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GES BEHAVIOR MATRIX

ConVal School District Policies

All ConVal School District Policies are available in their entirety online at: www.conval.edu Below is a partial listing of ConVal School District Policies to which parents and guardians of elementary school students may refer online:

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Section 504

Special Education Rights and Statues of Limitation

Non-discrimination Notice (AC, ACE)

Sexual Harassment Policy (JBAA, JBAA-R)

NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Notice of Privacy Rights Amendments

Student Search Policy (JIH and JIH-R)

Notification of Audio Recording on Buses (ECAF)

The following ConVal School District Policies are included in all ConVal student handbooks:

JICBB - Also JBAA, JIC, JICD

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

PUPIL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY - BULLYING

I. General Statement of Policy -The Board is committed to providing all pupils a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect.

This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193-F, which specifically identifies “bullying” as a form of pupil harassment. Conduct constituting bullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by the Policy, in accordance with RSA 193-F.

II. Bullying Defined

For the purpose of this policy the term “bullying” means insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the pupil being treated in this manner. The Superintendent may develop administrative procedure to implement this Policy.

III. Reporting Procedures

Any school employee, or employee of a company under contract with a school in the District, or the District itself, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to “bullying,” as defined in II above, shall report such incident to the Principal, or his/her designee who shall in turn report the incident to the Superintendent within twenty-four hours of receiving the information. The Principal, or designee, shall within 48 hours of the occurrence, inform by telephone and in writing by first-class mail, the parent or legal guardian of all pupils involved in incidents of bullying as defined in this Policy. The Superintendent or his/her designee may, within the 48 hour time period, grant the principal a waiver from the notification requirement if the Superintendent deems such waiver to be in the best interest of the child. Such waiver shall be in writing. The Superintendent shall, on a monthly basis, inform the local school board of incidents of bullying. The District will make available forms for reporting incidents of bullying and shall encourage the use of these forms. Such forms shall be available in the Principal’s Office in each building and in the Superintendent’s Office.

JICBB - Also JBAA, JIC, JICD

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

IV. Investigation The Superintendent shall direct an investigation to be made of reports of bullying.

V. Training The Superintendent shall develop and implement age-appropriate methods of discussing the meaning, substance and application of the Policy with staff and students in order to minimize the occurrence of bullying and methods for staff to effectively respond to any such incidents.

VI. Notice Of Policy The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide notice to parents or legal guardians, students and staff of the Policy through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, or through other reasonable means. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall also make all contractors contracting with the District aware of this Policy.

VII. Discipline If it is determined, after investigation, that a pupil has engaged in bullying conduct prohibited by the Policy, that pupil shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include, but not be limited to, suspension and expulsion. Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with applicable School Board Policy and legal requirements.

VIII Appeals Disciplinary actions may be appealed. All appeals shall be in writing. Appeals to the Superintendent shall be submitted within five calendar days of the notification of the disciplinary action taken. The Superintendent shall have 15 school days to issue a ruling on the appeal of disciplinary action. Any further appeals to the local School Board and the State Board of Education shall follow a similar format and time line for submission of appeals.

IX. Capture of Audio Recordings on School District Property Pursuant to RSA 570-A:2, notice is hereby given that the Board authorizes audio recordings to be made in conjunction with video recordings on school district property. The Superintendent or his/her designee will ensure that there is a sign prominently displayed on the school property informing the occupants that such video and audio recordings are occurring.

Reference: RSA 193-F:3 (Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000)

Board Adoption: December 19, 2000

Revised: October 17, 2006

JICI

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

DANGEROUS WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Dangerous weapons as used in this section and, to the extent not inconsistent with, any other policy, rule or regulation, shall mean: a firearm (see 18 USSC Section 921) to include a pellet or BB gun; any object prohibited, licensed, or regulated under RSA 159; a knife, but not a folding pocket knife or cafeteria-issued dining utensil; a bullet; any firework, explosive, or other incendiary; club, metallic knuckles; containers containing chemicals such as pepper gas or mace; martial arts weapons (as defined in RSA 159:24); electronic defense weapons (as

defined in RSA 159:20); and/or any other weapon, substance or object which, in the manner it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to

be used, is known to be capable of producing serious injury. Dangerous weapons are not permitted on school property, on school vehicles or at school-sponsored activities. Student violations of the policy will result in both school disciplinary action and notification of the police. Suspension or expulsion from school could result. Additionally, any Student who is determined to have brought a firearm (as defined by Title 18 U.S.C. 921) to school will be expelled for not less than one year (365 days). This expulsion may be modified by the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law. The determination of whether to modify the expulsion shall be left to the discretion of the superintendent, who in making that determination may consider the following factors: whether possession of the firearm was inadvertent in that another person had left the firearm in the pupil s vehicle, and the pupil had not noticed that she/he was brining the firearm for sport immediately before or after school and had no intention to display the firearm to other students; whether the pupil is in the fifth grade or lower grade and the pupil did not properly understand the dangers of firearms when the firearm was brought to school; whether the firearm was loaded; and whether there was any ammunition reasonably available; and/or whether the pupil had any intention to display the firearm to other students.

Weapons under control of law enforcement personnel are permitted. Statutory & Regulatory References: RSA 193-D

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Adopted: May 16, 2000

JICH

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The Contoocook Valley School Board believes:

That alcohol and other substance abuse, directly or indirectly affects a significant portion of the school population.

That alcohol and other substance abuse must be considered a treatable illness, a view which is consistent with that of nearly all medical and social authorities.

That prevention and early identification and treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse results in a high rate of recovery.

That a school environment provides a unique opportunity for identification of potential problems with alcohol and drugs for staff and students and identification and referral steps will insure anonymity of the student or staff member.

That the school district will work cooperatively with others in the community (industry, churches, social agencies, individuals, etc.) to establish effective counseling and treatment provisions for those experiencing alcohol or other drug-related problems.

