Hawthorne School Parent-Student Handbook 2016-2017
Examples of behaviors in the Level III category, which will usually incur out-of- school
suspension include: fighting; bullying; harassment; intimidation; cyber-bullying;
discrimination based upon a protected class; extortion; malicious injury to persons; and
trespassing (being in the building or anywhere on school grounds unlawfully or while on
suspension). Fighting is a serious offense that may result in injury. Fighting usually incurs an
out-of-school suspension of 5 days.
Depending on the circumstances, the age, and the prior disciplinary record of the students
involved, and the outcome of parent/guardian conferences, the administrator(s) may substitute
a combination of an assignment of a major project, and/or some form of community service as
an alternative to an out-of-school suspension, for fighting or other serious misconduct.
Level IV
Behaviors that are illegal in nature and/or directly affect the safety or well-being of staff or
students fall into this category. Possession, sale, distribution and/or use of alcoholic beverages,
drugs, or weapons; assault; threats of violence or other harm; verbal and physical harassment
of students or staff members; bomb threats; threatening telephone calls to the school or to the
home of a staff member; possession of fireworks or any explosive devices into the building;
major vandalism; setting of a fire; and pulling false fire alarms come under Level IV.
Immediate suspension from school, followed by a parent/guardian conference and a
consequence determined during the conference is required. Local authorities may be involved.
Severe cases may require action by the Teaneck Board of Education, up to and including
expulsion.
Consequences imposed for disciplinary actions are not exhaustive and are imposed at the
discretion of the administration. This is a list of some examples of inappropriate behavior and
their definitions. Please refer to prior paragraphs to determine under which level the offense
belongs.
Offense
Inappropriate Language
Definition
Non-threatening, non-directed verbal messages used within
conversation that include swearing, name-calling, or use of words in an
inappropriate way.
Defiance/disrespect
Refusal to follow classroom or school rules, or staff directions, talking
back and/or socially rude interactions.
Disruptive Behavior
Intentional behavior causing interruption in class or school
activities/functions. Disruptions includes loud talking, making noises
with materials or body parts, throwing objects, getting out of seat, play
fighting, horseplay, or otherwise distracting classmates.
Horseplay
Non-threatening physical interactions
Lying/cheating/plagiarizing Students must not use, submit or attempt to obtain data or answers
dishonestly, by deceit or by any means other than those authorized by
the teacher.
Dress code violation
The wearing of inappropriate attire – clothing that is likely to create, or
does create: a disruption; disorder; undue distraction in school; or such
as endanger the student‘s own safety or health.
Use of electronic
Electronic communication devices must be turned off during school
communication devices
hours.
Abusive/inappropriate
Threatening verbal or gestural interactions with peers or staff that are
41