All University Place District School Handbooks are required to contain basic information that is common to all schools. This section contains selected school district policies and other procedural information.
University Place School District
Internet Code of Conduct
Use of the UPSDNet/Internet by students and staff of University Place School District shall be in support of education, research and communication that is consistent with the mission of the district approved accounts. Use will be in accordance with the district's Acceptable Use Procedures and this Code of Conduct.
1. Protect your Internet logon information from others.
2. Respect the privacy of other users. Do not use other user's names and passwords.
3. Be ethical and courteous. Do not send hate, harassing or obscene mail, discriminatory remarks, or demonstrate other antisocial behaviors.
4. Maintain the integrity of files and data. Do not modify or copy files/data of other users without their consent.
5. Treat information created by others as the private property of the creator. Respect. Copyrights.
6. Use the network in a way that does not disrupt its use by others.
7. Do not destroy, modify or abuse hardware and software.
8. Do not develop or share programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system, such as viruses, worms, "chain" messages, global mailings, ResEdit, PoliEdit, RegEdit etc. Do not "hack" the system.
9. Do not use the Internet to access or process inappropriate material.
The district reserves the right to take disciplinary action appropriate to the offense if it is determined that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or is violating this code of conduct.
University Place School District
User UPSDNet / Internet Access / UPP Computer Use Policy
The Computer is a highly sophisticated and expensive machine. It is important that computers are used in the most efficient and careful manner to gain the greatest value for all students. Therefore, the following rules will apply at University Place Primary:
1. Any intentional or negligent damage to computers and/or peripherals will require restitution for the repair or replacement of the items. The person(s) responsible may be given a long-term suspension from class. If you have a problem with your computer or printer, please notify the teacher at the beginning of class.
2. Only language and graphics appropriate in a school setting should be used on the computers, when you are inputting , programming, drawing, saving, or searching (refer to #3 below). An administrator will deal with any violation of this rule.
First offense: parent notification and referral to administrator.
Second offense: referral to administrator for discipline up to and including long term suspension from class and/or possible loss of class credit.
3. Access to the Internet is available to any student who logs onto the UPSDNet unless parent/guardian has filled out an Internet Access Denial form. Students are expected to use good judgment when using this resource. An administrator will deal with any inappropriate searches (See #2 above for consequences).
As a condition of the privilege to use the UPSDNet, including use of WEDNET to access public networks such as the Internet, the following is understood and agreed.
4. To abide by the UPSDNet Acceptable Use Procedures (copy available by contacting the building secretary) and Code of Conduct (side 2 of this document).
5. The Network administrators have the right to review, edit and remove any unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable material that has been stored by a user in the UPSDNet. Students Waive any right of privacy, which they may otherwise have, to such material.
6. That the University Place School District/WSIPC will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages due to information gained and /or obtained via use of the UPSDNet/WEDNET, including, without limitation access to public networks.
7. That the University Place School District/WSIPC does not warrant that the functions of UPSDNet or any other network accessible through UPSDNet will meet specific requirements individuals may have, or that UPSDNet/WEDNET will be error free or uninterrupted.
8. That the University Place School District/WSIPC shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages (including lost data or information) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation or inability to use UPSDNet/WEDNET.
9. That the use of UPSDNet, including access to the public network, is a privilege which may be revoked by network administrators at any time for violation of the UPSDNet Acceptable use Procedures, Code of Conduct, and CJH Computer Use Policy.
10. In consideration for the privilege of using the UPSDNet and in consideration for having access to the public networks, students release the University Place School District, its operators and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from his/her use, or inability to use, the UPSDNet/WEDNET.
University Place School District
Common Elements for Student Handbooks
STUDENTS
Corrective Actions or Punishment
A. Exceptional Misconduct
As directed in Policy 3300, the representative ad hoc committee has reviewed the prescribed corrective actions listed below and recommends board adoption of these procedures. These corrective actions may be prescribed by the building administrator for a first offense of these listed misconduct's.
The appeal process for short and long-term suspensions does not change as a result of this set of prescribed corrective actions.
