2006-07

Board Adopted
May 17, 2006

Part I     STUDENT'S RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY
Effective discipline is an important and necessary requirement for effective learning.  Students attend Geneva High School and Geneva Junior High School under the direction of state law.  The school has the responsibility to establish rules and regulations.  The intent of these rules and regulations is to create a positive educational environment which holds students accountable for their behavior and teaches them to live with the consequences of their decisions and actions.  Students have the responsibility for the necessary respect for the rights of others and the necessary protection of the safety, welfare, and educational rights of the majority of students.

Part  II     PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION
The Board believes that parent/guardian involvement is an important part of the educational program.  Current research indicates that a home-school partnership and greater involvement on the part of the parents/guardians in the education of their children generally results in high achievement scores, improved student behavior and reduced absenteeism.

All parents/guardians of students enrolled in the district are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their children.

The Board directs the administration to develop the necessary regulations to ensure that this policy is followed and that parent/guardian involvement is encouraged.  The regulations will:

1.  encourage strong home school partnerships
2.  provide for consistent and effective communications between the parents/guardians and school officials
3. offer parents/guardians ways to assist and encourage their children to do their best
4. offer ways parents/guardians  can support classroom learning activities and
5. provide opportunities for parents/guardians to be involved in the parental involvement program.         
 
Part III        SPORTS ELIGIBILITY
Students enrolled in the Geneva Area City District in grades 7-8 must meet the following requirements to participate in interscholastic extra-curricular activities:

1. Students in grades 7-8 must maintain at least a 1.5 GPA to participate in an interscholastic extra-curricular     activity.  The GPA will be determined by the preceding grading period. Junior high students must also pass 75% of their courses.

2. Students in grades 7-8 who receive a failing grade are permitted to participate in interscholastic extra-curricular activities provided they meet the minimum GPA and OHSAA requirements the preceding grading period.  

Part IV          PRINCIPAL'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Within the first two weeks of the school year, class meetings shall be conducted by the principal for grades 7 and 8.  Each student in the Junior High School shall be provided with a personal copy of the "GENEVA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CONDUCT CODE".  Student policies, rules, and regulations and disciplinary measures shall be explained to all students.  Students shall be informed that they are subject to the following disciplinary actions for violation of the student conduct code.

THE PRINCIPAL, ALONG WITH THE TEACHING STAFF, ARE   CHARGED WITH THE PROPER ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINE IN THE TOTAL SCHOOL SETTING.  THE PRINCIPAL HAS THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO USE OR AUTHORIZE OTHER CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL TO USE THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY MEASURES TO CORRECT STUDENT BEHAVIOR:

1.  Individual conference with the principal
2.  Assigned detention after school
3.  In-school suspension in the CSC (Controlled Study Center Room)
4.  Out-of -school suspension from one to ten days
5.  Notification to parents, police and/or Juvenile Court
6.  Emergency removal of student for twenty four hours
7.  Suspension of bus privileges
8.  Recommend expulsion from school for up to eighty days unless otherwise required by law.
9. Other disciplinary measures as deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain the orderly operation of the educational processes of the school.
  
Part  V        CONDUCT  CODE
VIOLATION OF ANY RULE(S) WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION FROM ANY OF THE LISTED DISCIPLINARY MEASURES IN PART IV OF THE STUDENT CONDUCT CODE.  STUDENTS ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO COURT ACTION BASED ON LOCAL AND STATE LAWS.

ZERO TOLERANCE
Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that they respect and consider the rights of others.  Students of the district must conform to school regulations and accept directions from authorized school personnel.  The Board has “zero tolerance” of violent, disruptive or inappropriate behavior by its students.

A student who fails to comply with established school rules or with reasonable request made by school personnel on school property and/or at school related events is subject to approved student discipline regulations.

Rule 1          DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL
A student shall not by use of violence, force, coercion, or threat cause obstruction to the educational process, including all curricular and extra-curricular activities.  Some examples of disruption, not intended to be an exhaustive list include:  unusual dress and appearance, public displays of affection, bomb threats, setting off fire alarms, setting fire(s), fireworks, strikes or walk-outs, the impeding of free traffic to or within the school, etc.

Rule 2         DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY

A student shall not cause, or attempt to cause damage to school property, including building , grounds, equipment, or materials.

A student, parent, or legal guardian shall be required to pay for school property intentionally damaged or destroyed.
                  
A student may be required to pay for school property damaged or destroyed as a result of his negligence.

