HIllcrest Elementary
30 Griswold Street
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413.863.9526
Fax: 413.863.3284

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

LEVEL II

There are times when a child's behavior is such that removal from the classroom setting is required.  These behaviors are notable for their lack of respect.  These include:

• Persistent physical aggression towards others.
• Spitting at adults or peers.
• Use of profanity towards adults or peers.
• Leaving the classroom without permission.
• Persistent refusal to participate in school activities such as physical education and music, library or art.

In such cases:

• The student will be sent to the principal's office.
• Parents will be notified by telephone.
• The student will then receive an in-school suspension.
• Parents will be required to sign and return a written notice at the completion of the in-school suspension.
• The student will be required to make a verbal apology to their parents, their teacher and/or peers.
• Three incidents at this level will require a child study.

During an in-school suspension the student will be housed in another classroom to work independently.  The student will be supervised by a member of our staff.

LEVEL III

The Hillcrest School upholds the value of mutual respect and non-violent solutions to problems.  Threats or acts of violence, either physical or verbal will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely.  These behaviors include:

• Assaultive behavior towards adults or peers with intent to cause harm.
• Verbal threats to peers or adults.
• Dangerous behavior towards self.
• Willful and malicious destruction of school or personal property.
• Leaving the school building and/or school grounds without permission.
• Bringing a weapon of any kind to school.

These behaviors will result in immediate suspension, at the discretion of the principal.

• Parents will be informed of the suspension.
• Parents will be required to attend a meeting in order for their child to return to school.
• Return to school will require a verbal apology to their parents, teacher and peers.
• A child study will be convened immediately.
  

Discipline for Special Needs Students

When Level II & III discipline procedures are applied to a special needs student, the parents will be invited to attend a review meeting to determine whether or not a child's misconduct is related to his/her handicapping condition.  If it is determined that it is related, then an amendment to the I.E.P. will be written to better meet the student's needs.

In cases of Level III behaviors, if the Team decides that the behavior is not related to the handicapping condition, an amendment will be written to provide special education services while the student is suspended if the suspension is more than ten days.  As with all amendments a parent or guardian must sign it before it can be implemented. The Massachusetts Department of Education must also approve the plan.