OFFENSES

Although numerous possible offenses are listed below, this is merely a general guideline. Each case is individual. Age, repetition, and other circumstances may cause a lesser disciplinary action or a more serious one. Also, individual teachers or administrators may require other punishments, such as missing recess, cleaning the cafeteria tables, withholding a child from a special function, etc., depending on the circumstances and the severity of the offense. The list is not exhaustive and there may be other inappropriate behavior for which a student may be disciplined. When serious or repeated offenses occur, parents will be contacted to schedule a conference.

Examples of offenses that may result in a demerit or detention, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Writing / passing notes in class
• Excessive tardiness
• Sharing inappropriate “web” sites or telephone numbers
• Failure to follow directions given by authorized personnel
• Infractions against the uniform code
• Wearing shirts to school displaying any inappropriate sayings, pictures, or symbols
• Failure to leave valuable materials at home. Valuable items include those which are valuable due to time (antique value), sentimentality, and/or financial value.
• Public display of affection, such as hugging and kissing
• Failure to bring required materials to class
• Failure to return test papers, progress report envelopes, demerit/detention slips, and
• other papers requiring parent/guardian signatures
• Using the office phone without permission from a teacher or administrator
• Using the bathroom at any time without permission from a school staff member
• Chewing gum
• Playing with a ball on school property, except when and where designated
• Failure to abide by recess and classroom rules
• Failure to adhere to cafeteria rules (Cafeteria seats may be assigned if behavior warrants that action. The school reserves the right to have silent lunches if overall behavior of the group warrants such. Students who misbehave in the cafeteria may be told to stay and help clean up the cafeteria.)
• Eating anywhere on the school property except for cafeteria and class parties unless permission is granted
• Purchasing sodas from the soda machine without permission
• Failure to line up for the bus/car on time
• Failure to walk in an orderly manner any time during the school day.
• Failure to properly take proper care of any school materials
• Failure to remain in approved and supervised areas
• Lying to school staff
• Failure to assume responsibility for, or control of, his/her own behavior

Examples of offenses that may result in at least one detention, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, include, but are not limited to the following:

• Using unbecoming, vulgar, or abusive language verbally or in written form
• Fighting
• Gossiping so as to hurt another’s reputation
• Shooting rubber bands
• Throwing snowballs or rocks
• Carrying matches, lighters, or tobacco
• Failure to leave objectionable materials at home
• Disrespect to teachers, staff, or volunteers
• Gambling in any form for money
• Failure to abide by the harassment policy
• Unapproved possession or use of a cell phone during school hours.
• Using technology in an unethical or immoral fashion
• Unauthorized sale or distribution of any items not sponsored by the school
• Cheating on a test, quiz, homework, or class assignment (This includes giving or receiving unauthorized aid, using unauthorized sources, or plagiarizing --- copying items from a source without proper documentation or taking another’s idea and using it as your own.)
• Stealing, aiding in stealing, or knowingly being in possession of stolen money, goods, or clothing
• Insubordination --- refusal to follow a directive of the administration or member of the school staff
• Truancy (Truancy is defined as a student absenting him/herself from school without parent/legal guardian permission, or leaving school grounds without permission during the school day.)
• Failing to serve a detention

Examples of offenses for which the student would normally be suspended and which may result in expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following. Suspension/expulsion may occur on the first offense. (Community Conferencing may also be used.)

• Student possession of prescription or over the counter drugs, including transporting medication to school
• Student possession or distribution of illegal drugs
• Use of tobacco
• Verbal or written assault on another student or school staff member
• Arson
• Bomb threat
• Robbery
• Violent behavior, which creates a substantial danger to persons or property
• Possession of a real weapon or a look-alike weapon, which includes, but is not limited to, any rifle or gun (loaded or unloaded, operable or inoperable), switchblade knife, star knife, hunting knife, straight razor, spiked glove, spiked wristband, boards with nails or other objects intended to harm. A look-alike weapon shall include but not be limited to, an object or implement that resembles an object or implement described above, such as a toy weapon.
• Use or misuse of any items with the intention to cause bodily harm
• Exhibiting any form of violence or violent objects in written or drawn form
• Extortion
• Repeated intimidation of another student or school staff member
• Possession and/or detonation of an incendiary or explosive material or device (firecracker or greater)
• Destruction or vandalism of school property, personal property of students and/or faculty, and the receipt, sale, possession, or distribution of property stolen from Saint John School
• Repeated disruptive behavior which results in the interference with the normal school program
• Inciting a school disruption
• Misuse of the fire alarm

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