TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Parent Excused Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tardiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Substance Abuse Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Appendix D: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Student Rights and Responsibilities
An orderly environment is a characteristic associated with effective schools. Only by setting and maintaining high expectations for student behavior can schools foster self-discipline, respect, consideration for others and a sense of cooperation with all members of the school community.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and to contribute to a scholarly and disciplined atmosphere in their school.
To ensure an orderly environment, the Cranston School Committee has established Disciplinary Procedures for Cranston Secondary Schools. We expect that both parents and students will read this handbook thoroughly because it is important for both parent and student to understand that these rules protect and clearly define the rights, responsibilities and expectations of each student.
We appreciate full cooperation of all students, parents and staff in upholding these standards.
Catherine M. Ciarlo
Superintendent of Schools
Jacqueline A. White, Chairperson
Michael G. Cardarelli Jr.
Robert A. Giammarco
Anthony J. Lupino
Bernard J. Nascenzi
Steven A. Stycos
Administration
Catherine M. Ciarlo
Superintendent of Schools
James F. Cofone
Assistant Superintendent
Carol C. Bissanti
Executive Director of Educational
Programs and Grants
John W. Blackburn
Norman Laliberte
Coordinating Director of
Coordinating Director of
Pupil Personnel Services
General Education Programs
Dennis A.Neri
Executive Director of Human Resources and Public Relations
Joseph A. Balducci
Executive Director of Business Management/Operations
Disciplinary Policy and Procedure Handbook Review Committee
Kristy Hebert, Co-Chairperson
Michael O’Rourke, Co-Chairperson
Anna Ambrosino
Peter Buonfiglio III
Officer Jeanette K. Clark
Mark Garceau
Deborah Greifer
Anthony Lisa
Jessica Joly Palumbo
John Scienzo
Paula Titon
Ronald Voccio, Jr.
Mindy Ward
The Cranston Schools, like all other schools, can operate in an orderly manner only by setting reasonable rules for student behavior. Violating or disregarding the rules will constitute a disciplinary matter, which teachers and other supervisory personnel will handle first at the level where those infractions occur. In each school, a designated administrator will resolve persistent or serious infractions.
Disciplinary cases will be resolved with two primary purposes in mind:
A. Rehabilitation through appropriate counseling and/or referral.
B. Restitution or punishment for the wrong act committed.
The enforcement of these purposes will direct all those students who have violated school rules to change their behavior and to make a better adjustment to the total community.
The refusal to obey a staff member in the process of carrying out the prescribed disciplinary measures may be cause for suspending the student at any point in the discipline procedure. Disciplinary procedures apply to ALL students unless specifically modified by appropriate school personnel in accordance with state and federal laws. Conceivably, a student could be suspended at the first referral for rebelling and refusing to submit to penalty. The punishment may be as little as a verbal reprimand or as much as a full ten-day suspension. Any or all of the disciplinary actions may be imposed on the first offense. If the offense is especially grave, the school may recommend exclusion. Any combination of five suspensions for any reasons may warrant a recommendation to the school principal for a hearing and possible recommendation for exclusion from school. The building administrators have the right and the responsibility to exercise judgment in all discipline matters, including those that may arise, but are not included, in this handbook.
Parents will be frequently notified by telephone or by letter of disciplinary
proceedings; and copies of all letters sent home, will become part of the
student’s disciplinary file. Administrators and other school staff reserve
the right to contact parents of students 18 years old or older.
DISCIPLINARY POLICY AND PROCEDURE
CPS Secondary Schools
Policy
Our attendance regulations are based on Title 16 of the State Laws, school
committee policies, and school department regulations. They provide
only three circumstances under which an absence or tardiness is acceptable:
· Illness or medical reasons
· An emergency situation which cannot be handled at any other time
· Religious observance
While it is the responsibility of the parent to determine when an illness is serious enough to keep a child home from school, in cases of habitual or continuous absence due to illness, the school reserves the right to require a doctor’s note and may request the school nurse to visit an ill student. In case of an emergency situation, the school retains the right and responsibility to decide on the validity of each case, and the parent and student must notify the school, in advance, if possible.
In all cases of absence from school, a parent is required to call the school on the day of the absence. If the school does not receive a phone call, the school calls the home. In cases where there is “no answer,” the student may be called to the office on the day s/he returns to school in order to explain his/her absence.
In all cases of absence from school, all students must bring to their homerooms on the day of their return to classes a written note (containing name, homeroom, date and reason for absence, signature of the parent, and a phone number where the parent/guardian can be contacted by the school).
Students must recognize the importance of regular attendance to attain
maximum benefit from the necessity for the development of good attendance
habits. All students in Cranston Public Secondary Schools are expected
to be in regular attendance.
The School Department recognizes four categories of school absences:
A. Truancy – Absences Without Permission
B. Parent Excused
C. School Excused
D. Suspensions
1. “Bunking”: A student is willfully absent from school.
For each offense, the student and parent will have a conference with an administrator, and two Saturday detentions or equivalent will be assigned. A student willfully absent from school receives no credit for missed class work and/or homework. For chronic cases, a court referral will be made in compliance with the laws of Rhode Island.
2. “Cutting”: A student is willfully absent from one or more classes.
a. For the first offense, the student will receive administrative detention.
b. For the second offense, detention/Saturday detention will be assigned and
the parent and guidance counselor will be notified.
c. For additional offenses, appropriate Saturday detentions/suspension will
be assigned. With any suspension, a parent conference will be required
before the student is re-admitted to school.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL BUILDING WITHOUT PERMISSION WILL RESULT IN A ONE SCHOOL DAY SUSPENSION OR AN EQUIVALENT ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTION. STUDENT WILL RECEIVE NO CREDIT FOR MISSED CLASS WORK AND/OR HOMEWORK.
A “Parent Excused” absence is a student’s absence with parent’s knowledge and consent, but for reasons inconsistent with school department policy. Parents who must remove their child from school for two or more days due to extenuating circumstances will accept full legal responsibility under State Law. (An Extended Predetermined Absence form must be filled out in advance. See Appendix A.) Under these circumstances, the school will take no disciplinary action, and the student will be responsible for completing all school work, or making arrangements for the completion of all school work, within three school days of return to school. The responsibility rests with the student and/or his/her parent/guardian to obtain assignments.
Excessive absenteeism shall be governed by the current school policy in effect. The school will send a letter to parents clarifying school policy and urging the student’s law-abiding behavior. The student will be referred to an administrator, guidance counselor, and/or Attendance Services. The student’s parents or guardian will be called for a conference.
PARENTAL PERMISSION IS NOT NECESSARILY RECOGNIZED AS A LEGITIMATE REASON FOR ABSENCE.
