MTMS Discipline Level System

The intent of these levels is to implement a discipline procedure that relates to the severity of the action. The procedure is not intended to be punitive but to impose a response that will effect a change in behavior. It will not always be clear that a particular infraction is a specific level; therefore, it will be up to the teacher or administrator involved to determine the appropriate response. Teachers and administrators will use professional judgment and will consider age, grade level and the nature of the infraction when selecting the response. The examples of misbehaviors listed here are not inclusive, but serve as guidelines. Examples are labeled A for “Classroom Oriented Infractions”; B for “Campus/Bus Oriented Infractions”; C for “Personal Behavior Infractions”; and D for “Behaviors Involving Others”.

All students who are removed from a classroom during academic instruction will serve no less than two days after school detention.

LEVEL 1:

Misbehavior on the part of the student, which impedes orderly classroom procedure or interferes with the safe operation of the school. These misbehaviors refer to first offenses.

Examples:

A-Classroom or school disturbance
A-Tardiness
A-Breaking Acceptable Use Policy
A-Unprepared for class
A-Food, drink or gum chewing in the classroom
A-Inappropriate use of computers
A-Backpacks in class (Middle School only)
A-Leaving class without permission
B-Bus disturbance
B-Cafeteria/hallway misbehavior
C-Minor dress code violations
C-Use of electronic devices during school hours
D-Disrespectful language

D-Lack of respect

Responses:
These acts can usually be handled by an individual staff member but sometimes require the intervention of other school support personnel. Some or all of the following responses maybe used depending on the severity of the inappropriate behavior:

Grades 5 - 8
-Loss of points
-Verbal reprimand
-Written or verbal warning
-Separation (seating)
-Teacher detention
-Phone conference with parent/guardian
-Student behavior contract
-Written or verbal apology
-Loss of privilege – social, athletic, cafeteria, classroom
-Meeting with grade level team

LEVEL 2

Frequent or serious misbehavior that tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school and requires the intervention of an administrator because the application of Level 1 disciplinary options has failed to correct the situation. Included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but whose educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of the administrator.

Examples:
Continuation or escalation of Level 1 misbehavior
A-Disruptive classroom behavior that impedes learning
A-Cutting class
A-Forged notes/excuses
B-Misbehavior/talking during a emergency drill
C-Offensive or obscene slogans on clothing
C-Purposeful mess-making
C-Inappropriate language
C-Throwing objects
D-Inappropriate displays of affection
D-Misbehaving for a substitute
D-Insubordination/defiance **
D-Abusive or disrespectful behavior toward any staff member
D-Bullying

** The penalty for insubordination in any class in which it occurs shall be suspension for a period deemed appropriate in the circumstances.

Responses:
These acts are usually the result of the continuation of Level 1 behaviors and will be handled by the administration and staff. Some or all of the following responses may be used depending on the severity of the inappropriate behavior:

Grades 5 - 8
-Loss of Points
-Written or verbal warning
-Parent teacher conference
-Phone conference with parent/guardian
-Parent administrator conference
-Long-term or permanent separation
-Lunch detention
-Morning detention
-In-school suspension
-Suspension from transportation
-Suspension from athletic participation
-Suspension from social or extracurricular activities
-Suspension of other privileges
-Meeting with counselor

E-Cigarette / Vaping

The use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) has found its way to our middle school students. The juices used in these electronic 'smoking' devices can contain natural substances, nicotine, and even illegal substances/drugs. Regardless of the substance used in the electronic cigarettes, please note that using a vaping device and or possession of a vaping device or vaping juice directly violates MTBOE Policy Smoking Policy 5533.

Students caught in possession of vaping devices / juices, and or using vaping devices at school, on the bus, or at any school sanctioned event will earn an in-school suspension for the first offense (level 3 offense), and an out-of-school suspension for a second offense. In addition, if school officials suspect that the vaping juice contains illegal substances/drugs', we will move forward in accordance with the MTBOE "Substance Abuse Policy 5530," which will include an immediate medical examination. Students found to be selling or distributing related materials will be suspended and the incident reported to the police.

Zero Tolerance Guns Act

Possession of a firearm is a serious offense. In accordance with the Zero Tolerance for Guns Act and BOE Weapons Policy 8467, a student found in possession of a gun shall be immediately removed from the school’s regular education program pending a hearing to remove the student from the regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year. The final decision is subject to modification on a case-by-case basis by the Chief School Administrator. For further details, reference Weapons Policy 8467.