As supported in our Bulldog Beliefs, it is essential for schools to maintain a safe and orderly environment which supports student learning and personal growth. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these core values and in a manner that maintains the safety and productiveness of the learning environment, both for themselves and for the other members of their school community. This includes adhering to all Federal, State, and local laws, as well as adhering to all other Board policies and building-level expectations. This expectation applies to students:

• on school or district property,
• while in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or
• at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school, including but not limited to cyber-communications.

Below are some general examples of expectations the Board considers fundamental to a safe learning environment in our schools. While these expectations are for students, adults in schools should also be modeling these expectations. Building leaders are expected to adapt and elaborate on these expectations in a manner appropriate to their context and responsive to their full community’s needs, values, and cultural backgrounds.

• Respect the rights and dignity of all school community members.
• Interrupt discrimination and inequity. 24
• Refrain from verbal, emotional, or physical violence.
• Follow reasonable requests.
• Arrive on time, attend all classes, and complete assigned work.
• Refrain from cheating or plagiarizing the work of others.
• Respect the property of others, including school property and facilities.
• Refrain from vulgarity, profanity, obscenity, lewdness and indecency.
• Adhere to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws.

The Board policies referenced at the end of this document provide guidance for prevention of and response to non-expected behaviors, as well as the cultivation of expected behaviors. Students, families, and others should refer to these and to student handbooks for more information. In case of an inconsistency between Board policies and handbooks, Board policies will prevail (reference Board Policy: NEPN/NSBA Code: JIC).

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

School policy prohibits anyone from selling, supplying, giving or attempting to sell any person drugs, alcohol, “look-alike” drugs or drug paraphernalia. Students are prohibited from using or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Inhaled substances such as glue, aerosol paint or any other chemical substance are included in this policy. In addition, prescription medication is not to be taken without authorization of a family doctor and/or the school nurse.

Students exhibiting behaviors, which may indicate drug or alcohol possession or use, will be reported to the administration and excluded from class, instructional areas, or programs in progress. The student’s parent or guardian will be notified immediately. Any necessary medical attention will be at the parent/guardian expense. If the student appears to be dangerous to others, Police Department assistance may be requested. Should the student not need medical attention and not present an imminent danger to themself or others, the student will be released from school in the custody of their parent or guardian (reference Board Policy: NEPN/NSBA Code: JICH-R).

Bomb Threats

The School Committee recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to the school unit. Whether real and carried out or intended as a prank or for some other purpose, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff and to the integrity of school property. Bomb threats disrupt the instructional program and learning environment and also place significant demands on school financial resources and public safety services. These effects occur even when such threats prove to be false.

Any bomb threat will be regarded as an extremely serious matter and treated accordingly. The School Committee directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information concerning bomb threats and to initiate or recommend suitable disciplinary action (reference Board Policy: NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCC).

Bullying and Cyber-Bullying

Bullying is detrimental to the school environment and student learning, achievement and well-being. It interferes with the mission of the schools to educate their students and disrupts the operations of the schools. Bullying affects not only students who are targets but also those who participate and witness such behavior. These behaviors must be addressed to ensure student safety and an inclusive learning environment.

Prohibited Behavior: The following behaviors are prohibited:

1. Bullying;
2. Cyberbullying;
3. Harassment and Sexual Harassment (as defined in board policy ACAA);
4. Retaliation against those reporting such defined behaviors; and
5. Knowing and false accusations of bullying behavior.

Any person who, after an investigation by the principal or designee of the Superintendent, is found to have engaged in any of the prohibited behaviors that constitutes bullying shall be subject to consequences.

Bullying and Cyberbullying Defined:

• “Bullying” includes, but is not limited to, a written, oral or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student or students that:

1. Has, or a reasonable person would expect it to have, the effect of:
   • Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property; or
   • Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student's property;
2. Interferes with the rights of a student by:
   • Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the student; or
   • Interfering with the student's academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a school; or
3. Is based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other distinguishing characteristic, or is based on a student’s association with a person with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, and that has the effect described in subparagraph (1) or (2) above. (These behaviors might also meet the criteria for harassment as defined in board policy ACAA: Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students.)

• “Cyberbullying” means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted by the use of any electronic device, including, but not limited to, a computer, telephone, cellular telephone, text messaging device and personal digital assistant.
• “Retaliation” means an act or gesture against a student for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. “Retaliation” also includes reporting an act of bullying when it is not made in good faith.

Students and families can learn more about the application of the PPS Bullying policy, reporting practices, and response practices by referencing the PPS Board Policy NEPN/NSBA Code: JICK.