 The Geneva Area City School District will not tolerate any destruction, defacing or vandalism within or without any building, property, equipment, furniture or vehicle under their jurisdiction.

Be aware that there are video surveillance cameras posted throughout our building for the security and safety of our students.  Evidence taken from these cameras may be used for legal and/or disciplinary action.  Student searches may be conducted. 

School personnel will immediately investigate any such destruction, defacing,   or vandalism and persons found guilty of such acts will be punished to the full extent of the law.  Parents will note they are responsible under state law for up to six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) for each act committed by students under their control.

Rule 3          DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY:
A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to private property on school premises, or at any school activity on or off school grounds.

Rule 4          ASSAULT
A student shall not cause physical injury or act in such a manner that would threaten to cause physical injury to school staff, other students, or visitors while under the jurisdiction of the school.  This would include verbal abuse and/or threatening language.

Rule 5          THEFT
A student shall not take into possession the public property or equipment of the school district or the personal property of another student, teacher, visitor, or employee of the district.

Rule 6          TRUANCY
Truancy is declared when a student is absent from all or part of a school day without school authorization and parent consent.  The only absences that will be excused are those listed below and confirmed by parents or legal guardians.  Those absences which are not considered excused are defined as unexcused absences or truancy and are subject to immediate disciplinary action.

In cases of prolonged absence, ten (10) days in a row or fifteen (15) days in a semester, parents will be notified and a doctor’s certificate may be required to verify the absences.  When a student's absences are deemed valid and excused, s/he will be given one day for each day absent to complete all missed assignments.

The following should be considered as valid reasons for being absent from school.  Any other excuse must have a special approval, in advance, if possible, by the principal.

1.   Personal illness.  The principal may require a certificate of a physician if s/he deems it    
      advisable.
2.   Illness of family members that require the student to remain at the bedside.
3.   Quarantine of the home.  The absence of a student from school under this condition is   
      limited to the length of quarantine as fixed by the health  officials.
4.  Death of a relative.  The absence arising from this condition is limited to a period of   
     time of three days unless a reasonable cause for a  longer absence is shown by the  
     student.
5.  Work at home due to absence or incapacities of parents or guardians.  Any absence
     arising because of this condition shall not extend for a  period longer than that for  
     which the parents or guardians are absent  or  incapacitated.
6. Observance of religious holidays.  Any student of any religious faith shall  be  excused         
     if the absence if for the purpose of observing a religious  holiday  consistent with creed
     or belief.
7.  Emergency of circumstances which in the judgment of the Superintendent of schools  
     constitutes a good and sufficient cause for  absence from school.
8.   Emergency circumstances, vacations.              

Excessive tardiness and/or early dismissals are also considered truancy and will be regulated as follows:                                
                           
When a student is tardy to school, s/he will report to their respective office to sign in, a record will be kept of each student's number of tardies.  Each unexcused tardy, per semester, to school will be considered and treated as truancy.  Excessive excused tardiness shall be treated as follows:

SIX TARDIES	ONE DETENTION
SEVEN TARDIES	TWO DETENTIONS
EIGHT TARDIES	ONE DAY IN CSC
NINE TARDIES	TWO DAYS IN CSC
MORE THAN NINE TARDIES	DISCRETION OF BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR

                                                    Any student who must leave the school premises before the end of the scheduled school day must present a note of early dismissal to the office before 7:40 a.m.  This note, in all cases, should be signed by the parent/guardian or head of the household with whom the student resides.  Students will be permitted a maximum of nine early dismissals per school year,   providing there is a valid reason such as:  1) doctor's or dentist's appointment; (Doctor's or dentist's verification slip must be brought in upon return to school or a   detention will be issued until the verification is presented to the office. 2) Court appearance; 3) An emergency situation; 4) any other early dismissal must be approved by a principal.  All efforts should be made to schedule appointments after school hours.  Failure to comply with the policy as sent forth shall be considered truancy under the guidelines of the Student Conduct Code.  This policy applies to and must be followed by all students, including eighteen year olds and older. 

Rule 7  INSUBORDINATION
A student shall not fail to comply with directions of teachers, principal, or their authorized school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under the authority of school personnel.  Repeated violations of rules, directives, or discipline procedures shall also constitute insubordination.

