Berkshire Middle School

Berkshire Middle School Discipline Plan

The primary purpose of this discipline plan is to promote a more positive and productive atmosphere here at Berkshire Middle School while teaching students life-long decision-making skills.  This plan is built on student self-reflection of behaviors that can either promote or inhibit their academic success.  Through reflection of these behaviors, students can begin to choose positive behaviors more often, increasing the academic success of all students.

The plan is proactive in that it allows students to take control of their behavior.  It provides students tools to assess their own academic and behavioral goals and to make decisions to better meet those goals.  The plan is reactive in that it provides a consequential step process to address negative student behaviors, but it provides resources to teach students how to alter their behavior for long-term change and benefit.  In this way students can begin to see intrinsic value to positive decision-making rather than merely changing behavior in the short term, hoping to avoid punishment.

This plan is aimed at empowering classroom teachers to teach all of their students.  It allows flexibility for the classroom teachers to choose how to best handle situations for them first, but it also allows for another adult to guide the student through the reflective decision-making process while the classroom teacher is teaching the remainder of the students in class.

Level I Violations

A Level I violation is behavior which disrupts the educational process or interferes with the teaching and/or learning environment.  In most cases, these events will be dealt with at the classroom level by the teacher.  Depending upon severity or repetition, a Level I violation may be reclassified as a Level II or Level III violation.

1. Academic Misconduct – Engaging in academic cheating.  This includes, but is not limited to, the giving or receiving of any unauthorized assistance on homework, quizzes, test, projects, papers or other assignments.  Unauthorized access to teacher assignments, plagiarism, and falsification of records is included.  Building policy is printed in full in the student handbook.

2. Chronic Lack of Supplies – Repeatedly reporting to class lacking necessary materials (i.e. student planner, textbook, etc.) as defined by the classroom teacher.

3. Disruptive behavior – Behaving in a manner which disrupts or interferes with the educational process.

4. Harassment – See district policy page 12.

5. Inappropriate Display of Affection – Kissing, embracing or engaging in affectionate activity that exceeds standards of good taste and common decency.

6. Physical/Verbal Aggression – Engaging in physical or verbal behavior that is deemed inappropriate and could eventually escalate.

7. Inappropriate Dress and Grooming – Dressing and grooming in a manner which disrupts the teaching and learning of others.  See building policy on page 2.

8. Inappropriate Language – Writing, speaking or gesturing in a manner, which conveys an offensive, profane or sexually suggestive message.

9. Inappropriate Personal Property – Possessing personal property prohibited by school rules or otherwise disruptive to the teaching and learning of others, i.e. playing cards, hats, toys, etc.  This also includes gum, food, and drinks outside of the cafeteria.

10. Refusal to Work or Follow Directions-Disobeying a teacher’s request.

11. Tardiness – Failing to be in the appropriate place of instruction at the assigned time without a valid pass.  After 3 unexcused tardies, this offense moves to a Level II violation.

12. Trading, Buying or Selling of items on school property- Exploiting students, whether by advertising or otherwise promoting products or services, soliciting funds or information are not permitted. Any promotions or sales within the school must be approved by the principal and must be for the benefit of the school or School System.

Level I Discipline Procedure

Staff intervention strategies such as teacher/student conferences, auxiliary staff/student intervention and teacher/parent contacts are to be made for Level I violations under normal conditions prior to referral to administration.  Any or all of the following intervention strategies and disciplinary actions may be used.

§   Teacher/student contact

§   Teacher/parent contact

§   Referrals and conferences involving various support staff and/or team

§   Daily/weekly progress reports

§   Behavioral contracts

§   Confiscation of inappropriate item(s)

§   Lunch detention and/or before or after school detention

§   Denial of participation in class activities

§   Debarment from class

§   Other intervention strategies as needed

§   Restorative Practices

Level II Violations

A Level II Violation is behavior that seriously or repeatedly disrupts the educational process or interferes with teaching and learning.  For the most part, Level II violations disrupt or interfere with another person’s right to an appropriate learning environment.  In addition, depending upon severity or repetition, a Level II violation may be reclassified as a Level III violation. 

1. Persistent Misbehavior or Repeated/Serious Level I Violations – Accumulating Level I violations or reclassification of serious Level I violations. 