That the school district can and should make effective referral of staff and students experiencing alcohol or other drug-related problems and that neither the record of a student nor the record and job status of an employee will be jeopardized by seeking and accepting treatment.

1st Board Reading: August 21, 2007

Board Adoption: November 6, 2007

JICH-R

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

Alcohol and Other Substance Use

Violations and Sanctions

Students enrolled in the ConVal School District are entitled to a drug free learning environment. To insure this for our students, through policies, prevention, intervention, education and strict enforcement, the ConVal School District adopts zero tolerance in our schools and school activities for alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances. This policy of zero tolerance extends beyond the boundaries of the school to all school functions at all locations. This policy emphasizes the illegality of drug and alcohol use by students. Thus, the purpose of the policy is to offer a clear message to students, parents, and the citizens of the community that possession and use of alcohol and other drugs will not be tolerated. This policy refers to any and all illegal substances or those represented as drugs.

To be effective, the School Board, Staff and Administration must support this policy. The School Board shall maintain oversight to insure that this policy is fully implemented and procedures followed.

No student:

Shall possess, ingest, sell, provide, or be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance not prescribed to him or her by a medical practitioner

Shall possess, sell or provide any paraphernalia associated with the use or sale of alcohol and/or controlled substances

Shall possess, sell or provide any substance which is a look-a-like to a controlled substance or alcohol

The above restrictions shall apply in any of the following situations:

On school property before, during or after school hours

En route to or from school in a school bus or other school authorized vehicle

En route to or from a curricular, co-curricular, extracurricular or athletic activity in a school bus or other authorized vehicle

At a curricular, co-curricular, extracurricular or athletic activity

Given reasonable suspicion, school administrators may:

Require physical and/or medical tests to determine whether a student is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance not prescribed by a medical practitioner

Search a student and his/her property including but not limited to backpacks, lockers, common areas and cars

Searches may be conducted by police personnel and/or certified, trained dogs and their handlers

Authorize the seizure of property suspected of violating school rules and/or local, state or federal statutes; when required, such property shall be submitted to the local police

JICH-R

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

Elementary and Middle School Violations

Any student found to have violated this policy may be suspended from school for up to ten (10) days. Said student may also be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for additional suspension time. Any student found to have violated this policy for a second time within 365 days shall be referred to the Superintendent who may recommend to the school board that s/he be expelled for a period not to exceed 365

days. Suspension beyond ten days and/or expulsion will be determined in accordance with district and federal guidelines for hearing and appeal.

A student found to have violated any part of this policy:

May be required to participate in an approved alcohol/drug assessment either by the district Alcohol and Drug Counselor or with a district approved Alcohol and Drug Counselor before returning to school

Is required to meet (accompanied by parent) with an administrator prior to returning to school

Shall be reported to the local police for appropriate action if local, state or federal statutes have allegedly been violated

May be required to participate in a program of education regarding the abuse of alcohol or other controlled substances

May be required to submit to drug testing by a certified agency prior to and after being allowed to resume attendance at school; proper written evidence of the drug test must be submitted to administration at the time of each testing and reentry to school is based upon “negative” test results. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements will result in continued suspension from school or expulsion from school.

High School Violations

Level One - Illegal possession or use of drugs or alcohol; being under the influence of an illegal drug, controlled substance or alcohol; attempting to secure and/or purchase an illegal drug, controlled substance or alcohol will result in the following sanctions:

First Offense: If the Student Accepts Counseling: Up to 5 days internal or external suspension. Parent/guardian notification, Police notification Up to 15 hours certified (LADC) counseling Up to 8 hours community service

If the Student Will Not Accept Counseling or Counseling is Ineffective:

(as Determined by LADC): Up to 10 days internal or external suspension, 30 day co-curricular suspension Parent/guardian notification, Police notification

Second Offense:

60 school day Co-curricular suspension, social probation and loss of other privileges

Student accepts counseling: 5-10 days internal or external suspension, Parent/guardian notification, Police notification, Up to 20 hours certified (LADC) counseling

Up to 16 hours community service

Student Will Not Accept Counseling or Counseling is Ineffective (As Determined by LADC)

Parent/guardian notification, Police notification, Shall be referred to the Superintendent who may recommend to the School Board that s/he be expelled for a period not to exceed 365 days. Suspension beyond ten days and/or expulsion will be determined in accordance with District and federal guidelines for hearing and appeal.

Level Two - Intending or attempting to sell and/or distribute illegal drugs, controlled substances or alcohol will result in the following sanctions for any offense:

First Offense: 120 school day co-curricular suspension

Student accepts counseling: 5-10 days internal or external suspension, Parent/guardian notification, Police notification Up to 20 hours certified (LADC) counseling, Up to 16 hours community service

Student Will Not Accept Counseling or Counseling is Ineffective (as determined by LADC):

Parent/guardian notification, Police notification

Shall be referred to the Superintendent who may recommend to the school board that s/he be expelled for a period not to exceed 365 days. Suspension beyond ten days and/or expulsion will be determined in accordance with district and federal guidelines for hearing and appeal.

Second Offense: Parent/guardian notification, Police notification, Shall be referred to the Superintendent who may recommend to the School Board that s/he be expelled for a period not to exceed 365 days. Suspension beyond ten days and/or expulsion will be determined in accordance with District and federal guidelines for hearing and appeal.

Other Provisions

In all cases where there has been a violation, a school administrator will call a parent or guardian. The student will be released to the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached or is unwilling to come to the school, the local Police Department will be called; informed of the facts, and requested to take protective custody of the student.