Detentions

Students who violate the rules and policies in this handbook may be subject to detention at the discretion of a teacher, administrator, or administrative designee. These violations include, but are not limited to, unexcused tardiness and class cuts. For teacher detentions, the length of time may vary. Office detentions are held after school for approximately 30 minutes. Typically, each detention is a quiet study in a designated room. Students assigned detention should bring homework or other academic activities to work on. A student who fails to serve detention or who disrupts a detention session will be subject to further discipline. A student will be excused from detention only if an administrator receives notification from the parent/guardian for a valid reason (as determined by the administrator) no later than 2PM on the day scheduled for detention and the detention will be rescheduled for the next detention period. Job obligations, not having a ride, club meetings, and athletics practices or games are NOT acceptable reasons for missing a detention.

The following student actions are some of the actions that may be subject to detentions. If these behaviors occur at school, on busses, at school sponsored events, or during extra-curricular activities, a student may be subject to a minimum of one detention. Administrators reserve the right to institute more severe disciplinary consequences based on the severity of the behavior, circumstances, district policies, and the student’s previous discipline violations.

Abusive/vulgar/obscene language (casual or social use)	Absences from school/class (unexcused)
Academic Dishonesty	Bus Misbehavior
Computer/Electronic Misuse	Cutting Class
Defamation of school or others’ property	Destruction of property/vandalism
Disruption in classrooms and other school spaces	Dress code violation
Excessive tardies	Failure to serve assigned consequences
Intimidations of others	Food throwing or littering
Insubordination	Leaving school grounds without permission

Dress Code

The responsibility for the dress and appearance of students shall rest with individual students and families. For health and safety reasons, students are required to wear shoes or other foot gear while at school or participating in school-sponsored co-curricular activities, with the exception of activities that require students to be barefooted (e.g., swimming).

Schools may prohibit dress which causes a material and substantial disruption to the learning process but may not impose limitations on dress in which fashion or taste is the sole criterion.

Schools may prohibit articles of clothing that cause excessive maintenance problems such as cleats on boots, shoes that scratch floors, trousers with metal inserts that scratch furniture.

Schools may require the wearing of specialized clothing or shoes, protective eyewear, or other items of dress for health or safety reasons (e.g., hair nets or caps where long hair may impose a health or safety threat near open flames, moving machinery or in food classes, or specialized footwear for certain extracurricular activities). Each school will make provisions for notifying students of these rules (reference Board Policy NEPN/NSBA Code: JICA).

Dress Code for PPS High School Students:

1. Student attire should include a top and a bottom (or a dress) as well as a form of footwear. Underwear is not to be exposed; bra straps are acceptable. Chests and midriffs are to be predominantly covered.
2. If part #1 of the Dress Code is violated, the individual will be asked to avoid wearing the article to school again. If the article is worn after the initial request, the student will be given school clothing and asked to alter their outfit accordingly after instructional time. If this behavior continues, it shall be considered an act of insubordination and will be disciplined as such.
3. Genitalia, nipples, and buttocks are to be covered at all times.
4. No clothing will be allowed that promotes illegal behavior, violence, gang material (i.e. colors) or drug/alcohol use or which includes discriminatory language, offensive language, or pornographic material. If part #2 or part #3 of the Dress Code is violated, the individual will need to make an immediate change of clothes.

Staff will aim to have a private, respectful conversation with a student about a possible dress code infraction before turning to disciplinary action. Appropriate consequences of any dress code violation shall not include getting kicked out of class or lowering of academic grades. Any consequence of the timing of the confrontation, such as missing class time or a test, shall be considered the responsibility of the student to make up, but every accommodation shall be given to the student to make up lost class time, missed tests or class activities (reference Board Policy NEPN/NSBA Code: JICA-R).

Due Process

PHS will protect the rights of the individual by providing students with appropriate due process protection. Prior to any student’s suspension, unless a student's continued presence might endanger persons or property or threaten to disrupt the academic process, the student will be provided with oral or written notice of the violation, an explanation of the reasons for the suspension if the violation denied, and an opportunity to present the student's version of the incident.

Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Hazing

Students are prohibited from engaging in physical or verbal harassment of and/or threats to other students or staff members. Prohibited harassment includes, but is not limited to, intimidation or disparagement on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, or disability. Prohibited harassment includes the sort of verbal abuse (e.g., name calling, use of profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, derogatory statements addressed publicly to others) that interferes with an individual student’s education or the educational purposes of the school (refer to Board policies ACAA, ACAA-R, and ACAD).