All students in Cranston secondary schools are expected to be in regular attendance in order to receive credit for courses taken. It is expected that a student will be physically present in the classroom to be considered in attendance. However, there are occasions when a student may not be physically present in the classroom but still be following the directions of the school authority. On those occasions, his/her absence from the classroom will be recorded but will not be included in applying the standard set forth in these regulations. Absences can be determined to be justified by the school. Following are some examples of excused absences:
· Absence from class due to attendance at school sponsored events
such as athletic contests and field trips.
· Absence from class due to attendance at scheduled meetings with
school personnel for therapy, testing, and guidance.
· Absence from class due to emergencies approved by the Administration.
· Absence from class with administrative approval.
EXCUSES/REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE DATE OF ABSENCE TO THE APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR SUCH CONSIDERATION.
In serious instances of student behavior and/or repetition of infractions that have not been modified by other consequences, the administration has the right and obligation to suspend a student, that is to disallow him/her to attend school and all functions associated with school for a particular time. (See Appendix B.) In all suspensions students are not allowed on any Cranston Public Schools property during the course of a suspension, or students will be charged with trespassing. In all suspensions, textbooks and homework are available to each student for the duration of the suspension period, and the student shall be allowed to complete any classwork including examinations which the student missed while suspended. Students will be allowed the number of school day(s) equal to the suspension, not to exceed five days, to make up any missed class work or to make arrangements for the completion of assignments and examinations. The responsibility rests with the student and/or his/her parent/guardian to obtain assignments.
ANY COMBINATION OF FIVE SUSPENSIONS FOR ANY REASONS MAY WARRANT A RECOMMENDATION
TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FOR A HEARING AND POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION FOR EXCLUSION
FROM SCHOOL. AN ADMINISTRATOR HAS THE OPTION TO USE HIS/HER DISCRETION
TO ISSUE A SATURDAY DETENTION IN LIEU OF A ONE-DAY SUSPENSION.
· Attendance will be taken daily in each homeroom and become part
of the daily attendance record.
· Attendance will be updated at the end of the school day to account
for tardiness to school and/or class, dismissals, and field trips.
· Attendance will be taken during each class period and those students
not present or accounted for will be reported to the appropriate Assistant
Principal.
· Teachers will keep an accurate daily record of attendance for each
student who is a member of his/her class.
· Strategies to improve attendance will be developed with the student,
parent, and Guidance Counselor in coordination with the Assistant Principal.
The strategies will include utilizing the “Weekly Report” as one vehicle
to ensure communication with the parent.
· The student Attendance Policy will apply to all students unless specifically
modified by appropriate school personnel.
· A parent is required to call the school on the day of the absence
in the morning.
· Students MUST bring in a note to the homeroom teacher explaining
the student’s absenteeism on the day of the student’s return.
We realize that from time to time students will be late to school due to extenuating circumstances. In consideration of this, three tardies are allowed for each student per school year. Upon a student’s arrival to school, s/he must report to the appropriate office to sign in, and then s/he must submit a note from a parent explaining why the student is late and that the tardiness occurred with the consent of the parent. Parental permission is not necessarily recognized as a legitimate reason for tardiness. Tardiness beyond the 3 that are allowed will result in disciplinary action.
· Once a student reaches his/her 3rd unexcused tardy, a letter will be sent to the parents/guardian reiterating the tardy policy.
· On the fourth unexcused tardy, the student will receive detention.
· On the fifth unexcused tardy, the student will receive Saturday Detention or its equivalent.
· Subsequent tardies will be handled in a manner deemed appropriate by an administrator, which may include suspension.
· Students who are tardy and fail to sign into school will receive
appropriate Saturday Detention and/or suspension.
From classrooms, all other supervised areas, and at school-sponsored events, the school will take the following steps to resolve matters of misconduct:
· Classroom teachers will handle their own discipline problems and
keep a record of
offenses (examples include, but are not limited to: classroom tardiness,
lack of classroom materials, inattentiveness). Classroom teachers will
use the disciplinary referral system.
· Recurring problems will be referred to department chairpersons/team
designees, who will also keep a record of offenses and what actions were taken
to resolve the situation (i.e., contact parents by phone, request a parent
conference).
· Recurring problems that cannot be resolved at the teacher/department/team
level, as well as major misconducts, will be referred to the administration.
Behavior modification for the recurring offense will then be at the discretion
of the administration.
Matters of misconduct may be modified along a continuum of consequences. Those consequences range from after-school detention to Saturday Detention to out-of-school suspension to exclusion. Each situation is determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration a student’s discipline history and the serious nature of the offense.
The Cranston Public Schools will adhere to Federal Regulations (i.e., Gun Free Schools Act, Jeffords Amendment, IDEA, 504) and all regulations of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education governing the Special Education of Students with disabilities. Any measure thereunder shall take precedence and govern over any conflicting measure set forth by Cranston Public Schools, as it relates to disciplinary suspension and/or exclusion of students with disabilities.
NOTE: If a student fails to attend an assigned administrative detention, s/he will be assigned to Saturday Detention. If a student fails to attend Saturday Detention without prior permission of an administrator, s/he will be suspended.
1. If a student cheats,
· For the first offense, the department chairperson/team designee
will confer with the student; the guidance counselor and/or teacher(s) will
notify the parents; and the student will forfeit all related grades;
· For additional offenses, the student will confer with the administration,
will be counseled by his/her guidance counselor, will forfeit related grades,
will be suspended for one to three days; and his/her parents will be notified.
2. Fighting between and among students will require notification to parents and a conference* with an administrator. Fighting of a violent nature will be reported by administration to the police. Also, fighting which may lead to additional fighting and violence will also be reported to the police. The penalties for fighting will include suspension from 3 to 10 school days and a parent conference prior to reinstatement. If a student commits additional offenses, the school will follow the procedure outlined above and may initiate exclusion proceedings.
*The conference with an administrator will be conducted upon a student’s return to school following a suspension in accordance with the CPS Due Process Guidelines in Appendix B.
3. If a student willfully strikes another student, the administrator will notify parents, encourage the victim to press charges, and confer with the offending student. The penalty will include suspension of the student from 3 to 10 school days. Exclusion proceedings may be initiated.
4. If a student willfully strikes a staff member, the staff member will be encouraged to file felony charges. The school will notify the police. The administration will notify parents. The penalty will include suspension for 10 school days. Exclusion proceedings will be initiated.
5. If a student is in possession of pornography, directs pornography, obscenities, obscene gestures, or abusive language at a student, verbally or in writing, an administrator will confer with the offending student and notify parents. The penalty will include detention or suspension from 1 to 10 school days.
