Mt. Carmel School K- 8 Discipline Policy

Purpose: The purpose of this K-8 discipline policy is to create and foster a safe learning environment for students and staff.  A structured discipline plan will ensure that all stakeholders: students, staff, and parents have a common understanding of appropriate school behavior and an awareness of consequences of misconduct.  The Mt. Carmel School discipline plan will help students develop the ability to exercise self-control and self-discipline in the school setting.

The following is a list of major offenses, which shall result in an automatic referral to the office for a principal/teacher/student conference.

Major offenses include but not limited to:

• Profanity (language or gestures) directed at another person
• Verbal or written threats
• Fighting
• Insubordination
• Vandalism (to school or personal property)
• Stealing
• Possession of dangerous and/or illegal substances
• Possession of dangerous and/or illegal items
• Sexual harassment (unwelcome or unwanted sexual behavior)
• Any other offenses as delineated by the FCCSC Parent/Student Handbook and/or Indiana code.

The following is a list of minor offenses, which will first be dealt with in the classroom with warnings, time outs, parental contact, and other classroom management techniques.

Minor offenses include but not limited to:

• Inappropriate language
• Disrespectful behavior
• Horseplay/Roughhousing
• Not prepared for class
• Bringing items from home that are disruptive
• Inappropriate hallway behavior
• Chewing gum / candy
• Excessive talking
• Throwing objects in the classroom

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Minor Offenses

Once a teacher has attempted to address these minor offenses within the classroom, the teacher may elect to engage the student in the following process:

Step 1:  Detentions (5 per semester)

• Parents will be notified of detentions by mail
• Teachers should use professional judgment along with documentation when assigning detentions for minor offenses.  It should be documented that prior attempts have been made to correct this behavior within the classroom or that the behavior is chronic.
• 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade detentions shall be served during the noon recess.
• Elementary detentions shall be served during the regularly scheduled afternoon recess.
• After accumulating five (5) detentions per semester, students move to Step 2.

Step 2:  Behavioral Intervention Team Referral

• Upon receiving the sixth (6^th) detention a Parent/Teacher/Student/Administration conference shall convene.

Step 3:  Social Probation

• When a student is placed on social probation he/she is excluded from the following activities:
  • Field trips
  • Convocations
  • Dances
  • Classroom or school parties
  • Field day
  • Ballgames
  • Extra Curricular Activities
  • Other special events during or after the school day
• Parents shall be notified of social probation by mail.
• Most probation periods shall end at the conclusion of the semester.
• Adjustments may b made in the event that social probation occurs during the last half of the semester.
• After students have been placed on social probation they will move to Step 4.

Step 4:  In-School Suspensions

• Parents shall be notified by phone or parental contact form.
• 7^th and 8^th grade students shall be assigned to the countywide ISS room at FCHS.
• Elementary students shall serve in school suspension at their home school.
• After students have been served an in school suspension they move to Step 5.

Step 5:  Out of School Suspension

• Parents shall be notified by mail.
• Refer to FCCSC Parent/Student Handbook for details.

Step 6:  Expulsion

• Refer to FCCSC Parent/Student Handbook for details.

Note that this is a progressive process and that students begin each semester with a “clean slate.”

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Major Offenses

Procedure for Major Offenses:

• Office Referral
  • Appropriate disciplinary action may include
  • 1 – 3 days in school suspension and/or social probation
  • Out-of-school suspension and/or social probation
  • Disciplinary action as addressed in FCCSC Parent/Student Handbook
• Intervention with parent
• Placed on social probation

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