student can be charged with possession of illegal substances, the police will arrest the student.

USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcoholic beverages/products are not permitted on school property or at school sponsored events. Any person who is impaired by the consumption of alcohol is not permitted on school property.
Any student who represents his or her high school in any activity, interscholastic athletic contest or approved program of any type is not permitted to consume, purchase, distribute, possess or carry alcoholic beverages/products to or from school sponsored events.
Any student who attends High Point Regional High School sponsored event or a special school program is subject to the provision above.
Any student who fails to abide by these regulations will be subject to the procedure described under “Student Substance Abuse”, which will result in notification of parents, suspension from school, activities, and athletics, and referral to the Student Assistance Committee. If it is determined that further evaluation for alcohol abuse is necessary, it will be at parental expense.

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Under the Memorandum of Agreement issued by the state of New Jersey, previously confidential material concerning students’ criminal activity must be shared between appropriate law enforcement agencies and the HPRHS district. Any suspected criminal activity will be investigated and all results will be shared with the proper authorities. When such activity involves illegal substances of any kind the student will be referred to the Student Assistance Core Team to determine if such involvement creates a risk for the student while attending school. A full substance abuse evaluation with an outside agency may be requested at this time in order to make this determination. This evaluation would be at parental expense and any recommendations for care made as a result of the evaluation would need to be followed in order for the student to remain an active part of the school community.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE FOR ATHLETICS AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The use or possession of controlled dangerous substances or alcohol products is in direct violation of The Athletic and Extra Curricular Pledge signed by both students and their parents. If a student is found to be in violation of the pledge, consequences noted below will be implemented. Notification of this regulation will appear on parental permission forms for athletic participation. This form, along with seasonal update forms, is required to be signed by the athlete and his or her parents. All athletes and parents will be required to sign this pledge before the student can participate in any athletic activity. Notification of this regulation will be sent home to all parents in the opening of school letter along with a letter explaining that extra curricular activities participants are also required to follow the Alcohol Substance /Abuse Policy. For a student to participate in an extra curricular activity, both the student and parent will have to sign a pledge that will be kept on file in the Main Office. Advisors will be required to check student pledges before allowing them to participate in activities.
The pledge will state:
AS A PARTICIPANT IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND/OR ATHLETICS AT HIGH POINT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, I PLEDGE NOT TO USE OR BE IN THE POSSESSION OF ANY FORM OF ALCOHOL, CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
Listed below are consequences for violating the High Point Regional High School Athletic and Extra Curricular Policy:
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
First Violation (Athletics)
A meeting will be held with the parent, coach, athletic supervisor and administration. If the student is found to be in violation of the pledge, s/he will be suspended from athletic competition for a minimum 20% of the scheduled athletic competitions for the present athletic season. The suspension is effective upon confirmation of violation of the pledge. The student cannot be present at competitions, bus rides or any related athletic activity pertaining to the specific sport. However, the student will be allowed to participate in practices during the time of the suspension. A meeting for reinstatement will be held with stakeholders at the conclusion of the suspension. Additionally, students will be held to regulations in Title 18A #40A-10 and 40A - 11 which mandate a substance abuse evaluation and any remediation recommended by the substance abuse evaluation.
Second Violation (Athletics)
A meeting will be held with the athlete, parent, coach, athletic supervisor and administration. If the student is found to be in violation of the pledge, s/he will be suspended from all athletic competitions for the remainder of the school year. If applicable, a meeting for reinstatement will be held with stakeholders at the conclusion of the suspension to determine procedures for participation the following year. Additionally, students will be held to regulations in Title 18A #40A-10 and 40A - 11 which mandate a substance abuse evaluation and any remediation recommended by the substance abuse evaluation.
First Violation (Extra Curricular)
A meeting will be held with the student, parent, advisor, and administration. If the student is found to be in violation of the pledge, s/he will be suspended from the extra curricular activity for a minimum of one marking period. If the violation occurs after progress reports are due in the Main Office, the student will be suspended for the remainder of the present marking period and the next full marking period. The student will not be permitted to participate in any activity or related function during the suspension. Additionally, students will be held to regulations in Title 18A #40A-10 and 40A-11 which mandate a substance abuse evaluation and any remediation recommended by the substance abuse evaluation.
Second Violation (Extra Curricular)
A meeting will be held with the student, parent, coach, advisor and administration. If the student is found to be in violation of the pledge, s/he will be suspended from all extra curricular activities for the remainder of the school year. If applicable, a meeting for reinstatement will be held with stakeholders at the conclusion of the suspension to determine procedures for participation. Additionally, students will be held to regulations in Title 18A #40A-10 and 40A - 11 which mandate a substance abuse evaluation and any remediation recommended by the substance abuse evaluation.
*It is important to note that these school regulations will be enforced consistently, but coaches/advisors will have the option to impose stronger measures. If coaches/advisors choose to impose more restrictive codes, they must have a written policy that is understood by both athletes/participants and parents.
Possession Or Use Of Tobacco Products
Athletics
In recognizing the need for our student athletes to maintain peak physical conditioning, and to avoid the harmful effects of tobacco, High Point Regional High School ’s regulation for athletes caught using tobacco will be as follows:
• All athletes are subject to the standing school policy regarding the use of tobacco on school property and at school sponsored events.
• In addition, athletes caught using tobacco during their athletic season will be suspended for approximately 10% of that season.
• A second offense will result in the athlete being suspended from his/her team for the remainder of that season.
• A third offense by an athlete within a school year will result in suspension from all athletic participation for the remainder of that school year.
Consistent with our drug/alcohol policy, first offense athletes will be suspended from competition but must continue to attend practices. Subsequent to the first offense, corrective action will be implemented as follows:
• The athlete will be required to meet with the parent, athletic director, coach, and an administrator. The athlete will be made aware of the fact that he/she has violated the signed pledge to abstain from tobacco.
• Every attempt will be made to help this student discontinue his/her use of tobacco and to receive any necessary counseling/information, etc.
Extra Curricular
All students will first be subject to the standing school policy regarding any student caught using tobacco on school property. In addition, these students will be disciplined for using tobacco on school grounds or at school functions as follows:
• The first offense will result in suspension from the activity (or activities) for 5 weeks.
• The second offense will result in suspension from the activity (or activities) for 10 weeks.
• A third offense will result in suspension from the activity (or activities) for the remainder of the school year.
Subsequent to the first offense, corrective action will be implemented as follows:
• The student will be required to meet with the parent, vice principal, the student assistance counselor and the club advisor. The student will be made aware of the fact that s/he has violated the signed pledge to abstain from tobacco.
• Every attempt will be made to help this student discontinue his/her use of tobacco and to receive any necessary counseling/information, etc.