Any student who is suspended must have a reentry plan developed upon his/her return to school. The plan must address, but is not limited to, behavior expectations, participation in counseling, academic expectations and any other activities that will allow for positive reentry to school. Plans must involve administration, guidance, teachers (when appropriate), and parent(s) or guardian(s). Failure of the student to work with a counselor or complete community service for the contracted time will result in the case being referred back to school officials for additional disciplinary action. Class officers, Student Council officers, Team Captains and officers of other organizations automatically forfeit their positions when they violate the Alcohol and Other Substance Use Policies. Members of school athletic teams and co-curricular organizations, upon the first offense of a violation of this policy will be immediately removed from participation in team competition or the organization’s public events, for part or all of the season, but for no less than one game or event, based on the decision of the Administration. At the discretion of the Administration and the head coach or organizational advisor, members of school athletic teams and co-curricular organizations may be allowed to attend practice and/or meetings. Upon a second offense, a member of a school athletic team or co-curricular organization will no longer be allowed to participate with the team or organization and will be removed from associating in any way with any sports team or organization for a full year (12 months) from the date of the second violation. Reinstatement to any team or organization will only be granted following a mandatory petition before the Administration.

Prescription Drugs/Other Medication

Any student who is required to carry a prescription drug or other medication during school hours shall do so under the provisions of Board Policy JLCD.

Alcohol Possession at athletic and other interscholastic events

No person shall drink or have in his possession any intoxicating beverage while in attendance as a spectator or otherwise at any place where a school interscholastic contest or event is being conducted. Whoever violates the provisions of this section and, in addition to the above provisions, any person suspected to be in possession of alcohol at any athletic or other interscholastic contest, will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Employees and Other Persons

Any other person, including all employees, for whom there is reliable evidence he or she is under the influence, or is in possession of illegal drugs, will be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

Requests for Help

District counseling services will be available upon request to any student who is having problems with alcohol and other drugs. Also, when a student has violated Alcohol and Other Substance Use Policies, the student will be referred to a school counselor. The counselor will either provide the counseling on an individual basis, or in small groups, and/or assist in making appropriate referrals to outside agencies. Conversations will be kept confidential.

1st Board Reading: August 21, 2007

Board Adoption: November 6, 2007

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Absence A student is considered absent when not in school.

Make-up Work Make-up work will only be given after a student s absence. No schoolwork will be pre-assigned. The time period for make-up work should be relative to the amount of time missed. For example, a student absent for one day will have one day to make-up the assignments missed. It should be noted that make-up work does not adequately replace the instructional time lost for a school absence.

Extended Illness In the case of extended illness, one which prohibits a student from attending school for more than 10 consecutive days (subject to the availability of funds) students may receive school approved at-home tutoring. Parents are required to contact the building principal regarding the conditions of extended illness and provide a medical statement from the attending physician prior to receiving at-home tutoring.

Vacations Vacations for any reason will be considered an absence. Parents are encouraged to plan vacations during regularly scheduled school vacations.

Appeal Parents may appeal any section of the policy to the Superintendent of Schools. If not satisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, parents may appeal to the School

Board.

Administrative Procedures Administrative procedures will be established in order to implement this policy.

April 2, 1991

JEDA

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

TRUANCY

Unauthorized absence from school is considered truancy and will be treated as such. See RSA 193:1, 2, and 7. This includes absence from any class, study hall, or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled. It also includes any after school special-help session or disciplinary session which the student has been directed to attend. Disciplinary action shall be taken in such cases, beginning with notification of parents.

Continued violation may lead to suspension from school. Any staff member aware of a student leaving a class or the school grounds without permission shall report the departure immediately to the principal.

April 2, 1991

JICA

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Building Principals are authorized to issue regulations to assure the integrity of the educational process. Such regulations should be approved by the Superintendent of Schools. In all other respects, parents and students have the right and responsibility to determine each Student s dress, providing that such attire complies with the health code of the State of New Hampshire and does not interfere with educational process.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Adopted: May 16, 2000

JIC

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT CONDUCT

All student behavior must be based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.

Students shall receive annually at the opening of school a publication listing the rules and regulations to which they are subject. Students have a responsibility to know and respect the rules and regulations of the school. Students have the further responsibility to behave in a manner appropriate to good citizenship everywhere. This includes treating all students and staff with courtesy, consideration and respect. Insults, force, or sarcasm shall not be used. The right of each student to an education will receive the highest priority.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Adopted: May 16, 2000

JICD

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

Also, JICDE, JICI, & JKB

STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE AND DUE PROCESS - SAFE SCHOOLS

The Board endorses the following principles of Student conduct:

1. Respect for law and those given the authority to administer it shall be expected of all Students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as to general provisions of the law regarding minors.

2. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall be expected of all members of the school community.

3. Respect for real and personal property, pride in one s work, and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, honesty, and wholesome attitudes shall be maintained.

4. Respect for individual worth is the obligation of the school; diligence and a desire to benefit from the opportunity is the obligation of the student.

The Board expects Student conduct to be such as to contribute to a productive learning climate. Individual rights are to be honored and protected in all instances; however, the rights of one individual shall not take precedence over those of another individual or of the group

itself, and all pupils shall have equal rights and equal responsibilities in the classroom or at any school-sponsored activity.

The Board further recognizes the right of each school to establish disciplinary procedures in accordance with RSA 193:13 and RSA 193-D through the development of administrative procedure which are approved by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. Due process and equal protection of the law shall be afforded to any pupil involved in a proceeding which may result in suspension, exclusion, or expulsion. Students expelled from school may be reinstated by the Board under the provisions of RSA 193:13. Statutory Reference: RSA 193:13

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Adopted: May 16, 2000

JICD-R - Also JICDE-R & JICI-R

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE AND DUE PROCESS

The School District rules relative to student conduct, discipline and due process in the schools are to be adapted from the Rules of the New Hampshire State Board of Education. See Ed 317. The discipline rules of the School District shall be reviewed no less that annually in order to determine continued conformance with the State Board rules and other applicable statutes and regulations as they may from time to time be amended or superseded.

