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The Boston Public SchoolCode of DisciplineStudents need a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. To ensure this, all of our schools adhere to the Boston Public Schools Code of Discipline. At each school, teachers and parents also develop and follow School-Based Rules. A Summary of the Code of Discipline is included below. A copy of the School-Based Rules for your child's school should be enclosed with this booklet. They are very important. The Code lists offenses for which a student may be suspended and/or expelled from school. For example, a student may be expelled for possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance, or assault on school staff. Expulsion is a serious matter, and it is important that students-especially older students-understand that their actions may have severe consequences. SCHOOL-BASED RULES Each school has it own set of rules-known as "School-Based Rules"-that its students are expected to follow. In one middle school, for example, students may be asked to file quietly and in line to their next class; in another middle school, students might be allowed to walk to class in small groups. If a student breaks one of the School-Based Rules, he or she may be disciplined. The principal might ask the student to sign a "contract" to change his or her behavior, or keep the student after school for detention. School-Based Rules are written by a committee of administrators, teachers, and parents at each school and are reviewed each spring. In middle and high schools, students are also on the committee. School-Based Rules are posted in every classroom and sent home with students every September. THE CODE OF DISCIPLINE In addition to following its own School-Based Rules, every school must also follow the Boston Public Schools Code of Discipline. The Code lists rules that all students are expected to follow: No student may bring a weapon to school, for instance, or sell drugs. A student who breaks the rules in the Code of Discipline may be suspended or even expelled. Both School-Based Rules and the Code of Discipline apply to the behavior of students while they are in school, at a school-sponsored activity, and on their way to and from school (on the school bus, at the bus stop, on the MBTA, etc.). DENIAL OF TRANSPORTATION If a student endangers his or her own safety or the safety of others while on a school bus or van, the principal or headmaster may deny school-provided transportation to the student. Transportation may be denied for up to three days without a hearing. Denial of transportation for four or more consecutive days, or more than six days in a marking period, requires a hearing. In all cases, the principal or headmaster must inform the parent before keeping the student off the bus. The student is expected to come to school on the days when he or she is not allowed on the bus unless the student has also been suspended from school. SUSPENSION Suspension is not being allowed to attend school for a limited number of school days. For a student 15 years old or younger, the suspension can be up to six school days. For a student 16 years old or older, the suspension can be up to ten school days. The Suspension Process. Before a principal or headmaster can suspend a student, he or she must first hold a hearing at the school and invite the student and the student's parent/guardian. At the hearing, the principal or headmaster hears the evidence and decides whether the student should be suspended. If the student and the parent/guardian disagree with the suspension, they may appeal the decision to the Office of Hearings, Appeals & Attendance within ten school days. In some instances, a student may be suspended before a hearing. This "emergency suspension" can be imposed only when a student is disruptive after a serious incident and only for the remainder of that school day. Before an emergency suspension, the principal or headmaster must try to notify the parent/guardian; he or she also must hold a hearing at a later date. EXPULSION Expulsion is not being allowed to attend school for a minimum of eleven school days and a maximum of one full calendar year. The Expulsion Process At the hearing, the principal or headmaster serves as Hearing Officer, listens to witnesses, and examines the evidence. If the principal or headmaster decides to expel a student, the student and parent/guardian must be notified in writing; in most cases, a School Safety staff person will deliver a letter to the student's home. The student or parent/guardian may bring a lawyer or advocate to the hearing. The school also will provide an interpreter for parents who have limited English-speaking skills. If the student and the parent/guardian disagree with the expulsion, they may appeal the decision to the Superintendent within ten school days.They may also ask the Superintendent to review the case after ninety school days. Examples of Offenses for Which Students May Be Suspended or Expelled State law permits the principal or headmaster to expel a student for:
The Code of Discipline says a student will be expelled for:
The Code of Discipline says a student may be sus-pended or expelled for serious offenses, including:
In certain circumstances, a student may be indefinitely suspended or expelled for conduct unrelated to school or school activities, such as when the student is charged with or convicted of a felony and the principal or headmaster determines the student's continued presence would disrupt the school. DISCIPLINARY TRANSFERS Under a new policy, disruptive middle school and high school students may be assigned only to alternative programs for disruptive students. This assignment will be until the end of the school year. Then, the principal or headmaster, parent, and director of the alternative program will decide if the student will (1) return to the sending school, (2) transfer to another school, or (3) stay in the alternative education program. This policy goes into effect in September 1999 for middle school students and in September 2000 for high school students. THE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS COUNSELING & INTERVENTION CENTER The Counseling & Intervention Center in Roslindale is for students who bring a weapon to school or who are awaiting an expulsion hearing. The Counseling & Intervention Center emphasizes teaching alternatives to violence and the importance of following the rules. A student is assigned to the Counseling & Intervention Center for a certain number of days. Those who don't attend the Counseling & Intervention Center as assigned are expelled automatically. STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS The Code of Discipline applies to all students. There are special procedures, however, for disciplining students with special needs. HOW PARENTS CAN HELP As a parent, you can help your child obey the rules and help keep the school a safe place to learn.
FOR A COPY OF THE CODE OF DISCIPLINE AND SCHOOL-BASED RULES Ask your school's principal or headmaster for a copy of either document. He or she will be able to answer any questions you have, too. You can also get a copy of the Code of Discipline from these offices:
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For more information contact us at: 110 Beachview Road,
East Boston, MA 02128 |
telephone 617-635-8422