6. If a student directs pornography, obscenities, obscene gestures, or abusive language at a staff member, verbally or in writing, an administrator will confer with the offending student. The penalty will include suspension from 3 to 10 school days. The administrator will hold a parent conference and make recommendations for remedial action. If the student commits an additional offense, the administrator will confer with the student and suspend the student from 3 to 10 school days. Exclusion proceedings may be initiated.
7. If a student forges the signature(s) of staff members, parent(s), or
modifies a
school document, the student will confer with an administrator. The
penalty will
include detention and/or suspension from 1 to 10 days.
8. If a student blackmails, extorts, intimidates, or threatens school staff,
the school
will notify the parents. The penalty will include suspension from school
until a decision in a Due Process Hearing is rendered concerning exclusion.
The police will be notified in all cases.
9. If a student blackmails, extorts, intimidates, or threatens other students, s/he will be referred to an administrator and parents involved may be notified at the administrator’s discretion. The penalty will include a suspension from 3 to 10 school days. The school may initiate exclusion proceedings. A parent conference will be required before the offending student returns to school.
9a. If any act set forth in #9 above references the use of a weapon, and/or
death threats,
The school will notify the parents, suspend the student until a decision in
a Due Process Hearing is rendered concerning exclusion, and notify police.
10. In the case of an unauthorized walk-out or sit-in, the individual student
or key
leaders will confer with an administrator. The penalty may include a
suspension for up to 10 school days. The school will schedule a parent
conference.
11. If a student steals property or the property of other students or staff
members,
that student will be referred to an administrator. The school will
notify the parents. The penalty will include a suspension from 1 to
10 days. The police may be notified. If a situation warrants, exclusion
proceedings may be initiated. The student must make restitution of
the damaged/stolen property/money. Failure to comply with making restitution
will result in withholding grades, records, and diploma. Court action
will be initiated by the City Solicitor.
12. If a student vandalizes (including writing on walls with markers, spray
paint, etc.)
or willfully destroys property of the school, staff, or other students, that
student will be referred to an administrator who will notify the parents.
The penalty will include suspension from 1 to 10 days. The police may
be notified. The school may initiate exclusion proceedings. The student must
make restitution for damages. Failure to comply with making restitution
will result in withholding grades, records, and diploma. The City will
initiate Court action.
13. If a student is in possession of, or sells, or distributes fireworks,
the student will be
referred to an administrator. The penalty will include suspension for
3 to 10 days. Parents will be notified, and a conference will be scheduled.
The police will be notified. The school may initiate exclusion proceedings.
14. If a student violates fire regulations by igniting or setting off fireworks,
the student
will be referred to an administrator. The penalty will include suspension
from 5 to 10 days. Fire and police personnel will be notified.
Legal action may be initiated. The parents will be notified and a conference
will be scheduled. The school may initiate exclusion proceedings.
15. If a student violates fire regulations by setting a fire, setting off
a bomb or
explosive device, or calls in a bomb scare, the student will be referred to
an administrator. The penalty will include suspension for 10 school
days. Fire and police personnel will be notified. Legal action may be
initiated. The parents will be notified; a conference will be scheduled.
The school may begin exclusion proceedings.
16. If a student violates fire regulations by pulling a fire alarm box,
the student will be
referred to an administrator, and fire and police personnel will be notified.
The penalty will include a suspension from 3 to 10 school days. Parents
will be notified, and a parent conference will be scheduled. The school
may initiate exclusion proceedings. Legal action may be taken.
17. If a student possesses any electronic device prohibited by State Law
(beepers,
pagers, cellular phones, portable phones, all types of radios, etc.), the
student will be referred to an administrator. The device will be confiscated.
The Cranston Police Department may be notified.
Rhode Island State Law Chapter 12.1 the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention
Act, Section 16-21.2-11. Paging Devices Prohibited. Any student
enrolled in any secondary or elementary school shall be prohibited from carrying,
possessing or using a paging device of any kind on school property, except
with the written consent of the principal of the school in which the student
is enrolled. The penalty for violation of this section shall be the
confiscation of said device. Further, the use of a laser pointer shall,
likewise, be prohibited and punishable.
The Cranston Public Schools and its students are governed by the Gun Free
Schools Act (Federal Legislation) and with corresponding Rhode Island General
Laws
16-21-18 and 16-21-19 relating to Gun Free Schools:
A. Rhode Island General Laws 11-47-60, 11-47-60.2 and 11-47-42 provide
further
definition of a weapon and students shall be governed by same. When
a student is found in possession and/or control of a weapon (as defined in
11-47-42 or a firearm or replica of same), s/he shall be subject to exclusion
proceedings from school. The Superintendent, as is the case in the
administration of the Gun Free Schools Acts, shall have the authority to
modify the duration of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. At the instant
that the weapon is discovered, the school will take custody of same and notify
the parents and police and suspend the student until a decision is rendered
in a Due Process Hearing concerning exclusion.
B. For purposes of the Gun Free Schools Act a “weapon” means a firearm as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code:
. . . 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 explosion
. . . the frame or receiver of any weapon described above
. . . any firearm muffler or firearm silencer
. . . any destructive device, which includes:
(1) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas
(a) bomb
(b) grenade
(c) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces
(d) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter
ounce
(e) mine, or
(f) similar device
(2) any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel
a
projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has
any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter
(3) any combination or parts either designed or intended for use in converting
any device into any destructive device described in the two immediately preceding
examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
C. For purposes of the R.I. General Law this penalty will also be incurred
when a
student is not on school premises, but when s/he aims a firearm or realistic
replica of a firearm at school premises/school functions, school vehicles,
or students, staff or visitors attending school or in transit to or from
school.
D. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in a manner which comports
with
federal (IDEA) and state laws and regulations governing same.
E. If a student is found in possession and/or control of dangerous weapons
(guns,
knives, clubs, pepper gas, chemical propellants, smoke bombs, or any object
which could be construed by an administrator to present imminent danger to
a person), the school will take custody of the weapon(s) and notify the police.
The school will notify the parents, and suspend the student(s) until a decision
is rendered in a Due Process Hearing concerning exclusion.
F. If a student is found in possession and/or control of any ammunition
or
components of ammunition for firearms, the student will be suspended from
school for 10 days. Exclusion proceedings may be initiated. Parents/guardians
will be notified. Police will be notified.
G. If a student is found in possession and/or control of written documentation
pertaining to the construction and/or utilization of an explosive or incendiary
device, the student will be suspended from school for 7 to 10 days.
Exclusion proceedings may be initiated. Parents/guardians will be notified.