I. Purpose

A. The School District s disciplinary rules will provide due process in all matters of pupil misconduct, and specifically for the enforcement of RSA 193-D relative to disciplinary action for misconduct by a pupil in a safe school zone, including possessing a firearm or any other dangerous weapon, and RSA 193:13 relative to suspension and expulsion of pupils.

B. These rules shall also link discipline and due process in safe school zones to the requirements of ED 1109 relative to special needs students.

II. Definitions

A. Expulsion means the permanent denial of a pupil s attendance at school for any of the reasons listed in RSA 193:13, II and III.

B. Weapon means (1) a firearm (see 18 USC Section 921) to include a pellet or BB gun; (2) any object prohibited, licensed, or regulated under RSA 159; (3) a knife, but not a folding pocket knife or cafeteria-issue dining utensil; (4) a bullet; (5) any firework, explosive, or other incendiary; (6) club, metallic knuckles; (7) containers containing chemicals such as pepper gas or mace, and/or (8) any other substance or object which, in the manner it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing serious injury.

C. Gross misconduct means an act or acts which: (1) results in violence to another person or property; or (2) poses a direct threat to the safety of others in a safe school zone; or (3) is identified in RSA 193-D:1; or (4) involves repeated instances of misconduct or inappropriate behavior for which the pupil has been previously warned or disciplined.

D. Neglect in the context of RSA 193:13, I and II means the failure of a pupil to pay attention to an announced, posted, or printed school rule.

E. Possession shall include, but not be limited to, having control over a weapon or other prohibited object during any part of a school day or during any part of a school-related activity, including transporting the weapon to school or to a school-related activity and storage of the weapon anywhere on school premises, whether in the student s locker or automobile, or in another student s locker or automobile, or in any other place on school premises. Possession is also deemed to include doing any other act whereby the actor knowingly contributes to causing a weapon or other prohibited object to be on school premises or contributes to causing use of a weapon or other prohibited object on school premises.

F. Pupil or student means a child through age 21 in attendance at the school during the school day, and may include other individuals lawfully enrolled as students in the School District. (If the pupil is age 18 or older and not under guardianship, the written notices required below to issue to a parent shall issue instead only to the pupil and, further, all consents or decisions required in the suspension or expulsion process will issue from the pupil.)

G. Refusal in the context of RSA 193:13, I and II means the defiance or intentional failure of a pupil to comply with an announced posted or printed school rule.

H. Safe School Zone means safe school zone as defined in RSA 193-D: 1, II.

I. School day shall include not only the instructional portion of the day, but may also include travel to and from school or a school-related activity, as well as the time spent as a participant or spectator at a school-related activity.

J. School premises shall include the school and surrounding school property, including, without limitation, parking areas, athletic fields, and playgrounds; school buses or other vehicle furnished by the District or its agents for transportation to or from school or a school-related activity; school bus stops; and/or those premises and surroundings being used for a school-related activity. For purposes of this procedure and without intending to interfere with the rights and duties of the police and/or private property owners, school premises shall also be deemed to include streets and exterior property in the school neighborhood during the course of travel to and from school or a school-related activity.

K. Superintendent means the school Superintendent or, in the absence of the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for the School District(s).

L. Suspension means the temporary denial of a student s attendance at school for a specific period of time for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to announced, posted, or printed school rules.

M. Day, with respect to the number of days, shall refer to school days unless there is specific reference to calendar days.

III. Notice

The principal of each school will make certain that every pupil receives notice of the requirements of RSA 193:13 and RSA 193-D:1 through announced, posted, or printed school rules. The statutory text shall be printed in the school handbook to be distributed to each student at the beginning of the school year. Nothing herein shall prevent a school principal from printing, posting and/or announcing other rules applicable to the principal s specific school.

IV. Standard for Expulsion by the School District

A. If the School Board expels a pupil under RSA 193:13, II or III, it will state in writing the act or acts leading to expulsion; and the specific statutory reference prohibiting that act or acts as set forth in RSA 193:13 and/or RSA193-D; and will provide notice that the expulsion may be reviewed prior to the start of each school year in accordance with JICDE.

B. If a pupil is subject to expulsion and a weapon is involved, the responsibility shall be upon the Superintendent to contact local law enforcement officials whenever there is any issue concerning:

1. Whether a firearm is legally licensed under RSA 159: or

2.Whether a firearm is lawfully possessed, as opposed to unlawfully possessed, under the legal definitions of RSA 159.

C. If a pupil brings or possesses a weapon in a safe school zone without written permission from the Superintendent, the pupil shall be

suspended for a period of not less than 10 days. If the weapon is determined to be a firearm as defined in 18 USC Section 921, the School Board shall hold a hearing within 10 days to determine the student was in violation of RSA 193:13, III, and, therefore, is subject to expulsion for a period of not less that 12 months.

Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence the Superintendent may, in his or her sole discretion, determine that expulsion is not appropriate, but only as provided in JICI.

V. Disciplinary Measures and Procedures

A. Discipline Levels: There shall be the following levels of discipline available to school officials enforcing RSA 193:13 and or RSA 193-D relative to the suspension and expulsion of pupils.

1. Detention - See JKB

2. Short-term suspension (not to exceed 10 days school is in session). The Board hereby designates that the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for the School District(s), and each Principal and Assistant Principal shall have authority to suspend a pupil for 10 days or less.

3. Long-term suspension (more than 10 days school is in session, which 10 days shall include any short-term suspension for the same instance of misconduct or violation). Following a hearing, the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for the School District(s) and Towns, and each Principal shall have authority to extend a short-term suspension past 10 days school is in session, or issue a long-term suspension. This hearing shall be conducted and the decision shall be issued by a different administrator than the administrator who suspended the pupil for the first ten days (short-term suspension). The ordinary and preferred practice will be that the Assistant Superintendent of the School in which the pupil is a student will preside at the hearing and administer the decision regarding an extended suspension.

