Families and educators must be partners in maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff. Student discipline is critical to safe schools. As family members and educators, we want every student to be accountable for his/her behavior while at school. It is equally important that  families and students know their rights when and if disciplinary issues arise.

Some disciplinary issues may be resolved through one-on-one counseling with the student’s teacher, guidance counselor or school principal. Other minor matters may require only an in-school suspension. In-school suspension means that the student is removed from the classroom for a short period of time for the purpose of redirecting his/her behavior. More serious disciplinary matters may result in out-of-school suspension which is a more formal discipline approach, prohibiting the student from attending school for a period of time.

Families have many questions when children are involved in situations that result in disciplinary proceedings. Most questions may be answered by referring to the 2007 Student-Parent Code of Conduct and Handbook.