Parent & Student Handbook, 2013-2014 - Tandem Friends School

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Repeat offenses will likely result in expulsion.
Note: Many colleges ask whether student applicants have ever been suspended or expelled from high school, and if
so, the reason. Students who violate Tandem’s substance abuse policy need to be prepared to answer such a question.
Suspicion of Involvement with Proscribed Substances
Faculty or administrative staff may suspect student use of proscribed substances, based on behavioral changes,
sudden declines in academic work, or reports from faculty, parents or students in the community who are concerned
about the student. In these instances, the student in question may be required to meet with the Head of School (or
representative) and parents to discuss the concerns, and may be required to undergo an assessment of possible drug
use. Depending on the outcome of the meeting and assessment, the student may face additional consequences.
Compliance and Failure to Comply
Adherence to the Standards Committee’s and/or administration’s requirements will be monitored by the
administration. Failure of the student to comply with mandated consequences may result in suspension or expulsion,
at the discretion of the Head of School.
Property Search Policy
At Tandem Friends School, we respect a student’s privacy. Searches may be necessary, however, when theft,
involvement with proscribed substances or information, or other illicit activities are suspected. Property searches
may include lockers, vehicles, electronic devices, or other personal property, such as book bags, laptops or
smartphones, packs, purses, or pockets. Searches are considered to be a serious step, not taken lightly.
Procedure
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The student in question will be informed of the reason for the search. To respect property and assure fairness, the
student will be asked to be present at the time of the search. The student may request that one or both parents be
present. If so, all reasonable efforts will be made to contact the parent(s), although if deemed necessary, the
search may be conducted before the parent(s) arrives.
If the student in question is not available due to a school holiday or absence, the search may be conducted
anyway. The Head of School (or representative) will conduct the search, together with at least one other school
official. The student involved may request that a peer (another student) also witness the search. If no student is
available, the search will proceed without a student witness.
The student whose property is searched may be held responsible for any illicit items found during the search,
whether or not the items constitute the original reasons for the search.
Students such as car passengers who share physical space with the student in question may also be held
accountable and may be subject to disciplinary action.
"Kindness and Wisdom, with Kindness Always First"