4. Expulsion with conditions: whereby conditions or time periods are established for reinstatement. See also JICDE (relative to review of an expulsion prior to the start of any school year).

5. Indefinite expulsion by the School Board whereby no specific provisions are established for reinstatement. See also JICDE (relative to review of an expulsion prior to the start of any school year.

B. Discipline Procedures: Due process in disciplinary proceedings shall include at a minimum, the following:

1. Short Term Suspension:

i. The pupil shall be informed of the purpose of the meeting.

ii. At or before the meeting, oral and/or written notice of the charges and an oral and/or written explanation of the evidence against the pupil shall be provided to the pupil.

iii. The pupil shall be provided an opportunity to present his/her side of the story.

iv. Following the meeting, a written statement shall issue to the pupil and at least one of the pupil s parents or guardians, delivered in person or by mail to the pupil s last known address, including an explanation of the charges, the evidence, the findings, any recommendation for additional suspension or expulsion, and a recommendation for student action to correct the discipline problem.

2. Long-term suspension:

i. The pupil and at least one of his/her parents or legal guardian shall receive a written communication delivered in person or by mail to the pupil s last known address a statement including the following: a. the charges and an explanation of the evidence against the pupil;

b. the date, place and time for the hearing;

ii. The hearing will not generally be postponed if the postponement would interrupt the continuity of a short-term suspension into a long-term suspension.

iii. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set fourth below in , vi.

iv. A written decision which includes the legal and factual basis for the conclusion that the pupil should be suspended for an additional period of time.

v. Within 10 calendar days of the date of the written decision, this decision may be appealed to the School Board under RSA 193:13, I. The Board may or may not stay the suspension while the appeal is pending. The Board reserves the right to issue a decision without hearing any evidence or all proffered evidence, but may instead rely upon the record as it has been

developed during the suspension process.

3. Expulsion:

i. A formal hearing.

ii. Such hearing may be held either before or after the short term suspension has expired.

iii. If the hearing is held after the expiration of a short-term suspension and without the imposition of a long-term suspension, the pupil shall be entitled to return to school after the short-term suspension has expired, pending the expulsion hearing. The School Board reserves the right to deny a request for postponement of a scheduled hearing if the request for postponement is objected to by either the pupil or the administrator recommending expulsion.

iv. A written notice including the following:

a. the date, time and location for the expulsion hearing;

b. the administration s recommendation for School Board action;

c. a description of the process used by administration to reach its recommendation that the student should be expelled.

vi. The notice shall be delivered to the pupil and at least one of the pupil s parents or guardians at least 5 calendar days prior to the hearing.

vii. The following procedures shall apply at the hearing:

a. The pupil, together with a parent or guardian, may waive the right to a hearing and accept the findings.

b. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable; however, school officials shall present evidence in support of the charge(s) and the accused pupil or his/her parent or guardian shall have an opportunity to present any defense or reply.

c. The hearing shall be either public or private and the choice shall be that of the pupil or his parent or guardian. Provided, nevertheless, that if the nature of the evidence will violate the privacy of other students or if the Board determines that substantial harm to the pupil could result from an ill conceived decision to hold the hearing in public, then the Board reserves the right and obligation to insist upon a private hearing.

d. During the hearing, the pupil, parent, guardian, or counsel representing the pupil, shall have the right to examine any and all witnesses.

viii. The decision of the School Board shall be based on a dispassionate and fair consideration of substantial evidence that the accused pupil committed the act or acts for which expulsion is to be imposed ant that such acts are, in fact, a proper reason for expulsion.

ix. The decision shall state whether the student is expelled; a statement of the time period for which the student is expelled; and any action the student may take to be restored by the Board.

x.If the decision is to expel the pupil, the decision shall include the legal and factual basis for the decision; and

xi. Any decision to expel shall be in writing and shall include a statement that the pupil has the right to appeal the decision of the State Board of Education.

C. All appeals to the State Board allowed under RSA 193:13, II or III, shall be filed within 20 calendar days of receipt of the written decision of the School Board and shall be in accordance with applicable statutes and Department of Education regulations.

VI. Reporting Procedures

A. In accordance with RSA 193:D:4, each written report by a supervisor to the principal relating to an act of theft, destruction, or violence in a safe school zone shall be on standardized New Hampshire Board of Education Form #Ed 317.

B. The report by a supervisor to a principal on Form #Ed 317 shall contain all the statutory information, required by RSA 193-D:4.

C. Form #Ed 317 shall be completed and filed with the Commissioner of Education on or before June 30 of each year.

D. Form #Ed 317 shall contain the following information:

1. School name.

2. School Address.

3. School telephone number.

4. Name of School Principal.

5. Date of incident involving an act of theft, destruction, or violence, or the possession of a firearm.

6. Time of incident in (5) above.

7. Location of incident in (5) above.

8. Alleged offense.

9. Description of incident.

10. Name of suspect.

11. Grade in school of suspect.

12. Address of suspect.

13. Gender of suspect.

14. Name of victim.

15. Grade in school of victim.

16. Address of victim.

17. Gender of victim.

18. Name of employee reporting incident.

19. Date report was completed by employee.

20. Date report was field with law enforcement authority by school principal.

VII. Discipline of students with Educational Disabilities

The District shall comply with the provision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when disciplining students. No special education student shall be expelled or subject to a long-term suspension if the student s particular act of gross disobedience/misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. Any special education student whose gross disobedience/misconduct is not a manifestation of his or her disability may be expelled pursuant to the expulsion procedures, except that such disabled student shall continue to receive education services as provided in the IDEA during such period of expulsion or long-term suspension. A special education student may be suspended for an aggregate of 10 days of school per school year, regardless of whether the student s gross disobedience/misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disabling condition without the need for the District to provide any educational services. A special education student may be suspended for additional removals of up to ten days for separate acts of misconduct, as long as the removals do not constitute a pattern. During such subsequent suspensions for ten or fewer days, the District must provide services to the student with disabilities to the extent determined necessary to enable the student to appropriately advance in the general curriculum and toward achieving his/her Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals. School administrators and the special education teacher will determine the services needed. The IEP Team (EPT) will decide the level of services to be provided to a student with disabilities who is expelled for behavior unrelated to his/her disability. Any special education student may by temporarily excluded to an appropriate alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days by court order or by order of a duly appointed hearing officer if the District demonstrates that maintaining the student in his/her current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or to others. A special education student who has carried a weapon to school or upon school property, or to a School function, or who knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, upon school property, or at school function may be removed from his/her current placement. Such a student shall be placed in an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days in accordance with the IDEA.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Board Adoption: May 16, 2000