Sexual insults, name-calling, off-color jokes, intimidation by words or actions, offensive touching, pressure for sexual activity, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and gestures and comments of a sexual nature are prohibited and will be construed as sexual harassment. Non-consensual touching, including physical fighting, will be construed as assault and battery. Disciplinary action for acts of harassment, hazing, assault and battery may include suspension or expulsion. Any student who is harassed, hazed, assaulted, or battered should report such occurrence immediately to an administrator.

PHS students can report incidents of harassment to an administrator or any trusted adult, but beginning in the spring of 2021, we also have two onsite Title XI Liaisons: Rebecca Stubbs (social worker) and Emma Sinden (JMG teacher). These staff members are specially trained to listen to students and help them to understand their options if they are distraught, confused, or fearful. It is out hope that having these liaisons available at school will empower more students to speak up and seek guidance.

Prohibited Conduct

Students are prohibited from engaging in the following conduct on school property, while in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or at any time or place if such conduct directly interferes with the operations or general welfare of the school:

• Possession and/or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person. Examples of such articles include, but are not limited to firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, any other kind of gun, ammunition, explosives, firecrackers, crossbows, brass knuckles, switchblades, knives, chains, clubs, Kung Fu stars, nunchucks, and symbols of hate;
• Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person. Examples of such articles include, but are not limited to bats, belts, picks, pencils, compasses, objects capable of ignition, (e.g. matches, lighters), file’s, tools of any sort and replicas of weapons (including toys);
• Violent or threatening behavior, including, but not limited to, fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property (e.g. verbal or written death threats, threat of bodily harm, bomb threats);
• Verbal or written statements (including those made on or through a computer) which threaten, intimidate or harass others or which tend to incite violence and/or disrupt the school program;
• Willful and malicious damage to school or personal property;
• Stealing or attempting to steal school or personal property:
• Lewd, indecent or obscene acts or expressions of any kind;
• Violations of the school committee’s drug/alcohol and tobacco policies;
• Violations of state or federal laws; and
• Any other conduct that may be harmful to persons or property.

Removal from Class (or other learning environment)

If a student’s conduct deems it is necessary for a teacher to send a student out of class due to a violation of Bulldog Belief #1, the student must go directly to the appropriate assistant principal’s office and wait to meet with the assistant principal. Failure to report promptly to the office will result in further consequences. After consulting with the student and teacher, the assistant principal will take necessary actions to restore and resolve the situation.

Search and Seizure

Lockers, desks, and other storage units remain school property for use by individual students and may be subject to periodic general searches by school officials (i.e. there is no expectation of privacy for these items). School officials may also search students’ wallets, purses, cell phones, backpacks and pockets (emptied by the student), and vehicles when they have a reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal evidence that the student has violated school policies or rules. Searches which disclose evidence that a student has violated Board policies or school rules will receive disciplinary action in accordance with PPS policy. Evidence of violation of federal/state laws may be forwarded to law enforcement authorities for possible investigation/prosecution.

Suspension

State law authorizes a school district to suspend a student up to 10 days “for infractions of school rules.” In assigning suspension, an administrator weighs the right of a student to attend school against the rights of other students and staff members to a safe and orderly school environment, conducive to learning. When school rules are broken, it detracts from a safe and orderly school environment conducive to learning, and interferes with the education of other students.

District policy requires that a student be informed orally (including over the phone) or in writing of the charge against them and the basis of the charge. The names of witnesses or plaintiffs need not be revealed at this time. Before suspending a student, an administrator shall provide the student an opportunity to tell their side of the story.

If the presence of a student in school poses a continuing danger to persons or property or a continuing threat of disrupting the academic process, an administrator may immediately suspend a student and comply with the procedure for suspension in the immediate future. After suspension, the administrator shall promptly notify the superintendent and the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) of the suspension. The superintendent shall report the suspension to the Portland Board of Education. Either the School Board or the superintendent may reinstate the student.

Board of Education policies on Student Discipline (JK), Student Suspension (JKD), and Expulsion of Students (JKE) may be found in the Policy book and on the Community section of the Portland Schools website at: www.portlandschools.org

Suspension Protocol

If a student is suspended from school, the following rules must be followed:

• The student cannot attend any school functions including co-curricular events
• The student will be allowed to make-up academic work
• The student will meet with the designated Assistant Principal as part of the re-entry back into school

Tobacco Use

It is against the law for individuals under the age of 18 to possess or use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes or vaping products, lighters and/or matches. There is to be no smoking or use of any tobacco products, lighters, and/or matches in the school building or on the school grounds, including all entrances and outside steps, or within a 200-foot perimeter of the school building. Any student found smoking or in possession of tobacco or vaping products will be subject to suspension.

