447 - Student Discipline
447
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
The Appleton Area School District will provide an educational environment for its students and staff that will promote quality learning and teaching. The District believes that a positive learning environment is based on a foundation of respect and effective discipline. The District cannot and will not accept nor tolerate behaviors or actions of students that are disrespectful of the basic rights of others that endanger health or safety, that are disruptive to the learning and teaching process, and that do not respect the property of the District or others.
Maintaining a safe and productive learning environment for student learning is a high priority. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) shall be considered and utilized to address behavior that interferes with the student’s learning or the learning of others. There may be times when a student will engage in dangerous or significantly disruptive behavior that requires immediate attention and intervention. In such cases, school personnel shall avoid the use of any excessively restrictive intervention and shall make reasonable efforts to identify the least restrictive interventions that might be effective and appropriate to resolve the situation.
Sound disciplinary measures shall be used in the District, taking into account the dignity of the student, the seriousness of the infraction, the need for positive motivation of students, any medical conditions or disabilities and the totality of the circumstances. The ultimate goal is to help students develop an understanding of self-discipline, increase social competencies, and its necessity in a civilized society.
Misbehavior of a student that presents a physical threat to another person’s safety or poses a significant hindrance to instruction, when documented by staff to the building administrator, will be cause for immediate removal of the student from the class until such time as an investigation can be held to review the situation.
Students shall not be subjected to the use of corporal punishment at any time. Corporal punishment means the intentional infliction of physical pain which is used as a means of discipline. It includes, for example, paddling, slapping or prolonged maintenance of physically painful positions.
Every effort should be made to avoid the use of physical force to control student behavior. As a last resort, physical restraint or seclusion may be used when it is necessary to protect the student or others from harm. However, discipline procedures and actions will be in compliance with Board Policies, and state and federal law.
A school official, employee or agent may use reasonable and necessary force for the following reasons, subject to and consistent with the laws governing use of seclusion and restraint:
- To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical injury to any person.
- To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a student’s control.
- For the purpose of self-defense or the defense of others.
- To remove a disruptive student from a school premises or motor vehicle or from school-sponsored activities.
- To prevent a student from inflicting harm on himself/herself.
- To protect the safety of others.
- Using incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact designed to maintain order and control.
Student Nondiscrimination
The Appleton Area School District does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or physical, cognitive, emotional or learning disability in its education programs or activities. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures.
Cross References:
Student Nondiscrimination Complaint Procedures, 411.2-Rule
Programs for Students with Disabilities, 342.1
Student Discipline, 447-Rule
Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint Policy, 447.11
Employee Handbooks
Legal References:
Wisconsin State Statutes, 118.13, 118.31, 120.13 and 120.44
Adoption Date: June 26, 1993
Amended Date: October 28, 2013
447–Rule
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Procedures
- The Appleton Area School District is committed to quality educational programs which require integrity, high ideals, and human understanding. The welfare and achievement of students are dependent upon positive relationships within the school environment. To this end, all District employees will seek to develop positive relationships by:
- Maintaining empathy with and respect for students
- Striving to communicate in a positive way
- Using discretion when handling confidential information about students
- Implementing motivation techniques that enhance student self-esteem by recognizing their individual strengths and abilities
- Modeling and reinforcing behaviors which are expected of students
- Utilizing community and District resources and problem-solving techniques in correcting and changing student behavior
- Maintaining cultural responsiveness
- The following guidelines are recommended to employees for the prevention of discipline problems:
- Develop a relationship of mutual respect by being fair and consistent by utilizing PBIS attributes
- Reinforce assets in each student through cultural responsiveness
- Adhere to Behavior Intervention Plans and/or IEP and Sec. 504 plans that provide for specific positive behavioral strategies, actions, or consequences
- Staff shall handle situations calling for discipline as they occur.
Students will not be subjected to corporal punishment at any time. A school official, employee or agent may use reasonable and necessary force for the following reasons, subject to and consistent with the laws governing use of seclusion and restraint:- To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical injury to any person.
- To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a student’s control.
- For the purpose of self-defense or the defense of others.
- To remove a disruptive student from school premises or motor vehicle or from school-sponsored activities.
- To prevent a student from inflicting harm on himself/herself.
- To protect the safety of others.
- Using incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact designed to maintain order and control.
Staff may refer students who do not respond to their disciplinary actions to the building administrator or his/her designee.
The building administrator or his/her designee may refer cases to other District resource people/community resource people, e.g., building consultation team, school counselor, student services staff, police/school liaison officer, and county social services.
Out-of-school suspensions shall follow the provisions of State Statute 120.13 (1). Student expulsions shall follow State Statute 120.13 (1)(c).
- Removal of Students from the Classroom: Misbehavior of a student that presents a physical threat to another person’s safety, when documented by the staff member to the building administrator, will be cause for the immediate removal of the student until such time as an investigation can be held to review the situation and determine appropriate action(s). Removal of students from classrooms shall always be in compliance with Policy 447.11, Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint, any applicable IEP or Sec. 504 plan, and state and federal laws.
- All students will be granted the following rights:
- Students will be informed of the rules they are expected to uphold.
- The facts relative to the situation will be investigated.
- Students will be informed of the violations and given the opportunity to express their versions of the incidents.
- An impartial decision maker, usually the building administrator or designee, will be provided in serious cases.
- Discipline will be administered to suit the offense.
- Rules promulgated by the Board will be enforced with reasonableness, in good faith, and with uniformity.
- A written record shall be made of any incident which may lead to disciplinary action, and of the action taken.
Adoption Date: June 26, 1993
Amended Date: October 28, 2013
- Series 400: Students