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Introduction The School Board recognizes that students do not surrender their rights of citizenship as they pass through the schoolhouse door. The Board further recognizes that students within the school setting are not entitled to any special rights, privileges, or immunities not enjoyed by citizens in the larger community. The School Board insists that the educational welfare of the individual pupil and of the larger school community be determinate. The Board also endorses the basic tenet of liberty and justice set forth so eloquently by John Stuart Mill: The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited he must not make himself a nuisance to other people. In accepting its responsibility to provide a quality educational program, the Board intends to adhere to Mill s dictum. We expect no less from the students. The school is a community with rules and regulations, and those who would enjoy the rights and privileges it provides must also accept the responsibilities that membership demands, including respect for and obedience to school rules.

Specific Expectations Given this broad framework, the School Board expects specifically that students will: conform to reasonable standards of speech and conduct; refrain from violating or impairing the rights of others; not engage in any conduct that deprives other students of an orderly atmosphere for study; be appreciative of the opportunity for education offered to them and regard as a privilege their attendance in the public schools. In recognition of the students individual rights, the Board expects school authorities to provide and maintain a suitable environment for learning. It expects that the school administration will do everything in its power to maintain and facilitate the education program so that the individual needs of each students are met to the greatest possible degree. Discipline is the responsibility of the entire staff, not only the administration. Each teacher should handle most of the entire staff, not only the administration. Each teacher should handle most of his/her own discipline problems. The principal shall handle extreme difficult cases. We affirm that the administration, in order to implement these expectations, has the inherent and statutory responsibility and power to maintain order and discipline in the schools

13.

and to remove the privilege of school attendance temporarily from any member of the student body whose conduct is inimical to the best interest of the whole school community. The administration has the further responsibility to recommend to the School Board the expulsion (dismissal) from school of students for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules and regulations of the school. See RSA 193:13. The Board expects that when the privilege of school attendance is to be removed or curtailed for a specific period of time, the rights of the student and his parents will be recognized, and the provision will be made for proper procedural due process. In all disciplinary action, teachers should be mindful of the fact they are dealing with individual personalities. A child’s personality, disposition, and personal characteristics should be given consideration in prescribing disciplinary action. Each child is deserving of each teacher’s very best thinking and most deliberate judgment. Teachers should guard against making remarks to other pupils concerning a student s shortcomings. All information concerning the pupil or his or her family background should be held in strictest confidence. Finally, the responsibility for attendance and proper conduct in the public schools rests with the parent. The School Board recognizes its responsibility to provide whatever services and opportunities are needed to assist the parent in meeting his obligations, but rejects the notion that the schools can or should attempt to do this alone.

April 2, 1991

JIA

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

Before any disciplinary action is taken against a student, the student has a right to the due process guaranteed him/her by our constitution. Any student accused of an action and threatened with punishment for this action has the right to request a hearing before the principal or the assistant principal with the student s parents attending if the student desires. Decisions of the Principal (or assistant, if applicable) are appealable to the Contoocook Valley School Board. Finally a student may request the State Board of Education to review decisions by the School Board. Before taking any disciplinary action, the teacher or principal must advise the student of his/her right to a hearing. Student due process rights shall be printed in the Student Handbook for each school.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Board Adoption: May 16, 2000

JICC

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

While the law requires the School district to furnish transportation, it does not relieve parents of students from the responsibility of supervision until such times as the student boards the bus in the morning and after the student leaves the bus at the end of the school day.

Once a student boards the bus, and only at that time, does he/she become the responsibility of the School District. Such responsibility shall end when the child is delivered to the regular bus stop at the close of the school day. In view of the fact that a bus is an extension of the classroom, the Board has developed rules and regulations governing student conduct and discipline in relation to bus transportation, which rules and regulations shall be printed in the Student Handbook. The Superintendent has the authority to amend the rules and regulations from time to time as he or she deems appropriate. Students may also be subject to additional discipline under the rules and regulations relative to general student conduct. The Superintendent is authorized to approve the installation and use of video surveillance cameras on school buses.

The bus driver will have responsibility and authority to maintain orderly behavior of students on school buses and will report misconduct to the student’ s principal. The Superintendent and school principals shall have the authority to suspend the riding privileges of students who fail to conform to the rules and regulations relating to general student conduct on school buses. Students may also be subject to additional discipline under the rules and regulations relative to general student conduct. In most instances parents of children whose pattern of behavior and misconduct on school buses endangers the health, safety, and welfare of other riders will be notified that their children face the loss of school bus riding privileges in accordance with the student discipline code. In more egregious cases, the loss may occur without specific prior notice. In such cases, and in all cases involving the loss of transportation privileges, the student shall have the right to appeal the decision. Statutory References: RSA 189:6-9a

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Adopted: May 16, 2000

JICC-R

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

The School Board and staff members are very concerned about safety as we transport pupils. Cooperation from both parents and students is requested as we attempt to keep the buses safe for all concerned. Students using district transportation should understand that they are under the jurisdiction and code of conduct/disciplinary rules of the school from the time they board the bus until they are deposited as school or are deposited at the stop nearest their home.

