Discipline Policy

Zero Tolerance
(Bullying/Harassment/Weapons/Dangerous Objects)

Working together to maintain a safe learning environment is the responsibility of all
segments of the school and society, especially the students, parents, and staff. Guns,
weapons and other dangerous objects clearly are a hazard to the welfare of everyone
and will not be tolerated on the school grounds. Sexual Harassment of any kind will not
be tolerated.

Harassment Policy

Pinecrest Northridge Middle School is committed to provide a learning environment that
is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any student by any other student, is illegal according to Civil Code (California Educational Code 212.5) and is strictly prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner. A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school
environment, which is hostile or intimidating because of the individual’s race, creed,
color, national origin, physical disability, or sex. Harassment can occur any time during
school or during school-related activities. It is the student’s responsibility to

1. Conduct himself or herself in a manner, which contributes to a positive school environment;
2. Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing;
3. Consider immediately informing anyone harassing him or her that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome;
4. Report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the administration or teacher;
5. Immediately discontinue conduct when informed that it is discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, or unwelcome.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal Harassment
Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person.
Physical Harassment
Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Citizenship Policy

The registration of a student at Pinecrest Schools Northridge is an expressed agreement on the part of the student and the part of that student’s parents or guardians to observe these behavioral standards. The school reserves the right to review unsatisfactory conduct and impose disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal should this be justified.

All members of the school community should contribute to a positive, caring environment. This is a general expectation of all students. The following specific codes of behavior reflect this general concern for the school community.

• Students are expected to be on campus at all times during the school day.
• Students should arrive to class on time, with all necessary materials (books, paper, pens, pencils, etc.) daily.
• Students should enter class in an orderly manner with uniform properly worn.
• Students should treat both their teachers and classmates with respect.
• Students are expected to behave in a manner conducive to learning.
• Students should leave food and drinks (except water) outside.
• Students should help maintain a clean campus at all times.
• Students should not chew gum anywhere on campus.
•The same behavior expected of students while on campus is also expected of
them while on field trips, sporting events and at other school-sponsored activities.
• Students should assemble for assemblies and other school events or fire drills in an orderly fashion.

Student Behavior

Classroom:

The classroom teacher will address minor offenses using such strategies as individual conferences, detentions, and parent notification.

Immediate Referrals:

A student may be sent immediately to the Administration Office for the following
reasons: Disrespect or Harassment to teachers, staff, or students; Fighting;
Stealing; Cheating; Drug possession or use on campus; Destruction or Theft
of school or student property; Gang-related activity; Truancy; Possession of a
weapon or potentially dangerous objects. Appropriate disciplinary action will be
taken which could include: Parent conference, detention, suspension, or
expulsion.

Grounds for Detention:

Grounds for detention may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Excessive tardiness
• Uniform violations or unacceptable appearance
• Leaving campus without permission
• Causing a disturbance in class
• Littering on campus
• Bad or inappropriate language or cursing
• Fighting or aggressive behavior injurious to others
• Rude and discourteous behavior with teachers or peers
• Teasing or name-calling
• Sexual nuances or behavior
• Bullying or group antagonism
• Failure to listen and follow directions of yard supervisors and coaches
• Disrespect of school property or others’ property
• Stealing
• Lying or cheating
• Opening/disturbing/occupying others’ lockers
• Defiance
• Excessive unpreparedness
• Any other minor conduct violation for which a student is referred to the principal

Detention Procedures

Repeated offenses may require the following consequences:

• Parent signature
• 30 minute or 45 minute after school detention
• Loss of school privileges
• 1 day in-school suspension (All class work must be completed
• Parent conference
• 1 day at-home suspension (All class work must be completed)
• Disciplinary probation
• Detention may not be postponed with out express permission from the
principal

Grounds for Suspension

Students who are suspended may not come to school, may not attend classes, may not
attend practices or rehearsals and may not attend or participate in any schoolsponsored
activities. They will, for the time they are suspended, be the direct
responsibility of their parents. Suspended students will be responsible for all homework
assigned in their absence and for all notes and other subject matter given out in class.
Grounds for suspension may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Fighting or threat of physical violence
• Racial, religious, or sexual slurs
• Throwing anything on campus, which could cause injury or damage
• Profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity
• Use or possession of tobacco on campus or at any school function
• Disrespectful behavior or language
• Plagiarism or cheating of any kind
• Repeated offences of any kind

Grounds for Dismissal

It is not possible to describe all conduct that might mandate a dismissal; grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to the following:

Possession, or use of liquor, dangerous or illegal drugs (i.e., federally-controlled), or legal drugs not prescribed for the student at school or at any event sponsored by Pinecrest Schools or another school, use or possession of any dangerous weapon, or violation of federal, state, or local ordinances.

Public Displays of Affection

Public displays of affection are not allowed at school or at school functions. Public
displays of affection are grounds for detention and, if excessive, grounds for suspension. Some examples of public displays of affection are holding hands, kissing, etc.