Use of Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Cell phones and devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the educational process, is illegal, or violates Board policies and/or school rules.

• During classes and school activities, all such devices must be turned off and out of sight.
• The only exception to this rule is when a teacher specifically authorizes students to use such a personal electronic device for a specific purpose. If this rule is violated, the teacher may immediately confiscate the device for the remainder of the school day and/or submit it to an administrator, and discipline may be imposed as provided below.

Students may use electronic devices between class periods and during lunch periods. Cellular telephones must be kept on “vibrate” mode to avoid disrupting others.

Students may use electronic devices on field trips and during extracurricular activities only if authorized by the staff member in charge.

The use of cameras in any type of electronic device is strictly prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms. In other locations and at times when students are allowed to use electronic devices, students are required to obtain permission before taking a photograph or video of any individual. Students must also obtain permission from any individual appearing in a photograph or video prior to posting on any social networking site or other Internet site such as YouTube.

Any use of cellular telephones and other electronic devices that violates any Board policy/procedure or school rule is strictly prohibited. In addition, accessing, viewing, posting, forwarding, downloading or displaying any materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal is prohibited.

Student cellular telephones and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion that a student is violating Board policies/procedures and/or school rules.

• A building administrator may maintain possession of an electronic device as long as is reasonably necessary for evidentiary purposes.

Students violating these rules will be subject to discipline, which may include:

• Not being allowed to bring electronic devices to school (reference Board POlicy NEPN/NSBA Code: JFCK).
• Sanctions ranging from detention to expulsion from school depending upon the nature of the offense and the student’s disciplinary record. Evidence of illegal activities involving electronic devices will be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities and a building administrator may give a device to law enforcement authorities upon request.

Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion

The Portland Public School District has adopted a policy and procedure to implement the standards for use of physical restraint and seclusion with students, as required by state law and regulations, and to support a safe school environment. Physical restraint and seclusion, as defined in the policy, may only be used as an emergency intervention when a student’s behavior presents an imminent risk of injury or harm to the student or others.

• Physical restraint is defined as an intervention that restricts a student’s freedom of movement or normal access to his or her body, and includes physically moving a student who has not moved voluntarily.
• Seclusion is defined as the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or clearly defined area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving, with no other person in the room or area with the student.

The policy sets forth specific examples of what does not constitute physical restraint and what does not constitute seclusion. The accompanying procedure defines important terms such as emergency, imminent risk of injury or harm, dangerous behavior, and serious bodily injury. The procedure describes permitted and prohibited uses of physical restraint and seclusion, monitoring obligations, and sets forth notice and reporting requirements ( reference Board Policies JKAA and JKAA-R and refer to the Maine Department of Education Rule Ch. 33 at www.portlandschools.org/board of education/board policies/Book J - Students).

Parent/Legal Guardian Complaint Procedure: A parent/legal guardian who has a complaint concerning the implementation of this policy/procedure must submit it in writing to the Superintendent/designee as soon as possible. The Superintendent/designee shall investigate the complaint and provide written findings to the parent/legal guardian within twenty (20) business days, if practicable.

A parent/legal guardian who is dissatisfied with the result of the local complaint process may file a complaint with the Maine Department of Education. The Department of Education will review the results of the local complaint process and may initiate its own investigation at its sole discretion. The Department shall issue a written report with specific findings to the parent/legal guardian and the school unit within 60 calendar days of receiving the complaint (reference Board Policy NEPN/NSBA Code JKA).

As mentioned previously in this handbook, our behavior and discipline policies are connected to our mission as a school. In order to fulfill that mission, we must have rules and expectations for everyone in our community: students and staff and visitors. The chart below outlines behaviors that violate our Bulldog Beliefs and are subject to disciplinary consequences. Although this is not a complete listing, it outlines the response to most offenses.

