2013-14 Guide for Academics and Student Life - Tampa Preparatory ...

STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE10 Letter to parents and a student will appearin front of the Conduct Review Board andwill be issued additional sanctions.DISCIPLINARY WARNING STATUSStudents who have serious or repeat infractions will beplaced on disciplinary warning status, which means thatfurther infractions may result in probation, suspension, orexpulsion. The administration will determine the term ofthe Disciplinary Warning Status. A student on DisciplinaryWarning Status may not be eligible to participate inSchool-sponsored activities.PROBATIONA student on probation is in jeopardy of being expelled iffound guilty of a major offense. Students on probation maylose privileges (such as participating in extracurricularactivities, holding office, participating in student council,off-campus lunch, etc.).IN SCHOOL SUSPENSIONStudents on In School Suspension are required to be oncampus at a designated area but are not allowed to attendclass or events. Students still have the responsibility tocomplete and timely submit all class work and to arrange tomake up examinations. Suspension becomes a permanentpart of a student’s record.OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSIONStudents are banned from all School activities, includingclasses, and are to remain at home. Students still havethe responsibility to complete and timely submit all classwork and to arrange to make up examinations. Suspensionbecomes a permanent part of a student’s record.REVERSE SUSPENSIONStudents on reverse suspension are required to be on campuson a day or at a time when classes are not on campus. Theywill be given work assignments during this time. Suspensionbecomes a permanent part of a student’s record.EXPULSIONStudents may be expelled for serious first offenses; repeatinfractions (even if not related); conduct resulting in harm,damage, or disruption to self, others, or the educationalenvironment; parent or family member causing disruption tothe School or the School’s educational mission; non-paymentof tuition or fees; not meeting academic requirements; or notmeeting attendance requirements. If a student is expelled,he/she will have the option to petition the Head of Schooland the Board of Trustees for re-entry the next school year.The student must remain out of school for one year. Studentsare prohibited from campus until the end of the year or forsix months, whichever is longer. Students returning fromexpulsion will remain on probation for the duration of theirenrollment at Tampa Prep.In order to maintain common trust and to provide anenvironment of mutual respect, tolerance, and sensitivity, itis important that every member of the community recognizesguidelines for appropriate behavior. Honest communication,courteous and respectful interactions with all members ofthe community, and responsible actions are behaviors valuedat Tampa Preparatory School. Inappropriate behavior, eitherverbal or physical, that disregards the self-esteem of othersis unacceptable, including unwelcome physical advances,unwarranted verbal remarks, profanity, and derogatory ordiscriminatory comments.Providing a safe and secure environment for all our studentsand our staff is a primary goal of the School. No set ofpolicies and procedures, however, can or should replacetrust, goodwill, and the judgments of reasonable people. Itis expected that parents will notify the School if they havereasonable cause to believe that a student has been the victimof discrimination or sexual harassment.Upper School students who are suspected of breaking a majorschool rule will be called before the Dean of Students who willgather all relevant information, including a statement fromthe student, if he/she so desires. If it is determined that therehas been a violation, the student will usually appear beforethe Conduct Review Board; however, the school reserves theright to resolve disciplinary matters in whatever mannerit deems appropriate. The Conduct Review Board may thenrecommend to the Head of School and to the appropriateDivision Director the appropriate disciplinary action to betaken. The parents of the student will be notified.Since violation of the Honor Code or the breaking of a majorschool rule is a very serious offense, there is no warning forthe first offense. Each case is treated individually and thepenalty is assessed according to the circumstances of theindividual case.Out of respect for the privacy and the sensitivity of some ofthe issues that accompany student conduct and discipline,the school may not publicly discuss or share the disciplinedecisions of the school. There may be times when a matterneeds to be discussed. At those times, the information may bepresented in conceptual terms to preserve the privacy of thestudent(s) involved.CONCERN FOR STUDENTSThe School continues to be concerned about the developmentof the whole child, and offers educational programs,discussion opportunities, and access to counseling inorder to encourage wise behavior choices, provide a basisfor decision-making and serve as a forum for the possibleconsequences of irresponsible behavior. In cooperation withthe Parents Alliance, the School annually mails a packet ofinformation to parents concerning the legal consequences ofunderage drinking and parents’ liability and responsibilities.While the School holds all students accountable for anyand all actions that occur during the school day or duringGUIDE FOR ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE | 33