Police will be notified.
In any of the above cases (A – G) the student’s parents/guardian must petition
the Superintendent for permission to re-enter the school system for the next
academic year.
This policy’s intent is to ensure appropriate educational access to computers, the CPS Network of computers, and the Internet.
Students found in violation of the Technology Acceptable Use Policy will be referred to the building principal or appropriate administrator and the parent or guardian will be notified. The building administrators will have the right and responsibility to exercise judgment in all technology use violations, including those that may not have been specifically outlined in the acceptable use policy. Consequences may include suspension of computer privileges, notification of police, suspension from school and/or recommendation for exclusion from school for up to one calendar year.
Educational Purpose
1. The Cranston Public Schools Network (CPSnet) has been established for an educational purpose to support and enhance the curriculum. For the purpose of this policy, the term CPSnet shall include Cranston Public Schools computers, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and access to the Internet through CPSnet or other Internet Service Providers.
2. The CPSnet has not been established as a public access service
or a public forum.
Cranston Public Schools has the right to place restrictions on the
material accessed or posted through the system. Users, including faculty,
staff, students, and others granted access shall agree to follow the rules
set forth in the Cranston Public Schools Disciplinary Procedure Handbook.
3. The CPSnet shall not be used for private commercial purposes.
This means offering,
providing or purchasing products or services for
non-school related usage.
4. Political lobbying is not allowed through the CPSnet.
Student Internet Access
1. Students will have access to the CPSnet information resources through their classrooms, library, or school computer labs.
2. Student users and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the “Technology
Acceptable
Use Policy Agreement” portion of this handbook. Signatures are
required in order for students to be granted access to the Internet.
The parent(s)/guardian(s) can withdraw approval at any time.
Unacceptable Uses
1. Breech of Personal Safety
a. Student users will not post personal contact information about themselves, their parent(s)/guardians or other people. Personal contact information includes (but is not restricted to) home address, telephone, school address, work address or parent information, etc.
b. Student users will not meet in person with anyone met online.
c. Student users will promptly disclose to a teacher or other school employee any message received that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
2. Illegal Activities
a. Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the CPS network or to any other computer system through the CPSnet or go beyond authorized access levels. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of “browsing.”
b. Users will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the CPSnet or any other computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal.
c. Users will not use the CPSnet to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal activity, threatening the safety of a person and/or invading the privacy of individuals.
3. System Security
a. Under no conditions should a password be provided to another person. Users are responsible for their individual accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their accounts to protect their own liability.
b. Users will immediately notify a teacher or a system administrator if a possible security problem has been identified.
c. Users will avoid the spread of computer viruses by following the district virus protection procedures.
4. Inappropriate Language
a. Users will not send, display or receive any public and/or private messages through the CPSnet that contain inappropriate language. This restriction also applies to material posted on school web pages.
b. Users will not send, display or receive messages through the CPSnet that use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
c. Users will not send, display or receive information through the CPSnet that could cause damage or disruption.
d. Users will not send, display or otherwise engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks through the CPSnet.
e. Users will not send, display or receive messages through the CPSnet that harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If asked to stop sending messages, the user must stop.
f. Users will not send, display or receive false or defamatory information about a person or organization through the CPSnet.
g. Users will not send, display or receive anonymous messages using pseudonym signatures through the CPSnet.
5. Respect for Privacy
a. Users will respect the privacy of confidential messages and will not repost those messages without the permission of the person who sent the message.
b. Users will not post private information about another person or organization.
6. Respect for Resource Limits
a. Users will utilize the system only for educational activities and limited, high quality self-discovery activities. Faculty will provide developmentally appropriate guidance to students as they make use of telecommunications and electronic information resources to conduct research and other studies related to the Cranston Public Schools curriculum. All students will be informed by faculty of their rights and responsibilities as users of the CPSnetwork prior to gaining access to that network, either as an individual user or as a member of a class or group.
b. Student users will not download any file without the expressed permission of the instructor.
c. Users will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming.” Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.
d. All users will check their e-mail frequently and delete unwanted messages promptly.
7. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
a. Users will provide proper citation for information gathered from CD-ROMs, through the CPSnet, or on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.
b. Users will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when a user inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. A work includes: text, graphics, photos, sounds, music, animation, video and software programs. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, users should follow the expressed requirements. If unsure whether or not a work may be used, permission from the copyright owner must be requested.
8. Inappropriate Access to Material
a. Receiving or inputting pornographic materials, promoting violence, engaging in racial, gender or other defamatory slurs or for personal attacks on others through the CPSnet is strictly prohibited.
b. Receiving or transmitting information throughout the CPSnet pertaining to dangerous instruments such as bombs, automatic weapons, or other illicit firearms, weaponry, or explosive devices is prohibited.
c. The CPSnet does not permit the use of chatrooms.
Individual Rights
1. Search and Seizure
a. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are utilizing the CPSnet responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers or computers will be private.
b. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that a user has violated this policy.
2. Due Process
a. The Cranston Public Schools will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the CPSnet.
b. In the event there is a claim that a user has violated this policy, the user will be notified of the suspected violation. An opportunity to present an explanation will be provided.
Limitation of Liability
1. The Cranston Public Schools makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the CPSnet will be error-free or without defect.
2. The Cranston Public Schools will not be responsible for any damage suffered, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service.
3. The Cranston Public Schools is not responsible for the accuracy
or quality of the
Information obtained through or stored on the CPSnet.
4. The Cranston Public Schools will not be responsible for financial
obligations arising
through the unauthorized use of the CPSnet system.
It is a privilege, not a right, to use the CPSnet and the information resources
found on the network and on the Internet.
In order to ensure the highest possible standards of learning as well as the safety, health, and well-being of students, the Cranston Public Schools System adopts a Substance Abuse Policy which will: aid students to abstain from the use of tobacco, alcohol and other illicit drugs, intervene early when student use is detected, and take corrective disciplinary action when necessary.
The use, possession, transportation, or sale of alcohol, non-prescription drugs and/or controlled substances violates state and federal laws and will not be tolerated in the Cranston Public Schools. Students must understand that every staff member in the Cranston Public Schools will adopt this “zero tolerance” stand and will be pro-active in eliminating any substance abuse by students.
Any student found to be under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol, a controlled drug(s), or drug paraphernalia, except those medications prescribed by a medical doctor for the use of the student and for which the user has a valid, current prescription on file with the school nurse, will be subject to the following penalties and actions:
1. Parents/guardians will immediately be notified and will be requested to meet with an administrator.
2. The Cranston Police Department will be notified.
3. The student will be suspended from school for 5 to 10 school days depending on specifics of the offense and must attend counseling at an appropriate school or community agency.
