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Code of Conduct

The one rule for all of us in school is: Everyone will act with courtesy and consideration to others at all times. This means that:

I You always try to understand other people's point of view.
2. In class you make it as easy as possible for everyone to learn and for the teacher to teach. (This means arriving on time
with everything you need for that class, beginning and ending the class in a courteous, orderly way, listening carefully, following instructions, helping each other when appropriate and being quiet and sensible at all times).
3. You move calmly and quietly about school. (This means never pushing or shouting, but being ready to help others and standing back to let people pass).
4. You always speak politely to everyone (even if you feel bad tempered!) and use an appropriate volume level. (Shouting is always discourteous.)
5. You are silent whenever you are required to be.
6. You keep the school clean and tidy so that it is a welcoming place of which we can all be proud. (This means putting all trash in bins, keeping walls and furniture clean and unmarked and taking great care of the displays, particularly of other people's work).
7. Out of school, walking locally or with a school group on a field trip, you always remember that the school's reputation and our role as ambassadors in a foreign country depends on the way you behave.

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School Discipline Philosophy

Discipline at Lakenheath Middle School will be maintained at a high level by all faculty and staff that will result in:
a. Maximum growth in student self-control
b. High regard for others in the student body
c. Pride in the school
It is the school's belief that students are capable of making decisions and choosing whether or not to meet the established behavioral expectation. Parents are expected to make restitution for any items vandalized or stolen by their dependents. It is the responsibility of the military sponsor to insure against serious or repeated school misbehavior by insisting on proper conduct from their family members.

General School-Wide Discipline Plan

The individual teacher will maintain discipline in all of their classes. Each teacher will have his/her own particular plan for his/her classroom, and all students will be expected to follow these rules. Students will not be subjected to corporal punishment and other forms of negative correction. Explanation of classroom rules will be sent home within the first two weeks of school. Teachers will also insure that the school and classroom rules are maintained and will discipline students who do not abide by these rules.

Students have a right to an informal hearing, which constitutes a discussion with the student. However, children must learn to be responsible for their own conduct. After teacher/student consultation and the follow up of parent/teacher conferencing have been undertaken without positive results, the child will be referred to the school administration. Discipline issues will be investigated and handled in accordance to DoDEA Disciplinary Rules and Procedures, DoDEA Regulation 2051.1

Special Note

It must be understood that it is quite possible that there will be specific discipline problems not addressed in this plan. These will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the school administration with appropriate disciplinary actions taken. The school administration reserves the right to apply further disciplinary procedures up to and including those mentioned in the following discipline plan. Each case will be decided on an individual basis.

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DoDEA Zero Tolerance for Weapons Policy

DoDDS has a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE FOR WEAPONS This policy has assisted boDDS in establishing for our children a safer environment than provided by many stateside schools. The policy states clearly those students having weapons in their possession within our school or on school grounds will be dealt with harshly. It may necessitate expulsion from school for up to the entire school year. This plan has been discussed and endorsed by the Base Commander and other military/school liaisons. Please reinforce the importance of this policy to your child(ren) with consistent reminders. DoDEA Regulation 2051.1

Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at LMS. Any student who sexually harasses another student will be counseled and/or disciplined. LMS uses the following definition: Sexual harassment is any unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior that interferes with a person's education or employment. It can include sexual comments, sexual advances or sexual contact. Some examples are:

Non-Verbal
a. Obscene gestures
b. Suggestive looks

Verbal/Written
a. Dirty comments
b. Sexual innuendoes
c. Gender-specific comments
d. Requests for sexual favors

Physical
a. Unwanted touching
b. Patting and/or pinching
C. Physical threats
d. Pressure for sex
Any student who is being sexually harassed should notify a teacher, a counselor, the nurse, or an administrator immediately.

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Prohibited Items for School

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL AND COULD LEAD TO SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL:

Alcohol Knives (any variety) Guns (any variety)

Explosive devices Firecrackers Stink bombs
Pet/animals Tobacco products Matches/butane lighters
Pornography Nunchucks

Any other items considered inappropriate to the learning environment.

Radios, recorders, CD/MP3 players, computer handheld games, toys, etc., of any type are prohibited on the school campus without prior permission, They will be confiscated and returned only to the sponsor. Teachers are advised to confiscate any of these items from the student and send them (along with the students' name and circumstances) to the office. The sponsor will have to make arrangements to pick up the confiscated item.

Search and Seizure

The administration has the right to search lockers at anytime if suspicious of any violations of policies, laws, or regulations. Lockers are the property of the school and are only provided for your convenience.

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Types of Infractions

Category A: (Maintained on a yearly basis)

OFFENSES: The following offenses are generally considered minor, although, based upon the severity of the situation, they may be considered major: Disruptive behavior Public display of affection Failure to have materials for class Inappropriate dress per community/school guidelines Breaking of any classroom, cafeteria, or school rule Other actions deemed inappropriate in school

Category B: (Maintained on a yearly basis)

OFFENSES:
Vulgarity, profanity
Abusive behavior to peers
Offensive behavior toward a teacher
Refusal to obey any reasonable request of an adult
Truancy or skipping classes
Forgery
Throwing snowballs
Other actions deemed inappropriate in school

Category C: (Maintained on a yearly basis)

OFFENSES: Vandalism or intentional destruction of Govt./school property. Theft (under $100) Fighting and connecting or body contact with the intent to hurt.
Note Play fighting (scuffling) may be considered as actual fighting. Fighting back is not considered as "defending one's self." The student should attempt to seek adult assistance.

Category D: (Maintained on a permanent basis)

Use, sale, possession, or under the influence of narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages at school, on school grounds, or during school-sponsored activities.

Note Special DD Regulations apply in cases of drug use or sale. Expulsion or ten-day suspension from school may be required in certain cases.
Possession and/or use of items which are considered by the school to be dangerous. (Fireworks, rocks, smoke/stink bombs, knives, matches, butane lighters, etc.) Note: Possession of a lethal weapon may be considered grounds for immediate expulsion from school. Threats of violence may also be considered in this category.
Arson
False bomb alarm
False fire alarm
Theft (over $100)

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Suspensions

Suspensions from school are usually at home suspensions. In some cases, parents may be required to attend in-school suspect 41 in which the student attends all classes/lunch accompanied by a parent. Parent(s) may be required to accompany the student when checking into school the next morning after the suspension. Copies of all suspension letters will be sent to the parents, the School Liaison Officer, and the District Superintendent.

Administrative Detention/Saturday School Policy and Procedures

1. Students assigned Detention/Saturday School will be notified in writing. The letter will contain all information concerning the time, date, and location. Students are responsible for reading/complying with this information. The sponsor will be notified of the detention assignment via the letter given to the student to take home. A copy will also be sent through the mail. The letter must be signed by the sponsor and returned the day of the detention.

2. Parents will be responsible for arranging transportation.

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DoDEA Disclaimer
Updated:  January 14, 2005