Discipline and Restorative Justice Plan of Action

Expectations for student behavior:

The purpose of having a discipline and restorative justice plan is to ensure that our community of learning is both engaging and safe. Secondary school not only strives to enrich a student’s learning academically, but also socially and emotionally. This plan is geared towards preparing students to attend college, find success professionally, and become active and productive participants in their community.  

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Section I: Professionalism

A. GENERAL DISRESPECT

Objective: Students will consistently choose to speak and act in ways that show respect to themselves, their peers, CLHS staff, and community members. This will prepare them to build successful relationships in their personal and professional lives.

Actions that do not conform with this objective include, but are not limited to:

• Refusal to follow teacher directions (move seats, throw out food, get into uniform, etc.)
• Putting head down in class/ refusing to complete work
• Leaving class before being given permission
• Horseplay- play fighting/ touching/ invading each other’s space in an unwanted (non-sexual) or inappropriate way.
• Refusal to clean lunchroom tables

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to:

• 30 min of detention
• Dean referral once behavior becomes recurrent based on teacher discretion.

B. ATTENDANCE  

Objective: Students will show a commitment to learning by arriving to school every day, which will allow them to engage in learning and develop the habits necessary for future success.

CLHS will implement the following procedures to promote student attendance:

• Following any full day or partial day absence, students must report to the main office to get an absence reinstatement form BEFORE first period.
• If a student has a note from a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence, the absence will be excused. If not, the absence will be unexcused.  Any note excusing a student’s absence must be brought to the office on the day the student returns to school.
• For any unexcused absence, students will NOT be able to make up missed assignments, and will receive a zero for any in-class work.
• Leaving school grounds without without parental and staff permission at any point during the school day will be considered ditching and treated as an unexcused absence (See Section IV B for more details).
• For all excused absences, students must turn in all missed assignments within 24 hours per day absent.
• If a pattern of missing school develops without a doctor’s note, we reserve the right to document these absences as unexcused.

According to the CPS Code of Conduct, There are only 6 valid reasons for excused absences. Community Links High School will only excuse absences that fall into these categories.

• Student’s illness
• Observance of a religious holiday
• Death in the immediate family
• Family emergency with explanation
• Circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for child’s safety with explanation
• Other situations beyond the control of the student with explanation

Front office will call home every time a student is absent.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to:

• Immediate dean referral
• Excessive excused absences will require parents to attend a parent meeting and may lead to the same consequences as an unexcused absence.

C. TARDIES

Objective: Students will show responsibility by arriving to every class on time, which will contribute to a positive classroom environment and develop students’ professional habits.

• If a student arrives to school more than 30 minutes late, he or she must report to the main office, fill out the tardy log, and get a note.
• If the student has a note from the parent, the tardy will be excused. If not, the tardy will be unexcused.
• Any student who goes to the front office for any reason without a teacher note and is late to class will be considered tardy. The front office will not write excused tardy passes.
• If the student has a note from a teacher, the tardy will be excused. If the student does not have a note, the tardy will be unexcused.
• If a student misses ½ a day this is considered ditching and not a tardy unless the missed periods are a result of late arrival to school and the student has a note from a parent.
• If excused tardies become frequent, we reserve the right to consider these as unexcused unless the student has a note from a doctor or other professional.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to::

• Parents will be notified
• 30 minutes or less will result in a 30 minute detention
• 31 minutes to a full period will result in an hour detention
• If tardies become recurrent, the student will be referred to the dean.

D. EARLY DISMISSAL

Objective: Students will be able to make mature decisions about when leaving school early is appropriate. Early dismissal policies and procedures are a safety and legal issue that are in place to protect students. It also prepares students for the world of work. Leaving jobs early on a frequent basis can lead to removal. We do understand that there are some reasons you must leave early. In order to leave school grounds during school hours please follow the procedures below:

• If you are feeling ill and believe you need to call home, you must first inform your classroom teacher and obtain a note. Any student arriving to the office without a note will be sent back to their classroom and receive a tardy. (Exceptions may be made for extreme situations and are determined by front office staff).

• You must be picked up by a parent/guardian. Those individuals listed on your Emergency Permission Form may pick you up with verbal parent permission.
• You will not be allowed to use the front office phone. We will only call phone numbers on the Emergency Permission Form or our parent/guardian contact list.