4. The student will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for 30 calendar days.
5. Any student who violates this policy more than once in a school year
will be suspended from school for 10 days, from all extra-curricular activities
for 60 calendar days, and will be referred to the Superintendent of Schools
with a recommendation for expulsion.
ANY STUDENT WHO SELLS ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED DRUGS OR IS IN POSSESSION
OF SUCH QUANTITIES OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED DRUGS THAT SALE OF THESE MAY BE
ANTICIPATED WILL BE REFERRED TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS WITH A RECOMMENDATION
OF EXPULSION. POLICE WILL BE NOTIFIED.
Tobacco Free Environment
Rhode Island State Law 23-20.6-2 calls for “smoke-free” schools. (“Cigarette smoking prohibited in certain public areas.”)
It is the policy of Cranston Public Schools to eliminate the exposure of
students and school employees to the school-site health hazard of tobacco
smoke and other tobacco usage. Therefore, Cranston Public Schools will
be a tobacco free school environment. There will be no tobacco product
usage and/or possession by a student in the Cranston Public Schools during
the school day at school or at any school-related function during or outside
of the school day. Students violating this rule will be referred to
an administrator. The penalty will include a suspension for 1 school
day for the first offense. A parent/guardian conference will be held.
It will be strongly recommended that the students attend a smoking cessation
program. Additional offenses will result in further suspensions on
a progressive basis not to exceed 7 school days in duration.
The educational experience is geared to help students prepare for the larger world; thus, good grooming and proper attire are emphasized.
The following are general provisions that guide the acceptability of student dress:
1. Clothing and hairstyles worn at school during school hours must reflect cleanliness, neatness, and appropriateness for the activity in which the wearer is involved. Clothing of an overly revealing fashion is not acceptable.
2. Clothing or hairstyle which constitutes a health or safety hazard will not be worn. This would include loose or highly flammable clothing or unrestrained hairstyles in laboratories, around machinery, or in areas where a fire/safety hazard may exist.
3. Clothing which will cause excessive wear or damage to school or personal property will not be worn. Such clothing includes metal taps or cleats on shoes or metal studs or rivets on clothing and chains that are used to attach wallets or used as belts or jewelry.
4. Clothing, insignia buttons, jewelry, labels, arm bands, signs, or other items which criticize, insult, degrade, or have potential to incite any individual, group, profession, religion, or religious/political beliefs will not be worn, carried, or distributed on school property.
5. Clothing that causes a disruption of regular classroom routine will not be worn.
6. Outdoor clothing—including hats, caps, bandanas, and other forms of outdoor headgear—will not be worn in school except for medical reasons or on special “dress up days” condoned by the school. Students who must go outdoors may wear appropriate clothing when necessary. This provision may be waived by the classroom teachers involved when classrooms are too cold for comfort.
7. Appropriate and safe footwear must be worn.
8. Sunglasses will not be worn in school buildings unless required for medical reasons.
9. Attire designed exclusively for school physical education classes may be worn for that activity but not in the classroom.
10. The wearing or possession of any electronic devices (working or not) not required for classroom work is prohibited.
The enforcement of these provisions will emphasize that students who have
violated the dress code change their behavior. Failure to do so will
result in a referral to the administration, and disciplinary action will
be taken to modify the violator’s behavior.
Students who do not meet satisfactory behavior guidelines and academic criteria are placed on ineligibility/unsatisfactory conduct lists.
Unsatisfactory Conduct
Any student receiving three “3s” or more unsatisfactory citizenship grades is ineligible for participation in extra-curricular activities, interscholastic sports, and elected school office.
A student will receive a “3” in citizenship if s/he has: (1) cut class more than once or (2) repeatedly interfered with the learning process of others.
Teachers will document and maintain a record of unsatisfactory citizenship
behavior. Teachers will attempt to modify behavior prior to issuing
an unsatisfactory citizenship grade. Teachers will notify the parent(s)/guardians
in writing of the student’s poor behavior. The teacher will also notify
the Department Chairperson/Team Designee and/or appropriate administrator
of the student’s poor behavior.
A student will be restricted from participating in extra-curricular activities such as interscholastic and intramural sports, social events, and student leadership positions if s/he incurs three or more “3s” in conduct/citizenship during a portion of a grading period.
Any student who becomes ineligible will remain so until the next quarter grades are reviewed. If, at that time, the student has fewer than three “3s,” eligibility will be restored. Eligibility may be restored prior to the issuance of the next report card provided the student asks for a review of his/her status.
Procedure for Review of Citizenship Ineligibility
1. A student/student’s parents ask in writing for a review of ineligibility through the appropriate administrative office.
2. Notice will be made to the student’s teachers. Teachers will indicate if the student’s behavior remains unacceptable. If 3 teachers indicate that an ineligible student’s behavior is unsatisfactory, that student will retain his/her ineligible status until fewer than 3 teachers indicate unsatisfactory conduct on either progress reports or report cards.
Note: If a student does not ask for a review of his/her status, ineligibility is retained until fewer than 3 teachers indicate unsatisfactory on the report card.
Unsatisfactory conduct will carry over from one year to the next and from grade to grade.
Academic Ineligibility
Any student who is failing 2 or more subjects at the middle school level will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities, both social and athletic. Eligibility may be restored upon review if a student has fewer than 2 failures.
Academic ineligibility for high school students will follow the Rhode Island Interscholastic League guidelines. (See Appendix C.) The ineligible status will remain in effect until grades for the next quarter are reviewed.
Procedure for Review of Academic Ineligibility
1. A student/student’s parents ask in writing for a review of ineligibility through the appropriate administrative office.
2. Notice will be made to the student’s teachers. Teachers will indicate if the student is passing. If any 2 teachers indicate that an ineligible student is not passing, that student will retain his/her ineligible status until less than 2 teachers indicate failing grades. Note: If a student does not ask for a review of his/her status, ineligibility is retained until fewer than 2 teachers indicate failing grades on the report card.
Policy
It is the policy of the Cranston Public Schools that all students will be treated with respect. Neither sexual harassment nor harassment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, ancestry, age, handicap, or color will be tolerated.
The Equal Employment Opportunity commission (EEOC) has issued regulations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 entitled “Sexual Harassment” and Title IX of the Education Act of 1972, “Anti-discrimination Laws.” Cranston Public Schools policy includes the following provisions based upon this Act:
1. The Cranston Public Schools will consider any behavior constituting harassment on the basis of gender, either physical or verbal in nature, a serious violation of the Act.