Rule 8  TOBACCO, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND DRUGS
Students of the Geneva Area City Schools shall not knowingly possess, use,  sell, give or otherwise transmit, or be under the influence of any tobacco product, drug, or counterfeit  (look-alike) controlled substance, the possession of which is prohibited by law.   This includes narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs or intoxicants of any kind:
   
1.    On or in close proximity to any property owned, leased by, or under the control of the Geneva Area City School Board of Education, including vehicles used for transportation of students.
2.     On any public or private property during normal school hours including lunch, recess and class changes.
3.     At any school sponsored or sanctioned activity or event away from or within the school district. 

Drug paraphernalia or instruments such as lighters, pipes, roach clips, syringes, hypodermic needles, cocaine spoons or kits, and any other items used for the packaging, conveyance, dispensation or use of drugs will not be permitted on any school property and will be subject to confiscation.

A.    First Offense
1.    Parents will be notified immediately and the student will be removed from school for the remainder of the day.
2.    The police shall be notified of the incident and, at their discretion, may conduct an investigation.
3.    Consultation with parent(s) and the student emphasizing available counseling services will be conducted.
4.    The student will be suspended for five (5) days, if the student seeks and receives within such 5 day period, an evaluation by a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
OR The student will be suspended for ten (10) days.
5.    The students and parents will have a re-admission conference to determine possible placement in an in-school individual or group counseling program and/or equivalent out of school program.

B.    Second and Subsequent Offense
1.    Parents will be notified immediately and the student will be removed from school for the remainder of the day.
2.    The police shall be notified of the incident and, at their discretion, may conduct an investigation.
3.    Consultation with parent(s) and the student emphasizing available counseling services will be conducted.
4.    The student will be suspended for ten (10) days and recommended for expulsion for the remainder of the semester.
OR
5.    The students and parents will have a re-admission conference to determine possible placement in an in-school individual or group counseling program and/or equivalent out of school program.

Students violating this rule will be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school. 

Rule 9  DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS
The Geneva Area City Board of Education is committed to providing the students of the district with an educational environment which is free of the dangers of firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons in the schools.
           
The definition of a firearm shall include any weapon (including a starter gun)  which  will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by  the  action of an explosive;  the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm   muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device, which included but not  limited to any explosive, incendiary, or poisonous gas:  bomb, grenade, or rocket  having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile, having an explosive  or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine or device similar to any  of the devices described above.

Students are prohibited from bringing a firearm on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity.  If a student brings a firearm on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity, the superintendent shall expel this student from school for a period one calendar year and refer the student to the Criminal Justice or Juvenile Delinquency System.   Any such expulsion shall extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident occurred.  The superintendent may reduce this requirement on a case-by-case basis in accordance with State law.

Students are also prohibited from bringing knives on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity.  The definition of a knife includes, but is not limited to a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle.  If a student brings a knife on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school- sponsored activity, the superintendent may expel the student from school, with the same expulsion implications as noted above.

Students who possess or use other dangerous weapons, which are defined but not
limited to metal knuckles, straight razors, explosives, noxious irritation  or  poisonous gases, poisons, drugs or other items possessed with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents or community members, may be subject to expulsion.

Rule 10     PROFANITY, OBSCENE LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT                 
A student shall not use profanity, racial slurs, or obscene language, either written or verbal in communicating with a faculty member, any other authorized school personnel, or another student.  Included in this prohibition would be the use of obscene gestures, signs, pictures, and/or publications.  Sexual harassment of students or staff will not be permitted.   

Rule 11       DRIVING
A student shall not operate his/her vehicle in a reckless manner.  Some examples of recklessness, not intended to be exhaustive, include:  speeding,   peeling of tires, etc.  Students shall not sit in cars at any time during the school day and shall not operate their vehicles at any time during the school   day without the permission of authorized personnel.  Only students with an approved parking permit will be permitted to park their cars at school.  All other vehicles are subject to being towed at the owner's expense. 

Rule  12      GAMBLING
 No student shall wager with any other person for money or other stakes.  This would include raffles.

Rule 13       EXTORTION
No student shall borrow, attempt to borrow, or take money or any possession of value from any person in the school, unless both parties agree freely, without the presence of either an implied or expressed threat.

Rule 14       INAPPROPRIATE DRESS AND APPEARANCE
 A student shall not dress or appear in a fashion deemed inappropriate because it either interferes with the student's health and welfare or that of other student's, or causes disruption, or interferes with the educational   process.

Grades 7 - 8
In order to maintain the necessary educational environment, the following will not be permitted at the Secondary School during regular school hours.                                                                                      
                Shorts, split shorts, or skirts if they are shorter than the fingertips when arms are            
                extended at sides.  Wearing tights under clothing does not change the length
                requirements.
                
