Disciplinary Policy

The disciplinary policy of Star Light School outlines the procedures in place to address behavioral infractions, with a focus on prevention, educational intervention, and respect for students’ rights.

A. Objectives

• Promote a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment;
• Clarify expected behavioral standards;
• Provide fair, consistent, and appropriate responses to each situation;
• Respect students’ rights throughout the disciplinary process.

B. Intervention Strategies

Before applying for any sanctions, the school prioritizes:

• Dialogue and mediation.
• Listening to and supporting the student concerned;
• Educational measures (reflection, making amends, apologies, behavioral support).

C. Disciplinary Measures

Depending on the severity or repetition of the offense:

1. Removal from School

Teachers have the authority to remove a student from class for disruptive behavior when:

• Removal is necessary to restore a learning environment free from interruptions caused by the student’s behavior.
• Teacher and/or administrative interventions have been attempted and failed to stop the disruptive behavior.

2. Suspension

Students may be suspended from school attendance for sufficient cause. No student in preschool through grade three shall be suspended more than three school days unless:

• The offense involves physical harm or credible threats of harm to others.
• The School Board or superintendent finds aggravating circumstances as defined by the Department of Education.

a. Short-Term Suspension

• A student may be suspended for up to ten days by the principal, any assistant principal, or, in their absence, any teacher after giving the student oral or written notice of charges.
• If the student denies the charges, he has the right to present his version of events.

b. Long-Term Suspension

• A student may be suspended for 11 to 45 school days.
• Long-term suspension may extend beyond 45 school days but shall not exceed 364 calendar days.

3. Expulsion

• A student may be expelled only after written notice to the student and their parent/guardian.
• The notice must outline the proposed action, reasons, length of expulsion, whether the student is eligible to return to regular attendance, and the right to a School Board hearing.
• If the School Board deems the student ineligible to return, the notice will inform the parent/guardian how to petition for readmission one year after expulsion and any conditions for readmission.

4. Incident Reports

• Teachers must write incident reports for all instances of disruptive or prohibited behavior.
• Reports are filed with school administration and provided to parents within 24 hours of the incident.
• Parents are given the opportunity to meet with the teacher and/or administrator to discuss the student’s behavior and possible consequences.

5. Due Process Rights

• Upon suspension or expellation, the responsible administrator must report the facts in writing to the superintendent and to the student’s parent/guardian.
• Notice to the parent/guardian includes suspension and expellation duration and the student’s right to return to regular attendance once the suspension or expellation ends.
• A student or parent/guardian may submit a written appeal with supporting documentation to the principal within two (2) working days of notification.
• To appeal, the student or parent must file a written request with the School Board office within ten (10) calendar days of receiving notice.

6. Procedure for School Board Hearing

• The School Board schedules the hearing date.
• Both parties could present relevant evidence and to cross-examine witnesses.
• The principal presents evidence first; witnesses may be questioned by Board members and by involved parties (or their representatives).
• The Board may question student witnesses in private to protect them.
• By majority vote, the Board may uphold, reject, or modify recommendations, and transmits its decision and reasons to the student, parent/guardian, principal, and superintendent.

7. Behavior Code Violation

The Behavior Code offers guidance when determining the appropriate punishment for which students shall be considered for discipline and the range of disciplinary actions which shall be imposed. Each behavior shall be considered fully in determining reasonable corrective actions, consequences, interventions, and/or restorative practices.

8. Behavior Code Levels