2. The term “Sexual Harassment” includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature including, but not limited to the following listed conditions:
· Uninvited gender-based or sexually oriented behavior
· One person exerting power over another
· Unwelcome sexual advances
· Behavior that is demeaning to members of the opposite sex
· Conduct that creates a sexually offensive environment
· Comments about one’s body, touching, or grabbing
· Crude language, sexual graffiti, inappropriate gestures
· Denies equal educational opportunity
· Illegal behavior
a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s education.
b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for educational decisions affecting the person.
c. The conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s educational performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
d. Students should be aware that any promise of a reward such as a high
grade, or threat, such as failure in a course, in return for sexual favors
is harassment. Sexual harassment also occurs when a student rejects
a sexual advance and is threatened, for example, with a lower grade, or someone’s
conduct creates an intimidating or offensive environment.
Procedure
1. Any employee or student who believes s/he is experiencing sexual harassment
should report such circumstances to School or Central Administration immediately.
If the employee or student is uncomfortable in discussing the issue with
an immediate supervisor or teacher, the employee or student may contact the
Director of Human Resources or the Superintendent.
2. Any employee or student who has information or knowledge of sexual harassment occurring should report the information to the appropriate administrator, teacher, Director of Human Resources or Superintendent.
3. Any administrator or staff employee of any harassment allegations suspected harassment, or behavior that could be construed as sexual harassment shall immediately and fully inform the Superintendent. Any administrator or supervisor who is informed of alleged sexual harassment activities occurring within the School Department must, in conjunction with the Superintendent, take immediate and appropriate action, beginning with a thorough and confidential investigation of the circumstances.
4. Employees alleged to have committed sexual harassment will be given all due process rights. If sexual harassment activity is found to have occurred, such activity will not be tolerated and disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal of employees who violated this policy will occur.
Regulation CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Adopted 01/11/93 Cranston, Rhode Island
------------
Reporting Procedure For Complaint Resolution
Any student who believes s/he has been the target of sexual harassment or sexual violence, or any third person should report the alleged act(s) to the designated persons in the school who have been trained to provide support and guidance to students on the issue of sexual harassment.
Options to resolve complaints of sexual harassment include:
Individual Consultation. The purpose is to empower the student so that s/he may resolve the issue without filing a written complaint. Steps in this resolution include:
1. A complainant or third party that has knowledge of sexual harassment
may consult with a designated support person to discuss a specific situation
or incident, get personal support and advice on how to proceed and determine
a course of action.
2. The support person does not contact the alleged harasser.
3. No written records are kept.
Informal Complaint Resolution. The purpose is to inform the harasser of the impact of his or her behaviors on the complainant and to stop the behaviors. Steps in this resolution include:
1. A complainant or third party that has knowledge of sexual harassment may consult with a designated support person.
2. The support person or other designee will conduct an investigation and speak with all parties involved or who may have knowledge of the situation. A face to face meeting between the parties is not required.
3. The complainant should be kept informed of negotiations with the alleged harasser.
4. Written records are kept.
Formal Complaint Resolution. The purpose of the formal complaint procedure is to ensure prompt, fair, and formal resolution of a complaint of harassment. A complainant or third party who has knowledge of sexual harassment, may choose either initially or, after having sought to resolve the matter informally, to bring a complaint through formal procedures. This complaint may or may not involve notification to the police.
1. The support person or other designee will conduct an investigation and
speak with
all parties involved or who may have knowledge of the situation. A
face to face meeting between the parties is not required.
2. The complainant should be kept informed of the investigation.
3. Written records are kept.
The principal shall be immediately and fully informed of any formal complaint
of sexual harassment or any complaint of aggressive/violent physical contact
of a sexual nature. Any principal who is informed of alleged sexual
harassment activities occurring must, in conjunction with the superintendent,
take immediate and appropriate action, beginning with a thorough and confidential
investigation of the circumstances.
Discipline
Students alleged to have committed sexual harassment will be given all due process rights. If sexual harassment activity is found to have occurred, such activity will not be tolerated and disciplinary action, up to and including exclusion will occur.
The designated support person or administrator, in case of non-physical conduct, may choose to use the following procedures for resolving informal complaints. The procedures must be followed for all formal complaints.
1. If a student sexually harasses another student (non-physical contact), an administrator will confer with the offending student and notify parents. The penalty will include detention assignment as the behavior warrants or suspension from 1 to 7 school days.
2. If the student commits an additional offense (non-physical contact), an administrator will confer with the offending student and notify parents. The penalty will include a suspension for 3 to 7 school days. The administrator may notify police and initiate exclusion proceedings.
3. If a student sexually harasses another student (physical contact issue),
an administrator will confer with the student and notify parents. The
penalty will include a suspension from school for no less than 10 days.
The administrator will notify policy and encourage the victim to press charges.
Exclusion proceedings will be initiated.
EXTENDED PREDETERMINED ABSENCE
Cranston Public Schools
COMPLETION OF THIS FORM IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PUPILS PLANNING ON MISSING SCHOOL TIME FOR ANY REASON. Failure to do so will result in loss of credit for time missed. Completing this form does not carry with it the approval or consent of the faculty and administration.
The student and the parents must accept responsibility for the academic results of absences, since teachers are not expected to provide tutoring for such reasons. An extended period of absence may necessitate the student being dropped from the school enrollment. ALTHOUGH WE RECOGNIZE SUCH ABSENCES, WE CANNOT CONDONE OR SANCTION THEM.
PUPIL’S NAME ______________________________________________________ HR _____________
DATES OF AND REASON FOR ABSENCE _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PARENT’S SIGNATURE ________________________________________________________________
Teacher to initial and comment, where appropriate, on the impact the lost time will have on the student’s success in that class.
PER. SUBJECT TEACHER’S COMMENTS TEACHER’S SIGN.
1 _______________________________________________________________________________
2 _______________________________________________________________________________
3 _______________________________________________________________________________
4 _______________________________________________________________________________
5 _______________________________________________________________________________
6 _______________________________________________________________________________
7 _______________________________________________________________________________
COUNSELOR’S COMMENTS/SIGNATURE ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS/SIGNATURE ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
DUE PROCESS
Cranston Public School Policy # 5145 (a)
Due Process Procedures are incorporated into the Disciplinary Procedures for Cranston Students. All students are given a copy of the procedures at the beginning of each school year or when they enroll in the district. Consistent with Rhode Island General Law “each student and his or her parents (guardian) shall sign a statement verifying that they have been given a copy of the student disciplinary code of their respective school district.”
If the student and/or parents (guardian) are not in agreement with the
disciplinary decision made at the school level, the following steps may be
taken:
Level 1 Dismissal of a Student from Class/Assignment of Detention
1. The student and/or parents (guardian) shall be informed of the reasons for removal and assignment of detention by the principal and/or assistant principal.