• The front office will not grant early dismissals via telephone.
• If you leave school with an individual who is not a parent/guardian or approved individual on the Emergency Permission Form, the your actions will be considered ditching and the discipline team will be notified. It is against the law for you to be removed from a school without the consent of a parent/ guardian. If this does occur proper legal procedure will be followed.
• For your own safety, keep your emergency contact information updated.
• You may not wait in the office for a parent or guardian to pick you up from school.
• You must remain in class and wait to be pulled upon the arrival of your parent or guardian.

 Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to:

• Breaking the following regulations will result in a disrespect or ditching write-up depending on the infraction.
• Possible dean referral

*If you experience frequent medical conditions that remove you from the building on a consistent basis, you must provide a dated and signed note from a doctor.  If a pattern of missing school, being tardy or getting EDs develops without a doctor’s note, we reserve the right to document these absences as unexcused.

**If you experience frequent headaches, body aches, excessive pain during menstruation, etc., please have your parent/guardian provide a note giving us permission to give you medication. This note must include a signature from your parent/guardian, be dated and be completed in pen.  You will need to provide the medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) and leave it with the front desk.

E. UNIFORM

Objective: Students will be able to make the choices to determine appropriate clothing and appearance for school and the workplace. This will allow them to engage in learning and developing the habits necessary for future success.

• Students must wear the school-issued polo, UNALTERED, at all times. Tying, pinning, or other alterations are not allowed.

• The uniform must be the outermost layer when in school buildings.
• Uniform tops must match the student’s year in school. If a student is held back, they may not wear a color for a higher grade level.  Students who have been promoted may wear polos from their current or previous school year(s).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
• A student’s shoulders and torso/midriff must be covered at all times. The only exception to the rule on shoulder coverage will be picture day(s). No clothing that shows undergarments. *
• Students may not wear gang color combinations or symbols on any part of their clothes or shoes at any time, under any circumstance. Guns, drugs and other inappropriate images on clothing and accessories are subject to CONFISCATION. *
• Pants and long skirts must be solid blue or black jeans or solid color blue or black pants. Pants cannot have any see-through/ holes, or any other excessive decorations. Deans reserve the right to make final decisions when it comes to the appropriateness of clothing (including on out-of uniform days).
• Short skirts and shorts must be knee length and will only be allowed when deemed appropriate by staff according to the weather. *
• Students may not wear hats or any other kind of head covering inside the school building. Any accessory that covers the head (baseball caps, beanies, berets, hoods pulled up over head, etc.), bandanas worn in any fashion, or other accessories on their person deemed inappropriate by the CLHS staff for school or the learning environment may not be worn in the school building. Head coverings will only be allowed for religious reasons. *
• Students must wear closed-toed shoes.
• Pants must fall over the shoes. Rubber bands or any other bindings are not allowed on pant legs. *
• Students may only wear earrings if they are wearing two identical earrings - one in each ear. The CLHS staff reserves the right to ask a student to remove any accessories if deemed inappropriate. *
• According to Spry Elementary School policy, facial piercings, tongue piercing and gauges are not allowed. When working with elementary school students and staff, male students may not have any piercings and female students may only have one piercing (of matching earrings) in each ear lobe. *
• Students are allowed to wear a CLHS, college related, program (Boy’s and Girl’s Club/ GEAR-UP/ etc.),  or CLHS sport clothing instead of the uniform polo on Mondays. This only applies to the polo, no other part of the uniform code.
• Fridays are out-of-uniform fundraisers. You must follow the directions provided by the sponsoring committee. Refusal to pay or follow these rules will be considered a uniform offense. If this is recurrent, we reserve the right to take away all out-of-uniform privileges.
• On days of sports competitions, sports teams may wear their uniform.

*during Friday out-of-uniform, students must follow all of the above uniform rules indicated with an asterisk (*).  

 Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to:

• If a student fixes their uniform immediately and it remains fixed for the entire school day then no action will be taken.
• If a student refuses to fix the issue they will be given a 30 minute detention for uniform violation.
• If a uniform infraction is fixed, but the student breaks that same infraction during that day, they will have the item confiscated and receive a 30 minute detention for uniform violation.
• If uniform infractions become recurrent, the student will be referred to the dean.

F. IDs

Objective: Students will be able to present themselves in a professional manner that reflects the expectations found in many workplaces. This policy maintains an academically focused and respectful environment for all students. It also mirrors the expectations within the workplace of either presenting oneself properly and/or wearing a uniform. Wearing an ID is not only a safety procedure mandated by CPS, but also reflects the expectations of many employers.

Students must wear their student IDs at all times.

