Philosophy
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It is the objective and policy of Kirkwood High School to recognize, preserve, and protect the individual rights of all students and yet encourage and enforce their rights within the necessary framework of an orderly, efficient, and productive school program. The quality of discipline in the school is a blend of values and attitudes contributed to by everyone concerned; this encompasses students, parents, teachers, school administrators, school board members, and community patrons.
We believe that discipline, regular attendance, and academic achievement are closely related. We appreciate the fact that discipline, order, and cooperation is essential for people to meet and work together effectively. All individuals involved in the school must share the responsibility for creating and supporting a positive and orderly environment.
Professional judgment will be used by administrators to determine the dispositions of specific problems. Most types of school discipline problems are listed in this guide. However, it is impossible to list every problem that might interfere with the smooth operations of the school. Administrators have the responsibility and authority to deal with all problems even though the specific problems might not be listed in this guide.
All requirements and procedures will be followed for students who have Individual Educational Plans (IEP) under IDEA or an Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Discipline for students with disabilities who have an IEP will be administered in such a manner as to provide appropriate consequences. Students whose behavior is related to their disability may receive modifications to their Special Education services or placement, as determined by the IEP committee.
The behavior rule definitions and expectations apply to all Kirkwood High School students in attendance at instructional and support programs as well as school-sponsored activities and events, either on or off campus. All of these expectations and guidelines are supported by the Board of Education. Infractions are divided into Levels I-V, depending on the seriousness of the misbehavior. (Attendance Guidelines stand alone in our discipline policy.) Level I offenses require teacher intervention but could be elevated to a higher level, depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident. Levels II – V are referred to the grade level principal for review and response. As the level and severity of the offense increases, so does the seriousness of the consequence.
Detentions, loss of privileges to participate in and/or attend activities, in-school suspensions, and out-of- school suspensions are consequences for misbehavior and hopefully serve as an incentive for changing unacceptable student behavior. These actions are often necessary in order to maintain a safe and orderly environment in school. The school district reserves the right to contact the police and file a report whenever it is deemed appropriate.
Consequences may include:
DETENTION: Detention will be held in the Room NW036. The only activity permitted during detention is silent study. Students should come prepared with work or appropriate reading material. Work schedules and athletic activities will not excuse students from detention. Detention times and types are as follows:
•Morning detention will be held from 7:05 – 7:35 a.m. Monday through Friday. Two morning detentions must be served for each after school detention assigned.
•After School detention will be held from 3:00 – 4:10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
•Extended detention will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
LOSS OF PRIVILEGE (LOP): Students earn privileges as they advance through Kirkwood High School. These privileges include: all school extracurricular activities, senior off campus lunch, student parking, early dismissal, dances, graduation, after prom and graduation activities and Independent Period (IP). Students engaging in inappropriate behavior as outlined by the discipline code may lose any of the privileges listed above.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS): Students may be assigned to In-School Suspension. It is designed to be a positive and supportive educational environment while also serving as a disciplinary consequence. Students report to ISS prior to 7:50 a.m. with appropriate textbooks and academic materials and are expected to complete daily school work during their stay in ISS. Students will sign a contract before admission to ISS Failure to comply with ISS expectations may result in Out-of-School Suspension.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS): The student is deprived of all the privileges of attending school, participating in classes, participating in or attending any extracurricular activities or school sponsored functions whether on campus or at another facility for the length of the suspension. Further, during the time of a suspension the student is not permitted on any Kirkwood school campus. Grade level principals can assign an out-of- school suspension for a number of days up to ten days. Depending on the severity of the offense a recommendation for additional days up to 180 school days and/or expulsion may be made to the Superintendent. (District policy JGF) Students are excluded from any school activities until the first calendar day after the assigned OSS time is successfully completed. Suspensions will be extended in the event of emergency school closings.
STUDENT SEARCHES: School officials have the authority to search students and students’ property (including purses, backpacks, gym bags, etc.), provided that the search is justified at its inception and reasonable under all the circumstances. School officials will exercise discretion to perform searches, as they deem necessary to maintain the safety and welfare of students and staff, to prevent violations of discipline policies, or to prevent interference with the educational process. Lockers and desks assigned to students remain the property of Kirkwood School District and may be searched by school officials with or without notice. Vehicles driven by students to school are likewise subject to search by school officials. School officials will also call in law enforcement officials (including School Resource Officers) when they deem it necessary or appropriate or otherwise required by law. Those law enforcement officials may also conduct searches and take other appropriate action pursuant to their authority as law enforcement officials.
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