Discipline Plan
SCHOOL-WIDE STUDENT INTERVENTION PLAN
CUSD Schools subscribe to the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) approach. “PBIS is a systemic method to proactive, school-wide behavior based on a Response to Intervention (RtI) model. PBIS applies evidence-based programs, practices and strategies for all students to increase academic performance, improve safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish a positive school culture. Schools implementing PBIS build on existing strengths, complementing and organizing current programming and strategies.”
Our goal is to help each student become a positive and responsible citizen. We know that the majority of students will work toward this goal by respecting the rights of others, respecting personal and school property, and by practicing acceptable behavior. The following rules and regulations are in effect on or near school grounds, off campus during school hours, at school-sponsored functions, bus stops, and while on the way to or from school or school activities. Unless otherwise noted, the discipline consequences apply for the entire current school year.
Interventions are intended to review the major infractions and usual consequences; however, CUSD recognizes that some actions not listed below may cause a disruption to the instructional process and/or environment. In those cases, the school administration reserves the right to take disciplinary action at their discretion.
All administrative decisions regarding student behavior and resulting consequence(s) are administered within strict adherence to California State Education Code and CUSD Board Policy.
CUSD is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items that a student has brought from home. Administration and staff will investigate incidents involving these items at their discretion. Parents may be asked to personally retrieve confiscated items.
INTERVENTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
Progressive Discipline Interventions
CUSD follows a system that includes positive interventions and progressive discipline where the severity of the consequence depends on the severity of the behavior and/or the pattern of behaviors a student exhibits. All interventions are at the discretion of the school administration and take into account individual student needs and the circumstances of each incident.
When multiple interventions are listed in the Student Intervention Matrix, such as CSI/ATS/Suspension, administration will determine the appropriate consequence (including number of days) depending on the severity of the infraction.
Interventions:
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Positive Reinforcements:
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Incentives both verbal and tangible achieving and exceeding school-wide expectations.
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Classroom Interventions:
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Teachers will assign the consequence in accordance to their classroom discipline plan.
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Counseling:
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Meeting with the school-site counselor, referral to community resources, conflict mediation, etc.
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Parent Conference:
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Meeting with parents, teachers, students and other appropriate personnel wherein the team discusses student challenges and possible interventions.
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Student Study Team:
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A meeting with parents, teachers, students and other appropriate personnel to create a plan for intervention strategies and supports for student success both behaviorally and academically.
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Campus Clean-up:
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Students will pick-up litter, wash off pencil and/or ink marks, wash windows, sweep floors, etc.
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Referral:
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The student’s behavior is reviewed by an administrator. The administrator determines the appropriate intervention based on the student’s progressive discipline status.
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Detention:
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Teacher and office detentions are made in writing with a copy going home in advance for parent notification and signature. Detentions may take place before/after school and/or during lunch.
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Class Suspension:
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Students will be removed from class for the period indicated and supervised on campus.
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Behavior Contract:
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If a student’s behavior pattern continues, administration will place student on a Behavior Contract appropriate to address the student’s behavior.
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Parent Escort:
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A parent or guardian will attend all or part of the school day as determined appropriate by the administrator.
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In-House Suspension: (CSI)
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Student will be supervised on campus in an assigned area.
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Suspension:
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Student is excluded from school and school activities for the duration of the suspension.
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Alternative to Suspension:
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A District operated classroom for students who are suspended for California Education Code §48900 violations. Students are under supervision of credentialed teachers and counselors.
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Involuntary Transfer:
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Revoke School of Choice and/or Inter-District Transfer.
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Expulsion:
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A recommendation that the student is removed from CUSD.
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Demerits (grades 6 - 8 only)
When a student earns a consequence, a student also earns a demerit. This demerit system reflects the behavior of the individual student. Points are assigned by consequence and reflective of time served.
Demerit System
Administrative Counsel/Warning = 0 demerits
Detention = 1 demerit
Class Suspension = 1 demerit
In-School Suspension (CSI) = 2 demerits
Alternative to Suspension (ATS) = 2 demerits
Home Suspension = 3 demerits
Students with more than FIVE demerits in a single quarter or TEN demerits over-all will not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular or special school activities. In order to retain eligibility for activities, points may be worked off at a rate of 1 (one) point for each 1 (one) hour of school service if approved by administration. To regain eligibility, demerits must be worked off at least one week prior to any activity. Although the school discipline record does follow the student, the demerits do not carry over from year-to-year.
Mandatory Administrative Action
The Board of Trustees and the Superintendent of the CUSD have adopted a position that maintains that our schools will not tolerate weapons, drugs, or behavior that threatens the safety of another person. The offenses listed below require mandatory action by the school administration:
- Possession of firearm, when the principal or superintendent and the Board confirm the pupil was in knowing possession of the firearm, and an employee of the District verified such possession; or
- Brandishing a knife at another person; or
- Selling or furnishing a controlled substance; or
- Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing sexual battery; or
- Possessing an explosive
The mandatory action for a first time offense of any of the above is: immediate five-day suspension, notification of law enforcement, and recommendation for District expulsion. While a District expulsion hearing is pending, a student’s suspension may be extended.
Please Note:
- The school practices a policy of progressive discipline where consequences increase as a result of repeated patterns of behavior or with increasing severity of behavior.
- The school official executing the discipline policies and procedures exercises the right to adapt his/her decision to meet the fair and appropriate consequence that fits each individual situation.
- The school initiates Behavior Contracts when a pattern of disruptive behavior has been established. Upon violating the Behavior Contract, a student may lose privileges such as school activities (i.e., dances, field trips, etc.) or possibly be recommended for transfer to an alternative middle school.
- School officials may search individual students and their property when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that the student is violating the law or the rules of the District or the school. Board Policy 5154(a).
- During investigations, students will be questioned and may be requested to write a “Statement of Facts”. If these statements are used in an expulsion case, parents may utilize an Anonymous Witness Statement form. If law enforcement is involved in an investigation, the school will attempt to contact parent.
- Law enforcement officers have the right to interview students on school premises. If the officer needs to interview the student immediately, the principal or designee shall accommodate the questioning in a way that causes the least possible disruption to the school process and gives the student appropriate privacy. Board Policy 5153 (a).