Exceptional Range of Misconduct Corrective Action Action That May Be Taken
1. Illegal possession and/or use Minimum Long-Term Suspension of alcohol, narcotics, Maximum Expulsion stimulant drugs or controlled substances or substances purported to be a controlled substance
2. Selling or distribution of Minimum Long-Term Suspension alcohol, narcotics stimulant Maximum Expulsion drugs or controlled substance or substances purported to be a controlled substance
3. Possession of drug and/or Minimum Long-Term Suspension related paraphernalia Maximum Expulsion
Students possessing, distributing, using, selling or being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, stimulants or other controlled substances while school is in session or at school sponsored activities will receive a long-term suspension of 90 school days or the remainder of the semester.
Building administrators of the schools have the authority to reduce long-term suspensions to a shorter duration provided the building administrator is convinced that a personal plan is in progress which will result in elimination of future involvement with drugs and alcohol.
4. Arson, vandalism, theft Minimum Short-Term Suspension or damage of property Maximum Expulsion
Exceptional Range of Misconduct Corrective Action Action That May Be Taken
5. Possessing and/or using Minimum Short-Term Suspension explosive devices Maximum Expulsion
6. Threatening or causing Minimum Short-Term Suspension physical injury, verbal Maximum Expulsion abuse or intimidation, sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct.
7. Possessing and/or using weapons, weapon replicas or any device used to threaten or intimidate.
a. Any firearm. Minimum One Year Expulsion Maximum Expulsionb. Any dangerous weapon as Minimum Short-Term Suspension defined in RCW 9.41.250 Maximum Expulsion RCW 9.41.260, RCW 9.41.270 RCW 9.41.280.
c. Any air gun, including any Minimum Short-Term Suspension air pistol or air rifle, Maximum Expulsion designed to propel a BB pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas.
d . Replicas of any objects Minimum Short-Term Suspension addressed in this section. Maximum Expulsion
8. Disrupting the educational Minimum Short-Term Suspension process, interfering with Maximum Expulsion staff members performance of duty by force or violence.
9. Unauthorized Access Minimum Short-Term Suspension
a. Keys Maximum Expulsionb. File cabinets or other business storage areas
c. Computer trespass or misuse of authorized access
d. Unauthorized use of long distance access codes
GANG AFFILIATION/ACTIVITY
The building administrators of all district facilities shall ensure that:
1. Gang affiliation and activities are included in printed rules and regulations provided to staff, students and parents.
2. Students identified as possibly involved in gang related activities receive counseling to enhance self-esteem, encourage interest and participation in wholesome activities, and promote membership in authorized student organizations.
3. Parents/guardians will be notified of the school's concerns.
4. Staff in service training regarding gang activities, methods of operation, and current methods of identification available to staff.
5. All gang affiliation or gang type incidents are referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
6. Affiliation with a gang, gang activities or claiming gang membership by students is considered exceptional misconduct and subject to the following corrective actions:
Gang Membership/Activities Minimum Short-Term Suspension Maximum Expulsion
Claimed Gang Membership Minimum Short-Term Suspension
For The Purpose of Intimidation Maximum Expulsion
7. Any student suspended for gang activities or affiliation may be required to sign a negotiated behavior contract between the student, parent and administrator before he/she will be re-admitted.
8. Building administrators have the authority to reduce long-term suspension to a shorter duration provided the building administrator is convinced that a plan is in progress which will result in elimination of future involvement with gangs.
9. Students who have been expelled or suspended for gang-related activities may be subject to emergency expulsion and may lose their rights to remain in school during the appeal process.
B. Long-Term Suspensions or Expulsions
Prior to the long-term suspension of a student, written notice of an opportunity for a hearing shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the student and to his or her parent(s) or guardian(s). The notice shall be in the parent's primary language and shall supply (1) the alleged misconduct and the school rules alleged to have been violated, (2) the recommended corrective action or punishment, (3) the right to a hearing, and (4) the date by which the request for a hearing must be received.
Once a student is expelled in compliance with district policy, the expulsion shall be brought to the attention of appropriate local and state authorities, including, but not limited to, the local juvenile authorities acting pursuant to the statutes dealing with the Basic Juvenile Court Act, in order that such authorities may address the student's educational needs.
Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion of a Handicapped Student
Prior to imposing a long-term suspension or expulsion due to the misconduct of a handicapped student, the building administrator or designee shall call a meeting of selected staff to:
1. Determine whether the student's misconduct has a causal relationship to the student's handicap,
2. Determine whether the student's misconduct is the result of an inappropriate placement, and
3. Consider the sanction or action to be taken and whether the sanction will deny the student a free and appropriate public education.
