Administrative Regulation

AR 5144

Students

Discipline

Site-Level Rules

Rules for student discipline shall be developed at each school site. In developing these rules, each school shall solicit the participation, views and advice of one representative selected by each of the following groups: (Education Code 35291.5)

1. Parents/guardians

2. Teachers

3. School administrators

4. School security personnel, if any

5. For intermediate and high schools, students enrolled in the school

The final version of the rules shall be adopted by a panel comprised of the principal or designee and a representative selected by classroom teachers employed at the school. The rules shall be consistent with law, Board of Education policy and district regulations. Each school shall file a copy of the rules with the Superintendent or designee and Board. (Education Code 35291.5)

These rules shall be revised as necessary and shall undergo the site-level review and adoption process at least every four years. (Education Code 35291.5)

(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)

Disciplinary strategies provided in Board policy, regulation and law may be used in developing site-level rules. These strategies include but are not limited to:

1. Referral of the student for advice and counseling

(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)

2. Discussion or conference with parents/guardians

(cf. 5020 - Parent Rights and Responsibilities)

(cf. 6020 - Parent Involvement)

3. Recess restriction

4. Detention during and after school hours

5. Community service

6. Reassignment to an alternative educational environment

(cf. 6158 - Independent Study)

(cf. 6181 - Alternative Schools)

(cf. 6182 - Opportunity School/Class/Program)

(cf. 6184 - Continuation Education)

(cf. 6185 - Community Day School)

7. Removal from the class in accordance with Board policy, administrative regulation and law

8. Suspension and expulsion

(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)

(cf. 5144.2 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (Students with Disabilities))

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary measure against any student. Corporal punishment includes the willful infliction of, or willfully causing the infliction of, physical pain on a student. (Education Code 49001)

For purposes of this policy, corporal punishment does not include an employee's use of force that is reasonable and necessary to protect the employee, students, staff or other persons or to prevent damage to property. (Education Code 49001)

Recess Restriction

A teacher may restrict a student's recess time when he/she believes that this action is the most effective way to bring about improved behavior, subject to the following conditions:

1. The student shall be given adequate time to use the restroom and get a drink or eat lunch, as appropriate.

2. The student shall remain under a certificated employee's supervision during the period of restriction.

3. Teachers shall inform the principal of any recess restrictions they impose.

Detention After School

Students may be detained for disciplinary reasons up to one hour after the close of the maximum school day. (5 CCR 353)

If a student will miss his/her school bus on account of being detained after school, or if the student is not transported by school bus, the principal or designee shall notify parents/guardians of the detention at least one day in advance so that alternative transportation arrangements may be made. The student shall not be detained unless the principal or designee speaks to the parent/guardian.

In cases where the school bus departs more than one hour after the end of the school day, students may be detained until the bus departs. (5 CCR 307, 353)

Students shall remain under the supervision of a certificated employee during the period of detention.

Students may be offered the choice of serving their detention on Saturday rather than after school.

(cf. 6176 - Weekend/Saturday Classes)

Community Service

As part of or instead of disciplinary action, the Board, Superintendent, principal or principal's designee may, at his/her discretion, require a student to perform community service on school grounds, or with written permission of the student's parent/guardian off school grounds, during nonschool hours. Such service may include, but is not limited to, community or school outdoor beautification, campus betterment, and teacher, peer or youth assistance programs. (Education Code 48900.6)

This community service option is not available for a student who has been suspended, pending expulsion, pursuant to Education Code 48915. However, if the recommended expulsion is not implemented or the expulsion itself is suspended, then a student may be required to perform community service for the resulting suspension pursuant to this section. (Education Code 48900.6)

Notice to Parents/Guardians and Students

At the beginning of the school year, the Superintendent or designee shall notify parents/guardians, in writing, about the availability of district rules related to discipline. (Education Code 35291)

In addition, at the beginning of each school year, the principal or designee shall notify students and parents/guardians, in writing, regarding school rules related to discipline. Transfer students and their parents/guardians shall receive such notice upon enrollment. (Education Code 35291.5)

(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: May 24, 2001 Palo Verdes Estates, California