RULES FOR SOCIAL EVENTS/ATHLETICS
• Events are scheduled for the benefit of High Point Regional students.
• When students arrive at or leave an event, they have to do so promptly. There is to be no loitering on school grounds.
• When an individual leaves an event, s/he may not return.
• There is no smoking or vaping permitted at any school sponsored social event.
• Dress acceptable as normal school attire is to be worn unless otherwise specified.
• Any student absent from school on the day of a social event may not attend that event. Students arriving to school after 11:00 a.m. and students leaving before 11:00 a.m. are also not allowed to attend the event. Seniors with senior study hall privilege are not permitted to sign out prior to 1:45 p.m. on the day of the Senior Formal. 18 year old signout procedures and High Point Regional High School attendance guidelines apply.
• Senior formal attendance will be limited exclusively for High Point seniors.
• Junior Prom Attendance
- Student contract required for no Drug and Alcohol use/involvement
- Student contract required for Out of District or HP former graduates
- Student/Prom Date meeting required with Administration for Out of District and former HP graduates
- No former HP graduates past the age of 20 years of age at Prom
- No out of district students are allowed who are not attending High School
- Students are not permitted to leave before the ½ day dismissal on the day of the prom.
• No one is permitted in any part of the building other than the area in which the activity is being held.
• Attendance at school social events is at the discretion of the administration and based upon good school citizenship, grades, and attendance status.

updated 8/8/19 

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