2. The student and/or the parents (or guardian) shall be given an opportunity
to appeal
The action to the principal of the school and present his/her point of view
regarding the decision.
3. The principal will render a decision and inform the student and/or parents verbally.
Levels 2 & 3 Dismissal from the Building/Suspension of Student from School
1. The student and/or parents (guardian) shall be informed of the reasons
for removal from the building or school for a period of time by the administrator
in writing, including:
· incident that has taken place
· the proposed disciplinary consequence (e.g. notice of intent to
suspend)
· Due Process Procedures
2. The student and/or the parents (or guardian) shall be given an opportunity
to appeal to
the principal of the school and present his/her
point of view regarding the incident.
3. The principal shall conduct a hearing regarding the incident and the
disciplinary action and render a decision in writing regarding the appeal
including:
· written notice of charges against the student shall be provided to
the student and the parents (guardian) in their native language by the principal
· proposed action to be taken by the school administration
· Due Process Procedure
Level 4 Appeal of a Disciplinary Action to the Superintendent
1. The student and parent(s)/guardians shall have the right to appeal the recommendations of the school principal within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of the action recommended by the principal.
2. This notice of appeal must be sent in writing by the parent(s)/guardian(s)
to the office
of the Superintendent which includes:
· requesting an appeal hearing
· listing the reason (s) for the appeal.
1. The principal must be notified by the parent(s)/guardian(s) if an appeal is being made to the Superintendent.
4. In response to the receipt of an appeal in writing, a hearing
will be scheduled by the
Superintendent or designee:
· this student will be invited to be present at the hearing
· the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be invited to the hearing
· If the parties appealing the decision of the school administration
are represented by legal counsel, the Superintendent’s office must be notified
twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the commencement of the hearing.
5. All parties will be given an opportunity to present
their version of the facts and their
implications. All parties will be allowed to offer testimony
of other witnesses and other evidence relative to the issue.
6. The hearing will be conducted by the Superintendent or designated
representatives
who shall make a determination solely upon
the evidence presented at the hearing.
7. The hearing officer shall keep a record of the hearing.
8. A decision will be rendered within a reasonable time after the hearing and will be forwarded to the parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing in their dominant language.
Level 5 Appeal of a Decision to the School Committee
1. The student and parent(s)/guardian(s) shall have the right to appeal to the School Committee the decision at the Superintendent’s level within ten (10) days of receipt of the written decision.
2. The notice of appeal must be sent by the parent(s)/guardian(s)
to the Chairperson of
the School Committee:
· requesting an appeal hearing of the School Committee
· listing the reason(s) for the appeal.
3. A copy of the record and written decision at the Superintendent’s
level will be
forwarded to the Chairperson of the School
Committee:
· a hearing shall be held by the School Committee or its designated
hearing officer
· a stenographic record of the hearing will be maintained
· the school system may be assisted in the process by legal representation.
2. A decision will be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing.
5. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will have the right to appeal
the decision of the School
Committee to the Commissioner of Education
at the Rhode Island Department of
Education.
6. In cases where the parent(s)/guardian(s) appeal the decision
of the School Committee,
a copy of the decision and record of the hearings
will be forwarded to the
Commissioner of Education.
RHODE ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC GUIDELINES
REGARDING ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The student must be taking at least four subjects, not including Physical
Education, each involving at least four periods of work or an aggregate of
fifteen periods of work per week.
A. At all times the athlete should have secured for the period from the beginning
of the quarter or trimester up to the end of the regular marking period which
shall not exceed a maximum of 12 weeks and a passing grade of 60% in the
student’s program (credits) not including Physical Education.
1. At the end of a course which meets for multiple marking periods, a school may utilize the grade earned during the last marking period or the final mark earned in determining academic eligibility. However, the school must be consistent in its application of this provision for all athletes in all sports.
B. To be eligible at the beginning of a school year, the student
must have done
passing work at the end of the previous school
year in June and 60% of the
student’s program (credits), not Physical Education.
1. In the case of a student who devotes a considerable part
of the summer
to make up subjects failed during the school year and receives credit
toward graduation for this make-up work, that student shall be entitled
to count such credit toward eligibility provided this credit is made an
official part of his school record during the first week of the fall term.
In case a student fails to complete the minimum scholastic
requirements for athletic eligibility at the end of a quarter due to
unavoidable absence, the student shall be ineligible
for the next quarter
until these requirements of the preceding quarter are made-up.
2. Failures or incomplete work caused by unavoidable absence may be
made up at the beginning of the quarter provided it is made a matter of
final record within three weeks of the first day of that quarter.
C. The athlete shall receive no special privilege such as extra
examinations,
delayed marks, make-up opportunities, or other favors which are not granted
on equal terms to every student in the school; with the further provision
that
grades for failures or incomplete work in which a make-up opportunity is
granted at the end of a quarterly marking period must be made
a matter of
final record within two calendar weeks of the first day of the succeeding
marking period.
D. If the athlete repeats work for which credit has once
been received, the
athletic cannot count that subject a second time for eligibility.
E. The athlete cannot count for eligibility points obtained
in a subject taken
during the summer vacation that had not previously been regularly pursued
in
the classroom.
F. Admission to or exclusion from participation in a sport because of these
eligibility rules, shall take place at the close of the school day on which
report
cards are issued for the end of the regular marking period.
G. If a game is postponed or results in a tie; the eligibility
of the participants does
not hold over until the game is played off.
H. Academic eligibility requirement for students who are enrolled
in Accelerated
Programs.
1. An accelerated program is one in which a student earns more that
the
minimum credits necessary for promotion to the senior year. This may
be achieved by independent study, taking more that the required
number of courses in a given semester or year, taking additional
courses at an approved college, or a concurrent enrollment program at
an approved college.
2. Conditions for academic eligibility of seniors in an Accelerated
Programs:
a. The student must be enrolled in a minimum equivalent of
three full course per semester in his/her school or an
approved off-campus program for a total of three credits for
the year, excluding physical education.
b. If off campus courses are involved, the high school must
approve the courses and the grades must be recorded at the
high school on the student’s permanent record card and are
included in the computation for the student’s graduation
credits.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
Appropriate records of attendance, evaluation, suspension, or withdrawal are maintained for each student, kept in a protected location and treated in a confidential manner. Parents and eligible students have the right to:
1. Inspect and review the student’s educational records;
2. Request the amendment of the student’s educational record to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights or other rights;
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information
contained in the
Student’s educational record, except to the extent that FERPA regulations
authorize disclosure without consent;
File with the United States Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the Cranston Public Schools to comply with the FERPA regulations; and
Obtain a copy of the policies of the Cranston Public Schools for
student educational records. Copies of these policies are located in
the office of the Superintendent and in the Principal’s office in each school
in the district.
SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT
Cranston Public Schools Policy 5131.A
Regulations For Transporting School Children: School Bus Conduct
1. The driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils. Pupils must obey the driver promptly and willingly.
2. Pupils shall ride their regularly assigned bus at all times, unless permission has been granted by the school authorities. School authorities should verify with the driver the availability of extra seating space and issue bus passes for non-regular riders if it will cause standees on the bus.
3. Unless by written permission of school authorities, no pupil shall be permitted to leave the bus except at his or her regular stop.
4. Each pupil may be assigned a seat in which he or she will be seated at all times unless permission to change is given by the school principal and/or driver.
5. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct must be observed.
6. Pupils are to assist in keeping the bus clean by keeping their waste paper off the floor. Pupils must also refrain from throwing refuse out of the windows. To help keep the bus clean, eating is not allowed.
7. No pupil will smoke or light matches on a school bus.
8. No pupil shall, at any time, extend his or her head, hands or arms out of the windows, whether the school bus is in motion or standing still.
9. No pupil shall open a window on the school bus without first getting permission from the school bus driver.
10. Pupils must see that they have nothing in their possession that may cause injury to another, such as sticks, breakable containers, any type of firearms, straps or pins extending from their clothing. Also, no animal is permitted on the bus, except for muzzled “seeing eye” dogs.
11. Each pupil must see that his or her books and personal belongings are kept out of the aisle. Special permission must be granted by school authorities to transport any large items.
12. No pupil will be allowed to talk to the driver more than is necessary.
13. No pupil shall sit in the driver’s seat, nor shall any pupil be located to the immediate left or right of the driver.
14. Pupils are to remain seated while the bus is in motion, and they are not to get on or off the bus until it has come to a full stop.
15. Pupils must leave the bus in an orderly manner and must obey the orders of the school bus driver. They must not cross the highway until given consent by the school bus driver. When boarding or leaving the bus, pupils should be in view of the driver at all times.
16. Pupils must cross the highway at least 10 feet in front of the school bus and never behind it.
17. Pupils must not stand or play in roadway while waiting for the bus. Pupils should leave home early enough to arrive at the stop before the bus is due. When the bus approaches the stop, student(s) shall remain seated until the bus makes a complete stop. There shall be no pushing or shoving on boarding the bus.
18. Self-discipline should be exercised by students at the bus loading area. Students should refrain from pushing and shoving other students.
19. Pupils, who have to walk some distance along the highway to the bus-loading zone, where practicable, must walk on the left-hand side facing the on-coming traffic. This will also apply to pupils leaving the bus loading zone in the evening.
20. Students’ misconducts on a bus will be sufficient reason to discontinue providing bus transportation to those students involved.
21. In the event of an emergency, emergency exit procedures, as established by the emergency exit drills, will be followed.
22. Parents of students who damage school busses will be responsible for proper reimbursement to the school district.
23. Pupils are not to run errands between the bus stop and their homes.
SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION IS AN EXTENSION OF A SCHOOL SYSTEM AND SHOULD
BE CARRIED OVER INTO THE SCHOOL BUS.
The content of these guidelines for disciplinary action is consistent with Cranston Public School Policy # 5144 (C) of the Cranston Public Schools adopted 06/21/76 by the Cranston School Committee.
However, in the absence of specifically defined behavior and/or accompanying disciplinary action, the judgment of the principal or designee within the context of these guidelines will prevail in terms of altering any of the previously mentioned guidelines.
If any provision of this policy or the application thereof to any person
or circumstances is held invalid in a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of said policy,
and to this end the provisions of same are hereby declared to be severable.
Regulation Adopted: 01/17/77
Revised: 01/17/84
08/01/87
09/05/90
09/03/91
09/02/92
09/01/93
06/30/94
07/17/95
07/15/96
08/18/97
08/17/98
03/09/00
05/08/02
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and students must sign the DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES and the TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY sections of this page. Sign and return this form to school. PLEASE NOTE NEXT PAGE.
Student’s Name (please print): ______________________________________ HR: ______
Date: __________________
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES POLICY
We have read, discussed, and understand the DISCIPLINARY POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK FOR CRANSTON PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
______________________________ ___________________________________
Student’s Signature
Parent(s)’/ Guardian(s)’ Signature
TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The student agrees to follow the rules of the Technology Acceptable Use Policy of the Cranston Public Schools’ Network. As the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the minor student named above, I have read the “Technology Acceptable Use Policy” and agree to promote this policy with my child. Having read the policy, I grant permission for my child to access networked computer services such as electronic mail and the Internet.
______________________________ ___________________________________
Student’s Signature
Parent(s)’/ Guardian(s)’ Signature
PERMISSION TO APPEAR IN PUBLICATIONS
As the parent/guardian of the minor student signing above, I allow my child to be photographed and/or identified in print or electronic publication as those photographs pertain to the promotion of school functions.
___________________________________
Parent(s)’/ Guardian(s)’ Signature
PERMISSION TO RELEASE INFORMATION TO MILITARY
As the parent/guardian of the minor student named above, I allow my child’s information to be released to the United States military. If you choose not to have this information released, a written request must be made to the school. (See explanation of law on next page.)
___________________________________
Parent(s)’/ Guardian(s)’ Signature
ARMED FORCES RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENTS AND STUDENT RECRUITING INFORMATION
Federal Law – “No Child Left Behind” Act of 2001 States:
(1) ACCESS TO STUDENT RECRUITING INFORMATION Notwithstanding section 444(a) (5)(B) of the General Education Provisions Act and except as provided in paragraph (2), each local education agency receiving assistance under this Act shall provide, on a request made by military recruiters or an institution of higher education, access to secondary school students names, addresses, and telephone listings.
(2) CONSENT – A secondary school student or the parent of the student may
request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing described
in paragraph (1) not be released without prior written parental consent, and
the local education agency or private school shall notify parents of the
option to make a request and shall comply with any request.
(3) SAME ACCESS TO STUDENTS- Each local educational agency receiving assistance
under this Act shall provide military recruiters the same access to secondary
school students as is provided generally to post-secondary educational institutions
or to prospective employers of those students.
RECORD POLICY
“As indicated in the Cranston Public School policy #5125B, student records
will be maintained by the high school for five (5) years after graduation.
After a five-year period the records will be destroyed. Cranston, will,
however, continue to maintain a permanent record transcript for future reference….”