Student Conduct and Discipline

Student Discipline and Student Conduct

Respect for law and for those persons in authority is an expectation for all students.  This includes adherence to school rules as well as general provisions of the law regarding minors.  Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community.  The Board of Education acknowledges that conduct is closely related to learning and that an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment, which is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students.  

The following list is offered as a guideline of consequences for unacceptable behavior (but is not limited to), and is not intended to be all-inclusive.  These policies are applicable to all school-related activities and also apply while the student is on school property, before or after school, en route to and from school on district provided transportation.  Administrative discretion may be applied depending on the specifics of the infraction.  

M.C.L.A. 380.1311

5500 Student Conduct

5600 Student Discipline

https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/wops/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies

WOHS Behavior Matrix

The above matrix will be used as a set of guidelines when determining consequences for behavioral infractions.  Before suspending or expelling for any offense (except for possession of a firearm), the following factors will be considered: 

Student Rights and Responsibilities (Board Policy 5611)

The rules and procedures of the school are designed to allow each student to obtain a safe, orderly, and appropriate education.  Students can expect their rights to freedom of expression and association and to fair treatment as long as they respect those rights for their fellow students and the staff.  Students will be expected to follow teachers' directions and to obey all school rules.  Disciplinary procedures are designed to ensure due process (a fair hearing) before a student is removed because of his/her behavior.

Parents have the right to know how their child is succeeding in school and will be provided information on a regular basis and as needed, when concerns arise.  Many times it will be the student's responsibility to deliver that information.  If necessary, the mail or hand delivery may be used to ensure contact.  Parents are encouraged to build a two-way link with their child's teachers and support staff by informing the staff of suggestions or concerns that may help their child better accomplish his/her educational goals.

Students must arrive at school on time, prepared to learn and participate in the educational program.  If, for some reseason, this is not possible, the student should seek help from their guidance counselor or assistant principal.

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct applies to any student who is on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or in a school vehicle.  The Code also applies to a student’s conduct at any time or place when or where it may interfere with or obstruct the mission or operation of the West Ottawa Public Schools, or the safety, welfare, or emotional well-being of students, visitors, or district employees.

Students are expected to be familiar with the Code of Conduct adopted by the Board of Education.  Copies of the Code are available in the principal’s office.  In addition, any conduct by a student, on or off district premises, which causes other students or employees to have reasonable fear for their physical safety or emotional well-being shall be the basis for short- or long-term suspension or expulsion from the West Ottawa Public Schools.

Generally, the district follows a system of progressive discipline, which is intended to assist students in developing the self-control necessary to comply with the Code of Conduct, Board policy, and state laws.  This handbook, in some instances, describes the level of discipline that will be imposed for specific violations of this Code.  However, the administration and the Board reserve the right to recommend or impose more serious discipline than that stated in this handbook in circumstances where there are aggravating factors or where the first-time violation is serious in nature.  In other words, there may be circumstances in which the student’s first-time offense is deemed so serious that long-term suspension or expulsion will be recommended.  

Students may not engage in name-calling, ethnic or racial slurs, or derogatory statements based upon another student’s race, color, national origin or ethnic background.  Because such comments may precipitate the interruption or disruption of the school program, incite violence, or otherwise detract from the educational mission of the district, they are subject to disciplinary consequences, including, but not limited to, short- or long-term suspension or a recommendation for expulsion.

Participation in all extra-curricular activities, including interscholastic athletics, is a privilege, not a right.  Students are bound by the Board’s policies, procedures, and roles governing participation in such activities.  This extra-curricular involvement may require an even higher standard of conduct than is expected of all students under our Code of Conduct.  

Student participation in graduation exercises is also a privilege, not a right.  Senior students who violate Board policies and rules, in addition to the other discipline described in this Code of Conduct, may be subject to suspension from extra-curricular graduation activities such as commencement exercises.


All West Ottawa students shall comply with the following rules:


* ANY VIOLATION OF LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAWS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES FOR POSSIBLE PROSECUTION.