Staff involved in this meeting shall be familiar with the:
1. Individual student's file;
2. Assessment data and the IEP that has been developed accordingly;
3. Placement options that are available to the student.
If the misconduct is not related to the handicap, is not the result of an inappropriate placement and will not result in denial of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), the written notice of the proposed action shall be sent to the parent. This notice shall be sent by certified mail and include:
1. Date, time, place and participants at the meeting;
2. Information and/or data used in reaching the decision;
3. The decision regarding the causal relationship of the handicap to the misconduct, the appropriateness of the placement, and the corrective action or punishment to be imposed.
4. The right to a due process hearing regarding the causal relationship of the handicapping condition and the misconduct; and,
5. The right to a due process hearing regarding the imposition of a corrective action or punishment.
If no request for a hearing is received within thirty (30) school business days after the notice is received, the hearing shall be waived and the action shall take effect. If the proposed school action is challenged as a substantial change in placement through a request for a hearing, special education policies and procedures shall be applicable.
Appeal Process for Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion
If a hearing is requested, the superintendent or his/her designee shall schedule the matter for a hearing within three school business days of such request. The long-term suspension or non emergency expulsion will continue during the appeal period for no more than ten (10) consecutive school days or until the appeal is decided, whichever is the shortest period.
The parent and student and the district or representatives shall be permitted to inspect in advance of such hearing any affidavits or exhibits which are to be submitted at the hearing. The parent and student shall have the opportunity to be represented by counsel, to explain the alleged misconduct and to present affidavits, exhibits, and such witnesses as desired, as well as the opportunity to question witnesses.
The hearing shall be conducted before a hearing officer appointed by the superintendent. Such hearing officer shall not be a witness and shall determine the facts of each case solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The hearing officer shall state in writing the findings as to the facts, conclusions and disposition to be made. The decision shall be provided to the parent and student or counsel.
If the hearing officer imposes a long-term suspension or expulsion, the parent and student shall have three school business days after receiving the hearing decision to appeal that decision to the board. The long-term suspension or non emergency expulsion will continue during the appeal period for no more than ten (10) consecutive school days or until the appeal is decided, whichever is the shortest period.
Appeal Process for Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion - Hearing Procedure
In the event a hearing is requested, the superintendent shall appoint the hearing officer, who may be any certificated staff member who is not involved in the incident giving rise to the hearing. The hearing officer shall:
1. Schedule the hearing for a specified date, time, and place and may postpone the date and time and change the place for good cause or upon the mutual agreement of the parties;
2. Give written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing to the building administrator, and the parent and student;
3. Answer any questions that the parent and student or counsel may have about the nature and conduct of the hearing;
4. Conduct the hearing with full authority to control the conduct of all persons present, subject to the general directions of this procedural code, and to limit questioning that is unproductive or irrelevant. (The hearing officer may not provide testimony.)
5. Write findings of fact and disposition of the case; and
6. Transmit the written findings and disposition to the superintendent, the building administrator, and the parent and student within 5 school days after the hearing.
The parent and student may request an open or closed hearing. A closed hearing may be attended only by the hearing officer, building administrator, student, parent, and counsel. Witnesses should be present only when they are giving information. At times when the student's psychological or emotional problems are being discussed, he/she may be excluded at the discretion of the hearing officer with the concurrence of the parent and/or counsel. In an open hearing only those persons designated as witnesses shall have the right to speak.
The building administrator shall make available in his/her office at least 24 hours before the hearing any exhibits, affidavits or the signed statements which are the basis for the alleged misconduct and the penalty suggested by the building administrator. These may be examined and copied by the parent and student or counsel. If the building administrator later receives any further information that shall be employed at the hearing, he/she shall notify the parties involved and make copies available before the hearing. The building administrator may request a similar opportunity to review exhibits or statements to be used by the parent and student or counsel.
Upon the request of the hearing officer, the parent and student or counsel, the building administrator shall submit to the hearing officer the student's cumulative record folder. If the building administrator or the hearing officer deems it necessary, the information contained in such records shall be explained and interpreted to the officer by a person trained in their use and interpretation.
When the hearing officer determines that the alleged act of misconduct has been committed, the hearing officer shall reach a disposition of the case. The disposition need not be the action recommended by the building administrator but shall not exceed the penalty he/she recommends. The disposition should explain the reason for the particular decision. The decision shall be provided to the parent and student or counsel.
If the student is under an emergency expulsion (see Section C), the hearing officer shall render his/her decision within 1 school business day of the conclusion of the hearing.