I. General Rules:

A. The school bus is an extension of the school, and all school rules and regulations which pertain to student conduct, behavior or discipline in the schools are applicable to student conduct on a school bus. Accordingly, in addition to specific rules of conduct and discipline provided below, the ordinary school and District rules and regulations regarding student behavior/conduct/discipline, will simultaneously apply to all students using District transportation, and may result in separate disciplinary actions as permitted under the applicable statutes.

B. The school bus driver is in complete charge of the school bus and the pupils, and shall have the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom.

C. The District will install on school buses, and will use video surveillance cameras on a random basis.

II. Student Conduct:

A. Students will stay on curb or off pavement at side of road until bus stops, door is opened and lights are flashing.

B. Students will board bus in single file and fill seats from front to rear unless assigned seats by the driver.

C. Students will cross the road or street in front of the bus only after the bus has come to a complete stop and upon direction of the driver (10 foot minimum crossing distance).

D. Students will go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus, and shall move in toward the window. At that time they must fasten their seat belt if available.

E. Students shall remain seated until they have reached their designated stop and the bus has come to a complete stop; aisles and exits

must be kept clear at all times and emergency doors will be used for emergencies only.

F. Students will not lower windows without permission of driver. Hands and heads must never be extended from open windows.

G. No smoking at all on any bus including charter trips.

H. No profane language, obscene gestures, excessive noise, fighting, wrestling, or acts of physical aggression will be tolerated.

I. Once a student has boarded the bus, he/she may not get off except at his/her destination (exemption will be made only with a note from principal).

J. Students may ride only the bus to which they have been assigned (exemption will be made only with a note from a principal).

K. The law allows and you are expected to sit three passengers to a seat.

L. No eating or drinking on the bus.

M. No marking or defacing the bus; students will be held responsible for any and all damage to the bus perpetuated by them.

N. No throwing things in the bus, at the bus, or out the window.

O. Always cross the street in front of the bus.

P. You are due at your bus stop before the bus is due. The driver will not wait for you.

Q. Anything that would create a safety hazard for the passengers or vehicle will not be permitted.

R. Only authorized riders will be permitted on the buses.

III. Disciplinary Action:

A. Any infraction of the rules of student conduct should be brought to the attention of the principal.

B. Depending on the nature of the infraction, there may be circumstance (for example: infractions involving student safety, alcohol, controlled substances, as defined or scheduled in RSA 318-B) which may result in immediate suspension from school transportation/bus services such disciplinary action to be at the discretion of the appropriate school administrator, as permitted under RSA 189:9-a; in such circumstance, the Superintendent, and all school principals are authorized to suspend the right of pupils from riding in a school bus when said pupils fail to conform to the reasonable rules and regulations of the District; any suspension from school bus services to continue beyond twenty days must be approved by the School Board; said suspension shall not begin until the next school day following the day notification of suspension is sent to the pupil s parent or legal guardian.

C. If a student has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons, the parent or guardian of the pupil has a right of appeal within ten days of suspension to the authority who ordered the suspension

D. In addition to suspension of transportation rights, a student may also be subject to other general disciplinary rules and procedures applying to general student conduct.

E. Until the appeal is heard, or if the suspension of the student s right to ride the school bus is upheld, it shall be the parents or guardians responsibility to provide transportation to and from school for the pupil for the period of transportation services suspension.

F. A student or his or her parent/guardian may appeal any decision regarding busing services to the New Hampshire Department of Education.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000 - Adopted: May 16, 2000

JICDE

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

Also JICD & JICI

MODIFICATION OR REVIEW OF EXPULSIONS

Pursuant to RSA 193:13, IV, the Superintendent may, upon written application of an expelled pupil, recommend modification of an expulsion. In such cases the following shall apply:

A. An expelled pupil has the right to request a review of the expulsion prior to the start of each school year.

B. A request for review should be directed by the pupil to the Superintendent of Schools and should be received by the Superintendent on or before August 15. The request shall set forth each and all reasons why the pupil s right to attend school should be reinstated. Of particular importance would necessarily be such information as might convince school authorities that the conduct which led to the expulsion would not be repeated.

C. The Superintendent and the Principal or an Assistant Principal at the Applicable school shall direct written recommendation to the Board with a copy to the pupil.

D. The expulsion may be continued. The pupil may be reinstated without conditions; or the pupil may be required to meet certain conditions prior to reinstatement. A code of conduct and consequences may be established for a reinstated pupil which are more strict than for the general student population. When reviewing expulsions, the Administration and the School Board, shall consider the safety and well-being of other pupils and staff of paramount importance.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Board Adoption: May 16, 2000

JICDD

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

Also JICD, JICI and Rules JICD-R, JICI-R

STUDENT DISCIPLINE - OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIONS

The Board recognizes that out-of-school conduct of students attending school within this district are not normally a concern of the Board. However, the Board believes that disciplinary action for conduct occurring off school property and not involving a school activity is proper if the conduct has an adverse effect upon the school. Therefore, it is the policy of the Board that any student attending school within this District will be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension from school for any conduct that, in the opinion of the school administrators, has an adverse impact upon the school. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, the following: damaging school property, e.g. a school bus; engaging in activity which causes physical or emotional harm to other students, teachers, or other school personnel; engaging in an activity which directly impedes discipline at school or the general welfare of school activities.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Board Adoption: May 16, 2000

JICDE - Also JICD & JICI

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

MODIFICATION OR REVIEW OF EXPULSIONS

Pursuant to RSA 193:13, IV, the Superintendent may, upon written application of an expelled pupil, recommend modification of an expulsion. In such cases the following shall apply:

A. An expelled pupil has the right to request a review of the expulsion prior to the start of each school year.

C. The Superintendent and the Principal or an Assistant Principal at the Applicable school shall direct written recommendation to the Board with a copy to the pupil.