Offense and Definition	Possible Consequence(s)	Bulldog Belief(s) Violated
Absence - Unexcused: An absence for a day or any portion of a day for any reason other than those cited as excused and/or failure to bring a note written by a parent/guardian to verify an excused absence.	Warning Detention Loss of privileges	Bulldog Belief #2
Arson/Fire Setting: Attempting to, aiding in, or setting a fire in a building or to other school property.	Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Please note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3
Assault: Severe aggressive physical contact with another person.	Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Please note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3
Bomb Threat/False Alarms: Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, pulling an alarm or discharging a fire extinguisher.	Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Please note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #4
Bus Misbehavior: Any violation of school system policy or bus driver rules or occurring on a school bus. All school rules apply while on any transportation provided by the school.	Consequences will be determined by the administrators based on severity and nature of the offense.	Bulldog Belief #3
Cheating/Academic Honesty Violation	Reference PHS Academic Honesty practices in this handbook.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #2, #4
Cutting Class: Unexcused absence from a class or school activity.	Detention Loss of privileges Note that a parent/guardian will be contacted.	Bulldog Beliefs #2, #4
Destruction of Property/Vandalism: Damage, destruction, or defacement of property.	Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Please note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required.	Bulldog Belief #3
Disruption in the Classroom: Behavior that interferes with the learning of others and/or the teaching process.	Warning Conference with teacher and assistant principal Detention	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #5
Disruption of School Operations: Behavior that interferes with the safe and orderly environment of the school or school activity	Detention Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #5
Drug Violation (including alcohol): Possession or use of (including possession with the intent to sell, give, deliver, or distribute) any inhalants or other intoxicants, alcohol, controlled dangerous substances including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, look-alikes and substances represented as controlled dangerous substances or drug paraphernalia.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3
Electronic Devices (unauthorized use, including cell phones): Use of an electronic device that disrupts the learning environment or process,or that has been clearly prohibited by the teacher or staff member (including but not limited to cell phones, video games, iPods, radios, etc.).	Warning Detention Loss of privileges (including the confiscation of a cell phone)	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #2, #3
Extortion: the process of obtaining property from another, with or without that person’s consent, by wrongful use of force, fear or threat.	Detention Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required.	Bulldog Belief #3
Fighting/Physical Altercation: A confrontation with physical contact involving two or more students (including rough horseplay and wrestling).	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs#1, #3, #5
Fireworks or Explosives: Possession, use, and/or threat to use firecrackers, smoke bombs, flares, combustible or explosive substances or combination of substances or articles.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3
Food Throwing and Littering: Throwing food or dining materials or Intentionally leaving trash and food waste in the cafeteria or around the building	Warning Detention Loss of privileges (including the confiscation of a cell phone)	Bulldog Belief #3
Gambling: Wagering money, property or actions while on school grounds	Detention Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension	Bulldog Belief #3
Harassment/Sexual Harassment/ Bullying/ Cyber-Bullying	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Detention Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #5
Hazing: Intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in any school-sponsored activity, organization, club, or team.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #5
Indecent Exposure: Intentional exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Belief #3
Insubordination Towards Staff Members: Refusing to follow the reasonable directions of teachers, staff, administration or other district personnel, including failure to honestly identify one’s self when on school grounds	Warning Detention Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3
Leaving School Grounds Without Permission: Leaving school grounds or being in an unauthorized area during regular school hours without notifying the Main Office personnel and without written or verbal permission from parent/guardian.	Warning Detention Loss of privileges	Bulldog Beliefs #2, #4
Profanity/Abusive/Vulgar/Obscene Language and/or Gestures: Using vulgar or abusive verbal or non-verbal communication towards staff or students (this behavior could fall under the PPS Bullying and/or Harassment policies and responses).	Warning Detention Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #5
Tardiness: Lateness to school, a class, or an assigned activity.	Warning Loss of privileges Detention	Bulldog Belief #2
Theft: Taking or obtaining property of another without permission or knowledge of the owner.	Detention Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Restitution	Bulldog Beliefs #3, #4
Threat Towards Staff Member (physical or verbal): Aggressive action with physical contact directed at a staff member while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event, including a situation where a staff member is intervening in a fight or another disruptive activity; or an expression, conveyed by word or action, of intent to do physical harm to a staff member.	Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3, #5
Tobacco Use/Possession: Possession or use of any tobacco or tobacco products (including vaping products or e-cigarettes), associated paraphernalia, including possession with the intent to sell, give, deliver, or distribute.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Belief #3
Trespassing: Unauthorized presence on school property including while on suspension, expulsion or other restricted access directive.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion	Bulldog Beliefs #3, #4
Weapons Violations: Possession of an object or implement capable of causing harm or used in such a way as to cause harm to another, including all guns, bullets, knives, and any implement visible or concealed, possessed under a circumstance which would reasonably lead a person to believe it was a weapon.	Loss of privileges Suspension Alternative to suspension Expulsion Note that a parent/ guardian conference would be required and the school may also require an assessment by a qualified professional, and/or an assessment and meetings with a school social worker.	Bulldog Beliefs #1, #3