When students are charged with violating the same rule and have acted in concert and the facts are essentially the same for all students, a single hearing may be conducted for them if the hearing officer believes that the following conditions exist:
1. A single hearing shall not likely result in confusion, and
2. No student shall have his/her interest substantially prejudiced by a group hearing.
If the hearing officer finds that during the hearing a student's interests shall be substantially prejudiced by the group hearing, he/she may order a separate hearing for that student. The parent and student have the right to petition for an individual hearing.
When a student's suspension or expulsion is appealed to the Board of Directors, the hearing officer may temporarily suspend or expel the student for no more than ten consecutive school days or until the appeal is decided, whichever is earlier.
Appeal Process for Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion - Board of Directors
If a long-term suspension or expulsion is imposed, the parent and student shall have the right to appeal the hearing officer's decision by filing a written notice of appeal at the office of the hearing officer within 3 school business days after the date of receipt of the decision.
The Board shall schedule and hold a meeting to informally review the matter within 10 school business days from receipt of such appeal. The purpose of the meeting shall be to confer with the parties in order to decide upon the most appropriate means of handling the appeal. At that time the student, parent, and/or counsel shall be given the right to be heard and shall be granted the opportunity to present such witnesses and testimony as the board deems reasonable. Prior to adjournment, the board shall agree to one of the following procedures
1. Study the hearing record or other materials submitted and render its decision within 10 school business days;
2. Schedule and hold a special meeting to hear further arguments on the case and render its decision within 15 school business days; or
3. Hear and try the case de novo before the board within 10 school business days.
Any decision by the board to impose or to affirm, reverse or modify the imposition of suspension or expulsion upon a student shall be made only by:
1. Those board members who have heard or read the evidence,
2. Those board members who have not acted as witness in the matter, and
3. A majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum of the board is present.
Within 30 days of receipt of the board's final decision, any parent and student desiring to appeal any action upon the part of the Board regarding the suspension or expulsion shall file with the secretary of the board and with the clerk of the Pierce County Superior Court a notice of appeal which shall set forth in a clear and concise manner the errors complained of.
C. Emergency Expulsion
A student may be excluded from school prior to a hearing without other forms of corrective action if the building administrator reasonably believes the student is an immediate and continuing danger to himself/herself, other students, staff, or administrators or is a substantial disruption to the educational process of the district. Such emergency expulsion shall continue until the student is reinstated by the building administrator or until a fair hearing is held and a final determination reached. Such an emergency expulsion shall be stayed, whether or not appeal is made to the board, unless the hearing officer shall find that the student continues to present an immediate and continuing danger to himself/herself, other students, staff, or administrators or continues to cause a substantial disruption to the educational process of the district.
The provisions governing notice and hearing of regular long-term suspensions or expulsions shall apply except:
1. Written notice of the emergency expulsion shall be sent by certified mail within 24 hours of the expulsion;
2. The parent and student shall have 10 school business days after receipt of the notice during which to request a hearing; and
3. The hearing officer shall render the decision within 1 school business day after the conclusion of the hearing.
D. Emergency Removal
A student may be removed immediately from a class or subject by a teacher or administrator without other forms of corrective action and sent to the building administrator or a designated school official, without first attempting corrective action, provided that the teacher or administrator has good and sufficient reason to believe that the student's presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students or staff or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the class, subject, or educational process of the student's school. The removal shall continue only until:
1. The danger or threat ceases, or
2. The building administrator acts to impose discipline, impose a short-term or long-term suspension or expulsion or to impose an emergency expulsion.
The building administrator shall meet with the student as soon as reasonably possible following the student's removal and take or initiate appropriate corrective action or punishment. In no case shall the student's opportunity for such meeting be delayed beyond commencement of the next school day. The teacher or administrator who removed the student shall be notified of the action which has been taken or initiated.
E. Short-Term Suspension
Short-term suspensions may be imposed by a building administrator. In the event the proposed punishment of a student is to include the denial of the right of school attendance from any single class or full schedule of classes for more than 1 and up to 10 consecutive school days, a conference shall first be conducted with the student as follows:
1. An oral or written notice of the charges shall be provided to the student.
2. An oral or written explanation of the evidence in support of the charges shall be provided to the student.
3. An oral or written explanation of the suspension which may be imposed shall be provided to the student.
4. The student shall be provided the opportunity to present his/her explanation.
In the event a short-term suspension is to exceed 1 day, the parent of the student shall be notified of the reason for the suspension and the duration of the suspension orally or by U.S. mail as soon as reasonably possible.