• IDs must be worn on a lanyard around their neck (not in wallets or pockets); lanyards which denote gang or drug affiliation will be confiscated. Lanyards from other high schools are not permitted. The CLHS staff reserves the right to ask a student to remove any lanyard if deemed inappropriate.
• If a student does not have an ID they will be charged $1 and receive a temporary ID. After the 5th day without an ID the student will automatically be given a new ID. The student may also order a new ID at any point for $5. The money owed will be placed on their student account. Students will not receive transcripts or their diploma until their account is paid in full.
• IDs may not be defaced in any way. The student’s face, name/ID number and name of school may not be scratched out, drawn on, or covered in any way. If this occurs the student will need to purchase a new ID.

 Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to::

• Defacing an ID will lead to a requirement of the student to purchase a new ID for $5 dollars. The student must wear a temp ID until this is obtained.
• Students will be required to purchase a temp ID ($1) at the BGC front desk if they do not have a temp or an ID during the day.
• If student is consistently needing reminders to put on their ID properly, they will be given a 30 minute ID detention.
• If a student refuses to take out an ID, wear an ID, or obtain an ID, they will receive a 30 minute ID detention.

G. FOOD, DRINK AND GUM

 Objective: Students will be able to follow CPS/ school policies of not eating food, drinking (except for water) or chewing gum which mirrors policies in many work and college settings. Not only are these rules meant to teach following future policies in college, but also promote a clean and rodent free space.

• Students may not eat any food (including cafeteria food) in any location besides the lunchroom.
• Students may only bring water in clear containers.
• Students may not purchase food from food vendors during the school day.
• Students may not litter.
• Students may not have or chew gum

 Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• All gum (including closed gum in bags), open food, and non-clear water bottles will be confiscated and disposed of. Refusal to comply will result in an additional 30 minute disrespect detention.
• Eating, drinking liquids other than water, and/or chewing gum in class or in the hallways will lead to a 30 minute detention.
• Purchasing food from food vendors during the school day will result in confiscation of food and a 30 minute detention.
• Students found littering will get 30 minute detention.
• If this becomes a recurrent behavior the student will receive a dean referral.

H. USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Objective: Students will use school technology in an appropriate manner which mirrors expectations in college, public spaces and work environments. These policies also ensure the working condition of the devices.

• Students will sign an electronics contract and use all electronics respectfully and responsibly.
• Misuse of technology includes, but is not limited to: installing software, defacing hardware, changing computer settings, using another person’s login, accessing inappropriate materials, using computers in an off task manner during class, and sending inappropriate or obscene messages.
• Students may not use earphones at any time.
• Accessing inappropriate materials and/or sending inappropriate or obscene messages (results in a direct dean referral and higher level consequences including suspension).

 Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• 30 minute detention
• Student may lose computer or headphone privileges in all classes.
• Destruction of school material will require the student to pay to replace or fix the equipment.
• Recurrent behavior will lead to a dean referral.

I. DISRESPECTFUL LANGUAGE

Objective: Students will use appropriate language that shows respect for their peers, teachers, and others in our school community. Learning to control language is essential for being successful in future work and college settings.

• There are two categories for disrespectful language. The first is for basic profanity. The second is for homophobic, sexist, ableist, and racist comments. This also includes hate language based on appearance.  If you are unsure of what words fall under which category please see your dean.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• All profanity will receive a 30 minute detention.
• If it is a recurrent issue, a dean referral will be made

Use of Hateful Speech (Racist, Homophobic, ableist, sexist, etc.). This includes hateful speech in Spanish. Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• Hate speech is considered bullying and is an immediate dean referral. Disciplinary actions follow those under the heading bullying.

J. PHONES/ IPADS/ TABLETS

Objective: Students will be responsible and will turn in phones and other electronic devices. Having phones/other electronics in school promotes cyber bullying and increases the chance of theft.

• Students are expected to turn in phones, iPads, and tablets in the morning as they arrive at school. They will be given a designated envelope or drawer for their phones. If the device does not fit in the envelope, a rubber band will be placed around the device and the envelope.
• Students may remove their battery if they choose.
• CLHS staff reserve the right to hold onto phones when a student has detention until the end of the detention.
• If you need your phone, iPad, Tablet or laptop for class, you must get approval from your classroom teachers and turn it in with that teacher before school.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• All offenses result in 30 min detentions as well as...

K. BULLYING

Bullying is defined by the US government as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. This behavior can be physical and/or emotional. This behavior can be displayed inside of school, outside of school, electronically and/or through social media.

Objective: Students will respect all students and teachers in order to create a safe learning and working environment.  

