Untitled - Plymouth Regional High School - SAU 48

SAFE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT POLICY
The Pemi-Baker School District wishes to promote a school environment in which learning will flourish. The environment recognizes
the worth of the individual while at the same time valuing a spirit of community. Learning thrives best in an environment which fosters
mutual respect and tolerance.
Behavior on the part of students or staff, which creates a hostile environment, is unacceptable at Plymouth Regional High School.
Anger, frustration, and differences among members of the community must be worked out by means of communication and compromise
and not through threats, intimidation, bullying or harassment.
All members of our community must be guaranteed to work and learn in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Incidents of threatening,
harassing, bullying or intimidating behavior should be reported to the appropriate persons and handled as indicated below.
Incidents may be reported to any faculty, Administrator, or staff member, who in turn will report occurrences to the Social Worker or
other designated persons. (All incidents will be handled in the most informal manner appropriate to the situation).
A. Minor Incidents
Reports of minor and common everyday disputes and disruptive behavior will be handled by the Social Worker. A “Memorandum
of Understanding” may be signed by both parties when asked by the Assistant Principal. This is an agreement in writing to have
no contact with each other on school grounds. This agreement may be revoked if both parties agree. This must go through the
Social Worker or the Assistant Principal. No further action will be taken.
B. Other Incidents
1. First Incident
The Social Worker will start mediation procedures or delegate the process to other appropriate staff and inform the parents
and Administration. (When appropriate, peer mediation can be used at this level).
2. Second Incident
A second incident will result in direct involvement of the parents or guardians in resolving the situation. The Administration
will take disciplinary action if appropriate.
3. Third Incident
Third incidents of disruptive, harassing, bullying or threatening behavior will be reported to the Administration for appropriate
action. Appropriate action may include, but not be limited to, suspension unless the Administration feels assured that the behavior
will not continue. Where appropriate, other disciplinary action, counseling, or referral to police authorities will be initiated.
4. Fourth Incident
Persons reported repeatedly for disruptive, harassing, bullying or threatening behavior will be suspended, and the student
will meet with the parents/guardian, the building Administration, the Superintendent of Schools, and the police juvenile officer.
The intent of the meeting will be to determine if further suspension will result and if a hearing before the Board of Education
will be required.
[Nothing in the policy is meant to preclude, replace, or substitute the enforcement of our policy regarding sexual harassment
for the laws pertaining to criminal threatening or assault.]
C. Fighting
1. Fighting, inciting a fight or any physical assault will result in out-of-school suspension for up to five days or until the student
and parents/guardian assure the Administration that the student’s return will not result in a hostile environment for others.
Counseling will occur upon the student’s return. The police will be notified.
2. A second offense of fighting or inciting will result in out-of-school suspension for up to five days and a meeting with the
student, the parents/guardian, the building Administration, and the Superintendent of Schools. The intent of the meeting
will be to determine if further suspension will result and if a dismissal hearing before the School Board will be required. The
police juvenile officer will be notified.
3. A third offense will result in referral to the Board for dismissal.
* Fighting includes, but not limited to: punching, hitting, pushing, or touching someone in a threatening manner. Any violation
of section C may result in criminal prosecution.
D. Violence Toward Faculty, Staff, or Administration
No faculty, staff, or Administration member will be hit, pushed, or threatened. Such action will result in suspension, a meeting
with the Superintendent of Schools, and a dismissal hearing with the School Board. Police will be notified and any violation of
section D will result in criminal prosecution.
E. Clothing
The wearing of articles of clothing, symbols, emblems, or insignias that cause intimidation, harassment or incites violence is not
allowed. The Administration will determine if this section has been violated. An appeal may be made to a committee of seven
consisting of two faculty members, two Administrators, and three students.
F. Students 18 Years of Age or Older
The law requires that students eighteen years of age or older will be dealt with as adults.
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