                Spandex or extra tight shorts, slacks, or skirts.

                Hats, bandannas, and sunglasses.

                Tank tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, shirts, and trousers that reveal the              
                stomach, chest, back, shoulders, or under garments.  All clothing must have sleeves.

               Holes and tears in jeans, shorts, etc., must be below the fingertips when arms                      
               are extended at sides.

               Clothing bearing slogans, words, or symbols which relate to or display alcohol,  
               tobacco, drugs, sex, or profanity or racial undertones.

               No sleepwear such as pajamas, robes, slippers, etc.

               No outerwear is to be worn in the building.  (This includes windbreakers, jackets, coats,     
               gloves, etc.)

Rule 15     HAZING
Hazing, defined as an act or participation in an act or acts which injures,  degrades, disgraces or tends to injure, degrade or disgrace any student is  prohibited.

Rule 16    FALSIFICATION    
A student, while under the jurisdiction of the school, shall not issue or transfer any school-related document, forms, pass, absence excuse, or early dismissal excuse while having knowledge that any of the following conditions apply to said item:

1.      The item was obtained by giving false information or by failing to give correct information.
2.      The item contains false information.
3.      The item contains false authorization or signature.

Rule 17       BEING IN AN UNAUTHORIZED AREA
A student shall not be in any hallway, classroom, or rest room that he/she is not duly assigned to or does not have a signed pass granting permission to be in the area.  This includes, but is not limited to, parking lots, hallways, classrooms, and restrooms.  Once students arrive on school property, they must remain or follow the sign-out procedure.

Rule 18       CAFETERIA AND LUNCH
Student behavior in the lunchroom should be based on courtesy and cleanliness.  Students will go through the cafeteria line and pay for their choice of food.  Students are to remain in the cafeteria until they have finished eating.  At no time are pupils allowed to take food outside of the cafeteria.  Students are not to go into areas where classes are being taught during their lunch hour.  Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during their lunch period without prior approval from their principal.

Rule 19      SAFETY/SCHOOL EQUIPMENT/TECHNOLOGY/AUTHORIZED USAGE POLICY 
No student shall make unauthorized use of any school safety equipment including but not limited to:  fire extinguishers, showers, fire and burglar alarms, eye rinses, blankets, etc.  No student shall make unauthorized use of school telephones, duplicating equipment, or materials and supplies.

Computer use at Geneva Jr./Sr. High School is encouraged and made  available to students for educational purposes.  The school reserves the right to inspect, copy, and/or delete all files and records created or stored on school owned computers.

Students must observe the following guidelines and those in the AUP policy.  Failure to do so will result in   penalties as determined by the teaching staff or school administrators.

1.  Files stored on school computers are restricted to school related assignments only.  Personal files may not be stored.
2.  Network password security is the responsibility of the student.  Any student unable to log into the network for any reason will be subject to the penalties below.
3.  Students shall not copy (without authorization), damage, or alter any hardware or software.  Students shall not delete a file (without authorization) or knowingly introduce a computer virus to any school program.
4.  Students shall not use or alter another person's password, files, or directories. Students aiding teachers are restricted to using only the program selected by the teacher.
5. All non-school software and diskettes must be checked for viruses and approved for use by a net-work administrator before being used on any computer and are subject to inspection and approval by school personnel at any time.
6. Use of all telecommunications is restricted to school related projects and must be supervised by the teacher or network administrator.  Internet users must read the Acceptable Use Policy that is at the end of this section.
7. No students shall attempt to establish or establish computer contact into school district restricted computer nets or any other unauthorized databases. 

Rule 20         SCHOOL LOCKERS, DESKS AND STORAGE PLACES
It is the policy of the school to provide a locker for students' use.  However, any student using said locker will be subject to having his/her locker and its contents inspected by the school principal or designee.

Rule 21        SCHOOL PARKING LOTS
It is the policy of the school to provide parking areas for students' motor vehicles.  However, any student who chooses to utilize said parking area will be required to permit the interior of the vehicle they own, operate, or have control of to be inspected upon the request of the school administrator. 

Students who fail to comply with the school administrator's request will be subject to disciplinary measures.