• Bullying includes but is not limited to:

• Using hate language
• Sexual harassment (unwanted touching of another student or sexual comments toward another student or staff member).
• Commenting on another student’s/ staff member’s appearance in an inappropriate or negative manner.
• Threats of bodily harm on or off of campus and/or assisting of the planning of events that may lead to bodily harm.
• Commenting on a staff member’s or student’s identity (gender, sexual identity, ethnicity, etc.) in a negative or otherwise unwanted manner.  
• Commenting on a staff member’s or student’s abilities, intelligence, or speech in a negative otherwise unwanted manner
• Taking or spreading of pictures or videos when the staff member or student(s) are unaware or do not give permission.
• Spreading of pornographic, drug, or gang related pictures/ videos

CLHS staff will take the following actions for all bullying:

• Immediate dean referral
• Principal referral

Section II: Academic Success

A. HOMEWORK

Objective: Students will be active learners and give their highest level of effort in order to enrich their learning through completion of homework. Students will learn study techniques and apply them. These techniques are essential for college success.

• Homework turned in late will be given half credit.
• Special arrangements can be made per discretion of the teacher for larger assignments and absences (if excused).
• If you are absent (excused only), any homework that was due that day must be turned in the day you return.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• 30 minute detention
• If behavior becomes recurrent, teachers may call home, be required to attend study sessions, and/or complete a behavior plan.
• If a lack of homework becomes extreme the student may be referred to the dean.

B. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Objective: Students will be able to articulate the value of academic integrity, will complete their studies with a commitment to honesty and will maintain their commitment to a high standard of their own and other student’s work.

•  Academic dishonesty is defined as any behavior in which a student has not done his or her own work in a classroom setting or on a classroom assignment.  
• This includes but is not limited to: copying another student’s homework, copying from another student’s quiz/test/other assignment, using notes not allowed by the teacher for an assessment, and plagiarism of another’s work. This also includes a student allowing another student to copy or use their work.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• Phone call home
• Student will be required to re-do the assignment, but credit given will be determined by the teacher
• 1 hour detention
• If behavior is recurrent, the student may receive a dean referral

SECTION III: Security

A. BUILDING SECURITY PROCEDURES

• Students must come and go through designated doors.
• Student are ONLY to use main entrance both at Spry and at the Boys & Girls Club. This INCLUDES door nearest to B3, which is not to be used by students as an exit. In the event of an emergency lockdown or other situation student will be given instructions as to which alternate door can be used.
• Students may not enter any classrooms or other locations within and outside the school without adult presence. This includes, but is not limited to, cutting through classrooms, entering restricted spaces, gyms, playground, blacktop/ soccer area, etc.

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• 30 minute detention
• Parent notification
• Dean referral

B. DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/ GANG TAGGING

• Destruction of school property includes any action that defaces or breaks school property or the physical school building.
• Consequences escalate when gang tagging is involved

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• Dean referral
• Principal referral
• Requirement to fix or replace school property.
• One hour of detention
• If gang related tagging (this includes on student property) the student will receive an immediate out-of-school suspension.

C. USE OF GANG SIGNS OR GANG RELATED LANGUAGE

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• Student will receive a dean referral with consequences including but not limited to a mixture of out and  in-school suspension.

D. DITCHING

Objective: Students will attend class and therefore show respect towards their teachers, peers and education. Ditching class leads to lowered grades and missing important information. Leaving school grounds presents danger to students and the school as a whole.

• There are four levels of ditching: ditching the entire school day, ditching ½ day (arriving after 4th period), ditching that involves leaving school grounds, and ditching class but not leaving school grounds.
• Leaving school grounds includes going to corner stores or crossing any street surrounding the school (Sacramento, 25th, 24th and Marshall Blvd) or the equivalent sidewalk).

Disciplinary measures taken by CLHS staff for this infraction include, but are not limited to: 

• Ditching the entire day offenses will result in immediate dean referral, parent contact and inability to make-up work and/or quizzes given during all missed periods.
• Ditching the entire day will result in immediate in-school suspension.
• Ditching and leaving school grounds will result in confiscation of goods, a search returning to the school, an hour detention for first offence, and a dean referral.
• Ditching a class, but not leaving school grounds will result in an hour detention.
• Dean referral

 E. APPROPRIATE MATERIALS

Objective: Students will keep the school community safe, clean and productive. The following materials are not permitted: weapons, drugs, alcohol, permanent marker, and/ or any illegal material is not permitted.

