In order to insure greater uniformity in handling student discipline, the following code has been adopted by the faculty and administration at Woodmont Middle School. This code complies with the South Carolina school discipline laws.
Level I – Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students which tend to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school, or the frequency or seriousness of which disturb the classroom or school. The provisions of this regulation apply not only to activities within the school, but also to student conduct on school bus transportation vehicles, and all school sponsored activities. Acts of disorderly conduct and the number of points that will be given for each offense may include, but are not limited to the following:
6 - Cell phone violation
6 - Profanity/inappropriate comment
4 - Making obscene gestures (which includes writing and drawing pictures)
4 - Cheating or Dishonesty in any form
4 - Inappropriate physical contact/displays of affection
3 – 4 - Throwing/propelling objects in class, etc.
2 – 4 Loitering in hallways, restrooms, or outside after homeroom begins, during classes, or after school is dismissed. Failure to report to the area authorized at the beginning and the ending of school.
2 – 4 Rudeness to school personnel
2 – 4 Class disruption/interference with instruction
2 -For every 3 ID violations
2 Failure to carry out directions
1 – 2 Excessive talking or misbehaving
2 - Dress code violation (violation must be corrected or student will be sent to ISS)
1 – 4 Horseplay
1 – 2 Rudeness to fellow student
1 – 2 Excessive noise in hallways during classes or class change
1 - Throwing litter on the floors or school grounds
1 – 4 Other disorderly acts as determined by local school authorities
The types of disciplinary action that will be taken relative to the number of points accumulated for disorderly conduct during the reporting period include the following:
10 points - Consultation with an administrator/warning letter mailed
15 points - Two to four days of ISS assigned (in one semester), suspension letter mailed, phone or personal conference held with student’s parents or guardian (as needed.) Students who are assigned ISS will complete academic assignments.
30 points - Three days of ISS (in one semester), suspension letter mailed, phone or personal conference held with student’s parents or guardian (as needed.) Students who are assigned ISS will complete academic assignments. In addition, they may perform manual labor such as picking up litter on the school grounds, sweeping, mopping, etc. under the supervision of the ISS teacher or other school personnel. If poor behavior continues, the administration may suspend the student out-of-school. Students displaying incorrigible behavior will be placed on a disciplinary contract and if the behavior does not improve, may be recommended for expulsion.
45 points- Four days of ISS assigned (Probation letter) (in one semester), suspension letter mailed, phone or personal conference held with student’s parents or guardian (as needed.) Students who are assigned ISS will complete academic assignments. In addition, they may perform manual labor such as picking up litter on the school grounds, sweeping, mopping, etc. under the supervision of the ISS teacher or other school personnel. If poor behavior continues, the administration may suspend the student out-of-school. Students displaying incorrigible behavior will be placed on a disciplinary contract and if the behavior does not improve, may be recommended for expulsion.
60 points - 3 days of OSS assigned (in one semester), suspension letter given to student, phone or personal conference held with student’s parents or guardian (as needed.) Student is subject to be recommended for expulsion.
Level II – Disruptive Conduct
Disruptive conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students which are directed against persons or property, and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health and safety of oneself or others in the school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative sanctions and court proceedings. The provisions of this regulation apply not only to activities within the school, but also to student conduct on school transportation vehicles, and other school sponsored activities. Acts of disruptive conduct and the number of points that will be given may include, but are not limited to the following:
Loitering on school grounds during the school day
Smoking or intent to smoke/possession of tobacco products, lighters, matches, etc.
Throwing objects with intent to do bodily harm or disturb class
Cutting class, leaving the class without permission, or leaving school grounds without permission
Insolence or disrespect toward any school personnel
Indecent language or gestures
Deliberate failure to attend classes after reporting to school
Trespassing or illegally blocking school property
Unlawful assembly
Refusal to obey school personnel or agents whose responsibilities include supervision of students
Fighting
Possession or use of unauthorized substances, as defined by law or board policy
Improper use of technology
Other acts as determined by local school authorities
The types of disciplinary action that will be taken for acts of disruptive conduct will be two to ten days of ISS or OSS. If this behavior continues, the number of days of suspension may increase with each offense. Parents will be contacted at each offense and a conference may be required. A disciplinary contract may be required if the behavior persists. If the contract is broken, the student will be suspended for not less than three days or more than ten days and may be referred to the school board for expulsion.
Level III – Criminal Conduct
Criminal conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by student(s) which result in violence to oneself or another person’s property or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of oneself or others in the school. These activities usually require administrative actions that result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the local school board. The provisions of this regulation apply not only to activities within the school, but also to student conduct on school transportation vehicles, and other school-sponsored activities. Acts of criminal conduct and the number of points that will be given for each offense may include, but are not limited to the following:
Sexual offenses/harassment
Arson/possession or use of fireworks
Assault and battery
Theft, possession or sale of stolen property
Blackmail, threats, personal abuse, intimidation of pupils or school personnel or inciting a riot
Creating false alarms such as fire alarms, 911 call, etc.
Vandalism (major)
Other acts as determined by local school authorities
Furnishing or selling unauthorized substances, as defined by board policy
Furnishing, selling or possession of controlled substances (drugs, narcotics or poisons) while in or
within a radius of one-half mile of school grounds
** Possession of any kind of dangerous weapon such as firearm, knife, etc.
** In accordance with the Safe School Act, law enforcement officials will be notified and expulsion recommended.
The types of disciplinary action that will be taken for acts of criminal conduct will be one to ten days of OSS. If appropriate, school officials may contact law enforcement authorities. In addition, a discipline contract may be drafted and signed by the student, parent and administration. If the contract is broken, the student may be referred to the school board for expulsion.