Rule 22      SECRET SOCIETIES (GANGS)
The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behavior or manner of grooming displayed, reflected, or participated in by the student shall not:

•    lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior, apparel, activities, acts, or other attributes are gang related and would disrupt or interfere with the school environment or activity and/or  education objectives
•    present a physical safety hazard to self, students, staff. and other  employees
•    create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person's well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture, or  threat of violence: or
•    imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, marks, drawing, painting, design, emblem upon any school personal property or   one's person.
•    If the student's behavior or other attributes are in violation of these provisions, the principal or designee will request the student to make the appropriate correction.  If the student refuses, the parent/guardian may be notified and asked to make the necessary correction.  The principal will take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action.  Students identified as being gang involved, influenced, or affiliated will be  provided assistance, and/or be informed of programs which discourage gang involvement or affiliation, enhance self esteem, encourage interest and  participation in school or other positive activities and participation in school  or  other positive activities and promote membership in authorized school organizations.

Rule 23        SIGNS, BANNERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
Any sign, banner, announcement, etc. which is posted in the hallways for students to read must have prior approval from the building principals.

Rule 24     ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not permitted to wear personal listening devices (headphones, pagers, etc.) during the school day.

Rule 25  HARASSMENT
Every student’s civil rights are protected from discrimination regardless to race, color, national origin, sec, or disability.  Students who violate other’s rights due to harassment will face disciplinary action according to board policy and federal guidelines.

Part VI      STUDENT DUE PROCESS        

1.  If a student's presence or behavior poses a continuing danger to persons or  property or is an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic progress, then   the teacher, supervisor, or another certified staff member may remove  the  student from curricular or extra-curricular activities under his/her   supervision with the following conditions:

           A.  Students shall be sent to the principal's office.
           B.  If a teacher or supervisor makes a removal, the reasons for removal
                 must be submitted to the principal as soon after the removal as possible.

2.  A due process hearing must be held within seventy- two hours after the removal is ordered.  The person who ordered the removal must be present at the meeting.

3.  If a principal reinstates a student prior to the hearing, the teacher, upon will receive written reasons for the action.  The teacher cannot refuse to reinstate a student even though reasons are given.

4.  In all cases of normal disciplinary procedures where a student is removed from a curricular or extra-curricular activity for less than twenty-four hours, due process requirements outlined in this policy do not apply. 

1.  The student shall be informed of the intended suspension and the reasons for the proposed action in the initial hearing regarding this action (s) of the student.  

2.  The parent or guardian shall be informed in writing of the suspension and the reasons for the proposed action.  Within twenty-four hours after an informal hearing, a letter shall be sent to the parent or guardian stating the specific reasons for the suspension, the dates of the suspension, and shall include notice of the right to appeal such action. 

3.  Suspensions shall not exceed ten consecutive school days for each occurrence.

1.  A student may be expelled for a period not to exceed eighty school days by the superintendent of schools except as otherwise required by law.
2.   The student and his/her parent or guardian shall be given written notice by the principal stating his intention to recommend expulsion.  A copy of this notice shall also be sent to the superintendent and treasurer.  The notice shall include: the reasons for the intended expulsion, and the right of student, parent, or other representatives to appear in person before the Superintendent to challenge the reasons for the expulsion.  The notice shall also include the place and time of the hearing which shall take place no earlier than three days and no later than five days after the notice is sent, unless an extension is granted by the superintendent.
3. Within twenty- four hours of the expulsion, the superintendent shall notify the parent or guardian of the student, with a copy to the treasurer, of the decision to expel.  The notice shall include the reasons for the expulsion; the right of the student, parent, or guardian to appeal to the president of The Board of Education; the right to be represented at the appeal; and to request the hearing to be held in executive session.

1.    The date and time of the Appeal Hearing shall be set at the discretion of the president of the Board of Education. The hearing shall be held in executive session.

2.     A verbatim record of the hearing shall be kept; therefore, the proceedings will   tape-recorded.

3.    The Board of Education shall take formal public action to affirm, vacate, or modify the expulsion in public session.


The board may seek the permanent exclusion of a student 16 years of age or older who is either convicted in criminal court or adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court of any of the following offenses that occur on school grounds or at a school  function.

1. Illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated trafficking, trafficking  in drugs, trafficking involving the possession of bulk amount of a  controlled substance or the sale of a controlled substance or the sale of a controlled substance and/or

2.  Aggravated murder, murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, felonious or aggravated assault, rape, gross sexual imposition or felonious sexual penetration.

In addition, complicity in any of the above acts, whether or not that complicity takes place on school grounds or at any school function, may also be the basis for permanent exclusion.