• All of the above items will be confiscated by staff and not returned.
• Students found with weapons, drugs, alcohol or illegal materials will immediately be referred to their dean and principal. Possible consequences include: suspension, restorative justice, notification of police and/or expulsion
• Students may bring sports equipment or other types of items to the school, but are responsible for keeping these contained. They may not be thrown, kicked, etc. If this occurs they will be confiscated. If this is a recurrent issue students will not longer be able to bring these items to the school.

F.  SEARCHES

Searches are important for the safety of the school. Searches can and will be done at anytime of the school day. Any year, class, group or individual can be searched at anytime for a routine search or if there is a suspicion of student or student's in possession of drugs,weapons, food, stolen items, etc.

Section IV: Consequences

1. DETENTION

Detentions will be assigned to a specific day and time by the assigning teacher. There will be detentions provided three days after school and 30 minutes everyday before school.

Procedure:

• Students must sign in and out on the Detention Sheet.

• Students must follow all directions given by the detention teacher.
• Students must work on the assignment that they received the detention for. Once completed, they must work on other homework assignments or read a book.
• You will not be able to go to sports games or practice or other after-school activities UNLESS you have 60 minutes or fewer.
• After school activities and participating in sports does not count for detention minutes, but study sessions with a specific teacher do count. You are responsible for guaranteeing that the sponsoring teacher enters your minutes.
• Some community service events may count for detention minutes, but must get dean approval.
• Completing credit recovery does not count for detention minutes unless it is done in the detention room.
• If you have detention minutes on Monday, you have until the end of the week to serve these minutes. If you do not serve your minutes you will receive an additional 30 minute detention.
• If you consistently do not serve your minutes, you will receive a dean referral which will lead to being pulled from in-school activities such as open gyms.                                                                                      

B. FIELD TRIP GUIDELINES: (exceptions may be made for academically based field trips)

Field trip privileges can be taken away for severe offenses or if you do not fit the following guidelines:

Students must have:

• No more than one hour of detention minutes left to be served
• Teachers must sign-off on field trip teacher approval form
• No out of school suspensions in that quarter

C. Sports Guidelines/ Procedures:

Sports privileges can be taken away for severe offenses or if you do make eligibility. Sports eligibility for event participation is:

• GPA (grade point average) at or above 2.0, and currently passing ALL classes
• If you do not have a 2.0 grade point average, you must get an ISP (Individual Study Plan) which requires you to come to tutoring every morning for 30 minutes for the entire semester (20 weeks)
• In order to play and practice you must have less than 60 minutes of detention. You may attend practice AFTER serving your minutes.

Eligibility will be determined with grades as of Monday morning to establish eligibility for that week and detention minutes will be considered each day.  If a student is failing a class as of Monday morning they will be ineligible to participate in outside events that week. Students who are ineligible to play in an event due to current grades or detention are expected to practice but must first serve any outstanding detention.

Cause for Immediate Dean Referrals

Per CPS Code of Conduct students who have major discipline infractions and violations will be brought in front of a discipline committee consisting of a dean, the principal, parents and involved staff members.  At this meeting the team will discuss student behavior, further consequences, as well as how they intend to alter or change their behavior in the future. Disciplinary action can range from behavior contracts, restorative justice programs, in-school suspensions, out of school suspensions and expulsion.

Examples of behavior that will lead to the use of a discipline committee include unexcused absences w/o parent notification, leaving school grounds, drugs/ alcohol, fighting, gang activity, defacing/ destroying school property, disrespect and insubordination.  

Restorative Justice Programs

Conflict Resolution Circles- For certain conflicts between students or between students and staff, students will be referred to the Dean to participate in a conflict resolution circle. During conflict resolution circle, students will be given a space to discuss their perspectives and listen to the perspectives of their fellow students or staff members.

In-school Restorative Justice- In-school restorative justice will be required on all in-school suspensions. Students that commit serious discipline infractions as listed above will be assigned a restorative justice project to be completed while on their in-school suspension, along with the completion of a reflective curriculum assignment. These projects will aim to build empathy and a greater understanding of the harm caused by bullying, harassment and fighting and will address the root causes of inequality and oppression in society.

Saturday Volunteer Activities- The Discipline Deans will assign students Saturday community service and outreach when they deem it necessary. Saturday volunteer activities will build empathy and a greater understanding of society, inequality, oppression, and helping others in their community.

Other- Other restorative justice consequences include attending workshops, assisting teachers with tasks, school property clean-ups, assisting janitorial staff, participating in school wide initiatives.