Any student subject to a short-term suspension shall be provided the opportunity upon return to make up assignments and tests if:
1. Such assignments or tests have a substantial effect upon the student's semester grade or grades; or
2. Failure to complete such assignments or tests would preclude the student from receiving credit for the course or courses
Appeal Process for Short-Term Suspension
Any parent or student who is aggrieved by the imposition of a short-term suspension shall have the right to an informal conference with the building administrator for the purpose of resolving the grievance. At such conference the student and parent shall be subject to questioning by the building administrator and shall be entitled to question staff involved in the matter being grieved.
The parent and student, after exhausting this remedy, shall have the right, upon 2 school business days' prior notice, to present a written and/or oral grievance to the superintendent, or his/her designee. If the grievance is not resolved, the parent and student, upon 2 business days' prior notice, shall have the right to present a written grievance to the board at its next regular meeting. A closed meeting may be held for the purpose of considering the grievance. The board shall notify the parent and student of its response to the grievance within 10 school business days after the date of the regular meeting in which the grievance was presented. The short-term suspension shall continue notwithstanding implementation of the grievance procedure unless the building administrator, superintendent or his/her designee or board elects to postpone such action.
F. Student Discipline
The methods employed in enforcing the rules of the school involve professional judgment. Such judgment should be:
1. consistent from day to day and student to student,
2. balanced against the severity of the misconduct,
3. appropriate to the student's nature and prior behavior,
4. fair to the student, parent, and others, and
5. effective.
Since these criteria may be in conflict, established procedures must be followed in correcting misbehavior. Appeal procedures have been established in order to provide for an opportunity for every corrective action or punishment to be reviewed by someone in authority and to instill confidence among students and parents as to the essential fairness of staff.
In order to develop an environment conducive to learning, the building administrator shall confer with certificated staff at least once per year to develop and/or review rules of conduct to be employed in the school and corrective actions and punishment that may be employed in the event of rule infractions.
A teacher shall have the authority to exclude a student from his/her classroom for all or any part of the period or until the teacher has conferred with the building administrator, whichever occurs first. Prior to excluding a student, except in emergency circumstances, the teacher shall have attempted one or more corrective actions. In no case shall an excluded student be returned for the balance of a period without the consent of the teacher.
Detention
For minor infractions of school rules or regulations, or for minor misconduct, staff may detain students after school hours for a period not to exceed 40 minutes per day.
Preceding the assessment of such punishment, the staff member shall inform the student of the nature of the offense charged and of the specific conduct which allegedly constitutes the violation. The student shall be afforded an opportunity to explain or justify his/her actions to the staff member.
Detention shall not begin until the parent has been notified (except in the case of the adult student) for the purpose of informing him/her of the basis and reason for the detention and to permit him/her to make arrangements for the necessary transportation of the student when he/she has been detained after school hours for corrective action or punishment.
Students detained for corrective action or punishment shall be under the direct supervision of the staff member or another member of the professional staff.
The building administrator shall be responsible for seeing that the time which the student spends for corrective action or punishment shall be used constructively for educational purposes.
Appeal Process for Disciplinary Action
Any parent or student who is aggrieved by the imposition of discipline shall have the right to an informal conference with the building administrator for the purpose of resolving the grievance. At such conference the student and parent shall be subject to questioning by the building administrator and shall be entitled to question staff involved in the matter being grieved.
The parent and student, after exhausting this remedy, shall have the right, upon 2 school business days' prior notice, to present a written and/or oral grievance to the superintendent or his/her designee. If the grievance is not resolved, the parent and student, upon 2 school business days' prior notice, shall have the right to present a written grievance to the board during its next regular meeting. A closed meeting may be held for the purpose of considering the grievance. The board shall notify the parent and student of its response to the grievance within 10 school business days after the date of the regular meeting in which the grievance was presented. The disciplinary action shall continue notwithstanding implementation of the grievance procedure unless the building administrator, superintendent or his/her designee or board elects to postpone such action.
Cross Reference: Policy 3213, Sexual Harassment Involving Students
Policy 3240, Student Conduct
Legal Reference: WAC 180-40-200 Series
WAC 180-40-300 Series
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5307
Adoption Date May 14, 1997