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Board Adoption: May 16, 2000

JICDDA - See Also: Memorandum of Understanding

Contoocook Valley School District Policy

SIMPLE ASSAULTS: PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICY

In cases of all assaults, the building principal, or assistant, shall notify the involved students parents by telephone and letter about the incident. The letter from the building or assistant principal shall describe the incident and the seriousness and harm done or potential harm and the School District s response to the incident to the extent permitted by confidentiality laws and regulations. Additionally, simple assault as that term is used in New Hampshire criminal statutes, includes and knowing and unprivileged physical contact with another person. While simple assaults may result in injury, many, if not most, which occur in the school setting do not. Recognizing that under the statutory definition, simple assault can be very minor contact, building or assistant principals will consider the District s policies, rules and regulations concerning student conduct and discipline when making a determination about whether or not to file a Safe School Zone Offense Report with local Law Enforcement officials. The District will err in the direction of filing a report when there is any question. Law Enforcement and school officials can then jointly determine the best action to be taken. Statutory Reference: RSA 193-D:4, I (b)

1st Board Reading: March 28, 2000

Adopted: May 16, 2000

Education Laws

RSA 193:13 Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils

I. (a) The superintendent or chief administering officer, or a representative designated in writing by the superintendent, is authorized to suspend pupils from school for a period not to exceed 10 school days for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules of the school.

(b) The school board or a representative designated in writing of the school board is authorized, following a hearing, to continue the suspension of a pupil for a period in excess of 10 school days. The school board's designee may be the superintendent or any other individual, but may not be the individual who suspended the pupil for the first 10 days under subparagraph (a). Any suspension shall be valid throughout the school districts of the state, subject to modification by the superintendent of the school district in which the pupil seeks to enroll.

(c) Any suspension in excess of 10 school days imposed under subparagraph (b) by any person other than the school board is appealable to the school board, provided that the superintendent received such appeal in writing within 10 days after the issuance of the decision being appealed. The school board shall hold a hearing on the appeal, but shall have discretion to hear evidence or to rely upon the record of a hearing conducted under subparagraph (b). The suspension under subparagraph (b) shall be enforced while that appeal is pending, unless the school board stays the suspension while the appeal is pending.

II. Any pupil may be expelled from school by the local school board for gross misconduct, or for neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules of the school, or for an act of theft, destruction, or violence as defined in RSA 193-D:1, or for possession of a pellet or BB gun, rifle, or paint ball gun, and the pupil shall not attend school until restored by the local board. Any expulsion shall be subject to review if requested prior to the start of each school year and further, any parent or guardian has the right to appeal any such expulsion by the local board to the state board of education. Any expulsion shall be valid throughout the school districts of the state.

III. Any pupil who brings or possesses a firearm as defined in section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code in a safe school zone as defined in RSA 193-D:1 without written authorization from the superintendent or designee shall be expelled from school by the local school board for a period of not less than 12 months.

IV. The local school board shall adopt a policy which allows the superintendent or chief administering officer to modify the expulsion requirements set forth in paragraphs II and III on a case by case basis.

V. Any pupil expelled by a local school board under the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 shall not be eligible to enroll in another school district in New Hampshire for the period of such expulsion. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the local school district that expelled the student from providing educational services to such students in an alternative setting.

VI. A pupil expelled from school in another state under the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 shall not be eligible to enroll in a school district in New Hampshire for the period of such expulsion.

VII. For purposes of paragraphs I, II, and III, school board may be either the school board or a subcommittee of the board duly authorized by the school board.

Source. RS 73:4. CS 77:4. GS 83:3. GL 91:3. PS 93:3. 1921, 85, III:10. PL 118:12. RL 137:12. RSA 193:13. 1969, 356:5. 1971, 371:6. 1994, 355:2. 1995, 231:1, eff. Aug. 15, 1995. 1996, 168:1, 2, eff. July 1, 1997. 1999, 44:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.

Ed 306.27 High School Curriculum, Credits, Graduation Requirements and Co-curricular Program (d) By the 2008-2009 school year, the local school board shall require that a high school credit can be earned by demonstrating mastery of required competencies for the course, as approved by certified school personnel. Until the 2008-2009 school year, the local school board shall require that a high school credit can be earned as provided in (1) or (2) below, or both:(1) Attendance at a course scheduled to meet for no less than 135 clock hours of instructional time if the school operates on an 8-period schedule or for no less than 150 clock hours of instructional time if the school

operates on a 7-period schedule; or(2) If a competency assessment is in place as provided in (i) below, by demonstrating mastery of required competencies for the course, as approved by certified school personnel.

REA 193-D:1 Safe Schools Zone

Definitions –

In this chapter:

I. "Act of theft, destruction, or violence'' means an act set forth in the following statutes regardless of the age of the perpetrator:

(a) Homicide under RSA 630. (b) (1) Any first or second degree assault under RSA 631.

(2) Any simple assault under RSA 631:2-a. (c) Any felonious or aggravated felonious sexual assault under RSA 632-A. (d) Criminal mischief under RSA 634:2. (e) Unlawful possession or sale of a firearm or other dangerous weapon under RSA 159. (f) Arson under RSA 634:1.

(g) Burglary under RSA 635. (h) Robbery under RSA 636. (i) Theft under RSA 637. (j) Illegal sale or possession of a controlled drug under RSA 318-B. (k) Criminal threatening under RSA 631:4.

II. "Safe school zone'' means an area inclusive of any school property or school buses.

III. "School'' means any public or private elementary, secondary, or secondary vocational-technical school in New Hampshire. It shall not include home schools under RSA 193-A.

IV. "School employee'' means any school administrator, teacher, or other employee of any public or private school, school district, school department, or school administrative unit, or any person providing or performing continuing contract services for any public or private school, school district, school department, or school administrative unit.

V. "School property'' means all real property, physical plant and equipment used for school purposes, including but not limited to school playgrounds and buses, whether public or private.

VI. "School purposes'' means school-sponsored programs, including but not limited to educational or extra-curricular activities.