2. Failure to properly identify oneself to a staff member or adult.

3. Failure to Serve Assigned Detention – Failing to serve an assigned detention for which the student and/or parent had been notified.

4. Fighting – Engaging in aggressive, physical contact defined as hitting with closed or opened hands, shoving, wrestling or kicking between two or more individuals with intent to cause harm.

5. Bullying – Deliberate humiliation and intimidation including verbal and physical assaults, ridicule and/or harassment of others (includes inappropriate use of social media).

6. Gangs – Demonstrating gang related symbols, gestures, clothing, etc.

7. Falsification of Records – Intentionally misrepresenting information given to school district personnel.  Using the name of another person or falsifying times, dates, grades, addresses or other data on school district forms or records.

8. Gambling – Playing any game of skill or chance for money or anything of value.

9. Insubordination – Failing to comply with a reasonable direction or instruction from a staff member.

10. Leaving without permission – Leaving the classroom, assigned area or school without permission.

11. Loitering – Remaining or lingering on school property without a legitimate purpose and/or without proper authority.

12. Off Limits Areas – Areas defined as off limits to students during the day.  This includes, but is not limited to, the exterior of the building, classrooms other than those assigned, and custodial areas without proper authorization.

13. Personal Threat/Intimidation – Intending to do bodily harm or threatening either verbally or in writing.  Forcing a student to act, or preventing a student to act, through intimidation.

14. Possession of Cell Phones/MP3 Players/DVD Players/Portable Gaming Systems/Cameras/Recording devices or other Electronic Devices- Using/displaying devices during school hours without administrative approval.

15. Possession/Use of Tobacco Products – Possessing or using tobacco products on school property or at school events.

16. Possession of matches/lighters, fireworks, “stink” bombs or anything that can be lit.

17. Skipping – Failing to report to class or school without prior permission, knowledge, or excuse by the school or parent.

18. Theft, Possession or Transfer of Others’ Property Under $100 – Taking property valued less that $100 belonging to the school or any individual or group without prior permission.  Possessing or transferring property of another without the consent of the owner.

19. Vandalism – Intentionally causing damage or disabling school property or the property of others.

20. Improper Use of District Technology – The unapproved or prohibited use of district computers or other technology, including but not limited to:

•         Disregarding the privacy of other users, such as using or attempting to use or learn other users’ passwords;

•         Unauthorized copying, changing, reading, accessing or attempting to access or using others’ files

•         Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to district equipment, systems, programs, files or other users’ accounts

•         Damaging or attempting to damage any district equipment, systems, programs or files including the use or attempted use of a virus

•         Using or attempting to use school files, programs, or web sites to harass others

•         Use of technology or networks for personal/non-school related access in an unauthorized, or illegal or unethical manner.

Level II Discipline Procedure

In support of the building staff who have used Level I procedures, or who have raised the action to a Level II concern, any or all of the following intervention strategies and disciplinary actions may be used by administrators.  

1.        Administrator/student conference or reprimand 

2.        Administrator/parent contact  

3.        Denial of participation in class and/or school activities

4.        Daily/weekly progress reports  

5.        Behavioral contracts   

6.         School service assignments   

7.        Confiscation of inappropriate items           

8.        Restitution/Restoration

9.        Lunch detention and/or before or after school detention

10.     Referrals and conferences involving various support staff or agencies

11.     Police notification

12.     In- School suspension

13.     Out-of-school suspension

14.     Deferred suspension

15.     Change in student’s class

16.     Saturday detention

17.     Other intervention strategies as needed

18.     Restorative Practices

Level III Violations

A Level III violation is behavior of an aggravated or legal nature, which disrupts or interferes with the effective functioning of the school.  In addition, depending upon severity or repetition, a Level III violation may be reclassified as a Level IV violation.

Persistent Misbehavior or Repeated/Serious Level I or Level II Violations – accumulated Level I or II violations or reclassification of a serious violation.

1.        Aggravated Assault and Battery – Striking or unlawful touching of another without using a weapon and inflicting an injury.

2.        Arson – Intentionally starting any fire or combustion on school property not covered by Level IV violations.

3.        Endangerment – Developing plans or not reporting information that could lead to a threat to the health and safety of other students and/or school personnel or threaten disruption to the educational process.

4.        Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Possessing drug paraphernalia, homemade or otherwise, such as bongs, pipes, etc.

5.        Breaking and Entering – Breaking and entering any school building, facility, office, room, storage space or other enclosure without authority to do so.

6.        Disorderly Conduct – Behaving in a violent or grossly inappropriate manner.

7.        Extortion – Utilizing unlawful or otherwise inappropriate means to persuade and or force another person(s) to act against their will, such as demanding money under threat of harm.

8.        False Fire Alarm – Reporting a fire to school or fire officials, setting off a fire alarm without a reasonable belief that a fire exists, or tampering with any fire safety device.

9.        False 911 – Calling 911 from a phone without reasonable belief that an emergency exists.

10.     Felonious Assault – Striking with a weapon to do bodily harm.

11.     Bomb Threats and Similar Threats – Making a false or unreasonably incorrect report of a bomb or similar device.

12.     Possession or Concealment of Dangerous Instrument/Weapon – Possessing or concealing any kind of weapon or dangerous instrument not covered by Level IV violations.

13.     Possession or Use of Firework/Explosives – Possessing or using fireworks or explosives not covered by Level IV violations.

14.     Possession or Ownership, Use or Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs – Possessing, using or being under the influence of regulated, controlled, or unauthorized substances not specifically prescribed by a student’s physician, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages, marijuana, intoxicants, drugs, imitation controlled substances; possessing and/or distributing, or intending to distribute, inhalants (when not for intended uses), or over the counter medications or substances.

15.     Robbery – Taking property from a person by force or threat of aggression.

16.     Theft, Possession or Transfer of Property of Others over $100 – Taking property valued at $100 or more belonging to the school or any individual or group without prior permission with specific intent to permanently deprive.  Possessing or transferring property of another person valued $100 or more without the consent of the owner.

17.     Threats With or the Use of a Weapon – Using a weapon to threaten another person with bodily injury or to cause injury.

18.     Unlawful Interference – with School Authorities – Interfering with administration, teachers or other school personnel by threat of force or violence.

19.     Verbal Assaults (MCL.380.1311A(2) – Using words, writing or behavior that, in the judgment of building administration, would put school personnel or students in fear of imminent injury to persons or property.

Level III Discipline Procedure

Administrators for Level III violations may use any or all of the following intervention strategies or disciplinary actions.

1.        Administrator/student conference or reprimand

2.        Administrator/parent contact

3.        Police notification

4.        Deferred or pending suspension

5.        In-School suspension

6.        Saturday detention

7.        Short or long term suspension out of school

8.        Recommendation for expulsion

9.        Referral to assistance programs

10.     Other intervention strategies as needed

11.     Restorative Practices

Level IV Violations

Consistent with Michigan law, certain student conduct or acts will result in expulsion.

1.        Possession or Concealment of a Weapon on School Property – defined as a firearm, dagger, dirk, stiletto, knife, pocket knife opened by a mechanical device, iron bar, or brass knuckles.

2.        Arson – Defined as deliberately burning or attempting to burn any school or personal property on school grounds.

3.        Criminal Sexual Conduct as defined in the School Code, Section 380.1311, subsection 10(b).

4.        Physical Assaults (MCL380.1311a(12)(B)- Defined as a student in grade 6 or above who intentionally causes or attempts to cause physical harm against a district employee, volunteer, or a person contracted for the district.

5.        Possession with Intent to Distribute Alcohol and/or drugs – Selling, giving away or otherwise transferring to another person any regulated, controlled or unauthorized substances, including but not limited to, alcoholic beverages, marijuana, intoxicants, drugs, or imitation controlled substances.

Level IV Discipline Procedure

Please refer to Birmingham Public Schools Policy 5600.

Threats

If you hear of anyone threatening to harm his/herself or someone else, immediately tell a staff member. Never consider a threat of harm to be a joke. A written or spoken threat to do harm to another person may result in any or all of the following: a minimum three-day suspension, police involvement and parent conferences.                 

Weapons

Michigan Law promotes zero tolerance for possession of dangerous weapons on school property or at any school sponsored activity. Possession of a knife or firearm, for example, will result in an expulsion from the Birmingham Schools for one year. In addition violators face criminal proceedings in the court system. (See Public Acts)